erected the Earldoms of Aragon and Barcelona That of Aragon thus Aznar Son of Eudo the Great coming to that part of the Country through which run the Rivers Aragon or Arga and Subordan and having gained some Towns from the Moors by consent of King Gracia called himself Earl of Aragon and was then Subject to the Kings of Navarre afterwards independent as shall appear in its Place This first Earls Son was also called Aznar his Grandson Galindo of whom there is nothing Memorable After Galindo succeeded Ximeno Aznar Ludovicus Pius during the Life of his Father Charlemaigne took Bercelond and left one Bernard a Frenchman to govern there in the Year 801. whence sprang the Earls of Barcelona In the following year dyed Garci Iniguez King of Navarre His Successor was his Son Fortun Garcia of whose exploits the Historians of Navarre relate things incredible It is not doubted he was in the Famous Battle of Roncesvalles before spoken of in which Ximeno Aznar Earl of Aragon was slain whose Sister Teuda was Married to King Fortun. Ximeno Aznar's Successor was his Unkle Ximeno Garcia or Garces King Fortun dyed in the Year 815. Sancho Garcia his Son succeeded him By this King the People of Valderroncal were exempted from all Taxes for their good Service against the Moors as appears by his Grant still extant Bernard Earl of Barcelona being accused of Treason for having to do with the Empress Wife to Ludovicus Pius for shame of this Slander returned to Spain where he had many Friends and dy'd in the Year 839. After his Death Ludovicus Pius bestowed that Earldom on Wifridus for it was not Hereditary but the free Gift of the Emperor during pleasure Garcia Aznar Son of Ximeno Aznar was now Earl of Arragon At the same time D. Sancho Garcia infested the People of Navarre beyond the Pyrenean Hills that were subject to the French and never desisted till they swore to maintain perpetual Amity with the Kings of Sobrarve This King is said to have been slain in the War against that Muza who as was said Rebelled against the King of Cordova that is about the Year 853. Next to this King a certain Author names Ximeno Garcia no other History makes mention of him but here the Royal Line expired whereupon there ensued an Interregnum for four Years During which time the Historians of Navarre say they Consulted the Pope the French and the Lombards by whose advice they took the best of the Laws of those Nations called The Charter of Sobrarve towards preserving their Liberty All their aim was to tye up the King's hands and to this effect they Instituted a Magistrate in the nature of the Roman Tribunes commonly called The Justice of Arragon Many of these Privileges and others granted by K. Alonso III. were Repealed by the States-General or Parliament in the Reign of D. Peter the last of Aragon All things being thus setled In̄igo Sanchez Earl of Bigorre in Aquitain for his swiftness Sirnamed Arista was chosen King by the Vote of 300 Nobles and having Sworn in the Church of S. Victorianus of Pamplona to maintain the Laws the Power of Government was put into his Hands All these and many other the like Relations are by many esteemed Fabulous and they believe that King Arista succeeded his Father in the Throne Certain it is that In̄igo Arista about this time Reign'd near the Pyrenean Mountains and was Married to D. In̄iga Daughter to the Earl Gonzalo of the Blood Royal of Oviedo He also Married Teuda the Daughter of Zenon Lord of Biscay and had only one Son not known by which of the two called Garci Iniguez who inherited the Kingdom The Monastery of S. Salvador de Leite seated among the Pyrenean Mountains and remarkable for the beauty of its Structure and greatness of Revenue is supposed to have been Founded by King Arista This Prince extended the Bounds of his Kingdom adding to what he had before the Plains of Navarre whereas the former Kings had contented themselves to live within the Mountains Pamplona and Alava fallen again into the hands of the Moors were by him recovered whereupon he stiled himself King of Pamplona as appears by Grants of those Kings At the same time Wifredus the Son of the other Wifredus obtained of the Emperor Charles the Gross the Earldom of Barcelona Hereditary only reserving the Right of Appeals to be made to the Emperor this was in the Year 884. Afterwards on account of Wifredus's tender Age by order of the Emperor Lewis II. Solomon Count of Cerdania Governed that Principality the space of 19 Years Wifredus among other Sons left Myrus Earl of Barcelona and Seniofredus Earl of Vrgel after their Father's decease Near the same time dy'd Garcia Aznar Earl of Aragon and his Son Ximeno Garcia succeeded him It is not to be found in what Year King Arista dy'd the most probable Opinion is it was about the Year 888. Garci Ximenes his Son succeeded him at the age of 17 but was not inferior either for warlike Exploits or civil Government to any of his Predecessors For being come to riper Years he gained much Reputation by many Victories he obtained too tedious to be here inserted His Wife's name was Da. Vrraça Sister to Fortun Ximenez Earl of Aragon or as some will have it his Kinswoman Grandchild of Galindo and Daughter of Endregotus from whom his Uncle Ximeno Garcia Usurped the Earldom of Aragon This King had two Sons Fortun and Sancho Abarca and a Daughter called Sanctiva Married to D. Ordon̄o King of Leon when he was Old and had had two Wives as has been said before He was killed by the Moors in a Battle he fought with them in the Valley of Ayuar the Archbishop D. Roderick calls it Larumbe for he often made Inroads into the Country of the Moors being desirous to enlarge his Kingdom and Extirpate all the Race of the Moors in Spain His Death was in the Year 905. as appears by the Chronicon Alveldense His two Sons succeeded him first Fortun and then Sancho in whose time as is before related the Christians lost the great Battle of Junquera The Monastery of S. Salvador de Leite pretends the Body of King Garci Iniguez lies there that of S. John de la Pen̄a contradicts it because there is to be seen there among the Tombs of the Kings one with the Name of King Garci Iniguez upon it These Disputes are not to be decided but I suppose the reason of them is that many Tombs were erected to the memory of Kings in several places by those that had received Favours from them tho' they had not their Bodies as is used even in our times Thus much at present of the Original of the Kingdom of Navarre and Earldoms of Arragon and Barcelona may suffice CHAP. II. Of the Earls of Castile The Reign of D. Fruela the Second King of Leon. Fictions concerning the Kings of Navarre The Reign of their King D. Sancho
Vrraca then great with Child was also killed that D. Sancho de Guevara passing by where she lay saw the Child put out its Arm at one of the Wounds the Mother had received and therefore ripping her open took out the Infant and bred him privately till he came to Age. That after an Interregnum of 19 Years this Child was brought to the Parliament and being there made known was Proclaimed King It is needless to show how incongruous and ridiculous the story is the weakness of the fiction is too obvious The Records of the Monastery of S. Salvador de Leyte tell us that Fortun the elder Brother of D. Sancho Reigned for some time and then being weary of the World took the Religious Habit in that Convent This we are assured of that D. Sancho by his Wife Teuda had four Sons Garci Sanchez Ramiro Gonzalo and Ferdinand and Five Daughters Vrraca Teresa Mary Sancha and Blanche The last of these some Authors say was Marryed to D. Nun̄o Lord of Biscay but no Lord of that name can be found to have been about that time This Prince was Fortunate not only for the many Children he had but for his Success in War By his Valour all that had been lost in Sobrarve and Ribagorza was recovered from the Moors and not content with that he added Biscay to his Dominions and all the Country along the River Duero till the Fountains thereof and the Mountain Doca and as far as Tudela and Huesca Nay that he came as far as Zaragoça appears by a Castle seated near that City called of Sancho Abarca Besides he passed the Pyrenean Mountains and subdued that of part Navarre lying on the other side those Hills Whilst he was busie in this War the Moors thinking he could not pass the Mounts in Winter laid Siege to Pamplona D. Sancho having notice of it furnished all his Army with Buskins to endure the cold and this is the true reason he was called Abarca signifying a Buskin It was easie for him that had Conquered Nature to overcome his Enemies they were Forced to raise their Siege Much mention is made in these Wars of one Centullo an Officer of great Courage and Conduct D. Sancho by these actions had gained Immortal Glory but he cast a blemish upon it by making War against Castile which besides the disgrace turned to his loss as will appear hereafter CHAP. III. The Reigns of Alonso the Fourth and Ramiro the Second Kings of Leon. Sancho Abarca King of Navarre slain by Ferman Goncalez Earl of Castile Several defeats of the Moors A great Eclypse D. Alonso the Fourth called the Monk by the Death of D. Fruela recovered the Kingdom which had been wrongfully taken from him in the Year 924. John Archbishop of Toledo dying the Moors would not suffer any to be chosen in his place therefore the Clergy to prevent all disputes gave the Supreme Authority to the Curate of St. Justa and obeyed him as Bishop which Custom was observ'd till Toledo was regained by the Christians At this same time the Fame of Fernan Gonzalez Earl of Castile spread through all Spain Whether he had the Title of Earl from the King of Leon or took it by consent of the People is not known The Virtues that made him Famous were Justice Meekness Zeal of Religion and his great Experience in Warlike Affairs By which means he not only Defended his own Territories but reduced those of the Kingdom of Leon to the farther side of the River Pisuerga From the Moors he took several Towns and curbed the insolency of the Navarrois killing their King D. Sancho Abarca The People of Navarre did much harm on the Frontiers of Castile and not content with that affronted the Embassadors sent to demand satisfaction so the matter came to be decided by Arms. The Earl broke into the Country of Navarre driving all before him the Enemies Army met him near a Town called Gollanda Great was the Slaughter on both sides before it could be decided who had the better till in the heat of the Action the Generals Challenged one another They met so Violently with their Lances that both fell off their Horses the King mortally Wounded the Earl hurt but not dangerously This put such Life into the Soldiers of Castile that giving a fresh Charge they soon became Masters of the Field At this time the Count of Toulouse came in with fresh supplies to assist the Navarrois who thereupon renewed the Fight but with the same success for the two Earls meeting he of Toulouse was killed and the Navarrois totally defeated The Bodies of the King and Earl were carryed home and honourably buryed There is a dispute betwixt the Monasteries of S. Salvador de Leyte and S. John de la Pen̄a both pretending they have the Kings Body He dyed about the beginning of the Reign of Alonso the Great in the Year of our Lord 926 and the 26 of his Reign His Son Garci Sanchez succeeded him and took the Name of King of Pamplona and Najara He Reigned Forty Years his Wife's Name was Da. Teresa Thus much of Navarre D. Alonso King of Leon was more like his Predecessor D. Fruela than to his own Father We have no account of any Vertue he was endued with or any Action he perform'd or Victory he gain'd For this cause he became so odious to his People that in the Year 931 having Reigned six and a half he sent for his Brother D. Ramiro and resigned the Scepter to him resolving to retire and become a Monk He took the Habit in the Monastery of Sahagun upon the River Cea without any regard to his Reputation or Provision made for his Son D. Ordon̄o got upon his Wife Da. Vrraca Ximenez Daughter to D. Sancho Abarca King of Navarre whom he left in his Infancy exposed to all Misfortunes Da. Teresa Sister to Queen Vrraca was Married to the new King D. Ramiro by her he had D. Bermudo D. Ordon̄o D. Sancho and Da. Elvira D. Ramiro being seated on the Throne soon apply'd himself to renew the War upon the Moors but the Inconstancy of D. Alonso put a stop to his good Designs for the same Inconstancy that led him to take up that course of Life made him quit it and call himself King again D. Ramiro to prevent the ill Consequences that might follow immediately repaired to Leon where his Brother then was and obliged him pressed with Famine and want of all Necessaries to Surrender and kept him Prisoner in that City The Sons of D. Fruela were in Arms at that time in Asturias which obliged D. Ramiro to repair thither D. Fruela's Sons pretended to be offended because they had not been called to Parliament when D. Alonso resigned the Crown the People revolted because he had done so and chose those Sons of D. Fruela to head them Yet understanding their danger they sent to offer all submission provided he would
the Earl of Castile falling upon them put them to flight and but a small number returned home This struck so great a terror into those People that they never attempted to make War again as long as Abdelmelic Ruled The Joy of this Victory was drowned in the scarcity of Provisions caused by a great Drought Gudésteus Bishop of Oviedo had been kept three Years in Prison by the King who was subject to give ear to the whispers of wicked Men. The People and among them some of Note said the Famine was a Judgment of God for the wrong done the Bishop and that unless Reparation were made him there was cause to fear a heavy Plague might follow There was danger of a Mutiny for the Multitude when they take Religion for their Pretence sooner obey the Priest than the King therefore Gudesteus was discharged out of Prison This same Year of our Lord 999 in which hap'ned the Famine was remarkable for the death of King Bermudo who dy'd of the Gout with which he had been long troubled in a Town called Berit His Body was Interred at Villabuena or Valbuena whence 23 Years after it was translated to the Church of S. John Baptist in Leon. He had two Wives one called Velasquita the other Da. Elvira From the first he was Divorced rather thro' the Corruption of those times than for that it was Lawful By her he had a Daughter called Christina By Da. Elvira he had D. Alonso and Da. Teresa Besides on two Sisters he had to do with in his Youth he got D. Ordon̄o Da. Elvira and Da. Sancha Christina the King 's eldest Daughter was Married to D. Ordon̄o called the Blind who was of the Blood Royal they had Issue D. Alonso D. Ordon̄o D. Pelayo and Da. Aldonza Marry'd to D. Pelayo called the Deacon Grandson to King Fruela by D. Fruela his Bastard Son D. Pelayo and Da. Aldonça had Issue Peter Ordon̄o Pelayo Nun̄o and Teresa from whom descended the Earls of Carrion Men of great Wisdom and Valour as will appear in its place Pelayus Ovetensis and D. Lucas de Tuy attribute to King Bermudo that passage of Ataulphus Bishop of Compostella and the wild Bull that was let lose against him which was spoken of before In this particular I give more Credit to the History of Compostella which relates it as I have done and it is a sufficient proof of their mistaking the time that about this there is no Bishop of Compostella called Ataulphus to be heard of King Bermudo appointed Melendo Gonzalez Earl of Galicia and his Wife D a. Mayor to be Tutors to his Son D. Alonso the young King during his Minority These because D. Alonso was but 5 Years of Age by the consent of the Cortes or Assembly of States and in pursuance to the Will of the Deceased Governed the Kingdom with great Prudence and Integrity The King being of Age as a Reward of their Fidelity and to make their Authority the greater Married their Daughter Da. Elvira by whom he had D. Bermudo and Da. Sancha He Reign'd 29 Years In the second Year of his Reign which was of our Lord just 1000. D. Garci Sanchez the Trembler King of Navarre dying his Son D. Sancho whom he had by his Wife Da. Ximena not Elvira or Constantia or Estephania as some will have it succeeded in the Throne This Prince in his Youth was under the Care and Tuition of Sancho Abbot of S. Salvador de Leyte who bred him Vertuously and taught him all that is fit for a Prince to know He Reigned 34 Years was so remarkable for his Vertue that he gained the name of the Greater and so fortunate that he got under his Dominion almost all that the Christians possessed in Spain But it was no good advice to divide it as he did among his Children thereby weakning the Forces of the Kingdom As the two Christian Kingdoms about this time enjoy'd Peace so Castile first and then the Moors fell to War among themselves both of them by their Civil Broils hast'ning their ruin D. Sancho Garcia Rebelled against his Father the Earl D. Garci Fernandez perhaps thinking he lived too long and being impatient to wait the few Years he had to live Both sides had recourse to Arms and the Subjects being divided the strength of that Principality was weakned The Moors were not ignorant of these Distractions and therefore resolved to make their advantage of them Accordingly they destroyed Avila that had been Rebuilt not long before Corun̄a and Santistevan de Gormaz in the Territory of Osma suffered the same fate The Affairs of the Christians were in great danger and yet the foreign Danger did not appease their domestick Tumults only kept them from coming to Blows Earl Garci Fernandez being much concerned at the harm the Moors did with what Force he could gather went out to meet them The Fight was bloody but the Earl having but a small number of Men was defeated and himself taken so desperately wounded that he dy'd in a few days He Governed Castile about 38 Years some say 49. was nothing inferior to his Father and tho' the Enemy had power to take away his Life the fame of his Actions will last for ever His Body being Ransom'd for a great Sum of Money was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Peter de Carden̄a This unhappy Battle was fought in the Year 1006. The Earl left a Daughter called Da. Vrraca who was a Nun in the Monastery of S. Cosmus and Damianus in the Town of Covarravias This Monastery was built by the Earl her Father and endowed with great Revenues besides many rich Gifts upon condition that if any Maid of his Family would not Marry she should be maintained with the Revenue of that Monastery D. Sancho succeeded his Father in the Earldom of Castile much blemished for Rebelling against him and having thereby been the cause of his death In all other respects he was good and vertuous and had very commendable parts About the same time dy'd at Cordova the Alhagib or Viceroy Abdelmelic Abderhaman a base and cowardly Fellow in scorn called Sanciolo succeeded him But he dying within 5 Months Mohomet Almahudi who I suppose was of the Race of the Abenhumeyas by force of Arms possessed himself of King Hissem who being given wholly to his pleasure was only supported by others Mahomet gave out he had killed the King Beheading one like him and keeping him privately to make use of him if needful A Kinsman of Hissem's called Zulema came over out of Africk who gathering what Forces he could and joyning with those of D. Sancho Earl of Castile overthrew the Tyrant in Battle near Cordova In this Battle were slain 35000 Moors which was the very Flower and Strength of that Kingdom so that for the future they decayed the more sensibly D. Sancho gave great Tokens of his Courage and Conduct and was the principal
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
Listed themselves and wore the Cross then the Mark of being engaged in that War Among the rest Bernard Archbishop of Toledo having setled the Government of that Church and Constituted 30 Canons and as many Half-Canons taking up the Cross departed towards the Holy Land No sooner was he gone but the Canons he had appointed met and chose another Archbishop Expelling those that opposed this unlawful Proceeding D. Bernard understanding what had been done returned to Toledo and Expelling all that had a hand in that Disorder put Monks of the Monastery of Sahagun in their places This done he sets forward again and being come to Rome was obliged by the Pope to return home againe as believing his Presence was necessary at Toledo being a place but lately recovered and unsetled He absolved him of the Vow he had made to go to the Holy-Land upon condition he should lay out the Money he had designed for that Expedition in Rebuilding of Tarragona a City then newly taken from the Moors by the Earl of Barcelona In the time of the Romans it was a Noble City and the Seat of their Empire in Spain since reduced to a small number of poor Houses D. Bernard Repaired it and Translated Berengarius Bishop of Vique thither with the Dignity of Archbishop Yet the new Archbishop forgeting this Favour afterwards contended with Bernard about the Right of the Primacy Pope Vrban put an end to the strife assigning the Supremacy of all Spain to Bernard and his Successors Bernard the Archbishop in his way thro' France brought along with him many Learned and Pious Men into Spain who were afterwards promoted to great Dignities Among them also came Burdinus not worthy to be named among them for he afterwards made himself Anti-pope and caused a Schism in the Church as shall be hinted in its place Roderick Diaz Sirnamed Cid or the Lord was not idle all this while but having obtain'd leave of the King who was busie in Andaluzia with a choice Band of his own Forces fell upon the Moors that dwelt upon the Borders of Aragon and Castile All the Moorish Princes strove to gain his Friendship The first he agreed withal was the Lord of Albarrazin Then he went to visit the King of Zaragoça who received him with great signs of Affection hoping with his assistance to make himself Master of Valencia This City is seated where formerly were the Editani near the Sea in a very pleasant Country and has always been a place of great Trade and very Rich. Hiaya he that had been King of Toledo was then in possession of it having inherited it of his Father Almenon to whom it belonged The Lord of Denia Xativa and Tortosa laid close Siege to it The King of Zaragoça thought to raise himself upon the Ruins of others for the Besieged having sent to him for Relief he hoped under that colour to subdue both them and the Besiegers He agreed with Roderick Diaz and both marched thither The Lord of Denja knowing himself inferior to them made Peace with Valencia and raised the Siege Nevertheless the King of Zaragoça would have possessed himself of Valencia had not Roderick Diaz opposed him for that it was under the Protection of the King his Master Hereupon that King returned home Roderick Diaz under colour of assisting the King of Valencia made his own advantage obliging all the Moors thereabouts to pay him Tribute with which and the Booty he maintained the charge of the War King Hiaya before grown odious to his Subjects encreased their hatred by being a Friend to the Christians so that they called in the Almoravides then grown Powerful who killed Hiaya and gave the Sovereignty of the City to Abenaxa the Contriver of that Revolution Roderick Diaz desiring to punish their Treachery and rejoycing that an opportunity was offered him of taking that Noble City resolved to lay Siege to it Valencia was well stored with Provisions Warlike Ammunition a good Garison and a great number of resolute Citizens yet his Constancy overcame all those Difficulties He laid close Siege to it which lasted a long time till the Besieged wanting Provisions and seeing no hopes of relief Surrendred Not so satisfied tho' it seemed a rashness he resolved to maintain that City and in order to it made one Hierome a Companion of the Archbishop of Toledo Bishop of it Moreover he brought thither his Wife and Daughters whom as was said above he had left in the Custody of the Abbot of S. Peter of Carden̄a To the King for that he had favoured his designs he sent a Present of 200 choice Horses with as many Scymiters hanging at the Saddles Such was the posture of Roderick Diaz's Affairs when two young Lords called Earls of Carrion their Names James and Ferdinand Men of great Birth but mean degenerate Souls having obtained the King's Recommendation Marry'd his two Daughters at Valencia It hap'ned soon after that a Lion breaking lose they both hid themselves in an undecent place and at another time in a Skirmish with the Moors they fled These things made them grow contemptible to their Father-in-law who Reproached them and they study'd Revenge Suero their Uncle who ought to have given them better advice heightned their malice Having resolved upon the Villany they were to act they prepared to return home Their Father-in-law having accompanied them part of the way returned to Valencia and they prosecuted their Journey till they came to a Wood on the Frontiers of Castile after they had passed the River Duero There sending away most of their Retinue they took the two Ladies into the Wood and having strip'd them naked whipped them till they lay for dead wallowing in their blood In this manner they were found by Ordonius sent after them by their Father who suspected some ill design He carried them to the next Village where they were dressed and taken care of This Villainous Act brought upon the Husbands the hatred of all Men. Roderick Diaz seeking revenge had recourse to the King at such time as a general Assembly of the States or Parliament was held at Toledo Judges were appointed to determine what was to be done the chief whereof was Raymund of Burgundy the King's Son-in-law After a full hearing it was decreed that those two Lords should restore all that they had received with their Wives and that they and their Uncle Suero should Combat with three others appointed on his part by Roderick Diaz Three Men of note whose Names were Bermudo Antolin and Gustio undertook his Quarrel The young Lords endeavoured to evade the Combat by gaining time so Roderick Diaz went away to Valencia and they to their Estate But the King not satisfied obliged them to fight at Carrion where they were all three overcome Roderick Diaz's two Daughters were Marry'd again D. Elvira to D. Ramiro Son to D. Sancho Garcia King of Navarre who was killed by his Brother Raymund as was said above D.
