their Actions belongs not to this History but in Conclusion Vitellius was slain at Rome in the ninth Month of his Reign and 57th Year of his Age. Vespasian leaving his Son Titus to Command in Asia came by the way of Alexandria into Italy and so to Rome in the Year of our Lord 72 and was receiv'd with the general applause and satisfaction of the Senate and People He govern'd the Empire ten Years with such prudence and Virtue that he seemed to want nothing but the knowledge of the Christian Faith Titus having subdu'd the Jews and destroy'd Hierusalem Triumph'd with his Father at Rome and having brought over with him a vast number of Captive Jews part of them were sent into Spain where they setled in the City Merida as their Writers affirms At his first coming to the Empire Vespasian granted to the Spaniards the priviledges of Latium or Italy the more to incline them to his Party they at that time favouring Vitellius Licinius Larius now governed Hispania Citerior as Pretor a Man given to Learning and great Friend to Pliny then Questor there for whose natural History and some other Works he offered a great sum of Money This Licinius is supposed to have built the Bridge of Segovia a Work so lofty and wonderful that the commonalty are perswaded it was built by the Devil Others Attribute the building of this Bridge to the Emperor Trajan but there are no sufficient grounds to assert either Opinion It is much more credible that the Town in Galicia now called Betanços formerly Flavium Brigancium the other now called Padron then Iria Flavia also the Town Municipium Flavium Axaritanum now Lora and other places of that name were built by the Family of Vespasian who were all called Flavij or else they took those names in Honour of the Emperor or one of his Sons The Emperor Vespasian lived to be 70 Years of Age and then dyed at Rome on the 24th of June in the Year of our Lord 80. He was as happy in his Death as his Life for that he left behind his Son Titus to succeed in the Empire who equal'd his Father in all his Virtues and far exceeded him in Affability Sweetness of Temper and Liberality to which he was so inclin'd he was used to say none ought to go from his Princes presence dissatisfyed and remembring one Night that he had bestowed no favour that day said to those about him My Friends we have lost a day These good qualities gained him the Affections of all Men so intirely that he was called the Ornament and delight of Mankind But Death cut him off very untimely for he was not above 42 Year of Age reigned only two Years two Months and twenty Days and deceased on the 13th of September in the Year of Christ 82. Nothing of note appears to have hap'ned during this time in Spain It was Governed by three Pretors in the three Provinces Tarraconensis Betica and Lusitania In Betica there were eight Roman Colonies and as many Municipiums which enjoyed less priviledges than the others and four Courts to determine Law suits that were held at Cadiz Sevil Ezija and Cordova In Lusitania were Five Colonies one Municipium which was Lisbon called by another name Felicitas Julia and three Courts at Merida Badajoz and Santaren then called Scalabis In Hispania Citerior or Tarraconensis there were Fourteen Colonies some say more Thirteen Municipiums and Seven Courts at Cartagena Tarragona Zaragoça Clunia now Corun̄a Astorga Lugo and Braga The Pretors now when the time of their Command was expired and they waited for one to succed them called themselves Legates or Lieutenants and not Propretors as was used before CHAP. III. The Reigns of the Emperors Domitian Nerva Trajan Adrian Antoninus Verus Marcus Aurelius and Commodus the Persecutions under them the building of the City Leon and rise of the Heresie of the Gnosticks THE virtues and good qualities of Titus were set off and received the greater Luster by the disorders and extravagancies of his Brother and Successor Domitian a Man so vicious he rather resembled the Neros than the Flavij His madness was such that he caused his Wife to be called Augusta which none of his predecessors had done and himself to be stiled Lord and God He persecuted the Christians banished St. John the Evangelist to the Island Pathmos killed Marcus Aelius Glabrio and Flavius Clemens who had both been Consuls and banished Flavia Domicilla Wife to the latter into the Island Ponza without regard to the Kindred he with had both of them This his cruelty to the Christians is thought to have shortned his Days his death being foretold by Flashes of Lightning that continually fell for the space of eight Months His Avarice made him the more odious for he seized upon the Estates of the Martyrs therefore some to please him accused Domicilla's Steward that he had concealed her Riches The Steward whose name was Stephanus having notice of it to avoid that danger ventured upon a greater for with some others he conspired to kill the Tyrant which he put in Execution within his own Palace on the eighth of September in the Year 97. He dyed at the Age of 45 having Reigned 15 Years and 5 Months his Death was pleasing to all Men except the Soldiers to whom he denyed nothing that they might stand firm to him In Spain he put out an Edict by which it was forbid to plant any more Vines About the same time Eugenius Disciple to Dionysius Areopagita sent by him to Preach in Spain and first Archbishop of Toledo shed his blood in defence of the Faith of Jesus Christ in France whither he went to visit his Master At this time three Famous Spanish Poets Flourished at Rome viz. M. Valerius Martialis born at Bilbilis now Calatayud Caius Canius at Cadiz and Decianus at Merida The Senate upon the Death of Domitian chose Caius Nerva Emperor He was a Person of great Authority but very Ancient and therefore the more exposed to contempt which he being sensible of adopted M. Vlpius Trajanus a Spaniard born at Italica near Sevil a Man much in Esteem and of great parts and appointed him his Companion and Successor He repeal'd all the Decrees and Edicts made by Domitian whereupon many returned from bannishment and among the rest St. John the Evangelist from the Island Pathmos to his Church at Ephesus Nerva was Emperor only sixteen Months and then upon his Death M. Vlpius Trajanus his adopted Son undertook the Government in the Month of February and the Year of Grace 99. His great virtues were answerable to the hopes had been conceived of him His good natural parts being much Cultivated by the instructions of so good a Master as was the great Philosopher Plutarch Trajan built two Bridges of wonderful structure the one in Germany over the Danube the greatest River in Europe the other in that part of Spain we
The Siege was carried on with Vigour and all sorts of Engines then in use apply'd against the Works so that the Citizens being streightned began to waver and think of a Surrender Such was the condition of the Town when a treacherous Fellow called Vellido Delphos whether of his own design or by advice of others is not known resolved to Murder the King and by that means put an end to the Siege He got admittance to the King upon pretence of discovering the designs of the Besieged and showing him the weakest part of the Wall Men easily believe what they desire so the King went out with only that Man to view what he promised to show him but when he least thought of it Velledo Dolphos threw a Spear he had in his hand at him which pierced thro' his Body No sooner was this done but the Murderer fled to the City pursued by several of the King's Soldiers who being at some distance could not overtake him the Guards letting him in at the Gate This gave occasion to the Besiegers to believe all or most of the Townsmen had consented to the Murder The Troops of Leon and Galicia who were not well affected to the King immediately quitted the Field and returned home Those of Castile being the ancienter Subjects divided themselves part went to carry his Body to the Monastery of On̄a where it was Bury'd without any Pomp the greater number stay'd to carry on the Siege and revenge his death They threatned to subvert the City and put all the Inhabitants to the Sword as Traitors Particularly James Ordon̄ez of the Family of Lara a Youth of great strength and valour appeared before the City armed at all points and a Horse-back and standing on a high Ground to be the better heard rent the Skies with loud cries threatning Ruin and Destructions The Citizens between fear and shame durst not open their Mouths Only Arias Gonzalo tho' he might well have been excused by his great Age offered himself and his Sons to fight that Gentleman for the Honour of his Country It was the Custom of Castile that whosoever charged a City with Treason was obliged to fight five one after another to make good his charge The three Sons of Arias Gonzalo Peter James and Roderick entered the Lists one after another and were all three killed by D. James Ordon̄ez Yet the last tho' mortally wounded striking at his Enemy wounded his Horse and cut his Reins so that the Horse affrighted carryed D. James out of the Lists which according to the Law of Arms was a token he was beaten The Judges could not determine the case one side Insisting upon the Custom and Law of Arms and the other pleading this was meer accident and thus ended that much celebrated Dispute CHAP. VII King Alonso returns from among the Moors and recovers his Brother's Kingdoms The first part of his Reign Actions of Roderick de Bivar King Sancho of Navarre Murdered by his own Brother D. Vrraca being in care for her Brother D. Alonso sent away a Messenger to him to Toledo acquainting him with the unfortunate death of his Brother and advising him to come away with all speed and take possession of the Crown The Moorish King wanted not Intelligence having Spies in the Christian Army At length the Messenger from the Princess arrived and gave D. Alonso an account of all that had hap'ned Count Peranzules advised him to get away privately without acquainting the Moorish K. for fear he should stop him yet D. Alonso acquainted the King with the news he had received and desired his leave to go take possession of the Kingdom that was fallen to him The Moor was pleased with this sincere dealing assured him the ways were laid in case he had attempted to steal away caused him to renew his Oath to be a Friend to him and his Son Hissem and that done not only lent him Money for present use but accompanied him a considerable space This I look upon to be more likely than what D. Lucas de Tuy writes that he was let down over the Walls and made his escape having Horses provided for that purpose Being come to Zamora he consulted with the Princess what was best to be done and dispatched Expresses to all Parts to give notice of his being there The People of Leon without any difficulty admitted and proclaimed him King Galicia was dubious D Garcia upon this Revolution having broke Prison and endeavouring to recover his Crown D. Alonso sent Persons of note to treat with him and he being fair conditioned and easie was easily prevailed upon so that without any further security asked he came away to his Brother not doubting to obtain what he desir'd But he was deceived being presently seized and sent back to Prison where he continued the rest of his life with good usage if any could be thought such where a Crown and Liberty were lost at once Thus Galicia was brought under The Nobility of Castile being assembled at Burgos agreed to admit D. Alonso for their King if he would first swear he had no hand in the Murder of his Brother D. Alonso hearing of it went thither and every Body fearing to tender him this Oath Roderick Diaz called Cid undertook it The Oath being solemnly taken he was Proclaimed with great Joy For the present he connived at this affront but reserved a grudge in his Heart against Roderick Diaz D. Alonso was 37 Years of Age when he returned to his Crown and for his Military Exploits was called the Brave Besides he was Prudent Temperate Modest and Bountiful The death of D. Sancho and Restauration of D. Alonso hap'ned in the Year 1073. At this time Gregory VII was Pope and the same Year dy'd in Spain S. Dominick de Silos a Monk of Cluni famous for sanctity of Life The beginning of D. Alonso's Reign was not free from some troubles which were soon appeased and ended well In the second Year of his Reign which was 1074. the Kings of Cordova and Toledo were at War about the limits of their Kingdoms D. Alonso as being so much obliged to him of Toledo gathered a good Army to assist him King Almenon at first feared this Preparations was against him but being better informed both Kings joyn'd their Forces and in that manner entred the Territory of Cordova where they wasted all the Country and brought away great numbers of Cattle and Prisoners No Battle was fought because the King of Cordova shunned it About this time dy'd the first Wife of D. Alonso her Name was Agnes He Married a French Lady called Constantia by whom he had one only Daughter whose Name was Vrraca and who afterwards inherited all her Father's Dominions as shall be seen in its place At the instance of this Queen as I suppose an Embassy was sent to Rome to desire the Pope to send a Legate into Spain with full Power to Reform the Clergy grown very
Geryon was Buried near the Mouth of the Streights and after worshipped as a God as appears by the Temple of Osiris Built in Sicily by Hercules and his famous Oracle at Padua which Princes often visited as Suetonius affirms Osiris having thus rescued Spain from the Tyranny of Geryon thought not fit to punish the Crimes of the Father in the Children which were three beautiful Sons to these therefore he gave the Kingdom appointing who should Govern during their Minority and then returned into Egypt These Geryons being come to Age did not only Tyranize over their Subjects but meditating Revenge for the Death of their Father induced Typhon to Murder his Brother Osiris which he performed and seated himself in the Throne of Egypt Orus the Son of Osiris who then Governed Scythia understanding what had passed hasts into Egypt and in revenge of his Fathers Murder slew Typhon then gathering a great Army he passed into Spain and drove the Geryons into the Island of Cadiz where they Fortified themselves Fearing lest so great an Army should suffer want if the War were protracted and desiring to avoid the great Bloodshed that must ensue if they came to a Battle he offered to decide the Quarrel by his own Person and sight the three Brothers They accepted of the Challenge and were all Slain by him Their Bodies were buried in the Island and from thence forward it was called Erithrea of some People that came with Orus or Hercules from the Red Sea who with the Approbation of their General planted there This done Hercules caused vast Stones and other Materials to be cast into the Sea at the mouth of the Streights and raised the two Mounts so famous by the name of Hercules's Pillers that on the West of Spain is called Calpe the other in Africk Abyla All things being settled to his Mind he chose Hispalus one of his Companions of whose good Conduct he was fully satisfied to Govern and Reign in Spain and then went over by Sea to Italy It is agreed on all Hands that Hispalus Reigned in Spain From him Justin affirms it took the Name of Hispania only one Letter being changed Others say he built Sevil in Latin Hispalis St. Isidorus says it was built by Julius Caesar and called Julia Romana perhaps it was then enlarged and beautified Plutarch affirms Spain took its Name from Pan a Follower of the second Hercules and was first called Pania then Spania others say it was from Hispanus the Son of Hispalus These are all bare surmises our Historians write many things of this Hispalus of their own Invention to beautifie their Works but their being no certain Account of such Antiquity it is better to pass it by in Silence than Impose upon the Readers Authors do not agree about the time of the Death of Hispalus but after his Days Hercules returned into Spain where having Governed with Moderation and Built as some will have it the Towns of Julia Lybica Vrgel Barcelona and Tarragona he departed this Life being of a very great Age. The Spaniards Consecrated him a God and payed him Divine Honours raising a Temple where his Body was Buried and placing Priests therein Hispalus and Hercules dying without Issue the latter before his Death appointed Hesperus Brother to Atlas and one of his Compauions to succeed him The Fame of this Hesperus's Valour and Vertue gained him such Credit among the People that of him some Greek and Latin Authors say Spain was afterwards called Hesperia tho' others are of Opinion it was from Hesperus the Evening Star The good Fortune of this King was not lasting for his Brother Atlas offended that he should be preferred before him came over into Spain and having gained the good Will of the Soldiers soon possessed himself of the Kingdom Hesperus thus forsaken fled into Italy where he was Friendly entertained and soon after constituted Tutor to the young King Coritus called by others Janus or Jupiter wherein he behaved himself so well that having gained the Affections of that People he gave his Name to Italy as he had done to Spain and it was called Hesperia Atlas jealous of his Brother's greatness and fearing he might in time recover his Kingdom resolved to prevent him In order hereunto he raised a mighty Army and under colour of Honouring them took the Chief Men of Spain along with him into Italy but his design was to keep them as Hostages lest the People in his Absence should endeavour to cast off a foreign Yoke At Sea a violent Storm scattered his Fleet and instead of Landing in Italy he was forced into Sicily that Island being exceeding Rich and Fruitful he left a considerable Number of Spaniards to Plant there This done he put to Sea again and arrived in Italy where he found his Brother Hesperus was Dead so that there was no difficulty in seizng Coritus King of Tuscany and making himself Master of the Country Atlas had two Daughters one of them called Electra was Married to Coritus and had Issue Jasius and Dardanus of whom more hereafter That his other Daughter called Rome Built the City Rome looks more like a Fiction of our Historians than a true History therefore I will make no further mention of it no more than of Sicorus Sicanus Sicceleus and Lusus whom our modern Writers reckon among the Kings of Spain whereas among the Ancients there is not the least Account of them nor of Morgetes the Son of Atlas giving his Name to the People of Italy called Morgetes for which there is no other Authority but framed likeness of Words Philistius Siracusanus's Authority is sufficient to believe that Siculus the Son of Atlas Governed Spain in his Father's absence and succeeded him in the Kingdom after his Death In his time the two Brothers Jasius and Dardanus being at Variance about the Kingdom of Tuscany by reason of the Death of their Father Coritus Siculus their Uncle went over with an Army to pacifie them and by the way Landing in Sicily is said to have given his Name to that Island till then called Trinacria of the three great Promontories that run out into the Sea Thence passing over into Tuscany he endeavoured to reconcile the Brothers but Dardanus dealing Treacherously Murdered Jasius and Siculus in Revenge drove him out of Italy Dardanus with a great Number of the Aborigines who followed his Fortunes fled into Asia where he Built the famous City of Troy Siculus having settled the Affairs of Italy and Seated the Son of Jasius on the Throne of Tuscany returned into Spain and from this time we find no Account of any other Actions of his unless we should write the Dreams and Ravings of modern Authors who also Forge other Kings of Spain upen as vain grounds as the former One of these is Testa who they say built a Town of his own Name and from him the People of that part of Spain were called Contestani Another is Romus to whom
the Enemies others say he was struck by the Martyr St. Mercurius with a Spear which was then found bloody upon his Tomb. He lived 32 Years and Reign'd one year 7 months and 27 days The whole Army upon his death offered the Empire to Flavius Jovianus a Person of very Excellent parts who refused it saying He was a Christian and would not govern those wh owere not such but they all declaring themselves to be Christians he condescended to their request Being invested in the Imperial dignity he made peace with the Persians tho' not advantageous yet such as was requisite to deliver himself and Army from the danger into which the rashness of Julian had run them Catholicks were restored to their honours and dignities the revenues to Churches St. Athanasius and others recalled from banishment and all things seemed to be again in a flourishing Condition but this happiness was not to be lasting for the Emperor in his way to Rome betwixt Galatia and Bithynia was stifled to death by a pan of Coals that was left in the Room where he lay which was newly whitened He dyed at the Age of 40 Years and Reigned only 7 months and 22 days By him it was made death to offer wrong to any Virgin consecrated to God tho' upon pretence of Matrimony Flavius Valentinianus an Hungarian succeeded Jovianus His first education had been mean but being Wise and Valiant he ran through all Commands in the Army at length attained to be prefect of the Pretorian Bands was by the Army chosen Emperor and proved always a zealous Christian as appeared in the time of the Emperor Julian when for refusing to deny his Religion and giving a Box on the Ear to a Pagan Sexton that sprinkled him with their Lustral or cleansing Water he quitted the â—ngulum which was laying down his Commission As soon as elected he appointed his Brother Valens his Companion in the Empire to govern the East and went away himself to Italy where with much zeal he quieted the City or Rome than in an uproar about choosing a Pope For the Electors being divided upon the Death of Liberius one party had named Vrsinus but the more Numerous and better made Chose of Damasus a Spaniard some will have him born at Egita now Guimaraens in Portugal betŵixt the Rivers Duero and MinÌ„o others at Tarragona and others at Madrid Certain it is he was a Spaniard and a Person excellently qualifyed Upon this occasion there hap'ned so great a Mutiny that as Ammianus Marcellinus a Heathen Author who lived at that time relates it 137 Men were killed one day in the Church of Sicininum and the same Author blames the Popes for going in Coaches and making more than Kingly Banquets The Emperor quieted this Tumult sending Vrsinus to be Bishop of Naples Yet the contrary party desisted not but accused Damasus of Adultery and obliged him to call a Council of Bishops to clear himself He declared the Council of Ariminum to be void and of no force as gathered without the consent of the Pope deposed Auxentius Bishop of Milan as being an Arrian ordered the Psalms of David should be Song in Churches with the verse Gloria patri c. at the end instituted saying the Confiteor at the beginning of Mass built two Churches at Rome the one in honour of St. Laurence the other of St. Peter and Paul ad Catacumbas in the Via Ardeatina where he buryed his Mother and Sister and was a great Friend to St. Hierom whom he much resembled in his Life and Learning The Empire was not altogether in a peaceable Condition for in the East one Procopius a Kinsman of Julian called himself Emperor and raised new troubles Valens presently moved towards and overcame him in Phrygia where he was deliver'd up to him by his own Men. At the same time Valentinian was succeessful in the War against the Germans and Saxons which is the first time any mention is made of the latter in the Roman History Besides he drove the Goths out of Thracia and Persians out of Siria checked the Scots who made iucursions into England And the Sarmatians who infested Pannonia He was an excellent Emperor had he not sullied his fame by marrying Justina a Lady belonging to his Wife Severa she being still alive and what is worse made a Law by which all Men were permitted to have two Wives Marcellinus says he gave Liberty of Conscience to all Men to live in what Religigion the pleased He dyed at Brigecium a Town in Germany where he was busy making War upon the Quadi having Reigned 11 Years 8 Months and 22 days his Death was on the 17th of November 375. By his Wife Severa he left Gratianus and Valentinian by Justina Valens in the East persecuted the Catholicks his Wife Dominica and Eudoxus Bishop of Constantinople by whom he was baptized after the manner of the Arrians distracted him to such a degree that he had resolved at the City Edessa to enter the Church with Armed Men to disturb the People that were there Celebrating the Divine Service But Modestus Governour of the City diverted him from putting it in Execution for he told him that upon the rumouring of this his intention more People than ordinary were gathered in the Church with such a resolution to suffer death for their Religion that a Woman half undrest for hast led a child she had thither least either herself or he might miss the Opportunity of sheding their blood for the Faith Hereupon Valens gave over that design but banished many Priests among others Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia as famous for his resolution and constancy as the other of Caesarea in Palestine for his Learning and Writings The great St. Basil succeeded him of Cappadocia in the Bishoprick and had enough to do with the Emperor Jamblichus the Master of Proclus had great influence over Valens he taught him the way to find out the name of him that was to succced in the Empire which the Emperor much desired The manner was thus they writ all the Letters of the Alphabet upon the ground and placed on every one a grain of Corn then turning loose a Cock whilst the diviner muttered some words they observed which Letters the Cock eat the corn off first and those they supposed to express the name sought for Another way was to blind a Man and observe the Letters he pointed to Foolish and vain inventions However by those means they found out the name Theodosius whence the Emperor Valens took occasion to Persecute and kill all those whose names began with the same Letters as Theodotus Theodorus and Theodulus Among the rest was slain Honorius Theodosius a Spaniard born at Italica of the Family of the Emperor Trajan This Gentleman had appeased certain tumults in Africk and was therefore raised to be General of Horse and received Baptism before death No human Policy is of force against
Ecclesiastical Persons to Marry Another Law was also Established disowning the Pope To give the greater force to these Laws a Council of Bishops met at Toledo but the Decrees of it are not placed among those of the other Councils as being contrary to the Canons of the Church From this time all things began to fall into confusion for tho' many were pleased with Libertinism yet some were Zealous for the Observation of the Laws and ancient Customs and began to think of restoring the Family of King Chindasuinthus as the only Remedy against so many evils Witiza was not ignorant of it and from it took occasion to prosecute what he had began in his Father's days which was to embrue his Hands in the Blood of that Family There were living two Sons of Chindasuinthus Brothers to K. Recesuinthus the one called Theodofredus the other Favila Thedofredus was Duke of Cordova where he built a Palace then and long after very famous He had resolved not to go to Court as being jealous of the King Favila was Duke of Cantabria or Biscay and whilst Witiza in his Father's time resided in Galicia had bore him Company with the charge of Captain of his Guards which the Goths then called Protospatarius Witiza slew him with a stroke of a Club as some think on account of his Wife These were the first Works of his Cruelty and Hatred to that Noble Family before he came to the Crown Favila left a Son called Pelayus or Pelagius who afterwards began to restore Spain after its general Desolation and at that time was Lieutenant to his Father but upon his Death retired to his Estate in Cantabria and Count Julian Marry'd to Witiza's Sister had the charge of Protospatarius Witiza being come to the Crown turned his Rage against Pelagius and his Uncle Theodofredus The latter he caused to have his Eyes put out Pelagius escaped out of his reach as did Roderick Son to Theodofredus who was afterwards King It is said Pelagius went in Pilgrimage to Jerusalem as a Testimony whereof the Staves used by him and his Companion were shown long after at Arraria a Town in Biscay These Cruelties and his other Vices made Witiza odious to his People he despairing of gaining their Affections resolved to keep them under by Terror and to this end caused the Walls of almost all the Cities in Spain to be Demolished I say almost all because some were exempted as Toledo Leon and Astorga Besides he destroy'd all the Arms of the Kingdom pretending it was to secure the Peace He Persecuted Gundericus the Archbishop of Toledo and some Priests that still preserved their Innocence and would not approve of his Enormities Sinderedus Successor to Gundericus overcome by Witiza's cruelty comply'd with him and consented that Oppas his Brother or as some will have it his Son should be Translated from the Archbishoprick of Sevil to that of Toledo The Death of Witiza was suitable to his Life yet Authors differ in the manner of it D. Roderick the Archbishop says He was killed by the contrivance of Roderick whose Father ended his Days at Cordova in perpetual Imprisonment and Darkness Other good Authors affirm Witiza dy'd a natural Death at Toledo in the 12th Year of his Reign which was of Christ 711. He left two Sons whose Names were Eba and Sisebutus Some People favouring these two Youths and others their Adversary there arose great Contests and Confusions which ended in a greater Destruction than could have been imagined Since the Division of the Goths about these two Families brought on their total Desolation it will not be amiss to declare the Descent of them both Chindasuinthus by his Wife Riesberga left Recesuinthus who succeeded him in the Crown Theodofredus Favila and one Daughter whose Name is not known Recesuinthus dy'd without Issue therefore the Nobles chose Wamba to succeed him Chindasuinthus's Daughter was Marry'd to Ardebastus who tho' a Greek for his Valour and Birth merited the King's Daughter and had by her Ervigius he that was the Beginner of all those Calamities Usurping the Kingdom and Deposing Wamba by wicked means Ervigius by his Wife Liubigotona had a Daughter called Cixilona Marry'd to King Egica a Kinsman of Wamba this Marriage being designed to cut off all Animosities by uniting these two Houses Of this Marriage were born Witiza that was King Oppas Bishop of Sevil and a Daughter as grave Authors say Marry'd to Count Julian Witiza as was said above had two Sons Eba and Sisebutus Theodofredus the second Son of Chindasuinthus by his Wife Ricilona a noble Lady had Roderick the Plague and Ruin of Spain Favila the third Son of Chindasuinthus had Pelayus no way like his Cousin for by his Valour the Christians in Spain began to make Head after they had been cast down and oppress'd thro' the madness of Roderick Spain being in this condition Roderick excluding the Sons of Witiza ascended the Throne of the Goths by choice as is believed of the Nobles The Kingdom was full of Distractions by reason of the several Interests the People were grown Effeminate giving themselves up to Feasting Drink and Lewdness the Military Discipline was quite lost and the Kingdom of the Goths was now running headlong to Destruction The new King had good natural Parts and seemed to be well inclined He was hardy resolute bountiful and had excellent ways of gaining of Men. Such he was before his Accession to the Crown but no sooner put into possession of it than he sullied all these Vertues with no less Vices Above all he was implacable when offended wholly given up to Lust and had no Discretion in his Undertakings and in fine was more like to Witiza than to his Father or Grandfather There are Pieces of Money of his to be seen with his Name and Effigies armed and with a stern Countenance on the reverse these Words Igeditania Pius a Motto he merited not but was given to Flatter him King Roderick enlarged and beautified the Palace built by his Father near Cordova which the Moors afterwards called Roderick's Palace He called home his Cousin Pelayus and made him Captain of the Guards the greatest Trust at Court Witiza's sons he treated so ill that they for fear of worse Consequences fled into that part of Barbary that was subject to the Goths called Mauritania Tingitana At that time Count Requila Governed that Province as Lieutenant I believe to Count Julian a Man in such Power that besides it he had the Government of that part of Spain about the Streight of Gibraltar whence is a short cut into Africk Besides all this he held a great Estate of his own about Consuegra inferior to none in the Kingdom Hence sprung all the Mischiefs that ensued for Witiza's Sons before they went over into Africk had sowed the Seeds of a Rebellion and were assisted by Oppas the Bishop who was of the Blood Royal and very Powerful These Beginnings which ought to have been
In Spain in the Year 753. at Cordova three Suns were seen at once and People with the fright imagined they saw several Apparitions of Men going in Procession with lighted Torches The terror was the more encreased by a great Famine which ensued caused by the Drought Spain is subject to Mean while King Alonso laying hold of the opportunity that offered of enlarging the Bounds of his Kingdom now the Moors were at variance among themselves gathered the greatest Force he could and broke into the Enemies Country with mighty Success For in Galicia he took Lugo Tuy and Astorga in Lusitania the City Porto at the mouth of the River Duero Beja Braga Viseo Flavia Bletisa and Sentica Besides he recovered Simancas Duenas Miranda Segovia Avila and Sepulveda at the foot of the Mountain Orospeda on the banks of the River Duraton a place naturally Strong formerly called Segobriga and after Sepulveda Then he turned his Victorious Arms to the Country of Bribiesca and Rioja and possessed himself of those Territories Rioja lies on one side of the Mountain Idubeda about the River Ogia which falling from that Mount runs into the River Ebro The Country is pleasant and fruitful He also took Pamplona in Navarre and that part of Biscay now called Alava It is true many of these Places were afterwards lost the Power of the Moorish Kings of Cordova daily encreasing to the great Detriment of the Christians King Alonso placed Bishops in the Cities he gain'd to instruct the Christians and restore Religion he built Churches and caused those that were prophaned to be reconciled providing them with Vestments and other Necessaries the best the Poverty of that Age would permit After performing these great Actions he dy'd at Cangas in the 74th Year of his Age and of Grace 757. He was a Prince of great Renown Reign'd 19 Years some say but 18 and left 5 Sons 4 by his Wife Ormisinda which were Froyla Bimaranus Aurelius and Vsenda By a Slave he had Mauregatus His Funeral was not so remarkable for the greatness of the Expence as for the Tears and Grief of his Subjects and the Voices of Angels said to be then heard singing these words of the Scripture Ecce quomodo moritur justus nemo percipit corde à facie iniquitatis sublatus est justus erit in pace memoria ejus This King and his Queen were Buried at Cangas in St. Mary's Monastery D. Alonso had a Brother called Froyla more known by his two Sons Aurelius and Veremundus or Bermudus than for any action of his own Let us return to the affairs of the Moors which being so intermixt with our own ought not to be forgotten It will not therefore be amiss to say something of the great discord that about this time hapned among those People on which were laid the foundations of a mighty Kingdom of theirs in Spain Mahomet the Founder of the Sarraçen Empire at his Death left never a Son but three Daughters Fatima Zeinebis and Imicultis all Married to Principal Men. Upon the Death of Mahomet first Abubacar and after him Homar whose Daughters he had Married succeeded in the Empire After them Autuman Husband to Fatima the Eldest Daughter ascended the Throne and of them descended the mighty Family of the Alavecines Mohabia Husband to the other Sister Zeinebis succeeded Autuman and of him came another powerful Family called the Humeyas His Successors were Izit his Son and Maula his Grandson after whose Death the Moors were divided some following Maroan and others Abdalla who dying all was again reduc'd under Abdelmelich the Son of Maula then Vlit Son of Abdelmelich next Zuleyman Brother to Vlit and after him Homar and Izit the Sons of Vlit Their Successor was Iscam a third Brother and his was Alulit the Son of Izit then Ibrahim his Brother Maroan though of the same Family of the Humeyas slew Ibrahim and Usurp'd the Crown Abdalla a wise and resolute Man of the Family of the Alavecines descended from Fatima kill'd Maroan and step'd into the Throne the better to secure himself in which he indeavour'd to extirpate the whole Race of the Humeyas Abderbaman who was of that Family for his own Safety was forc'd to fly into Spain where the Moors being all well affected to the Benhumeyas with their assistance he erected a new Kingdom independent of the Miramamolins of Africk or Caliphs of Asia He chose the City Cordova for the Metropolis of his new acquir'd Dominion as will further appear hereafter CHAP. IV. The Reigns of the Kings Froyla Aurelius Silon Alonso Mauregatus and Veremundus or Bermudo Monarchy of the Moors erected in Spain by Abderrhaman his Death and Wars among his Sons UPon the Death of King Alonso his Eldest Son called Froyla or Fruela succeeded in the Throne of the Christians in Spain in the Year of Grace 757. He Reigned eleven Years and three Months his Government was a mixture of Good and Evil being of a harsh Temper rather inclined to Cruelty than Mercy Some Actions of a good Prince he did for he Built the City Oviedo in Asturias and made it a Bishoprick Besides he forbid Priests Marrying a Custom introduced by Witiza and confirmed by the Example of the Greeks which in the Opinion of the Wiser sort had provoked God's Wrath and brought so many misfortunes upon Spain This Action as it gained him the Esteem of the better sort so it drew on him the hatred of the Commonalty and Priests by which his Memory was stained more than he deserved Besides his other good qualities he follow'd the Example of his Father in making War upon the Moors and in the second Year of his Reign overthrew Juzeph who then governed Spain for the Infidels and had entred Galicia killing 54000 of his Men. This loss was the ruin of Juzeph who for the space of four Years had opposed Abderhaman and now being oppressed by the Humeyas he fled from Cordova but was taken by his Enemies at Granada and making his escape thence to Toledo was there killed by his own People From this time which was the Year of our Lord 759. and according to the account of the Arabs 142 all the Moors in Spain were again United under one Head Abderhaman Abenbumeya who after took the Sirname of Adahil founded a new Kingdom of his own Nation independent of the Moors in Africk or Asia as has been hinted before Only the City Valencia held out some time but after a long Siege was forced to submit and joyn with the rest Such was the hatred this Prince bore the Christian Religion that the Christians of that City were forced to depart thence and setled in the farthest part of Lusitania about Promontorium Sacrum carrying with them the Body of St. Vencent from which that Cape now takes its Name A Moor of Fez some time after Hunting about that place slaughtered these People and carryed over their Children into Africk from whom the
ground begging a happy death and tho' the disease increased stayed at Matins heard Mass and received The Day following he returned to the Church of S. Isidorus and three days after Dyed This is what the Archbishop D. Roderick and D. Lucas de Tuy write yet others say he dyed at Cabeçon a Town near Valladolid neither do Authors agree in the time of his death King Ferdinand's Life was so holy that his Feast is Celebrated at Leon as a Saint He built many Churches and repaired others Queen Sancha was not inferior to her Husband in Vertue she dyed two Years after him and was buryed by the King in the Church of S. Isidorus Garibay says King Ferdinand dyed in the Year 1067 and quotes many Authors who all vary in the time as they do in the place of his death so that these things are very uncertain King Ferdinand by his last Will divided his Kingdoms among his Three Sons To D. Sancho the Eldest he left Castile extending from the Rivèr Ebro till that of Pisuerga for all that was taken upon the death of D. Garcia was added to Castile The Kingdom of Leon fell to D. Alonso with the Territory of Campos and that part of Asturias that reaches to the River Deva running by Oviedo as also some Towns in Galicia D. Garcia the Youngest had the remaining part of Galicia and as much of Portugal as had been recovered from the Moors All three called themselves Kings Besides King Ferdinand left the City Zamora to his Daughter D. Vrraca and that of Toro to D. Elvira These Cities were then called Infantado which is as much as the Principality signifying thereby the Estate left for support of the Younger Children Spain being divided it was impossible it should enjoy Peace all People were in suspence expecting great revolutions upon the King's death To prevent these misfortunes many of the Nobility had endeavoured to disswade him from this Resolution and the matter had been handled in Parliament Arias Gonzalo an Ancient Wise and Experienced Man had stirred most in this affair but Fatherly Love suffered not his Prudent advice to take place D. Sancho became the Throne as being a Comely and Graceful Youth better versed in War than in State affairs and therefore called the Strong Pelagius Ovetensis says he was very Beautiful and Expert in Martial affairs He was naturally Mild and Affable if not provoked or incensed by false Friends Upon the death of his Father he openly complained of the wrong had been done him by dividing the Kingdom Yet his Mother whilst she lived restrained him from falling upon his Brothers especially for that after the King's death the Crown of Leon devolved upon her as being her own Dower D. Sancho Reigned 6 Years 8 Months and 25 Days At the beginning of his Reign he had War with the Moors and soon after with the King of Aragon King Ramiro of Aragon desiring to enlarge his Territories laboured successfully to expel the remainder of the Moors out of that Kingdom He obliged Almugdadi King of Zaragoça and Almudafar King of Lerida to become tributary and overthrew the King of Huesca Those about Zaragoça having been subdued by King Ferdinand were become tributary to him but now upon the change of Kings and relying on the assistance of D. Ramiro they resolved to fall off King Sancho having speedily gathered an Army marched against them Those of Toledo immediately submitted but the Aragonians stood out Hereupon having wasted all the Country he layed Siege to Zaragoça and press'd it so vigorously it was surrendred to him upon Condition he should be obliged to support the City against all Enemies as well Christians as Moors This Capitulation seem'd directly levell'd against the King of Aragon D. Sancho was offended that the King of Aragon join'd with the Navarrois who often made Inroads upon the Dominions of Castile and besides that he receiv'd Tribute from those Aragonians that were his Subjects The Aragonians had then laid Siege to the Castle of Grados built by the Moors on the Banks of the River Esera to curb the Christians King Sancho in pursuance of his Capitulation with the Moors marched to raise that Siege The Army of Aragon being surpriz'd and attack'd in Front and Rear by the Christians and Insidels was easily routed some fled others were kill'd amongst which number was the King himself This was much about the Year 1067. D. Ramiro of Aragon had Reign'd 31 Years his Body was Bury'd in the Church of St. John de la Pen̄a where many of his Predecessors lay D. Sancho Ramirez his Son succeeded in the Throne at the Age of 18. a Prince not unlike to his Father in Virtue In this Princes time and in the Year of Grace 1068. Guinard Earl of Russillon built the Town of Perpignan on the Borders of France not far from the antient City Russillon the name of Perpignan was taken from one Bernard Perpignan who kept two Inns in that place This King Sancho is said to have abrogated the Laws of the Goths as the Catalonians had done before and established the Imperial Civil Law He was Married to D. Felicia Daughter to Armengaud Earl of Vrgel by whom he had three Sons D. Peter D. Alonso and D. Ramiro who were all successively Kings of Aragon A Bastard Son of his called D. Garcia was afterwards Bishop of Jaca At the same time there Reign'd in Spain three Kings who were Cousin-Germans tho' not equal in power yet all alike in the manner of their Death D. Sancho King of Castile was the greatest he had blemish'd the beginning of his Reign by killing his Uncle King Ramiro and growing fierce with Success was daily driving at greater mischiefs his strength being terrible to the others D. Sancho King of Navarre maintain'd his small Kingdom by making a League with him of Aragon to secure both against Castile He of Castile understanding their design thought to be beforehand with them and broke into Navarre without stoping till he came in sight of Viana There the two Kings met him and they came to a Battle in which the Castilians were defeated and their King having lost many Men return'd into his own Country The Victors resolving to make use of their Success broke into the Territories of Rioja and Briviesca where they recovered all that King Ferdinand had taken Thus were those three Princes destroying one another without reflecting upon what they might expect from the Moors The King of Castile could not at that time take revenge of his Cousins being ingaged in a new War against his Brothers He was ambitious rash and hot and pretended a right to all that had been his Fathers and did not want other grounds to raise a Quarrel upon His Brothers tho' weak could not be perswaded to Unite their Forces against their common Enemy D. Sancho having gathered a powerful Army resolved to carry on his designs On the other side D. Alonso whom that
afterwards Marry'd him to a Lady called Arsenda The Year of our Lord 1104. was unfortunate for the Death of three great Persons Peter Son to the King of Aragon and his Sister Elizabeth dy'd upon the same day and the King himself whither for Grief or thro' some other Distemper is not known departed this Life the Month following He was Bury'd at S. John de la Pena Pope Vrban at the beginning of the War in the Holy-Land granted to this King the Tenths of all Churches that should be new built or taken from the Moors excepting only Cathedrals Alanso Brother to the late King succeeded him in the Throne His Reign was long and his Actions great by which he much extended the Dominions left him by his Ancestors In the second Year of his Reign he Married D. Vrraca Daughter to King Alonso of Castile This Match was made by the King contrary to the desires of all the Nobility who would have had her Marry'd to D. Gomez Earl of Candespina None of them durst open this to the King therefore they charged a Iew who was the King's Doctor upon the first opportunity to acquaint him with their Thoughts This Jew as the King was one day diverting himself broke the business to him It highly offended the King that the Nobles should presume to dispose of his Daughter therefore he for ever forbid the Physician coming into his presence and then hastned the Marriage of his Daughter which was performed with great State at Toledo in the Year 1106. King Alonso somewhat eased with the satisfaction of this Match and desiring to revenge the death of his Son tho' very ancient took the Field again and entring Andaluzia destroyed all the Province with Fire and Sword sparing neither Man nor Beast This done he spent the remainder of his Days in quiet not only forbearing from Martial Affairs but easing himself of the Government as much as could be Yet he took care that Salamanca and Segovia which had been ruined by the Wars should be repaired fortified and embelished Peranzules a Man at that time in great vogue who had been Tutor to the Princess Vrraca in her Minority and was now the King's Favourite had the whole management of publick Affairs and by his Prudence and Vertue seem'd to support the Government The King now quite spent with age for he lived 79 Years grew sickly and was languishing a Year and seven Months yet by the advice of the Physicians he rode out daily but the natural warmth being decay'd at length he dy'd at Toledo on Thursday the first of July 1109. as Pelagius of Oviedo who lived at that time testifies He Reign'd 43 Years was modest in Prosperity and undaunted in Adversity After the Death of King Alonso the Inhabitants of Toledo in a Consternation were about abandoning the City The King's Body was kept there 20 days till this Pannick Fear was over then it was carry'd to the Monastery of Sahagun and there Bury'd with great Pomp the greatest that of the Tears of his Subjects who lamented so great a loss as they had in him These Tears seemed to forbode those Calamities that ensued and the very Stones at Leon presaged this General Lamentation At the foot of the Altar where the Priest uses to stand at Mass in the Church of S. Isidorus in Leon the Stones shed water not where they joyn'd but in the very middle for the space of three days continually which were Thursday Friday and Saturday according to Pelagius who then lived This hap'ned 8 days before the King's death and betokened the Tears of all Spain The Bishops and Clergy hereupon made Processions to appease God's Wrath. In this King's Reign one Lesmes a French-man lived in great opinion of Sanctity at Burgos his chief business was entertaining of Pilgrims His Memory is still Celebrated in that City and his Feast Yearly kept in the Church of his Name Four Leagues from Najara lived another Holy Man a Spaniard or as others say an Italian who used the same Charity and Repaired the Ways thro' which the Pilgrims went to visit the Church of S. James the Apostle and therefore he is commonly called S. Dominick de la Calçada that is of the Cunsey I suppose King Alonso made use of him in building the Bridges that are between Logron̄o and Santiago About the end of the Reign of King Alonso one Moses a learned Jew and a great Linguist was Converted and writ against the Jews and Moors so effectually that many of both Nations were Converted CHAP. V. The Reign of Queen Urraca Her Lewdness She is Divorced from her Husband Deposed from the Government her Son Alonso Proclaimed King of Castile AT the time when King Alonso dy'd his Daughter D. Vrraca Heiress of the Kingdom was absent with her Husband He had no great confidence in the Nobility of Castile who had opposed his Marriage and therefore would not venture among them without a good Body of his own Subjects This kept him back from taking possession of that large Kingdom The Queens Lewdness which was great for a Person of her Rank was concealed and hid Garrisons of Argonians were put into many Cities and Castles to keep the Castilians in subjection Peranzules having great Alliances in both Kingdoms was entrusted with the Government and kept all things in good order His Power lasted not long for the Queen a turbulent Woman being sent before by her Husband instead of Honouring him as became his great Merit treated him ill not only removing him from the Government but seizing upon his Estate All the pretence she had for this rash action was because in his Letters he stiled her Husband King of Castile This is what was given out but in reality she was sorry she was Marry'd because her Husband curb'd her Lewdness and as I am apt to believe that discreet Man reproved her scandalous Life The King was concerned so great a Man should be so ill treated and restored all his Estate He fearing the Queen's displeasure withdrew to the Earldom of Vrgel whereof as was said above he had the charge A new War now broke out in Andaluzia Hali King of the Moors hearing King Alonso was dead broke into the Christian Territories and in sight of Toledo demolished the Castle of Azeca and destroy'd the Monastery of S. Servandus whilst all the Country about was in a flame Not content with this he laid Siege to the City and for the space of 8 days battered it with all sorts of Engines It s own natural strength and a Wall built at the bottom of the City by King Alonso saved it Alvar Fan̄ez a great Man in those days by his Valour contributed much to the safety of the City All hopes of prevailing being lost the Moors raised the Siege and in their way home plundered Madrid and Talavera threw down their Walls and departed with a mighty Booty In Aragon the King was successful
should be Marry'd to D. John de Lara's Son Her Portion was the Lordship of Molina her Father having no Issue-male The Marriage was solemniz'd at Cuenca thence the King Queen and D. John went to Toledo the latter took up his Lodging in the Monastery of S. Paul of Dominicans without the City on the Banks of Tagus Being at Dice late at Night with a rich Jew on a sudden a Servant of his call'd Nun̄o Churuchao advis'd him to make his Escape for there was a Design to kill him and in order to it Arms had been carry'd into the Court He credited the Intelligence but could not get away for that the City Gates were shut and his Servants and Horses within He spent the Night in Fear and having call'd his Servants at break of Day they perswaded him not to stir for that there was not the least ground for any Suspicion The King was much concerned that he should be Suspected and the more he endeavour'd to satisfy D. John the more Jealous he was At this time the League with the King of Granada was renew'd upon Condition he should pay the usual Tribute for that King was before wavering Hernan Ponce de Leon who commanded upon the Frontiers was the chief Instrument of continuing this good Understanding betwixt the two Kings From Toledo the King and Queen went to Burgos and thence to Palencia where was held a general Chapter of the Order of S. Dominick D. John de Lara could not be oblig'd by any Favours but endeavour'd to stir up the Nobles to revolt To oppose him Prince John the King's Brother who was belov'd by all Men was taken out of Prison and took the Oath of Fidelity to the King and his Son Ferdinand as Heir apparent kissing his Hand according to the Custom of Castile By his means many were reduc'd to the King's Service The King also going to Santiago of Galicia under colour of Devotion perswaded D. John Alonso de Albuquerque a Man of great Power who at the Instigation of D. John de Lara had revolted to lay down his Arms. These Things happen'd in Castile in the Year of our Lord 1291 when in the Month of February the Pope's Legates in France at Tarascon compos'd the Differences betwixt the Kings of France and Aragon Charles King of Naples was present with the Embassadors of the other two Kings Peace was concluded upon the following Conditions That the King of Aragon send Embassadors to Rome humbly to beg Pardon of his past Contumacy and Disobedience That he pay the yearly Tribute of 70 Ounces of Gold to the Church as was promis'd by his Grandfather That he go with a powerful Fleet to the Service of the Holy Land That at his return he advise his Mother and Brother to quit Sicily That he publish an Edict commanding all Aragonians under severe Penalties to depart that Island That Charles of Valois resign his Claim to the Crown of Aragon on Account of the Gift of the Pope That his Holiness shall receive the Aragonian into Favour and send a Prelate to take off the Interdict from his Kingdom to whom the King shall deliver the Hostages he has from the King of Naplas At the concluding of these Articles the Embassadors of Sicily were not present by the Contrivance of the King of Aragon knowing they would break all these Measures at which King Jayme and all the Sicilians were highly offended They complain'd he who ought to have Protected had deceiv'd and forsaken them yet resolv'd rather to dye than return under the Dominion of the French and they obtain'd their Ends. The French were disappointed of recovering Sicily and the King of Aragon's Voyage to the Holy Land was prevented the City Ptolemays the last that remain'd in the Hands of the Christians being taken and utterly subverted by the Infidels The Kings of Aragon and Naples met a second time at Junquera in order to establish a lasting Peace both of them being weary of the War Therefore as soon as they parted King Charles marry'd his Eldest Daughter Clemencia to Charles of Valois giving her in Dower the Earldom of Anjou and Province of Main upon Condition he should quit all Pretensions to the Crown of Aragon The King of Aragon was resolv'd to fullfil all that had been agreed upon when Death cut him off at Barcelona in the midst of his Preparations to receive the Princess Ellenor his Bride He dy'd in the Flower of his Youth being but 27 Years of Age and on the 18th Day of June His Body was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Francis in that City with the Habit of that Order Upon the News of the King of Aragon's Death his Brother Jayme presently came over from Sicily to take Possession of that Crown which appertain'd to him as next of Blood his Brother dying without Issue and having in his Will appointed him his Successor He was receiv'd without any Opposition and Crown'd at Zaragoça with the usual Solemnity on the 24th of September He would not allow of that Clause in his Brother's Will which appointed Prince Frederick his younger Brother King of Sicily but resolv'd to keep and maintain that Kingdom Alonso de la Cerda who had only the Title and Right to the Crown of Castile and was then present and King Sancho who was in Possession of the Kingdom both strove for his Friendship The Aragonian was more inclinable to the Fortune of King Sancho than the Justice of D. Alonso whose Strength decay'd especially since the Queen politickly drew away D. John Nun̄ez de Lara from his Party Besides King Sancho to strengthen himself had made a League with the King of Portugal and concluded a Match betwxit his Son and Heir Prince Ferdinand and Constance that King's Daughter giving some Towns in Castile to secure the Performance The Kings of Castile and Aragon at length concluded a Peace and for the Ratification of it agreed to meet at Montagudo a Town on the Borders of the two Kingdoms There on the 20th of November they made a League Defensive and Offensive and articled that neither should protect the others Rebels but deliver them up Moreover for that the King of Morocco notwithstanding the Truce had lay'd Siege to Beja the Aragonian oblig'd himself if it were requir'd to send 20 Galleys to relieve it To make this Agreement the sirmer it was resolv'd the Aragonian should marry Elizabeth the Daughter of the King of Castile tho' but 9 Years of Age hoping the Pope would dispense with the Consanguinity and accordingly they were Contracted at Soria on the first of December The Child was deliver'd to her Husband and then the two Kings went to Calatayud where there were great Entertainments of all sorts The Nobility of Aragon for some Years had been very Mutinous and in the Reign of King Alonso they endeavour'd to Retrench the King's Houshold and still labour'd to alter the Laws and erect a new Form of Government
his Nephew Pâ—tâ—r de Luna but the King not approving of him the Bishop of Siguença Vicar of the Archbishoprick had charge of it for some Years till the Popes election took place The Joy and Devotion of the great Year of Jubilee 1400 was much lessen'd by the Schism in the Church tho the Christian Princes us'd all possible Means to put an end to it To this purpose for the humbling the Obduracy of Pope Benedict the King of Castile at the perswasions of D. Peter Hernandez de 〈◊〉 Cardinal of Spain publickly disown'd him Yet the King of Aragon interposing three Years after he submitted to him again From Lagâ—â—doc and Cataloâ—â—a the Plague spread over all Spain with such a mighty Mortality that it oblig'd the King of Castile to give leave to Widows to marry the same Year their Husbands dy'd which before was forbidden The King generally resided at Sevil that being a Pleasant and Healthy place and he very â—ickly In July the first Clock was fixing in the Steeple of the Cathedral for there were no such Clocks before in Spain and a great Bell to it the King Nobleâ— and a Multitude of People being present when on a sudden a Storm rising a flash of Lightning kill'd several Men. This being taken as an ill Omen Processions were made to appease God's Wrâ—th Near the Town of Niebâ—â— 5 Leagues from Segovia an Image of our Blessed Lady was 〈◊〉 and many People devoutly resorting thither to visit it Queen Cathâ—rine built there a Church for it with a Monastery of Dominicanâ— adjoyning to it which drew many 〈◊〉 and settle there so that in our Days it is grown up to be a pretty considerable 〈◊〉 â—â—â—P V. The Death of the 〈…〉 Sicily Of Tamerlan and Bajazet Pope Benedict again received in Castile The King of Castile has a Son born Pope Boniface dies Innocent the VIIâ—â— chosen at Roâ—â— THE Lady Violante Daughter to John King of Aragon was during her Father's Life contracted to Luis 〈◊〉 Anjoâ— as was said before Her Marriage was delay'd because she 〈◊〉 under Age and 〈◊〉 Year it â—â—s concluded upon She was to have 160000 Florins Portion and he to sweâ—â— never to lay any claim to the Crown of Aragon in her Right This done she was nobly Conducted into France to her Husband In the Month of March 1401 the King of Castile assembled the Cortes at Tordesillas where many good Laws were enacted particularly to restrain the Avarice of the Farmers of the Revenue and Officers of Justice In the Month of May Mary Queen of Sicily dy'd at Cataneâ— as was thought of Grief for the Death of her Son who ended his Days at 〈◊〉 Age of 7 Years Both the Mother and Son were bury'd in that City However her 〈◊〉 next of Blood remain'd King and all the Nobility aim'd to marry their Daughters 〈◊〉 to him He marryed Blanch third Daughter to the King of Navarre who afterwards inherited her Father's Kingdom The Kings of Aragon and Navaâ—â—â— met upon this Account on the Frontiers there the 〈◊〉 deliver'd his Daughter to the 〈◊〉 in Law who sent her from Valencia to Sicily in a â—â—eet commanded by D. Bernard de Cabrera but her Departure and Marriage was in the Year 1402. In November the same Year the Queen of Castile was deliver'd of a Daughter call'd Mary who was afterwards marry'd to her Cousin German Alonso King of Aragon and Naples but they had no Issue for she prov'd Barren After the Defeat of the French and Hungarians at Nicopolis Bajazet Emperor of the Turks lay'd Siege to Constantinople At the same time Tamerlan the Tartar with an incredible Army as is reported of 40000 Horse and 600000 Foot overran all the East His Custom was when he sat down before a City the first Day to put up white Colours in token of Mercy the second Day they were red to denote he would shed the Blood of the Inhabitants and the third black which signify'd the utter Desolation of the Place It happen'd the City Berytus did not surrender before the second Day and then sent out their Women and Children cloath'd in White with Boughs in their Hands to appease him but he nothing mov'd caus'd his Horse to trample them to Death A Genoese who follow'd his Camp took the Boldness upon this Occasion to put him in mind he was a Man and he with a furious Countenance answer'd Dost thou think I am a Man I am no such I am the Scourge of God and Plague of Mankind Bajâ—zet seeing all Asia was in danger of being lost rais'd the Siege of Constantinople and pass'd over into Asia On that part of Mount Taurus call'd Stella they came to a Battle and after a moâ—â— Bloody Dispute 200000 Men being slain Bajazet was overthrown and taken Him Tamerlan put into a Cage and in that manner carry'd him about Asia treading on his Shoulder every time he mounted a Horse-back and feeding him like a Dog with bits thrown from his Table King Henry of Castile though sickly attended the Affairs of the Government and sent Embassies to all parts and particularly to the Levant he sent Pelayo de Sotomayâ—â— and â—â—â—dinand de Palaçuelos who were present at that famous Battle between the Turks and Tartars Tamerlan treated them courteously and at their return to Spain sent along with them an Embassador of his own to settle Peace and Unity with the King of Spain He having concluded his Negociation return'd home accompanied by three Spanish Embassadors who writ a Journal of that Embassy which is still Extant Tamerlâ—n's Glory was not lasting At his return home he built a beautiful City which he called Mercanti He left two Sons who differing about the Inheritance tore in 〈◊〉 the Empire purchas'd by their Father This Year was unhappy to the Portugueses and Navarrois for the Heirs of both Kingdoms dy'd D. Alonso eldest Son to the King of Portugal was but 12 Years of Age. He was bury'd in the Cathâ—â—ral of Braga This Loss was the more tolerable for that there were several Brothers besides as the Princes Edward Peter Henry John and Ferdinand and two Sisters Blanch and Elizabeth At Painplona dy'd the Princes Charles 5 Years and Lâ—â—ys but 6 Months 〈…〉 were bury'd in that Cathedral The Grief of the Navarrois was the more inconsolable for that there remain'd never an Heir-male and the Crown must of course fall to the Female This Wiâ—â—er at the end of the present Year and beginning of that of our Lord 1403 the Rains were so great in Spain that most Rivers overflow'd doing great harm Particularly Guadalquivir swell'd above the Waâ—â—s of Sevil and came as far as the Church of St. Michael Alonso Perez then Governour by his Industry prevented much Mischief that might have been done The See of Toledo was vacant since the Death of the late Archbishop D. Peter Tâ—â—orio This was caus'd by the Discord betwixt the Popes for Castile had
depart the Island and go over to answer before his Father to such things as should be lay'd to his Charge He obey'd and came to Barcelona about the beginning of Noâ—â—â—ber at which time there were brought â—â—â—ther four Statues of Silver hollow within and 〈…〉 precious Stones sent by Pope Benedict that the Relicks of the Saints Valeâ—â—â— Vincâ—â—◠〈◊〉 â—â—â—aurence and Engracia which were at Zâ—ragoça might be put into them and so carry'd about in great Processions In Castile the Conversion of the Jews was carryâ—d on and to humble those obstinate Peoâ—◠〈◊〉 was ordain'd they should not put 〈…〉 use and that to be known they should 〈◊〉 a Round of Red Cloath on their right Shoulder three Fingers broad Three Years 〈…〉 was ordain'd that the Moors should wear a larger Round of Blâ—w Cloath in the shape of a half Moon 25 Years before this King John the first in the Cortes enacted that the Mistreâ—â—â—s of Priests should be distinguish'd from honest Women by wearing a piece of Cloath 〈◊〉 Fingers broad on their Head Cloaths What relates to the Jews waâ— now establish'd in the Cortes assembl'd at Valladolâ—d to swear Allegiance to the New-born Prince John and was proclaim'd at Madrid on the 21st of December The King was gone that way to prepare for the War against the Moors because that King notwithstanding their late Friendship and Allyance had taken the Town of Ayamonte at the Mouth of Guadianâ— from Alvaro de Gâ—zman whose it was and refus'd to pay the usual Tribute Nevertheless before he proceeded farther the King sent Embassadors to see whether he would make Satisfaction for those wrongs The Moor gave no Ear to them but at the beginning of the Year 1406 sent a considerable Body to invade the Territory of Baâ—za where they did great harm Peter Manriques who commanded that part of the Frontiers James Benavides and Martin Sanchez de Rojas gathering what Force they could overtook them near Quesada They fought with equal Courage till Night parted them The Christians standing close together brokâ— through the Moors to gain an advantagious Post on a Hill which shew'd they had the worst and indeed they had lost several Men of Note This is call'd the Battle of Collejares King Henry tho indispos'd neglected not the 〈◊〉 He summon'd the Cortes to meet at Toledo to provide for that War The King of Navarre having setl'd his Affairs in France as has been say'd in his Return pass'd through Narâ—ome and traversing Catalonia in March met the King of Aragâ—â— at Lerida and was honourably entertain'd by him there and at Zaâ—â—â—â—ça At length being come to Pamplona he there Celebrated the Marriage of his younger Daughter Beâ—â—rix with James of Bourbon Earl of March a Man noble and admirablâ— qualify'd to whâ—m she had been long before Contracted This was in September in 〈…〉 Michael de Sâ—â—â—â— Cardinal of Pamplona dy'd near Monaco on the Coast of Genoa of thâ—â—â—ague He was bury'd at Nice Lancelotte of Navarre succeeded him in the See of Pamplona at such time as France tyr'd with the delays made by Pope Benedict in abdicating the Papacy and uniting the Church again disown'd him and 〈◊〉 to give him Obedience The Cortes were held at Toledo and prov'd very remarkable as 〈…〉 their fulness as for the Death of the King which happen'd in that City and at that time At the very opening of this Session the King's Sickness so increas'd that he could not attend it His Brother Ferdinand supply'd his Plâ—ce There was great want of Mony for carrying on the War against the Moors It was propos'd to raise such a Sum as would maintain 14000 Horse and 50000 Foot fit out 30 Galleys 〈◊〉 50 Ships and furnish 6 great Guns which our Historians call Lombards I suppose because they first came out of Lombardy into Spain and 100 lesser with all other Necessaries proportionable believing this Necessary to extirpate the Moors in Spain The Commons were against raising â—o great a Sum and the more for that the Clergy refus'd to contribute towards it After much contesting 〈◊〉 â—â—â—nted â— Million of Gold a great Sum in that Age and the more considerable becaâ—â—e it was allow'd in case that fell short that new Taxes might be levy'd without the Consent of the Cortes In those days the Pay of a Horseman was 20 Maravedles and half as much to a Foot â—â—â—ldier On the 6th of November dy'd at Rome 〈◊〉 Innocent and the Cardinals immediaâ—â—â—â—elected Angeluâ— Corariâ—â— of Vâ—nice who took the Name of Gregory the XIIth On the 2â—th of December King Henry also dy'd at Toledo 〈◊〉 was 27 years of Age and Reign'd 16 Years â— Months and 21 Days He left Issue by the Queen Prince John and the Princesses Mâ—â—y and Catherine He was bury'd in the Royal Chappel of Toledo Great was the Grief conceiv'd for his Death he being a hopefull Prince and the Kingdom by his Death left expos'd to all the Calamities that generally 〈…〉 left to a Child As to his Parts he was affable and liberal eloquent and crafty on Countenance graceful especially before his Sickness dissigur'd him Of his Prudence and Resolution 〈…〉 as an Instance At his first Accession to the Crown he generally resided at Burgos and was chiefly delighted in catching of Quails Returning one Day somewhat late from his Sport he found hothing provided for Dinner and asking the Reason 〈…〉 there was neither Mony nor Credit to buy Meat He was surpriz'd at this Answer yet said no more only orderd that a Coat should be pawn'd to buy some Mutton to be dress'd with the 〈◊〉 for his Dinner Whilst Dinner lasted the Discourse was how the Nobility liv'd much after another manner for they made Banquets and treated one another in their turns That Day the Arthbishop of Toledo treated the rest At Night the King in Disguise went to view them and having soen the Splendout of their Entertainment found the Discourse was what Estate every Man had and what sension from the King He having heard all resolv'd to be Revern'd and to that purpose the next Morning feigning himself Sick gave out he would make his Will Immediately all those Lords repair'd to the Castle where the King was He had order'd that as every one of them came their Servaâ—◠〈◊〉 Retinue should he turn'd out All things were perform'd as he had directed and all 〈◊〉 Nobles waited a long time in a great Hall At Noon the King came in Arm'd and with his Sword drawn All were supriz'd at that sight and they standing up the King sat down with a storn Countenance then turning to the Archbishop ask'd him how many Kings he had knownin 〈◊〉 The same he ask'd of all the rest 〈◊〉 said they had known three some four and the eldest said five How can that be reply'd the King whereas I that am so Young have known 20. They admiring at it he added You are those Kings to the ruin and shame of
June 1409 they elected a third Pope who was Peter Philargus a Native of Candia of the Order of Fryers Minors and Archbishop of Milan In his Papacy he took the Name of Alexander the Vth. His Reign was short and extended not to a Year This which was looked upon as a Remedy only serv'd to increase the Disease for instead of two now there were three Popes each pretending to be the Right So weak is all humane Policy CHAP. IX The Death of Martin King of Sicily Several pretenders to the Crown of Aragon Their several Claims Martin King of Aragon prefers that of his 〈◊〉 Prince Ferdinand of Castile tho unjust PRince Ferdinand govern'd the Kingdom of Castile prudently yet let slip no Opportunity of advancing his Family and increasing his Estate For this reason some Persons spar'd not to set the Queen against him which was easy as she was a Woman and naturally Jealous There is nothing more uncertain than the favour of Princes They said the excessive Power of Prince Ferdinand might prove dangerous to the Crown for that too much Grandeur is seldom attended with Loyalty James Lopez de ZunÌ„iga and John de Velasco whose Interest was great at Court were the Men that chiefly heightned these Jealousies Frederick â—â—rl of Trastamara the Son of Peter Constable of Castile advis'd the Prince to secure them but they having notice of the Design fled The Queen when she knew it was offended and grew more suspicious than before saying that Affront was offer'd to her and design'd to deprive her of their Advice and Assistance Besides the other Blessings which Heaven and Nature had plentifully bestow'd on Prince Ferdinand in which no Prince of that Age surpass'd him he had a numerous Issue viz. 5 Sons Alonso John Henry Sancho and Peter call'd afterwards the Princes of Aragon and two Daughters Mary and Ellenor About this time dy'd Ferdinand Rodriguez de Villalobos Master of the Order of Alcantara and Prince Ferdinand obtain'd that Honour for his fourth Son Sancho the Pope dispensing with his Age. Henry the third Son was in the like manner soon after made Master of the Order of Santiago upon the Death of Laurence Suarez de Figueroa Many were offended that the Prince not content with the Government bestow'd all Perferments upon his Sons At this time the Duke of Austria and Earl of Luxembourg sent to offer Supplies of Men to carry on the War of Granada Charles Duke of Orleans promis'd 1000 French Horse and made suit to have to Wife Queen Beatrix the Widow of King John the Ist of Castile who had the right to the Crown of Portugal Neither was his offer accepted of nor his Request granted for the Queen would not marry again or leave Spain and the Truce was continued for 5 Months longer at the suit of Joseph King of Granada Yet soon after the Moors making an Attempt upon Priego gave a sufficient occasion to the Christians to break with them but the King of Granada â—ent to excuse that Action as done without his Consent and offering to make Reparation of Damages such as Judges appointed on both sides should decree This year betwixt Salamanca and Cuidad Rodrigo was found an Image of our Blessed Lady held in great Veneration and call'd De la PenÌ„a de Françia very famous for a Monastery of Dominicans built in that Place and for the great Concourse of People that resorts thither The same year was unfortunate to the Aragonians to the Death of Martin King of Sicily only Son and Heir to the King of Aragon who departed this Life at Caller in Sardinia on the 25th of July in the flower of his Age and the promising hopes conceiv'd of him His Father had sent him into that Island to suppress Brancaleon Doria and Aymerick Viscount Narbonne who having marry'd two Daughters of Marianus Judge of Arborea lay'd claim to and endeavour'd to possess themselves of it They were grown strong because the Power of the Aragonians was small and the Islanders rather favour'd them than Strangers The King 's coming chang'd the Face of Affairs Both Parties assembl'd their Forces and met near a Town call'd Luri There they engag'd the Isanders were overthrown and Brancaleon their General taken Death prevented the Kingdom making his Advantage of that Victory and putting an end to the War But Peter de Torrellas the Mareschal that Prince's Favourite and some other Men of Note with the Forces that remain'd for some time made good the Aragonian Party The King's Body was bury'd in the Cathedral of Caller By his Wife Blanch he had one Son who dy'd not long before him He had also two Bastard Sons by two Sicilian Women one was 〈…〉 whose Mothers Name was Teresa and by Agathusa he had the Lady Violante afterwards marry'd to the Earl of Niebla It was reported the Cause of his Death was his too much Familiarity with a young Woman of Sardinia before he was perfectly recover'd of a Sickness he had In his Will he constituted his Father Heir of the Kingdom of Sicily and ordain'd his Wife 〈◊〉 Blanch should continue in the Government thereof as he left her at his Departure then â—â— Several Persons of Note were nam'd to be assisting to her with their Advice The loss of this Prince was much lamented throughout the Kingdom of Aragon and many contests arose about the Right of Succession It is in vain to relate how grievous this Misfortune was to his Father every one may judgeâ—â— himself Yet he monerated his Sorrow and having perform'd the Funeral Rights to 〈…〉 apply'd himself to setling of the Kingdom His Favourites advis'd him to marry 〈…〉 was 〈…〉 might have Children and by that means settle the 〈…〉 prevent many Mischiefs which must otherwise follow He approv'd of theâ—◠〈…〉 beautiful Lady and of the Blood Royal of Aragon The Marriage was solemniz'd at Burcelona on the 17th of September The King was but 5â— years of Age but sickle and extreamly fat those very Medicines or Provocatives he made use of for getting of Children wasted him inwardly and hasten'd his Death Luis Duke of Anjou being inform'd of the Death of the King of Sicily was the first that reassum'd his Hopes of inheriting that Crown He sent the Bishop of Conserans to desire the King to declare his Son Luis whom he had by the Lady Violante Daughter to King John 〈◊〉 to the Crown as being the next of Blood the eldest Sister Joanna being dead two years before He also ask'd leave for the Mother to come to Aragon to breed up her Son according to the Custom of the Country It was look'd upon as an ill Omen that the King during the Solemnity of his Marriage should he pressed to declare an Heir The People thought the Earl of Vrgel to have a better Right but it was only to please their own Inclin'd out for all Nations would rather have a King of their own Country than a Stranger The Earl's
Africk 600000 Foot and 70000 Horse a wonderful Number if true But Fame for the most part â—â—ceeds Truth It was impossible for such a handful to oppose that Multitude yet they behave themselves with much bravery intrench'd their Camp and were beset on all sides Nothing but Despair appear'd in their looks They would have fled but the Field was cover'd with Enemies They offer'd to Capitulate but were answer'd no Articles should be allow'd unless they would deliver up Ceuta and so quit Africk These were hard Terms and not in their Power to grant yet to save their Lives they condescended deliver'd up Prince Ferdinand the General and several Persons of Quality as Hostages The rest in a miserable Condition went away to Ceuta and thence at the end of the Year to Portugal A great Council was held at Ebora to consider of the Articles made in Africk and it was unanimously agreed they ought not to be perform'd being made without the King's Knowledge or Consent and therefore no way obliging him Prince Ferdinand remain'd in perpetual slavery and suffer'd great Hardships His Tomb is to be seen at Fez standing on a very high Place as a Trophy of the Victory gain'd CHAP. VIII The State of Spain and of the Catholick Church under great apprehensions of Troubles Actions of the Aragonians at Naples King Edward of Portugal dies The Rebellion in Castile SPain was now under great Apprehensions of new Troubles the Nobility of Castile being incens'd against the King for the unjust Imprisonment as they term'd it of Peter Manrique Among the Clergy was no less Contention because Pope Eugenius labour'd to dissolve the Council of Basil which was only a Design to lessen the Authority of General Councils because they alone were a check upon Popes Yet he desisted being warn'd so to do by the Emperor Sigismand and Cardinal Cesarinus his own Legate The Bishops at Basil summon'd the Pope to appear there in Person and he refusing to obey threaten'd to depose him The Christian Princes agreed not what was best to be done but Sigismund the Emperor fearing a Schism tho he lov'd not the Pope oppos'd the deposing of him His Authority soon ceas'd for he dy'd on the 9th of December His Son in Law Albertus Duke of Austria then King of the Romans succeeded him and was crown'd on the first of January 1438. This year at Maderuelo a Town in Old Castile belonging to D. Alvaro de Luna there fell Stones as big as small Cushions which yet did no great harm being very light John de Agreda carry'd some of them to Roa where the King then was About the same time Huelma a strong Town and well Garrison'd was taken from the Moors by InÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça Lord of Hita who then commanded on the Frontiers about Jà en Soon after Roderick Perea Lieutenant of Cagorla making an Incursion with 1400 Men was kill'd and of all his Party only 20 escap'd the Enemy being very numerous and yet bought not this Victory cheap for many of them were slain and among them the Governour of Granada The King of Aragon being offended at Pope Eugenius favour'd the Fathers at Basil and the more now because John Vitelesco Patriarch of Alexandria with Forces of the Popes enter'd the Kingdom of Naples which gave many of the Natives occasion to change their Affections Particularly the Prince of Taranto and Earl of Caserta Men of little Faith went over to the Pope On the other side Antony Colonna was reconcil'd to the King of Aragon being put in hope he should be restor'd to the Principality of Salerno The Patriarch was overthrown by the Aragonians and drove out of the Kingdom of Naples The Nobility was soon reduc'd At the same time Renee Duke of Anjou having been Ransom'd arriv'd with his Fleet at Naples on the 19th of May. His Arrival produc'd no great effect because he brought no Mony to defray the Charge of the War-Yeâ—â—â— several places it broke out anew and chiefly in Abruzzo where James Caldora a renowned Captain supported the Interest of Anjou Renee to gain Reputation challeng'd the King of Aragon and sent him his Gauntlet the Aragonian accepted the Challenge but it came to nothing for they could never agree upon the Time and Place At Bourges the King of France by Proclamation approv'd all the Acts of the Council of Basil whereupon Pope Eugenius order'd the Council to remove to Ferrara in Italy Cesarinus the Legate and 5 other Cardinals immediately repair'd to that City It was given out that the Cause of removing the Council was to unite the Eastern and Western Churches the Emperor John Palcologus and the 〈◊〉 of Constantinople being come into Italy to that purpose From Ferrara the Council remov'd to Florence the Plague being in the other City Here the Affair of the Union was long debated to little purpose The Fathers at Basil would have the Greeks go thither but they refus'd For this reason and because the Pope had dissolv'd that Assembly they grew into Heats and began to assume more than belong'd to them In Italy whilst Renee was busy reducing some Castles in Abruzzo the King of Aragon resolv'd to besiege Naples then weak because most of the Youth had follow'd Renee and Provisions were scarce In the Aragonian Army there were 15000 Men and the Fleet consisted of 4 Galleys 7 great Ships and many small Vessels fit to hinder any Supplies from coming to the City With this Force he lay'd Siege to Naples on the 22d of September He fortify'd his Camp and prepar'd all things to give an Assault when an unexpected Misfortune overthrew all his Designs On the 23d of October Prince Peter going out to view the City was kill'd by a Cannon Ball from the Church of the Carmelites The Ball rebounded 3 times and at the 4th dash'd his Head to pieces His Body was carry'd to the Church of St. Mary Magdalen where the King came and wept over him He dy'd in the prime of his Age being but 27 years Old a Batchelor and had gain'd Honour in War His Body was deposited in the Castle del Ovo The Soldiers took his Death as an ill Omen and believ'd it the more because the Rains hinder'd carrying on the Siege which was rais'd and the Army retir'd to Capua John Vintemilla Marques of Girachi who had been sent to meet Renee then marching to the Relief of Naples falling upon him unexpectedly in the Valley Gardano took many Prisoners and forc'd him to return towards Nola. This done Vintemilla return'd to the Siege of Naples King Alonso intending to take the Field as soon as the Season would permit sent for his other two Brothers out of Spain He was so bent upon the Conquest of Naples that he seem'd not to regard the Kingdom left him by his Father which was now infested by a Body of French who being us'd to live upon plunder under the command of Alexander de Bourbon Bastard Son to John
Legate of Savoy Castile seem'd to be restor'd to perfect Peace by the Banishment of D. Alvaro de Luna but Ambition the Bane of Kingdoms soon disturb'd it The King was not of Judgment sound enough to govern without the Help and Advice of another This was well known to the Nobility and every one strove to gain his Favour in order to become First Minister of State D. Frederick the Admiral a Bold Man and of a ready Wit stood fairest being particularly recommended to the King by D. Alvaro de Luna at the time of his departure The Princes of Aragon were enrag'd that all their Contrivances fall'd them At Toro the Servants of the several Factions quarrell'd and were like to come to Blows about taking up their Lodgings The King knew not how to pacify the Nobles and therefore by the Advice of D. Alvaro's â—â—ads under colour of Hunting fled to Salamanca at the beginning of the year 1440. After him went the Princes of Aragon the Earls of Benavente Ledesina Haro 〈◊〉 Valencia and InÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça with 600 Horse resolving to use Violence if oppos'd The King being inform'd of their coming remov'd to Bonilla a Loyal and Strong Town Thence he sent to the Princes of Aragon who under a safe Conduct came first to Salamanca and thence to Avila whither the Mutinous Lords were come designing to secure that City The Archbishop of Seviil who then sighaliz'd his Loyalty was the Chief Man that passed between them but without success Yet the Nobles made use of him to write to the King giving him grave Advice and charging D. Alvaro de Luna He return'd no 〈…〉 They went the Earls of Haro and Benavente to him who prevail'd to have the 〈…〉 at Valladolid Yet those Lords were so far from restoring the Towns they had serz'd and their hands that they secur'd Leon Segovia Zamora Salamanca Valladolid Avila Burgos Placencia and Guadalasara Besides Prince Henry had Toledo deliver'd to him by Peter Lopez de Ayala who was Governour of the Town and Castle for the King At the Cortes which sate at Valladolid in April the first thing consider'd upon was to give satisfaction to D. Alvaro de Luna and bring him back to Court. To this effect Letters were sent to him from that Assembly yet he came not for the present Soon after all the Revolted Cities return'd to their 〈…〉 had particularly Toledo Prince Henry at this time Rebell'd against his Father being 〈…〉 that D. Alvaro should return to Court John Pacheco Son to Alonso Giron Lord of 〈…〉 had the same influence over the Prince that D. Alvaro had over the King and endeavour'd by supplanting D. Alvaro who had preferr'd him to rise to his Grandeur Prince Henry of Castile withdrew from Court giving out that he would not return till some of the King's Counsellors with whom he was displeas'd were remov'd yet he came back late at Night at the perswasion of his Father-in-Law the King of Navarre To pacify him his Wife was brought from Navarre to Valladolid where on the 25th of September the Nuptials were celebrated with great Pomp and there was a Feast of Tilting in which some Nobles were kill'd because they ran with sharp-pointed Spears The Bride remain'd a Maid which was at first conceal'd but afterwards became Publick to the great Grief of all People At the same time that the Publick Rejoycing was for the Marriage of Prince Henry the Lieutenant Peter Manrrique Dy'd He was a Man of a mean Stature a great Spirit Subtle and Bold His Son James Manrique who was also Earl of TrevinÌ„o succeeded him in his 〈◊〉 D. Alvaro de Lara tho absent from Court govern'd the Kingdom which inrag'd the 〈…〉 have all 〈…〉 Son who left his Father and went away to Segovâ— declaring for the Princes of Aragon John Pacheco his Favourite neightned his discontent Toledo was again'd deliver'd up by the same Peter Lopez de Ayala to Prince Henry of Aragon The Citizens provok'd the King by securing his Messengers sent to complain of their Disloyalty which mov'd him with a small Retinue the hast thither believing they would Respect his Person He stopp'd at the Hospital of Saint Lazorus which is in the Road to Madrigal Prince Henry of Aragon came out of the City with Two Handred Horse Those with the King being Feâ— in Number Fortify'd themselves where they were but Prince Henry fearing he should become yet more odious than he was if he offer'd Violence to the King return'd into the City Roderick de Villandrando signaliz'd his Zeal and Legality for the Defence of the King in this Place in recompense for which he had a Priviledge granted him that the Earls of Ribadeo his Successors should always upon New-years Day dine with the King and serve him in the Bed-chamber For it was on the first of January 1441 that the King was in Danger in the Hospital The King went away to Torrijos and leaving Pelayo de Ribera Lord of Malpica with 100 Horse to secure that place remov'd to Avila whither D. Alvaro came to consult about carrying on the War they had in Hand His coming more incens'd the Mutineers Most of them were at Arevalo and the Queen her self favour'd her Son and Brothers against the King her Husband The King sent the Bishops of Burgos and Avila to try if there were any way of composing Differences but they could not prevail James de Valera a Gentleman who follow'd the Prince wrote a Letter to the King advising him to incline to Mercy rather than Severity It being read in Council no Body said any thing to it but the Archbishop D. Gutierre de Toledo who answer'd Let Valera give us Assistance for Advice we want none This Valera was a Man of very good natural Parts was twice Embassador in Germany and writ a short History of Spain of him called Valeriana But there is another Valeriana writ by an Archdeacon of Murcia and quoted in this Work Prince Henry being sent for by his Father to treat of Peace came to Avila but nothing was concluded The Prince being return'd to Segovia desir'd the two Queens his Mother and Mother in Law then in Castile to go as far as Santa Maria de Nieva to endeavour to appease those Commotions In that Town Blanch Queen of Navarre dy'd on the first day of April and was bury'd in the famous Church of that Place This grave Authors affirm but there is no sign of it in the Church Charles Prince of Viana her Son inherited the Crown but took not the Title of King out of respect to his Father This Prince Charles was very studious and there are some Works of his Extant as Aristole's Ethicks translated into Spanish a short History of Navarre and many Compositions in Verse which he us'd to sing to the Guitarre A Youth deserving of a better Fortune and a more peaceable Father He was 21 years of Age when his Mother dy'd Her Death put an
delivered this Year on the 8th of July at Valladolid of a Son who was called Charles This birth was unfortunate as well for that the Mother died the 4th day after which lessened the publick Joy as for that the Prince lived not to inherit his Fathers Crown Her Body was buried at Granada Cardinal John Tavera died the 1st day of August D. John Siliceus the Bishop of Cartagena succeeded him in the Archbishoprick of Toledo in consideration for his good Service in instructing Prince Philip whose Preceptor he had been Afterwards he was made Cardinal In Germany great Application was used to reduce the Hereticks to submit to the Council of Trent to this effect a Diet was held at Worms The Emperor was there present and Cardinal Alexander Farnesius the Pope's Legate and Grandson Nothing was concluded for that Luther publishing new Books ceased not to make the breach wider The Hereticks demanded a Conference and to have the Points in Controversy disputed and the Catholicks insisted to have all things referred to the Fathers at Trent as being sensible how little good is done by private Disputes All these things were only the preludes to the War which soon after broke out in Germany At length about the end of this Year the Fathers assembled at Trent opened the Council The first Session was on the 13th of December Three Legates of the Pope presided which were the Cardinals John Maria de Monte Marcellus Cervinus and Reginald Pool The Chief of the Spanish Divines were F. James Lainez and Alonso Salmeron of the Society of Jesus F. Dominick de Soto and F. Melchior Cano of the Order of S. Dominick of S. Francis F. Alonso de Castro and F. Andrew Vega. Anno 1546. Martin Luther was found dead in his Bed at Eisleber where he was Born on the 18th of February He died of Excess of eating and drinking at the Age of 63. His Body was buried at Wittemberg where he most resided D. Alonso Davalos Marquis del Gasto Governour of Milan deceased at Vigevano and Ferdinand Gonçaga succeeded him The Diet was held at Ratisbon where there was a Disputation between the Catholicks and Hereticks Malvenda a Spaniard and Chocleus signalized themselves among the Catholicks for the Hereticks Bucer and Brentius The Emperor repaired thither in May but all this sorted to no better effect than it had done at other times but the differences were rather greater for the Hereticks departed when the dispute was but begun Most of the Princes tho summoned appeared not the most remarkable of them were Frederick Duke of Saxony and Philip the Landtgrave The Emperor thought fit to have recourse to Arms and ordered Maximilian Count de Bure to make Levies of Flanders In Germany Albertus and John Marquises of Brandenburg did the same for the Emperor tho they were both Hereticks The Spanish Forces marched out of Italy and at the same time the Emperor directed his Letters to the Cities of Germany admonishing them not to suffer themselves to be led away for that many abusing his Patience had forced him to have recourse to Arms. Having dispatched these Letters the Emperor set out from Ratisbon for Bavaria He encamped near Landshut whether was come a good body of Men sent to him by the Pope under the Command of his Grandson Octavius and Cardinal Alexander Farnesius Sone after came thither 6000 Spaniards D. Ferdinand of Toledo Duke of Alva was appointed General of those Forces The Enemy with a strong Army came to Ingolstat The principal Commanders were the Duke of Saxony and the Landtgrave whom many other Princes and Cities either openly or underhand supported They encamped on a rising Ground whence they played their Artillery upon the Emperor's Army which lay below them but the fright was greater than the harm The Landtgrave was for assaulting the Emperor's Camp which was not well intrenched but the others opposed him which proved the safety of our Army then much inferior to the Enemy for that our Supplies were not come from Flanders As soon as they came the Emperor marched towards Nerling the Enemy still following in the Rear At the same time Maurice Duke of Saxony being furnished with Forces by King Ferdinand possessed himself of the Lands of his Cousin Frederick some whereof were engaged and others so intermixed that it was convenient to secure them lest his own Subjects might suffer by their ill Neighbours To put a stop to their Proceedings and because they wanted Provisions the Hereticks returned towards Saxony The Landtgrave went away to his own Dominions and thence to Francford The War continued hot and several Princes and Cities being sensible of their Error Particularly Frederick Count Palatin despairing of the Success of the Rebels was reconciled to the Emperor The Duke of Wittemberg and the Cities of Vlm Francford and Ausburg followed his Example but were forced to buy their Pardon for great Sums of Money and give Security for their future Loyalty Anno 1547. These things were in agitation at the beginning of this Year at the same time that Frederick Duke of Saxony recover'd all the Places taken from him by Duke Maurice except Lipstat which he could not reduce This Year died Anne the Wife of King Ferdinand and Francis King of France having lived 52 Years and Reigned 32 His Son Henry succeeded him Also Henry the Eight of England famous for his Separation from the Church He lived 57 Years and Reigned 37 and 9 Months His Son Edward then but 9 Years of Age succeeded him as was Ordain'd in his Father's Will by which his Daughters Mary and Elizabeth were appointed to Inherit in case their Brother died without Issue As soon as the Emperor had recover'd a great Fine he imposed upon the City Strasbourg and join'd his Brother King Ferdinand who till then stayed in Bohemia he march'd towards Saxony On the 24th of April he came to the River Elbe The Enemy had possessed themselves of the farther Bank and the River being deep it was difficult to pass it Certain Spanish Soldiers swimming with their Swords in their Mouths took some Boats to make a Bridge Having pass'd the River our Forces pursu'd the Enemy who retired towards Wittemberg They were so eagerly pursu'd that they could not avoid Fighting The Battel lasted till Night when the Duke of Saxony being taken and many of his Men put to the Sword the rest fled Soon after this Victory the Landtgrave submitted and surrendred himself up to the Emperor These two Princes being in Custody all the rest were soon quell'd As a token of his Victory the Emperor sent part of the Cannon taken to Italy part to Spain and part to Flanders whither he went himself The General Council was removed from Trent to Bolonia and soon after broke up to the great Dissatisfaction of the Catholicks Peter Luis the Pope's Son was killed in his House at Plasencia but it could never be known by whom his Death was contriv'd but