Sol to D. Peter Son to the King of Aragon of the same Name both which sent to demand them in Marriage D. Ramiro had by D. Elvira Garci Ramirez who was afterwards King of Navarre D. Peter dy'd before his Father and left no Issue Two several times King Bucar who came out of Africk was overthrown in sight of Valencia by Roderick Diaz and his Forces who kept that City as long as he lived which was five Years after the taking of it He was near his Death when the same Bucar came again before the City and perceiving it could not be maintained after his Death ordered in his Will that they should all in a Body quit the place and return to Castile The Moors believing it was a powerful Army that designed to give them Battle drew off Those Christians marched without ceasing till they came to Castile and Valencia being left without any Garison fell again into the hands of the Moors They that came from Valencia brought with them the Body of Roderick Diaz which was Bury'd with great Magnificence in the Monastery of S. Peter of Carden̄a near Burgos K. Alonso and Roderick Diaz's two Sons-in-law being present Many look upon most of this Relation as Fabulous and I write more than I believe because I would not wholly omit what others affirm In the Church of S. Peter of Carden̄a are to be seen five Tombs that of Roderick Diaz that of his Wife and those of his Son and Daughters Perhaps they are only empty Monuments such as are called Cenotaphia erected in Honour of such People The Death of Roderick Diaz de Bivar was a great loss to the Christians for his extraordinary Valour Conduct and Prosperity Authors do not agree about the Year in which it hap'ned the most likely Opinion is that it was in the Year of our Lord 1093. About this time Pope Vrban translated the Bishoprick of Iria to Compostella at the request of Dalmachius who was the first Bishop of that City and made it independant of the See of Braga King Alonso tho' very ancient never neglected the Affairs of War but made several Incursions into Andaluzia which was the more easie to be done for that Joseph the Moor was returned into Africk This gave the Christians some time of breathing which the King made use of to encrease the Religious Worship He built a Monastery of Benedictines at Toledo of the Invocation of S. Servandus and S. German others say he only repaired it Besides he erected two Monasteries of Nuns the one Dedicated to S. Peter the other to S. Dominick of Silos At Burgos without the Walls he Founded another Convent now called S. John of Burgos The Year following which was 1099. was remarkable for the Death of Pope Vrban and the taking of Jerusalem by the Christians Cardinal Raynerius who had been Legate in Spain a Person of great Worth and Experience succeeded Vrban by the Name of Pasqualis II. He in the time of his Papacy granted a Privilege to the Church of S James the Apostle that after the manner of the Church of Rome it might have seven Canons Cardinals and that the Bishops of that See might use the Pall an Ornament betokening greater Authority than that of common Bishops The next ensuing Year which was 1100. proved no less pleasing to the Christians by reason of the Death of Joseph who was Sovereign of all the Moors in Spain during the space of 12 Years and of those in Africk about 32 than it was at last unfortunate for the untimely end of D. Sancho Prince of Castile which will be seen in the next Chapter CHAP. IV. The Death of Sancho Prince of Castile and of the two Kings Peter the first of Aragon and Alonso VI. of Castile The Moorish King of Zaragoza Of two Holy Men. D. Garcia Earl of Cabra was Tutor to D. Sancho King Alonso's Son and the Heir Apparent of the Crown but Death snatched him away and with him the great hopes had been conceived of his Virtues Hali Successor to Joseph desiring to Commence his Reign with some memorable Action passed over into Spain with a powerful Army and having encreased it there entred the Kingdom of Toledo wasting all the Country till he came in sight of the City King Alonso by reason of his great Age and Sickness could not go out in Person to oppose him He gave the command of his Army to the Earl D. Garcia and for the greater Honour sent his Son D. Sancho tho' very young with him Near Veles the two Armies met and engaged In the heat of the Fight the Prince was struck down D. Garcia covered him with his Shield and with his Sword kept off the Moors that assailed him on all sides Long he kept them at a distance till being weakned by many wounds he fell down dead upon him he defended This disaster made the Infidels Victorious It is needless to relate how grievous this loss was to the King he asked what might be the reason of being so often overthrown by the Moors and a wise Man answered That the Soldiers were debauched with Ease and Luxury which made them unfit for Service Hereupon the King ordered all incentives of Luxury to be taken away and among the rest caused the Baths then much used in Spain after the manner of the Moors to be destroy'd Some hope remained in D. Alonso the King's Grandchild by D. Vrraca his Daughter but he was very Young and a Womans Government seem'd not seasonable The continual good Fortune of the King of Aragon diminished the Joy of the Moors for their success in Castile Of late the Infidels went down the wind in Aragon for the Christians had taken from them the Castle of Calasanz the Town of Pertusa on the River Canadre and the City Barbastro whither the Bishoprick of Rhoda was Translated Now the Aragonians bent all their Strength against the City Zaragoça which the Almoravides had possessed themselves of having expelled the ancient Kings These that follow were the Kings that had Reigned in that City The first was Mudir then Hiaya next Almudafar after him began another Race in Zulema to whom succeeded Hamas then Joseph then Almazazin then Abdelmelich and then Hamas Sirnamed Almuçacayto whom the Almoravides deprived of the Kingdom At this time in France Atho who after the Death of Raymund Earl of Barcelona Father of Arnaldus had Usurped the Sovereignty of the City Carcassonne where he had been Governour was expelled the place by the Inhabitants and it restored to its Lawful Prince in the Year 1102. This same Year Armengaud Earl of Vrgel was slain by the Moors in the Island of Majorca whither he went to show his Valour and was therefore called Balearicus Armengaud was Marry'd to a Daughter of Peranzules a great Man in Castile and Lord of Valladolid By her he left a young Son during whose Minority the Grandfather governed and
to the Feast of Easter The Marriage betwixt the Earl of Barcelona and the Princess Petronilla was agreed upon on the 11th of August that same Year 1137. This done D. Ramiro laying aside the care of the Government withdrew to the Church of St. Peter at Huesea still retaining the Title of King and Power of resuming that Authority when he should think fit All Officers were order'd to take the Oath of Fidelity to the Earl of Barcelona and because the Nobles on account of Service in that time of need had obtain'd Grants of many Towns and Castles from the King all such Grants were made void especially those that passed since the King chose the Earl for his Son-in-law As to Navarre it was ordain'd the Bounds of the Kingdoms should be the same that had been agreed upon at Pamplona and Valdoluengo As soon as Raymund entred upon the Government he had a Conference with the Emperor D. Alonso at Carrion where he obtain'd all the Lands that had been taken from the Crown of Aragon on this side Ebro should be restor'd but only to be held of the Crown of Castile This done he made his Entry into Zaragoça and was receiv'd with great applause having establish'd Peace William Raymund Seneschal or High-Steward of Catalonia had a great hand in all these Affairs and as a Reward had the Town of Moncada given him from him descends the Noble Family of Moncada in that Country CHAP. X. D. Alonso of Portugal takes the Title of King His Wars with the Moors War betwixt Christian Princes and Peace concluded Baeca and Almeria taken by the King of Castile and Lisbon by him of Portugal THese Confusions we have spoken of gave the Portugueses an opportunity of enlarging their Dominions and rendring their Name famous D. Alonso Prince or as some call him Duke of Portugal being a Man no less renowned in Peace than War ceased not enlarging and beutifying his Dominions At Coimbra he built the Monastery of Santacruz a stately Structure which he chose for his place of Burial and endow'd it with the Town of Leyra then taken from the Moors This was but an Introduction to greater Exploits for in the Year 1139. he broke into the Territories of the Infidels with a powerful Army and passing the River Tagus made War upon Ismar the Moorish King in those parts In this Expedition dy'd Egas NunÌ„ez D. Alonso's Tutor by whose wise Councels he had till then been govern'd In the City Porto there is a Monastery of Benedictive Monks founded by D. Egas in which are to be seen his and his Children Tombs That of his Wife D. Teresa is in the Monastery of Gereceda of Cistercians built by her two Leagues from Lamego Ismar understanding of D. Alonso's design gather'd all the Forces he could and four other Moorish Kings joyning him compos'd a Formidable Army The two Bodies had sight of one another in a Plain then call'd Vrichio now Cabeças de Ryes or King's-head a place fit to give Battle That Country is water'd by the River Palma which about Beja where it springs has little water but other Streams falling into it gathers such a Body that near Alcaçar do Sal where it falls into the Sea it is Navigable D. Alonso was surpriz'd to see so great a number of Enemies but Honour prevailing above Fear and the more for that two days before that is on the 25th of July being the Feast of S. James the Apostle his Soldiers had saluted him King he resolv'd to put all to the hazard of a Battle Having in few Words encourag'd his Men he order'd to sound a Charge the Enemy did the same and there ensu'd a most obstinate Battle both Parties fighting for Honour for their Lives and for the Dominion of all Portugal After a sharp dispute the Multitude of Moors gave way to the Valour of the Christians many of them were kill'd and many made Prisoners The Standards of the 5 Kings were taken and from them the Portugue Arms which are Azure five Escutcheons Others will have it that they signifie the five Wounds of our Saviour but I see no Authority for it In the time of Sancho II. King of Portugal there was added to the ancient Arms an Orle of Castles the number not fix'd then now they use seven This is the famous Battle so much and so justly extoll'd by the Portugues Writers after which the strength of Portugal increased in an extraordinary manner All the Glory of the King's Actions was sully'd by the Imprisonment of his Mother which Pope Innocent II. understanding sent the Bishop of Coimbra to treat with him about restoring her to her Liberty But the King was Deaf to all Advice therefore the Bishop leaving the City under an Interdict departed out of Portugal A Cardinal being also sent from Rome upon the same account had no better success but was oblig'd by the King's Threats to take off the Interdict he had laid upon the whole Kingdome King Alonso now Marry'd the Lady Malfada some say she was Daughter to Amalaricus Lord of Molina others to Amadeus Earl of Savoy By her he had D. Sancho D. Vrraca and D. Teresa The last Marry'd afterwards to Philip Earl of Flanders Besides these the King had a Bastard Son call'd Peter After the Nuptial Solemnities the Portugueses applyed themselves again to the War Santaren a Town of note seated on the Banks of Tagus was surprized and the Moors expell'd With the Booty taken in this Action the King founded the Monastery of Alcobaça of the Order of St. Bernard as he had vowed to do if he took that Town There was great strife betwixt Albohali head of the Family of the Almoravides and Abdelmon of the Almohades a New rising Family among the Moors about the Empire of Africk This gave the Christians an opportunity of subduing the Moors in Spain and indeed nothing supported them but the Wars we had among our selves Such was the Peace the Moors injoy'd in some places that they gave themselves to study and several Learned Men flourished among them especially at Cordova In this number some reckon Anicenne tho' others affirm he was never in Spain Averroes now â—â— fit Commentaries on Aristotle and Avenzor was Famous in Mathematicks especially Astrology Thus much of Cordova In Portugal the Christians took by force of Arms the Town of Sintra seated near the Promonrtorâ— by the Ancients called Artabrum and not far from the Mouth of Tagus This was a Convement place to receive Foreign Succours and Fleets arriv'd there from England France and Flanders bringing such considerable supplies that the King resolved to lay Siege to Lisbon the Metropolis of Portugal But before we Treat of that Famous Siege let us look back upon what we left behind Whilst these things hap'ned in Portugal the Aragonians and Navarrois were at War Both strove to bring D. Alonso of Castile to their part but Raymund Earl of Barcelona having
in great State to her Husband These things were done in the Year 1201. Much about the same time Berengaria the King of Castile's other Daughter was Marry'd to Alonso King of Leon at Valladolid where the two Kings met to that purpose Her Dower was only those Towns her Father had taken from her Husband Alonso Earl of Provence and William Earl of Focalquer being at variance the King of Aragon took a journey into France and composed their differences Thence he went by Sea to Rome designing to make use of the interest of Pope Innocent III. for obtaining the assistance of the Fleets of Genoa and Pisa towards the Conquest of Majorca The Pope received him with great Magnificence caused him to be anointed and himself put on his Crown ordaining that for the future the Kings of Aragon should be Crown'd by the Archbishop of Tarragona as the Popes Vicar In return the King made his Kingdom Tributary to the Pope which was highly resented by his Subjects CHAP. IX The Marriage of the King of Aragon and Death of some Persons of Note Peace concluded and Alliance between all the Christian Kings of Spain The beginning of the War with the Moors A vast Multitude of Foreigners comes to the assistance of the Christian Kings of Spain KING Peter of Aragon being returned home from Rome incensed the Minds of his Subjects by imposing a Tax called Monetal from which even the Nobility were not exempted Pope Innocent indeavoured to make a match betwixt the King and the Lady Mary Daughter to Elizabeth Queen of Jerusalem by that means to ingage him in the Holy War Conveniency prevailed and he Marryed the Lady Mary Daughter and Heiress to William Lord of Montpellier Vrraca the King of Castile's Youngest Daughter was Marry'd to Alonso the King of Portugal's eldest Son in the Year 1206. This Year there was so great an Eclipse of the Sun that the Darkness lasted Six hours as if it had been the Dead of Night The Floods were so great that the River Tagus swell'd the height of a Man above the Gate of Almofala at Toledo as the Annals of that City inform us It is likely this Gate of Almofala was the same is now call'd of St. Isidorus King Alonso made Martin Archbishop of Toledo High Chancellor of Castile No hopes being left the King of Navarre of recovering his losses he had a Conference with him of Castile at Guadalaxara where a Truce was concluded for five Years and Cautionary Towns given on both sides for security of performance In the Year 1208. dy'd Martin Archbishop of Toledo Roderick Ximenes a Navarrios succeeded him In November departed his Life Sancha Mother to the King of Aragon On the same day as the Archbishop dy'd also Stephen Illan Governour of Toledo who as was said recovered that City for the King Also the Earl of Vrgel leaving one only Daughter who being oppress'd by Gerard de Cabrera Son to Ponce before mentioned surrendred her Earldom to the King of Aragon and put herself under his protection Here ended the Dominion of the Heirs of the great Borello formerly Earls of Barcèlona and Vrgel over that City tho' her Father by Will left the half of his City of Valladolid to Pope Innocent that he might protect his Daughter in the remaining part but I do not find that ever the Pope had possession of this Legacy The Truce with the Moors was near expiring and great danger threatned unless the Christian Princes would unite their Forces for the publick good Alonzo King of Leon disturbed the Peace by seizing upon his Mother-in-law's Joynter-Lands James de Haro her Brother opposing the King drew upon himself the Forces of Leon and Castile and not able to defend his own was forc'd to fly to Navarre Thence he infested the Frontiers of Castile but being defeated by the two Kings retired to Estela a strong Town The four Kings of Castile Leon Aragon and Navarre met at Alfaro and concluded a Peace Hereupon James de Haro forsaken by all fled to Valencia to the Moors Soon after the King of Aragon entring the Kingdom of Valencia had his Horse kill'd under him in fight and must certainly have been taken but that James de Haro mounted him This made him so odious to the Infidels that he was oblig'd to go over to Africk to clear himself before the Miramamolin Afterwards having made his Peace with the Christian Kings he return'd to Castile In the Year 1209. the two Kings of Aragon and Navarre had another meeting in a Plain near a Town call'd Mallen Here all Differences were adjusted and the King of Navarre lent him of Aragon 20000 Daccats for which he was to deliver four Towns in pawn to D. Ximeno de Rada who if the Money was not repaid on the day appointed was to surrender them up to the King of Navarre King Alonso of Castile hop'd to draw Succours out of France but the Wars betwixt the French and English hindred Whereupon he entred Guienne resolving to fall upon either of the two that should refuse to hearken to Peace His labour was lost for the enmity was irreconcileable and the Preparations made by the Moors oblig'd him to return into Spain Whilst the Truce with the Moors lasted an University was Founded at Palencia at the King's charge and by the persuasion of Roderick Archbishop of Toledo and Professors of all Sciences brought out of France upon promise of great Salaries At Huelgas near Burgos the King also built a great Monastery for the burying of Kings and an Hospital adjoyning to it Constance Sister to the King of Aragon and Dowager of Hungary by whom she had a Son call'd Ladislaus by persuasion of Pope Innocent III. Marry'd Frederick King of Sicily The Alliances establish'd betwixt the Christian Princes fill'd all People with hopes and joy Yet at this time the King of Leon by command of Pope Innocent was Divorc'd from his Queen Berengaria upon account of Consanguinity and she sent to her Father Mahomet who had succeeded his Brother Abenjoseph in the Empire of the Moors made great Preparations to invade the Dominions of the Christians who on their part were not idle Peter King of Aragon took Adamuz and other Towns in the Kingdom of Valeneia To the Knights Templers he gave the Town of Tortosa for their good service perform'd in the late Wars Ferdinand Son to the King of Castile entred Andaluzia and plundred all the Country about Baeza Anduxar and Jaen About the same time Mahomet King of the Moors call'd the Green from the colour of his Turbant took Salvatierra part of the Inhabitants were put to the Sword the rest made Slaves It was Besieg'd in June 1210. and taken in September King Alonso was marching to relieve it but at Talavera his Son Ferdinand met and assur'd him there was need of a greater Army to engage the Enemy Prince Ferdinand dying in October the following Year put a stop
they had opposed their Surrender An Assault must be given and many advised to do it by Night but the King to avoid the confusion that is common in the dark drew out by break of day in order to storm causing all the Avenues to be guarded that none of the Enemy might escape Three times the Sign was given to fall on and the Soldiers stirred not till the King calling upon them as it were wak'd them out of a heavy sleep Then with a terrible shout they gave the Assault The Moors with great Courage ran to meet the Danger but being over-power'd and born down the City was entred and plundred and the People put to the Sword The Moorish King was drawn out from a private place where he lay hid and King Jayme took him by the Beard having sworn so to do yet comforted him with good words and promises After taking the City the Castle soon surrendred where was found a Son of the King 's 13 years of age who was afterwards Baptiz'd by the Name of D. Jayme and had an Estate given him which was the Town of Gotor in the Kingdom of Valencia whence his Successors Gentlemen of Note in that Country take their Name Majorca was taken on the last day of December preceeding the Year 1230. This City was made an Episcopal See notwithstanding the Canons of Barcelona pretended a Right to it but could make no good proof All the rest of the Island was easily brought under which done most of the Soldiers return'd home and the King to Catalonia This Year the Order of Mercela Instituted some time before was Confirm'd by Pope Gregory IX as appears by his Bull dated at Peroza in Tuscany the 17th of January CHAP. IX Alonso King of Leon Defeats the Moors takes Merida and Badajoz and dies Crowns of Castile and Leon united under Ferdinand Sancho King of Navarre dies Theobald succeeds him Interviews of several Kings WHilst the Forces of Aragon Conquer'd Majorca Alonso King of Leon again entred the Territories of the Moors and took the Town of Caçeres in Estremadura where he had before been repulsed This Success encouraged him to Besiege Merida a great City once the chiefest in those parts Abenhut the Moorish King thinking to establish a Reputation marched to relieve that place King Alonso was much inferiour to him in number and therefore being dubious what was best to be done he held a Council of War in which most were for drawing off Yet Honour prevailing the King resolved to give Battle and accordingly drew up his Army The Moors were not backward and the Signal being given both Parties charged with great resolution Long the Fight continued very bloody but at length the Valour of the Christians overcame the number of Infidels This Victory and Slaughter were so great that many of the neighbouring Towns were abandon'd by the Inhabitants It was reported that the Apostle S. James and other Saints were seen in this Fight encouraging the Christians as also that at Zamora S. Isidorus and others had appeared as preparing to go aid the Faithful But who can assert the truth of this Great Victories often cause any sort of Miracles to be believed After this Defeat no other hopes of relief remaining Merida was surrendred Badajoz a City on the Borders of Portugal Estremadura and Andaluzia also submitted King Alonso who was the ninth of that Name the Season being unfit for Action dismissed his Army resolving as soon as the Weather would permit to carry on the War with greater Forces Death prevented his Designs which cut him off at Sarria about the end of this Year as he was going to pay his Vows at Santiago His Body was bury'd in that Church By D. Teresa his first Wife he had two Daughters Sancha and Dulcis by Queen Berengaria he left Ferdinand already King of Castile and Alonso Lord of Molina and Berengaria Marry'd to John King of Jerusalem He had besides a Bastard Son call'd Roderick de Leon. He Reign'd 42 years was Valiant in War and a great Lover of Justice wherefore he assigned Salaries to the Judges that they might take no Bribes and punished them severely if faulty His hatred to his Son Ferdinand was such that in his Will he appointed his two Daughters to succeed him King Ferdinand had Besieged Jaen and not being able to carry it was remov'd to Daralherça where the News of his Fathers's Death was brought to him He was very intent upon the War of Andaluzia but the necessity of securing the Crown of Leon drew him away At Orgaz five League from Toledo his Mother met him and they resolv'd with all speed to move towards Leon. All things there prov'd easier than had been imagined Most places received him with great Joy and Tokens of Love He was Crown'd at Toro which had first by Letters sent to invite him Some great Men sided with the Princesses which might have proved of dangerous Consequence had not the Prelates interposed and reduc'd them to submit to him who had the most right Teresa Mother to the Princesses came out of Portugal to their aid but considering it was best to compound with her Son-in-law she met Queen Berengaria at Valencia in Galicia where it was agreed the Princesses should quit their claim to the Crown and in lieu thereof the King should allow them 30000 Ducats a year for Life This done the King set forwards towards Valencia by the way at Bonavente the Princesses met him To the Archbishop of Toledo for his indefatigable Services the King gave the Town of Cascata in that Country Thus the Kingdom of Leon was again united to Castile after it had been separated from it 63 Years and this Union has continu'd to our days D. Sancho King of Navarre who in his Youth was call'd the Strong liv'd now retir'd in the Castle of Tudela without attending to the Government This his retirement gave his Subjects opportunity to mutiny which Pamplona in particular did several times Besides Lope Diaz de Haro Lord of Biscay entred the Territories of Navarre and took some Towns and Castles King Ferdinand was suppos'd to have some hand in this Affair Yet the worst was that Theobald Earl of Champagne the King's Nephew and Heir impatient of delay contriv'd with the Nobility to Depose him King Sancho no way able to oppose so many Enemies sent to invite Jayme King of Aragon newly return'd from the Conquest of Majorca to the Castle of Tudela there to consult about Affairs of the highest nature King Jayme being then at Zaragoça set out immediately as was desired without asking any further security for his Person Both the Kings expressed much affection at their meeting and the Ceremonies being over he of Navarre complain'd of the evil Practices of his Nephew Theobald of the ambition of King Ferdinand At the same time he declar'd he had resolved to make use of the King of Aragon for regaining what he had lost about
Bun̄ol There they met on the Fourteenth of Sept. 1272 and laying aside all former Animosities concluded a League After the conference the King of Aragon went away to Catalonia then in an Uproar caus'd by the Nobility Armengaud de Cabrera Son to Alvaro de Cabrera to whom the King not long before had given the Earldom of Vrgel was the great incendiary The King besieg'd Balaguer the chief City of that Earldom and in it took Armengaud himself and his Uncle Roger Bernard and some other Lords whom he long kept Prisoners especially the Earl of Faux who had Rebell'd several times Thus the Troubles of Catalonia ended Prince Sancho of Castile went to Badajoz whither his Father was gone from Sevil to endeavour to make Peace between his Grandson Denis King of Portugal and Alonso that Kings Brother whom he labour'd by Force to deprive of the Possessions his Father had left him King Alonso of Portugal Father to Denis dyed at Lisbon the beginning of this same year He Liv'd 70 years Reigned 32. and was buried in the Monastery of S. Dominick Built by himself in that City Prince Sancho having seen his Father was sent away to make New Levies throughout the whole Kingdom in order to March against the King of Granada who was then taken up in Building the Palace of that City call'd Alhambra an excellent Structure which cost much Mony that King being no less skill'd in Works of that Nature than in Military Affairs What pretence there was for this War I know not but suppose he was not included in the late Treaty made with the King of Morocco Denis the King of Portugal either that he confided not in his Grandfather or fearing he was more inclinable to his Brother tho he came as far as Yelves which is but Three Leagues from Badajoz on a sudden turn'd back and went away King Alonso in a great Rage to be so disappointed return'd to Sevil. At this time Conrade Lança Admiral of Aragon with a Fleet of Ten Galleys scour'd the Coasts of Africk particularly of Tunez and Tremezen because they refus'd to pay the Tribute agreed upon some years before A certain Author affirms this Expedition was undertaken to restore Mirabusar Expell'd his Kingdom of Tunez by his Brother All agree a great Booty was taken by the Aragonians and that at the Streights of Gibraltar they defeated Ten Galleys of the King of Morocco Taking some and Sinking others The King of Aragon at Valencia where he commonly resided gave a Grant of the Lordship of Segorve to his Bastard Son D. Jayme about the Month of November CHAP. III. The Practices of Prince Sancho He Rebels against his Father The King of Morocco comes to Aid King Alonso Returns home leaving a Thousand Horse to serve under him King Alonso Disinherits and Curses his Son Prince Sancho IN Castile the Affection the People bore Prince Sancho daily increas'd and many believ'd when he was once well rid of his Nephews he would ease his Father of the Burden of the Crown His Father suspected nothing less than such a Design Prince Sancho in the Spring of the Year 1280. March'd with the Army he had rais'd to the Frontiers about Jaen and being there Recruited with Forces sent by his Father from Sevil entred the Territories of Granada where he Burnt all the Country as far as that City and then return'd with a great number of Cattle and Captives to Cordova and thence bore his Father Company to Sevil. This Success endear'd him more to the People which was what he chiefly aim'd at to secure the Succession to the Crown Philip K. of France sent Embassadors to demand that his Nephews should be set at liberty and deliver'd up to him and in case fair means would not prevail to threaten War Nothing being concluded it was agreed the Three Kings upon sufficient Security given should meet and commune together All the Kings set forward but they met not for Prince Sancho cunningly broke off that Interview fearing his Father who was inclinable to his Grandchildren might conclude something that might be prejudicial to him However it was agreed that Charles Prince of Taranto Son to the King of Sicily should carry the messages between the Kings yet all came to nothing Prince Sanoho undermining their Designs The French only ask'd that Prince Alonso should have the City Jaen given him with the Title of King and to hold of the Crown of Castile After this Disappointment the Kings of Aragon and France met about the same Affair and with the same success only the King of France took an Oath he would resign the Lordship of Mompellier to which he had pretended a Right to Jayme King of Majorca Prince Sancho was extreamly pleas'd that he had disappointed all the Designs of those Kings yet fear'd his Fathers Love towards those Children and there wanted not some who incensed King Alonso against his Son Therefore the Prince resolv'd to strengthen himself with Foreign Aids and to that purpose procur'd an Interview between his Father the King of Aragon and himself at a Town call'd Campillo between Agreda and Taraçona on the 27th of March 1281. At this Conference a League offensive and defensive was established between the two Kings upon penalty of 20000 pound weight of Silver to him that first broke it Palaçuela Teresa Xera and Ayola were now given to the King of Aragon and in lieu of them to Prince Emanuel the King's Brother whose those Places were Escalona was given This is what was publickly acted In private they concluded with jont Forces to invade Navarre and agreed what part each was to have when Conquer'd Prince Sancho obtain'd that the young Princes his Nephews should be secur'd in the Castle of Xativa and the more to oblige the King of Aragon he promised after his Fathers Death to yield him up all the Kingdom of Navarre and to give him in Castile the Town of Requena with all its Dependencies which lies on the Borders of Valencia towards Murcia He valu'd not what promises he made to secure his Power D. John Nun̄ez de Lara a powerful Man was then Lord of Albaracin having Marry'd the Daughter and Heiress of D. Alvaro de Açagra the Son of Peter Rodriguez de Açagra both Lords of that City Thence he made inroads into both the Kingdoms of Castile and Aragon carrying away much Booty and gave Protection to all those that fled to him on account of any Crimes whatsoever Particularly D. Lope Diaz de Haro a mighty Lord being offended at King Alonso and Prince Sancho for the Death of Prince Frederick and the Lord of Cameros was retir'd thither The King of Aragon and Prince Sancho consulted at Taraçona about taking that City and expelling D. John de Lara King Alonso went to Burgos to Celebrate the Neptials of his two Sons Peter and John Peter marry'd a Daughter of the Lord of Narbonne and John the Daughter of the Earl of
Monferrat Spain at present seem'd quiet but a great Storm hung over it The Jealousies between King Alonso and his Son Prince Sancho at length broke out into open War It troubled the King to see himself slighted by reason of his Age and his Subjects gaping after Innovation Therefore to gain Reputation he gather'd Forces and tho weak with Age and Troubles Ravag'd all the Country of the Moors Nothing perplex'd him so much as want of Mony To redress this he Coin'd a new sort not so Weighty nor Pure as what was in use This increas'd the hatred of the People who gave out that he had no regard to Justice and that many had their Estates Confiscated upon forg'd Crimes Fredulus Bishop of Oviedo a French Man by Birth was now sent by the King Embassador into France the pretence was to Visit King Philip and by his means obtain of the Pope the Croisade for all such as would serve against the Moors at their own Cost But the real design was to treat about setting the King's Grandsons at Liberty Prince Sancho was not ignorant of this practice and therefore to secure himself went away to Cordova and made a League with the Moorish King of Granada remitting him two Thirds of the Tribute he paid the more to gain his good will Besides the Nobility of Spain before disgusted with the King for his great severity declar'd for the Prince These things were in hand about the beginning of the year 1282. The same year in August the Marriage between King Denis of Portugal and Elizabeth eldest Daughter to the King of Aragon was solemnized at the Town of Trancoso This is that Queen Elizabeth who for her great Virtue is enrolled among the Saints and her Feast celebrated in that Kingdom King Denis without respect to his Uncle openly made a League with Prince Sancho King Alonso to the end he might quiet his Son and the Nobility without Bloodshed summon'd the Cortes or Parliament to Toledo and to prevent disorders provided sufficiently for his own Safety Prince Sancho on the other side summons them to Valladolid and thither the greatest number resorted Here he marry'd Mary the Daughter of Alonso Lord of Molina his Third Cousin and by her had Ferdinand the eldest and other Children Every thing was done in that Assembly that the Nobility desir'd for Prince Sancho to oblige them refus'd nothing but promis'd much more New Employments were constituted and new Laws enacted By these means not only the Nobles but the Commonalty were drawn into Rebellion and some in that Confusion saluted Prince Sancho King calling him Father of his Country and all other Names given to Sovereigns He positively refus'd that Title whilst his Father liv'd and nevertheless the Heat was such that Prince Emanuel D. Sancho's Uncle in the Name of all the Nobility publickly in open Assembly depos'd King Alonso from the Government This was a just Judgment of Providence for his presumption in daring to find fault with the Works of God as has been deliver'd to us by Tradition He is also said to have foreseen by his Skill in Astrology this Misfortune and that this foresight made him Cruel which hasten'd what he apprehended King Alonso thus forsaken by his Subjects apply'd himself to the King of Morocco for Supplies of Men and Mony sending him his Crown which was of great Value in Pawn Alonzo de Guzman Lord of Sanlucar was at that time in Morocco and much in Favour with that Prince to him King Alonso writ a very submissive Letter desiring he would intercede with the Moorish King to grant his Request That King hoping to make his Advantage of the discord among the Christians did more than was ask'd of him He came over to Algezira and had a Meeting with King Alonso at Zahara Great Compliments passed between them and King Alonso had the Upper Hand given him not only as a Stranger but because he was descended from Kings whereas the Moor had gain'd his Kingdom as he himself urg'd Here they consulted how to carry on the War since there were no hopes of Peace Sevil held for King Alonso Cordova for Prince Sancho his Son This City the Moors undertook to Besiege and King Alonso joyn'd them with what Forces he had but the Place being well provided with all Necessaries after 20 Days spent before it they rais'd the Siege Thence at the instance of King Alonso the Moors pass'd Sierra Morena advanc'd as far as Montiel and having plunder'd all the Country return'd with their Booty to Ezija Thither King Alonso came but went away privately being inform'd the Moor designed to secure him whether true or false is not known Certain it is that King highly resented his Honour should be brought in question and so went over into Africk Yet he left King Alonso 1000 Horse that had long serv'd him Hernan Ponce Commanded this Body and 't is said of them that meeting 10000 of the Enemies Horse near Cordova they charg'd so furiously that they broke and put them to Flight Such was their extraordinary Valour At Sevil King Alonso in a solemn Assembly disinherited his Son Sancho and pour'd out many Curses upon him That Prince regarded not his Fathers Curses but renew'd the League with the King of Granada and made all manner of Preparations about Cordova putting the Army into Winter Quarters in that Neighbourhood CHAP. IV. The Conspiracy of John Prochita in Sicily against the French and Slaughter of them call'd the Sicilian Vespers Kings of France and Aragon at War about Sicily Castile and Aragon under an Interdict at the same time THis Year was Memorable not only for the Wrongs done to King Alonso but also for the famous Conspiracy of John Prochita He had been Lord of the Island Prochita on the Coast of Sicily a Man of great Parts much a Friend to King Manfredus and since his Overthrow fearing the French fled to Aragon There he was honourably entertain'd by the Two Kings Jayme and his Son Peter and had large Revenues given him The Gibellines at that time oppress'd by the French had cast their Eyes on the King of Aragon for Protection Charles King of Sicily and Naples kept all Italy and even the City of Rome in Subjection and refus'd to release Beatrix the Daghter of Manfredus and Sister to Constance Queen of Aragon John Prochita laid hold of these Disgusts between those Princes and Great Men and hoped to improve them to the recovering of his Estate In order to it he went in disguise to Constantinople and inform'd the Emperor Paleologus how Charles King of Sicily with the Power of the French intended to deprive him of the Empire and restore Baldwin whose Daughter he had Marry'd The Emperor tho convinc'd that what Prachita told him was true would not openly declare himself but promis'd under-hand to assist the King of Aragon in his Pretensions with a great Sum of Mony This done Prochita returns into
a mistake in the Numbers CHAP. X. The Wars betwixt the Christians and Infidels Rebellions in Castile Aragon Castile and Portugal joyn in League The King and Queen of Navarre come into that Country and return again to France AT the same time in Castile great Preparations were made for the War with the Moors The Moorish King 's tender Years and the Distractions among the Infidels offer'd a good Opportunity of making some considerable Advantage Besides that a Son of Ozmin call'd Abraham the Drunkard because he drank much Wine had deserted to the Christians With him came a good Body of Men. King Alonso went to Sevil and from thence made Incursions wasting the Enemy's Country He took from them Olivera Pruna and Ayamonte Thus the Summer was spent and Winter coming on the Souldiers return'd Rich with Plunder to Quarter in Sevil. D. Alonso Jofre the Admiral brought thither the News to the King that he had defeated 24 Galleys of the Moors taken 3 and sunk 4. Some of these belong'd to Granada the rest were of Asrick Above 1200 Moors were kill'd and taken Embassadors were sent to Treat about the King's Marriage D. John Manuel seeing the King resolv'd to put away his Daughter publickly renouncing his Allegiance joyn'd in League with the Kings of Aragon and Granada Besides he made Inroads from Chinchill and Almansa two strong Places wasting all the Country At the same time the King at Sevil gave the Title of Earl of Trastamara Lemos and Sarria to Alvar Nun̄ez Osorio his great Favourite an Honour had not been given in Castile for many Years past The Ceremony was very odd Three Sops were put into a Cup of Wine and set before them the King and Earl complimented one another three Times about taking the first at last the King took one and the Earl another The Earl was allow'd in the Camp to keep a Kitchin apart for his Company and in the Army to have Colours with his own Devise and Coat of Arms. His Patent being sign'd and read all that were present cry'd Let the Earl Live This was the manner of creating an Earl in those Days At Cordova the King caus'd John Ponce to be Beheaded for that he had not obey'd his Orders in restoring the Castle of Cabra to the Knights of Santiago from whom he took it during the late Troubles besides he was accus'd as a Seditious Person Many Citizens of Cordova suffer'd the same Punishment for the same or other like Crimes Garcilasso de la Vega was murder'd at Soria in the Church at Mass by the contrivance of the Nobility The King was much concern'd and had sent him not long before from Sevil to thwart the Designs of D. John Manuel Escalona a small Town in the Kingdom of Toledo mutiny'd and was for joyning with the Rebels In Castile there were Uproars particularly Toro Zamora and Valladolid had reyolted The chief Contriver of this Rebellion was Hernan Rodriguez de Balboa Grand Prior of the Order of S. John His Pretence was the Greatness of the new Earl Alvar Osorio and Joseph the Jew The King lay'd Siege to Escalona but hearing the News of Castile was forc'd to quit it He came to Valladolid where they would not admit him unless he cast off the Earl Osorio which was accordingly done This Affront was so hainously resented by Osorio that he Rebell'd and joyn'd with D. John Manuel which prov'd his utter Ruin Ramiro Flores de Guzman counterfeiting he fled from the King gain'd his Friendship and finding an Opportunity stabb'd him The King presently seiz'd all his Lands and Treasure and declar'd him a Traytor no body appearing upon Summons to Vindicate him Joseph the Jew was protected by his Meanness and general Contempt of that Nation The King was married at Cuidad Rodrigo where with him of Portugal he contriv'd to draw away the King of Aragon from the Interest of D. John Manuel To this purpose they offer'd him Ellenor the King of Castile's Sister in Marriage which he accepted of and the Lady was sent into Aragon his first Wife Teresa being dead before D. John the Patriach and Arch-bishop of Tarragona went as far as Alfaro to meet her The Ceremony was perform'd at Taraçona the King of Castile being present with him of Aragon this was at the beginning of the Year 1329. To make this League the firmer Blanch the Daughter of Prince Peter who was kill'd by the Moors was contracted to Peter the King of Portugal's eldest Son The Three Kings agreed with Joynt Forces to make War upon the Moors till they had totally driven them out of Spain Also that none of them should shelter or protect the Rebels to any of the other D. John Manuel having thus lost the Protection of Aragon to make the best Interest he could marry'd the Daughter of Ferdinand de la Cerda D. John de Lara likewise marry'd Mary the Daughter of D. John Lord of Biscay hoping with their Joynt Forces to recover that Province which the King had taken from that Lady D. John de Lara and D. John Manuel were in open Rebellion others consented underhand as D. Peter de Castro and D. John Alonso de Albuquerque Son to Hernan Sanchez and Grandson to King Denis of Portugal The greatest of all was D. John de Haro Lord of Cameros Great part of the Kingdom follow'd these Rebellious Noblemen This Year the new King and Queen of Navarre came to Pamplona and were receiv'd upon these Conditions That no Mony should be coin'd during the Term of 12 Years because if was then usual to Stamp base Metal That Foreigners should not be put into places of Trust That it should not be in their Power to sell or change the Kingdom or alienate the Revenue That their first Son as soon as he came to Age should be King and take upon him the Government and his Father Philip should allow 100000 Crowns for his Expences The King and Queen swore to the Performance of these Articles and were thereupon Crown'd in the Cathedral on the 5th of March Great Joy was express'd by all sorts of People for that the Kingdom was restored to Princes of their own after it had been 55 Years subject to Foreigners These Princes had 3 Sons Charles Philip and Luis who had all great Possessions and as many Daughters Joanna Mary and Blanch who also were well Marry'd At this time the Flemmings were in Rebellion and had imprison'd Luis their Earl who getting loose was by them besieg'd in Gant whence he fled to the King of France for Protection That King sent Embassadors to Flanders but they proving unsuccessful he had recourse to Arms. Many Princes went to that War and among them Philip King of Navarre The two Armies met near Cassel After some Skirmishes one day in August in the heat of the Day the Flemmings surpriz'd the French Camp gain'd their Works and came to the King's Tent killing many before they could defend themselves The
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
at variance and in lieu thereof should have the Lordship of Montpelier These things were done later in the Year 1375 therefore let us return to Castile King Henry's Joy for his Success was somewhat abated by the many Enemies he had yet to deal with for still King Peter's Party was not extinct The Portugueses had a strong Garrison in Cuida Rodrigo and thence infested all the neighbouring Country This place King Henry laid Siege to at the beginning of the Year 1370 but the Portugueses defended it so bravely that he was forc'd to quit that Design for the present and march away to Medina del Campos Here he held the Cortes or Parliament The chief Thing done at this Meeting was the granting of an extraordinary Subsidy towards the War There was due to Bertran Claquin 120000 Doubles promis'd him for betraying of King Peter at Montiel this was a vast Summ in those Days Jayme King of Naples was deliver'd to him as payment of 60000 the Queen his Wife offering so much for him the rest was paid down in Gold Besides the King gave him the Towns of Soria Almaçan Aciença Montagudo Molina and Seron This done he return'd into France where he was made Constable and serv'd well against the English In July the Aragonians and Navarrois concluded a League only defensive as was given out but in reality design'd against Henry of Castile Then the Towns of Salvatierra and La Real formerly belonging to Aragon were restor'd to that Crown by the Queen of Navarre In Castile Peter Manrique Lieutenant of that Kingdom and Peter Ruiz Sarmiento Lieutenant of Galicia were order'd with some Forces to defend Galicia where the Portugueses had taken Compostella Tuy and the Port of Corun̄a D. Tello King Henry's Brother was also commanded thither This done King Henry went away to Sevil with the best of his Army for there was the greatest need of it because the Moors made War on that side Carmona still held out and the Portuguese Fleet kept the Mouth of the River Gaudalquivir Henry was much pleas'd that the Masters of Santiago and Calatrava concluded a Truce with the King of Granada for he could not have withstood so many Enemies at once The Portuguese fleet consisted of 16 Galleys and 24 Ships King Henry order'd 20 Galleys to be lanch'd but they could not all be fitted because King Peter had laid up the Tackling at Carmona therefore a Fleet was order'd to come from Biscay which the Portuguese understanding durst not stay to give them Battel but return'd to Portugal having lost three Galleys and two Ships The Portuguese Fleet was at that time weaken'd having sent some Galleys to Barcelona to carry the Embassadors who went to make a League with the King of Aragon They concluded the Confederacy upon these Terms That the Kingdom of Murcia and City of Cuenca with all its Dependencies should belong to the Crown of Aragon all the other Dominions of Castile should fall to the King of Portugal who already called himself King of Castile That the King of Portugal should marry the Lady Ellenor Daughter to the Aragonian her Dower to be 100000 Florins This Contract came to nothing for the King of Portugal fell in love with and marry'd the Lady Ellenor Tellez de Meneses Daughter to Alonso Tello Count of Barceols and the Aragonian taken up with the War of Sardinia had no leisure to attend that of Castile On the 15th of October dy'd D. Tello King Henry's Brother Lord of Biscay Some say he was poison'd others deny it The King gave the Lordship of Biscay and Lara belonging D. Tello to his own Son John and ever since they have been annex'd to the Crown of Castile The Body of D. Tello was bury'd with great Pomp in the Monastery of S. Francis at Palencia CHAP. IX The Siege of Carmona The King of Portugal marries the Lady Ellenor de Meneses Peace betwixt Castile Portugal and Nevarre KIng Heny eas'd of two great Troubles by the Truce made with the Moor and the removal of the Portuguese Fleet laid Siege to Carmona the only Refuge of King Peter's Friends in the Spring of the Year 1371. This Siege lasted long and many notable Exploits were perform'd by the Besieged who kept their Gates always open making continual Salleys One Day just at Noon the Heat being very great the besieged observ'd the Enemy to keep very close in their Tents and thereupon sallying furiously enter'd their Trenches and went directly to the King's Tent resolving by his death to put an end to the War He was in extream Danger but that some Gentlemen came to his rescue and stop'd the Fury of the besieged till the Army gathering they were repuls'd with considerable Loss After this King Henry attempted by Night to scale the Walls about 40 Men at Armes got up and secur'd a Tower but the Townsmen taking the Alarm fell on them with such Bravery that the Ladders not able to bear them going down broke and those that were in the Tower were left behind Martin Lopez de Cordeva the Governour who was out of the Town that Night returning caus'd them all to be put to Death Provision failing the Governour was at last forc'd to Surrender upon Articles which were basely broken and the brave Governour Martin Lopez de Cordova publickly put to Death or rather murder'd at Sevil by the King's Command The Treasure and Innocent Children of King Peter fell into the Hands of King Henry who kept those guiltless Persons in perpetual Imprisonment This done King Henry caus'd the Bones of his Father King Alonso to be translated to the Royal Chappel of the Cathedral of Cordova At the Siege of Carmona he receiv'd the News that Peter Fernandez de Velasco had taken the City Zamora from the Portugeses and his Liuetenant Peter Manrique and Peter Ruiz Sarmiento pacify'd Galicia having defeated D. Ferdinand de Castro the chief Man that favour'd the Portugeses who having lost the Battle fled to Portugal King Ferdinand of Portugal discourag'd at these Losses gave ear to Peace propos'd to him on the behalf of King Henry by Alonso Perez de Gusman chief Alguazil of Sevil. The Treaty was concluded on the 1st Day of March upon these Articles That the King of Castile restore the Towns taken during the War That the King of Portugal marry Ellenor Daughter to him of Castile whose Dower was to be Cuidad Rodrigo Valencia de Alcantara in Estremadura and Monreal in Galicia The Love the Portuguese bore the Lady Ellenor de Meneses as has been said before prevented this Match and he sent an Embassy to excuse himself and deliver'd up all the Places he had belonging to Castile His Excuses were easily allow'd and he publickly marry'd the Lady Elenor de Meneses which prov'd an unhappy Match and produc'd Wars betwixt Castile and Portugal Before the King was marry'd his Design being known at Lisbon the People mutiny'd to prevent it but the