this Year was happy in the Birth of this Prince so it was unfortunate to Portugal and all Spain For King Sebastian carried away by the Heat of Youth and ambitious to extend the Christian Name in Africk took into his Protection King Muley Hamet He gathered Forces out of Germany Italy and Castile to join with his own He fitted out a great Fleet in which he shipped all his Forces and sailing in July arrived at Arzila a City in Africk subject to the Portugueses His first Design was to attack the Castle of Alarache which is at the Mouth of the River Lucus The Portugueses began to march up the Country and Moluco met them with a far greater number of Men. The Battel was fought on the 4th of August and the Portugueses overthrown The Slaughter was great and the number of Prisoners incredible among which were many of note No Battel in many years was so unfortunate for three Kings died there Moluco of Sickness which had long stuck by him he left his Brother Hamet his Heir The King of Portugal was killed in the Battel and Muley drowned in passing a River as he fled D. John of Austria to pacify the Flemmings consented that the Spaniards should be drawn out of those Provinces and Garisons of the Natives put into their Strong-holds which proved fatal For scarce were the Spaniards gone when the Hereticks conspired to seize D. John He having notice of their Design fled to Namur began to assemble Forces recalled the Spaniards who were marching towards Italy and had some Skirmishes with the Enemy from whom he took some places But Death taking him off in October and in the Flower of his Age put a stop to all his Designs He died a natural Death in the Field Alexander Farnesius Prince of Parma succeeded him in the Government of these Provinces The Provinces being dissatisfied with the Archduke Mathias called Francis Duke of Alenson to their assistance against D. John of Austria who having accepted of the Offer and being come to Mons in Hainault they gave him the Title of Protector of Flanders In Portugal died the Princess Mary Daughter to Emanuel by his last Wife Ellenor This Lady when she died was well in years and a Maid for tho several Matches were proposed never any took effect Anno 1579. As soon as the dismal News of the Death of King Sebastian was brought to Lisbon Cardinal Henry his Great Uncle Brother to his Grandfather was proclaimed King tho then very old and unhealthy The Nobility to secure the Succession would have him marry but it being unlikely he should have any Children there were many Pretenders to that Crown King Philip in Right of his Mother Elizabeth the Empress Philibert Duke of Savoy as Son to the Lady Beatrix both which were Daughters to King Emanuel The Prince of Parma in the Right of his Wife the Princess Mary then dead but had left two Sons Ranucius and Edward And the Duke of Bragança in the Right of Catherine his Wife These two Ladies were Grand-children to King Emanuel and Daughters to Prince Edward Mary was the eldest but was dead and Catherine was living Antony Prior of Ocrato put in his Claim as Son to Prince Luis and Grandson to King Emanuel He to cover his being a Bastard pretended his Father had been married to his Mother but no proof appeared Catherine Queen-Mother of France claimed that Kingdom as descended from Matildis Countess of Bologn Wife to Alonso the 3d King of Portugal affirming they had Issue The Portugueses urged that the Countess left no Child either by her first or second Husband and proved that when she died Robert her Nephew Son to her Sister Alicia inherited her Dominions from whom that Queen was descended by the Mother's side None of these Princesses wanted the Pens of Learned Men to vindicate their Titles but King Philip had the Power which never fails to bear down all that the Learned can say in behalf of their Cause In Sicily this Year a vast quantity of Liquid Fire gushed out of Mount Etna which did much harm in the Neighbouring Country Anno 1580. King Philip prepared for the War with Portugal and to that purpose caused several Troops of Italians Germans and Spaniards to march towards the Frontiers of that Kingdom To prevent Disorders King Philip labour'd to prevail with the new King his Unkle to declare him his Heir but at the same time whilst this was in hand King Henry departed this Life at Almeirin on the last of January It appear'd a War must of necessity ensue for that the Portugueses it could not be expected would submit to the Spaniards There wanted a General The Duke of Alva was then Prisoner at Vzeda because he had obliged his Son Frederick to Marry the Daughter of D. Garcia de Toledo Marquis of Villa Franca without regard to another Lady belonging to the Queen to whom the said Frederick had before promised Marriage and the King had commanded him not to dispose of himself till that Affair was decided It was now thought fit to release and send him to Portugal The King himself to be the nearer at hand went first to Merida and then to Badajoz a City on the Frontiers of that Kingdom His Forces were not great being scarce 12000 Foot and 1500 Horse but they were the Flower of the Spanish Army old Soldiers of great Experience With this strength and the good Conduct of the Duke of Alva Antony the Bastard who with the Favour of the People called himself King was overthrown first at Lisbon and soon after near Porto by Sancho Davila Camp-Master-General in that Expedition Thus he being expelled the Country all that Kingdom was brought under Mean while King Philip lay at Burgos so sick that the Physicians had given him over Scarce was he recover'd when the Queen his Wife who was with him died on the 26th of October He had by her four Sons Ferdinand and Charles both dead before James who lived not long after and Philip then a Child and sickly but afterwards grew healthy and lived long He had also a Daughter called Mary that was but short lived About this time died Hierome Osorio a Portugues Bishop of Silves a great Orator but not in his History as appears by the Books he wrote His Contemporary was Andrew Resendius of the same Nation a great Antiquary and imitator of Horace in the Learned Verses he composed Emanuel Duke of Savoy also departed this Life and his Son Charles succeeded him In Flanders after the death of D. John of Austria the War continued hot and most of the Country was in Rebellion Mathias the Archduke left the Country and returned into Germany Those Provinces having once revolted would not return to their duty and tho they all combin'd together yet of themselves they were not strong enough to oppose the King which made them send for Francis Duke of Alençon the French King's
Brother who call'd himself Hercules He after having imbroil'd France making himself Head of the Hereticks repair'd to the Low Countries and there at his first coming possessed himself of Cambray which till then continued Loyal This was not all for the following Year he went to Antwerp and there caused himself to be declar'd Duke of Brabant which was but a meer shadow the Prince of Orange having all the Power His Authority lasted not long being at the same time disappointed of Marrying the Queen of England Anno 1582. At Antwerp a youth a Biscainer call'd John de Xauregui resolv'd to kill the Prince of Orange To this intent one day after dinner he fired a Musket at him yet killed him not but gave him a dangerous Wound in the Cheek The young Man was presently torn to pieces and all that knew of the design executed A Burgundian managed his Business more successfully for being admitted into the Prince's Family he soon after killed him in Holland At Toledo was held a Provincial Synod in which were 7 Bishops and 2 Abbots and D. Gaspar de Quiroga Archbishop of Toledo presided the Marquis de Velada assisted at it in the King's Name This Year Pope Gregory cut off 10 days in October to reduce the Solsticies and Equinoxes to their former place Besides the Golden Number was taken from the Calendar and in its place was substituted the Epact all to regulate the Observation of Times for the future better than it was before Mary the Empress came to Spain and went to Lisbon where the King her Brother was settling the Affairs of that Kingdom and with him Cardinal Albertus Son to the Empress a Prince of extraordinary Parts Antony who called himself King of Portugal after he was overthrown fled into France and having gathered a Fleet there sailed over to the Islands Terceras otherwise called Açores which still held out for him Near the Island of S. Michael he was vanquished in a Sea Fight by D. Alvaro Baçan Marquis of Santa Cruz. Philip Strozzi one of the Admirals of the French Fleet was killed the Count de Brissac the other Admiral together with Antony the pretended King saved themselves by flight All the Prisoners of Note to the number of 80 and many others the Marquis put to death the King of France consenting to it Nevertheless the People of Tercera would not submit Anno 1583. This Year the Marquis return'd and fully subdu'd them D. Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo Duke of Alva departed this Life at Lisbon aged 74 Years Soon after him died there also Sancho de Avila of the kick of a Horse on the 8th of June He was of the House of Velada and born at Avila Prince James Son to King Philip deceased at Madrid on the 1st of February for which reason the Three Estates in Portugal swore his Brother Prince Philip Heir to that Crown This Parliament being dissolv'd and Cardinal Albertus the King's Nephew constituted Governour of Portugal King Philip return'd to Castile to provide for the necessary Affairs there Anno 1584. The Duke of Alençon having obtain'd his Brother's Pardon return'd into France after he had been in England and Flanders but going from Paris soon died either of Sickness or Poisoned as some would have it Death put an end to his aspiring Thoughts which had compassed the Sovereignty of England France and Flanders The Prince of Orange was killed with a Musket-shot on the 10th of June by a young Burgundian call'd Baltasar who had entred into his Service to that purpose Such was the death of the Author of so many Mischiefs but this did not pacify the Flemmings King Philip had by his Wife Queen Elizabeth two Daughters Elizabeth and Catherine It was reported the eldest was kept for her Cousin the Emperor Rodulphus The youngest was contracted to Charles Duke of Savoy Zaragoça the principal City of Aragon was the place appointed for celebrating of the Nuptials Before the King set forward upon this Journey the Three Estates of Castile at Madrid swore Prince Philip Heir to the Crown This Ceremony was perform'd on the 11th of November being Sunday and the day of S. Martin in the Monastery of S. Hierome near that Town Quiroga Cardinal of Toledo sang the Mass Anno 1585. This Solemnity being performed the King set out for Zaragoca in very rough Weather the Winter Season not being yet past Thither came also the Duke of Savoy by Sea and was received with great Honour by the King his Father-in-Law The Marriage was celebrated with great Pomp and Ostentation on the 18th of March News was brought not long after that Pope Gregory being very aged and famous for his great Wisdom departed this Life at Rome the 12th of April In May following Cardinal Felix Montalto who had first bin General of the Recolet Franciscans then Bishop and afterwards Cardinal was lastly promoted to S. Peter's Chair He took the Name of Sixtus the Fifth governed the Church five Years and four Months and had many good Qualities but as there is no Man without a fault he is blamed for being too severe and covetous and for promoting of his Kinsmen more than was justifiable He Canonized S. James of Alcala a Franciscan whose Body is kept and Honour'd in the Monastery of that Order at Alcala The Prince of Parma made War against the Rebels in the Low Countries and having recover'd Gent and many other Places after a long and streight Siege he kept upon Antwerp forced it to surrender in August This Siege was very famous for the many extraordinary Devices used on both sides as also for the obstinacy of the Defendants but the Conduct of the General and Valour of the Spaniards overcame all Difficulties King Philip accompanied the new-Married Couple as far as Barcelona whence they sailed for Italy In his return at Monçon he held the Cortes or Parliament of Aragon which sate long many difficulties arising among them The violent heat of Summer and Autumn which proved sickly was the cause that many died there especially of the Strangers and Courtiers At last this Parliament swore Prince Philip Heir of all those Domimions Pope Sixtus at his first Accession to the Papacy published his Bull in which he declared Henry King of Navarre a Heretick and Excommunicated and deprived him of the Right of Inheriting the Kingdom of France as he did also Henry Prince of Conde his Cousin-German in case King Henry Brother-in-Law to him of Navarre died without Issue which was likely because till then the Queen had never been with-Child Anno 1586. Nevertheless the King of France labour'd to secure the Succession to the King of Navarre without regarding the Pope's Threats whereupon many of the French Nobility conspir'd to raise a Rebellion under the Colour of Religion The Ringleader was the Duke of Guise which much perplexed the King seeing three powerful Factions on foot which he feared would again
their King who was assisted by the German Hereticks the Kings of England and Denmark and the Dutch The Catholick Electors Kings of Spain and Poland the Pope and Princes of Italy favour'd the Emperor On the 8th of November near Prague the Rebels were overthrown and 8000 of them slain The next day the City Prague was deliver'd to the Emperor Anno 1621. Pope Paul the V. died the 28th of January Cardinal Luis of Bolonia succeeded him and took the Name of Gregory the XV. On the 15th of March following died Philip the III. King of Spain at Madrid at the Age of 43 and having Reign'd 22 Years and a half His Body was buried in the Royal Monastery of S. Laurence of the Escuriall His Son Philip the IV. succeeded him being then 16 Years of Age. The End of Mariana 's Supplement The SECOND SUPPLEMENT TO THE History of SPAIN From the Year 1621 till 1649. Written by the Reverend F. Ferdinand Camargo y Salcedo Preacher and Historiographer of the Order of S. Augustin Anno 1621. AT the Beginning of the Year 1621 Pope Paul the 5th governed the Church Philip the 3d was King of Spain Luis the 13th of France James the 1st of England Ferdinand the 2d was Emperor F. Alonso Vinacourt Master of Malta Antony Prioli Doge of Venice and Osman Emperor of Constantinople These were the Princes that ruled at the Beginning of the Year which before its End shewed the Instability of worldly Affairs in the Death of some of these Potentates Pope Paul the 5th departed this Life the 28th of January being 66 years of Age and having reigned 15 Years and 9 Months In his Place was elected on the 9th of February Alexander Ludovisius Cardinal and Archbishop of Bolonia being then 76 years of Age who took the Name of Gregory the 15th D. Emanuel de Azevedo y Zuniga Count de Monterrey went in the Catholick King 's Name to yield Obedience to him Upon Ashwednesday being the 31st of March the Great Monarch Philip the 3d of Spain changed this Life for a better He was a most singular Prince for Piety and Vertue and the best beloved of any that has held these Kingdoms His Death was in the 43d Year of his Age and 23d of his Reign King Philp the 4th as soon as he heard of his Father's Death took upon him the Government and began to act with greater Wisdom than could have been expected of his tender years He ordained that all Ministers of State should give in an Estimate of what they were worth when they first came to serve On the 22d of June he opened the Cortes at Madrid being 16 years of Age when he began his Reign as born the Year 1605 upon Good-Friday at Midnight Cardinal Bellarmine died at Rome September the 17th a Person of extraordinary Piety and Learning as appears by his Books against the Hereticks of our times and for the use of all other Persons Of two Galleons that came out of India one arrived safe at Lisbon the other fought 3 days with several Turks and having sunk 7 was himself at last burnt the loss was valued at above 2 Millions besides 600 Souls Other 13 Sail of Infidels being met in the Streights by D. Frederick the Admiral he sunk 9 took 2 and 2 fled The same D. Frederick with only 9 Ships fought 18 Hollanders at the Mouth of the Streights with good Success Upon the 21st of October D. Roderick Calderon was beheaded in the great Market-place of Madrid after he had been 2 years and a half Prisoner at Valladolid Much has been writ about him by the Name of Marquis of 7 Churches and his Wife had the publick Tears of all Persons to comfort her He himself was a rare Example of Patience and Constancy which lifted him above his Fortune Anno 1622. D. John Manrique Viceroy of Oran this Year several times defeated the Moores by which means their Insolency was abated At Rome in February 3 Suns were seen two of which were very small Xongusama Emperor of Japan provoked by the Villanous Insinuations of the Hollanders in hatred to the Catholick Religion caused diligent search to be made after the Preachers thereof and put to Death 125 of them burning alive 11 Dominicans 8 Augustinians 5 Franciscans and 9 Jesuits Osman the Great Turk invaded Poland with a mighty Army but having lost 160000 Turks in eleven several Battels he had with Prince Vladislaus returned with Shame to Constantinople There it being given out that he intended to remove his Court to Grand Caire the Janizaries mutinying put him into the Castle of the 7 Towers where they murdered him and taking out his Uncle Mustapha who was kept Prisoner there proclaimed him Emperor Anno 1623. Pope Gregory the 15th departed this Life at Rome July the 8th and on the 6th of August Cardinal Barberino was chosen in his Place and took the Name of Vrban the 8th This Year also died D. Peter de Castro y Quin̄ones Archbishop of Sevil at the Age of 102 years Charles Prince of Wales Son to King James of England set out of London in a Disguise and at Paris whither he went Post saw the King and Queen at Dinner without being known Thence he departed and came to Madrid by the Post March the 17th taking up his Lodging at the English Embassador's who gave notice of his Arrival to Count Gondamar and he to the Duke de Olivares That Afternoon the Marquis of Buckingham went to visit him and gave him the reason of the Prince's coming to Spain The King caused him to remove to S. Hierom from whence he conducted him to the Court giving him the right-hand He was entertained with all the Majesty and Grandeur imaginable The Business he came about which was to marry the Princess Mary was canvassed but he proposing among other Articles the restoring of the Elector Palatin whom the Emperor had expelled for his Rebellion the Treaty was broke off and he returned to England dissatisfied but without reason The King of Persia with the assistance of the English took the City Ormuz a most important Place in the Gulph of Persia being the great Mart of Europe Asia and Africk D. James Pimentel General of the Gallies of Naples near Sardinia discovered 6 Sail of Turks whom he fought and took but with the loss of his Life having received a Musket-shot of which he died the 4th of October Mustapha the new Sultan being judged incapable to govern so great an Empire the Janazaries deposed him and set up in his Place Amurat Brother to Osman whom they had before murdered Anno 1624. This Year the Kingdoms of Grand Cathay and Tibet were discovered They lye beyond India bordering upon China on the North-side and are very large delightful and plentiful Countries The People abhor the Mahometans and scoff at the Pagans They have particular Ceremonies of their own and many Priests whom they call Lambas some
in the List of those that were to be slain she conspired with the Eunuch Narcissus and they gave him a dose of Poison but finding it did not Work fast enough they stifled him He lived but Thirty Two Years whereof he Reign'd Twelve Eight Months and Fifteen day It is reported he kept Three hundred Concubines and a like number of the Beautifulest Youths that could be found to satisfy his beastly Lust Some Authors say it was at this time that the holy Martyrs Facundus and Primitivus suffered at the Banks of Cea a River that runs down from the Mountains of Asturias into Old Castile Here the Christians built a Church in honour of them In the time of the Moores they were remov'd into Asturias and thence returned to the same place and a Monastery of Benedictine Monks built there near that of Sahagun and is one of the chiefest places of Devotion in Spain CHAP. IV. The Reigns of the Emperors Pertinax Severus Caracalla Macrinus Heliogabalus Alexander Severus Maximinus Gordianus Philip Decius Trebonianus Gallus and Aemilianus THE Emperor Commodus was killed in the Year 193. Helvius Pertinax born of a Libertine or which is all one descended from Slaves succeeded him and ruled only two Months and Twenty eight days The Murderers of Commodus procur'd him the Crown for his approved goodness and the Pretorian Soldiers deprived him of it and his Life within his own Palace No sooner was Pertinax Murdered but Sulpicianus and Didius Julianus repaired to the Pretorian bands like Merchants to buy the Empire as if it had been exposed to sale Julianus carryed it by promising each Soldier Twenty five Sestercies which amounts to 625 Crowns an extravagant sum and not being able afterwards to pay it the Souldiers forsook him and he was killed by the contrivance of Septimius Severus Six Months after he undertook the Government For this good service Severus was declared Emperor by the Legions of Sclavonia He was born at Leptis or Tripoli in Barbary punished the Pretorian bands for the Murder of Pertinax by disarming and banishing them a Hundred Miles from Rome vanquished Pescennius Niger who called himself Emperor in the East destroyed the City Bizantium because it shut the Gates against him defeated Albinus that was revolted in France then passed over into Great Britain appeased the Commotions that were raised there resolved to build a Wall betwixt England and Scotland to curb the incursions of the Scots but was cut off by Death which seized him in the City of York when he had Reign'd Seventeen Years and Eight Months and three days In the Ninth Year of his Reign he raised a persecution against the Christians in which much blood was spilt Severus left two Sons by two Wives Aurelius Antoninus Caracalla the Eldest at his first coming to the Crown slew his Brother Gela by the Father's will appointed his Companion in the Empire This bloody Action made him odious to the People and he increased their hatred by Marrying Julia Geta's Mother and as some will have it his own He stopped not here but put to Death all that were any ways inclined to his Brother But his Barbarities could not be lasting for he was stabbed by one Marcialis a Soldier as he sate easing his Body when he had Reigned Six Years Two Months and five days Opilius Macrinus Commander of the Pretorian bands by the free consent of Audentius a Noble Man whom the Soldiers would have preferred was declared Emperor He did nothing of note and his time was so short he can scare be counted in the Number of Emperors Mesa the Sister of Julia prevailed with the Soldiers to kill him at Chaleedon together with his Son Diadumenus on the 7th of June 219. His power lasted but Three Months and Twenty Eight Days Aurelius Antoninus Varius who was Priest of the Sun in Phaenicia as is signifyed by the name Heliogabalus and for the Beauty of his Person and gracefulness which seemed to be the Tokens of a fair Soul and above all by the help of his Mother Mesa was by the unanimous consent of the Soldiers saluted Emperor His Life and manners were vicious beyond measure so wholly addicted to Lust that he acted and suffered things not to be named and raved to that excess of brutality that he endeavoured to change his Sex to the shame and disgrace of the Roman Empire and of all Mankind The World could not endure such a Monster his own Guards killed him on the Tenth of March in the Year of our Lord 223 the Eighteenth of his Age and when he had Reign'd Three Years nine Months and four days Alexander Severus Cousin-german to Heliogabalus succeeded him in the Empire his Virtues equalled the Vices of the other and he had proved one of the most glorious Emperors had he not been cut off by Death He was so far a favourer of Christians as to cause the Image of Christ to be placed among those of his other Gods he overcame the Parthians and then waging War in Germany was basely Murdered by Maximinus in the Twenty Ninth Year of his Age when he had Reigned Thirteen Years and nine days equal to the best for Justice Clemency Prudence and Meekness There is no Memory of any thing remarkable that happen'd in Spain in the days of these Emperors At Guadix is the Pedestal of a Statue erected in honour of Mammea the Mother of Alexander the Emperor the inscription of it is as follows To Julia Mammea Augusta Mother to the Emperor Caesar Marcus Aurelius Severus Alexander pious happy Augustus Mother of the Army the Colony Julia Gemina Accitana devoted to her Deity and Majesty This Lady is supposed to have been a Christian at least she was Familiarly acquainted with Origen About this time Pope Anterus who then governed the See of Rome writ a Letter to the Bishops of Andaluzia and Kingdom of Toledo in which among other things he tells them that Bishops cannot lawfully be Translated from one See to another for their own ease or advantage Julius Maximinus born in Thracia of base Parentage remarkable for his extraordinary Stature of Body Strength and Swiftness passed thro' all the Degrees from a private Soldier till by force he possessed himself of the Empire after the Death of Alexander Severus in the Year of Grace 239. After quieting the Revolted Germans he prepared to make War upon Samartia now Poland when News was brought him to the City Sirmo that the Soldiers in Africk had saluted Gordianus the Governour of that Province Emperor and the Senate approved of their choice Inflamed with the desire of Revenge he marched towards Rome but stopp'd at Aquileia that City having shut the Gates against him Here he was inform'd that Gordianus and his Son of the same Name had been killed in Africk and that the Senate had in his stead chosen Balbinus and Pupienus Great was the danger that threatned had not the
hap'ned that during the Ingagement one of the Rebels cryed out Great Numbers of French and Germans will soon come to our Aid and cut you all to Pieces The King with the rest of the Army was not far off therefore Advice was given him of what that Soldier had said and he sent 10000 Men under the Command of Wandemirus to reinforce the others These were so eager to ingage that Marching all Night they reached the Town by break of Day before the Assault began At the sight of such a Multitude Paul was dismayed yet endeavoured to hide it and putting the best Countenance upon it he incouraged his Men. The Assault was given and lasted most part of the Day till the besieged being quite spent with Labour and over-powered gave way and suffered the King's Men to come up to the Wall Then some fired the Gates others with Crows and other Instruments beat down the Works Having made a breach they entred the Town killing and destroying all that stood in their way The Citizens and French Soldiers fancying that the Spaniards who were in the Town in hopes of obtaining their Pardon had let in the Enemy in a rage fell upon and slew a great Number of them and among the rest one of Paul's Servants by his own side It was a miserable sight to behold the Rebels attacked on all sides and put to the Sword by their own party as well as by the Enemy and all the Streets strewed with dead Bodies and running down with Blood Paul himself seeing all lost confessed he had erred in every thing he had undertaken and taking off his Royal Helmet retired with his Family and Guards to the Theater which being very strong he hoped tho' it could not be maintained he might there obtain Conditions Some observed that Paul stript himself of the Ensigns of Royalty on the same day Twelve-Months on which Wamba had ascended the Throne which was the first of September The King's Army was possessed of all the City except the Theater and another small part and therefore lay still that and the following day reserving the honour of ending the War to the King and perhaps in hopes he would pardon the Offenders they being all of one Nation and some of their Kindred To this purpose they made choice of Argebaudus Bishop of Narbonne to send to the King who coming to his Presence about four Miles from the Town alighted off his Horse and kneeling with Tears in his Eyes begged for the Rebels The King who was no less merciful than brave promised a General Pardon to all except the heads of whom alone he designed to make an example But Argebaudus still pressing that there might be no exceptions Wamba with an angry Countenance bid him be satisfyed with what was granted and think all was favour that extended not to the Lives of the least Offenders CHAP. VI. Wamba returns into Spain Punishes the Heads of the Rebels His publick Works Eleventh Council of Toledo A great Fleet of Sarazens Destroyed Wamba deposed Ervigius Vsurps the Crown THE King Marched to the City with the strength of his Army At his Arrival all that held out before submitted and Paul delivered up the Theater where were with him Gumildus the Bishop and other Heads of the Conspirators who were all secured and Paul himself led by the Hair of the Head betwixt two Officers to the King's Presence All the Criminals cast themselves at the King's Feet who giving Thanks to Almighty God gave them their lives yet so that they should remain in Custody till he determined what should be done with them Some French and Saxons that were found in the Town part as Hostages and others who came to serve were well Treated and sent home This was the end of those great Commotions which threatened destruction to the Dominions of the Goths Many thought this a Judgment of God upon those People for Robbing the Churches and Wamba after making a strict Search caused all that could be found to be restored He ordered the City Walls to be repaired the dead Bodies to be Bury'd which took up three Days Then the Rebels were brought into the King's Presence and Sentence passed upon them After the King had set his Foot upon their Necks and other Formalities Paul and all his Adherents were Condemned to Death and to forfeit their Estates yet in case the King should Pardon their Lives at least they should have their Eyes put out The Hair was a Mark of Nobility therefore Wamba to be thought merciful was content only to have their Heads Shorn Now news was brought that Chilperick the second King of France drew near with his Army in Battalia Wamba having taking the Field and waited four days thought he had done enough as unwilling to break into the Territories of France and make himself the Aggressor and therefore resolved to return into Spain At the same time he was informed that Lupus a French General wasted and destroyed all the Country of Beziers He moved towards him but the Frenchman thinking himself too weak to withstand retired to the Neighbouring Mountains leaving all the Baggage behind so that it looked more like flight than a Retreat With this and the other Booty got in France the King's Army was enriched and returned to Narbonne whence the greatest part was dispersed into the Neighbouring Garrisons in France Others at Canaba a Town in the Country of Narbonne had leave given them to return home and enjoy the Fruits of their Labours A great number stayed with the King who from thence returned into Spain At Toledo he was received in manner of a Triumph as was due for having performed such great Actions in only six Months which was the time since he set out from that City The order of it was thus In the first place went the Rebels upon Camels their heads and beards shorn barefooted and ill Cloathed Paul in derision had on his Head a Crown of black Leather Then followed the Soldiers in their best attire Last of all came the King whose venerable Gray hairs and the Memory of his exploits added to the Majesty of his Countenance and Person All the City went out to meet him withloud Acclamations wishing him long Life and Prosperity To conclude the Criminals were confined to perpetual Imprisonment Thus Spain by the Valour of Wamba began to flourish with a lasting Peace at Home and recover'd its ancient Honour Abroad Next the King apply'd himself to Adorn and Beautifie his Kingdom In particular he enlarged the City Toledo and for its security raised a new Wall with Towers Parapets and Battlements reaching from one Bridge to the other along the Suburb of St. Isidorus Three parts in four of Toledo are encompassed by the River Tagus which coup'd up betwixt high Banks runs in very narrow Chanels among the Rocks The other part which is upon a high and steep Ascent was enclosed by an ancient Roman Wall not so large
that had done the Monothelites and Apollinarians who ascrib'd to Christ but one Will this Council they counted the 5th and placed it next to that of Chalcedon for it was a common Error thro' Spain Africk and Illyricum not to admit of the 5th General Council held in the time of the Emperor Justinian Ervigius notwithstanding all the means he had used to secure himself and please the People was much perplexed fearing their Hatred did not abate and might in time light upon his Children To prevent any such Disaster he Marry'd his Daughter Cixilona to a powerful Man of Wamba's Family called Egica making him swear he would Protect and Defend his Mother and Brothers-in-law After this having Repealed some of Wamba's Laws too severe for that corrupt Age and particularly that relating to Soldiers he dy'd at Toledo upon Friday the 15th of November 687. having Reign'd 7 Years and 25 Days In this King's Reign there hap'ned a great Famine in Spain and the Bridge and Walls of Merida were Repair'd with great Magnificence Ervigius the Day before he dy'd nam'd his Son-in-law Egica to succeed him and that the Nobility might without any scruple swear Allegiance to him he absolv'd them from the Oath they had taken to him The Ceremony of Anointing was performed 9 Days after at Toledo in the Church of St. Peter and Paul This King soon made it appear that the memory of Injuries is more lasting than that of Benefits for at the very beginning of his Reign in hatred to his Father-in-law he put away his Wife Cixilona notwithstanding he had by her a Son called Witiza Some are of Opinion he did it by persuasion of Wamba who under the Cloak of Religion concealed his hatred to Ervigius to the end of his Life Besides he punished some of the Nobles who had a hand in the Deposing of Wamba This is what some blame in Egica for the rest he was not inferior to the best Kings in Justice Piety Meekness and Prudence in Governing He Convened the 15th Council of Toledo at which were present 66 Bishops who held their first Session on the 15th of May 688. One of the principal Points decided in this Council was that the Oath Egica and the Nobility had taken to protect the Widow and Children of Ervigius did not extend to maintain 'em in the Possession of what they had wrongfully taken from others Here also Julian the Archbishop composed a new Apology in Vindication of that sent by the last Council to Pope Benedict in which he found fault that they had said the Will proceeded from the Will and the Wisdom from the Wisdom Pope Benedict was dead when this second Apology came to Rome and Sergius his Successor approved and highly commended it This Julian is reckoned in the number of Saints The faults of his Successor made him the more admired Sisbertus was the Man who after presuming to put on the Vestment which was brought to St. Ildefonsus from Heaven ran from one Crime to another till he raised a Rebellion against the King and as is believed stirred up Strangers to Invade the Country Three Battles were fought with the Franks in all which the Goths were defeated yet we have no Particulars of any of these Actions The King by his Prudence quell'd the Rebellion in its first rise Sisbertus the Causer of all these Mischiefs was first Banished by the King afterwards he was Deposed and Excommunicated by the Bishops who to the number of 66 Celebrated the 16th Council of Toledo 693. Here was made a Confession of Faith which expresses that in God the Will proceeds from the Will the Wisdom from the Wisdom the Essence from the Essence and that Christ our Lord descended into Hell Such Jews as should sincerely embrace Christianity were declared Noble and free from all Taxes The Laws of the Goths were Corrected and it was Ordained that Prayers should be daily offered for the Health of the King his Children and Grandchildren which Custom still continues in Spain in the Mass only some few Words altered The following Year on the 7th of November was Celebrated the last Council of Toledo The number of Bishops is not know but very few came from Gallia Gothica as well because the Plague raged there as for that the Country was infested by the neighbouring French The Bishops in order to root out the Jews who it was said had held Correspondence with the Moors in Africk inviting them over into Spain Condemned them all to be Slaves all their Goods confiscate and their Children ordered to be taken from them at 7 Years of Age and bred Christians A Law was also made to protect the Queen Cixilona and her Children after the King's Death notwithstanding as was said he was Divorced from her Three Years before this in a Council held at Zaragoça it was Enacted in general that every Queen after the Death of her Husband should become a Nun that so none might offend her Egica having Reign'd alone 10 Years made his Son Witiza whom he had by the Queen Cixilona his Companion in the Throne as appears by the Coin of those times on which are the Names of both those Princes Near the City Tuy in a pleasant Valley adorned with Springs and Trees are to be seen to this Day old Walls the Ruins of a House built by Witiza to divert himself whilst he Resided in that City for his Father to prevent Tumults and Disorders sent him to Galicia where the Kingdom of the Suevians had been Egica dy'd at Toledo 5 Years after which was the Year of our Lord 701. about the Month of November His Son coming from Galicia was Proclaimed King without any opposition and Anointed according to the Custom of the Goths on the 15th of the same Month of November CHAP. VIII The Reign of King Witiza Roderick ascends the Throne ravishes Count Julian 's Daughter and breaks open an old Castle at Toledo said to be Inchanted WItiza's Reign was Disorderly and Infamous in all respects but particularly noted for Cruelty Impiety and Contempt of the Church True it is at first he gave hopes he would prove a good Prince and protect the Innocent for he recalled those who had been Banished by his Father and restored all their Estates Besides he caused all the Records to be burnt that there might remain no memory of the Crimes that had been falsely charged upon them These were good beginnings had they been follow'd but it is hard to curb extravagant Youth and great Power His first false step was giving Ear to Flatterers at whose Instigation he fell into all manner of Lewdness a thing natural to him but which he had concealed for fear of his Father He kept a great number of Concubines with the same State as if they had been Queens and the better to colour this Impiety committed a greater giving leave to all Men to do the like and particularly to
great compass with the Light-Horse and before he could be discovered fell upon the Enemy in the rear which put them all into Confusion This Fortunate Battle was fought in the Year of our Lord 734. one and twenty after the destruction of Spain Abdelmelich succeeded Abderhaman and Governed the Moors in Spain and its dependencies the space of four Years without being remarkable for any thing but his Cruelty and Avarice He had Orders to invade France but was forced to turn back after losing many Men in attempting to pass the Pyrenean Mountains At the same time which was in the Year of our Lord 737. Pelayus the first King of Spain after its Desolation being of a great Age and renowned for his Exploits departed this Life at Cangas His Body was Buryed in the Church of Saint Eulalia Velaniensis which he himself had founded in the Country of Cangas There also his Wife Queen Gaudiosa was interred His Son Favila by Consent of all the People succeeded him and Reigned two Years being more famed for his Unfortunate Death and dissolute Life than for any good Actions he performed For notwithstanding the mighty War he had in hand and that his Kingdom was still tottering as subsisting rather by the Confusion of the times than the strength of the Christians yet he apply'd himself not to the cares of the Government but was wholly devoted to his Pleasures neglecting the Publick good Particularly he was addicted to Hunting and at this Sport pursuing a Bear was killed by it inglorious both in his Life and Death His Body was interred in the Church of the Holy Cross built by himself in the Territory of Cangas in which formerly was to be seen the Tomb of his Wife Froleud About this time one Julian a Grecian and Deacon Learned in the Greek and Latin Tongues wrote the Antiquities of Spain and Actions of Pelayus at Toledo Vrban Bishop of Toledo Evancius Archdeacon of the same Church and Fredoarius Bishop of Guadix Men of singular Sanctity and Learning flourishing in those Days of darkness and ignorance John Archbishop of Sevil was their Contemporary he Translated the Bible into Arabick for the good of the Christians and Moors because Latin was then little used some Copies of that Translation are to be seen to this Day in Spain CHAP. III. The Reign of D. Alonso the Catholick His Conquests and Death Several Moorish Governours in Spain Affairs of the Mahometans both in Spain and Africk FAvila dying without Issue D. Alonso and Ormisinda his Wife as Pelayus had ordained in his Will were Proclaimed King and Queen with great Satisfaction of the People and to the great good of the Kingdom D. Alonso was equally qualified in the Arts of Peace and War of a wonderful Constancy in Adversity fortunate in all his Undertakings and so very Religious that on that account the Title of Catholick was given to him as had been before to King Recaredus by the Third Council of Toledo when renouncing the Heresie of Arius he was reconciled to the Church This Title was afterwards laid aside till Pope Alexander the sixth bestowed it on Ferdinand of Aragon King of Spain to be perpetuated in his Successors Spain at that time enjoyed the Fruits of Peace Africk and France were consumed with Civil Wars Charles Martel upon the Death of Eudo seized all his Dominions in France Eudo's three Sons Aznar Hunnoldus and Vayferus sought to maintain their right by Arms. Aznar in that part of Spain which lies near Navarre took from the Moors the City Jaca with many other Towns and Castles and became the Founder of the Kingdom of Aragon a name taken from the River Aragon which runs through that Country and together with the River Ega falls into Ebro Hunnoldus and Vayferus did great harm and spread their terror throughout France The Moors desiring Revenge for their late Overthrow and being invited by Maurice Earl of Marseilles and Hunnoldus and Vayferus renewed the War in France At this time Aucupa Governed Spain at his first coming he put Abdelmelich upon his Tryal and pretending he could not clear himself laid him in Prison Aucupa was of Noble Extraction and so Zealous in his Superstition that he punished no Crimes so severely as those that related to it Having agreed with Maurice Earl of Marseilles and the Sons of Eudo with their assistance and his own Forces he pierced so far into France as to take Avignon a noble City upon the River Rhosne burning and pillaging all the Country about All this hap'ned five Years after the famous Battle of Tours that is in the Year 739. which was the first of the Reign of D. Alonso But the Valour of Martel relieved France for he drove the Enemy over the Pyrenean Hills and took Avignon and Narbonne so that nothing was left either the Goths or Moors in all France In Africk the War continued more obstinate for Belgius Abenbexius a famous Commander among the Moors Rebelled against the Emperor Ischam Several Battles were fought for the most part with Success to the Rebels whereupon Belgius resolved to pass over into Spain Abdelmelich was then again possessed of the Government for Aucupa dying ordered he should be taken out of Prison and restored to his Command This was his Ruin for Abderhaman sent before by Belgius with a great Army took him in Cordova and put him to Death with all manner of Torments in the Year of our Lord 743. The same Year dy'd the Emperor Ischam and Alulit the Son of Izit succeeded in the Empire as had been agreed We must not run too far into the Affairs of Africk Alulit at his Accession to the Crown sent Albuelcatar a Noble and Wise Man to Govern Spain who by his good Management and sending the Mutinous to the War in Africk appeased the Tumults in Spain Soon after he was killed by the contrivance of Zimael and Roba Zimael's Companion and the head Conspirator took upon him the Government and Usurp'd the Crown of Spain without any opposition for the Emperor Alulit dy'd in the second Year of his Reign which was of our Lord 744. Ibrahim his Brother succeeded him and was no longer liv'd nor fortunate for Matoan tho' his Kinsman and of the most Noble Family of the Humeyas killed him in his Palace the second Year of his Reign and made himself absolute Lord of all In this Emperor's time Roba being killed in a Battle Toba Governed Spain and he also dying within a Year Juseph a Man of great Parts was sent out of Africk to succeed both Tho' of a great Age he was much addicted to Women but made some amends for this Fault by his great Valour and the fame of his Exploits Whilst he Governed Spain Abdalla of the Noble Family of the Alavecines killed Matoan in Africk in the Year 750 Usurp'd the Crown and the better to secure himself destroyed most of the Family of the Humeyas