other his Contrivances CHAP. VIII John King of Aragon upon Complaint of his Subjects complies with their Demands Irruptions of the French into Aragon Henry the IIId proclaim'd King of Castile The form of Government appointed there during his Minority JOHN the first the new King of Aragon acted nothing like his Father who was an active Man warlike and ambitious of enlarging his Dominions King John was meek and affable unless provok'd more inclin'd to his Ease than warlike Affairs He lov'd Hawking Hunting Musick and Poetry and all things that represent Grandeur so that the Revenue was too small for his Expence The Queen was in all things like her Husband so that the Court was full of Foosting Balls and Pleasure Great Rewards were given to Poets and so fond was the King of them that he sent an Embassy into France only to have some choice ones sent him The Nobility of Aragon offended at the King's Extravagancy met at Calasanz at the same time the Cortes sat at Monçon They sent their Complaints in Writing to the Cortes which where chiefly the extraordinary Expences the Lewdness of the Court and that the Kingdom was govern'd by a Woman This was meant of Da. Carroça de Villaragur Favourite to the Queen who entirely rul'd the King Messages pass'd to and fro and at length the King being of an easy Nature comply'd with their Demands retrench'd his Expences set out Proclamations for restraining the Disorders of the People banish'd that Lady and for bid the Queen intermedling in the Government Thus those Discontents were lay'd when at the same time a War seem'd to threaten from France Bernard de Armugnac broke into Catalonia with a Body of Bretons yet made more Noise than he did harm Soon after he was follow'd by his Brother the Earl of Armagnac with greater Forces Tomich a Catalonian Historian writes he had 18000 Horse a falshood which yet shews their Number was great There was no cause to make War but the desire of Robbing They burnt some Towns and Farms and carry'd away a great Number of Prisoners and Cattle This mischief fell heaviest upon the Territories of Ampurias and Girona The Forces of Aragon assembl'd and had several Rancounters with them In one Bernard de Cabrera overthrew 8 Companies of French near Navarre In another Raymund Bages near Cavan̄as defeated a good Body of them and took their Commander call'd Martin The King set out from Girona to oppose them but they return'd into France by the way of Russillon where they did much harm The King of Aragon had stir'd up Arigotte of Auvergne to make War upon the Lands of Armagnac which mov'd the Earl to return to defend his own Luis the Son of Luis Duke of Anjou who dy'd in the Conquest of Naples and stil'd himself King of Hierusalem and Sicily marry'd Violante the Daughter of the King of Aragon at Barcelona The end of this Match was that the Aragonian should assist his Son in Law in the Conquest of Naples D. Martin Lord of Exerica the King of Aragon's Nephew as being the Son of his Brother Martin with the King's Consent marry'd Mary Queen of Sicily the Pope also agreeing to it because that Kingdom is a Feofe of the Church Sardinia was again in an uproar for that Brancaleon Doria not regarding the late Settlement and the Pardon he had receiv'd took up Arms again at the beginning of the Year 1391 on pretence of asserting the Peoples Liberties With this specious pretence he drew to his side the Genoeses and many of the Islanders so that he took Sacer the Capital City of the Island and many other Towns and Forts To crush this Rebellion the King rais'd Men and set forth a Proclamation commanding all that had Lands in the Island to go over to defend it At this same time Pope Clement created Martin Bishop of Pamplona Cardinal who was the first of those Prelates that obtained that Honour When King John of Castile fell with his Horse as has been said the Arch-bishop of Toledo who was by caus'd a Tent to be set up in that Place and guarded with trusty Persons concealing the King's Death and sending out several Messages in his Name But this Fiction could not hold long The first that resorted to behold this miserable Spectacle was Queen Beatrix before despoil'd of her Father's Kingdom and now of her Husband being left without any Children to be a Comfort in her Widowhood Prince Henry surpriz'd at his Father's Death set out from Talavera and stopp'd at Madrid with his Brother Ferdinand There the Arch-bishop caus'd him to be proclaim'd King he was the third of the Name and commonly call'd the Sickly for his want of Health All the great Men of the Kingdom flock'd to kiss his Hand and offer their Persons and Estates D. Alonso de Aragon Marques de Villena dissatisfy'd with the late King was withdrawn into Aragon He offer'd to return to Castile provided he might be restor'd to the Office of Constable The King and Queen condescended to his Request and yet he came not being detain'd for certain Reasons in Aragon The Ceremony of proclaiming the King being perform'd he went to Toledo to bury his Father in the Royal Chappel as he had ordain'd Next the Cortes assembl'd at Madrid and took in hand to settle the Government the King being but 11 years of Age. Ellenor the only Daughter to the Earl of Albuquerque for her great Fortune commonly call'd the Rich Female was then at Court Many courted her and among them her Cousin the Duke of Benavente but Prince Ferdinand was preferred before him and they were Contracted yet so that the Match should not go forwards till the King was 14 Years of Age. This was that in case the King dy'd before that Age the Prince might marry Queen Catherine the Duke of Lancaster's Daughter as had been agreed The Bride swore to the Contract being 16 Years of Age but the Prince was too young to swear When the Cortes were about setling the Government they understood by Peter Lopez de Ayala that the late King had made a Will This Will being found and read rais'd variety of Opinions They were chiefly offended at one Clause which appointed for the young King's Tutors till he was 15 Years of Age D. Alonso de Aragon the Constable the Arch-bishops of Toledo and Santiago the Master of Calatrava the Earl of Niebla and Peter de Mendoça the Lord Steward and with them 6 Citizens one of each of the Cities of Burgos Toledo Leon Sevil Cordova and Murcia to be chosen by the Counsels of those Places Every one that was not of the Number was offended The Affair was long debated Some few were for fulfilling the Will but the greatest Number were for cancelling it The Arch-Bisop of Toledo would not suffer it to be burnt because there were certain Legacies nam'd in it for his Church which he would have valid tho the rest were not The Will
France and to marry him to the Lady Charlotte Daughter to the King of Naples Her Father would not consent because they demanded the Principality of Taranto with her as Dower and this was suspected to be in order to seize the whole Kingdom of Naples The Duke of Milan and Cardinal Ascanius his Brother pressed the King to consent lest the Pope should bring the French upon him again which would prove his utter Ruin as it did K. Ferdinand did not approve of this Contrivance tho' he was offered the disposal of the Churches of Pamplona and Valencia then in the hands of Caesar Borgia These Practices scandalized all Christendom to see that a Cardinal in Holy Orders should have leave given him to marry The Wickedness of the Court of Rome gave all the World enough to talk therefore Hierome Savonarola a Dominican who of late Years had a great hand in the Government of Florence Preaching with extraordinary Freedom against the Extravagancies of the Pope was by his Order publickly burnt with two of his Companions in the Market place of that City upon Palm-Sunday Many in Florence to this day account him a Martyr others condemned his Boldness But this hapned not only at Florence for Garcilasso the Catholick King 's Ambassador reproved the Pope to his face and required him in his King's Name to redress those Disorders The Pope was angry at this Liberty but mended not his Faults Soon after Caesar Borgia publickly protested he took Orders against his Will and desired a Dispensation to quit all his Benefices and resign the Cardinal's Cap. Many of the Cardinals were of Opinion he deserved for his wicked Life to be degraded and not suffered to resign but none durst speak for fear of the Pope In fine he resigned and the New King of France created him Duke of Valence Being disappointed of the Daughter of Frederick King of Naples he married the Daughter of the Lord d' Albret and Sister to the King of Navarre By her he had a Daughter who her Father dying was left to the Care of her Unkle the King of Navarre This same Year the Great Captain having gathered a Fleet at Naples sailed for Spain He was the Honour of our Nation for the many Victories he obtained and subduing that Kingdom after such great Disorders CHAP. II. The King of Portugal sworn Heir to the Crown of Castile Elizabeth his Queen delivered of a Son dies The Duke of Milan expelled his Dominions University of Alcala founded Rebellion of the Mountain-Moors AS soon as Prince John died the King and Queen began to be sollicitous about the Succession of the Crown but waited to see what the Princess Margaret would bring forth Their Grief was increased when at Alcala de Henares she miscarried of a Daughter Hereupon they advertised the King of Portugal of his Title to the Crown and advised him to come to Castile and be Sworn according to Custom The Archduke and his Dutchess who at that time took the Stile of Princes of Spain were warned to forbear it The King and Queen of Portugal entred Castile by the way of Badajoz where they were received by the Dukes of Medina Sidonia and Alva with many other Great Men. Thence they went to spend the Holy Week at Guadalupe and on the 26th of April came to Toledo where the Catholick King and Queen expected them and according to Custom on the Sunday following Homage was done to them and they were Sworn Heirs of Castile The Business of Aragon was not so easie because Henry Duke of Segorve was alive and pretended no Woman could Inherit that Crown and therefore it appertained to him and his Son Alonso as descended of the Male Line of King Ferdinand of Aragon To make all things the easier the Kings of Castile and Portugal went to Zaragoça and there on the 14th of July proposed to the Nobility to Swear to the King and Queen of Portugal as Heirs of the Crown There arose a great Debate some affirming no Woman could Inherit that Crown and others maintaining the contrary To end this Dispute it pleased God that the Queen of Portugal on the 23d of August was delivered of a Son whom they called Michael She died within an Hour after The King her Husband returned immediately to his Kingdom The Queen's Body was deposited in the Church of S. Francis and thence translated to the Monastery of Nuns of S. Elizabeth built by her Father at Toledo On the 22d of September all Difficulties being removed the young Prince was by general Consent Sworn Heir to the Crown of Aragon and soon after the same was done in Castile Before King Ferdinand went to Zaragoça he had sent D. Alonso de Sylva his Ambassador to France to Compliment the New King upon his Accession to the Crown and at the same time to press the Conclusion of the Peace He with the other Ambassadors there before soon brought it to a Period The same was done on his part by the Archduke without consulting his Father or Father-in-Law Luis d' Amboise Archbishop of Roan by his Interest with the King of France much forwarded this Agreement In September the Pope made him a Cardidal at the suit of the French King who was intent upon passing into Italy upon account of the Right he pretended to have to the Dutchy of Milan and Kingdom of Naples From Zaragoça King Ferdinand sent D. Yn̄igo de Cordova Brother to the Earl of Cabra and Dr. Philip Ponce to require the Pope to restore the City Benevento to the Church and to reform the Abuses of his Court and Leudness of his Family The King of Portugal by the Advice of his Father-in-Law sent D. Roderick de Castro and D. Henry Coutin̄o to Rome with the same Embassie They all admonished the Pope and made their Protestation Garcilasso de la Vega performing the Office of Notary Apostolick The Pope was highly offended and threatned to punish them for their Presumption yet at last be answered That Benevento was not nor should not be alienated As to the Reforming his House he answered harshly Within few days the Prince of Esquilache his Wife his Sister Lucrecia and her Husband whose Leudness as well as Caesar Borgia's incensed the People all departed Rome Such was the Hatred the Pope conceived on this account against Garcilasso de la Vega that he was forced to leave that City and the Portugues Ambassadors soon followed at the beginning of the Year 1499. Those of the Catholick King stayed some time longer till the coming of Lorenço Suarez de Figueroa who was appointed to succeed his Brother Garcilasso after he had been Ambassador at Venice where he gained great Reputation Many heavy Cares at the same time lay upon the Catholick King Italy was in danger by reason of the French King's Pretensions The Pope egged him on in hopes to be revenged on King Frederick and to raise Duke Valentine The Venetians also offended with the Duke
Christendom flocked to Rome to obtain the Indulgence and Remission of their Sins Nothing could be more depraved than the People of that City but especially the Clergy for which God seemed in some measure to threaten his Judgments by an Accident that befel the Pope On the day of S. Peter and Paul about Four in the afternoon hapned a violent storm of Rain and Hail with so furious a Hurricane that it beat down the Stack of Chimneys over the Room where the Pope was under that where Duke Valentin Lodged The fall of it beat down the Floors of the Dukes Room killing Two and wounding a Third Florentine who were waiting there to receive some Money Many Bricks and Planks fell before the Pope who was much saved by the Canopy under which he Sate However he was found Senseless with a Wound on his Head another on his Hand The Cardinal of Capua and Mosen Po who were with him saved themselves within the Arches of the Windows The Pope was 70 Years of Age and his wounds dangerous which made People look upon him as a dead Man and Duke Valentin was gathering Forces to have a Pope of his own chusing It pleased God he recovered and so all that Confusion Ceased At this time the Great Captain set Sail from Malaga with a Fleet of 27 Ships 25 Caravels some Gallies and other small Craft in which were 4000 Foot and 300 Men at Arms. With him went many Men of Note They touched at Majorca and Sardinia and at last arrived at Mecina in Sicily on the 18th of July Thither repaired to him the Spanish Soldiers that were in Italy all choice Men and he gathered some other Vessels The Turks laid Siege to Modon a City of the Venetians in the Morea and these pressed the Great Captain to join them yet he could not set forward till the 27th of September when Modon was lost The Xeque of Gelves desired the Great Captain to send him some Succours because the People of the Island were incensed against the Soldiers of Margarit for their Insolencies and all Barbary against the Xeque for having called the Christians No Relief was sent but Orders given him to apprehend Margarit and all his Men whom he afterwards released and possessed himself of the Castle and Island of Gelves On the 2d of October the Spanish Fleet arrived at Gorfu an Island of the Venetians Hereupon the Turks altered their Resolution of invading that Island and marched to Napoli de Romania Now the Peace betwixt France and Spain was concluded upon honourable Conditions As to the Kingdom of Naples it was agreed it should be taken from King Frederick that Apulia and Calabria should be given to the Catholick King Abruzzo and Campania to the French and that all the Revenue of the Kingdom should be equally divided This Agreement was not like to be lasting Besides their pretensions of Right to that Crown they had another colour which was to make War upon the Turks with whom King Frederick was in League At first this contract was kept very private afterwards discovered to the Pope who was well pleased and gave each of the Kings an Investiture of his Part to the King of France with the Title of King of Naples and Hierusalem and to the Catholick King that of Duke of Apulia From Corfu the Spanish Fleet sailed to Zant where it arrived the 5th of October There the Venetian Fleet joined it Two French Carracks came thither with 800 Men that King having promised to assist the Venetians when they delivered up Cardinal Ascanius to him The Turks who had distressed Napoli de Romania raised their Siege and their Fleet drew into the Channel of Negropont on the farther side of the Morea At Zant there were various Opinions about what was best to be done The Great Captain was for attacking Modon It was resolved to Conquer the Island Cefalonia which is large and has one of the best Ports in the World on the West side It lies between Corfu and Zant opposite to the Gulph of Lepanto The French being gone upon pretence they were not paid the rest laid Siege to the chief Town of the Island called S. George In it were 300 Turks chosen Men who defended themselves well and the Christians were repulsed in an assault they gave the first day By reason of the Bad Weather the Siege lasted some Weeks but upon Christmas-Eve the Town was carried by storm 170 Turks were killed and 50 that retired to a strong Tower surrendred upon discretion Captain Martin Gomez was the first that entred the Town That Island had belonged to Leonard Torus a Greek from whose Brother the Venetians took and gave it to the Turks Now it was again given to the Venetians This done the Great Captain returned to Sicily and arrived at Siracusa where all his Fleet met having been dispersed in a Storm For his good Service done to that State the Venetians sent the Great Captain the Title of Nobleman of Venice and with it a present of Plate and rich Silks All the present he sent to the King contenting himself with the honour gained At this time Duke Valentin after having murdered his Brother in Law D. Alonso de Aragon Duke of Viseli had renewed the War in Romania and taken Pesera and Arimino without any Resistance Faença held out long This Year also the Pope allowed of the Divorce betwixt Ladislaus King of Hungary and Beatrix of Aragon who had been Wife to Mathias his Predecessor Daughter to Ferdinand King of Naples and Niece to the Catholick King Ladislaus Married Ann Daughter to Gaston de Faux Lord of Candale Niece to the Catholick King and Grandchild to Queen Ellenor of Navarre CHAP. IV. King Ferdinand 's Double-dealing The Princess Mary of Castile married to the King of Portugal The French and Spaniards jointly subdue the Kingdom of Naples Actions of the Great Captain OF Four Daughters the Catholick King and Queen had the Princess Mary was still unmarried King Ferdinand of Naples was desirous to have her for his Son the Duke of Calabria hoping by that means to secure his Crown The King of Portugal also sollicited to have her tho' he had been married to her Sister This was thought the better Match but the Dispensation was hard to be obtained because the Affinity was in the First Degree The Pope tho' in other things free enough was very backward in this pretending that the King of France pressed him not to grant it He said he would not consent to it unless the Catholick King would secure him against any harm that might threaten him upon that account Much time was spent in debating this Point King Ferdinand would have the Duke of Calabria marry his Neice Queen Joanna Widow of Ferdinand II. King of Naples who was still in that Kingdom her Father having left her 400000 Ducats King Frederick approved of the Match to save the Payment of that vast Sum but would have the King of Spain
to take share in the plunder of the Houses The King hearing of this Tumult sent James de Almeyda and James Lopez to take cognisance of the matter The Two Friars that were the Ringleaders were put to death and burnt and many others punished The Strangers hoisting Sails got away with a rich Booty In Castile on the one side was expected the coming of the new King and Queen and on the other was great rejoicing for the Marriage of King Ferdinand and the Lady Germana From Salamanca went the Archbishop of Zaragoça with other Men and Ladies of Quality to Fuenterabia to attend the Bride King Ferdinand the Two Queens of Naples Mother and Daughter the Duke of Calabria and many more Lords went to Valladolid and thence to Duen̄as There on the 18th of March they were Married The Queen was great Niece to the Catholick King and Grandaughter to his Sister Ellenor Queen of Navarre The Popes dispensation was obtained with much difficulty the Emperor and his Son opposing it With the Queen came Luis d' Amboise Bishop of Albi Hector Pignatelo and Peter de Santandrea the King of France his Ambassadors There came also the Princes of Salerno and Melfi and other Barons of the Faction of Anjou to settle their Affairs Next day after the Marriage the King and Queen with all their Train set out towards Valladolid In that City the King took a solemn Oath in the presence of many Prelates and Noblemen to oblige himself and his Successors to the performance of all the Articles of the League with France A few days after the Neapolitan Barons did Homage to the King and Queen as rightful Sovereigns of the Kingdom of Naples for themselves and those that were absent This Solemnity being over the King set out for Burgos to meet the new King and Queen who he expected would Land at Laredo or some other Port of that Coast with whom went the Archbishops of Toledo and Sevil the Duke of Alva the Admiral the Constable and the Earl of Cifuentes All these seemed inclined to see all that was ordained by the Will of Queen Elizabeth performed At Torquemada the Catholick King received advice that his Son and Daughter were Landed at Corun̄a on the 28th of April The cause of their coming so late was the stay they made with the King of England and their being detained at Plymouth by the Weather They Landed at Corun̄a King Philip being perswaded it was best for him to be the farthest he could from his Father-in-Law to have time to find how the Nobility and Commonality stood affected towards him to behave himself accordingly being resolved not to stand to the late Agreement unless he were forced to it This was the Advice of D. John Manuel who had great influence over him and would have carried him to land in Andalucia if the Weather had permitted About this time Gonçalo Marin̄o de Ribera Commander of Melilla for the Duke of Medina Sidonia had the Town of Caçaça delivered to him by Composition It is in the Kingdom of Fez 5 Leagues from Melilla and has a good Port and remained in Propriety to the Duke of Medina Sidonia The coming of King Philip which ought to have produced Peace and a general Satisfaction might have caused an absolute Breach had not the Catholick King prudently quenched the spreading flame of Discontent which began to appear in all Places The Humours and Designs of the Two Kings were opposite in all respects As soon as King Philip Landed he sent to require the Earls of Benavente and Lemos as also the other Nobility of Galicia and Castile to Declare for him which was the way to raise Tumults rather than settle Peace Finding this contrivance answered his expectation and that many freely declared for him he presently professed he would not stand to the late Treaty concluded at Salamanca He also began to discountenance his Father-in-Laws Servants and one day speaking to D. Peter de Ayala told him that tho' he had in Flanders and England winked at his Proceedings in opposition to his Service he would no longer bear with it and since he was his Subject he should take care how he behaved himself He turned away the Alcaides and Alguaziles de Corte sent by King Ferdinand to attend upon him thinking his Father-in-Law designed to choose his Family He was well instructed not to allow of any Tutor or Overseer as D. John Manuel called it His followers exclaimed against the Catholick King especially for his Marriage and the Articles of it which gave away the Kingdom of Naples from his Daughter and Grandson In this particular no doubt they had reason but the King did it to gain the King of France On the other Side the Catholick King as soon as he heard of his Son-in-law and Daughters Landing sent D. Raimund de Cardona and Ferdinand de Vega to visit them and went himself towards Leon in order to meet them but stopped at Astorga till he knew their Will He ordered the Marquess of Villena who was come to Burgos with a great Train and the Duke of Najara who was raising his kindred and followers to go to Corun̄a in Warlike manner to forbear proceeding after that manner and to go thither with their usual Retinue He pressed his Son-in-Law to dismiss 2000 Germans he brought with him fearing that might give some cause of Discontent to the People He also sent Almaçan his Secretary to join with his Ambassadors D. Raimund D. Ferdinand de Vega D. Peter de Ayala and Gutierre Gomez de Fuensalida that they might agree upon the Place where he should meet his Son and Daughter which he desired might be very speedily and King Philip's followers laboured to delay as much as might be First Sarria then Ponferrada were the Places proposed for the interview but none pleased his People and particularly D. John Manuel who managed all and feared that if the Two Kings met the one being very subtle and the other open besides the respect due to a Father they would easily agree which was what he chiefly laboured to prevent To this purpose he told D. Peter de Ayala that the Catholick King might be perswaded three things whereon he much relied should never come to pass First that at the Interview there should be no manner of Discourse of Business Secondly that the meeting should be in the Field and not with equal Retinues but that King Philip should have much the greater Thirdly that the Catholick King should not Confide in the Favour of the Queen his Daughter for it would not avail him Great Offers were again made to D. John Manuel for himself and his Children to bring him over to King Ferdinand but he had a Spirit above all that At this time died at Valladolid Christopher Columbus Admiral of the West-Indies the first Discoverer of the New World Now also the Marquess of Villena the Earl of Benavente and the Duke of Najara were come to Corun̄a and
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
The Original of the Knights of Santiago The taking of Cuenca by the Christians Increase of the Knights of Santiago or St. James the Apostle Several places in Navarre taken by the Castilians THE Moors were so pressed by the Aragonians that they had no place of safety Along the River Alga the Towns of Favara Maella Fresneda and others were taken from them On the River Ebro the strong Town of Caspe A great number of them had retired to the Mountain Idubeda thinking the natural strength of the place would secure them but thence also they were driven by the Valour of the Christians So that from this time the Dominion of the Moors extended no farther than the Borders of the Kingdom of Valoncia At the same time Peter de Açagra Son to Roderick de Açagra before spoken of and Lord of Estela for some signal Service done to Lope King of Murcia had the strong Town of Albarazin seated on an uncoth Mountain near the Springs of Tagus given him This place was soon after made a Bishoprick and annexed to the Province of Toledo Both the Kings of Castile and Aragon were offended at Peter de Açagra the latter pretending that City was within the limits of his Conquest whereas Peter would do Homage for it to no Man The other complained he had taken some Castles belonging to him and therefore both agreed with their joint Forces to destroy Albarazin For the more strengthening of this League cautionary Towns were given on both sides the King of Aragon had Agreda Cervera and Aguilar he of Castile Aranda Borgia and Arguedo It was also concluded that Hariza and its Castle should be delivered to the King of Castile in pursuance of the former Capitulation But because Nun̄o Sanchez delivered it without a Special Order the two Kings fell at Variance which yet went no further than Words This discord gave Peter de Açagra time to strengthen himself for neither of the Kings attack'd him He of Aragon despising the Match that had been made by his Father with the Daughter of Castile sent Embassadors to Emanuel Commenus Emperor of Constantinople to desire his Daughter in Marriage Some troubles were at this time in Aragon on occasion that William Aguillon Lord of Tarragona had killed Hugo Bishop of that City for maintaining the Priviledges of his Church The death of Hugo fell on the 22th of April in the Year 1171. which Year was also remarkable for the Death of Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury in England who was Murdered on the same score afterwards Canonized by Pope Alexander III. and soon honoured as a Saint in Spain Lope King of Murcia dy'd in the Year 1172. The King of Aragon thought this a fit opportunity to make his advantage of and entring the Kingdom of Valencia obliged that King to buy a Peace and promise for the future to pay double the Tribute he had payed before Thence the Aragonian pass'd into the Country of Murcia and lay'd Siege to the City Xativa which he was forced to quit when it was upon the point of surrendring being called away to defend his own Country against the Navarrois who made War upon him Hereupon a Truce was concluded with the King of Murcia upon Condition he should pay the same Tribute his Father had agreed to This done the King marched towards Navarre in a rage yet they came not to a Battle but he wasted that Country on the side of Tudela and took the Town of Argueda This hap'ned towards the end of the Year In the beginning of the next being 1173. the War was continued and the Aragonians utterly destroy'd the Town of Milagro betwixt Calahorra and Alfaro from whence much harm had been done in the Lands of Aragon Petronilla Mother to the King of Aragon dy'd on the Third of October the same Year at Barcelona On the 18th of January 1174. the Marriage was at last consumatted at Zaragoça betwixt the King of Aragon and Sancha Sister to him of Castile as had been agreed long before by their Parents the King of Aragon now upon second Thoughts perferring the Alliance of Castile before that of a Foreign and remote Emperor At the same time the Grecian Emperor's Daughter arrived at Montpellier in France where understanding how she was disappointed she Marry'd the Lord of that City About this time the Order of the Knights of Santiago or St. James the Apostle began first to be taken notice of and by degrees from a small beginning are now risen to a Regal Grandeur When the Sepulcher of St. James the Apostle was first discovered the devotion of the place drew many Pilgrims and many were deterred by the badness of the ways and danger of the Moors For taking away these Obstacles the Cannons of St. Eloy built many Hospitals on the road and one to be the Chief of the rest at Leon. This at first mov'd many good People to bestow great Riches upon them Afterwards some that had served in the Wars joined their stocks and lived under certain Rules like Religious Men. These by the industry of Cardinal Jacintus the Popes Legate joyned with the Canons of St. Eloy who had a Convent without the Town of Compostella and sent Commissioners to Rome to Pope Alexander for the obtaining his approbation of their new institution which was to be regulated according to the rule of St. Augustin observed by those Canons Pero Fernandez de Puente Encalada was the chief of these Commissioners who obtained the Pope's Bull approving their design and assigning them Rules to observe The Bull bears date July the 5th 1175 Pero Fernandez himself was Constituted the first great Master of the Order The Badge of the Knights is a White Cloak with a red Cross made in the manner of a Sword The Hospital of St. Mark at Leon was assigned them for their Monastery Their Possessions in Castile were very large among others they had the Towns of Vcles Mora Estriana Almodovar Larunda and Santa Cruz de la Zarça near Ocen̄a in the Year 1176. King Alonso of Castile being of Age and resolving to be revenged on the Kings of Leon and Navarre for the wrongs they had done him in his Minority before he took the Field made his Vows to God in Toledo and gave the Towns of Illescas and Hazan̄a to that Church This done he entred the Territory of Rioja as far as Ebro and having wasted the Borders of Navarre turn'd back and bent his Force against the Kingdom of Leon where he burnt and plundered all the Country the King his Unkle being too weak to withstand him The King of Leon vented his Anger upon the new Knights of St. James supposing they favoured their old Master the King of Castile and therefore drove them out of his Dominions and obliged them to fly to Castile for protection Soon after King Ferdinand repented but it was too late however by the Mediation of Prelates a Truce was
concluded betwixt those two Crowns Thus much concerning the Original of this Order of Knighthood I know some will have King Alonso the Chast and others King Ramiro to be the Founders of it long belong this time but they have no grounds for it In France after much trouble Peace was concluded betwixt the King of Aragon and Earl of Toulouze who was dissatisfied for that the King obstructed the Marriage of his Son with the Daughter of the late Earl of Provence The King gave him 3000 Marks of Silver to quit his pretensions and his Son Married the Sister of Trencavelle Viscount of Carcassonne her name was Beatrix Hugo Great Master of the Templers was very instrumental in making this Accommodation Castile after a long Oppression began now through the Valour of its King D. Alonso to lift up its head At the same time the power of the Moors declined The Almohades wholly taken up with the affairs of Africk had not leasure to mind Spain Besides Aven Jacob Successor to Abdelmon tho' of sufficient Valour yet equalled not his Father in good Fortune The King of Castile being now at Age resolved not to let slip so good an opportunity of inlargeing his Territories Having therefore taken his revenge on Navarre and Leon he consulted with the King of Aragon about carrying on the War against the Moors and it was determined to begin by the Conquest of Cuenca This City was built by the Moors on a high and Craggy Hill shut up on two sides by the Rivers Xucar and Huecar so that it is naturally impregnable The ascent is difficult the Streets narrow so steep that Horses cannot go in many of them In those days it had no Spring nor Wells at present Water has been brought to it from other Hills so that it was easie to keep the Town from Water but not practicable to assault it by reason of the Cragginess of the Ground Great preparations were made in both Kingdoms and many Captains of note and Prelates attended the Kings in this Expedition Among them Peter de Açagrd being now reconciled to the Kings was the first that took his Post before the City The Siege was begun with the Year and there being no Possibility of Battering or Assaulting the Town lasted long the Moors defending themselves in hopes of relief Provisions grew as scarce in the Camp as in the Town and they lived only upon plunder Besides there was no Money to pay the Soldiers and invite Vivandiers These difficulties moved the King of Castile to go to Burgos to raise Money The Cortes or Parliament being Assembled it was proposed that not only the Commonalty but Nobility and Gentry who used to be free from Taxes should pay to the King five Maravedies of Gold a Head for that the populace was before wasted with Taxes This advice was given by D. James de Haro Lord of Biscay whose Sister was Marryed to the King of Leon and brought him two Sons Sancho and Garcia Peter Earl of Lara opposed it and a great number of Nobility joyning him left the Assembly resolving to maintain their Priviledges by force of Arms. The King moved by this danger gave over that Tax It was agreed among the Nobles to make an Annual Feast to Peter of Lara and his Successors in Memory of this Mutinous exploit Whilst these debates were at Burgos the Siege having lasted Nine Months Cuenca was at last taken in the Month of September 1177. This same Year was Fortunate to Navarre in the Birth of Ferdinand of whom the Fruitful Queen Beatrix was delivered after she had brought Sancho Raymund Berengaria Teresa and Blanch. For the greater honour of the City Cuenca it was by consent of the Pope made a Bishoprick the Priviledges of Valera an Episcopal See in the time of the Goths being translated thither To the Citizens was granted the Priviledge of sending Representatives to the Cortes or Parliament In reward of their good Service the Aragonians were freed from the Homage they ow'd to Castile A League was concluded betwixt the two Kings against all Princes except him of Leon who was exempted in respect to his Kindred After Cuenca the War continuing Alarcon a place of no less strength was taken Also the Town of Iniesta better known for its Salt-Pits the Salt whereof is like Transparent Stone than for the goodness of the soil The Knights of St. James that they might be nearer the Moors were Ordered to settle their Monastery at Vcles whence King Ferdinand of Leon repenting what he had done would have had them return to their first Habitation After much debate it was agreed that Four Priests of that Order should be sent to Leon who should still be Subject to the Monastery of Vcles which they afterwards refused and Pope Vrban I. Ordered the Monasteries should be independent of one another only subject to the great Master of the Order Not long after these Knights were admitted to Portugal and had large Possessions given them They for many Years obey'd the Great Master of the Order till King Denis assigning them a Head of their own withdrew them from any dependance on Castile Tho' these things fell out in several Years they are put together to ease the Memory Let us return to the series of the History The King of Castile now built the City Plasencia on the Borders of his Kingdom and made it a Bishoprick The Walls of Toledo were repaired and the Town of Alarcos rebuilt All this hap'ned in the Year of our Lord 1178. At the same time Alonso King of Aragon upon the death of Giraldus Earl of Russillon who dy'd without Issue seized upon that Earldom and from thence forward stiled himself King of Aragon Earl of Barcelona and Russillon and Marquess of Provence On the 20th of March 1179. he set out from Perpignan towards Cazola where he was to have an interview with the King of Castile Here it was agreed that Valencia Xativa Denia and their Dependancies should belong to the Conquest of Aragon All the other Towns in the Kingdom of Murcia were assigned to Castile They also made a League against Sancho King of Navarre to his great loss for the Castillians took from him the Towns of Briviesca Cerezo Logron̄o and all that lies between the Mountains Doca and Calahorra To these Roderick the Archbishop adds Navarrete Thence the Army of Castile marched towards Leon where they plundered and wasted all the Country The King of Leon being too weak to defend himself Sollicited him of Aragon putting him in mind this was a breach of the Confederacy made at Cuenca There only wanted a pretence for the Kingdom of Aragon to break with Castile therefore he sent to demand Restitution of Hariza and its Castle and in case of refusal to declare War Great were the Apprehensions of a Bloody War yet the King of Castile's modesty prevented it for he restored Hariza and forbore carrying on the War
should not assume the Title of King of Castile and â—â—ould hold that Crown of him and do him 〈◊〉 for it That if D. Alonso dy'd without 〈◊〉 his Brother Ferdinand should 〈…〉 That the King of Castile should send â—000 Horse to the Assistance of the King of France to make War upon Aragon but give 〈◊〉 Army free passage through his Dominions if there was Occasion That the Two Princes then Prisoners being by the Two Kings set at Liberty should be deliver'd to the King of France This Agreement was so displeasing to Blanch the Mother of â—â—â— Princes that leaving her Brother she went away to Portugal She labour'd with a 〈◊〉 Spirit to get assistance against 〈◊〉 but the Success answer'd not the Pains she took Denis King of Portugal having 〈◊〉 the Moors his Dominions â—njoy'd perfect Peace and would by no 〈◊〉 be perswaded to hazard his own Quiet for the good of others This King had good natural Parts and who happy in a numerous â—â—ue By his Queen Elizabeth he had Two Daughters Elizabeth and Constance and one Son called Alonso who 〈◊〉 him By other Women he had Alonso de Albuquerque from whom descends a Noble Family in Portugal Peter given to 〈◊〉 as appears by a Book he wrote of the Nobility of Spain 〈◊〉 and Ferdinand 〈◊〉 two Daughters one marry'd to D. John de la Cerda the other to 〈◊〉 CHAP. VIII Troubles in Castile The rightful Heirs to that Crown before Prisoners in Aragon set at liberty Wars on that account betwixt those two Crowns Badajoz Mâ—tinies and is reduc'd An Interview betwixt the Kings of France and Castile CAstile was at peace with the Moors Amity being establish'd with the King of Granada and a Truce with the King of Morocco A Civil War was fear'd by all Men. These Troubles were occasion'd by the Death of D. Lope de Haro kill'd in the Court and even in the King's presence in this manner D. Alvar NunÌ„ez de Lara dying soon after he was reconcil'd to the King his Competitor D. Lope de Haro return'd to Court hoping to recover his former Favour But no sooner was D. Alvar dead than D. John his Brother was rais'd to the same degree of Esteem to the great satisfaction of the People and no less Grief of D. Lope de Haro who so highly resented it as to complain to the King himself Prince John D. Lope's Son in Law 〈…〉 Incursions far as Guidad 〈◊〉 The King complain'd thereof to D. Lope who had the Boldness to say 〈…〉 by his Consent and added that if the King went to Valladolid his Son in-Law would come to â—igules a Town 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 which was threatning of him The King tho inrag'd at this Affront dissâ—â—â—'d it at present and going to Valladolid spoke with D. John his Brother â—o those Troubles â—â—as'd for some time From Valladolid the King 〈◊〉 to Roa thence to 〈◊〉 then to Soria and then set forward towards Taragona to meet the King of Aragon and treat about delivering the Two Princes his Nephews This Meeting of the Two Kings was prevented by the Policy of D. Lope de Haro who pass'd betwixt them and made Proposals to each of them which the other never thought of His Design was by 〈◊〉 of these two Princes to pull down King Sancho from whom he was wholly 〈◊〉 Therefore nothing being concluded King Sancho return'd to Alfaro a Town or 〈◊〉 on the Borders Beacon and Navarre Prince John and D. Lope de Haro came thither to attend him without a sufficient Retinue to guard them There were 〈◊〉 at that 〈…〉 Arch-Bishop at Toledo the Bishops of Plasencia Callahorra Osma and Tuy besides the 〈…〉 Lord 〈…〉 and the Abbot of Valladolid all summon'd to a Council Prince 〈◊〉 and D. Lope being come into the Kings Presence he commanded them immediately to deliver up all the 〈◊〉 they held of the King and they excusing themselves he order'd them to be apprehended D. Lope 〈◊〉 Hand on his Sword and wrapping his Cloak about his Arm call'd the King Tyrant gave him much more opprobrious Language and stepp'd forwards to kill him All that were by 〈◊〉 and falling upon him first out off his Right Hand and soon made an end of him Prince John after wounding some of the King's Servant seeing his Father in Law Dead fled to the Queen's Chamber who stood before him to stop the King that follow'd with his drawn Sword and by her intreaties sav'd his life However he was put in Prison to stand Tryal for his Offences It would be tedious to relate all the particulars of this Treason and the Confusion in the Royal Family These Heads being taken off all Tumults ceased for the present and the Example terrifyed others from attempting just then to Rebel But when the Terror was somewhat abated that Action of the King 's began to be openly censur'd The Friends and Kindred of those two great Men withdrew from Court and many got out of the Kingdom Thus a mighty Storm seem'd to threaten and therefore the King as was said made hast to conclude the League with France Joanna Wife to the late D. Lope de Haro Daughter to D. Alonso Lord of Molina all clad in Mourning went to see the Queen her Sister at Santo Domingo de la Calçada where the Court then was and prevail'd so far with her Tears and the Queens intercession that the King was appeased and granted her Son should not be depriv'd of his Lord-ship of Biscay as had been design'd the Town of Haro and Castle of TrevinÌ„o being already seiz'd Moreover the Queen promis'd her Sister that if her Son would be quiet and submit himself to the King he should be restor'd to his Father's Honours The Lady Joanna like an unconstant Woman thinking this proceeded from Fear incens'd her Son against the King and perswaded him to cast off his Allegiance and go over to Aragon Mary Wife to Prince John then a Prisoner fled to Navarre and with her many of her Friends but others better advis'd stay'd to see the Event of Things Gaston Viscount of Bearne came speedily to Aragon resolving to hazard his Person and Estate in defence of his Kindred At the Request of all these Nobles the King of Aragon releas'd the Two Brothers Princes of Castile and the more to incense King Sancho in the Month of September at Jaca saluted Alonso the eldest King of Castile and Leon. This was the Foundation of new Wars which presently broke out between Castile and Aragon The Commonalty of Castile were for a Change the Gentry for the most part stood by King Sancho He about that time went to Vitoria in the Province of Alava and there the Queen was deliver'd of a Son who was call'd Henry This Journey was undertaken in order to meet the King of France at Bayonne as had been agreed and to subdue Biscay This War prov'd more difficult than was expected by reason of the natural Strength of
means of Prince Peter his Uncle who came to Jaen as soon as Alcaudete was taken and by this Loyal Action gain'd the Love and Applause of all the People The young King was at Avila Vataza a Noble Lady Grandaughter to Theodorus Lascarus Emperor of Greece who came from Portugal with Queen Constancy was appointed his Governess She afterwards return'd to Portugal dy'd there and lyes Bury'd in the Cathedral of Coimbra as appears by the Inscription on her Tomb. Queen Mary the King's Grandmother liv'd a retir'd Life at Valladolid Queen Constance who had follow'd the King her Husband was at Martos overwhelm'd with Sorrow Prince John was gone to Valencia and D. John de Lara to Portugal both in Disgrace with King Ferdinand Every Body strugl'd to have a share in the Government chiefly D. Alonso Lord of Molina the Queen's Brother Prince Philip his Uncle and D. John Manuel labour'd hard but underhand and modestly Prince John and Prince Peter Uncle and Nephew aspir'd more openly Prince Peter being the nearest of kin to the King and most in the Favour of the People stood fairest Prince John was of riper Yeas but restless and inconstant so that he seem'd to be born only to embroil Kingdoms Prince Peter had charge of the Affairs of Andaluzia and concluded a Peace with the Moors which was convenient for both Parties for the Prince could not follow the War being taken up with his Pretensions at Court and among the Moors Farraquin Lord of Malaga sought to revenge the Murder of the late King Queen Constance and Prince Peter having conferr'd together resolv'd to go to Avila where the King was hoping the Townsmen would not oppose them or If they should to prevail by Force On the other side Prince John King Ferdinand's Uncle and D. John de Lara joyn'd in a League the likeness of their Inclinations and their common Danger made them Unite They labour'd to draw Queen Mary to their Party giving her hopes she should have the Education of her Grandson D. John de Lara came first to Avila but could not lay hold of the King for D. Sancho the Bishop convey'd him into the Cathedral and there made himself strong and defended him Next came Queen Constance and Prince Peter but the same thing happen'd to them Means of Accommodation were propos'd and it was agreed the King should be deliver'd to none but such as the Cortes or Parliament should appoint and the Citizens of Avila made an Association in order to see this perform'd D. John de Lara gave this Advice hoping to exclude Prince Peter The Cortes met at Palencia in the beginning of Spring where much Bribery was us'd The better sort were for Queen Mary and her Son Prince Peter Others preferr'd Prince John and Queen Constance who was subtilly drawn away by the adverse Party from Prince Peter Hence sprang new Fumults and Confusions Prince Peter confiding in his own Power and the Affections of the People as also hoping for Aid from Abroad agreed with D. John Manuel upon Condition that if he obtain'd his Ends he would give him the Government of the Kingdoms of Toledo and Murcia At the beginning of the Year 1313. he met his Father in Law the King of Aragon at Calatayud to whom he urg'd how much he was oblig'd to favour his Pretentions and prevent a War which might otherwise ensue Therefore by Consent of both Michael Arbe was sent Embassador to Portugal to try whether that King could prevail with the Mutineers to desist from their Pretensions and leave the Government of the Kingdom to Prince Peter allowing Queen Constance the Charge of Educating the King The People of Avila were not zealous for either Party but at last joyn'd with Prince Peter and Queen Mary his Mother yet upon Condition they should not carry the King out of the City At this Time Azar King of Granada was forc'd to retire to the Alhambra a strong Pallace in the highest part of the City because Ismael the Son of Farraquin had caus'd the Townsmen to Rebel against him Prince Peter who was then at Sevil march'd thither to relieve that King who was his Friend and Ally but came too late for he had already agreed to quit the Fitle and Authority of a King and remain content with only the City Guadin seated in the pleasant Plains of the antient Turduli Tho' the Prince could not Relieve he endeavour'd to Revenge him for he took from the Moors a strong Castle near Granada call'd Rute and made great spoil throughout the Country Azor had Reign'd Four Years and seven Months when he was deposed Ismael his Competitor and Nephew being the Son of Farraquen and his Sister succeeded him The taking of Rute gain'd Prince Peter great Reputation for that in three days he did that which several Kings had attempted in vain but the War was not carryed on because of the intestine Divisions The Cortes met in the Monastery of Sahagun to endeavour to compose those Differences Whilst they were sitting Queen Constance departed this Life for Grief that her Son was kept from her and that she was reduc'd to such Poverty that all her Jewels would not pay her Debts as she her self declar'd at her Death The Queens Death made things easier to be compos'd for Prince John having lost that support apply'd himself to Queen Mary and Prince Peter They agreed that the Queen should have the Breeding up of the King and the Princes should joyntly govern the Kingdom each in that Part which had Voted for him in the Cortes or Parliament held not long before at Palencia The King was carry'd to Toro a healthy and pleasant Place but the main design was to get him out of Avila and revenge the Affronts receiv'd of that People It was now the year 1314. when New Tumults broke out in the Kingdom of Toledo and all manner of Crimes were committed In order to settle a better Form of Government the Cortes met at Burgos where it was enacted that the supream Authority and management of Affairs should be in the Council of State That the said Council should attend the King and Queen where-ever they went That the two Princes should determine all smaller Affairs but have no power to alienate the Revenues of the Crown nor to appoint another in their stead in case any of them or the Queen should dye At the same time dyed Three Persons of great Note Peter the Queens Brother D. Tello his Son and D. John de Lara Lord Steward That Place was given to D. Alonso Prince John's Son D. John de Lara had a Sister marry'd to D. Ferdinand de la Cerda of whom was Born Blachs and D. John de Lara who took that Sirname because he inherited the Estate of the Family This in Castile In Aragon the King in November sent his Daughter Elizabeth to Germany she being Contracted to Frederick Duke of Austria who was now chosen King of the Romans