himself King of Pamplona Najara and Alava He increased his Dominions by the addition of the Lordship of Biscay and City of Najara the chief of that Principality His Piety and Liberality appears by the Lands he gave to the Monastery of S. Salvadot de Leyte S. Millan de Najara S. John de la Pen̄a His Wife was Da. Vrraca by whom he had D. Garci Sanchez called the Trembler because he used to quake at the beginning of a Battle for which defect he made amends by his great Courage and Conduct when heated in fight Thro' the neglect of the Historians of that Age nothing else of note appears in the Life of D. Sancho In Galicia there broke out new Commotions that Country being full of Factions at a very unseasonable time when they had enough to do against the Moors The cause of these Tumults is not known but it appears they were soon appeased by the King 's good Management Some of the Mutiniers were Executed others Banished to that part of Portugal which was under the King upon the Frontiers of the Moors That Province was govern'd by an Earl called Gonzalo a Man of wicked Principles who in defence of those Banished Persons they being of his Faction Rebelled and broke in as far as the River Duero There not confiding in his strength he had recourse to Fraud and with much entreaty obtain'd pardon He had formerly been in great Esteem and Favour with the King and was now restored to the same Honour whereby he found means to give the King a poisoned Apple As soon as he had eaten it the violence of the Poison spred it self thro' all his Veins and seized the Vitals he ordered himself to be carried to Leon tho' given over by the Physicians but dy'd before he could reach the City the third day after he was Poisoned in the 967. having Reign'd 12 Years His Body was bury'd in the Church of St. Saviour at Leon. CHAP. V. The Reign of Ramiro the Third King of Leon. Death of Earl Fernan Gonzalez Normans infest the Coasts of Spain Divisions among the Moors Rebellion against the King of Leon and his Death IT is a thing beyond all dispute that King Sancho was Marry'd to Da. Teresa and that D. Ramiro was but 5 Years old when his Father dy'd He Reign'd 15 Years but by reason of his tender Age the Government was in the hands of his Mother and of Da. Elvira his Aunt whom others call Geloyra both Ladies of singular Prudence and extraordinary Qualities yet because the King was little and they Women there hap'ned many Broils Sisnandus the Successor of Ermenegildus Bishop of Compostella and Son to the Earl Menendus was Deposed and Imprisoned by King Sancho for that he lived a dissolute Life and spent the Revenue of the Church profusely and in his stead was chosen Rodesindus who was first Bishop and after a Monk of the Order of S. Benedict in the Monastery of Celanova he was besides of the Blood Royal as Son to the Earl Gutierre Arias and his Wife Aldara Sisnandus upon the Death of the King being set at liberty took possession of the Bishoprick of Compostella forcing Rodesindus for fear of Death to resign and return to his Monastery where he spent the rest of his Life well pleased to be rid of that charge There was Peace betwixt the Kingdoms of Leon and Cordova for Alhaca King of Cordova to gain the good will of the new King sent him the Body of the Martyr Pelayus which was laid in the Monastery built at Leon by King Sancho who desired to Enrich it with those Reliques This Monastery was formerly called of S. John Baptist afterwards of St. Pelagius or Pelayus now of St. Isidorus The cause of changing the Names was the Translation of the Bodies of those Saints at several times The Peace was now disturbed at the persuasion of that D. Vela who we said above fled to Cordova and at his instigation the Moors inclined to make War upon Castile to revenge the great losses they had sustained by means of that Earl King Alhaca tho' of himself more addicted to Peace than War yet overcome by the importunity of his People he gathered a Powerful Army and breaking into Castile possessed himself of Sepulveda Gormaz Simancas and Duen̄as Encouraged with this Success he broke the Peace that was between him and the King of Leon and invading his Dominions took Zamora and levelled it with the Ground The great Grief the Earl Fernan Gonzalez conceived for these Losses was the cause of his Death which hap'ned the ensuing Year 968. He dy'd at Burgos and was bury'd near the River Arlança in the Monastery of S. Peter near the High Altar where are to be seen his and his Wife's Tombs with inscriptions declaring whose they are His Funeral was no less remarkable for the Tears of the People lamenting the loss of so good a Prince by whose Valour the Christian cause had been so long supported than for the Grandeur and Magnificence of the Ceremony By two Wives he had these Sons D. Gonzalo D. Sancho D. Garci Fernandez others add Peter and Baldwin He had also one Daughter called Da. Vrraca of whom we have spoken before Garci Fernandez succeeded his Father either because the others were dead or if alive he was preferred before them for his good Inclinations and the early hopes he gave of his future Vertues which soon increased and grew to a mighty head At the same time the Normans Inhabiting that part of France formerly called Neustria now Normandy who some Years before were Converted to the Christian Faith by Herveus Bishop of Rheims being accustomed to Rob upon the Coast of Spain gathered a numerous Fleet and wasted all the Coast of Galicia burnt Villages Castles and Towns took the Men and carried away all that was in their way This Plague lasted 2 Years The King by reason of his tender Years could not defend his People Sisnandus Bishop of Compostella a Man fitter to be a Souldier than a Prelate gathering a number of the Natives and charging the Enemy near a Town call'd Fornellas was kill'd with a Dart on the 20th of March 979. What was commendable in him is that he indeavour'd to Wall the Town of Compostella that so holy a place might not be expos'd to the insolency of the Enemy The Earl Garci Sanchez being chosen to Command on that side behaved himself better for surprizing the Normans near the Sea as they marched loaded with plunder and out of order he made a great slaughter of them This Captain Gunderedus was killed the Booty and Prisoners recovered and of their Ships not one escaped being taken or burnt Thus Spain after long suffering by those Cruel and Barbarous People was at length delivered from that Calamity by so total an overthrow of them as they had scarce received the like in any other Country Let us now see what was doing among the Infidels
desperately not so much for any hopes of Victory as to revenge their own Deaths They were all killed and with them their Tutor Salido the Heads being sent to Cordova afforded a pleasant Spectacle to the King but a sad one to their Father to whom tho' wounded and disfigured they were shown This misfortune moving the King to Compassion he freely dismiss'd Gonzalo Gustio Mudarra begoten on the King's Sister being 14 Years of Age was by her sent to his Father and afterwards revenged the Death of his Brothers killing Ruy Velasquez Da. Lumbra his Wife the cause of all these mischiefs was stoned to Death and burnt Mudarra by revenging his Brothers gained the Love of his Mother-in-Law and all the Family to that degree that he inherited his Fathers Estate Besides Da. Sancha adopted him after this strange yet remarkable Manner The same day he was Baptized and Knighted by the Earl Garci Sanchez his Mother-in-Law resolving to adopt him put over him the Sleeve of a very large Smock and his Head coming out at the top of it she Kissed him and thus he was received into the Family and looked upon as her Son Ordon̄o was Son of Mudarra his Grandson was James Ordon̄ez de Lara he that fought the Sons of Arias Gonzala who defended their Country from the infamy of having killed King Sancho slain by Vellido Dolphos as shall be related in its place This James Ordon̄ez was Father to Earl Peter well known for the Love Queen Vrraca showed him and Grandfather to Amalaricus de Lara Lord of Molina from whom is descended the Family of Manriquez and even that of the Kings of Portugal by the Mother's side for Mafalda Daughter of Amalaricus was Marryed to D. Alonso the first of the name and first King of Portugal tho' some will have it that Mafalda was of the House of Savoy But more shall be said of this hereafter The Tomb of Mudarra is to be seen in the Cloister of the Monastery of S. Peter de Arlanza That Monastery and the other of S. Millan de la Cogulla are at Variance about which of them has the seven Brothers Spain was now at Peace after so many Combustions and there rather wanted the Power than the will to raise new ones This quiet lasted till the 7th Year after the Death of the seven Brothers which was the Year of our Lord 993. when the Moors wasted the Country of Portugal and breaking a new into Galicia again took and burnt the City Compostella Nor had they spared the Apostles Sepulcher but that a sudden Light which appeared over it terrifyed them The Bells as a Trophy of their Victory they caused to be carryed on the Backs of Christians to Cordova where for many Years they served instead of Lamps in the Mosque Divine Vengeance pursued them many dyed of the Flux many of the Plague and many at the hands of the Christians the King keeping close in their rear and doing them great harm Few returned home One of them was Mahomet the General This same Year dyed D. Garcia King of Navarre his Son Garci Sanchez called the Trembler as was said before succeeded him He Reigned 7 Years was very Famous for many Victories obtained Liberal or rather Prodigal which drained his Treasures and obliged him to lay new Taxes In the Monastery of S. Millan̄ there are Grants of this King let every one judge what credit is to be given to them In them 't is specified that he had a Brother called Gonzalo and that he with his Mother Vrraca had the Kingdom of Aragon which if true either that Dominion lasted not long or he dying without Issue it fell again to his Brother King Bermudo joyful with his success against the Moors began to consider that if the Forces of the Christians were united it were easie to gain upon the Infidels and keep them under Hereupon he sent Embassadors to the King of Navarre and Earl of Castile to invite them laying aside all Animosities to enter into a League with him for the common Good Those Princes readily agreed to such advantageous Proposals and a powerful Army was formed of the three Nations The King of Navarre came not in Person being as is supposed busie in setling his new acquired Kingdom King Bermudo tho' Sick of the Gout was carried in a Litter and with the Earl of Castile moved towards the Moors of whom they were informed that having raised new Forces and plunder'd great part of Galicia they now marched towards Castile Near a Town called Calacanaçor on the Frontiers of Castile and Leon the two Armies met and came to a Battle which was obstinately fought till Night parted them without discerning which side had the better only that the Moors marched away in silence by Night which show'd they had got the worst of it Besides it was more like a Flight than Retreat for they left much of their Baggage in the Camp and for haste droped no less along the way they marched It is said this misfortune went so much to the heart of the Moorish General Mahomet that he dy'd in the Valley of Begalcorax refusing to take any Sustenance in the Year of our Lord 998. This Man managed the Government of the Moors 25 Years for his King who minded nothing but his ease He was a Man of great Courage an Enemy to Idleness and entred the Territories of the Christians 52 several times coming off very often Victorious The same day the Battle was fought at Calacanaçor one in the Habit of a Fisherman was seen at Cordova on the Bank of the River Guadalquivir singing in Arabick and Spanish Metre At Calacanacor Almanzor lost the drum It was believ'd the Devil in Humane Shape proclaimed their Defeat because the People of Cordova endeavouring to lay hold of him he vanished like a Shadow The dead General 's Body was carried to Medinaçeli CHAP. VII The Death of King Bermudo the Gouty and beginning of the Reign of D. Alonso the Fifth King of Leon. Many Troubles among the Moors The Earl of Castile slain by the Infidels AFter the Death of Mahomet his Son Abdelmelic took upon him the Government of that Kingdom the same Year his Father dy'd and continued in that command 6 Years and 8 Months From this time forward the Kingdom of the Moors which had been supported by the Valour of Mahomet began visibly to decline Civil Discord the Bane of all Empires and bad Government were the cause of its decay Abdelmelic who was more inclinable to Peace than War took little notice of the first Eruptions of those Tumults which ought to have been suppressed in their first rise True it is immediately after his Father's Death he entred the Teritories of the Christians spreading a great Terror and threw down to the Ground all that had been built since the City Leon was last destroyed Yet the beginning of this War was more successful to the Moors than the end for
Leon that had been ruined by the Moors and in it erected a Church Dedicated to S. John the Baptist Thither the Bodies of his Father D. Bermudo and the other Kings of Leon were translated which before had been carryed about for fear of the Moors The Monastery of S. Pelagius was also rebuilt in which Da. Constança the King's Sister who had Consecrated her Virginity to God lived long It has been above related how D. Vela studyed and contrived his revenge upon the Earls of Castile for wrongs and injuries he pretended to have received from them D. Sancho the Earl not only pardoned but restored to their Father's Honours three Sons of D. Vela which were Roderick James and Inigo Yet they soon fell to their wonted Treachery and leaving the Earl went over to D. Alonso the King of Leon because there was little hope to be placed in the Moors by reason of their distractions and the change of so many Princes among them D. Alonso received them Friendly and gave them a considerable Estate at the Foot of the Mountains Thus they seemed to be setled and quiet but they only waited an opportunity to make their disloyalty the more Notorious as appeared soon after and we shall shortly show King Alonso desiring to extend his Dominions broke into Lusitania and laid Siege to Viseo It happ'ned he went out without his Armour and approaching too near the Town they threw a Dart at him from the Wall and killed him Upon this misfortune his Army quitted the Siege and the Bishops that went with him to the War Accompanyed the Dead Body to Leon where it was buryed in the Church of St. John which he had built for to fix the Tombs of his Forefathers His Death hap'ned in the Year of Grace 1028. He left one Son called D. Bermudo who succeeded in the Throne and a Daughter Named Da. Sancha In his time flourished in Sanctity of Life the Bishops Froylanus of Leon and Atilanus of Zamora Froylanus was born at Lugo Atilanus at Tarragona both Monks of St. Benedict and taken out of their Monasteries to be prefered to those Bishopricks A Son of D. Ramon called D. Berenguel and Sirnamed Borello from his Grandfather was now Earl of Barcelona and better known for his Idle Life than any Virtuous action Bernard Tallaferre Earl of Besalu made some amends for the neglect of that Prince by Valiantly opposing the Moors He being drowned in the River Rhosne in France his place was supplyed by Wifredus Earl of Cerdagne who so curbed the insolency of the Moors that they ceased making any further incursions into those parts D. Berenguel at his Death left three Sons D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona D. Guillen Earl of Manresa by his Father's Will and D. Sancho a Monk of the Order of St. Benedict D. Bermudo the Third tho' very young when his Father dyed was Crown'd King in the presence of all the Nobility and Clergy in the Year 1028. The same Year dy'd D. Sancho Earl of Castile having govern'd that Province 22 Years In the Monastery of On̄a which as was said he built from the ground are still to be seen Three Tombs on the left hand of the High Altar with Inscriptions one of D. Sancho another of his Wife and the third of D. Garcia his Son who succeeded him in that Earldom His Virtues made all Men conceive early hopes of him but all vanish'd and was blasted in the Bud for he was treacherously kill'd in the very first Year of his Government by those who had least reason so to do and in the midst of his Marriage Solemnity D. Garcia had two Sisters D. Nun̄a and Da Teresa Da Nun̄a was Marry'd to D. Sancho King of Navarre who had by her at this time D. Garcia D. Ferdinand and D. Gonçalo Da Teresa was Wife to D. Bermudo King of Leon and of her was born D. Alonso who dy'd a Child D. Garcia Earl of Castile tho' but 13 Years of Age was Contracted to Da Sancha Sister to King Bermudo by this means to bind their interests the faster together and unite them against the common Enemy The City Leon was the place appointed for Celebrating the Nuptials D. Garcia went with a mighty train of People of note as well his own Subjects as those of the King of Navarre King Sancho himself with his Sons D. Ferdinand and D. Garcia for the greater honour bore him Company with such a Retinue as appear'd like a good Army By the way they took Monçon and some other Towns from the Earl Fernan Gutierrez who despising the new Princes Youth was in Rebellion yet because he submitted without making any considerable opposition he obtain'd Pardon They made but small Journeys by reason of the great number of People D. Garcia desiring to see his Bride left the King of Navarre at Sahagun and he with a small Retinue not suspecting any thing put forward This seemed a good opportunity to the Sons of D. Vela to revenge the wrongs they pretended had been done them by the Earl D. Sancho They were Men of Experience in mischief and subtle and therefore communicated their design to other wicked Persons like themselves Having laid their Plot they went out to meet their Prince who little suspected them kneeling they Kissed his Hand as was usual and showing Tokens of Repentance begged pardon of their Crimes Who could have thought that after obtaining Forgiveness they would not have strove by fresh Services to appear worthy of it On the contrary they hastned to Murder that Innocent Prince He went to hear Mass at the Church of St. Saviour and at the very Church door the Traytors assaulted him with their drawn Swords Roderick the Eldest of the Brothers notwithstanding he was his Godfather gave him the first wound then the others seconded it till he fell down Dead Da. Sancha now a Widow before she was marryed fainted away at this dismal News and as soon as she came to herself ran to the place where imbracing the dead Body she wasted herself in Sighs and Tears The Body was deposited in the Church of S. John and thence afterwards translated to the Monastery of On̄a In both places his Sepulcher is to be seen to this Day This accident changed the whole Face of affairs in Spain D. Sancho the King of Navarre who lay in the Suburbs of Leon in Tents after the manner of a Camp inherited the Earldom of Castile to which he gave the Title of a Kingdom whereby his power began to be terrible to the King of Leon. The Traitors fled and got into Monçon hoping perhaps that Fernan Gutierrez offended at the late Earl and the King of Navarre for the Towns they had taken from him would joyn them But by the industry of King Sancho they were taken and burnt King Bermudo warned by his Father's Death was inclinable to Peace and being made sensible of the inconstancy of human Affairs by the misfortune of the
possessed themselves of the Revenues of several Churches he caused them to be all restored To the Monks of the Monastery of St. Salvador de Leyte he gave the Privilege of choosing the Bishop of Pamplona as appears by his Grant bearing date in the Year 1032. The continual Incursions of the Moors had caused the Seat of the Bishoprick of Pamplona to be removed from that City to the Monastery of Leyte as the securer place being seated on the top of the Pyrenean Mountains Now Peace being established thro' the Valour of King Sancho a Synod was held at Pamplona at the request of Sancho Abbot of Leyte and Bishop of that City in order to restore the See thither For the present it was deferred but agreed to in the time of his Successor D. Peter de Roda. In his last days the King caused the City Palentia to be Rebuilt The occasion that moved him it to as related by some if ever there was any such was in this manner That City during the Wars was totally ruined so that nothing remained but some old Walls and a Church dedicated to S. Antholin Thither the King being a Hunting pursued a wild Boor which took shelter in the very Church by the Altar and the King lifting his Arm to strike in that Holy Place found it became on a sudden numb'd and without motion Whereupon invoking the Saint the use of his Limb was again restored and the King as an acknowledgement of the relief received caused the Town and Church to be rebuilt making it an Episcopal See Methinks I am writing Fables or Romances but many of this nature are recounted in the Chronicles of Spain which I will neither Condemn nor approve of let the Reader judge of them as he shall think most agreeable to reason Let us conclude with this King who by his great Actions both in Peace and War gain'd to himself immortal Renown and large Dominions to his Posterity His Life was glorious but his Death unfortunate for on the way to Oviedo whither he was going to visit the Bodies of the Saints that make that place famous he was treacherously murdered by Assassines that way-laid him Who the Contrivers of that base Action were is not known nor perhaps was it then It is suspected some one of the Princes that envy'd his greatness was the cause of taking him off His Body was Buryed at Oviedo with Royal Solemnity Some Years after his Son D. Ferdinand King of Castile caused him to be translated to Leon and Interr'd in the Church of S. Isidorus where upon his Sepulcher is this Inscription Here lieth Sancho King of the Pyrenean Mountains and of Toulouse a Catholick Prince that stood by the Church He was killed on the 18th of October 1035. To his Children he left great cause of Debates and much unhappiness to his Kingdoms by dividing them as he did without any occasion Commonly the Subjects pay for the Sins and Extravagancies of their Princes THE History of SPAIN The Ninth BOOK CHAP. I. The Posture of Affairs in Spain Actions of D. Berenguel Earl of Barcelona Kingdoms of the Moors Wars betwixt the Kings of Castile and Leon. Ferdinand Crowned King of Leon. THE mighty Wars that hap'ned in Spain the great Calamities and Desolation thereof and the irreconcilable Enmities betwixt near Relations and even Brothers may be a sufficient warning to Sovereigns not to divide their Dominions especially when their Limits are but narrow It is a certain Maxim that Sovereignty admits of no Fellowship and Ambition is not curbed by any ties tho' never so Sacred Hence may be inferred how much King 's err who misled by Fatherly Affection rend their Kingdoms to raise many Monarchies to their Children D. Sancho King of Castile and Navarre whose Life was related in the last Book has left us an example of that fatal Policy The Christian Dominions then well extended in Spain were for the most part reduced under one head as if Heaven had purposely contrived it for the Extirpation of the Moors who thro' their own distractions were evidently tending to ruin But this King by dividing his Dominions caused that Opportunity to be lost We now enter upon more variety of matter and consequently shall not be so concise as hitherto Therefore in the first place it will be requisite to lay down the posture the Affairs of Spain were in after the Death of King Sancho He divided his Kingdoms among his Sons in this manner D. Garcia the eldest had Navarre and the Dominion of Biscay with all the Country that lies betwixt the City Najara and Mountains Doca D. Ferdinand the second Son during his Father and Mother's Life was put in possession of Castile the Title of Earl thereof being changed into that of King To D. Gonzalo the youngest of the legitimate Sons was given Sobrarve and Ribagorça with the Castles of Loharri and S. Emeterius D. Ramiro the Bastard Son had the Kingdom of Aragon given him by his Father saving some Castles which were adjudged to his Brother D. Garcia They all Stiled themselves Kings and assumed Regal Honours whence ensued dangerous and bloody Wars Each looking back upon his Father's Grandeur aspir'd to equal it and repined that his Dominions should be confined to such a narrow compass At the same time D. Bermudo Brother-in-law to Ferdinand King of Castile Reigned at Leon. Under the Crown of Leon were comprehended the Provinces of Galicia and Portugal and part of old Castile as far as the River Pisuerga D. Ramon called the old Earl of Barcelona dy'd the same Year as D. Sancho which was of Grace 1035. D. Berenguel Borello his Son succeeded him who tho' little in Body was not inferior in Valour to any of his Ancestors He recovered from the Moors by force of Arms Manresa a place called Prados del Rey Galafre Tarragona Cervera and other neighbouring Towns Besides he subdued several Moors who possessed Lands thereabout and obliged them to pay him Tribute He had two Wives called Ramalduri and Almadi The first brought him two Sons D. Peter and D. Berenguel the second had only D. Ramon Berenguel commonly nick-named Cabeca de Estopa that is Flaxen Head from the colour and softness of his Hair This was the posture of the Affairs of the Christians in Spain The Moors as was said above had as many Kingdoms as capital Cities Nevertheless the Kingdom of Cordova as the ancientest was still the most considerable as to extent of Territory but weak thro' intestine Broils The next was that of Sevil then Toledo Zaragoça Huesca and several other inferior Kings who might easily have been over-run had the Christians been united That Discord which hap'ned betwixt the Princes tho' near Relations and Brothers prevented the Execution of so holy an Undertaking D. Garcia King of Navarre at the time of his Father's death was gone to Rome to visit the Churches of St. Peter and Paul D. Ramiro his Brother thought good
Brother Hiaya Aldirbil much unlike to his Father and Brother He was a Coward and unfit for Government Lewd in his Life and spar'd not the Wives and Daughters of his Subjects whereby he became odious as well to the Moors as Christian Inhabitants of Toledo Upon the death of Hissem D. Alonso was discharged of the Oath he had taken at Toledo to be Friend to the Father and Son Both Moors and Christians weary of the Tyranny of that new Prince solicited King Alonso to free them from that Slavery and possess himself of that City These were the first inducements to undertake the Conquest of that most Noble City the Metropolis of all that Kingdom D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona dy'd in that City and was bury'd in the Cathedral thereof which he had built from the Ground with all suitable Pomp and Grandeur He divided his Dominions betwixt his two Sons D. Berenguel and D. Ramon called Cabeça de Estopa or Flaxen-Head This last according to Mariana the Younger but according to several Testimonies brought in Opposition to him by Peter Mantuanus in his Animadversions on his History the elder Brother Marry'd a Vertuous Lady Daughter to Robert Guiscard a Norman but then very Powerful in Italy as Zurita lib. 1. cap. 1. relates At this time the Normans were possessed of the extreme parts of Italy and Sicily This Lady built two Monasteries one of the Invocation of S. Daniel in the Valley of S. Mary in the Territory of Cabrera the other near Girona where after the death of her Husband she spent the remainder of her Life in much Sanctity Both Monasteries were given to the Nuns of S. Benedict D. Ramon Arnaldo or Berenguel who succeeded his Father in that Earldom was Son to this Lady About the same time Armengaud Earl of Vrgel made War upon the Moors in those Parts and William Jordan Earl of Cerdagne prosecuted the Arian Hereticks who now began again to appear in those parts after having been so long suppressed He Banished them Confiscated their Goods made them Infamous and put the Obstinate to death Thro' the Valour of Armengaud many Towns along the River Segre were taken from the Moors and particularly the City Balaguer the Metropolis of the Earldom of Vrgel Since we have above mentioned the Normans it will not be amiss to add a few Lines in relation to them their Conquests in Italy being parts we shall have much occasion to speak of in this History It has been already said how they being a Northern People possess'd themselves of that part of France before called Neustria and from them Normandy This they did under Rollo their Chief and General The 7th Duke from him was William called the Conqueror for that having defeated and slain Harold he made himself King of England Another Army of Normans went thro' France into Italy which was then divided into several small Principalities and much wasted with intestine Wars Here they first served in the Wars of Lombardy and Tuscany then passing into the Kingdom of Naples where they received Pay of the Prince of Capua and soon after for better Pay went over to him of Salerno who with their assistance obtained the Victory over his Enemy This War being ended thro' the persuasions of Maniacus Governor of Apulia and Calabria for the Grecian Emperor they undertook the Conquests of Sicily then possess'd by the Moors Their success was such that in a short time they drove the Infidels out of the Island then falling at variance with the Greeks expelled them also Thus they laid the Foundations of a mighty Monarchy in Italy and Sicily for at the fame of their success many more resorted to them out of Normandy All that was taken was divided among the Conquerors but the others soon dying all was devolved upon Robert Guiscard and Roger. Robert called himself Duke of Apulia and Calabria Roger was Earl of Sicily Robert by two Wives had these Children Boamundus Roger and one Daughter who if what the Catalonians say be true was Married to D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona as has been above related Roger had a Son also called Roger whâ—â— hanged the Title of Earl for that of King and at last became sole Lord of all that the Normans held both in Italy and Sicily Besides Italy and Greece were Tributary to him This is taken out of Gaufridus the Monk who writ the Actions of the Normans in Italy at the request of the said Earl Roger. But let us leave Italy and return to Spain The Citizens of Toledo ceased not to Sollicite the Christians to undertake the Conquest of that City Exaggerating the Calamities they endured begging relief and protesting if they were not speedily delivered from the Tyranny of their King they must have recourse to other Moors for Assistance King Alonso was perplexed and knew not what to do fearing on the one hand what might be said of him and considering on the other the great advantage of gaining that City Therefore he resolved to put it to the Votes of the Chief Nobility and Persons of most Understanding Opinions as is usual in such cases were various The most bold and daring were for undertaking that War shewing the great advantage that would Accrew to the King and to Christianity in General Others more wary said there could be no reason to attempt such a Conquest it being contrary to Conscience and Honour to break the Peace Established with those Kings where the King had received such Obligations The King having heard all their Opinions at length yielded to the desire he had of Conquering that Noble City and having positively declared his intention to be such the whole Council easily agreed to it and it was unanimously decreed to make War upon the Moors This being resolved the King applyed himself to gather store of Arms Provisions Horses and all other Necessaries He made new Levies and offered rewards to such of the Old Soldiers who were dispersed about the Kingdom as would serve All things were furnished with the more speed because News was brought that the Moors having called the King of Badajoz to their Assistance he was preparing to relieve them Such was their expedition that both Armies arrived together in sight of Toledo but the Moors perceiving King Alonso had a Gallant Army returned without attempting any thing Yet the City could not be taken at that time for that the King of it was well provided against a Siege and the natural strength of the place deterred all Men. The Christians wasted the Country burnt the Corn drove the Cattle and many Prisoners and then returned home This destruction was began in the Year 1079. and continued the next and several Years afters Canales and Olmos two Towns near that City were taken well Garrisoned and thence all the Country continually infested Thus by degrees the City began to be straitned and suffered much want Toledo is for the most part furnished with Provisions brought from
Aragon resigns and his Son-in-Law Raimund Earl of Barcelona assumes the Crown THese Elections brought great troubles upon the Kingdoms of Aragon and Navarre and the more for that D. Garcia was weak and D. Ramiro old The King of Castile pretended to have a better right than either of them as being descended from D. Sancho the Greater of Navarre and he had the greatest Power on which King's ground their chiefest right As for the Military Orders appointed by the late King to inherit no Body took notice of them That he might not seem careless in seeking his advantage the King of Castile entred the Territory of Rioja and recover'd all that his Father-in-law King Alonso of Aragon had taken from him by force at first and afterwards upon Capitulation Then he laid Siege to Victoria in Biscay but could not carry it tho' he had all the Towns about Thus the River Ebro came to part the Dominions of Castile and Navarre Many great Men as well as of the Clergy as Laity follow'd and assisted the King who had no sooner regain'd Rioja and Biscay but he bent his Force against Aragon so effectually that by the Month of December he was possess'd of all that part of the Kingdom which lies on this side Ebro King Ramiro being wholly unprovided and not well assur'd of the Affections of his People retir'd to Sobrarve hoping the natural strength of that Country might protect him till Fortune chang'd or some Composition could be made Oldegarius Archbishop of Taragona went betwixt both Parties labouring to bring them to an Accommodation but his endavours seemed Fruitless neither Competitor contenting himself with part as aspiring to the whole Garcia King of Navarre being resolved to condescend to some Agreement upon safe Conduct given him came to Castile where in a General Assembly or Parliament at which were present King Alonso of Castile Berengaria his Queen Sancha his Sister and Garcia King of Navarre besides a great number of Nobles it was resolved that the King of Castile should take the Title of Emperor Accordingly on Whit-Sunday in the Year 1135. as an Author then living writes and it appears by the Acts of that Assembly he was Crowned in the City of Leon by the Hands of the Archbishop of Toledo the King of Navarre standing on his right Hand and the Bishop of Leon on his Left Our Historians say Pope Innocent II. consented to this Act but it is scarce credible he would do that Affront to the Emperor of the Romans After this the new Emperor was again Crowned at Toledo These two Coronations gave occasion to the dispute there is about the place where that Ceremony was performed An Author then living says he was Crown'd three times in imitation of the German Emperors first at Toledo then at Leon and lastly at Compestella with a Crown of Gold The other Kings of Spain before this assum'd the Title only this preserv'd it and is call'd Alonso the Emperor Besides it is manifest that from his time the City Toledo began to use the Arms it still retains which are An Emperor in his Robes on a Throne the Globe in his left Hand and a naked Sword in his Right The Arms of that City before were first two Stars and after that a Lion rampant Hence also it took the stile of the Imperial City As soon as the new Emperor had taken upon him that Title he nam'd his two Sons Kings Sancho the eldest of Castile and Ferdinand the youngest of Leon. The Nobility and Clergy labour'd to compose the differences above-mention'd No good could be wrought upon Aragon therefore the two Kings of Castile and Navarre had another Conference at Paradilla on the River Ebro Here it was agreed that D. Garcia should possess Navarre and all that part of Aragon that had been Conquered but should do Fealty and Homage to the Crown of Castile for the same and also that both Kings should joyn their Forces against him of Aragon Thus the Argonians and Navarrois were intangled in War till some Bishops interposing they appointed three Arbitrators on each side by whom it was decreed That the Bounds of Navarre and Aragon should be the same they had been in the time of D. Sancho the Greater but that the King of Navarre should hold his Dominions of the Crown of Aragon which was the same thing he had promised to Castile So little did they regard Promises To ratifie this Contract the two Kings met at Pamplona but he of Aragon being inform'd the Navarrois design'd to kill him fled and thus the Breach was made wider than at first D. Ramiro for his great Age and Weakness being grown contemptible to the Commonalty as well as the Nobility in revenge call'd together all the great Men to Huesca upon pretence of Consulting with them about weighty Affairs and there put to Death 15 of the chief of them in the Year 1136. Many things are reported of his Insufficiency scarce credible but there is no doubt he was not fit for such a troublesome Government He himself at length growing weary of so many cares and resolving to ease himself of them having now a Daughter call'd Petronilla declar'd his intention at that meeting at Huesca and admonish'd all there present that their chief study ought to be to establish Friendship with D. Alonso the Emperor without thinking of any revenge against the Navarrois Raymund Earl of Barcelona was the chief Instrument in concerting matters betwixt Castile and Aragon as being Ally'd to both those Princes and having some intimation that he should Marry the Princess Petronilla and be declar'd King of Aragon At Alagon a Town three Leagues above Zaragoça on the River Ebro the two Kings met and agreed that Zaragoça should be restored to the Crown of Aragon Calatayud Alagon and the rest on this side Ebro should remain to Castile King Ramiro's Daughter was given as an Hostage for performance of Articles but they could not agree about her Marrying D. Sancho the Emperor's eldest Son for that she was promised to the Earl of Barcelona So far were both Parties from having any regard to their Alliances made with Navarre that they Articl'd to joyn their Forces against that King He having notice of it and being a Man of great Spirit provided to meet that Storm and durst not only make good his own but endeavour'd to enlarge the narrow bounds of his Dominions He Marry'd Margaret Daughter of Rotron Earl of Perche and had the City Tudela with her in Dower The Records of those times mention that he Reign'd over Pamplona Najara Alava Biscay and Guipuscoa He was supported by the French Luis their King looking upon it as a thing Honourble to protect this new Prince The Armies of Castile and Navarre encamp'd near and Towns of Galur and Cortes but came not to a Battle both sides being unwilling to hazard all for this is more likely than that they forbore in respect
Grace they order'd him to pay a Yearly Acknowledgment to the Popes Eugenius appointed four Pounds of Gold Alexander two Marks Whether the Kings of Portugal then paid it is not known of late Ages that Crown had deem'd it self free from any such Imposition THE History of SPAIN The Eleventh BOOK CHAP. I. The coming into Spain of the Moors called Almohades The Death of D. Garcia King of Navarre by a fall from his Horse his Son Sancho succeeds him King Alonso and his Daughter both Marry'd Many Places taken from the Moors LET us being this Book with another Invasion of Spain made by the cruel and barbarous Family of the Almohades who about this time erected to themselves a new Kingdom in Africk and Spain Great Revolutions ensu'd and great Calamities threatn'd the Christians till the Forces of the Moors were at last crush'd by one of the most famous Victories that has been heard of obtain'd over them Albohali of the Family of the Almoravides was Emperor of the Moors in Africk and Spain at has been said before in his time a learned Man and great Astrologer call'd Tumerto seeing a â—usty proper Youth whose Name was Abdelmon the Son of a Potter he Prognosticated to him that he should be King of his Nation At the same time one Almohades a Mahometan Preacher held by the Multitude for a Saint distracted the Multitude ready to run a mading after every extravagant Novelty with a new Interpretation of their Law To him Tumerto discloses what he had found by his Science and he either believing or seeming to believe it they both consulted how to over-turn the Government of the Kingdom There is nothing so pernicious as the pretence of Religion when us'd to cover Rebellion Almohades making use of the Reputation he had gain'd persuaded his Followers to take up Arms under Abdelmon and destroy the Race of the Almoravides as Usurpers that had wrongfuly possessed the Crown by Extirpating the Alavecines a Family descended from Fatima Mahomet's eldest Daughter Besides that they must cast off the Yoke of the Almoravides to make way for those new Opinions in Religion which they had embrac'd Hereupon the Multitude took up Arms but being unskill'd in the use of them were easily overcome by Albohali Yet assembling in greater numbers they never ceased till they had overthrown the Almoravides and kill'd Albohali the King Abdelmon succeeded in the Throne and then the Followers of Almohades who from him were also call'd Almohades being possess'd of the Government chang'd the ancient Laws and Customs Having setled Africk they began to look towards Spain Tumerto was left to keep Africk under whilst Abdelmon and Almohades with a great Force pass'd over into Spain At first they did no harm hoping to attract the People by kindness and they succeeded therein for all the Moors in Spain easily embrac'd their new Opinions and their former Superstition became no less odious to them than Christianity Being possess'd of all they fell to Persecuting of the small remains of the Christians that liv'd mix'd with the Moors putting 'em to all manner of Torments Many fled to the Christians Dominions others were overcome and yielded to the Infidels so that from thence forward few Christians were left among the Moors The Almohades contenting themselves with the Sovereignty of Africk and so much of Spain as was under the Moors thought not fit at that time to make War upon the Christians who were Powerful both by Sea and Land but return'd into Africk Soon after their Prophet Almohades dy'd and the King caused a Magnificent Sepulchre to be erected for him near Morocco the Metropolis of that Kingdom whither the ignorant Multitude began to go in Pilgrimage The Almohades entred Spain in the Year 1150. Roderick the Archbishop says 6 Years sooner The same Year that Alonso the Emperor took Cordova which I suppose to be after Abdelmon return'd into Africk D. Garcia King of Navarre was kill'd by a fall off his Horse on a Rock as he was Hunting near Lorca a Town in his Dominions His Death was on the 21st of November He was going from Estella to Pamplona to punish that City for their Disobedience but this misfortune prevented his designs He Reign'd 16 Years and left these Children D. Sancho who succeeded him and was Crown'd in the Cathedral of Pamplona where he bury'd his Father Blanch Marry'd to the Emperor Alonso's Son and Marguerite to William King of Sicily call'd the Wicked Besides these he had Alonso Ramirez Lord of Castro Viejo and Sancha Marry'd first to Gaston Viscount of Bearn and afterwards to Gonzalo Earl of Molina The Death of the King of Navarre produc'd new Troubles for Alonso the Emperor and Raymund Earl of Barcelona had an Interview upon this occasion at Tudelin a Town of Navarre near the Baths at which Sancho now declar'd King of Castile by the Emperor his Father was present Here they Articled that all that part of the Dominions of Navarre which had belong'd to Castile should be restor'd to the Emperor and what had appertain'd to Aragon to the Earl That the ancient Kingdom of Navarre should be equally divided betwixt them the Earl to hold his part of the Crown of Castile In regard of the Moors they agreed that when Valencia and all that lies between Tortosa and the River Xucar as also Murcia were taken they should be deliver'd to the Aragonians so as they should do Homage for them to the Crown of Castile Hereupon they shook hands a Ceremony then used to confirm Promises and resolv'd to commence the War against Navarre when the Month of September was over All this League fell to nothing for the new King strengthen'd him self with Supplies from abroad and gain'd the Love of his Subjects which his Father never had done Other Cares diverted the Emperor and Earl so that nothing was done only some Inroads on both sides which were not of moment The Earl went into France against Trencavelle Viscount of Carcassonne with whom he at last agreed that he should do him Homage for the Towns of Carcassonne and Rhodes Alonso the Emperor was taken up in concerting of Marriages for Leuis King of France being Divorc'd from Ellenor Countess of Poitiers after he had two Children by her Marry'd the Emperor's Daughter some call her Elizabeth others Canstance At the same time the Emperor himself Marry'd Rica the Daughter of Vladislaus Duke of Poland Amidst the Nuptial Joys the noise of Arms could not take place Besides Navarre was in League with France which might perhaps appease the Emperor Besides Sancho the King was generally belov'd and the Emperor himself was a Lover of Justice all which motives induced him to forbear from War Of his Justice he gave a most pregnant Testimony in the following Action A Man of Birth that had serv'd in the Wars such as Spain call'd Infanzones living in Gallicia took away by force all that a Farmer had Being
or were taken by force and Toledo it self did not escape for it appears that City submitted to King Ferdinand so that a very small part remain'd to the young King On the other side the King of Navarre thinking this a good opportunity to recover his losses having first made Peace with Aragon broke into the Dominions of Castile and possess'd himself of Logron̄o Entren̄a Briviesca and other Towns Thus all the Country was filled with confusion Whilst Castile was thus rent with intestine Divisions the Moors of Andaluzia enjoy'd perfect Peace Only the Forces of Portugal and Aragon kept them in aw Raymund Prince of Aragon was in great renown for his perpetual good Fortune which was such that Lope the Moorish King of Murcia was subject to him and in France he had taken above 30 Strong-Holds and the Town of Trencataye which he destroy'd from the Family of Beauce who invaded Provence The Emperor Frederick who had favoured his Enemies sought his Friendship and a League was concluded betwixt them Raymund had brought out of Castile Rica the Widow of the Emperor Alonso and his Daughter Sancha contracted to his own Son At the instance of the Emperor Frederick it was agreed that Rica who was his Kinswoman should Marry Raymund Berengarius Earl of Provence who thereupon should possess all the said Earldom of Provence and the City Arles with its Territory To ratifie this Agreement it was resolv'd both Raymunds should meet the Emperor at Turin on the first of August in the Year 1162. On the way thither at S. Dalmacius a Town at the foot of the Alps Raymund Prince of Aragon fell sick and dy'd the 6th day of the same Month. Notwithstanding his Death Raymund Earl of Provence obtained of the Emperor all he desired Prince Raymund's Body was brought to his Country and buried in the Monastery of Ripoli as he had ordered Cortes or a Parliament being held at Huesca Raymund's last Will left by word of Mouth was repeated whereby he declared his Son Raymund his Successor who took possession of his Father's Principality by the name of Alonso To Peter his second Son he left Cerdagne Carcassonne and Narbonne Sancho the youngest was to succeed Peter in case he died without Heirs He made no mention of his Daughter Dulcis who was after Queen of Portugal nor of his Bastard Son Berengarius who was Bishop of Taraçona and Lerida and Abbot of Montaragon The King's Minority he being but 11 years old gave an opportunity to turbulent Spirits to raise Commotions An Impostor now openly affirmed he was King Alonso who as has been said was killed 28 years before at the Battle of Fraga He said he had been till then in Asia serving against the Infidels in the Holy-Land His Age and Features but most of all the Love the Multitude has for Novelties gained him some Reputation Great mischiefs might have ensued had not the Impostor been taken at Zaragoça and put to Death in the very beginning of the Tumult In the Year 1163. the Assembly of States or Parliament of Aragon was held at Barcelona The Queen Petronilla by the advice of the Nobility resigned over the Crown of Aragon to her Son then 13 years of Age. Raymund Earl of Provence who had some time governed Catalonia for his Cousin returned home and died in the Year 1166. King Alonso receiving the News at Girona by advice of the Nobility called himself Marquess of Provence for they pretended by the Emperor's Grant that Country was not only given to the late Earl of Provence but to Raymund Prince of Aragon and his Heirs which occasioned Wars in France CHAP. IV. Alonso the young King of Castile takes upon him the Government recovers most of his Dominions joins in League with the Aragonian and Marries Ellenor Daughter to Henry II. King of England Some Actions of Ferdinand King of Leon. IN Castile the People growing weary of the King of Leon invited their young King Alonso to take upon him the Government promising all would declare for him These invitations and the persuasions of the Nobility prevailed and he resolved to depart from Avila and visit the principal places of the Kingdom This was in the Year 1168. as some write I rather believe two years sooner by the computation of time for when his Father died he was 4 years of age and at this time 11. He was not deceived for many Cities received him with Joy and furnished all Necessaries for him and his Retinue which at first consisted of only a few Nobles and a Guard of 150 Horse furnished by the City Avila This was a small Force to recover so many Places as the King of Leon held with strong Garisons The King encouraged by Success resolved to try Toledo but feared Ferdinand Ruiz de Castro who held it would not be prevailed upon to deliver that City Stephen Illan a Citizen of note had built the Church of S. Romanus in the highest part of the City and adjoyning to it a Tower which served as well for Strength as an Ornament He was an Enemy to Ferdinand de Castro and therefore getting privately out of the City he conveyed the King disguised into the Tower Then setting up the Royal Standard he gave notice the King was there whereupon the Citizens running to Arms Ferdinand de Castro fled to Huete a Town then very strong as lying upon the Frontiers exposed to the Moors The People of Toledo as well those who had been against admitting the King as the most Loyal expressed great Joy and nothing resounded but God save the King Stephen Illan for his good Service was much honoured and made Governour of the City After his death the Citizens caused his Picture on Horse-back to be drawn on the Roof of the Cathedral behind the High Altar where it is still to be seen The King entred Toledo upon Friday the 26th of August On Michaelmass-day following died John Archbishop of Toledo when he had governed that Church with much applause 16 years Cerebrunus or Cenebrunus succeeded him a Man grateful to King Alonso having taught him the first Rudiments of Learning He had been Arch-deacon of Toledo and Bishop of Siguença and it is thought was a Frenchman The King after securing Toledo at the instigation of Manrique Earl of Lara his General marched against Ferdinand de Castro who refused not to meet him being supported by the People of Huete that stood firm to him Two Leagues from that Town at a place called Garcinaharro they came to a Battle Ferdinand de Castro fought in a disguise D. Manrique with all his might charged a Gentleman that was armed like a General and killed him believing it had been Ferdinand but was himself soon after slain by one of the said Ferdinand's Followers The General being killed the King's Forces were put to flight Nun̄o Brother to Manrique understanding the deceit used by Ferdinand de Castro laid Treachery to his charge