Severity D. Frederick his Bastard Brother met him at Ellerena and was receiv'd with exterior Tokens of Affection but it appear'd afterwards they were Counterfeit At the same time he order'd D. Alonso de Olmedo to put to Death the Lady Ellenor de Guzman then a Prisoner at Talavera in the Kingdom of Toledo This Town being part of the Queen's Dower was from that time call'd Talavera de la Râ—yna Garcilasso de la Vega was kill'd in the Palace at Burgos his chief Crime was the Affection he bore to D. John de Lara Garcilasso was Lieutenant of Castile Garci Manrique succeeded him in that Post It was consulted how the King might get the young Child D. Nuno de Lara Lord of Biscay into his Power But D. Mencia who had the Care of him fled with him into Biscay hoping that People would defend him The King pursu'd and they narrowly escap'd but the Child soon dying he easily subdu'd all that Lordship and annex'd Biscay Lerma and Lara with other Places to the Crown having before secur'd Joanna and Elizabeth Sisters to the Child deceas'd These things were acted in the year of Grace 1351. Great rejoycing was 〈◊〉 in Aragon for the Birth of Prince John which put an end to the strife there had been about the Succession Bernard de Cabrâ—ra was appointed his Tutor and the young Prince was created Duke of Girona From this time forward the eldest Son to the King of Aragon was always Duke of Girona Both the Kings of Castile and Aragon endeavour'd to make a 〈◊〉 with Charles King of Navarre who the year before was Crown'd at Pamplona This King thought it convenient to entertain both those Kings with fair promises Yet at the request of the Castilian he came to Burgos where they both labour'd to out-do one another in Civility and Gallantry Being almost of the same Age and Natural Inclinations they became great Friends This King Charles was by some call'd the Wicked by others the Cruel because 〈◊〉 punish'd with severity a Mutiny that was rais'd at his first Accession to the Crown After some days spent in Mirth at Burgos the King of Castile went away to hold the â—â—rtes or Parliament at Burgos and King Charles returned to â—amplona Thence desiring to be gone into France his Native Country he first went to Moblanco in Aragon to meet that King There two Marriages were propos'd one for King Charles with the Sister to the King of Sicily and the other with Blanch Widow of Philip King of France but nothing was concluded because he hop'd to Marry Joanna the King of France's Daughter CHAP. VIII Embassadors sent by King 〈◊〉 of Castile into France to obtain for his Wife Blanch Daughter to the Duke of Bourbon who is brought into Spain and Marry'd to the King but he being before in â—ove with the Lady Mary de Padilla slights and forsakes his Queen SOme Towns in Old Castile had an antient inmemorial Privilege of chusing their Lords and were therefore call'd Behâ—trias from the Greek word Hetera signifying a Company D. Alonso de Albuquerque in the Cortes labour'd that it should be establish'd for the future the King should appoint those Lords but it could not be obtain'd The next thing propos'd was to Marry the King and to that purpose John de Roelaâ— Bishop of Burgos and Alvor Garcia de Albâ—rnoz a Gentleman of Cuenca were sent Embassadors into France to ask one of the six Daughters of the Duke of Bourbon the most powerful Prince of the Blood Royal in France which they should most approve of for the King The Duke having shew'd them his Daughters they made choice of the Lady Blanch and she was Contracted to the King by Proxy This Lady was bless'd with all Perfections of Soul and Body but unfortunate in her Marriage which ought to have been the Complement of all her Felicity Henry Earl of Trastamara after the Death of his Mother and Gareilasso fled out of Asturias to Portugal fearing the King whom he was not able to oppose The King of Portugal taking compassion on the Earl and fearing leâ—t any misfortune might befall his Grandson the King of Castile his People being incens'd against him met him at Câ—idad Rodrigo There he perswaded him to pardon Count Henry In the beginning of the year 1352. Discontents began to break out in Andaluzia Asturias and Murcia D. Alonso Fernandez Coronel a powerful Man in Andaluzia was possess'd of Aguilar by the King's Gift and had long been at 〈◊〉 with Bernaâ—â—de Cabrera about that Town He was â—ealous of the King for that during his sickness at Seviâ— he had let fall some words signifying that D. John de Lara ought to succeed him which the King heinously resented This Gentleman confiding in the Strength of Aguilar stor'd his other Towns and made an Alliance with other mutinous Nobles He rais'd Men and ask'd Aid of Foreign Princes Particularly he sent D. John de la Cerda Son to Lewis and his Son in Law to the Moors Neither the King of Granada nor the Africanâ— would give him any Succour but it is said he serv'd Albohacen in a Battel in which he overthrew his Father Albohacen Thence he return'd to Portugal and there continu'd in Banishment His Wife the Lady Mary Coronel not able to endure the absence of her Husband or resist her unchast desires rather than yield to them is said to have put burning Coals into that Part which molested her The King of Castile having taken several Towns in Andaluzia prepar'd to Besiege Aguilar when News was brought him that Count Henry had Rebell'd at Gijon in Asturias and his Brother D. Tello committed many Outrages making Incursions from Montagudo on the Frontiers of Aragon This oblig'd him to March to Asturias where Gijon surrender'd upon promise of Pardon for themselves and Count Henry who lurk'd in the Mountains In this march it was that the King fell in Love with Da. Maria de Padilla a young Maid that was bred in the House of D. Alonso de Albuquerque Their familiarity began at Sahagun which prov'd Fatal to the King and Kingdom John de Hinestrola the Ladies Uncle was the manager of the unhappy Bargain The King march'd to Montagudo and took it with several other Towns for D. Tello had abandon'd it and was fled to Aragon The two Kings of Aragon being so near one another set onfoot a Treaty of Peace they met not themselves but their Embassadors D. Alonso de Albuquerque and Bernard de Gabrera concluded a Peace at Taraçona A League offensive and defensive was establish'd and they agreed the one should pardon D. Tello and the other D. Ferdinand de Aragon Then â—ing Peter return'd into Andaluzia and after a Siege of four Months took Aguilar in February 1853. D. Alonso Coronel being taken was Executed as a Traytor with Five of his Companions The Town was dismantled and the King pardon'd the multitude On the 25th of the same
raise Mony for the War which threatned on all sides The Cortes of Burgos gave 150 Millions of Maravedies This they did in respect that King Ferdinand then united the Kindom of Navarre to that of Castile whereas formerly it was united to Aragon By this it appears the King had no Thoughts of restoring that Kingdom but esteemed it as much his own as any of the others without the least remorse of Conscience upon that account as he was often heard to say He gave three Reasons to justifie this his Proceeding The first the Pope's deposing that King The second the free gift of that Crown to the Kings of Castile made by the Princess Clare first Wife to Prince Henry afterwards the 4th King of Castile of that Name when her Father King John of Aragon delivered her up to Gaston de Foix and her Sister Ellenor her declared Enemies who sought her Death to secure themselves the Possession of that Crown and therefore he said it was but just to revenge that Murder by depriving the Grandchildren of those that committed so great a Crime of the Kingdom His third Reason was the Right that Queen Germana pretended to the Crown after the Death of her Brother Gaston de Foix. Three Years after this it appears she assigned over all her Claim to Prince Charles then King of Castile and Aragon It was proposed in the Cortes of Aragon to raise a considerable Sum of Mony towards the War but the Nobility would not consent unless their Vassals were cut off from having any Appeal to the King This hindred all Proceedings for some Months The Archbishop of Zaragoça laboured to remove these Obstacles but perceiving nothing was done he was of Opinion to try what every City in particular would contribute King Ferdinand tho' his Sickness increased so that he was given over for Dead one night resolved to get into Aragon believing his Presence would reduce that obstinate People He sent for the Vicechancellour Antony Augustin to meet him and assoon as he came to Aranda caused him to be apprehended and sent Prisoner to the Castle of Samoncas Every one guessed at the Cause of his Imprisonment but nothing was certainly known The King left the Cardinal and Council at Segovia and hasted to Calatayud carrying Prince Ferdinand with him He could not prevail with the Nobility to quit their unjust Pretensions His Sickness increased and it is reported the famous Bell of Vililla prognosticated his Death for in Aragon it is a received Opinion that Bell rings of it self before the Death of Kings or any other great Misfortunes Thus having done nothing he returned to Madrid in Autumn The Queen having broke up the Cortes of Aragon went to Lerida to those of Catalonia At the same time these Cortes sat the Emperor the Brothers King Sigismund of Poland and Ladislaus of Hungary and his Son Luis then King of Bohemid met at Vienna on the 17th of July Their meeting was to celebrate the Nuptials of Prince Ferdinand and the Princess Mary with Luis King of Bohemia and the Lady Anne his Sister the Children of the Hungarian King Prince Ferdinand being absent the Emperor stood Proxy for her Thomas Cardinal of Strigonium the Pope's Legate performed the Ceremony It is worth observing that as Ferdinand and Mary were Grandchildren to the Catholick King so Luis and Anne were great Grandchildren to E e or Queen of Navarre and Sister to King Ferdinand Gatherine Daughter to Queen Ellenor was married to Gaston de Foix Lord of Candale whose Daughter Anne was Wife to Ladislaus King of Hungary and Mother to Luis and Anne so far was the Progeny of King John of Aragon the Father of King Ferdinand spread abroad Great things had been done by Alonso de Albuquerque Governour of India and great is the Obligation his Country owes him for having Founded their Dominion in those remote Parts He was now old sickly and worn out and had many Enemies who sent Complaints against him to Portugal it being impossible to please all Men. King Emanuel sent Lope Suarez de Albergaria a Man well versed in the Affairs of India to succeed him With him went Mathew the Ethiopian Ambassador and Duarte Galvam sent in the same Quality by King Emanuel but he died by the way Some time after Roderick de Lima was sent who carried Mathew into Ethiopia but he died before he could reach the Court. Now also went Francis Alvarez the Priest whose Book is extant giving an account of his Voyage The new Governour arrived at Goa on the 2d of September having spent but 5 Months in the Voyage which was a very short time On the 7th of that Month the Queen of Portugal was delivered of a Son called Edward an affable and mild Prince addicted to Hunting and Musick He died young yet left a Son by his Wife of his own Name and two Daughters whereof Mary was married to Alexander Farnesius then Prince and afterwards Duke of Parma and Catherine married to the Duke of Bragança When Lope Suarez arrived at Goa Albuquerque was at Ormuz ill of his last Sickness Having settled that Island he embarked being desirous to see Goa which Place was his Delight By the way he received advice of the coming of his Successor he was extreamly surprized and cried out Good God! how many Misfortunes surround me If I please the King Men are offended if I satisfie them my King is displeased Retire to the Church unhappy Old Man for no other Sanctuary is left you Soon after being better come to himself he said Truly it is God that guides the Hearts of King and disposes all things What would become of India if there were not one to succeed me after my Death In how great Danger would it be This said he reposed and finding his Malady encrease ordered his Confessor to be brought to him from Goa which was not far off Having made his Peace with God he gave up the Ghost He was doubtless one of the Bravest Men that Spain ever bred His Valour Mildness Prudence and Justice reigned in an equal degree He was patient of Labour discreet in his Resolutions quick in Execution amiable to his own People and terrible to his Enemies It was a great Mercy of God to give to the Portugueses Two such Governours at first as was he and Francis d' Almeyda being both Wise and Resolute Men and Zealous of their Prince's Service and the Propagation of the Faith tho' they differed in Opinions as to the Means of carrying on that Great Work For Francis d' Almeyda who was the first thought it best only to make themselves Masters of the Sea and not undertake any Conquests whereas on the contrary Albuquerque was wholly for gaining Strong holds in order to secure the Trade and have a Retreat for their Fleets Experience has taught how much he was in the Right Albuquerque was never married but he left a Son by a Servant and a little before his Death recommended
his Actions spread Thence he returned to Rome in the fifth Year after that War was began He carried some Spanish Soldiers of the Cohort of Calagurris for his Guard No sooner was he gone but the Cantabrians and Asturians were again in Arms but these Efforts being without Strength were ineffectual for L. Aemilius and Pub. Carisius first and afterwards Caius Furnius having slain many of the Revolters appeased the rest Many rather than submit killed themselves others went singing and full of joy to Execution Some of those that were made Slaves conspired together and killing their Masters fled to the Mountains whence they made Excursions into the neighbouring Country inticing the People to take up Arms. To appease these Troubles M. Agrippa then Son-in-law to Augustus came out of France and in some Rencounters he had with those obstinate People was worsted which moved him as a punishment to a Legion that had been the most faulty to deprive it of the Title of Augusta which before it enjoy'd This disgrace was a warning to the other Soldiers to behave themselves better so that at last Agrippa was Victorious All that could bear Arms were put to the Sword the rest forced to come down to live in the plain Country and their Weapons taken from them Some say there were other Commotions after these among the Cantabri and that the Embassadors sent to Rome to Treat despairing of ever returning home killed themselves Among the illiterate and rude Spaniards some about this time were famous for their Learning as Caius Julius Higinus and Porcius Latro a great Rhetorician and Friend to Seneca the Father of the Philosopher Those Books that are extant under the name of Higinus are by most Men attributed to another of the same Name a Native of Alexandria But Suetonius seems to be of another Opinion saying Some called him an Alexandrian others a Spaniard and he is of the Opinion of the latter and adds that he was Library-Keeper to Augustus and familiar with Ovid. Besides the Honour Spain received from these Men it was illustrated by Cornelius Balbus a Native of Cadiz who having been Consul Triumphed at Rome over the Garamantae 16 Years before the Birth of Christ He was the first Stranger that obtained that Honour and the last of Subjects for from that time forward only the Emperors or at most their nearest Kindred Triumphed All others were rewarded with the Triumphal Ornaments which were a long costly Robe a Garland of Laurel a Chair called Curulis and an Ivory Rod. Here let us conclude this Book and the Computation of Time from the building of Rome being to begin the next with the Birth of a God incarnate and from thence to date the following Years The End of Book III. THE History of SPAIN The Fourth BOOK CHAP. I. The Birth of Christ our Lord. The Death of Augustus and Reigns of the Emperors Tiberius Caligula and Claudius With an Account of the coming of St. James the Apostle into Spain and first Preaching of the Gospel WE are now come to the most happy Times when the Son of God as was requisite for fulfilling the promises of the Holy Prophets appeared to Men himself made Man and with the new Light he brought into the World show'd and made easie the way of Salvation to Mankind till then wandring and astray He restored Justice before fled from Earth and obtaining by his Death Remission of Sins erected to his eternal Father a Holy Temple after the Model of the Heavenly one and Establish'd it for ever upon Earth under the Name of the Church Of this Church we are all Members who thro' the goodness of the same God have throughout the World received the Christian Religion and preserve it with a true and constant Faith Now for as much as Spain was one of the first that receiv'd this Divine Faith and most firmly adhered to it therefore it will be necessary to relate how much it suffered in those primitive Times on that account and at the same time to set down the new Form and Method that was Establish'd in the Secular Government as also the Lives and Actions of the Roman Emperors as Sovereign Lords of Spain the Combats and Strifes of the first Christians and the Triumphs and Victories of the Holy Martyrs who in defence of the Truth spilt their Blood and lost their Lives Most happy and truely renowned Souls Our brevity in this matter shall be particular for we shall rather hint at than enlarge upon the Ecclesiastical Affairs that this Work may not exceed bounds May the Divine Light from Heaven guide and direct our Pen and Intention may it change our Ignorance into a higher Wisdom and cause our Words to equal the greatness of the Subject The Birth of Christ the Son of God into the World was on the 25th of December in the Year 752. after the building of Rome and 42d of the Reign of Augustus the Consuls then being Octavian Augustus the thireenth time and Marcus Claudius Silvanus From this number of Years some Authors deduct one and others two neither do they all agree who were then Consuls which disagreement was in the time of St. Augustin as he himself mentions We have herein after considering all Opinions adhered to that which seem'd to us most likely and which grave Authors follow But laying aside this and the like Debates not to be certainly decided we will return to the Affairs of Spain tho' at this time scarce any thing occurs worthy the relating besides the matter of greatest moment which is that all the Provinces being reduc'd under the Power and Government of one Monarch the Spaniards as well as all other Nations enjoy'd the happiness of a blessed Peace and quiet Repose being wearied out with such tedious Wars which like Links of a Chain hanging one by another continu'd for so many Years that so the Author of eternal Peace Christ the Son of God might either find Peace or bring it into the World For this reason few things of note happen'd in Spain during the Reigns of Augustus and Tiberius However some few shall be related rather to continue the Series of History than for that they are remarkable in themselves Dion alone among all Historians without fixing the time or place relates that a Captain of Robbers called Corocota after whom great search had been made of his own accord presented himself to the Emperor who not only pardoned but gave him the Reward that had been promised for taking of him Augustus dy'd at Nola in Campania on the 19th of August in the Year of Christ 15. at the Age of 76. He was the second of the Roman Emperors and possest the Empire alone for the space of 44 Years He appointed Tiberius Nero his Son-in-law to succeed him being overcome by the importunities of his Wife Livia whereas Germanicus and his Children had the better Right Tiberius Governed the Roman Empire 22 Years 6 Months and some Days He
was of double Inclinations some Good but more Bad. At first he gained Credit by his good Government and soon lost it by his excessive Luxury Cruelty and Avarice In his time Germanicus waged War in the farthest part of France and it being known in Spain that he suffered great want of all Necessaries they sent him Arms Horses and a great sum of Money which last he refused but accepted of the rest returned thanks to the Spaniards for their Affection to the People of Rome This hap'ned in the second Year of Tiberius at which time also leave was given to the Embassadors of Hispania citerior to build a Temple in Honour of Augustus Those of Hispania ulterior that they might not be behind hand with the others in Flattery begged leave to build a Temple in Honour of Tiberius and his Mother Livia a thing never used whilst Princes were living and therefore it was denied them The Cantabri at the same time Revolted and infested the neighbouring Country which oblig'd the Romans to place several Garrisons in that Province whereby their Insolency was curbed and those barbarous People by Conversing with the Romans grew more Civiliz'd Gneius Piso who had Govern'd Spain and was suspected to have Poison'd Germanicus kill'd himself at Rome Vibius Serenus who had been Proconsul of Hispania ulterior accused his own Son of taking Bribes in that Province and he being Convicted was Banished to Amorga one of the Islands in the Aegean Sea reckon'd among the Cyclades L. Piso who was Pretor in Hispania citerior by laying new Taxes and Impositions so far incens'd the Natives that they Conspired against him and he was kill'd by a Country-man among the Termistini He endeavoured to make his escape but having tir'd his Horse was taken and put to the Rack to draw from him a discovery of the other Conspirators but all in vain for the Day after being again brought out to be Tormented he slipt from his Guards and ran his Head against a Rock with such force that he fell down dead So great was the Fidelity Secrecy and Regard of Friendship in a Clown This hap'ned in the Year of Christ 26. As Tiberius advanced in Years so he grew in Avarice and all manner of Wickedness a just Judgment of Heaven for that he did not punish the cruel Executioners of our Lord Christ the Son of God who suffered in his time The Emperor Tiberius dy'd on the 16th of March in the 78th Year of his Age which was of Christ 38. Gneius Acceronius Proculus and C. Porcius Niger being Consuls Caius the Son of Germanicus succeed him in the Empire and of a certain sort of Buskin he wore called in Latin Caligae he had the name of Caligula He was only remarkable for Madness which lasted all his Life and for the manner of his Death being killed by Cherea one of the Captains of his Guards Aemelius Regulus of Cordova had attempted the same before but failed of the Execution and suffered Death His Power lasted but three Years ten Months and eight Days which were spent in extravagant Vices and Enormities Caligula being dead Caius Claudius his Uncle by the Father who lay hid for fear of being killed was brought out and Proclaimed Emperor in the Year of Christ 42. This Emperor was wholly adicted to Vice but above all his carelesness was such that his Wife Messalina durst presume publickly and almost in his sight to Marry a young Noble Man called Silius It is true she was at length tho' with much difficulty Executed for it This set him at liberty to commit another Enormity for he Marry'd Agrippina his Niece Daughter to his Brother Germanicus Such Marriages were forbid among the Romans but he made a Law which declared it Lawful for Uncles to Marry their Nieces He held the Roman Empire almost 14 Years In his time Drusilaus Rotundus Govern'd Hispania citerior and Vmbonius Silus Betica Now also Christianity was first Preach'd and began to take Root in Spain for James the Son of Zebedee Sirnam'd the Greater after Preaching in Judea and Samaria came into Spain as Isidorus witnesseth He first spread the light of the Gospel in Zaragoca where at his Instance was built a Church of the Invocation of the blessed Virgin now called of the Pillar as it is receiv'd by a constant Tradition among those People Afterwards having suffered Martyrdom at Jerusalem in the Year of Christ 42. his Body was taken up by his Disciples and put into a Ship and after Coasting about the greatest part of Spain they landed it in the farthest parts of Galicia in the City Iria Flavia now call'd El Padron whence it was translated to Compostela a place held in Veneration throughout all the Christian World on account of that Holy Body lying there The Body of this Apostle for several Ages was lost and forgot till in the Reign of King Alonso the Chast about the Year of our Lord 800. it was miraculously discovered and a Church built in the same place where it has been highly Reverenced This Devotion was much increased when D. Ramiro who Reigned soon after Alonso with the Assistance of this Saint won the famous Battle of Claviso fought against the Moors whereby he delivered the Christians of a most heavy Imposition by which they were oblig'd to deliver Yearly to those Infidels 100 chosen Maids Hence the Custom used by the Spanish Soldiers of calling upon St. James in Battle had its Original And from this time the Spaniards oblig'd themselves by a Vow to pay a certain Measure of Corn out of every Acre of Arable Land Yearly to the Church of St. James which Custom having suffered many changes has been renewed by several Popes who have issued out their Bulls to that effect and it is still preserved in a great part of Spain St. James had but very few Followers in Spain whereof some reckon up nine chosen Disciples which others say were sent into Spain by the Apostles St. Peter and St. Paul which Controversie being altogether impossible to be decided I think fitter to pass it by than to take up the Reader 's Attention with what is altogether uncertain CHAP. II. The Reigns of the Emperours Nero Galba Otho Vitellius Vespasian and Titus with an Account of the Colonies Free Towns and Courts of Judicature then in Spain CLaudius the Emperour was Poison'd by an Eunuch or as others have it by his Wife Agrippina to the intent her Son Domitius Nero might obtain the Empire which prov'd fatal to her Certain it is he dyed in the Year of Grace 55. Nero his Son-in-Law and Successor held the Empire 14 Years the first 5 he govern'd well as Trajan used to testify after that he sunk into all manner of Vice and Debauchery like a wild Beast that breaking loose from its Confinement bears down all before it To such a degree did his Cruelty rage that he kill'd his own Mother of whom he
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