Provisions A Truce was therefore concluded with the Moors and the Army drew off to furnish themselves with Necessaries But for the scarcity which was that Year it had been a good opportunity of subduing the Moors they being then divided among themselves and distracted with intestine Wars Mahomet Sirnamed the Green King of the Moors after the loss of the memorable Battle of Nabas de Tolofa went over into Africk to recruit his Forces In his absence his Brother Zeit Abenzeit possessed himself of Valencia and Monviedro with all their Dependencies Mahomet Zeit his Cousin did the same with the Cities of Cordova and Baeça Abobali another Moor following their example secured to himself Sevil Ecija and Xeres Thus the Force of the Moors was divided and consequently weakned A fit opportunity of subduing them was offer'd but King Alonso the most powerful Prince in Spain could not make use of it by reason of the scarcity of Provisions as also because he was about to relieve the English then too hard set in France At the same time Alonso II. King of Portugal Sirnamed the Fat was busie taking away by force of Arms from his Sisters the Towns left them by his Father Princes never want pretences to put in execution their Designs Those Ladies had recourse for Protection to the King of Leon their Kinsman who went not in Person but sent his Son Ferdinand by whom many Towns were taken from the Portugueses but afterwards restored at the request of Pope Innocent who interposed to adjust those Differences The King of Castile desired to Commune with his Son-in-law the King of Portugal and to that purpose sent Embassadors to invite him to Plasencia but understanding his coming would not be so soon went to Burgos thence to send Supplies to the English Death prevented all these Designs In his return from Burgos earnestly desiring to meet the King of Portugal he fell sick at Garcimun̄os where he was given over by the Physicians Roderick Archbishop of Toledo Administred the Sacraments to him and caused him to make a Will That done he expir'd upon Munday the 6th of October in the Year 1214. This was the end of King Alonso the most Renowned Prince of that Age who did many great things by himself yet the other Kings of Spain did nothing considerable without him He lived 57 years and 22 days and thereof reign'd 55. I should think but 53 since at the beginning of his Reign our Author says he was 4 years old when his Father died His Body was bury'd at Huelgas near Burgos This same Year died Ellenor Queen Dowager of Castile Ferdinand eldest Son to the King of Leon by his first Wife also James Lopes de Haro and Peter de Castro Son to Ferdinand de Castro all Persons of great Note The Queen departed this life on the last day of October of Grief for the loss of her Husband and was bury'd by him Ferdinand of Leon was a very hopeful Youth had he not been untimely cut off by Death he was Interr'd at Santiago in Galicia A Brother of his of the same Name survived being born of Berengaria his Father's second Wife and inherited both the Crowns of Castile and Leon as shall be shown in its place Peter de Castro ended his days at Morocco the cause of his going thither is not known CHAP. III. Disorders in Castile and Aragon under the two Infant Kings Sancho King of Navarre altogether decrepid The Lateran General-Council Honours done there to the Archbishop of Toledo AFter the Death of Peter King of Aragon and Alonso of Castile there ensued great Troubles in both Kingdoms by reason of the tender Age of the two Kings Jaime and Henry when they ascended those Thrones All the Nobility was more intent upon their private than the publick Interest In Castile many strove to possess themselves of the Government in the King's Name Some in Aragon not so content endeavoured to Usurp the Crown these were Sancho and Ferdinand before-mentioned Both pleaded that the young King Jaime was not got in lawful Wedlock Sancho urged against his Competitor that he was a profess'd Monk and therefore incapable of Reigning Ferdinand brought Ramiro for a Precedent who tho' ancient and a Monk had inherited the Crown and therefore that Impediment being removed pretended most Right as the next of the Collateral Line Thus was the Kingdom divided into Factions The least number but most considerable for Power stuck to the true King The Multitude was for the fairest Bidder Embassadors being sent as was said above to Pope Innocent they were remitted to France with Orders that what had been taken from the Hereticks should be delivered to Simon of Montfort upon condition he should restore the young King of Aragon to his Subjects These Commands were punctually obey'd and the young King conveyed to Narbonne together with Raymund Earl of Provence his Cousin-German and a Child of the same age to be bred in Aragon whilst the Wars lasted in France At Narbonne many of the Nobility of Aragon received their King with much Joy and the People wherever he passed offered up their Vows for his safety The Child had a Graceful Presence and was somewhat bigger than is usual at that Age. Montfort returned to prosecute the War By the Legates procurement the Cortes or Parliament was assembled at Lerida where all that were present took the Oath of Allegiance to the new King a thing not before used in Aragon but continued ever since to this day William Monredon Superior of the Templars in that Kingdom was appointed the King's Tutor and the chief of the Embassadors that had been sent to the Pope joyned in Commission with him Monçon was assigned for the King to keep his Court at till the Troubles were over and the King came to Age. At this time Commerce was restored betwixt Zaragoça and Navarre which had been long interrupted by reason of the Wars Sancho King of Navarre lay in the Castle of Tudela without attending to the Government by reason of his great Age and Sickness This same Year was fought the famous Battle of Bovines near Tournay in Flanders betwixt Otho the Emperor and Philip King of France Ferdinand Prince of Portugal who had Married the Countess of Flanders took the Emperor's part and the Imperialists being defeated was taken and continued a long time Prisoner in France In the Year 1215. the Aragonians endeavouring to settle the Kingdom and satisfie Sancho Earl of Russillon committed to him the care of the Government but he being ambitious of the Crown made use of his power to raise greater Commotions as shall be told hereafter Castile was in no better condition Henry the new King was but 11 years of age when he inherited that Crown His Mother took upon her the Administration of Affairs but that lasted not long by reason of her Death In her Will she appointed her Daughter Berengaria Queen of Leon tho' Divorc'd from
loss was so much the more considerable to the Moors for that the Territory of those two Towns maintain'd many other Castles which were now necessitated to Surrender Among these were Peniscola Castellon and Bun̄ol D. Ximeno de Vrrea took Alcalaten which was therefore given to him and his Heirs the most noble Family of the Vrreas and continues to this day Farther on upon the Banks of the River Xucar our Forces by night surprized Almazora the Moors flying without offering to resist King Ferdinand having setled the Kingdom of Leon left the Queen there to gain the affections of those People and gather'd a powerful Army in Castile to prosecute the War in Andaluzia which had been of late interrupted He laid Siege to Vbeda which being a great City and but a League distant from Baeza was very strong well Garrison'd and stor'd with Provisions yet the Kings resolution made all easy and it was surrendred to him the Inhabitants Articling only for Life On the other side the Military Orders took Medellin Alfanges and Santacruz This Joy had some allay of trouble for the Death of the Queen who departed this Life at Toro and was bury'd at Huelgas Her Body was afterwards translated to Sevill where she lies by her Husband with whom she had lived lovingly Vbeda being taken the King return'd to Toledo resolving again for Leon to secure the affections of those people The Garrison of Vbeda making an Incursion into the Territory of Cordova took some of those old Souldiers that are appointed to keep Garrisons whom the Moors call Almogaraves These gave Intelligence that then was a fit opportunity to take Cordova That part of the Suburb called Axarquia joins to the Wall and those sort of Souldiers had the guard of it who suffer'd the Christians to Scale the Wall and enter the City on the 23d of December in the Year 1235. It was but a small number that undertook this great action therefore they only possess'd themselves of a few Towers and secur'd the Gate of Martos hoping they should soon be reliev'd and therefore sent Messengers to all parts to carry the News of what they had done and the danger they were in if not speedily succour'd As soon as it was day the Moors prepar'd to expel those new Guests D. Alvaro Perez de Castro whose Loyalty was very remarkable since his reduction was the first that brought relief to Cordova from Martos where he was at that time Scarce had the King receiv'd the News when he set forwards from Leon and tho' the distance was great and the season unfit for action he march'd with what Men he could gather leaving Orders every where for the Gentry to follow him By the way he summon'd the Castle of Bienquerencia the Commander whereof gave the King Provisions and promis'd to Surrender if Cordova were taken Therefore leaving that place the King advanc'd and found many Soldiers resorted to him from all parts yet not enough to compose a sufficient Army King Abenhut was then ready at Ecija with a great power D. Lorenzo Suarez being Banished followed that King The Moor knew not whether to relieve Cordova or Valencia first both places being in equal Danger and equally pressing for aid The King of Aragon had attempted Cullera but was obliged to forbear because there were no stones near to cast out of the Engines however the Castle of Moncada was taken and demolished for a Terror to the Infidels King Abenhut being advertised of all and not knowing which way to turn sent D. Lorenço Suarez to get intelligence He desiring to return into favour with King Ferdinand underhand gave him notice of the posture of affairs and having received instructions how to behave himself went back to the Moorish King and with feign'd tokens of fear magnified the Forces of King Ferdinand This Artifice diverted him from thinking of the relief of Cordova to the great joy of the Christians which was increased by the News brought a few days after that he had been killed by his own People at Almeria His Death fell out very fortunately for us because he was an Active Wise and Valiant Prince and might have contributed much towards Re-establishing the Dominion of the Moors in Spain Cordova is seated almost in the midst of Andaluzia in a Plain at the Foot of Sierra Morena On the left hand it is Watered by the River Guadalquivir which having received many other Streams is there Navigable The City lying along the Bank of the River makes a long Square Whilst the Moors possessed it much of its Beauty was lost they being not at all curious in Architecture Formerly it had 5 Gates now 7. The Suburbs are as great as a good City especially that we said was called Axarquia on the Bank of the River without the East Gate which is encompassed with a Wall and joins to the City The King's Palace is on the West side shut up within a particular Wall On the River is a Beautiful Bridge the Foot whereof reaches to the Cathedral It was formerly called Colonia Patricia because of the great number of Nobility that liv'd there All the Country about is Fruitful and Pleasant and even the Mountains bear Vines Olive and other sorts of Trees On the Mountains about a League from the City is a Monastery of Fryars of S. Hierome where there are still to be seen some ruins of the Ancient Cordova either Built or repaired by Marcus Marcellus when he was Praetor in Spain Part of the Walls of this City being already possessed by the Christians King Ferdinand laid Siege to the rest in the Year of Grace 1236. The Moors being numerous and expecting relief defended themselves with much Bravery Many Bloody Skirmishes hap'ned in the very Streets Some time was spent in this manner till Fame and some Prisoners they took informed the Besieged that Abenhut King of Granada was killed and D. Lorenço Suarez had returned to the Christians and lay with them before the Town Thus all hopes of relief being taken away they resolv'd to surrender and after much time spent in Treating obtained no better Conditions than to have leave to depart where every Man pleased The Town was delivered upon the 29th day of June being the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul and immediately the Cross and Royal Standard were set up in the Steeple of the great Mosque which was Consecrated by several Bishops who followed the Army F. Lope a Monk of Fitero near Pisuerga was the first Bishop of that See Because the Moors 260 Years before had caused the Bells from Santiago in Galicia to be brought to this City on the Shoulders of the Christians he now caused them to be carryed back in the same manner by Moors All the Infidels departing the City was left desolate which obliged the King to grant extraordinary Priviledges to such as would come and inhabit there Great numbers resorted to whom Lands and Houses were given
Alonso de Meneses was appointed Governour and D. Alvaro de Castro General of the Frontiers To his other Titles the King added that of King of Cordova and Baeça At this time the Episcopal See of Calahorra was translated to St. Domingo de la Calçada but those two Cities disputing the right they were at length both made Bishopricks CHAP. XI A Moorish King Baptized Description of Valencia its Siege and surrender to the King of Aragon who is Wounded before it Theobald King of Navarre goes with others to the Holy-War THE King of Aragon ceased not to press the Moors of the Kingdom of Valencia Zeit their King was Banished thence and being well affected to the Christian Religion was at length Baptized by the Name of Vincent This was done privately that the Moors might not know it he still entertaining hopes of recovering his Kingdoms His Conversion had been foretold by two Fryars John and Peter whom for that reason he caused to be put to Death D. Sancho Ahones Archbishop of Zaragoça laboured to have him Marry because his Life was scandalous he indulging his former Libertinism His Wife's Name was Dominga Lopez of Zaragoça By her he had Alda Hernandez Marry'd to Blasco Ximenez Lord of Arenos who inherited many other Towns of his Father-in-Law and from him came the Family of Arenos In Prosecution of his design the King of Aragon wasted the Territory of Exerica burning the ripe Corn on the Ground Bernard William the King's Unkle by the Mother's side was appointed General of the Frontiers to oppose the Moors he being Famous for Martial exploits In October following the Cortes or Parliament was held at Monçon where it was resolved to carry on the War and Besiege Valencia It was also determined that a certain Coin called Jaquesa which had much mixture of Brass should not be called in because it would be a great loss to those who had any quantity of it On this account they ordered that every House should pay to the King one Maravedis in Seven Years Bernard William repaired the Castle called Poyo de S. Maria destroy'd by the Moors and kept a good Garrison in it Zaen King of Valencia resolved to Besiege this Castle with 600 Horse and 40000 Foot The Christians tho' nothing equal in Number drew out to Fight them in the Field and were reduced to the utmost peril but at length their Valour overcame the Multitude and the Infidels were put to flight It was given out that St. George assisted the Christians in that Fight When success is beyond expectation Men are apt to attribute it to Miracle It is also said an Image of Our Lady was found under the Bell in the Castle to which the Neighbouring People erected a Church This Battle was fought in the Month of August of the Year 1237. King Jaime hearing of the Victory and being informed tho' it proved a false report that the Moors were returning with a greater force he with more Courage than discretion having in his Company only 130 Horse advanced beyond Poyo and Monviedro There a strong Squadron of Moorish Horse met him under the Command of D. Artal de Alagon Son to D. Blasco then in Banishment The danger was great but the King 's good Fortune and above all God's Special Providence brought him off for the Moors marched off another way without offering to charge the Christians It was very dangerous and expensive to keep the Castle of Poyo which lay near Valencia and far from Aragon but chiefly for that Bernard William the King's Unkle who Commanded there was dead which was the cause that the King set out from Zaragoça where he had passed the Winter and exposed himself to that danger He bestow'd on William Entença Son to the deceased all the honours and places of Trust his Father had possessed which were justly due to him for that Gentlemans good Service Berengarius Entença was made Governour of the Castle notwithstanding the most were for abandoning of it yet the King would not consent because it stood opportunely to forward the taking of Valencia Understanding the Soldiers designed to make their escape thence and forsake it he gathered them in the Chapel of the Castle and there upon the Altar took an Oath Solemnly that he would never return home without being Master of Valencia This his Resolution so encourag'd the Soldiers that they willingly stayed there and so dismay'd the Infidels that their King Zaen sent to sue for Peace offering to deliver up several Forts and pay a considerable Yearly Tibute Yet the King contrary to the advice of most Men refused these conditions not doubting of the Conquest of that City He was the more incouraged for that Almenara Betera Bulla and other places were surrended to him With the King at this time there were only 1000 Foot and 360 Horse a small force for so great an undertaking With this handful he durst pass the River Guadalaviar and lay Siege to that great and populous City He intrenched himself in the Mid way between Valencia and the Grao which is the shore so called for that it rises as it were by Steps a Mile distant from each place Valencia is seated in that part of Spain formerly called Tarraconensis in the Territory of the Edetany The Country about it is Fruitful and pleasant but is supplyed with Corn from abroad It was furnished with good Soldiers rich in Merchandize and so pleasant it neither felt the sharpness of Winter nor extream Heat of the Summer Its Buildings are stately its Gardens and Orchards replenished with all variety of Trees in some places cut in various shapes in others so intermixing and intangling their boughs they make a continued Arbour always Green and Pleasant Such were the Elysian Fields feign'd by the Poets Such the beauty of this City which may compare with the pleasantest in Europe On the left side it is Watered by River Guadalaviar which runs between the Wall and the Royal Palace and on the East joins to the City by a Bridge Many small Chanels are drawn from this River to Water the Orchards Three Miles off near the Sea is Albufera a place not very wholesome but where great plenty of fish is taken At that time the Walls of the Town were round containing 1000 paces in Circumference and had Four Gates The first called Boatelana towards the South East the second Baldina towards the North the third Templaria so called of a Church Built there by the Templers towards the East the fourth Xaraena betwixt which and Boatelana the King incamped that being the best place for Battery by reason of a sort of Angle the Wall made there Great diligence was used by the Christians in fixing their Engines for Battery King Zaen the first day before they could intrench drew out to give Battle but the Christians would not be drawn to Fight because their Number was yet small and supplies came in daily to them Many Prelates
was then quite destitute of Inhabitants but the King promising that all such as would come and inhabit there should be exempted from Taxes it was soon Peopled and regain'd its former Lustre CHAP. IV S. Luis King of France sends Presents to the Church of Toledo and makes an unfortunate Expedition to the Holy-Land Aragon Embroyl'd King Ferdinand of Castile after gaining much from the Moors dies WHilst Sevil was Besieged S. Luis King of France Enrich'd the Church of Toledo with many Holy Relicks which much encreased the Devotion to that Church and gain'd him the esteem of the People of Spain Those Relicks are preserv'd to this day and shown in the Treasury of that Church with the Original Letter sent by S. Luis upon that occasion After that King Luis sailed from Marseilles to the Conquest of the Holy-Land but his Success was not answerable to the Piety of the Undertaking For after reducing the City Damiata in Aegypt Robert the King's Brother was killed in a Battle Alonso and Charles his two Brothers together with the King himself were made Prisoners in the Year 1249. Their Liberty cost dear and little was done in the Holy-Land except the taking of Joppe Sidon and Cesarea by the French in the Year 1250. This same Year D. Gutierre Archbishop of Toledo dying at Atiença on the 9th of August as appears by the Annals of Toledo D. Sancho Son of King Ferdinand was promoted to that Dignity Some call him Peter and others John but doubtless both Names are mistaken Roderick the Archbishop by order of Queen Berengaria bred her two Grandsons Philip and Sancho at Toledo He made them both Canons of that Church Both of them study'd at Paris particularly Philip was Disciple to Albertus Magnus that great Philosopher and Divine His Learning and the Interest of his Father preferred D. Sancho to the Archbishoprick Pope Innocent IV. approved the Election but he was not Consecrated because he was not of Age being the youngest but one of all his Brothers For his sake the King gave Vzeda and Iznatoraf to the Church of Toledo in lieu of Baça which he had given when Jaen was taken About this time lived a famous Man called Pero Gonzalez who leaving the Court where he had a considerable Employment spent the rest of his life in instructing the People of Galicia and Asturias and was a famous Preacher His Cotemperary Bernard a Canon of Santiago thro' his great knowledge of the Canon-Law became Familiar with Pope Innocent and writ the Comments upon the Epistolae Decretales At the same time the Aragonians divided into Factions consumed themselves with Civil Wars King Jayme by his Queen Violante had these Sons Peter Jayme Ferdinand and Sancho and as many Daughters Violante Constantia Sancha and Mary The Queen who govern'd the King persuaded him to divide his Dominions among his Sons an advice destructive to the Kingdom and unjust in regard to Alonso the eldest Son For this reason most of the Nobility revolted from the King and openly sided with the Prince who countenanc'd them In order to compose these Differences which threatned greater Mischiefs the Cortes or Parliament was held in February at Alcanizes a Town in Aragon Judges being appointed to determine betwixt the Father and Son they gave Judgment against the Son This avail'd little the Subjects being dissatisfied and the King persisting in his Resolution insomuch that even before his Death he gave the Principality of Catalonia to his Son Peter which incens'd the other Party the more This in Aragon King Ferdinand's Affairs were in a much better posture for having setled Sevil where he intended to reside he took Xerez Medina Sidonia Begel Alpechin and Aznalfarache Besides about the Sea Coast he forc'd and demolish'd many Forts The Lands of Nebrixa were wasted yet some Towns of the Moors being well Fortify'd resolv'd to endure a Siege either for that they thought it more honourable or more safe There were thoughts of carrying on the War into Africk and to that purpose a great Fleet was providing in Biscay Death put a stop to this design which seiz'd King Ferdinand at Sevil on the 30th of May in the Year 1252. He Reign'd over Castile 34 Years 11 Months and 23 Days over Leon about 22 Years He was endew'd with all good Qualities his Life was such that it purchased him the Title of the Saint It is doubted whether his Valour Piety or good Fortune excelled most In fine he acted the part of a good Man and a Just Prince No time made his Piety so visible as the Hour of his Death Raymund Archbishop of Sevil Administred the Blessed Sacrament to him at the time it came into the Room he fell upon his Knees with a Halter about his Neck like a Criminal with great Humility begging pardon of his Sins and at the last gasp asked Forgiveness of all that were present Taking the Candle in his Hand with Eyes lifted up to Heaven he said Lord the Kingdom which you gave me and all the Honour I could merit I restore to thee Naked I came from my Mothers Womb and Naked I resign my self to the Earth Receive O Lord my Soul through the Merits of thy Holy Passion and vouchsafe to place it among thy Servants This said he order'd the Clergy to sing the Litany and Psalm Te Deum and then yielded up the Ghost A little before his Death he gave much good advice to his Son Alonso whom he appointed his Heir and recommended to his care his Queen and his other Sons of which Frederick Henry and Philip Elect of Sevil were present at his Death D. Sancho Elect of Toledo was then at his See The next day the Obsequies were perform'd with much Grandeur His Body was bury'd in the Cathedral of Sevil. This King is said to have instituted the Council of State which to this day has the Supream Authority in determining Causes He appointed 12 Judges as a higher Court whither all Appeals from inferior Tribunals should be brought so that he who Appeals deposites 500 Pistols and in case judgment be given against him forfeits them The Number of Law suits increasing and the Malice of the times still producing new Frauds it was necessary to erect this Tribunal for before each City was content with the determinations of their Judges or only Appeal'd to the Provincial Courts looking upon it as Superfluous to have recourse to the King Besides this he gave Men of Learning the care of inventing new Laws and gathering the old into one Volume now call'd Partidas which work begun in his time was perfected and publish'd under King Alonso his Son D. Lucas de Tuy brought his History down to the Death of King Ferdinand and no farther CHAP. V. The beginning of the Reign of King Alonso he is chosen Emperour by part of the Electors and Richard Duke of Cornwall by the rest Theobald the first King of Navarre dies his Son Theobald the Second
Abbot of Valladalid for that it was he who started that Discourse and consulted with the Queen how to be reveng'd They thought fit to call him to Aâ—â—ount for the administration of the Royal Revenue which he had Charge of and the Business was committed to the Arch-Bishop of Toledo King Sancho went away to Santiago in 〈◊〉 and by the way in the Monasterâ— of Sahagun finding that the Bonca of King Alonso the VIth and his two Queens Elizabeth and Mary were meanly laterred he â—â—us'd them to be put into decent Tombs with 〈…〉 Being return'd to Valladâ—lid he honour'd D. Lope Diaz de Haro â—â—rd of Biscay to whom chiefly he 〈…〉 Crown with the place of Lord Steward of his Household and his Standard heaâ—ery Besides he made him Governour of many Forth and on the 1st of January gave him the Title of an Earl all these Honours in remainder to his son James Lopez de Haro 〈…〉 de Haro Brother to D. Lope was made General of 〈…〉 Thus that Family increas'd Riches and Power and D. Lope became the King 's Favouriâ—â— all Things were govern'd according to his Will in so much that the other Nobles complain'd he tyranniz'd in the Name of King Sancho Paticularly the People of Leon and Gâ—â—cia found fault that he bestow'd all 〈…〉 upon his own Creatures D. Lope great yâ—t more Hanghty having marry'd his Daughter Mary to Prince John and endeavour'd to have the King put away his Queen that he might Marry his Consin Gulielma Daughter to â—astâ—n Earl 〈…〉 This was not at all pleasing to the King who had now by the Queen another Son call'd Alonso and therefore sought an Opportunity to â—ake off D. Lope yet fearing some Rebellion kept him close about his Person in the same Hâ—â—â—ur whilst he visited the Kingdom of Toledo and went to 〈◊〉 The Design of this burney was to 〈◊〉 the People of Galicia who had revolted and put a stop to the incursions of the 〈…〉 Prince Alonso the King of Portugal's Brother and D. Alvar NunÌ„oz de Lara Son to D. John de Lara a restless Man and us'd to live upon Rapine Prince Alonso was possess'd of the 〈◊〉 of Pertalegâ—â— and Roncaâ— on the Frontiers of Castile and Portugal 〈◊〉 Lope de Haro was lest to reduce the Rebels of Galicia The affair of Portugal was 〈◊〉 of between that King and him of Castile and they agreeing with joynt Forces laid Siege to Ronca destroy'd all the Country and oblig'd it to surrender The two Kings being together at this Siege the Portuguese advis'd the Castilian to take D. Alvar NunÌ„ez de Lara into Favour that his Greatness might serve as a check to D. Lope de Haro which was done accordingly D. Lope diving into that Design upon pretence of visiting his Cousin the Viscount of Bearne withdrew into Navarre The Navarrois were of themselves inclinable to make War against Castile and therefore upon his coming took up Arms. Clement Luna a Frenchman was then Viceroy of Navarre Many Incursions were made by the Navarrois as well into Castile as Aragon but nothing of Note was done except taking the Town of Salvatierra from the later The Aragonians made War into Italy with better success Roger Lauria a brave Commander and famous for his late Victories surpriz'd a mighty Fleet of the Enemy near Naples and after a sharp Dispute obtain'd a compleat Victory taking 42 Sale and 5000 Prisoners among which were many of Note Most of them were ransom'd only Guido de Montfort was not releas'd the Kings of England and Aragon being his 〈…〉 Enemies because this Man was Great Grand-son to Simon Earl of Montfort who as has been said overthrew and kill'd Peter King of Aragon in the War of Toulouze And Simon Grand-son to the other Simon took Richard Brother to King Henry of England Prisoner Guido also cruelly Murder'd Henry the Son of that Richard the Emperour in the Cathedral of Viterbo at Man in Revenge for his Father kill'd in Battle by Edward King of England The French and English Historians affirm 〈◊〉 Guido was deliver'd up to the King of England A Sicilian Writer of that Age positively says he 〈…〉 Sicily of a Disease which could not be cur'd without having to do with a Woman which he absolutely refus'd because he would not wrong his Wife Margueriâ—e who after his Death behav'd not her self so well as she ought to have done The Aragonians were now at Peace and famous for their Riches Strength and the memorable Action they had perform'd Only the King of Majorca â—â—â—ested the Coast of â—â—â—alonia but â—â— nothing Remarkable Alonso King of Aragon was renowned and had the Ballance of Peace and War in his Hands keeping the two rightful Princes of Castile Prisoners in Aragon and him of Salerâ—o in Sicily These Princes growing weary of their Confinement inclin'd to admit of any 〈…〉 so they might be enlarg'd and great Kings interceded for them Many 〈…〉 sent from France and Castile upon that Affair but the Authority of Edward King of England was of most Weight because the Aragonian sought to Marry his Daughter Ellâ—â—or â—â—ose Kings resolv'd to meet at the City Oloron in the Province of Bearne and there 〈…〉 of the King of England it was agreed that the Prince of Salerno should be set at Liberty within a Year upon these Conditions That the Kingdom of Sicily should remain to D. Jayme That he should prevail with the Pope to give his consent and take 〈…〉 censures under which the Kingdom of Aragon lay That he should Pay 30000 Marks of Silver That Charles of Valcis should quit his Pretensions to the Crown of Aragon given him by Pope Martin And that if all this were not perfor 〈◊〉 within the Term of three Years that Prince should return in Prison and in the mean while should give his Three Sons Robert Charles and Luis and Sixty Men of Note of 〈…〉 as Hostages Charles Prince of 〈◊〉 being set at liberty went over into France and thence into Tuscany and after having appeas'd the Tumults rais'd by the 〈◊〉 in Rodâ— was at last by Pope 〈◊〉 the IV th declared King of Apulia and Sicily and accordingly 〈…〉 Pope pretended the late Agreement was invalid being made without his Consent that Kingdom being an antient Fleâ— of the Church This highly perplexed the King of Aragon and the Wordâ— for that he understand that Sancho King of Castile was 〈…〉 to break 〈◊〉 him and joyn with the King of France the Queen and Arch-Bishop of Toledo favouring the French and many others oppos'd He â—â— many Troubles ensu'd and D. Lope de Haro dying â—â— shall be related but Friends and 〈…〉 fled to Aragon and were the 〈◊〉 of new Wars This 〈…〉 speedily with the French The Embassadors of both Kings and the Popes 〈…〉 at the â—â—ity Lyons in French and â—here they agreed Thâ—â— King Sancho should give to D. Alonso de la Cerda the Kingdom of Mâ—â—câ—â— upon Condition he
Shout calmly said I thought the Enemy had entred the City and so return'd to Dinner with his Wife without the least sign of Concern The Moors desparing of Success since they could not move the Governour by the Death of his only Son return'd into Africk Besides they restor'd the City of Algezira to the King of Granada to the great Satisfaction of the Christians who fear'd that might serve as an Inlet to the African Moors About this time Prince Henry the King's Uncle who had been long a Prisoner at Naples arriv'd in Spain was received with much Joy by the King and they both went together from Burgos into Biscay to oppose D. James de Haro who with Assistance out of Aragon endeavour'd to recover that Province Having expell'd him the Country they return'd to Valladolid and thence to Alcalà de Henares There the King receiv'd the News of what had happen'd at Tarifa whereupon in the Month of January 1295. the King wrote a Letter to Alonso Perez de Gusman extolling his Loyalty and Bravery comparing him to Abraham in Sacrificing his Son giving him the Title of the Good to be annex'd to his Sirname and inviting him to Court The Original Letter is preserv'd to this Day by the Dukes of Medina Sidonia Three Months after on the 25th of April the King dy'd at Toledo He fell Sick at Alcala and was carry'd on Mens Shoulders to Toledo to see if change of Air would contribute to his Recovery but nothing avail'd He Reigned 11 Years and 4 Days was Resolute Wise Subtle and not a little Cruel He appointed his Son Ferdinand the 4th of the Name to Succeed him and the Queen to govern during his Minority notwithstanding she was not his Lawful Wife by reason of Consanguinity there being no Dispensation granted them Next to the Queen D. John de Lara had all the Power which was done to oblige him and prevent Troubles The King's Body was bury'd in the Royal Chappel of the Cathedral In the time of King Sancho two famous Civilians flourish'd who were William Galvan̄ in Aragon and Garcia Hispanus in Castile At this time Boniface the VIII sat in the Chair of S. Peter being Successor to Pope Celestile the V. he who being brought from the Desert and appointed to govern the Church after 6 Months Abdicated the Papacy an Example extoll'd and admir'd by many but imitated by none Therefore the more was his Successor to blame who brought him back when he was returning to his Solitude and cast him into Prison where he dy'd a Year and half after and was Canonized by Pope Clement the Vth. Boniface this same Year also Canonized Luis King of France Now by the Industry of Pope Boniface who was a great Scholar and States-man that was brought to pass which had been labour'd for so many Years in Vain which was the Peace betwixt France and Aragon To effect this there met at Agnanl the Pope Charles King of Naples and the Embassadors of France and Aragon Men of the first Quality The Conditions were these viz. That the King of Aragon marry Blanch the Daughter of the King of Naples That her Portion be 70000 Pound weight of Silver That Sicily and all the Aragonians are possess'd of in Calabria be restor'd to the See of Rome That if the Sicilians shall refuse to submit the King of Aragon be oblig'd to furnish such a Number of Troops as shall be appointed by Arbitrators towards subduing of them That Charles of Valois renounce the Title he pretends to have to the Kingdom of Aragon That the Pope absolve all that lye under any Ecclesiastical Censures upon account of these Differences That the Hostages be set at Liberty At the Instance of the Pope and King of France it was granted the King of Majorca should be restor'd to his Kingdom This is what was spoken in Publick In Private the Pope gave a hint of delivering the Islands of Sardinia and Corsica to the King of Aragon as lying Opportunely for him being near to Spain There is still a Bull of Pope Boniface extant to this effect dated the 27th of June The News of this Treaty being spread Abroad fill'd all Christendom with Joy Only the Sicilians were griev'd at it for they look'd upon it as the greatest of Misfortunes to return under the Subjection of the French Prince Frederick to whom his Brother at his Departure had left the Government of the Island and with him Roger Lauria John Prochita and Manfredus Lança all Men of great Note went to attend the Pope at Rome by his Order because they were concern'd at the late Agreement The Pope promis'd to marry Prince Frederick to Catharine Daughter to Philip and Grandchild of Baldwin the Emperor of Constantinople and offer'd the Empire of Greece which he hop'd to regain as a Portion provided he would not oppose what had been Capitulated The Offer was not contemptible had the Effect been suitable to the Promise After the Sicilians had with repeated Instances implor'd the Assistance of the King of Aragon without any Success in a general Assembly held at Palermo they proclaim'd Prince Frederick King Nevertheless his Brother King Jayme marry'd his new Bride at Villabeltran in October The Lady Elizabeth to whom he was before contraction was sent back to Castile He also publish'd a Proclamation commanding all the Aragoniant that were in Sicily to return Home Thus those Troubles were compos'd Peace was restor'd to Aragon and Sicily was not quite lost against which a great Storm was gathering Navarre was quiet under the Dominion of France Hugo de Constens Marshal of Champagne a Frenchman was Viceroy Honours and Employments were indifferently given to the Natives and Frenchmen which somewhat mitigated the dislike of those People since tho they were govern'd by Strangers they did not take to themselves all Employments of Profit and Trust The End of the Fourteenth Book THE History of SPAIN The Fifteenth BOOK CHAP. I. New Troubles and Wars in Castile where Prince Henry takes the Government from the Queen Prince John Proclaim'd King of Leon and Galicia Castile invaded by the Moors Portugueses and Aragonians THE Affairs of Castile were now in a very unsetl'd posture the Nobility being divided each striving to exert his Authority according to his Power and the Commons in Confusion gaping after Novelties Robberies Murders and all sorts of Crimes were committed The Queen was slighted by reason of her Sex and the King was not regarded because of his Age notwithstanding he had been proclaim'd the day after his Father's Death with all the Solemnity usual in like cases The Queen immediately caus'd the Excise upon Provisions to be taken off This Excise had irritated the People against her Husband King Sancho and now oblig'd them being taken off so that they continu'd firm to their Prince All the Neighbouring Princes were in a readiness to make their Advantage of the King's Minority D. John Nun̄ez de Lara
of October 1306. They were all put to the Rack where some through excess of Pain said any thing they would have them yet many dy'd with Resolution The Great Master of the Order James de Mola as he was led to be Burnt being proms'd his Life if he would confess openly protested the Innocency of his Order declaring he had falsly charged them with those Crimes at the instigation of the Pope and King of France for which he beg'd Forgiveness of God Many others did the like The following Year Pope Clement by his Bulls appointed the Arch-Bishop of Toledo and Santiago with other Prelates Judges over the Knights Templers in Castile the Bishops of Valencia and Zaragoça for Aragon and so in all other parts of Spain and throughout Christendom They had all Orders after examining the Case to give Sentence in the Provincal Synods In Aragon those Knights stood upon their Defence in several strong Places but particularly at Monçon yet the King's Forces coming upon them they were all taken In Castile the King summon'd them to appear before the Arch-Bishop of Toledo and at the same time caus'd them to be apprehended and their Estates to be put into the Hands of the Bishops till such time as they were try'd A Synod met at Salamanca where after a full Hearing the Templers were acquitted Yet the final Determination was referred to the Pope whose Decree superseded the Opinions of all those Prelates and the whole Order was abolish'd By virtue of this Decree King Ferdinand seiz'd upon all they possess'd as well in Lands as Goods In Galicia they had the Towns of Ponferrada and Faro In Lean Balduerna Tavara Almansa Alcanizes In Estremadura Valencia Alconita Xeres de Badajoz Fregenal Nertobriga Capilla and Caracuel In Andaluzia Palma In old Castile Villalpando In the Territory of Murcia Caravaca and Alconchel In the Kingdom of Toledo Montalvan Besides S. Pedro de la Zarça Burguillos and many other Towns and Houses too tedious to repeat They are said to have had Twelve Monasteries in Spain They were summon'd before the Arch-Bishop of Toledo in the Year 1310. In a Synod held at Munster in Germany the Templers were declared innocent At last the Council of Vienne was open'd upon the 16th of October 1311. Here it was decreed that Pope Boniface should not be condemn'd Some Discourse there was about renewing the War in the Holy Land but to no effect As to the Knights Templers it was ordain'd their Order should be totally abolish'd their Goods to be given to the Knights of S. John who had then taken the Island of Rhodes Only Spain allow'd not of that Decree by reason of the War with the Moors which it was thought would prove dangerous All the World was astonish'd at the Ruin of the Templers Castile was full of Joy for the Birth of Prince Alonso of whom the Queen was delivered on the 3d of August and he soon after succeeded his Father Ferdinand The Joy was the greater because the Queen had never before been with Child and was thought to be Barren A Match was agreed betwixt Prince Peter King Ferdinand's Brother and Mary Daughter to the King of Aragon The two Kings met at Calatayud with a great Court and there the Marriage was celebrated with extraordinary Pomp. Ellenor the Sister of King Ferdinand before contracted to Prince Jayme the King of Aragon's Son was now marry'd and deliver'd to her Father in Law Some Discourse there was about carrying on the War against the Moors in the Spring There was a Difference betwixt the Kings of Castile and Portugal about the Towns of Mora and Serpa near Cape S. Vincent which had been deliver'd to the Portugues contrary to Equity during King Ferdinand's Minority The King of Aragon was chosen Umpire in this Difference This done Prince John the King of Aragon's Brother was sent into Portugal about that Affair King Ferdinand went to Valladolid where he assembl'd the Cortes or Parliament and demanded Mony for carrying on the War which was readily granted in hopes of driving the Infidels quite out of Spain Prince Peter the King's Brother being made General in the Spring of the Year 1312. march'd and lay'd Siege to Alcaudete which as was before said the Moors had taken The King follow'd to Martos there a very strange Accident happen'd Two Brothers Peter and John Carvajal were apprehended for the Murder of a Gentleman of the Family of Benavides kill'd at Palencia Many had been troubled for this Fact but it could not be prov'd upon any Body Lastly these two Gentlemen were condemn'd for it without being sufficiently Convicted or Confessing They were adjudg'd to be cast headlong off from a Rock and no Intercession could mitigate the King for he was inexorable As they were led to Execution they call'd God to witness their Innocency and appeal'd to his Tribunal before which they summon'd the King to appear within 30 Days These Words at first look'd upon as Vain were afterwards much Reflected on The King little regarding them went away to the Camp before Alcaudete there a violent Sickness forc'd him to return to Jaen not withstanding the Moors were upon surrendring His Disease increas'd so that he could not attend any Business and one day being somewhat Joyful with the News brought him that the Moors had surrendred he retir'd after Dinner to Sleep and was found Dead His Death was upon a Thursday the 7th of September He was taken off in the Flower of his Youth at the Age of 24 Years and 9 Months when he began to know somewhat of Happiness He Reign'd 17 Years 4 Months and 19 Days and was the Fourth of the Name Some said excessive Eating and Drinking caus'd his Death others that it was a Judgment for that he dy'd exactly the 30th Day after he was Summon'd For this reason he was call'd King Ferdinand the Summon'd His Body was deposited at Cordova because by reason of the great Heat of the Weather it could not then be carry'd to Sevil or Toledo the Burial Places of the King It was the more confidently believ'd he dy'd in pursuance of the Summons because the same happen'd at the same time to the Pope and King of France who were also cited by several Knights Templers as they were led to Execution What the King of Aragon decreed as to the Difference betwixt Castile and Portugal is not known but it was visible he favour'd the Portugues and King Ferdinand dying he still kept those Towns which remain to that Kingdom to this Day CHAP. VI. The beginning of the Reign of Alonso the XIth King of Castile The many Confusions in that Kingdom by reason of his Infancy The Moors of Granada expel their King The Turks their Original and Growth GReat Troubles ensu'd upon the Death of King Ferdinand because the new King was but a Year and 26 Days old As soon as the King dy'd Prince Alonso his Son was proclaim'd by the