Soldiers weary of the Tyrant killed him in his own Tent which delivered Rome from slavery and the Christians from the fear of the Persecution he had raised against them The Emperors Balbinus and Pupienus were killed by their own Guards within the first Year of their Reign Gordianus Grandson to the other of the same Name was before saluted Caesar and appointed their Successor and notwithstanding he was yet scarce 15 Years of age without any opposition declared Emperor After putting an end to the Persian War with the wish'd for Success he was basely murdered by Philip the Captain of his Guards in the 6th Year of his Reign The Empire was the Reward of Marcus Julius Philippus's Treason He was by Birth an Arab of mean Extraction but a good Soldier which raised him to several Commands and at last to the Empire in the Year 241. which he held above 5 Years He made a dishonourable Peace with the Persians The Goths at this time infesting the Province of Thrace one Marinus sent by him to oppose them took upon him the Title of Emperor but was vanquished and slain by Decius whom Philip had intrusted with an Army to suppress him This done the same Decius was saluted Emperor by his Legions and Philip marching to oppose him was killed in a Mutiny of his own Men at Verona As soon as Decius was possessed of the Empire which was in the Year 250. He Persecuted the Christians with the utmost cruelty He waged War with the Getae and overthrew them in the first Battle but in the second by the Treachery of Trebonianus Gallus was vanquished and killed together with his Son when he had Ruled the space of two Years This Traytor according to the Custom of those Times Usurped the Empire and held it 18 Months He made Peace with the Getae and agreed to pay them a sum of Money Yearly a thing very dishonourable to the Roman Empire whereby he became contemptible to his Soldiers and gave occasion to Aemilianus his own General an African of Mauritania Tingitana after having defeated those People in a great Battle to Revolt and Gallus being slain to seize upon the Empire His Power lasted but 4. Months his own Soldiers killing him as soon as they heard of the Election of Valerianus and therefore some do not reckon him in the number of the Emperors CHAP. V. The Reigns of the Emperors Valerianus Galienus Flavius Aurelianus Tacitus Florianus Probus Carus Carinus Dioclesian and Maximian Constantius and Galerius Maximinus and Licinius LIcinius Valerianus was 70 Years of Age when the Legions in Gallia saluted him Emperor in the Year of our Lord 254. Having Reigned 7 Years he was taken Prisoner in a Battle he fought with the Persians and liv'd above a Year in Slavery His Son Galienus thought of nothing less than relieving his Father and regaining the lost Honour of the Empire and indeed he was Distracted on all sides by the Persians Goths and Germans and by 30 Generals who in several places had taken upon them the Title of Emperors It would be endless to relate what each of them did it only makes for our purpose that one Tetricus possessed himself of Spain and had recourse to the Germans for Aid They passed thither thro' France and like a barbarous People for the space of 12 Years destroyed all that was in their way with Fire and Sword It appears by some Stones found in Spain that the Emperor Galienus's Wife was called Cornelia Salolina and Decius's Empress Herennia About this time Pope Lucius Governed the Church who in an Epistle to the Bishops of Spain and France exhorts them to hold frequent Synods determines the Power of Metropolitans oâ—er their Suffragan Bishops forbids Communication with Hereticks and encourages them to bear patiently with the lasting Calamities of the times Lucius's Successor was Stephanus in whose time the Bishops of Spain in a Council they held Degraded Martial Bishop of Merida and Basilides of Astorga as Libellatici so they called those that gave it under their Hands they Renounc'd the Christian Religion for those who proceeded so far as to offer Sacrifice to Idols were termed Sacrificati Basilides had recourse to Rome as to the Head was absolved by Pope Stephen and ordered to be restored to his Church and Dignity The Bishops of Spain offended at it consulted with St. Cyprian Bishop of Carthage who taking the Advice of others answer'd That those who forsake the Church could not be restor'd to the Honours they before enjoy'd in the Church that upon doing Pennance suitable to the Crime they might be again received into the number of the Faithful but not Replaced in the Sacerdotal Dignity as had been Determined by Pope Cornelius and that if Pope Stephen had ordered otherwise he had been imposed upon as being so far off Therefore Pope Sixtus II. successor to Stephen in his Epistle to the Bishops of Spain tells them the Decrees of the Fathers are not to be altered nor Bishops depos'd without acquainting him of Rome How this Difference ended is not known but certain it is all these three Popes suffered Martyrdom under Valerianus as did St. Laurence the Honour of Spain born at Huesca and also Orencius and Pacientia both accounted Saints The Emperor Galienus Besieging Milan his Soldiers weary of the War Mutinied and Killed him in the Year of Grace 269. when he had Governed 15 Years The Empire being thus without a Head Flavius Claudius a Noble Man and great General took upon him the Title of Emperor in the Year following The beginning of his Reign was fortunate for he killed the Tyrant Aureolus overcame the Goths and Germans but as he was preparing to march either against Tetricus in Spain or Queen Zenobia in the East Death cut him off at Sirmo a City of Hungary when he had Reigned one Year ten Months and fifteen Days His Death being known the Senate in his place chose Quintilianus his Brother a Man of so poor a Spirit that he killed himself 17 Days after his Election upon the News that Claudius's Legions had saluted Lucius Domitius Aurelianus Emperor This might have been counted among the best of Princes had he not defac'd the Lustre of his Martial Exploits with Moroseness and the hatred he bore to Christianity He Subdued Dacia Vanquished all the Tyrants that had possessed themselves of several Provinces took Queen Zenobia Prisoner and led her into Rome in Triumph which was the last Celebrated in that City after the Ancient manner Returning into the East to make War upon the Persians he was Treacherously Murdered by his Favourite Mnestheus when he had Reigned 4 Years 11 Months and 7 Days In his Days Narcissus and Felix suffered Martydom at Girona on the Borders of Spain After the Death of Aurelianus a new and unusual Contention in point of Civility hap'ned betwixt the Senate and Army each referring the choice of an Emperor to the other Six
Walls They likewise mention Metropolitans before called Bishops of the first Chair To return to Constantine he Rebuilt the City Bizantium destroyed by the Emperor Severus and removed the Imperial Court thither calling it of his own Name Constantinople He instituted four Praefecti Pretorii two to command in the East and two in the West one of these over Italy the other over France and Spain the Residence of the latter was in France and under him a Vicar Governed Spain Constantine having settled all things to his mind dy'd in the Year of our Lord 337. having Reigned 30 Years 9 Months and 27 Day His putting to Death his Son Crispus and Wife Fausta gave occasion to some to slander this great Monarch and many other Calumnies have been raised to deface the memory of his glorious Actions But many Learned Pens have writ of him in particular and it belongs not to us to enlarge upon this Subject CHAP. VII The Reigns of the Emperors Constantine Constantius and Constans Julian the Apostate Jovianus Valentinian and Valens COnstantine left three Sons by his second Wife to wit Constantine Constantius and Constans all three at several times during his Life named Caesars and at his Death he divided the Empire among them in this manner To Constantine the eldest he assigned the West beyond the Aples to Constantius the second Son the East and to Constans the youngest Italy Africk and Sclavonia The same he confirmed by his last Will and Testament and ordered moreover that Dalmatius Cousin-germain to the Emperors should have the Title of Caesar in the East Him Constantius caused tobe killed in a Mutiny of the Soldiers in the first year of his Reign Constantine the Eldest of the three Brothers the third year after the Death of his Father was Treacherously slain near Aquileia having marched so far in order to deprive his Brother Constans of the Empire upon pretence it all belonged to him and that he had been wronged in the distribution of the Provinces Some have writ that Constantine was an Arian but the contrary appears in that through his means his Brother Constantius recalled St. Athanasius from banishment The Emperor Constans was a great support to the Catholicks and they soon found a great miss of him for he ended his days on the way to Spain at the City Erna in the county of Roussillon He was killed by Magnentius who was in Rebellion and possessed of France and Spain Constantius resolving to revenge the Death of his Brother before he set out named Gallus his Cousin Caesar Both Armies met near the City Murcia in Sclavonia where they came to a battle which proved very bloody for of the usurpers side 24000 Men were killed and 30000 of Constantius yet he got the day but the forces of the Empire where much weakned by so great a slaughter The Tyrant after the Fight fled to Lions in France there he and his Brother Decentius by him appointed Caesar despairing of making head again killed themselves By this Victory all the Provinces of the Empire were again brought under one Monarch Nevertheless the Germans broke into France doing great harm there The Emperor besides his other faults was jealous of all Men and gave ear to Court-Whisperers the Plague of all Courts whereby he had been prevailed upon some time before in the East to kill his Cousin Gallus Notwithstanding that he might at once oppose the Persians and quiet France he took Gallus his own Brother Julian out of a Monastery and declared him Caesar and to bind him the faster to his interest marryed him to his Sister Helen Julian was sent into France whilst the Emperor prepared for the War against the Persians At this time St. Athanasius for fear of being kill'd absented himself again and lay hid till the death of Constantius which hap'ned in this manner The event of the Persian War was unfortunate and met with several disasters at which the Emperor was highly concerned At the same time the Soldiers in France pleased with the conduct of Julian saluted him Emperor at Paris This was a fresh cause of grief to Constantius who resolved to march against him but was prevented by death which overtook him at Antioch There he was baptized after the manner of the Arians either that he had deferred it till then or that he was rebaptiz'd at they also used His death hap'ned on the 3d of November 361. In Spain about the same time certain Pages bringing Lights at night came in saying Let us Conquer Let us Conquer whence it may be supposed the Custom of saluting one another when lights are brought in had its Original among us A certain Roman that was present imagining this word had carryed some farther meaning drew his Sword and kill'd the Master of the House with all his Family This Ammianus Marcellinus relates without any other Circumstance About this time also Flourished Clemens Prudentius a Soldier and Lawyer in his Youth in his riper years a Poet famous for the verses he writ in praise of the Holy Martyrs Also Juvencus a Spanish Priest writ the like of Christ in Heroick verse and Pacianus Bishop of Barcelona employed his Talent in writning against the Novatians The Emperor Constantius left never a Son and therefore appointed him he would have Persecuted whilst living his Successor at his death that is his Cousin Julian a Man of Learning and good natural endowments that might have been compared to the best of Emperors had he still adhered to the true Religion and not suffered himself to be perverted by his Master Libahus so as to forsake Christianity by which he got the name of Apostate As soon as possest of the Empire to gain the good will of all Men he gave full Liberty to every one to follow the Religion they pleased He revoked the Sentence of banishment that had passed against Catholicks excepting Athanasius whom because after the death of Constantius he returned to his Church he ordered to be apprehended and so forced him again to abscond To the Jews he gave Liberty to rebuild the Temple of Jerusalem but such Flames issued out of the foundations they were oblig'd to desist The Gentiles were permitted to open their Temples shut up since the time of Constantine His hatred to the Christians was great yet he thought better to weaken them by Policy than open force and therefore forbid their being admitted to any places of honour or trust or their Childrens to be taught in the Greek Schools which stirred up many Christians to write Learnedly in Verse and Prose particularly the two Apollinarii Father and Son Persons of great Learning This Emperors end was suitable to his beginning He undertook the War against the Persians was at first successful but thereupon advanced so far that all his Army was in danger of perishing and he himself slain with a Dart as some say accidentally thrown by his own Men or
that had at first been conceived of him were soon disappointed for he entirely gave himself up to Sensuality Many of his People were privately Murthered and others upon forged Crimes publickly Condemned and Executed only that he might take their Wives to satisfie his Lust Hereupon he grew so hateful to his People that they Conspired and killed him in his own Palace as he sate at Dinner when he had Reigned 18 Months and 13 Days The Nobility upon the Death of Theudiselus an chose Agila for their King At his first coming to the Crown he laid close Siege to Cordova which refused to acknowledge him The Besieged making a furious Sally put his Army to flight with much slaughter killed his Son and took the Baggage whereby he was oblig'd to quit the Siege and retire to Merida This was looked upon as a Judgment from Heaven for his Profaning the Church of the Martyr Asciselus into which he had put his Horses After this misfortune he began to be less looked upon by his People and at length grew so much into contempt that one Athanagildus openly Rebelled He the more to secure and strengthen himself sent Embassadors to the Emperor Justinian offering to restore a considerable part of Spain to the Empire if he would assist him In pursuance of this Embassy Liberius was sent out of France to his aid and their Forces being joyn'd the Battle was fought near Sevil where the Rebellion is supposed first to have broke out Athanagildus obtained the Victory and Agila was slain by his own Men in the Year 554. when he had Reign'd 5 Years and 3 Months They killed him to put an end to the Civil Wars fearing lest the Power and Riches of the Goths being weakned by their own Divisions the Romans might again recover all Spain as they had done Italy and Africk In the same Year 554. by order of the Emperor Justinian was held at Constantinople the 5th General Council in which were 165 Bishops who Condemned the Opinions of Origen Jornandes a Gothish Bishop continued the History of that Nation till the time that Athanagildus having killed his Enemy was without farther Opposition acknowledged King of the Goths This King had his hands full during his whole Life being always ingaged in Wars the Success whereof proved various The great cause of these Troubles was that forgetting his Promise he endeavoured to expell the Romans all Spain On the other side they as well by Contract as force of Arms had possess'd themselves of so much that their Dominions reached from Sea to Sea By his Wife Gosuinda he had two Daughters the eldest Galsuinda Marry'd to Chilperick King of Soissons in France and Brunechilda the youngest to Sigebert King of Metz in Lorrain the Brother of Chilperick These two Ladies were by the French Bishops converted from the Sect of Arius which they had been bred in and some will have it that Athanagildus was in private a Catholick but durst not openly profess it for fear of the People He Reign'd 15 Years and 6 Months and dy'd at Toledo in the Year 567. After his Death followed an Interregnum of five Months D. Lucas de Tuy says It lasted five Years and five Months The reason of it was that the Gothish Nobility could not agree or pitch upon any one Person capable of supporting the Kingdom of the Goths then in danger of sinking and none minded the publick Calamities studying to indulge their private Humours At this time John III. Governed the See of Rome It was now also that the Suevians who possess'd Galicia returned to the Catholick Church renouncing the Heresie of Arius which they had follow'd almost 100 Years and grievously Persecuted the Catholicks Martinus Dumiensis was a great Instrument of their Conversion He was an Hungarian had Travelled throughout the East and was a Person of singular Learning at last he was Archbishop of Braga and after his Death esteem'd as a Saint in Galicia and Portugal where they Celebrate his Feast on the 20th of March. When the Suevians embraced the Catholick Religion Theodemirus Reign'd over them What Kings Reign'd betwixt Remismundus of whom we spoke before and this Theodemirus is not known the Histories of those times being imperfect The cause of the Conversion of the Suevians was this Theodemirus's Son and Heir lay dangerously Sick and the fame of the Miracles wrought by St. Martin of Tours being spread throughout the World his Father sent Embassadors to the Saints Tomb with the Youths weight in Gold and Silver to be offered for his Health But the Success not answering the King believed it proceeded from the difference of Religion and his being an Arian He sent again and the Embassadors brought a piece of the Saints Cloak and in the mean while the Prince recovered Hereupon the King in pursuance of a Vow he had made erected a Church in Honour of St. Martin and caused the Suevians publickly to embrace the Catholick Religion For the better confirming them in the Faith and by the Advice of St. Martin Dumiensis he caused a Synod of the Bishops of Galicia to be held at Braga in the third Year of his Reign and of our Lord 563. This was the first Council of Braga and Lucretius Archbishop of that City Presided in it CHAP. VII Of the two Sisters Galsuinda and Brunechilda The Reigns of the Kings Liuva and Leuvigildus This last makes his two Sons his Companions in the Throne IT was said above that Galsuinda and Brunechilda the two Daughters of Athanagildus were Marry'd in France to two Kings both which Matches in the end proved unfortunate The one soon dy'd miserably the other lived long and always in trouble Galsuinda the eldest Wife to Chilperick after suffering much thro' the Insolence of Fredegunda his Mistriss was at last found dead in her Bed and left no Issue Sigebert the Husband of Brunechilda was murdered by two Ruffians employed by the same Fredegunda and she sent Prisoner to Roan where Meroveus the Son of Chilperick admiring her Beauty Marry'd her but she having been Wife to his Uncle the Marriage was void He might have hoped for Pardon from his Father in regard to his Youth but by the procurement of Fredegunda his Mother-in-law he was first forced into a Religious Order and then killed Brunechilda having the Tuition of her two Grandsons Theodebert King of Metz and Theodorick of Burgundy made War upon Clotarius as the French Historians have it only to prefer Protadius an Italian for whom she had a more than lawful Affection Besides they add that thro' her Instigation the Brothers made War upon one another that Theodebert was killed and his two Sons and Daughter being taken she murdered the Sons and because Theodorick designed to Marry the Daughter Poison'd him After all these Cruelties Brunechilda being taken by Clotarius was four times whipped and then dragged to Death by the hair of her
Three Synods at Toledo UPon the Death of the two Kings Father and Son the Nobility made choice to succeed him of Suinthila a Person who had given good proofs of his Courage and Conducts in the late Wars besides that the Memory of his Father King Recaredus gain'd him the Affections of all Men and made him be thought worthy that Dignity He was not only Couragious and Prudent but so bountiful towards the Needy that he was commonly called The Father of the Poor The People of Navarre again Rebelled upon this change of Government and over-ran the Province of Tarragona with Fire and Sword but the new King appearing quieted them only with his Presence and Pardoned them only upon condition they should Build and Fortifie the City Ologito which might serve as a Bridle to curb them since they made such ill use of their Liberty This City is supposed to be that now called Olite rather for the likeness of the Names than any other concluding Reason At length the Romans after this War of Navarre was ended were oblig'd to quit all Spain after having for above 70 Years maintained themselves in part of Portugal and Andaluzid There are Authors of Opinion the Goths Fortify'd Ebora to be a check upon the Romans some Testimony whereof are two Towers there said to be Built by Sisebutus The Romans had maintain'd themselves so long in those Parts by the nearness of Africk whence they received Supplies and being now cut off those Aids the false Prophet Mahomet making War there they were easily Expell'd The Government of that Roman Province was divided betwixt two Patricians one of them the King Corrupted the other he subdued by Force and thus they both were brought under All these remarkable things were concluded by King Suinthila in the 5th Year of his Reignâ— which was of Christ 626. which same Year he to secure the Succession in his Family declar'd his Son Rechimirus tho' very Young his Companion in the Throne Yet tho' the Youth gave good hopes that he would imitate the Virtues of his Father and Grandfather the Goths were much dissatisfied that the Crown should be made Hereditary which before was Elective From this time forwards they were so far incens'd that they never gave over till both Father and Son were cast down from the Regal Dignity What was most blameable in Suinthila is that after he had subdued his Enemies he suffer'd himself to become a Slave to his Vices Theodora his Wife and Geyla or Aguilanus his Brother who Govern'd him and the Kingdom in a great measure procur'd him the ill Will of his Subjects and raised those Enemies who at last wrought his downfall At this time Helladius Successor to Aurasius was Archbishop of Toledo and he dying Justus was preferred to that See The ruin of Suinthila was contrived and Executed by Sisenandus a bold and powerful Man who thinking the hatred the King had incurr'd offer'd him a fair opportunity of raising himself prevailed with Dagobert King of the Franks to assist him Having agreed upon Terms Abundantius and Venerandus the Burgundian Generals entred Spain and advanced with their Forces as far as Zaragoça The Nobility who before durst not declare themselves then taking Arms did not desist till they had expelled Suinthila his Wife and Son Rechimirus This is more certain than what others have written viz. That Suinthila and his Son dy'd at Toledo It appears by the French Histories that the Goths gave a Sum of Gold as supposed toward the charge of the War to King Dagobert which he apply'd to build the Church of St. Denis two Leagues from Paris which was of his Foundation Suinthila Reign'd 10 Years and was Deposed in that of our Lord 631. Sisenandus having as he wished ascended the Throne of the Goths and being a prudent Man perceived he was not well fixed especially in respect many still adhered to the contrary Party therefore to secure himself he thought nothing could be more Efficacious than Religion Hereupon under pretence of Reformation of Manners he gathered a Council of about 70 Bishops at Toledo But in reality his chief design was to obtain of those Prelates that they would declare Suinthila incapable of the Crown that so all those who were of his Party might desist Their first Session was held in the Church of St. Leocadia on the 5th of December in the Year 634. and third of the Reign of Sisenandus who appeared there in Tears and full of hypocritical Words They regulated the manner of holding the Provincial Yearly Synods and made several other Acts relating to the Ecclesiastical Government But the strangest is they Decreed That none should seize the Crown unless chosen by the Nobility that the Oath made to Sisenandus should be valid and Suinthila's Wife Children and Brothers Excommunicated A hard strained point for Bishops to dispose of Crowns King Sisenandus departed this Life in the Year of our Lord 635. having Reign'd three Years eleven Months and sixteen Days According to what had been Decreed in the Synod the Nobility and Prelates met and by them Chintila was elected King In the place of Justus Archbishop of Toledo who dy'd about the same time succeeded Eugenius second of the Name a Man famous for his Learning and Virtue Some Authors are of Opinion that Chintila was Brother to Sisenandus and both Sons to Suinthila but this seems to be contradicted by the fourth Council of Toledo where many Reproaches were cast upon Suinthila and it is to be supposed the Sons would never suffer that to have been done in their presence As soon as Chintila was chosen he called a Council of Bishops to confirm his Election It was tedious to stay for all the Bishops of the Kingdom therefore 22 most of the Province of Carthagena met in the first Year of his Reign and of Christ 636. The Prelates met in the Church of St. Leocadia and among other things confirmed the Election of the King forbiding any after his Death to offer any wrong to his Children They declar'd any Excommunicate that Usurped the Crown without being legally chosen and prohibit any making of Voices before the King's Death This was the 5th Council of Toledo and Eugenius Archbishop of Toledo Presided in it and confirm'd its Acts. To make â—â—e Decrees of this Synod the more binding another of 50 Bishops all within the 〈…〉 of the Goths met the Year following which was the 6th held at Toledo In it were Ratifyed all the Acts of the former particularly in relation to the King and his Children and they added That their Crown should not be conferred on any Man who did not before swear he would no way be favourable to the Jews nor suffer any that was not a Christian to live with Freedom within the Kingdom These Councils were all that is remarkable in the Reign of Chintila it is supposed the People being inclined to Peace and all