Robert King of Naples his mortal Enemy who secur'd them at Aversa There they were till both dy'd with hard Usage Prince Ferdinand of Majorca was not kept to strictly and was soon after releas'd At Mecina he marry'd Elizabeth the Grandchild of Luis the last Prince of the Morea a Frenchman who dy'd not long before without leaving any Heir-male After the Departure of the French from the Levant those Catalonians that remain'd there destroy'd all wherever they went Gualter de Brena Duke of Athens being then at War entertain'd them and they soon mutiny'd kill'd him and plunder'd the City but reserv'd the Title of Duke for Frederick King of Sicily in hopes he would relieve them King Frederick accepted of the Title and sent Governours and Officers under whom the War was continu'd with various Success This Dukedom he left to his younger Son William and he to his Brother John then succeeded Frederick his Son who dying without Issue that Title fell to Frederick King of Sicily Great Grandson to him that first sent the Catalonians to Greece Hence the Kings of Aragon as Kings of Sicily stil'd themselves Dukes of Athens and Neopatria Luis Hutin King of France dying on the 5th of June 1315. Philip the Long his Brother succeeded him Joanna his Daughter being excluded by the Salique Law But she could not be excluded from the Crown of Navarre because her Grandmother not many Years before had inhenâ—â—'d that Crown Pope Clement dying at Avignon the See of Rome was Vacant two Years and four Months through the Divisions among the French and Italian Cardinals at last John the XXth was chosen on the 7th of August 1316. He made Zaragoça an Arch-Bishoprick to whose Jurisdiction he subjected Pamplona Calahorra Huesca and Tarraçona all which and Zaragoça it self were before Subordinate to Tarragona In Castile things were very much unsetled and yet they made War upon the Moors Azar not brooking his Fall contrary to Agreement assum'd the Title of King and being of himself too weak us'd the Assistance of the Christians It was not fit to let slip so good an Opportunity of extirpating the Moors Prince Peter was appointed General against them both because of his Age and because he had many Friends among the Infidels As also because his Uncle Prince John was then afflicted with the Death of his eldest Son D. Alonso who dy'd at Morales near Toro and was bury'd at Leon. About this Time Prince Ferdinand of Majorca dy'd in the Morea whither he went to recover his Wife's Dominions His Body was brought to Spain and bury'd at Perpignan He left a Son call'd D. Jayme Prince Peter in Andaluzia provided a great Convoy for Guadix which suffer'd want and the Enemy lying in the way he March'd with it himself Near Alaten a great Number of Moorish Horse commanded by Ozmin a brave Souldier met him After a sharp Ingagement the Moors were put to Flight 1500 of them kill'd and among them 40 of the Noblest of Granada Guadix was reliev'd and two Forts call'd Gambil and Algabardos taken This Success which ought to have gain'd him the Love of all Men rais'd Emulation and many sought his Ruin whom his Uncle Prince John incens'd It was propos'd the Governours should deliver up some Towns of their own for Security that they would Govern uprightly This Business was mov'd in the Cortes at Burgos first and then at Carrion where Prince Peter to his great Honour comply'd with all their Demands Mony was wanting and the People would not hear of Taxes therefore upon Suit made to him the Pope granted the Tenth of Ecclesiastical Revenues for the War and the Cruzade to all that serv'd upon their own Cost Besides the Country rais'd some Mony Thus our Army being increas'd wasted all the Country as far as the Walls of Granada the Moors refusing to hazard a Battle The Infidels designing to besiege Gibraltar it was provided with all Necessaries so they desisted and at the same time the Castle of Belmes was taken from them It was now the Year 1316 in which Rocaberti Arch-Bishop of Tarragona dying the Chapter elected Prince John the King of Aragon's 3d Son but the Pope could never be brought to confirm the Election Therefore they were forc'd to proceed to a new Choice which fell upon D. Ximeno de Luna Arch-Bishop of Zaragoça D. Peter de Luna succeeded him in that See and Prince John was made Abbot of Montaragon vacant by the Promotion of D. Peter to the Archbishoprick CHAP. VIII Institution of two new Orders of Knighthood in Aragon and Portugal Peter and John Princes of Castile kill'd by the Moors The Government of that Kingdom in Confusion A great Overthrow given the Navarrois by the Biscainers IN the Year 1317 the King of Aragon obtain'd leave of the Pope to institute a new Order of Knighthood out of the Ruins of the Templers That they should be of the Cistercian Order subject to that of Calatrava but to have a particular Master of their own Their Badge was a plain Red Cross on a White Cloak Their principal Seat Montesa whence they took their Name They did as good Service against the Moors who infested the Coasts of Valencia as any other Order Soon after in Portugal by Permission of the same Pope was instituted another Order call'd of Christ the chiefest in that Kingdom Their Badge a Red Cross with a white Twist in the middle To them also were given the Lands of the Templers their chief Seat is at Tomar The Portugueses had long enjoy'd Peace which was now disturb'd by Civil Discord Prince Alonso was displeas'd with his Father the true Cause was Ambition and the desire of â—â—igning before his Time but he pretended his Bastard Brother Alonzo Sanchez had too much Power and more Interest with the King than was reasonable Many forsook the King and follow'd the Prince who seiz'd upon the Cities of Coimbra and Porto The King endeavour'd to appease him by fair means and us'd all possible Methods to prevent a War Mean while in Aragon dy'd Queen Mary Sister to the King of Cyprus whence she came the Year before and was marry'd to the King of Aragon The Marriage was Celebrated at Girona and she was bury'd at Tortosa where she ended her Days in the Year 1318. The following Year 1319 was Remarkable for two extraordinary Accidents One the unfortunate Death of the two Princes John and Peter The other the voluntary Resignation made by D. Jayme Heir to the Crown of Aragon Prince John envy'd the Honour and Esteem his Competitor Prince Peter acquir'd and Prince Peter was a Man would take no wrong It was fear'd these Differences might break out into open Hostilities for Prince John under colour of the War with the Moors had rais'd great Forces in Old Castile The Queen made up these Breaches at Valladolid where the Cortes thaâ—â— sat and it was agreed both Princes should Command severally
â—own was well providâ—â— strongly fortify'd and had a good Garrison As soon as the Town was invested all 〈◊〉 Country about was laid Waste and presently the Walls began to be batter'd The Siege lasted long notwithstanding the Townsmen abated of their Heat seeing no hope of Sucâ—â—â—r yet the Garison held out resolutely During the Siege the Embassadors sent by the 〈◊〉 of Castile to establish Peace and desire Succours of the King of Aragon return'd to the Camp and with them Bernard de Cabrera a Man of great Parts and therefore brought to the Court by the King of Aragon from his retirement â—nd employ'd in the most important Affairs of the Government He came to the Camp on the â—0th of August and establish'd a League betwixt the two Kings upon these Conditions That Queen Ellenor and her Children shall peaceably enjoy all that was given them by her Husband and their Father That the King of Castile shall not give them any assistance if they raise Commotions in the Kingdom After this the King of Aragon sent 400 Cross-bow-Men and 10 Galleys under the command of Raymund Villano Joanna Queen of Navarre who after the Death of her Husband Philip resided in France at the Town of Conflans seated at the meeting of the Rivers Seyne and Oyse dy'd on the 5th of October and was buried in the Church of St. Denis near her Father King Luis Hutin She was a most virtuous Lady and had a numerous Issue Charles her Son succeeded her at the Age of 17. She had two lesser Sons Philip and Luis he who had the Seignory of Durazzâ— in Dower and these Daughters Joanna Mary Blâ—â—â—h and Agnes who were all marry'd to great Men the first to the Lord of Roanâ— the 2d to the King of Aragon the 3d to Philip de Valois King of France and the last to the Earl of Faux Mossen John de Conflans a Frenchman was now Vicerâ—y of Navarre Let us return to the Siege of Gibraltar The Moors of Granada always laid Ambushes about the Christian Camâ—â—â—nd pick'd up all Straglers The besieg'd made often Sallies and did some Execution But what was worst a violent Plague rag'd in the Army and great Numbers dy'd Most Men and particularly D. John de Lara and D. Ferdinand Manuel who had succeeded his Father in the Lordship of Villena were for raising the Siege These things somwhat mov'd the King â—et his Resolution prevail'd unfortunately to him for the Infection seiz'd him and he dy'd on the 26th of March 1350. This was the first year in which Pope Clement allow'd the Jubilee to be gain'd every 50th year which before was every Century It was also remarkable for the Death of Philip King of France His Son John succeeded him This was the end of King Alonso the XIth of Castile in the 38th year of his Age and 't is thought had he liv'd longer he would have drove the Moors out of Spain He might have been compar'd to the best of Princes had he not â—â—emish'd his Virtâ—es by much Inconstancy His Severity in executing Justice gain'd him the Name of The Vpright Immediately upon his Death the Siege was rais'd His Body was carry'd to Sevil and bury'd in the Royal Chappel In the Reign of his Son Henry he was Translated to Cordova as he had order'd it in his Will D. Giles de Albornoz Archbishop of Toledo was created a Cardinal by Pope Clement on the 18th of December Laurence de Padilla says this was the Cause why he quitted the Archbishoprick for in those Days two such Dignities were incompatible and that D. Gonçalo the IVth succeeded him and govern'd that Church but 3 Years Mighty Troubles and Confusions follow'd in Castile Most Men lay all the blame on the new King and therefore call him The Cruel 〈◊〉 Authors attribute it to the Pride and Ambition of the Nobility who 〈◊〉 the King to make 〈◊〉 â—ere Examples As soon as King Alonso dy'd his lawful Son Peter was proclaim'd King 〈◊〉 the Camp tho he was but 15 years of Age and then at Sevil with his Mother His Age was unfit for Government but his forward Wit promis'd well He was fair of Complexion had an agreeable Face with much Majesty a great Heart for difficult Attempts and would undergo any Labour He lov'd 〈◊〉 king above other Sporst and was rigid in Administring Justice Among these Virtues some Vices began to appear as Pride and Passion in his Youth afterwards he added Avarice and Incontinency These natural Imperfections were increas'd by the ill Government of his Tutor D. John de Albuquerque who gave him his Will in all things and by that means rose to the great Favour he had with him The new King had these Bastard Brothers Henry Earl of Trastamara Frederick Master of Santiago Ferdinand Lord of Ledesina and Tello Lord of Aguilar these the Sons of the Lady Ellenor de Guzman Besides these the Lady Joanna marry'd to Ferdinand and Philip de Castro Sancho John and Peter for another Peter and Sancho dy'd Young These Bastard Brothers had not much Confidence in the King who was wholly govern'd by his Mother Queen Mary The Lady Ellenor de Guzman fâ—â—ring the Queen Dowager set out from the Camp with the dead King's Body but by the way changing her Resolution left it and went to Medina Sidonia a strong Town of her own Here she was some time dubious what to do but at last resolv'd to put her self upon the King's Goodness Having fix'd this Resolution she went away to Sevil her Sons and other great Men of her Kindred went to Algezira and other strong Places The King yielding to his Mother's Passion the Lady Ellenor was cast into Prison Her Son Henry being expell'd Algezira upon a safe Conduct came to the King and hastily concluded a Match with the Lady Joanna Sister to D. Ferdinand Manuel to be 〈◊〉 Condition to oppose the King The King fell so desperately Sick that he was given over by all the Physicians Every one named a Successor according to his Fancy but the King soon recovering this only serv'd to discover the Inclinations of the People D. John de Lara envious of the great Power of D. Alonso de Albuquerque went away for Castile designing to raise a Rebellion which was easy because of his great Possessions in that Country His Designs were prevented by Death which took him away at Burgos on the 28th of November His Body was bury'd in the Monastery of St. Paul of the Dominiâ—ans in that City He left a 〈◊〉 NunÌ„o de Lara but two years Old Almost at the same time dy'd his Brother in Law D. Ferdinand Manuel leaving only a Daughter call'd Blanch. The Death of these two great Men was very pleasing to D. Alonso de Albuquerque who hop'd they being remov'd to be absolute without Controul The King upon the first News set out from Sevil hoping to seize upon their Estates and gave by the way some Signs of his
vain Thence he sail'd to Barcelona where he found 12 Galleys of Aragon which he twice attempted to carry off but could not because they lay near the Shore and were bravely defended by the Catalonians Thus disappointed he sail'd for the opposite Islands He landed at Yviça and tho he assaulted the Town of that Name could not take it Mean while the King of Aragon having gather'd 40 Galleys sail'd over to Majorca designing to Fight the Castilian Fleet. The King at the Request of his People stay'd in the Island and sent the Fleet under the command of Bernard de Cabrera his Admiral and the Viscount to find out the Enemy who leaving Yviça were come to Calpe with the same Resolution The Aragonian Fleet lay at the Mouth of the River that falls into the Sea neat Denia both Parties seem'd desirous to Ingage yet both were cautious so all this threaten'd Storm vanish'd The Aragonians put into Barcelona and the King of Castile from Cartagena sent his Fleet to Sevil and went by Land himself to Tordesillas to see Da. Maria de Padilla who was there deliver'd of a Son call'd Alonso The King's Joy for his Birth was not lasting for he dy'd soon after In the Fields of Araviana at the foot of the Mountain Moncayo Count Henry and his Brother D. Tello with 700 Aragonian Horse charg'd a Party of Castile and overthrew them killing about 300 and taking many Men of Note Among the rest was killed John Fernandez de Hinestrosa the Commander in Chief The King of Castile in a rage caus'd two Bastard Brothers he kept Prisoners to be put to Death which were John and Peter It is likely they were convicted of keeping Correspondence with the Rebels yet this Action terrify'd the whole Kingdom All the great Ones trembled but doubtless it was their Guilt made them do so for many Men of Quality not thinking themselves secure in Castile fled into Aragon The King was charg'd with Cruelty but the Subject consider'd not how many frequent Rebellions oblig'd him to make Examples of Justice Having Intelligence that 12 Venetian Galleys were ready to pass out of the Streights the King sent 20 to Intercept them but a Storm disappointed the Design This is represented as a hainous Crime without reflecting that is was say'd before the Venetians were in League with Aragon and might therefore be justly looked upon as Enemies to Castile But it was the Misfortune of this King to have all his Actions misrepresented and to have those things call'd Cruelty in him which were but just Punishment of Rebels Yet because a Bastard prevail'd against him that Bastard was applauded as lawful King and the true King stiled a Tyrant Such is the Judgment of the World that Misfortunes make the best King a Tyrant and success Crowns the vilest Vsurper with the Name of a Lawful Prince The Cardinal Legate took much pains to set on Foot a Treaty of Peace which he compass'd at the beginning of the Year 1360. Embassadors were sent on both sides with full Power and the King was near a Conclusion Yet neither at Tudela nor at Sadua where the Treaty was renew'd and continu'd could any thing be brought to Perfection for the Aragonians were incourag'd with their late Success and the King of Castile after so many Disappointments would not yield the least Point Yet finding so much Falshood among his People he knew not who to trust and therefore every Day chang'd the Officers of his Household and Army This was the unhappy condition of King Peter CHAP. III. The Death of Queen Blanch and Da. Maria de Padilla Peace betwixt Castile and Aragon The War with the Moors and Death of their King The King of Aragon 's Daughter marry'd to the King of Sicily THE Treaty of Peace was so carry'd on that still fresh Preparations for War were made on both Sides The King of Castile went from Sevil towards Leon in speed to apprehend Peter Nun̄ez de Guzman Lieutenant of that Kingdom but he having Notice of the King's approach fled to Portugal a sign he was not Innocent Peter Alvarez Osorio being at Dinner with D. James Garcia de Padilla Master of Calatrava was put to Death by two of the King's Guards From Leon the King went to Burgos where he put to Death James Arias Maldonado the Archdeacon for keeping a Correspondence with Count Henry Many others sav'd their Lives by the sudden Irruptions of the Aragonians under Count Henry D. Tello and the Count de Osona into the Territory of Rioja where they took the Town of Haro and City Najara killing a great Number of Jews and making great Slaughter and Destructions In this heat they advanc'd as for as Pancorvo Gonzalo Gonzalez de Lucio Governour of Taraçona for the King of Castile deliver'd it up to the Aragonians The King of Castile march'd towards the Enemy then at Najara and encamp'd near a small Town call'd Azofra Here a Priest came to tell him he had a Revelution that his Bastard Brother Count Henry would kill him unless he mended his Life but the King for his Intelligence caus'd him to be publickly Burnt in the Camp From Azofra the King march'd towards Najara and there totally routed the Aragonians who fled to the City which might have been taken but the King could not be perswaded to besiege it Within two or three Days the Aragonians abandon'd Haro and Najara and the King put Garrisons into them Having secur'd the Frontires he return'd to Sevil and there agreed with the King of Portugal that each should deliver up the Out-laws that fled from the other The King of Portugal put to Death one Peter Coello and another because they had murder'd the Lady Agnes de Castro James Lopez Pacheco who had a Hand in her Death fled to Count Henry who afterwards for his good Service gave him an Estate in Castile and he was the Founder of the Noble Family of Pacheco Others were deliver'd to the King of Castile who put them to Death at Sevil. One of these was Peter Nun̄ez de Guzman the Lieutenant of Leon. Another was Gomez Carillo beheaded in a Galley as he was going by the King's Order from Sevil to Algozira upon pretence of being Governor of that Place Gutierre Fernandez de Toledo was put to Death at Alfaro for favouring the Party of Count Henry Gutierre Gomez and Toledo and James Gomez Brother to the deceas'd understanding he was Executed fled to Aragon D. Vasco Arch-bishop of Toledo was banish'd the Kingdom without allowing him time to change his Cloaths He went to Coimbra where in a Monastery of Dominicans he ended his Days holily Some Years after his Body was Translated to the Cathedral of Toledo Many call this Archbishop Blase It is suppos'd D. Vasco resign'd the Archbishoprick as soon as he was Banish'd for the same Year we find D. Gomez Manrique succeeded him Whilst these things happen'd in Castile the King of Aragon sent 4 Galleys well
of Castile whom Farax Reduan serv'd with 600 Moorish Horse sent by the King of Granada Count Henry was daily expected out of France with 3000 Lances yet all the Power of Aragon was Inferior to that of Castile wherefore Taraçona Tervel Segorbe Exerica and many other Places surrender'd The Castilians without Opposition peirc'd into the Heart of the Kingdom and took Monviedro On the 20th of July they besieg'd Valencia In Aragon they gave themselves for lost when Count Henry arriving reinforc'd their Army so that they durst advance towards the Enemy But the Army of Castile being much weaken'd with Garrisoning the Towns taken the King would not hazzard a Battel and therefore retir'd to Monviedro The Aragonian perceiving he could not draw the Enemy to a Battel retir'd to Burrlanna a strong Town 2000 Horse were sent by the King of Castile to disturb their March but they did nothing worth taking notice of Whilst these Things were in Agitation in Spain King John of France dy'd at London whether he went to ransom the Hostages left there when he was releas'd His Son Charles the Vth. succeeded him Charles the new King was an utter Enemy to him of Navarre therefore as soon as he was possess'd of the Kingdom he sent Bertran Claquin a famous General with an Army to invade his Territories in France This General took several Towns and overthrew in Battle Philip the King's Brother who soon after dy'd His death mov'd the King of Navarre to propose a Peace betwixt the Kings of Spain Besides he began to pity his Kinsman the King of Aragon and was envious of the Success of the Castilian Hereupon Luis the King of Navarre's Brother and the Abbot of Fuscan the Popes Nuncio went to treat with the King of Castile and found with him the Count de Denia and Bernard de Cabrera Embassadors from the King of Aragon These Gentlemen mollify'd the King of Castile's Heart especially by proposing two Matches one for him with Joanna Daughter to the King of Aragon the other for his Daughter Beatrix with John Duke of Girona Heir of that Crown This is what was propos'd publickly Underhand the death of Henry Earle of Trastamana and Prince Ferdinand of Aragon were contriv'd but the King of Aragon was unwilling to condescend Nevertheless whether it was to please the King of Castile or for any other Reason Prince Ferdinand was put to death at Castellon a Town near Burriana The old Animosities were reviv'd and he was about making his escape into France with some Castilians that follow'd him His Wife flying towards Portugal was taken by the way and afterwards sent to her Father Count Henry was not a little pleas'd at the death of Prince Ferdinand as being thereby deliver'd of a powerful Competitor in his pretensions to the Crown of Castile But his Joy had like to be but short for the next day he was in evident Danger of his Life without knowing any thing of it The Kings of Aragon and Navarre had agreed to meet together with Count Henry in the Castle of Vncastel belonging to the Aragonian on the Borders of Navarre and there to kill him The Count tho ignorant of the Design was jealous and would not go into the Castle To satisfy him John Ramirez de Arellano was made Governour of the Place in whom doubtless the Count had some Confidence and went thither upon his patole Some say this Meeting was at Sos on the Frontiers of Navarre This Caution sav'd Count Henry's Life for the Kings could not prevail with the Governour to suffer him to come to any harm He said the Count was his Friend and besides he had ingag'd his Honour to him and therefore on no account would blast his Reputation with the Name of Treachery About this time Constance Queen of Sicily ended her days at Catanea She left one Daughter called Mary who afterwards inherited her Father's Kingdom which in her right came to Martin Her Husband the Son of another Martin Duke of Monblanc and lastly King of Aragon The Treaty of Peace being broke up the King of Aragon went to Catalonia to provide for his defence He of Castile return'd to Sevil with such eager Desire of renewing the War that about the end of the Year he enter'd the Kingdom of Valencia took the Towns of Alicant Muela Gallosa Denia Gandia and Oliva and in the Month of December laid Siege to Valencia the Metropolis of that Kingdom CHAP. V. Count Henry proclaimed King of Castile King Peter expelled the Kingdom Refus'd entertainment in Portugal gathers a Fleet in Galicia and flies into France to the protection of the English THE King of Aragon who kept his Christmas at Lerida was much surpris'd at this Advance of the Castilians On the 23d of February 1364 he had a Conference with the King of Navarre at Sos. Count Henry was there being reconcil'd to the Two Kings or what is likelyest not knowing what had been design'd against him They make a Confederacy which was not lasting Castile they divided among themselves The King of Navarre was to have Biscay and old Castile he of Aragon the Kingdoms of Murcia and Toledo Count Henry all the other parts Only Bernard de Cabrera lik'd not these Proceedings therefore they resolv'd to kill him which was not so private but he had some notice of it and fled to Navarre Count Henry sent some Officers after him by whom he was apprehended at Carcastillo and deliver'd to the King of Aragon That King having gather'd his Forces march'd to raise the Siege of Valencia The Castilians would not come to a Battel but kept within their Intrenchments and so the Aragonians got into Valencia The Fleet of Castile consisting of 24 Galleys and 46 Ships sail'd to Monviedro there they understood that the Viscount Cardona was with 17 Galleys of Aragon in the River of Cullera The King of Castile made thither resolving to take them but at the Mouth of the River a sudden Tempest forc'd him back to the Port from whence he set out The King himself was in great Danger and therefore as soon as he Landed went in Pilgrimage to the Church of our Lady del Puch to give Thanks He is said to have done this Barefoot and in his Shirt which shews he was not so ungodly as he is represented After this the King of Aragon return'd to Barcelona he of Castile to Murcia and thence to Sevil in the Heat of Summer On the 26th of July Bernard de Cabrera was publickly put to death at Zaragoça the King himself giving Sentence against him and consiscating all his Lands This was doubtless a cruel Act for he had serv'd well was Innocent and had been the King's Tutor all his Crime was speaking the Truth to the King's Advantage but Kings love Flatterers The Queen the King of Navarre Count Henry and Count de Ribagorça contriv'd his death The War continu'd hot Ayora in the Kingdom of Valencia was taken by
was done tho with some Difficulty and thus at length after so many Revolutions that Island was pacify'd Sardinia was also brought under by an Agreement made with William Vincent Narbonne in Virtue of which he was to deliver up to the King the City Sacer which he was then possess'd of and all his other Lands and Possessions in that Island and in lien thereof to have certain Towns and a Sum of Mony in Spain This was the Posture of Affairs in Aragon In France about this time dy'd Archimbaud Earl of Faux He left 5 Sons John who succeeded him in the Earldom Gaston the IId Archimbaud the IIId Peter the IVth who became a Priest and was Cardinal of Faux and the youngest Matthew Earl of Cominges John the eldest marry'd the Princess Joanna Daughter to the King of Navarre and she dying without Issue he took to Wife Mary Daughter to Charles d' Albret by whom he had two Sons Gaston the eldest and the youngest Peter Viscount Lautrec the Founder of the Family of that Name in France which has produc'd many famous Men and continu'd very renown'd till near our Days The Peace the Kingdom of Aragron enjoy'd abroad could not influence the Earl of Vrgel to desist from his wicked Machinations In Castile the Truce concluded with the Moors at their Instance the foregoing April was prolong'd for 17 Months more For this reason the Mony that the Country had rais'd to carry on the War against the Moors and amounted to the Sum of 100000 Ducats was by the general Consent and Approbation of the whole Kingdom given to the new King Ferdinand for his present Expence besides a good Body of Horse and Foot that attended him A very opportune Supply to settle him in his new acquir'd Kingdom and curb the wicked Designs of ill-meaning Men. His greatest Recommendation was his courteous and loving Disposition which gain'd him the good Will of all Men and yet the Aragonians were dissatisfy'd that he kept about him a Guard of Strangers and pretended by that Method to secure to himself the Crown they had of their own accord given him They complain'd it was a Reflection upon the Loyalty of the Natives and the Fidelity they had inviolably observed towards their Kings since that Kingdom was first 〈…〉 King with 〈…〉 what he could gather in Aragon march'd after 〈…〉 punish him The Earl had but a small Power to 〈…〉 thought to make use of Policy Therefore he sent Embassadors to 〈…〉 to do Homage to him which accordingly they 〈…〉 October All this was only to amuse the new King to the 〈…〉 his Army and send back the Troops of 〈…〉 greatest part of them The King and Pope Benedict 〈…〉 upon there the Pope gave the King the Investiture 〈…〉 and Corsica as was of Custom they being Feoâ—es of 〈…〉 the Kings of Aragon After this Interview at the end of 〈…〉 the next which was 1413 the Cortes of Catalonia met at 〈…〉 to pacify the Earl of Vrgel that he might not disturb the Peace 〈…〉 to which purpose they granted all he sent to demand and particularly that Prince 〈◊〉 should marry his Daughter and Heiress All these Condescentions did not satisfy him but 〈…〉 Correspondence with England and France to procure Assistance 〈…〉 The King having notice of it to â—â—â—sh him in time rais'd all the Forces he 〈…〉 sent him 400 Horse out of Castile but they 〈…〉 joyning him The King of Navarre offer'd his 〈…〉 Subjects should take it ill if he made use of many 〈…〉 of â—ortes Bastard Son to that King came with a good 〈…〉 With this Force he broke into the Country of the Earl of Vrgel 〈…〉 till he sâ—t down before â—alaguer the chief Town of that Dominion in which 〈…〉 confiding in the Strenâ—â—â— of the Place was The Siege was tedious and difficult but whilst it lasted all the rest of the Earldom submitted to the King At this time came 〈…〉 Embassadors from the Kings of France and Naples He of France advertiz'd him 〈…〉 the Insolency of the â—â—â—ke of Burgundy and the rebellious Practices of the 〈…〉 as in great Danger being in a manner a Prisoner with his Son and 〈…〉 and therefore earnestly intreated he would assist him King Ladislaus 〈…〉 their Forces against the Duke of Anjoâ— his Competitor in the Kingdom 〈…〉 might prove a dangerous Enemy to Aragon having also 〈◊〉 to that Kingdom To the King of France he answer'd he was much conceâ—â—◠〈…〉 Misfortunes and would as soon as his Affairs did permit assist him with his utmost â—ower The answer to Ladislaus was That he thank'd him for his offer of Friendship but that there had been an uninterrupted Friendship betwixt him and the Duke of Anjon which he could not violate and therefore would rather chuse to be a Mediator betwixt them 〈…〉 part with either against the other The Embassadors being dismiss'd the Siege was 〈…〉 observ'd 〈…〉 began to want Provisions and desir'd to Article Elizabeth thâ— Countesâ— to prevent further 〈◊〉 with her Husband's leave and the King's Permission 〈◊〉 out to endeavour to appâ—â—â— him All she could obtain of the King was the Earls 〈…〉 he would surrender himself The Case was desperate and there was no way 〈◊〉 â—o submit to Necessity On the last day of October the Earl came to the Camp and â—â—lling at the King's Feet begg'd Pardon promising to behave himself better for the future All the King answer'd was That tho he had deserv'd Death he gave him his Life yâ—â— made â—o 〈…〉 his Liberty or Estate but order'd him to be secur'd at Lerida After the 〈…〉 and that Earldom pacify'd the Earl was convicted of high Treason and 〈…〉 was confiscated and he condemned to perpetual Imprisonment 〈…〉 many Friends in that Kingdom and therefore was sent to Castile where 〈…〉 Castle of VrenÌ„a next in that of Mora and lastly dy'd a Prisoner at 〈…〉 of Valencia Antony de Luna who held the Castle of Lohorri for the Earl seeing that had befallen him left that Castle and his own Estate and fled Thus those Troubles concluded with more ease than had been expected CHAP. III. The Christian Princes all combine with the Emperor to put an end to the Schism in the Church In order to it King Ferdinand of Aragon has a Conference with Pope Benedict The Council of Constance The two Popes John and Gregory abdicate WHilst what has been related happen'd in Aragon all the Princes of Christendom sent their Embassadors to Sigismund the Emperor desiring him to find out some means to restore the Unity of the Church by putting an end to the Schism which had lasted so many Years He having consulted with the Embassadors about that Affair sent to require those who call'd themselves Popes to consent to the calling of a General Council where they should all freely renounce the Papacy and stand to the Determination of the Fathers Hitherto their Condescention was fegn'd and they had
should they elect another before he resign'd There was but one way left which was that the Emperor Pope and King of Aragon should meet as had been propos'd To this effect Embassadors were sent to the two last and the City Nice on the Coast of Piemont appointed for their Conference Still it was hop'd Benedict would follow the Example of his Competitors and submit to the Resolutions of all Nations CHAP. IV. The Portugueses pass over into Africk and take Ceuta All Endeavours us'd to move Pope Benedict to resign the Papacy prove vain Ferdinand King of Aragon his Death The Council of Constance puts an end to the Schism in the Church WHilst these things were in Agitation at Constance the King of Aragon at Valencia with all Majesty solemniz'd the Marriage of his Son Alonso with the Princess Mary Sister to King John of Castile To Honour the Solemnity Pope Benedict came thither as did all the Nobility of the Kingdom With the Princess came from Castile D. Sancho de Rojas then translated from the See of Valencia to the Archbishoprick of Toledo upon the Death of D. Peter de Luna who departed this Life at Toledo on the 18th of September and was bury'd in that Cathedral D. Sancho was promoted at the Instance of the King of Aragon and he well deserv'd it for his good Parts and the signal Services he had done to the Crown Prince Alonso was marry'd on the 12th of June Her Father left the Princess the Marquisate of Villena for her Dower but it was taken from her and in lieu of it she had 200000 Ducats because the Castilians would not allow that Estate to be given to the Aragonians it lying on the Borders of both those Kingdoms very opportunely to make Incursions in time of War The King of Portugal since the last Year was fitting out a powerful Fleet. All the Neighbouring Princes as is usual in such Cases were jealous lest it might be design'd against them Particularly the King of Aragon was concern'd because it was reported the Portugues design'd to undertake the Protection of the Earl of Vrgel which would disturb the Peace of Aragon They were all deceiv'd for the Designs of the Portugues were of another Nature to wit to pass over into Africk and make new Conquests there His good Fortune which had gain'd and fix'd him in that Kingdom to which he had no Right encourag'd him and he sought new Conquests to bestow on his many Children because the Limits of Portugal were but very Narrow By the Queen his Wife he had the Princes Edward Peter Henry John and Ferdinand and the Princess Elizabeth Besides them a Bastard Son call'd Alonso afterwards Earl of Barcelos He fitted out 30 great Ships 27 Galleys 30 Galliots and many other small Vessels which in all made up 120 Sail. With this Fleet the King set sail towards Africk notwithstanding that at the same time Queen Philippa dy'd whom he caus'd to be bury'd in the new Monastery of Batalla at Aljubarrota At his first Landing on the 22d of August he took the City Ceuta seated upon the Sreights of Gibraltar by Storm The first that mounted the Wall was a Souldier call'd Cortereal another call'd Albergueria was first at entring the Gate Both were rewarded by the King as they deserv'd and others were honour'd according to their Merits Of the Moors some were put to the Sword others fled and others were made Slaves This lucky beginning put the Portugueses in hopes of subduing large Territories in Africk This same Year they also alter'd their manner of Computation from the Era of Cesar and began to reckon from the Birth of our Lord as all other Countries did The Council of Constance still labour'd to settle the Affairs of the Church King Ferdinand could not go to Nice by reason of Sickness and therefore it was resolv'd the Emperor should come as far as Perpignan in the County of Russillon Pope Benedict and King Ferdinand being nearest came thither first On the 19th of September came the Emperor with 400 Men at Arms on Horseback a splendid Retinue His Habit was plain and the Service of his Table of Pewter in token of Mourning for the unhappy State of the Church Thither resorted Embassadors from France Castile and Navarre All the World was in Expectation what this Meeting would produce King Ferdinand by reason of his Indisposition could not attend the Conferences Yet from his Bed conjur'd Pope Benedict to restore the Peace of the Church and to remember the Promises he had formerly made He urg'd the Example of his Competitors and shew'd how short a time he could expect to live being of a great Age. Pope Benedict was resolv'd not to agree to any Composition and therefore only study'd to protract or delay time Both Princes press'd him to come to some Resolution One day he made a long Harangue in defence of his Right alledging that if ever there was any doubt of the dueness of his Election it had now ceas'd by the Resignation of his Competitors he only being left as sole Governour of the Church that the Older he was the more cause he had to fear offending God by timorously yeilding to quit his Charge He spent 7 whole Hours in this Discourse without the least sign of Weariness tho he was 77 years of Age and the Auditors tir'd slip'd away one after another At last he urg'd that in case he were not the true Pope yet the choosing of another appertain'd to him alone as being the only Cardinal left alive of those promoted before the Schism by a Pope whose Right was indisputable Much time was spent in these Debates and no hopes of any Conclusion The Emperor weary of these delays departed from Perpignan threatning Pope Benedict to make use of Force since he could not be reduc'd by fair means Yet he made some stay at Narbonne to see whether King Ferdinand could work upon that hard Heart but all was in vain for Pope Benedict fled to Piniscola hoping to maintain himself there it being seated on a Rock encompass'd almost on all sides by the Sea At length the only remedy remaining was made use of which was to disown him in Aragon as was done by Edict and all Persons forbid to acknowledge him as Pope F. Vincent Ferrerius who had always adher'd to him was the Man that now advis'd to cast him off Some Persons still retain'd a scruple but the generality easily consented Benedict himself was so offended that he say'd he who was most beholding to him was his chief Enemy and he hop'd God would for his Ingratitude deprive him of the Kingdom which he had given him Whilst these things were hottest in Debate Ellenor Queen of Navarre dy'd on the 5th of March at Pamplona She lies in an Alablaster Tomb in the Cathedral of that City with an Inscription signifying the time of her Death King Ferdinand's Disease continu'd and he earnestly desir'd to return to
hating him mortally The King who let slip no Opportunity to advance his Interest sent immediately Embassadors to the Queen and went over himself to the Island Ischia to be the nearer to her Most of the Summer was spent in treating but at length the Queen disannull'd the Adoption of the Duke of Anjou and renew'd that of King Alonso This was all privately transacted by the Advice of Corbella by whom the Queen was wholly directed Whilst these things were in Agitation at Naples the Princes of Aragon were in great danger Peter being a Prisoner and Henry besieg'd in Albuquerque A greater War was fear'd because the Articles agreed on before had not been observ'd whereof the Embassadors of Castile complain'd to John King of Navarre who was Lieutenant to his Brother of Aragon At length it was agreed that the two Princes should deliver up Albuquerque and all other Places they held and so depart Castile This being concluded by the Mediation of the King of Portugal the two Brothers and Catherine Wife to Prince Henry with the Master of Alcantara and Bishop of Coria embarked at Lisbon and went thence to Valencia designing to try their Fortunes again in Spain or if that fail'd to go over into Italy which was what their Brother desir'd being resolv'd to conquer the Kingdom of Naples as knowing well the Queen was more inclin'd to his Competitor and only study'd to amuze him Frederick Earl of Luna kept up his Intelligence with Castile intending to betray Taraçona and Calatayud Towns on the Frontiers of Aragon to King John This seem'd the more easy because at the same time there arose a Dispute about the Jurisdiction of the Church of Toledo D. John de Contreras Archbishop of Toledo with six others was appointed by the King of Castile to compose the Differences betwixt him and the Crown of Aragon D. John as Primate of all Spain carry'd the Cross before him which the Bishop of Taraçona first and then the Arch-bishop of Zaragoça as Metropolitan complain'd of This Dispute betwixt the Prelates hinder'd the most important Affair of the Peace which was the general Concern from being brought to an Issue and it was fear'd the Truce being expir'd the War would again break out Both Parties prepar'd for it and both were streighten'd for Mony but chiefly the Aragonians exhausted with such lasting Wars Several strange Apparitions in the Sky terrify'd the Spaniards already alarm'd with the Apprehension of a new War Particularly at Cuidad Rodrigo where the King of Castile then lay there was seen for a long time a Flame moving about which ended in a terrible clap of Thunder that was hear'd above 30 Miles from thence At the beginning of the Year 1433 it Snow'd in Aragon and Nevarre for the space of 40 Days continually which destroy'd vast Numbers of Cattle and Fowl The very wild Beasts came from the Woods to the Towns forc'd by hunger to seek Food From Cuidad Rodrigo the King of Castile went to Madrid to hold the Cortes Thither resorted so great a Multitude that the Town tho large could not contain it and many were forc'd to lodge in the neighbouring Villages Here it was consulted how to carry on the War of Granada the Truce being expir'd Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo was sent to begin the War He took some strong Holds from the Moors All the rest of Spain enjoy'd Peace this Year The Nobility of Castile strove to out do one another in the splendour of their Retinues and Expences spending the time in running at Tilt and such Sports to delight the King and People without any care of the War At Lisbon this Year the Plague carry'd off great Numbers of People King John of Portugal dy'd on the 14th of August at the Age of 76 4 Months and 3 Days and having Reign'd 48 Years 4 Months and 9 Days He is famous for having in such a confusion of times secur'd that Kingdom to his Posterity His Son Edward succeeded him and was declar'd King in a great Assembly of the Nobility being then 41 Years 9 Months and 14 Days old Besides his other Felicities King John was happy in a numerous Issue by his Wife Philippa Daughter to John Duke of Lancaster First he had Blanch who dy'd young 2dly Alonso who liv'd but 10 Years 3dly Edward who succeeded him 4thly Peter Duke of Coimbra 5thly Henry Duke of Viseo 6thly John Constable of Portugal 7thly Ferdinand Master of Avis and 8thly Elizabeth marry'd to Philip Earl of Flanders and Duke of Burgundy On the Day of King Edward's Coronation it is reported that a Jewish Physician call'd Gudiala advis'd to put off that Ceremony till the Afternoon else it would be unfortunate but his Council was slighted as superstitious As soon as the King took upon him the Government he order'd the Funeral of his Father with greater Pomp than had been till then he with all the Nobility accompanying the Corps to the Church of Batalla at Aljubarrota built by the deceas'd King as was said before All the rest of this King's Reign was answerable to this pious Beginning CHAP. V. The Council of Basil The Affairs of Naples and death of the Duke of Anjou and the Queen of Naples The Nobility of that Kingdom incline to favour the Aragonians The Pope expell'd Rome and restor'd POpe Martin the last Year of his Life had summon'd all the Christian Prelates to hold a General Council at Basil in order to reform the universal Corruption of Manners and to 〈◊〉 to the true Faith the Bohemians then tainted with new Heresies Cardinal Julian Cesarinus went from Rome to be present at the opening of the Council Eugenius successor to Pope Martin endeavour'd to remove the Council into Italy but Sigismund the Emperor oppos'd it Other Princes were courted to joyn with each of them The King of Aragon thought fit to be of the Emperor's Party hoping he would be the surer Friend to him towards obtaining the Kingdom of Naples For this Reason he sent his Embassadors to Basil as did all the other Princes of Spain mov'd by his Example At the beginning of the Year 1434 dy'd at Basil Cardinal Alonso Carrillo a Person of great Learning and Wisdom and Protector of Spain D. Alonso Carrillo his Nephew succeeded him in the Bishoprick of Siguença and came at last to be Archbishop of Toledo Sigismund the Emperor answer'd not the Expectations of the King of Aragon but as soon as he was crown'd at Rome as if the Crown had chang'd his Nature he made a League with the Venetians Florentines and Philip Duke of Milan for expelling the Aragonians out of all Italy with their joynt Forces This he did rather to comply with the Pope than out of any particular Prejudice But all things happen'd otherwise than they expected as shall appear hereafter Frederick Earl of Luna added one Crime to all his former Extravagancies which brought him to his Ruin He was bold and restless
within 4 Months and that the mean while his Daughter Joanna Queen of Portugal should remain in Castile as a Hostage This done the Castle of that Town which held for the Admiral surrendred as did all the Towns of the Rebels in Old Castile At the beginning of the War by the advice of D. Alvaro tho contrary to the Opinion of the Earl of Haro and other Noblemen the King of Castile sent to Portugal for Supplies Peter Duke of Coimbra the Governour sent 2000 Foot and 1600 Horse under the command of his Son Peter who tho but 16 Years of Age upon the Death of his Uncle Prince John was constituted Constable of Portugal They came to the King at Mayorga at such time as the War was ended However all the Officers were splendidly entertained and presented D. Alvaro underhand and without the King's Knowledge as was said made up a Match for him with the Lady Elizabeth Daughter to D. John Master of Santiago in Portugal with whom he had special Friendship The Portugueses being dismissed the Court went to Burgos There contrary to expectation the Earls of Benavente and Castro were pardoned conditionally that the latter should not in two years go out of Lobaton nor the other out of Benavente Other Noblemen were highly Rewarded and even above their Deserts D. Inigo Lopez de Mendoça was created Marques of Santillana and Earl of Mançanares John Pacheco was made Marques of Villena D. Alvaro de Luna at Avila was by the Knights of that Order chosen Master of Santiago D. Peter Giron in favour to his Brother John Pacheco for he had been of the Aragonian Party was chosen Master of Calatrava D. Alonso de Aragon being deposed on account that he followed his Father in the late Wars Some Men would not allow those two Elections to be Legal whereupon ensued much strife D. Roderick Manrique supported by the Prince opposed D. Alvaro D. John Ramirez de Guzman the chief Commendary who pretended some right on account of his former Election and had now some Votes for him stood up against D. Peter Giron Albuquerque still held out for the Aragonians but the King going thither in Person it was delivered up by the Governour Ferdinand Davalos Thence the King went back to Toledo and at the suit of the Citizens took that Government from Peter Lopez de Ayala giving it to Peter Sarmiento which proved afterwards of ill Consequence and at present offended the Prince who favoured Ayala At the end of this Year and on the 4th of December dyed D. Gutierre Archbishop of Toledo at Talavera His Body was certainly bury'd in the Cathedral There is a Dispute whether it was afterwards removed or not But it matters nothing D. Alonso Carrillo then Bishop of Siguença was preferred to the See of Toledo at the beginning of the Year 1446. He was a Man of a haughty and restless Spirit as appeared by the Disorders he afterwards caused in the Kingdom Only Atiença and Torija held out for the King of Navarre but they were well garrisoned and provided Besides it was reported that the King of Navarre was preparing to return to Castile The Moorish King also at the Instigation of the Aragonians entring the Frontiers of Andaluzia took Benamaruel and Bençalema two strong Towns It was not practicable to oppose both Enemies at once therefore the King's Forces marched against the Aragonians in May and having besieged Atiença three Months they began to treat of surrendring It was agreed that Town and Torija should be put into the Hands of Queen Mary of Aragon to hold them in trust till such Judges as should by Consent of both Parties be appointed decreed to whom they should be delivered This done the King was received into the Town on the 12th of August He caused part of the Walls to be cast down and some Buildings to be fired The Townsmen looking upon this as a breach of Articles refused to admit him into the Castle which oblig'd him to return to Valladolid without doing any thing to the purpose CHAP. III. Disorders continue in Spain The Florentine War Pope Eugenius dies Nicholas the V. succeeds him The Breach betwixt Castile and Aragon continu'd Several Noblemen of Castile apprehended Others fly AT his Departure from Atiença the King left the Archbishop of Toledo and D. Charles de Arellan̄o to observe the Aragonians and seize upon that Town and Torija if an Occasion offered From those Towns the Aragonians sent out Parties as far as Guadalajara where the Archbishop and Arellan̄o resided Some ill affected Persons sowed Sedition through all those Parts which the King of Navarre had more Confidence in than in his Strength Besides D. Alvaro and D. John Pacheco to advance their own Interest put the King and Prince at Variance to such a degree that both Parties raised Men. In a treaty betwixt the King and his Son I find the King pardons the Earl of Castro and his Children and orders them to be restored to their Estates D. Roderick Manrique without any other right than what he grounded on these Confusions called himself Master of Santiago at the Instigation of Pope Eugenius and the King of Aragon without any consent of the Knights By this means he hoped to seize the Towns belonging to that Order but D. Alvaro opposed him and there ensued much Mischief Mean while the Moors at the beginning of the Year 1447 having wasted all the Country took the Towns of Arenas Huescar Velez el Blanco and Velez el Roxo in the Kingdom of Murcia these Places being ill provided It will not be amiss briefly to give some Account of the Florentine War Blanch Daughter to Philip Duke of Milan was married to Francis Sforcia Her Portion 60000 Crowns for which Cremona a rich Town in that Dutchy was Mortgaged to him and he tho his Father in Law tendred the Mony refused to restore it hoping to secure the Succession to the Dukedom by the help of the Venetians Florentines and Genoeses with whom he was in League Duke Philip sent the Bishop of Novara to perswade King Alonso to make War on the Florentines whilst he recovered Cremona from his Son in Law whom the Venetians favoured Pope Eugenius being an Enemy to the Venetians stirred up King Alonso but it was needless his own Obligations moved him to do more than was asked He sent Raymund Buil an excellent Commander to Milan and went himself to Tibur near Rome where whilst the Florentines made Overtures of Peace the Venetians possess'd themselves of a great part of the Dutchy of Milan which obliged the Duke to be reconciled to his Son in Law King Alonso at his suit did the same and lent the Duke Mony This was the posture of Affairs when on a sudden the Duke changing his Mind sent for King Alonso to resign that Dukedom over to him The King refused and Messages past to and fro The mean while Pope Eugenius dyed at Rome on the 22d of February
with 4000 Aragonian Horse and 2000 Foot to invade the Duke's Territories on the side of Alexandria la Palla Ferdinand the King's Son and Duke of Calabria who had now 3 Children Alonso Frederick and Ellenor had 6000 Horse and 2000 Foot to make War upon the Florentines He entred the Territories of Cortona and Arezo wasted the Country burnt the Villages and took the considerable Town of Toyano He also overthrew Astor de Faenca who came first to the Assistance of the Florentines whereupon some other Castles were taken On the other side Antony Oleina having made himself Master of Vado a Town in the Territory ceased not thence to infest the Lands of the Florentines The War went on no less vigorously in the Dutchy of Milan Francis Sforcia endeavoured to draw Renée Duke of Anjou to his Assistance promising when that War was ended to aid him in recovering the Kingdom of Naples Renee found the Passes on the Mountains guarded by the Duke of Savoy and Marques of Montferrat and therefore came to Genoa by Sea with only two Ships and a small Retinue which soon rendred him contemptible Luis Dauphin of France who was afterwards King came as far a Ast with Forces to favour the Dukes of Milan and Anjou but at the end of three Months that Army returned into France without doing any Thing Thus the Affairs of the Milaneses and Florentines were in a dangerous Posture but the Ruin of others proved their Safety The loss of Constantinople inclined all Parties to harken to Peace and the more readily because it was given out the Turk design'd to pass over into Italy Simon de Camerino an Augustin Fryar a Man more active and fit for Business than Learned took such pains that in April he concluded a League betwixt the Venetians Florentines and Milaneses which was afterwards ratifyed in August The King of Aragon complained of the Falshood of the Venetians in that they should conclude any Confedracy without his Knowledge or Consent Hereupon he recalled his Son from Florence to Naples The Venetians Florentines and Milaneses fearing to offend so powerful a King sent Embassadors to him to excuse their Hastiness in concluding the League whereof they still offered to make him the Head begging if still he thought them faulty that he would forgive it To back them the Pope also sent the Cardinal of Fermo his Legate to the King He in a long Harrangue laid before him the Danger that threatned from the Turks offered him in the Name of the Confederates to be Head and General of the League and prayed he would not obstruct the Peace of Italy The King answered he neither began the War nor would be any hindrance to the Peace that he forgave the Affront done him in making any Confederacy without his Knowledge and was ready to take upon him the Command against the Infidels After the King had given his Answer the Articles of the League made betwixt the Venetians Florentines and Milaneses were read and were to this Effect That the Venetians Francis Sforcia and the Florentines shall inviolably observe what is here agreed unto among the Confederates for the term of 25 Years and longer if it shall be so thought fit and be in perfect League and Friendship with King Alonso of Aragon for the publick Peace of Italy and to oppose the Designs of the Turks That King Alonso shall defend the Venetians Milaneses and Florentines as if they were his own Subjects against all Enemies either Italians or Forreigners That in time of Peace to be in a readiness for any sudden War the King Venetians and Francis Sforcia be obliged to keep each of them in constant Pay 8000 Horse and 4000 Foot and the Florentines 5000 Horse and 2000 Foot well armed and equipped That if any War break out none of the Confederates shall make Peace without the Consent of the others nor joyn in League with any State in Italy without the Concurrence of all That if any of the Confederates be invaded each of the others be obliged immediately to send to their Assistance half his Horse and Foot which shall not be recalled till the War is ended That whosoever shall receive such Succour be obliged to assign them Quarters and furnish them with Provisions and other Necessaries at the same rates as the Natives have it That if any of the Confederates shall make War upon another of the Allyes then the others be obliged to send the same Supplies to him that is attack'd as if the other were none of the Confederates and yet the League to stand good in all other Respects That if any of the Allyes be invaded none of the others shall give his Enemies Passage through his Country or furnish them with Provisions but rather oppose them with all his Power These Conditions with only some small Amendments were approved of by the King All the Cities and States of Italy were included in the Confederacy except the Genoeses Sigismund Malatesta and Astor de Faença who were not admitted by the King The Genoeses because they observed not the Articles of Peace concluded on some Years before Sigismund and Astor because after receiving Mony from the King of Aragon for to pay their Men they went over to the Enemy This League it was generally hoped would advance the publick Interest of Christendom but all fell to nothing by the Death of Pope Nicholas who supported this great Colossus and departed this Life on the 24th of March. Within 14 Days the Cardinals elected in his place Cardinal Alonso Borgia who had before vowed and given it under his Hand if he were chosen Pope he would make War on the Turks calling himself Calixtus so great was his Assurance of obtaining that Dignity it being as was given out foretold him when a Child by F. Vincent Ferrer To requite whom for that Prophecy he Canonized him as he did S. Edmund an Englishman This Pope was born at Xativa in the Kingdom of Valencia of mean Parentage but he never did any thing that was little He proved a constant Enemy to the King of Aragon either because he thought it conduced to his Grandeur or that as it generally happens he hated him being more obliged than was in his Power to pay Thus he could never be prevailed upon to grant a new Bull of Investiture of the Kingdom of Naples to the King and his Son He was more studious of advancing his Kindred than became him for in one Day he made his two Nephews John Mila and Roderick Borgia Cardinals He also constituted Peter Borgia Brother to Roderick Vicar General of all the State of the Church Pope Alexander and Duke Valentine two Persons afterwards odious to the World for their wicked Practices were Branches that sprang from this Papacy Peace was ratifyed betwixt Castile and Aragon and the King of Navarre as had been agreed ceased pretending to any Towns in Castile receiving a Pension in lieu of them The Tumults in Navarre did not cease
Humility and Modesty About the same time dyed D. Alonso de Cartagena Bishop of Burgos who composed some Books among them a short History of the Kings of Spain in Latin called Anacephaleosis his other Works are all mentioned in the History called Valeriana D. Luis de Acuna succeeded him in the Bishoprick CHAP. X. The new War at Naples upon the Death of King Alonso and Succession of his Bastard Son Ferdinand Pope Calixtus dies Pius the II. succeeds him Alcazar on the Coast of Africk taken by the King of Portugal Prodigies in Spain KING Alonso's Death put an end to the Peace of Italy and the Kingdom of Naple which seemed to be setled was again perplexed with new Troubles A new War broke out there in such manner that it rather seemed conquered anew than preserved Ferdinand King of Naples had good Natural Parts improved with Learning and no less Experience of Military Affairs He was inferior to none in all sorts of Many Exercises and Inured to suffer Hardships In his Conversation courteous and affable All these good Qualities could not gain him the Affections of the Nobility who bore him perfect hatred Charles Prince of Viana was perswaded to pretend to that Crown as appertaining to him of Right He was willing to harken to these Insinuations and rather wanted Strength than Will to attempt it Some offered to stand by him but he durst not rely on them knowing how much easier it is to promise than to perform It was impossible these Contrivances could be kept private therefore the Prince fearing the new King sailed over into Sicily there to wait the Event of those Affairs Whilst he lived there in Banishment he had by a mean Woman called Capa two Sons Philip and John and by Mary Armendaria the Wife that had been of Francis Barhastre a Daughter called Ann afterwards married to D. Luis de la Cerda first Duke of Medina Celi Notwithstanding all his Practices King Ferdinand payed him a Pension of 12000 Ducats a Year left him by his Father Prince Charles his Departure into Sicily did not discourage the Nobility of Naples The Prince of Taranto and Marques of Cotron sent to invite King John of Aragon to come and accept of that Kingdom but he content with what he had secure made no account of their offer He set out from Tudela and having received the News of his Brother's Death came to Zaragoça where he took possession of the Kingdom of Aragon not as Lieutenant as he was before but as Proprietor The storm raised by Pope Calixtus from whom it had been least expected was great He said that Kingdom which was a Feof of the Church ought not to have been given to a Bastard and therefore pretended it was again forfeited to the See Apostolick This was believed to be only a Colour and that his Aim was to secure that Kingdom for Peter Borgia whom he had created Duke of Spoleto a City in Vmbria An extravagant Ambition much misbecoming his Age and the high Dignity God had raised him to This was supposed would prove the cause of a new War and every Body feared the late Calamities would again be renewed King Ferdinand desiring to reconcile and appease the Pope wrote a very submissive Letter to him aâ—cesting his respect to the Church and particularly to his Person putting him in mind that he had been bred under him as his Scholar and came over into Italy with him and therefore prayed to be looked upon as a Son and treated as such promising on his part to act accordingly This Letter had no effect upon the Pope who began to sollicit all the Princes and Cities of Italy to take Arms but all his Contrivances were disappointed by Death He departed this Life upon the 6th of August happily and in good Season for the Kingdom of Naples In his Place was elected Aeneas Silvius a Native of Siona of the Family of Picolomini who in all Respects acted suitable to the Name he took which was Pius the II. for he restored Peace to Italy and used his utmost endeavours to renew the War with the Turks He confirmed the Kingdom of Naples to Ferdinand only adding this Provisu that it should not be found to be done in wrong of any other He summoned a General Council to meet at Mantra in order to treat in it of the Expedition against the Turk The Neapolitans once having began to raise Commotions could not be so easily quelled The Calabrians took Arms and John Duke of Lorrain being invited from Genoa where he then was arrived on the Coast of Naples with a Fleet of 23 Galleys The chief cause of these Tumults was Abtony Centellas Marques of Girachi and Croten who to revenge the wrong he pretended done his Father by King Alonso doubted not to prefer the Dominion of the French before that of the Spaniards tho descended himself from Spain These Troubles were very great and lasted long therefore it would be too tedious to relate all the Particulars of them it will be properer for our History to return to Spain In Castile King Henry raised mean Persons to high Posts and Dignities He made Michael Lucas de Trançu born at Belmonte a Town in the Country of la Mancha Constable of Castile and gave him the Town of Agreda and Castle of Veraton and Bormediano Gomez de Solis who took the Name of Gaâ—ereâ— from his Country and was Steward of the Houshold was by the Knights of Alcantara to please the King chosen Master of that Order in the Place of D. Gutierre de Sotomayor To the Brothers of these two the King gave plentiful Estates To John de Valençuela the grand Priorship of S. John These Men he designed should stand by him against the Nobility who were disgusted His ordinary Residence was at Madrid where he wholly gave himself up to Pleasure without applying himself to the Government This extraordinary Negligence drew him into great Inconveniences and no less could be expected since he used to sign all Orders or Grants without reading or knowing what was contained in them The Revenue could not answer the vast Expence of his Houshold and other Prodigalities James Arias his Treasurer finding a fit Opportunity gave him to understand as much advising him to Retrench the number of his Servants since many of them only wasted the Revenue with their Salaries and were of no manner of use This advice did not please the King who presently answered Were I Peter Arias I should have more regard to Mony than to Generosity You speak like your self and I will do as becomes a King without fear of coming to Poverty or having occasion to raise new Tares It is the Duty of Kings to give and to measure their Power not by themselves but by the publick Good which is the true fruit of Riches To some we give because they are Serviceable to others that they may not be Wicked Words well becoming a great Prince had his Actions
in Poverty yet wickedly and hated by all Men. Thus he soon endured the Punishment of his short Pleasure being severely chastized by the Hand of God as he had well deserved The End of the Two and Twentieth Book The History of SPAIN BOOK XXIII CHAP. I. The Councel of Mantua Beginnings of Tumults in Castile War at Naples betwixt the Aragonians and House of Anjou Scanderbeg Prince of Epirus comes to the Assistance of Ferdinand King of Naples POpe Pius the Second having appointed a General Councel to meet at Mantua a great number of Bishops from all Parts and Ambassadors of Princes repaired thither as did the Pope himself His only Care was to stir up all Christendom to unite its Forces against the Common Enemy David Emperor of Trebizonde a City in Asia the Lesser upon the Euxine Sea Ussumcassanus King of Armenia and George who stiled himself King of Persia offered great Numbers of Horse and Foot and a mighty Fleet but there was little Confidence to be reposed in their Promises The Western Countries were so entangled with Broils and Confusions at home that little could be hoped from them Notwithstanding all these Difficulties the Pope was not discouraged but resolved to use his utmost Endeavours to promote the Holy War and therefore in a full Assembly of those that came to the Councel made a most Learned Speech laying before them how great a Reproach to Christianity the loss of the Eastern Empire had been and how much nearer since that time the Danger threatned all the Western Part of the World He pressed for some Prince to encourage that War by taking upon him to be General and then offered to carry the Cross before them himself His Words moved the Auditory but the Ambassadors of Princes wasted the Time in Private Controversies Particularly John Duke of Lorrain Son to Renee Duke of Anjou complained that the Pope had given the Investiture of the Kingdom of Naples to Ferdinand his Enemy Thus nothing was done to any purpose only a Verbal Decree was made for carrying on the War The Pope published a Bull in which contrary to his own Opinion at the Councel of Basil he ordains That none shall Appeal from the Pope to a General Councel Thus the Councel was dissolved the Eighth Month after the opening of it The Aragonian Ambassadors after the Councel broke up went away to Naples to Congratulate with the new King upon his Accession to that Crown InÌ„igo Lopez de Mendoça the Ambassador of Castile obtained of the Pope a Jubilee for all that gave certain Alms employed to build at Tendilla a Monastery of Friars of St. Isidorus of the Invocation of St. Ann. Mean while the City Guadalajara was taken from his Brother James de Mendoça he having possessed himself of it wrongfully John Fernandez Galindo a famous Officer surprized it with 600 Horse This the Nobles took for a new Cause of Discontent and combined against the King D. â—â—ederick the Admiral heightned their Discontents He sollicited his Son-in-Law the King of Aragon to join with the Seditious Nobility and make War upon Castile With him joined the Archbishop of Toledo D. Peter Giron Master of Calatrava and the Families of Manrique and Mendoça Their Pretence was to reform the Government D. Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Sevil gave the King an Account of these Practices As a Reward for this good Service the Archbishoprick of Santiago vacant by the Death of D. Roderick de Luna was given to a Kinsman of his called also Alonso de Fonseca who was Dean of Sevil. D. Luis Osorio had then possessed himself of the Revenues of that Church confiding in the Power of his Father the Earl of Trastamara None but a Person of great Authority could reduce him and therefore the two Archbishops changed Sees by the King's Consent The Church of Pamplona upon the Death of D. Martin de Peralta was given to Cardinal Besarion a Greek but very Learned and of a godly Life The Troubles of Naples were the chief Thing that disturbed Pope Pius otherwise wholly bent upon the Holy War The War began again to break out betwixt John the Son of Renee and the new King Ferdinand most of the Neapolitan Nobility as given to Change favouring the House of Anjou The first that appeared in Arms was Anthony Centellas Marquis of Croton who having got his Liberty meditated Revenge but the King was too quick and again laid him in Prison Martin Marciano tho married to Ellenor the King's Sister headed the Rebels many joined with him among whom the chief were the Prince of Taranto Anthony Cardora and John Paul Duke of Sora. Francis Sforcia Duke of Milan being at the Councel of Mantua advised the Pope to enter into League with King Ferdinand for that the French being expelled Italy all Difficulties that obstructed the War with the Turks would be easily surmounted The Pope approved of this Councel but it was not easily to be put into Execution for that King Ferdinand was then besieged in Barletta a City of Apulia and knew not well how to defend himself The Pope would send him no Relief because the Enemy had secured all the Avenues by Land Therefore he sent to George Scanderbeg Prince of Epirus then a most Renowned General who understanding the Pope's Will sent before Coicus Strosius with 500 Albanian Horse and soon after gathering a good Fleet sailed to Ragusa and thence to Barleta Immediately upon his Arrival the Rebels raised the Siege King Ferdinand having joined the Succours sent him by the Pope and Duke of Milan overthrew his Enemies in Battel and soon recovered the Towns that held for them Scanderbeg having spent a Year in this Expedition returned home well satisfied with the King who gave him and his Heirs the City Trani and the Castles of St. John and Siponto After this he obtained several Victories over the Turks and died at the end of Seven Years leaving a Son called John under the Care of the Venetians Nevertheless he ordered him till he could recover his Principality to live at Naples upon what Estate that King had given him From him is descended the most Noble Family of the Castriots Marquisses of Civita de Santangelo in the Kingdom of Naples In Spain Charles Prince of Viana having obtained Pardon for himself and his Followers and the Promise of a competent Revenue for his Maintenance came from Majorca to Barcelona on the 22d of March 1460. It was proposed to marry him with Catherine Sister to the King of Portugal When the Match was as good as concluded the King of Castile took it off offering him his Sister Elizabeth with Assurance of obtaining what he desired of his Father with the Assistance of Castile Hereupon Prince Charles no farther thought of the Match with Portugal and the Princess Catherine went into the Monastery of S' Clare at Lisbon where she ended her Days at such time as it was designed to marry her to Edward IV.
Treaty was again set on foot The King and D. John Pacheco met in the open Field between Cabeçon and Cigales in Old Castile there they agreed upon these Articles That Prince Alonso should inherit the Crown provided he Married the Princess Joanna That D. Beltran should resign the Mastership of Santiago That to decide other Differences there should be Two Arbitrators chosen by each Party and F. Alonso de Oropesa General of the Order of S. Hierome to be the 5th all things to be decided by the majority of Voices Then Prince Alonso being but Eleven years of Age was brought to the Kings Camp sworn Heir to the Crown and delivered to the Nobles which caused new Troubles In lieu of the Mastership the King created D. Beltran Duke of Albuquerque giving him that Town Cuellar Roa Molina Atiença and other Revenues in Andaluzia The Rebels chose D. John Pacheco and the Earl of Plasencia The King Peter Hernardez de Velasco and Gonzalo de Saavedra on his part to be Judges of the Differences between them The Archbishop of Toledo and the Admiral were reconciled to the King but their Friendship was not lasting and therefore suspected to be feigned It was feared if these Judges came to give Sentence they would leave the King nothing but that bare Title He therefore ordered the Master of Alcantara and Earl of Medellin in whom he reposed much Confidence to come to him with what Force they could gather to disappoint the Designs of his Enemies Gonçalo de Saavedra and Alvar Gomez the Kings Secretary to whom he had given Maqueda Torrejon de Velasco and S. Silvestre in the Territory of Toledo were sent for The Rebels perswaded all four that the King designed to secure them and therefore their only way was to join with them The King hearing hereof protested against the Judges as Partial and ordered Peter Arias a Citizen of Segovia to take Terrejon by sorce which he did and left that Town to the Earls of Pun̄onrostro his Successors Peter de Velasco sided with the Rebels notwithstanding his Father the Earl of Haro blamed and would not supply him with Money which caused him to be but poorly attended among the Nobles On the 14th of August at Ancona died Pope Pius II. He was carried to that City tho then sick designing to gather the Forces of Christendom and go in Person against the Turks He held the Papacy but 6 years Cardinal Peter Barbo a Venetian was chosen his Successor on the 30th of the same month and took the Name of Paul II. He was but Forty seven years of Age when Elected proved a great Friend to Spain and assisted King Henry in his Troubles CHAP. IV. Proceedings and Defeat of the Rebels in Catalonia Death of Ismael King of Granada Progress of Rebellion in Castile and most Villanous Action of the Rebels who Proclaim Prince Alonso King The King and they Disband PEter Constable of Portugal his coming to Barcelona animated the Catalonians above their strength Lerida after a long Siege was forced to surrender to the King All that Province was miserably wasted with the War D. John Archbishop of Zaragoça Bastard Son to the King of Aragon and fitter for the Sword than Miter commanded for his Father Philip Duke of Burgundy sent a small Party of his Subjects to the Assistance of the Constable About 2000 Catalonian Foot and 600 Horse joined them at Manresa The Earl of Prades besieged çervera for the King and the want of Provisions had almost reduced the Town D. Peter resolved to Relieve it The greatest part of the Kings Forces were upon the borders of Navarre to reduce that Kingdom Prince Ferdinand tho but 13 years of Age was sent with some Forces by the King to join the Earl of Prades Necessity obliged him to take up Arms so young which is the reason he never learned to write well as appears by his Hand The Constables Forces marched to a place called Prados de Rey with a Resolution to Fight Prince Ferdinand advanced to meet the Enemy He halted on a Hill from whence the Catalonians were discovered The Portuguese chose his Ground and intrenched on another Hill He drew out his Forces Peter de Deça led the Van in which were the Burgundians Beltran and John Armanderia followed him with the Castillians and Navarrois D. Peter himself commanded the Rear Prince Ferdinand had but 700 Horse and 1000 Foot The Earl of Prades led the Van Hugo Rocaberbi and Matthew Moncada commanded in the Wings Henry Son to Prince Henry of Aragon had charge of the Reserve Prince Henry was in the Rear with many Noblemen Bernard Gascon was ordered with some Foot to secure the Mountain that they might not be attacked on that side Before the Fight Prince Henry Knighted several Men of Quality The Signal of Battle being given the Catalonians soon gave way and at last fled the Foot to the Mountain the Horse along the Plain D. Peter having cast off his Upper Garment mixt himself with the Victors and the next day made his escape Most of the Burgundians were killed of the others many taken and among them the Earl of Pallas the chief Promoter of this War This Battle was fought upon the last day of February 1465. Not one of the Aragonians was killed and but few wounded D. Peter returned to Manresa Beltran Armendario with great Courage put part of the scattered Army into çervera and fortified it Thence the sury of the War was carried to Ampurias the Aragonians still getting the better The Tumults in Navarre were near quelled the Biamonteses being reduced and pardoned The Earl of Faux and Eleanor his Wife were also declared Heirs of that Kingdom Ismael King of Granada died on the 7th of April his Son Albohazen a Man of great Courage and Resolution succeeded him This King had Two Wives one a Native Moor Mother to Boabdil afterwards called the Little King the other a Renegade Christian called Zoroyra who had two Sons Cado and Nacre who when Granada was taken by King Ferdinand became Christians as did their Mother In Italy King Ferdinand of Naples having subdued all his Enemies settled his Kingdom He overthrew John Duke of Lorrain and forced him to fly to the Island Ischia and thence afterwards into France This done King Perdinand on the 14th of September came to Naples where he was received with great Joy and Pomp. Queen Elizabeth his Wife visited the Churches paying her Vows to Heaven being a very Virtuous and Devout Lady but died soon after the Kingdom was pacified After this her Husband King Ferdinand Reigned above 30 years always successful in several Wars he undertook for his Allies Alonso Duke of Calabria his Son overthrew the Turks who had possessed themselves of Otranto and drove them out of all the Country Prince Alonso of Castile being in the Power of the Nobles was the cause of greater Troubles which were designed to be quelled by those very
wrote his History positively asserts his being poisoned by the Marquess of Villena But I cannot find to what purpose that Nobleman should undertake such a hainous Crime CHAP. VI. John Duke of Lorrain Supports and Heads the Rebels in Catalonia for his Father Ferdinand Prince of Aragon declared King of Sicily The Crown of Castile offered to the Princess Elizabeth she refuses it Peace betwixt the King and Nobels REnce Duke of Anjou having accepted of the offer made him by the Catalonians because he was himself too Old to undertake that Expedition sent his Son John Duke of Lorrain who we said before was by the Aragonians drove out of Italy The King of France not regarding his League with Aragon sent him Supplies as soon as he had ended the Civil War with his Brother the Duke of Berri and Charles Duke of Burgundy John Earl of Armagnac between whom and the Duke of Lorrain there was a professed friendship brought him some Supplies with these Forces he began the War fortunately but the end was not suitable Barcelona received him with joy and it was resolved to carry the War to Ampurias The King of Aragon tho' Old and Blind repaired thither near Roses a Party of Aragonians was defeated The Body of the French Army marched towards Girona resolving if the Commandant Peter de Rocaberty came out to fight him if he kept close to Besiege the Place The Aragonians Marched out and in several Rencounters worsted the Enemy Prince Ferdinand came and put his Forces into the City whereupon the Siege was raised Soon after the Prince going out with a Party was defeated by the French and many of his Men killed Roderick Rebolledo who had behaved himself bravely in defence of the Prince was taken It was resolved to wear out the heat of the French therefore all the Frontiers were Garrisoned and Duke Alonso de Aragon left to Command there and observe the Enemy Prince Ferdinand returned to Zarogoza where the Cortes sate and was present when his Mother died as has been said above His Mother being dead and his Father 70 years of Age all the weight of the Government fell upon him therefore to give him the more Authority he was declared King of Sicily This was about the time that Prince Alonso of Castile departed this Life as we have declared The death of Prince Alonso being known at Zaragoça immediately Peter Peralta was sent to the Factious Lords of Castile to ask the Princess Elizabeth in Marriage for Prince Ferdinand His Father stayed at Zaragoça and he went away to carry on the War in Catalonia The Duke of Lorrain desiring to possess himself of Girona raised 15000 Men in Russillon and Cerdagne which with the Forces he had before was a Power too great for the Aragonians to cope with so that they could put no Relief into the Town which was closely besieged Nevertheless through the Valour of the Bishop of D. John Meliguerite and other Commanders it held out Mean while Prince Ferdinand had a Town called Verga delivered to him on the 17th of September From this time the Affairs of the Aragonians began to look with a better Aspect and the more for that the King recovered his Sight a thing then thought miraculous A Jew of Lerida undertook the Cure and couched a Cataract in the Right Eye on the 11th of September when he refused to proceed to the other saying There was no favourable Aspect of the Heavens but being pressed by the King on the 11th of October he perfected the Cure upon the Left Eye To add to this Publick Joy the Weather and want of Necessaries obliged the Enemy to raise the Siege of Girona In Portugal Prince John married his Cousin Eleanor not regarding the Promise he made to marry Joanna Princess of Castile Her Mother 's loose Life made her Birth suspected Ferdinand Duke of Viseo Father to the Lady Eleanor passed over into Africk obtained there some Victories over the Moors and returning home by his Wife Beatrix the Daughter of D. John Master of Santiago in Portugal had a Son called Emanuel who came in time to be King of Portugal The Portugueses talk of strange Prodigies seen at the Birth of that Child denoting his future Grandeur Upon the death of Prince Alonso many submitted to King Henry but the Peace was not lasting and the War that ensued wasted the Power of Spain Burgos returned to its Duty and at Madrid the Archbishop of Sevill the Earl of Benavente and other Noblemen did Homage to the King The Rebels having lost Prince Alonso resolved to offer the Crown to the Princess Elizabeth as they did at Avila the Archbishop of Toledo making an Harangue to persuade her and railing at the King She thanked them for their Offer and wishing long Life to the King her Brother intreated them to pay to him that Duty they offered to her Her Modesty surprized them all and she was thought the worthier to Reign They bent their Thoughts upon Peace and the more because the King had sent Commissioners to offer them all his Free Pardon At length Peace was concluded at Avila by the Archbishop of Sevill and Andrew de Cabrera Lord Steward of the Houshold upon these Articles That the Princess Elizabeth be sworn Heiress to the Crown That the Cities and Towns of Avila Ubeda Medina del Campo Olmedo and Escalona be given to her but upon Condition she shall not Marry without the King's Consent That the King be divorced from the Queen the Pope consenting to it That she and her Daughter be sent to Portugal That all the revolted Nobility be pardoned and restored to their Estates and Preferments taken from them during the Troubles Four Months were allowed for the Performance of these Articles These Conditions pleased not the Marquss de Santillana and his Brothers who thought it more for their Interest to have the keeping of the Princess Joanna The Queen with the Assistance of Luys de Mendoça was gone away by Night from the Castle where she was kept to her Daughter at Buytrago This much troubled the Archbishop of Sevil who had the Charge of keeping her During her Confinement she was delivered of Two Sons Ferdinand and Apostol who it is affirmed were bred in the Monastery of S. Dominick the Royal of Nuns in Toledo The Monastery of Guisando in the mid-way betwixt Madrid and Avila was appointed for the King and the Lords to meet There many Conditions were agreed to and much granted to the Nobles none of them doubting but the King and his Sister being weary of those Confusions would refuse them nothing they could ask It is said the King and Marquess de Villena had a private Conference the Substance whereof is not known but by what followed it was supposed it only tended to the securing the Marquess and advancing his Family On the 19th of September the Nobility did their Homage to King Henry and swore the Princess Elizabeth Heiress to the Crown
great Virtue and Ability and had this Dignity conferred on him as a Reward for his good Services D. Ynigo Manrique Bishop of Jaen was translated in his stead to the Archbishoprick of Sevil. In Navarre a great Joy was allayed by a greater Sorrow King Francis who during the Troubles of Navarre had resided in France at last as had been agreed came to Pamplona with his Mother Uncles and a great Retinue of Nobility of France and Navarre He was received with great Pomp and a general Applause Crowned in the Cathedral and Proclaimed King on the 3d of October He was then in the flower of his Youth being 15 years of Age wonderful Beautiful and well inclined The first thing he did was to forbid upon Pain of Death any Persons whatsoever calling themselves Biamonteses or Agramonteses the hateful Names of those Factions which had so long distracted that Kingdom He made Luis Earl of Lerin Constable and gave him Larraga and other Towns to oblige him because he was powerful This done he took a Progress through the Kingdom punished Malefactors and secured the Authority of Magistrates It was proposed to Marry him to secure the Succession King Ferdinand offered his Daughter the Princess Joanna The King of France advised him to take to Wife the other Princess Joanna Daughter to King Henry then a professed Nun in Portugal thinking by this means to have an opportunity of subduing Castile Magdalen the young King's Mother an Ambitious Woman was more inclinable to this Match and therefore lest any Violence should be offered her Son persuaded him to repass the Mountains where he had large Dominions He was no sooner come to the City Pau or S. Paul in Bearne but he fell sick and died on the 30th of January 1483. His Body was buried in Lescar a City in Bearn His Sister Catherine succeeded him in the Throne as was her due By her Marriage soon after that Kingdom fell under the Dominion of the French who enjoyed it not long In Portugal King John punished some of the Nobility who had conspired to Murder him and with their Blood revenged their wicked Designs against his Person These Nobles were offended at the King 's Austere Temper his Severity in punishing Offenders and for his great freedom in declaring his Mind But above all they resented that contrary to ancient Custom the King's Alguaziles or Officers by his special Command apprehended and punished Malefactors upon their Estates They consulted together and expecting no Redress by fair Means resolved to use Force The Heads of this Conspiracy were the Dukes Ferdinand of Bragança and James of Viseo the most Powerful Men in the Kingdom and of the Blood Royal. Many others joined with them as the Marquess de Montemor the Earl of Haro the Duke of Braganca's Brothers D. Garcia de Meneses Bishop of Ebora his Brother Ferdinand and D. Lope du Albuquerque Earl of Penamacor This Conspiracy was discovered after this manner The Cortes sate at Ebora Some good Laws were Established and among other things it was provided that the Nobility should not have the Power of Oppressing the People This the Duke of Bragança complained was a Breach of the ancient Priviledges of the Nobility and offered to produce the Grants of Kings to his Predecessors Lope de Figueredo his Comptroller searching for these Papers found among them others which made out that the Duke held Correspondence with the King of Castile to the prejudice of the Crown of Portugal He carried them privately to the King who having viewed them ordered him to Copy them and return the Originals to the place where he found them It hapned the Queen in the Spring of the year 1483 was sick at Almarin after Lying in Her Brother the Duke of Viseo and her Brother in Law the Duke of Bragança came to visit her The King Entertained them kindly desiring to put a stop to that Mischief without hazarding a War At length one morning after hearing Mass he took the Duke of Bragança aside there he told him how he was informed of all his Designs and Treasonable Correspondence with Castile that he was with much difficulty induced to believe it and yet being convinced of the truth was willing to Pardon and bury it in oblivion advising him to consider none could be more his Friend than he that was so near a Kinsman and that if any thing had been amiss he ought to have advised him better or winked at any Error in the Government This Discourse of the King 's surprized the Duke He begged the King would not give Credit to Informers who strive to rise upon the Ruins of others assuring him he would not lay the stain of Disloyalty upon his Family and affirming with great Imprecations upon himself that all he said was true The King went away to Santarem the Dukes to their Estates no way departing from their Designs Mean while F. Ferdinand de Talavera Prior of Prado a Monastery of the Order of S. Hierome near Valladolid and the King's Confessor was sent to Portugal to Ratifie the late Peace and Propose that the Prince and Princess given as Hostages might be restored to their Parents which was accordingly done Only this Alteration was made in the former Articles that Prince Alonso should Marry the Princess Joanna the youngest Daughter of King Ferdinand because they were both of an Age. In May the Princess Elizabeth returned to Castile and Prince Alonso to his Father the Duke of Bragança accompanying him to Ebora where the Court was There he was apprehended upon Intelligence given by Gaspar Jusarte that he still held Correspondece with King Ferdinand by the means of Peter Jusarte Both Brothers were Rewarded for the Discovery The Duke was impeached of High Treason Tried and Condemned to Death His Execution was on the 22th of June With him suffered 6 other Fidalgos or Noblemen found guilty of the same Crime The Constable of Portugal the Dukes Brothers and others fled The Dutchess as soon as she received the News of her Husband's Death sent her 3 Sons Philip James and Denis to Castile Philip died there a Batchelor James was Pardoned and returned to Portugal Denis Married the Heiress of the Earl of Lemos in Castile His youth saved the Duke of Viseo the King only giving him a Reprimand the day after the Execution of the other Neither the Punishment of the one nor the Mercy extended to the other Duke had influence enough to prevail with the other Conspirators to desist They complained that no Man was safe and that the Duke of Bragança had been wrongfully put to death Therefore it was resolved the King should be murdered and the Duke of Viseo set up in his place They only waited an opportunity to give the Stroke but before it could be performed all the Conspiracy was detected after this manner James Tinoco had a Sister who was Mistress to the Archbishop of Ebora She having found out what was contrived discovered
to Death Afterwards the Licentiate Peter de Gasca tho a Priest and one of the General Council of the Inquisition put an end to all those Tumults rather by Policy than Force He put to death Gonçalo Pizarro and the other Heads of the Rebellion This done he returned into Spain where he was first Bishop of Palencia then of Siguença till the end of his Life which was very long Ferdinand Pizarro the only Surviver of the Three Brothers was long a Prisoner in Spain for before the Rebellion of his Brother he came to answer for the Murder of Almagro which was the cause of all those Broils Thus God punished the Murder of the Emperor Atabalipa not suffering one of his Enemies to escape scotfree and the ill acquired Riches perished with their Owners The Customs of all these People were strange and all other things extraordinary Their Fish Beasts Trees and Herbs all different from ours They had no use of Letters no Money no Weights nor did they build any Ships only Boats of one Tree hollowed like Trays which they call Canoes For Cloathing they had neither Linnen Woollen nor Silk but only Cotton whereof there is abundance There was no Iron and consequently none of the Weapons and other Necessaries made thereof Corn like ours they have none but a Grain they call Maiz nor Oil nor Wine made of Grapes but they wanted not other Liquors to make them Drunk to which they are much addicted They know not how to make Candles of Wax or Tallow There were no Beasts of Burden nor to Ride nor Carts or Litters Prisoners taken in War and Slaves were sacrificed in such vast numbers that it is held for a certain truth above 20000 perished in this manner every year in only the City Mexico whose Flesh they eat without any loathing It was Customary to have many Wives and Sodomy was permitted so brutish was their Government Their Garb was strange and many went quite naked Afterwards Chile upon the South Sea was discovered where were found Warlike Indians and difficult to be subdued and on our side beyond Brasil and the River de la Plata lies Paraguay and Tucuman extending to the Streights of Magellan The Philippine Islands were found at another time and took their Name from Philip II. King of Spain The Lieutenant Michael Lopez de Legaspi conquered the chief of them called Luzon and its City Manila on the 18th of May 1572. Lastly in the year 1598 a good Body of Men under the Command of D. John de Onate set out from Mexico to the Conquest of New Mexico This Country lies in about 30 deg of N. Lat. The Soil is fruitful the People more polished than the other Indians their Houses 3 or 4 and some 7 Stories high It was known by hearsay ever since the time of Cortes and often attempted to be conquered but never before with such a Power The Success was not answerable to so great Preparations This may suffice as to the West-Indies Charles VIII King of France being inflamed with the desire of conquering the Kingdom of Naples to which he pretended he had a good Title thought it necessary to secure King Ferdinand by entring into a League with him lest he should in his absence invade France the Kingdom of Naples belonging to the House of Aragon To this purpose a Treaty was carried on for restoring Russillon and Cerdaigne King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth leaving the Government of their new Kingdom of Granada to the Earl of Tendilla in June set out towards Aragon to be nearer to their Commissioners who managed that Treaty At Zaragoça they settled the Government of that City and went thence to Barcelona in October There as the King came out from giving Audience according to Custom one John Canamares a Catalonian came up with his naked Sword to kill him and gave him a Wound under his Ear. This Fellow being apprehended it appeared he was Mad and had undertaken that Action because he Dreamed that if he killed the King he should succeed him However he was torn with Pinchers and then burnt The League betwixt Spain and France after much altercation was lastly concluded at Narbonne on the 18th of January 1493 all Princes except the Pope being excluded It was agreed that the King of Spain should not Marry his Daughters without the consent of the King of France and that on this account Russillon and Cerdaigne should be restored However some months passed before the execution Next to pacifie Maximilian King of the Romans the King of France restored to him his Daughter and the Earldom of Artois her Dower and gave him Security for the Restitution of the Earldom of Burgundy and the rest of the Dutchy wrongfully detained from him At the same time died the Emperor Frederick and his Son Maximilian succeeded him King Ferdinand continued still in Aragon and Catalonia till such time as according to Contract Russillon and Cerdaigne were delivered to him in September the French Garrison marching out All Historians and especially the French blame that King for parting with those Dominions he had in possession upon an uncertain hope Many lay the blame on the Bishop of Albi who was the French Ambassador at the Treaty and say he was corrupted with Spanish Gold CHAP. III. Palma one of the Canary Islands Conquered The Masterships of the Three Military Orders annexed to the Crown of Castile The Original of the Neopolitan War The death of Ferdinand King of Naples AT the same time that King Ferdinand recovered Russillon he was in the farthest part of Spain restored to the Island of Cadiz and its Port which is one of the most famous in the whole World King Henry the IV. had with his wonted Prodigality given it to D. John Ponce de Leon Earl of Arcos who dying some Months after the taking of Granada that Island was taken from Rodcrick Ponce his Grandson and Heir and restored to the Crown Yet in lieu of it the Town of Casares in Africk was given to Roderick Ponce and his Title of Earl changed into that of Duke of Arcos The Island Palma one of the Canaries was now Conquered by Alonso de Lugo sent by the King and Queen upon that Expedition But the most considerable thing which hapned this Year was that the King possessed himself of the Masterships of the Three Military Orders in Castile The Masters were exempt from the Regal Jurisdiction and were so excessive powerful by reason of their vast Riches and many Dependants that they were grown terrible to the Kings themselves For this reason Pope Innocent the VIII granted the Catholick King Ferdinand should hold those Masterships as Administrator This Bull was obtained about the same time that D. Garcia de Padilla Master of Calatrava departed this Life which was in the Year 1487 and D. Alonso de Cardenas Master of Santiago dying at this time the King took possession of that Mastership The following Year he agreed with
flourishing Kingdom His Son Alonso succeeded him and was no way more acceptable to the People than his Father had been Cardinal John de Borgia sent on purpose by the Pope his Unckle as Legate to Naples Crowned him This Year also the Pope by his Bull granted to the Kings of Castile for ever the 3d part of the Tithes of Castile Leon and Granada conditionally that the profit thereof should be spent in the War with the Moors At Tordesillas on the 7th of June was agreed the Difference betwixt Castile and Portugal touching their Discoveries in the Indies The Conquests of Castile were to begin 36 Degrees West from the Meridian of Lisbon all thence Eastward as far as half the Circumference of the Globe to appertain to the Portugueses The matter also of the Conquests in Africk was adjusted so that all within the Kingdom of Fez should belong to Portugal the Kingdom of Tremecen to Castile but no Line was fixed to distinguish their Limits which afterwards caused new disputes CHAP. IV. The French Invade the Kingdom of Naples An account of Luis Sforcia Duke of Milan The French King at Rome Alonso King of Naples Abdicates The French Possess themselves of the Kingdom of Naples THE King of France being resolved to Invade Italy in Person gathered all his Forces the Randezvouz of his Army was at Lyons Thither came from Ostia whither he fled for fear of the Pope the Cardinal of St. Peter to forward that undertaking On the other side D. Alonso de Silva according to his Instructions in his King's behalf protested against those proceedings Nevertheless the King of France committing the Government of his Kingdom to Peter Duke of Bourbon his Brother-in-Law set out from that City upon Tuesday the 22th of July with him went most of the Nobility of France His Army consisted of about 20000 Foot and 5000 Horse To pay these Forces he borrowed Money of the Nobility besides 150000 Florms taken up of a Genoese Banker a small Sum for so great an undertaking King Alonso sent a great Fleet under the Command of his Brother Frederick to Infest the State of Genoa By Land he sent his Son the Duke of Calabria to Invade the Territories of Milan All things fell out unfortunately for Frederick did nothing worth naming and the Duke of Calabria was stopped by the Forces of France and Milan from passing out of Romania The King of France passed the Alpes and on the 9th of September came to Aste the Bounds of the Dukedom of Milan and then possessed by the Duke of Orleans who was in that Expedition and pretended a Right to the whole Dukedom D. Alonso the Spanish Ambassador was very little looked upon at Court insomuch that he was ordered to be dismissed but he winked at all being a Person of great Prudence and Sagacity At the City Aste they flighted him so far as to assign him no Quarters whereupon he was forced to go away to Genoa There he began to treat with Luis Sforcia who repented of what he had done about joining in League with the Catholick King giving him a hint that one of the Princesses should be Married to his Eldest Son for they could not Marry with any other Prince by reason of the agreement made with France This took so much with Luis Sforcia that he resolved to change Parties tho' at the same time he repaired to Aste to receive the French King and gave him a Sum of Money to pay his Army The King leaving the Duke of Orleans who designed to lay hold of that oportunity to possess himself of the State of Milan at Aste Marched with his Army to Pavia where he visitted the Duke John Galeazzo who was then at the point of death and was his Cousin-german both their Mothers being Sisters and Daughters to the Duke of Savoy The Duke died on the 21th of October and it appeared plainly he had been poisoned which increased the Hatred conceived towards his Unckle The same day the King of France entred Plasencia and with him Lewis Sforcia who understanding the death of his Nephew immediatly returned to Milan and there publickly took upon him the Title of Duke notwithstanding his Nephew left a Son five Years of Age as also two Daughters and his Wife big with Child So far did his Ambition blind him that the same day he wrote to King Alonso giving an account of his Nephews death and telling him the Nobility and People of Milan had obliged him to take the Title of Duke and that he believed this would be no way displeasing to him knowing how well affected he was towards him and his Kingdom From Plasencia the King entred into Tuscany Ambassadors came to him from all parts and particulaly from the Venetians offering their Friendship The Pope sent the Cardinal of Siena his Legate who came as far as Pisa but the King would not see him The Florentines sent Peter de Medicis on the same account He contrary to his Commission and Instructions was agreeing to deliver up to the French Saraçana Saraçanella and Piedrasanta strong Holds belonging to the Republick on Mount Apennine as also the Castles of Pesa and Leghorn and some other things to this purpose Hereat the People were so inraged that they Banished him and his Brothers the Cardinal de Medicis and Julian plundered their Houses and confiscated all their Estates which were very great Being come to Pisa the King restored that City to its Liberty delivering it from the subjection it was under to the Florentines He entred Florence the same day that Picus Mirandula died there at the Age of 34 Years a Man of such an excellent Wit that he was called the Phaenix He agreed with the Florentines to restore their Forts after the War was ended that they for his sake should pardon Peter de Medicis and his Brothers and pay 120000 Florins towards the Charge of the War Rome was in an uproar because the Cardinals could not agree and the Nobility was divided for Prosper and Fabricius Colonna favoured the French and Virginius Ursinus the Neapolitans The Colonneses with Cardinal Ascanius Sforcia had seized the City Ostia by which means Rome suffered great want no Provisions coming to it by Sea It was genarally believed the Pope would agree with the King of France or else depart Rome Hereupon the People began to mutiny and the Pope was obliged to satisfie the Cardinals and Roman Gentry assuring them he would stand by the juster Cause and if the King of France attempted to enter Rome with his Army he would make head against him and hazard his own Life in the Quarrel All he could say was of little force to encourage the People who were terrified with the News daily brought of the approach of the French and their securing the Towns belonging to the Church The Pope himself perceiving that neither his own nor the Forces of Naples with a good part whereof the Duke of Calabria then lay at
that vast Ocean to refresh the Seamen with its Fruit Fish and Flesh tho' scarce Inhabited being but Four Leagues in length and so far from any Land Thence by the way of the Islands Terceras the Ships generally return to Lisbon in August or September The End of the 26th BOOK The History of SPAIN BOOK XXVII CHAP. I. The Death of the Prince of Castile Of Charles VIII King of France Matches of Two Daughters of Spain The Prince of Salerno expelled Naples France and Spain agree Hierome Savonarola burnt at Florence THE Affairs of Spain at one and the same time prospered in Italy and within Spain had a mixture of Felicity and Adversity Two Matches for as many of King Ferdinand's Daughters were concluded that is of the Princess Catherine with Arthur Prince of Wales and Heir to Henry VII King of England and of the Princess Elizabeth with Emanuel King of Portugal These Marriages were of great Importance because together with those of the House of Austria they bound such Mighty Princes to the Interest of Spain The Match with England was fully concluded upon the 15 of August 1497. To forward the Marriage with Portugal D. John Manuel that King's Foster-Brother came to Castile It was agreed that King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth should carry the Princess their Daughter to the Borders of Portugal where King Emanuel should meet them to consummate the Marriage upon the last Day of September Ceclamin was at first the Place appointed to meet but that Town wanting Conveniencies they spent three Days together at Valencia de Alcantara Their Joy was much abated by the News of the Indisposition of Prince John who died the 13 day after he was taken ill at Salamanca on the 4th of October to the great Loss and Grief of the whole Kingdom He left the Princess with Child but that availed little for in a short time after she miscarried The Prince's Body was carried to Avila to be buried in the famous Dominican Monastery of S. Thomas This dismal News came to Alcantara whilst yet the Rejoycing for the Wedding lasted but after King Ferdinand was gone King Emanuel begged of the Queen his Mother-in-Law not to let the Queen his Wife know any thing of it and so went away with her to Ebora There she was at last acquainted with the Death of the Prince her Brother She resented it as became a loving Sister but his Parents bore their Loss with great Magnanimity The Kingdom of Naples was not yet peaceable because the Prince of Salerno and his Party mistrusting the King fortified their Towns and Castles The first Demonstration that Prince gave of his Ill-will was That tho' he appeared when King Frederick was Proclaimed at Naples yet he would not be present at his Coronation under colour of Poverty However the Prince of Basiniano came to Court the day following to excuse himself and intercede for him of Salerno No means of Peace prevailed and the King was forced to march with his Army and besiege him in his strong Town of Diano Gonçalo Fernandez was now about returning to Spain as reckoning the War of Naples at an end To this purpose he had gone into Calabria thence to Sicily and now came to Naples to take his Leave of the King and Queen They pressed him to aid them in that Siege because the Defendants were numerous and the King's Party favoured them The Great Captain gathered 500 Spaniards and the King furnishing him 500 Germans he so straitned the Besieged tho' with much danger of his Person that the Prince was forced to surrender It was agreed That the Prince with all such as would follow him might safely depart the Kingdom with their Goods That all the Towns and Forts belonging to the Prince should be delivered up to the King he paying for the Cannon and Provisions in them Thus Diano was surrendered upon the 28th of December and the Prince put himself into the hands of the Duke of Melfi to be conducted to Sangalla a City in Marca de Ancona which sided with the King of France The Earls of Conça and Lauria his Confederates bore him Company He of Capacho being very old put himself upon the King's Mercy This same Year in Autumn D. John de Gusman Duke of Medina Sidonia sent a Fleet over to Africk to People Melilla which is opposite to Almeria and had been abandoned by the Moors In recompence for the Charge he had been at that Town was given to the Duke and his Heirs for ever The Xeque or Lord of Gelves who was in Rebellion aginst the King of Tunez his Sovereign to secure himself under the Christian Protection delivered up that Island and Port to the Catholick King and in his Name to John de Lanuça then Viceroy of Sicily Captain Margarit was left with the Spanish Forces to secure that Island A solemn Embassie from France now met the King at Alcala de Henares The Proposals made were That the Two Kings with their joint Forces should invade Italy That as to the Kingdom of Naples the Catholick King should possess Calabria till such time as the French King in exchange should give him the Kingdom of Navarre and 30000 Ducats yearly for what it was worth above that Kingdom That the States of Milan and Genoa should belong to the French and all the rest of Italy be equally divided betwixt them The Catholick King was not averse from the Business of Naples but as for the rest of Italy would not be concerned without advertising the Empire who had so great a Right to it At last it was resolved King Ferdinand should send Ambassadors to France to prosecute this Treaty At this time all the Monasteries of Castile were reduced to the strict Observance of their Orders which the Dominicans Augustins and Carmelites easily condescended to The Franciscans at first made some resistance According to Agreement the King sent Ferdinand Duke of Estrada and Two others his Ambassadors to conclude a Peace with France At the same time it was believed the French King resolved to invade Roussillon but Death prevented his Designs He departed this Life at Amboise on the 17th of April 1498. The Duke of Orleans called Luis XII succeeded him At Blois where the New King was and afterwards at Orleans the Treaty of Peace was carried on that King always giving good Words and fair Promises only to gain time till he was settled in the Kingdom and could be divorced from his present Wife Sister to the late King in order to marry the Dutchess of Britany who since the death of the late King her Husband was for returning into her own Country He at last compassed his ends and had by that Dutchess two Daughters only the Eldest of which was married to Francis the Heir of that Crown Before the death of King Charles it was proposed that Caesar Borgia should resign his Cardinal's Cap to which purpose that King promised him an Estate in
ordered them to obey the Legate and Viceroy to whom he sent a Sword and Cap as also the Standards he blessed on Christmas Day The Venetians neither sent the Supplies of Mony they had promised nor of Men but under the shelter of the League endeavoured to recover what the Emperor and King of France had taken from them The Viceroy encamped four miles from Bologna and the next day being the 16th of January within Cannon shot of the Town at Belpogio a Country House of the Bentivoglios Within the City were 500 Horse and 2000 Foot under the Command of Monsieur de Alegre The same Day the Viceroy marched towards Bologna the Duke of Ferrara took Bastida and rased it to the Ground The Viceroy took up his Quarters at Belpoggio the Marquess of Padula and Count de Populo advanced with the Foot and possessed themselves of a Monastery called S. Michael de Rosque quenching the Fire set to it by those within There they planted some Pieces of Cannon and the rest on a Hill hard by Before this Advice was brought that Gaston de Foix Duke of Nemours was at Parma gathering his Forces which were 800 Lances 1000 light Horse and 3000 Foot and was to joyn at Final 20 miles from Bologna the Troops of the Duke of Ferrara being 2000 Gascons and some Horse all this in Order to raise the Siege Fabricius Colona lay about Cento and Pieve with part of the Army to observe the passage of the French the Viceroy ordered him to come to the other side of the City towards the Mountain It was resolved to move the Batteries to that side the Wall being there weakest but soon after it was agreed the Army should lie all together to secure the Cannon and repulse the Relief The Artillery was planted betwixt S. Michael and the Florence Gate On the 28th of January they began to play Part of the Wall was beaten down and some Soldiers got into a Tower where they displayed the Colours but were soon drove out by the besieged Count Peter Navarro finished a Mine and having set Fire to it the Wall was lifted up so that they without saw those in the Town and the Townsmen those in the Field under the Wall yet it sell again in the same place and setled as fast as at first This was looked upon as a Miracle because within adjoyning to the Wall was a Chappel held in great veneration called of Baracan which like the rest was blown up and settled again Nevertheless the City was in great danger when there fell a Snow for 3 Days together This gave the French General an opportunity of throwing himself into the City with a good Body of Men without being discovered by the Centinels For this reason and because the Weather continued very severe the Army of the Consederates raised the Siege and drew back to S. Lazaro 2 miles from Bologna The Forces of the Pope retired as far as Imola the Viceroy to the Castle of S. Peter and the Forces were dispersed in the neighbouring places This was the event ofthat so much talked of Siege Many as is usual in the like Cases blamed the General for that as they said without regarding the unseasonableness of the weather he had let slip 8 Days in which he might have made a considerable Advance That the Army encamped far from the place where it ought to have been That the Trenches were not well carried on nor the Mines rightly placed In fine that the Guards were so ill kept they gave the Enemy an Opportunity of getting into the Town without being discovered The truth is the Weather was unseasonable and neither the Swiss came as was expected nor did the Venetians send any Supplies of Men. There were at this Siege among the rest Antony de Leyva Captain Alvarado and the Marquess of Pescara D. Ferdinand de Avalos who was afterwards a most renowned General The King of England prepared to be in a readiness as soon as the Season would permit to invade the Province of Guienne in France those Kings of old pretending a Title to that Country and Luiz Carroz the Ambassador pressing him to undertake that Expedition in the Name of the Catholick King Thomas Gray Marquess of Dorset the King's Cousin-german was appointed General of the English Army The Catholick King thought it convenient for that time to give over the Conquest of Africk and to draw out the Forces that were at Oran leaving only as many as was requisite for the Defence of the Place He ordered the Town should be divided 600 Houses were appointed 200 for Horse and the rest for Foot The Houses Orchards and Lands belonging to the City were distributed among the Inhabitants that the Place might be more easily maintained For the greater encouragement of People to come and inhabit there it was granted they should be free from all manner of Taxes and Impositions besides that they were to receive Pay On the last of Janaary Queen Mary of Portugal was delivered at Lisbon of a Son called Prince Henry who was afterwards a Cardinal and lastly upon the Death of his Nephew King Sebastian came to be King of Portugal The same Day this Prince was born it snowed very much at Lisbon a thing extraordinary in that City Curious Persons said that Snow denoted the Innocence of his Life which was very holy and the pureness of his Chastity which he preserved as long as he lived He was in his Countenance the likest to his Father of all the Brothers King Ferdinand was now at Burgos there on the 16th of February upon the Death of the Constable D. Bernardin de Velasco he contracted the Earl's Daughter Juliana Grandchild to the King himself being born of the Lady Joanna of Aragon to Ferdinand de Velasco eldest Son to D. Inigo who succeeded his Brother Bernardin in the Lordship of Haro and the Dignity of Constable The Absence of the Duke of Nemours gave an Opportunity and Courage to the People of Bressa and Bergamo to revolt from the French and submit themselves again to the Venetians excepting the Castles which the French still kept This was a Thing of dangerous Consequence being a Precedent for all the other Cities which had been newly conquer'd to do the like As soon as the Duke had relieved Bolonia he resolved to repair thither and carried along with him Monsieur d' Alegre A French Commander called Foullette was left at Bolonia with 300 Men at Arms and 3000 Foot to secure that City Andrew Gritti with the Army of the Republick and the Inhabitants of Bressa marched forward to oppose the Duke He retired to the Mountain and after Midnight entred the City by the way of the Castle Thence he marched out to fight the Venetians A bloody and obstinate Battel was fought and many killed on both sides but the French obtained the Victory Andrew Gritti Antony Justiniano Governour of the City and Paul Manfron were made Prisoners Count Luis Bogara
which was the Introduction to all the Disorders that afterwards happen'd in England Civil Wars broke out between the Catholick and Heretick Cantons of Swisserland They came to a Battel near Zurick in which the Catholicks had the better In this Fight Zuinglius was killed At Basle Ecolampadius was found dead in his Bed Both these were Heads of that wicked Sect of Sacramentarians Anno 1532. The Emperor assembled the Diet at Ratisbon to raise the Forces of the Empire to oppose Solyman the Great Turk who threatned Hungary Liberty of Conscience was granted to the pretended Reformed Religion whereupon the Professors of it joined with the Catholicks in raising Forces The Pope sent a Supply of Italians under the Conduct of the Cardinal Hippolito de Medicis The King of Portugal also sent Succour Thus about 20000 Horse and 80000 Foot were raised They encamp'd near Vienna whither the Turks had designed to advance The Emperor in Person commanded this Army The Infidels understanding the great Power of the Christians tho they were much more numerous durst not hazard a Battel but contenting themselves with having ravaged Hungary and part of Austria returned the same way they came At the same time Andrew Doria with the Imperial Fleet sailing into the Morea took Coron and Modon John Frederick Duke of Saxony a great Favourer of Martin Luther died and his Son of the same Name and no better a Christian than he succeeded him The Emperor having setled the Affairs of Germany passed over into Italy At Bolonia he had a Conference with the Pope concluded a League with him against the Turk and it was proposed to call a General Council to put a stop to the growing Heresies But the main Design of these Princes was to prevent the French returning into Italy for it was thought that King would never desist till he had recover'd Milan Anno 1533. It seems there was no reality in their Proceedings for as soon as the Emperor returned into Spain the Pope and King of France met at Marseilles This Meeting it was fear'd would produce new Commotions and Wars in Italy The Death of the Pope which soon after ensued broke all those Measures All that took effect was that Catharine Daughter to Laurence de Medicis was Married to Henry Son to the King of France who afterwards Francis the Dauphin his Elder Brother dying came to be Dauphin and at last King She had in Dower certain Towns in Auvergn and a great Sum of Money Anno 1534. D. Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Toledo died the 4th of February and the Cardinal D. Jobn de Tavera succeeded him in that Dighity Pope Clement immediately after his return out of France fell sick of a lingring Disease and having setled his own Affairs and those of the City departed this Life at Rome the 24th Day of September On the 15th of October Cardinal Alexander Farnesius born at Rome and well versed in all the Affairs of that Court was chosen his Successor took the Name of Paul the III. and govern'd the Church 15 Years and 28 Days In his younger Days he had two Children unlawfully begotten which were Peter Luis and Constance Peter Luis was Father to Alexander Farnesius Constance was Mother of Guido Sforcia Both these were made Cardinals in the first Promotion Alexander Farnesius had two Brothers Octavius afterwards Duke of Parma and Raynuncius Knight of S. John of Hierusalem and lastly a Cardinal In England this November it was by Law establish'd That the Pope should have no Spiritual Jurisdiction within that Kingdom but that the King was Head of the Church Some who would not consent and among them certain Carthusians John Fisher Bishop of Rochester and Sir Thomas Moore late Chancellor were put to Death A Famous Pyrat called Ariadenus Barbarkssa had made himself King of Argiers and being afterwards Admiral of the Turkish Fleet took the City Tunez on the Coast of Africk expelling thence Muleasse the rightful King Anno 1535. The Emperor set Sail with a powerful Fleet from Barcelona on the 30th of May to restore Muleasse who had fled to him for Protection Prince Luis of Portugal kept him Company with certain Galleons fitted out by his Brother to that purpose They had a favourable Passage and landing on the Coast of Africk at their first arrival took the strong Castle of Goletta and in the Month of July were Masters of the City of Tunez The City was delivered to King Muleasse D. Bernardin de Mendoça was left in the Castlc with a Garison of 1000 Men. This done the Emperor sailed over to Sicily and thence to Naples Mean while the King of France passing the Alpes took from Charles Duke of Savoy the City of Turin and many other Places in Piemont whence ensued great Broils To encrease which Francis Sforcia Duke of Milan dying without Issue appointed the Emperor Charles his Heir Anno 1536. From Naples the Emperor went to Rome where in the Presence of the Pope and Cardinals he grievously inveighed against the King of France and was so far transported with Passion that he challenged him to Fight hand to hand upon Easter-Monday following Soon after departing Rome he entred France with a powerful Army He advanced as far as Marseilles to which he laid Siege but was forced to return without doing any thing remarkable In this Expedition Garcilasso de la Vega the Famous Spanish Poet was killed by certain Country People from a Tower which the Emperor so highly resented that he caused the Tower to be razed and all those Men to be hanged Antony de Leyva a famous Commander and then General died also in this Undertaking Three things remarkable happened this Year The first the Death of Francis the Dauphin of France suspected to have been Poisoned The second a Provincial Council held at Cologn by Hermanus Archbishop of that City who seven years after turned Lutheran was therefore deposed by the Pope and Adolphus placed in his stead The third was the Death of Erasmus Roterodamus who departed this Life at Basle being 70 Years of Age a Person of great Learning but no good Reputation In England on the 29th of May Anne Bullen tho the King had by her a Daughter called Elizabeth was accused and convicted of Adultery and accordingly Beheaded Jean Seymour stepped into her Place but the Year after she died in Childbed Her Son lived and was called Edward After this the King Married Anne Sister to the Duke of Cleves from whom he was soon after Divorced having before establish'd a Law to allow of Divorces Thus he Married his fifth Wife Catherine Howard but her also he put to Death for Adultery and because she had lost her Virginity before she was Married to him Lastly he Married the Lady Catherine Par her he made not away for soon after he died himself Anno 1537. Duke Alexander de Medicis was murdered at Florence the 6th of January by the
Dissolute Richard Cardinal and Abbot of S. Victor of Marseilles was the Legate who in the Year 1076. called a Council of all the Bishops in Spain to Burgos In this Council it was ordained that the Roman Ministry should be in force which I believe to be the forbiding of Priests to Marry Here also as had been done before in Aragon the Gothick Breviary and Missal were abolished and the Roman ordered to be used Thus much as to Ecclesiastical Affairs Roderick Diaz was now sent into Andaluzia to oblige the Moorish Kings of Cordova and Sevil to pay the usual Tribute The Kings of Granada and Sevil were at War and the former had the better by reason some Christians served under him Roderick Diaz endeavoured to bring them to an Accommodation but he of Granada refusing was overthrown and forced to accept of the Conditions offered at first In fine Peace was established betwixt those Moors and the Christian Army returned loaded with Booty and carrying home the Tribute they had received For the many Victories he gained the Soldiers and People called Roderick Diaz Cid Campeador which is as much as Lord of the Field This raised the envy of the Nobility and Gentry who used all means to lessen and destroy him This was the easier to perform because the King was before offended at him and a new occasion of reflecting on him offered it self The Moors of Andaluzia had Revolted and the King went in Person to subdue them At the same time a number of Infidels out of Aragon broke into Castile wasting the Territory of Santistevan de Gormaz Roderick Diaz who lived retired upon his Estate knowing the King was then absent with the Forces of the Kingdom gathered what Men he could and therewith not only expelled the Moors but pursuing them entred the Kingdom of Toledo without stopping till he came in sight of that City destroying all the Country taking a great Booty and 7000 Slaves Men Women and Children His Enemies represented this to the King as a breach of the Peace with the King of Toledo and said there was no reason to suffer a Mad-man to commit daily Extravagancies This Affair being debated among the Nobility it was resolved he should be Banished and only 9 days given him to depart the Kingdom He not daring to stand this shock recommended his Wife and Children to the care of the Abbot of S. Peter de CardenÌ„a a Monastery he had a particular Devotion for and then set out with a good Retinue resolving not to be idle during his Exile but to do all the harm he could to the Moors The number of those that went with him was not great but they were chosen Men with them he entred the Kingdom of Toledo and going along up the River Henares pierced into that part of Aragon where is Alhama and the River Xalon that Waters much of the Country being drawn out in small Chanels He took from the Moors the strong Castle of Alcozer seated on a Hill and thence infested all the neighbouring Country having defeated two Captains sent by the King of Valencia to oppose him The Booty he took was extraordinary rich of which he sent 30 Horses led by as many Moors and 30 Scymiters of a Present to King Alonso who received it with great signs of Satisfaction All the People extolled his goodness and merit comparing him to the Heroes Antiquity has so much boasted of King Alonso gave a courteous Answer to the Messengers that brought the Present but would not recall their Master lest the Moors should be offended if he forgave him so soon but leave was given to all those who desired it to follow and serve under him This was not done only to oblige him but to rid the Country of many troublesome People who being bred in Arms knew not how to be idle Tho' these things happened in several Years we have put them together for the ease of the Memory Let us now turn back to the Year 1076. D. Sancho King of Navarre had a Brother called D. Ramon these tho' Sons of one Father and Mother differed much in Nature and Inclinations D. Ramon was Turbulent without regard of Justice and many like himself followed him with whose assistance he aimed at the Crown The King was very Religious and had by his Queen D. Placencia a young Son called D. Ramiro some Authors say he had two other Sons D. Ramon stiled the King's Bounty Prodigality and finding him old and his Sons in their Infancy with the help of his Friends seized on some Strong-Holds in order to carry on his wicked Designs The King endeavoured to reclaim him but seeing all fair means were of no force caused him to be Impeached and absent as he was to be declared a publick Enemy and Condemned to Death Thus they became open Enemies and each sought the Death of the other Wicked Men are generally more cautious and designing whereas the Just relying on a good Conscience are more open The King being in the Town of Rhoda the Traytor surpriz'd and murder'd him there D. Ramiro the eldest Son of the Deceased fled for Protection to Roderick Diaz the two others to D. Alonso King of Castile The Nobility of the Kingdom meeting resolved not to submit to the Murderer but because the Princes were young and absent offered the Crown to D. Sancho King of Aragon Cousin-German to the Deceased He lost no time but embracing the offer secured the greatest part of the Kingdom That part â—â—ich is about Bribiesca and Rioja submitted to Alonso King of Castile who pretended a better Right to Navarre in regard that D. Ramiro Father to the King of Aragon was a Bastard Particularly the City Najara was Surrendred to him where in the Church of S. Mary the Royal were buried the Bodies of the dead King and his Wife The King of Aragon rather than break with him of Castile agreed to pay a certain acknowledgment yearly for Navarre as appears by ancient Records of D. Sancho and D. Peter The Murderer seeing how the new King was received and having lost all hopes of being able to oppose him fled to Zaragoça where the Moorish King gave him a House and certain Lands to support the remainder of his miserable Life CHAP. VIII The Death of Almenon King of Toledo and of D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona The Conquests of the Normans in Italy The Conquest of Toledo resolved upon Ramon Earl of Barcelona Murdered IN the Year of Grace 1077. dy'd two famous Princes These were Almenon King of Toledo and D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona Sirnam'd the Old which was the most remarkable thing that happened that Year Hissem Son to the late King succeeded his Father in the Throne of Toledo and during the short time of his Reign which was but one Year kept up the Amity betwixt King Alonso of Castile and himself as he had been charged by his Father After the death of Hissem Reigned his
the Wrongs he did his Father yet the Kingdom he unjustly Usurp'd he govern'd Prudently At Avila he perform'd his Father's Exequies with Magnificence and at Toledo laying aside his Mourning put on the Royal Robes The Gentry who had been against him now throng'd to make their Court either in hopes to appease him or else to hide what was conceal'd in their Hearts The new King at present dissembl'd yet resolv'd as soon as setl'd to vent his Rage All the Nobility and Commons swore Allegiance to him and his Daughter Elizabeth as Heiress in case he had no Issue Male. This was done to exclude the two Brothers his Nephews whose just Cause many yet favour'd King Sancho resolv'd to gain the good Will of the King of Aragon who had those young Princes in Custody and was then preparing to besiege Albarazin being no longer able to bear with the Insolencies of D. John Nunez de Lara Therefore King Sancho because he could not go in Person sent a good Body of Men to the Assistance of the King of Aragon against that Common Enemy This done he went away for Sevil because Prince John his Brother endeavour'd to possess himself of that City by virtue of his Father's last Will but the Citizens oppos'd him and were headed by D. Alvar Nun̄ez de Lara These Disputes ceas'd upon the coming of the new King who caus'd his Brother to desist To this City came Ambassadors from the King of Morocco to settle Peace but were sent away with Scorn which provok'd the Moors to invade Spain again King Sancho to oppose them provided a great Fleet. At that time the Genoses were Famous for their skill in Navigation thence the King sent for Benedict Zacarias who brought with him twelve Galleys was created Admiral and had the Town Port S. Mary given to him and his Heirs upon Condition they should always maintain a Galley at their Cost The Cortes or Parliament met at Sevil their Business was to redress Grievances and to make void many Grants forc'd in time of Necessity from the present King and his Father That Assembly breaking up the King return'd to Castile where some conspir'd to restore his Nephews but he coming upon them some submitted and others were put to Death At this same time Roger Lauria General of the Aragonians in Sicily having near Malta defeated 20 French Galleys killing their General William Cornutus sailing towards Naples offer'd Battle to Charles the Lame Prince of Salerno and Son to King Charles who was ready with a mighty Fleet to pass over into Sicily Many and particularly the Pope's Legate advis'd the Prince not to Fight but he gave no Ear to them The Battel was Bloody but in Conclusion the French were beaten and Prince Charles taken Authors differ about the Number of Vessels on each side the most receiv'd Opinion is that the Aragonians had 42 Galleys and the French 70. This Battel was fought on the 23d of June and the Aragonians making use of their Victory took several Towns in Italy Three Days after the defeat King Charles arriv'd at Gaeta with 20 Galleys from Provence and there understood how his Son was condemn'd to Death at Mecina by the Sicilians in revenge of the Death of Conradine executed by the French after he was taken in Battel The Queen sav'd him on pretence of acquainting her Husband yet such was the Fury of the People that they broke the Prisons and put to the Sword 60 other Prisoners The King of Aragon as if he had no War abroad now lay'd Siege to Albarazin and furiously Batter'd it The City was naturally Strong well Fortify'd and had a good Garrison of hardy Souldiers yet Provisions falling short D. John Nun̄ez de Lara resolv'd to make his Escape but advis'd the Garrison to hold out whilst he went to Navarre where he was sure of Succour After his Departure the City held out a few Days and then desparing of Relief surrendred on Michaelmas Day The Garrison consisted of French and Navarrois who were all dismiss'd and People brought from the Neighbourhood as well to Inhabit the Place as Till the Land The King had a Bastard-Son by the Lady Agnes Zapata to him he had before given Algezira and Liria in the Kingdom of Valencia and now gave him the City Albarazin This was the end of that Principality for many Years possess'd by the noble Family of the Açagras CHAP. VI. The French invade Catalonia take Girona and retire back to France with Loss The King of Morocco Besieges Xeres and is repuls'd The Death of the four Kings of France Aragon Naples and Morrocco AFter the taking of Albarazin a greater Storm threatn'd the King of Aragon from France The Aragonian alone was not able to withstand the French and therefore had recourse to Forreign Aids He sent Embassadors into Germany to the Emperors Rodulphus who being a cautious Man and at that time in War with the Switsers gave only good Words King Sancho at the Instance of the King of Aragon had Conferences with him at Ciria and Borobia two Towns about Soria where they made a League and promis'd to assist one another The King of Morocco design'd to make War in Andaluzia The French wasted the Frontiers of Aragon and Jayme King of Majorca sided with them 18000 Moorish Horse besieg'd Xerez de la Frontera and made Incursions as far as Sevil. King Sancho went with speed to Toledo where Charles Earl of Artois Embassador from the King of France expected him His chief Business was to procure the Liberty of the King 's two Nephews and perswade King Sancho not to have to do with the King of Aragon who was Excommunicated by the Pope The King's Answer in Publick was that he would send Embassadors to adjust all things in France and privately he declar'd himself much the King of France his Friend The King of Aragon lay'd Siege to Tudela in Navarre by that means to divert the French who design'd to pass into Aragon through Russillon That City was bravely defended by D. John Nunez de Lara who lost Albarazin and was more Successful in the Affairs of others than his own All the Country about was wasted and the Frontier Towns of Aragon strongly Garrison'd to oppose the Enemy This done because Winter came on the King of Aragon return'd to Zaragoça There he spent the remainder of this Year and beginning of the next which was 1285 in which on the 7th of January Charles King of Naples departed this Life at Fogia a Town of Apulia being worn out with Misfortunes and griev'd at the Imprisonment of his Son This Prince had been Famous as well in Peace as War had the end of his Life been suitable to the beginning Age made him feel the Inconstancy of Fortune as it has happen'd to many Besides the Vigour of the French was decay'd and they debauch'd with Ease and Pleasure and their Governours made the King odious through their Avarice and
Exactions The Death of the King of Naples was equally pleasing to the King of Aragon and grievous to him of France To divert his Melancholy by offending his Enemies he made great Levies His Land Army amounted to 20000 Horse and 80000 Foot and at the same time he provided a Fleet of 120 Sail between great Ships Galleys and other smaller Vessels He resolv'd to go in Person to this Expedition and with him Philip and Charles his Sons and Jayme King of Majorca who follow'd the French being highly offended at the Aragonian his Brother With them also was Cardinal Gervasius sent by Pope Martin the 4th as his Legate That Pope dying at Perosa on the 29th of March Honorius the IVth a Citizen of Rome of the Family Sabela was chosen in his Place and took the Part of the French no less than his Predecessor had done The Army Rendevouz'd at Narbonne and thence march'd towards Perpignan This Town was surrendred to King Jayme and admitted the French The Example was followed by all the Towns of Russillon and that Neighbourhood except one call'd Genova which in hatred to King Jayme and hoping to be speedily reliev'd held out They were deceiv'd in their Expectation for the Town was taken by Assault and all the Inhabitants put to the Sword without sparing the very Buildings which were all Burnt and Destroy'd The Bastard of Russillon a Man of great Courage who was in the Town got into the Tower of the Church where King Jayme's Intercession sav'd his Life rather than the Strength or Holiness of that Place Yet he show'd his Gratitude to the French for the King of Aragon being possessed of all the Passes on the Pyrenean Mountains so that there was no hopes of getting by he conducted them through By-paths known to him till they reach'd the Tops of those Hills and Encamp'd above the Aragonians Thus the two Kings advanc'd as far as the Territory of Ampurias There they easily took several Towns particularly Peralada and Figueras without meeting any Opposition till they sat down before Girona a great and noble City â—â—sting the People formerly called Ausetani It is Seated on the side of a Hill at the Foot whereof runs the River antiently called Thici now Tera which has so wash'd away the Banks next the City that they and considerably to its Strength The Walls are well built the Towers of Stone and strong in the highest part of the City stands the Cathedral and Bishop's House a large and beautiful Fabrick Above the Cathedral is a large Tower call'd Gironela Raymund 〈◊〉 Cardona 〈◊〉 Governour of that City had added new Works and throw down all the Suburbs only 〈◊〉 the Church of S. Felix for the great Devotion of the Place and it's Antiquity His Valour and Industry was great so that he several times but 〈…〉 of the French 〈…〉 mind their Works The King of Aragon was not far off but being too weak to give the Enemy Battel sought some Opportunity of gaining an Advantage and putting Relief into the Town It had been three Months Besieg'd when Sancho King of Castile sent Martin Bishop of Calahorra and Gonuz Garçia de Toledo Abbot of Valladolia his Embassadors to compose these Differences They were sent back with many Reproaches having scares seen the King of France It was reported King Sancho wanted not Good Will to assist the Aragonians but that he was taken up with the War in Andaluzia where 〈◊〉 Moors as was said before had â—â—y'd Siege to Xerez de la Frontera King Sancho was my of putting all to the hazard of a 〈◊〉 and therefore only pass'd between Sevil and Nebrixa always in a Readiness to cut off the Parties of Moors that made Incursions into the Country Thus after a Siege of 6 Months the Moors raised their Camp from before Xerez being iâ—â—ent of all Necessaries and fearing lest King Sancho should offer them Battel After they had pass'd the River Guadalete rather in the nature of Flight than a Retreat one ask'd of the Moorish King the Reason why he show'd so much 〈◊〉 and he answer'd I am the first that rais'd the Family of Bar-ameda to the Regal Dignity my Enemy is descended from above 40 Kings which in Battle would have been a great Terror to me and a mighty Incouragement to him This seem'd to be a good Opportunity to pursue the Infidels but King Sancho was for the safest rather than dangerous Counsels Therefore having repair'd and revictuall'd Xerez he return'd 〈◊〉 notwithstanding the Souldiers muttered they lost a great Opportunity of destroying â—â— Enemy Embassadors pass'd betwixt the two Kings and at last they had a Meeting of the Banks of Guadalquivir others say at Râ—â—aserrada There it was agreed the King of Morocco should thy 1000000 of Maravedies a 〈…〉 that had not always the same Value towards the Charges of the War and thus it ended Many Persons of Note were disgusted at this Peace particularly Prince John the Kings Brother and D. Lope Diaz de Haro who both withdrew out of Sevil and went away to their own Lordships Not long after dy'd the King of Morocco and left his Son Joseph to succeed him Let us return to the Siege of Girona The King of Aragon desiring to cut off the Provisions that were brought to the French Army from the Port of Roses resolv'd to lay an Ambush in a convenient Place by the Way This design being discover'd by Spies Rodulphus 〈…〉 France and John Marshal de Harcourt with the Earl of Marche went to the Place where the Ambush was lay'd with only 300 Horse On the 15th of August the Parties met and there ensu'd a desperate Fight The Aragonians were the greater Number but the French made the 〈…〉 Bravery and Dexterity The King did all that could be expected of a wise Commandeâ— and resolute Souldier He was hurt in the Head and endeavouring then to get off a 〈◊〉 Man seized his Horses Reins and had taken him had he not with his Sword cut the Râ—ins and fled This writes Villancus who gave occasion to others to commit the same Error For all the 〈◊〉 of Aragon affirm the King came off without hurt that the Number of the Stain was 〈◊〉 both Sides tho' the French were Masters of the Field Thus 〈…〉 Authors to vary The Season being very hot brought the Plague into the 〈…〉 Camp and yet the Besieg'd hearing of this Defeat and having no hopes of Relief 〈…〉 Condition they should be suffer'd to depart whither they pleas'd and to take 〈…〉 as much of their Goods as they were able to carry Much Cruelty was us'd 〈◊〉 them that Surrendred and even the Churches were Profan'd The Sepulcher of S. Narcissus who is Patrâ—â— of that City and theâ— reverenc'd with singular Devotion was spoil'd of all the Riches belonging to it which were very considerable and carry'd away The Plague increas'd which was look'd upon as a Judgment for that Sacriledge and 〈◊〉 the French resolving