Foreign Enemies remov'd there hap'ned no War at least none of note The good Government of the King and Authority of the Bishops kept the Subjects from offering at any Revolt Chintila dy'd in the Year of our Lord 639. when he had Reign'd three Years eight Months and nine Days CHAP. IV. The Reigns of the Kings Tulga Chindasuinthus and Recesuinthus Several Synods of Toledo Increase of the Mahometan Power The Election and Coronation of King Wamba INstead of Chintila by the unanimous consent of the Nobility was chosen Tulga young in Years but old in Virtue particularly Justice Zeal for Religion Prudence Military Experience and Bounty towards the Needy a quality most requisite in Kings who ought to think they were intrusted with the Treasures of Kingdoms to relieve the wants of such as are in distress His Perfections seem'd still to be in their increase when Death cut him off at Toledo in the Year 641. when he had Reign'd only two Years and four Months Sigibertus Gemblacensis says Tulga was a debauch'd Youth and on that score Deposed by his own People but it is more reasonable to believe St. Ildefonsus who writes as an Eye Witness than a Stranger that either writ maliciously or was imposed upon After the Death of Tulga Flavius Chindasuinthus who being General of the Army was before in Rebellion against the King with the assistance of the Soldiery mounted the Throne none of the Nobility daring to oppose him that had all the standing Forces of the Kingdom on his side It must be granted that tho' he Usurp'd the Crown Tyrannically yet afterwards he Governed with great Moderation as if he design'd that way to make good his bad Title to it The first thing he did was to settle the Common-wealth by Establishing wholsome Laws and Ordinances for the better Administration of Justice and the publick Good In the 6th Year of his Reign he called together to Toledo all the Bishops in his Kingdom whereof 30 met on the 28th of October and this is counted the 7th Council of Toledo Before this time the King had Banish'd Theodiselus Archbishop of Sevil for that he sow'd scandalous Doctrines and to gain himself the greater Authority had corrupted the Works of his Predecessor St. Isidorus Theodiselus went over into Africk and there turn'd Mahometan so blind is Man when once he strays from the right way Those Authors that write in favour of the See of Toledo and particularly the Archbishop D. Rodrigo will have it that upon this occasion King Chindasuinthus made Toledo the Metropolitan See of all Spain whereas before Sevil had enjoy'd that preheminence but they have not the Testimony of any ancient Writers to confirm their Opinion and therefore we shall not lay much stress upon it About these times Theodorus and his Successor Martin I. Govern'd the Catholick Church Chindasuinthus being desirous to enrich Spain with good Books and Learning sent Tajus Bishop of Zaragoça to Rome to obtain of Theodorus then Pope St. Gregory's Books upon Job which are full of Allegories and excellent Morality and to bring them into Spain The King thought those Books would be useful to Propagate and Confirm the Catholick Religion and be a great Addition to the Ecclesiastical Library as believing now he had Peace on all sides nothing could add more to the Glory of his Kingdom than the increase of Religion and Learning Tajus having delivered his Embassy the Pope was very willing to oblige the King But those Books thro' the Ignorance and Negligence of the times were so hid among other Papers that it was hard to find them Much time was spent in searching and the Bishop seeing little hope of Success had recourse to God and spent the Night in Prayer begging of God not to suffer the good Intentions of the King to be frustrated He fail'd not of Success for that Night God revealed or as he says in a Letter St. Gregory appear'd to him and discover'd where those Books were Now it was that Fructuosus began to be famous in Spain he being of the Royal Blood of the Goths left the World to go live in a Desart and in time at his own Expence near Coplutica at the Foot of the Mountain Irago in the place now call'd Vierço built a Monastery of Monks of the Invocation of the Martyrs Justus and Pastor The King was assisting to him in building of this Monastery and afterwards the number of Monks being too great not far off in a rough and uncouth place Founded another Dedicated to St. Peter Fructuosus Founded a third Convent in the Island of Cadiz and a fourth on the Continent nine Leagues from the Coast besides many others as well of Men as Women This was the Posture of Affairs in Spain in the latter Years of Chindasuinthus at which time he to secure the Succession of the Crown he had obtained by force in his Family chose his Son Flavius Recesuinthus his Companion in the Throne in the Year of our Lord 648. after he had Reigned alone 6 Years 8 Months and 20 Days It is true he lived three Years after but that time is allotted to the Reign of his Son because by reason of his great Age he left the whole charge of the Government to him Chindasuinthus dyed at Toledo according to some of Sickness but as others will have it was poisoned His Body and that of his Wife Riciberga were buryed in the Monastery of S. Romanus now called de Hormisda betwixt Toro and Tordesillas on the Banks of the River Duero founded by himself for his place of Burial as was accordingly performed In the Reign of Recesuinthus Eugenius the Third was Archbishop of Toledo a Person of great Learning as appears by many of his works still extant and by some reckoned among the Number of Saints In his time and by his procurement 52 Bishops met at Toledo which is counted the eighth Council held in that City This was rather a Parliament than Synod all the Nobility of the Kingdom being present at it and signing to all the Decrees which rather respected the Temporal than Spiritual Power Two Years after by the King's Order there met 16 Bishops who Celebrated the 9th Council and published 17 Acts upon several Articles The following Year 656. 20 Bishops met again in the same City and this is reckoned the tenth Council of Toledo The Acts of all these Councils as also the Lives of St. Isidorus and St. Ildefonsus whereof F. Mariana here Treats at large I thought would not be so acceptable to most Readers nor so pertinent in this as the Ecclesiastical History which I do not pretend to write and have therefore purposely omitted them In the Year 660 Twelve Bishops of Portugal held a Synod at Merida and published 23 Decrees most relating to the Celebration of Divine Service At the same time the power of the Mahometans grew formidable in Africk for Abdalla Duke of Moabia
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
Voluntarily took up Arms for the love of their Country others for fear of the Enemies and even of their own People who threatned them if they forsook the common Cause The Asturians in general all appeared Pelayus calling together the Heads of them made a Speech exhorting and encouraging them to behave themselves Manfully and Repulse their cruel Enemy Whilst he spoke the Sighs of his Auditory were so loud they often interrupted him but being somewhat animated with his Words they all swore to stand by one another and expose themselves to all dangers in opposing of the Moors Then they consulted of choosing a Chief and by the unanimous Consent of all Pelayus was pitched upon and Proclaimed King of Spain in the Year 716. some to this Number add 2 Years Thus at the time that Impiety and Tyranny were predominant in Spain a new and lasting Kingdom was erected and a Standard was set up for Relief of the oppressed Natives The People of Galicia and Biscay who like those of Asturias in some measure preserved their Liberty were invited to joyn in this Enterprize The same was done underhand to the neighbouring Towns that were subject to the Moors Some People resorted to Pelayus but many despising the new King would not leave their Houses nor expose themselves to such eminent danger Pelayus understanding how necessary it is to settle a good Reputation at first wasted the Frontiers of the Moors destroying all that stood in his way He visited the Towns of Asturias encouraging the Fearful and commending the Resolute Besides he laid up Stores of all things necessary for his Defence with great Labour and Industry as knowing it would not be long before the Insidels would be upon him He was Active and Courageous his Age fit to endure hardship his Presence not gay but such as became a Soldier One of the most noted Commanders that came out of Africk with Tarif was Alcama who was in the nature of a Major General This Man understanding what passed in Asturias speedily repaired thither from Cordova with a good Army of Moors and Christians and carried along also D. Oppas the Bishop of Sevil hoping he might be instrumental in persuading Pelayus and his Party to desist from what they had undertaken At the News of Alcama's coming the Christians dismay'd and it was thought they would never sustain so much as the sight of the Enemy In this confusion nothing but the special Hand of God and the Valour and Prudence of Pelayus could have protected those People wholly for saken by themselves It were a madness to oppose a handful of unarmed heartless Men against a disciplin'd and furious Enemy Therefore Pelayus having dispersed most of his Men into the neighbouring Towns he with 1000 of the choicest betook himself to a large Cave on the Mountain Ausena now called the Cave of St. Mary de Cobadonga He laid in Provision for a long time and furnished Arms offensive and defensive either to make good his Ground if Attack'd or Sally out if occasion offered The Moors pursued him to the very mouth of the Cave and being desirous to prevent Bloodshed for they must expect in those narrow places to receive much damage resolved to try whether Persuasions and fair Promises could prevail to reduce those People D. Oppas took this Employment upon him and having obtained liberty to Speak with Pelayus used all his Rhetorick to bring him to an Accommodation but understanding by his Answer he and all his Men were resolved to die in defence of their Liberty the Event was remitted to the decision of the Sword The Insidels attack'd the mouth of the Cave powring in a Shower of Stones and Darts Here the Hand of God appeared in defence of the Christians for all the Weapons cast against them flew back upon the Moors with great slaughter of them At this Miracle the Insidels stood astonished and the Christians taking heart rusht out upon them the Fight was Disorderly but the Enemy amazed at what they had seen turned their Backs and fled 20000 were killed in the Battle and Pursuit the rest after halting upon the top of Mount Fusena fled to the Field Libanensis thro' which runs the River Deva There another Miracle was wrought which was that near a Farm called Causegadia part of a Mountain with all that were upon it fell into the River by which a great number of Barbarians perished For many Years after Bones and pieces of Armour were dug out of that place especially when the Floods wash away the Banks Few of all that Army escaped Alcama was killed in the Fight D. Oppas the Bishop being taken it is supposed was put to Death tho' Historians do not relate it for they make no farther mention of him Munuza not thinking himself safe in Gijon attempted to make his escape but was killed by the Country People near the Village Oralie This Battle was fought in the Year of our Lord 718. At the same time Muza in Africk was Impeached before the Miramaniolin by Tarif his Enemy and being called to account could not well clear himself whereupon a great Fine was laid upon him for grief of which Disgrace he soon after dy'd His Son Abdalasis having Governed Spain three Years became Odious as well to the Natives as his own People for that he ravished their Daughters and was therefore killed in a Mosque in the Year 719. Some say he was killed by procurement of his Wite Egilona on account that he was kinder to other Women than to her others say the cause of his Death was his Pride and his taking upon him the Regal Authority by her persuasion The chief of the Murderers was his Kinsman Ajub who took upon him and held the Government of Spain the space of 1 Month. D. Roderick the Archbishop says it was he that built Calatayud a noted Town a little beyond the Borders of Aragon Vlit dying his Brother Zuleyman succeeded him in the Empire of the Moors By him instead of Abdalasis the Government of Spain was given to Alabor a Man fierce and cruel no less to the Moors than Christians for he took their Goods from the Inhabitants of Cordova only to satiate his Avarice He proceeded against all the Moors that came first into Spain only upon pretence they had wrongfully taken to themselves all the Riches of the Country This is he that translated the Seat of the Moorish Empire in Spain from Sevil to Cordova and is said to have put to Death Count Julian and the Sons of Witiza imagining the Disaster that hap'ned in Asturias had been contrived by them A just Judgment of God that Traitors to their Country should be thus used by those they served and had called to their assistance CHAP. II. Pelayus his Power increases he takes several Towns His Death The short Reign and Death of Favila Several Moorish Governours in Spain Actions of the Infidels in France PElayus having obtained that glorious Victory
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
to King Alonso He Reigned about 2 Years alone according to Garibay his Account for F. Mariana is not intelligible in this Place and had two Sons D. Ramiro and D. Garcia by his Wife Ninilon or Vrsenda to whom he was unlawfully Married tho' afterwards he left her and lived Chast the rest of his Life In other respects he was Modest and Temperate a Lover of his ease and averse to Business yet did one thing very pleasing and commendable which was declaring of D. Alonso who had been depos'd by Mauregatus his Companion in the Throne which according to Isidorus Pacensis who then liv'd was in the Year 791. After this Bermudo reign'd Four Years and Six Months This Prince was very remarkable for his continual Prosperity good Conduct Liberality Piety the Love of his People and Terror of his Enemies By his Valour the affairs of the Christians almost sunk were re-established for in the third Year of his Reign Alonso his Companion vanquish'd Mugayo General of the Moors who had broke into Asturias upon the Account that the King refus'd to pay the Tribute of the young Maids The Battle was fought near a Town call'd Ledas the Victory one of the greatest obtain'd in Spain for 70000. Infidels were kill'd by which the Christians were deliver'd from a great Oppression and the Moors diverted with other Wars could not revenge this loss About the same time many Towns about the Pyrenean Mountains were taken from the Moors by the Kings of Navarre and Charlemaigne the Famous King of France and Emperour Here again I am forced to follow the authority of Garibay my Author being ill Printed the fate of many Books Printed in Spain Issem King of Cordova sent a good Army under the Command of his General Abdelmelich to put a stop to these Proceedings who retook Girona in Catalonia and Narbonne on the Borders of France From hence the Bishop D. Roderick says the Moors caus'd Christians to bring Earth on their Shoulders which I suppose was Sand to bind their Mortar for to finish the great Mosque at Cordova This King also built another Bridge at Cordova near the Pallace and was the first of the Moorish Kings that took a Guard of Strangers which were 3000. Renegado Christians besides he entertain'd 2000. Eunuchs as his Menial Servants He dy'd in the Year 795. having Reign'd 26 Years 10 Months and 15 days and leaving behind the name of a Wise Just and Bountiful Prince and his Son Alhaca to succeed him CHAP. V. The Reign of D. Alonso the Chast The Nestorian Heresy reviv'd The King's Sister debauch'd he takes Lisbon Wars among the Moors Invention of the Body of St. James the Apostle and Defeat of Charlemaigne DUring these last Reigns Felix Bishop of Vrgel and his Disciple Elipandus Archbishop of Toledo reviv'd the false Doctrine of Nestorius Condemn'd at the Council of Ephesus They affirm'd that Christ our Lord as Man was only the adoptive Son of the Father and endeavour'd to spread these their Opinions but were Condemn'd by Councils held at Reginum of Bavaria now Ratisbon and at Francfort Felix dy'd obstinate at Lions in France What became of Elipandus is not known Some Years after Claudius a Spaniard Disciple of Felix and Bishop of Turin who lived in the Emperour Ludovicus Pius his Court with great Opinion of Learning among other things to the Opinions of the others added a new extravagancy saying that holy Images ought to be cast out of the Churches Jonas Aurelianensis his Contemporary wrote Learnedly against him King Bermudo was Bury'd at Oviedo where formerly his and his Wives Tombs were to be seen Thus D. Alonso was left to govern by himself It is a receiv'd Opinion that he aiming at a greater Purity of Life never had Carnal Knowledge of his Wife Berta He is said to have built the Cathedral of Oviedo but others write it was D. Bermudo who began it and the Inscription at the entrance as was said above attribute it to King Sylon Perhaps all three had a hand in the work and he who finish'd had all the honour of it Certain it is King Alonso enrich'd it with many Gifts and particularly with a curious gold Cross set with Stones made by the hands of Angels as the People imagin'd because after it was done they were never seen more The glorious beginnings of this Princes Reign were somewhat Eclyps'd by a Misfortune that hapned in the Royal Family which was that Da. Ximena the Kings Sister was privately Marry'd according to our Author but that had been no such mighty disaster and all other Historians write she was debauch'd by Sandia or Sancho Earl of Saldan̄a and by him had Bernard call'd Carpensis or del Carpio much fam'd for his Exploits in Spanish History The Earl being Convicted had his Eyes put out and was Condemn'd to perpetual Imprisonment which he accordingly suffer'd in the Castle of Luna Da. Ximena was shut up in a Monastery of Nuns and yet care was taken to have the Child bred up in Asturias as if he had been the King 's own The Moors at this time were not idle for Zulema and Abdalla the new King's Unkles who till then had liv'd in Africk came over into Spain Abdalla who was the boldest came first and possess'd himself of the City Valencia deliver'd to him by the Inhabitants Zulema who was ready at the first call pass'd over to his Brothers assistance and both together after wasting all the Country adventur'd to give King Alhaca Battle It was fought obstinately on both sides and much Blood spilt but at last Zulema and many more being kill'd Abdalla fled to Valencia where he came to accommodation with the King and had a Revenue assign'd him to live upon according to his Quality delivering up his Sons as Hostages whom the Moorish King treated as became his Cousin-Germans and Marry'd his own Sister to one of them This discord among the Moors was advantagious to King Alonso for he took the City of Lisbon as many Foreign Authors write tho' ours make no mention of it and sent a solemn Embassy to Charlemaigne to whom Fruella and Basilicus the Principal Embassadors of the Booty taken in that City carried a rich Present from the King of Arms Horses and Captives besides a Moorish Tent of wonderful Greatness and Workmanship After this there ensu'd so great a Rebellion in his Kingdom that he was forc'd to retire for safety to the Monastery Abeliense situate in the most uncouth part of Galicia Thence by the help of Theudius a Man of great Power he recover'd all his Dominions with more honour than if that Misfortune had not befallen him But in my Opinion nothing was more honourable in the Reign of this King than the invention of the Body of the Holy Apostle St. James Which as is generally related happen'd in this manner Theodomirus Bishop of Iria Flavia hearing great Lights were seen in a wild part of a Mountain went
Favour seizes upon a Town call'd St. Christina two Leagues from Lugo King Alonso was immediately upon him and coming to a Battle slew him and 50000 of his Men. In the mean while dy'd Alhaca King of Cordova in the Year of our Lord 821 of the Arabs 206 of his Reign 27. He left 19 Sons and 21 Daughters His Son Abderhaman succeeded him being 41 Years of Age and Reigned 31. About this time says Zonaras the Moors of Spain pass'd into Candia and Planted there Much is now spoke of the Prowess of Bernard del Carpio and his Rebellion but these are things more like Romance than History and therefore I pass them by The King being very old and upon his Death-bed appointed D Ramiro the Son of D. Bermudo to succeed him and dy'd Aged 85. years having Reign'd 52 Years five Months and thirteen Days and in the Year of our Lord 843. according to the Chronicle of King Alonso the Great and the most ancient Records He deceas'd at Oviedo and was Buried in the Church of St. Mary in that City The Reign of King Ramiro as to time was short but glorious and full of honourable Exploits For to him under God is due the honour of restoring the Spanish Monarchy to its former lustre His Government in all respects was excellent but above all in Martial Exploits Wizards and Conjurers he caus'd to be burnt and Robbers that then were in great numbers to have their Eyes put out At the time of King Alonso his Death D. Ramiro was among the Varduli a part of Old Castile or Biscay His absence gave an opportunity to Count Nepotianus to possess himself of Asturias and assume the Title of King All mutinous and turbulent Persons follow'd him and he rais'd a considerable Army King Ramiro was not idle but met him with an equal force the Battle was fought in Galicia near the River Narceya where Nepotianus being forsaken by his Army was forc'd to fly but in the flight taken by two of his own Chief Officers called Somna and Scipio and deliver'd up to the King After these civil dissentions ensu'd the War with the Moors at first terrible but in the conclusion most fortunate to the Christians Abderhaman was King of the Moors a Prince fierce by nature and haughty with his continual success for he had not only expell'd his Uncle Abdalla who endeavour'd to recover the Kingdom but had taken the City Barcelona This done he resolv'd upon the War against King Ramiro and upon this account sent to demand of him the Tribute of 100 young Maids Mauregatus had formerly consented to pay His Embassadors were dismissed with scorn and protected only by the Law of Nations from suffering for their presumption Next all that were of Age in the Kingdom except some few left to till the ground for fear of a Famine were listed the very Bishops and Persons Consecrated to God follow'd the Christian Camp To gain a reputation and be thought the Aggressors they broke into the Territory of Rioja then possess'd by the Moors Abderhaman on the other side having made mighty preparations of all things necessary advanc'd towards the Christians The two Armies met near Alvelda or Albayda a Town then of strength now almost unpeopled but famous once for a Monastery built there by Sancho King of Navarre of the Invocation of S. Martin the Revenue and Library whereof was afterwards translated to the Church of St. Mary the Round in the City Logron̄o two Leagues distant from Alvelda In that place the Battle was fought and prov'd one of the bloodyest of that Age. Our Army being compos'd of Men gather'd in hast was no way to compare to the Enemy for Discipline All must have been lost had not the Commanders still appear'd where the danger call'd encouraging the Men not only with words but their Example Night put an end to the Battle The smallest Accidents in War often prove of the greatest Consequence so now the approach of the Night saved the Christians from utter Destruction The King retired to a rising ground that was near with his broken Forces fortified himself the best the time would permit and caused the wounded to be taken care of whilst all the Army almost despairing of their safety offered their Vows and Tears to Heaven Sorrow and Care so oppressed King Ramiro his Thoughts that he fell into a slumber in which he thought he saw the Apostle St. James bidding him be of good Heart and assuring him of the Victory This vision or dream so revived him that he started up and calling into his Presence all the Prelates and Chief Men of the Army related at large what he had seen and exhorted them to put their Confidence in God and not doubt of the Victory This done he Ordered his Battle and gave the Signal to fall on Our Men Encouraged with what they had heard attack the Enemy furiously calling upon S. James whence sprang the Custom to this Day in use among Spaniards of invoking that Saint when they Charge The Infidels surprized at the boldness of our Men whom they thought vanquished and struck with terror from Heaven could not bear the brunt of that Charge but fled and were so sharply pursued that 60000 of them were killed It was said the Apostle St. James was seen in the heat of the Fight leading our Men upon a White Horse in his hand a White Banner with a Red Cross in the middle After this Victory the Christians regained many Towns among them Clavijo from which this Battle took Name Alvelda and Calahorra This Memorable Battle was fought in the Year 844. being the second of the Reign of King Ramiro Having returned Thanks to Almightly God the Victorious Army by vow obliged all Spain tho' the greatest part was subject then to the Moors to pay for ever yearly a certain Measure of Wine or Corn for every Akre of Land as also that whensoever any Booty was divided St. James should have his share as a Horse Man Of the spoils taken this War the King caused a Stately Church to be Built in honour of our Blessed Lady which is to be seen to this day half a League from Oviedo on the side of Mount Naurancius and near it was Built another Dedicated to St. Michael The Queen whom some call Vrraca others Paterna Mother to D. Ordon̄o and D. Garcia furnished those Churches with all things necessary for she used to spare all that was possible of her own Expence and lay it out upon Churches especially that of the Apostle St. James The joy and advantage of this great Victory was not lasting or considerable as might have been expected by reason of another War that ensued Our Nation had scarce began to shake off the Yoke laid upon them by the Moors who came from the South when it Laboured under another Plague sent from the North. Such were the Normans who drove by necessity or rather the desire
as he lived Not long after he overthrew and took Zenon also and put him into the same Prison This Zenon is said to have left two Daughters one called Toda was Wife to Yn̄igo Arista King of Navarre the other Married Zuria who was afterwards Lord of Biscay from whom some will have it the following Lords of that Country descended till it was Incorporate in the Crown of Castile The Punishment of these two was an Example to terrifie others from attempting the like After this Alava was given to a Nobleman called Count Vigila or Vela The Lordship of Castile was in the Possession of the Count D. James Porcellos all this was in the first Year of the Reign of D. Alonso The following Year began more hot for Imundarus and Alcama Moorish Generals sate down before Leon but the King obliged them to raise the Siege with great slaughter of their Men. To strengthen himself the more against the Infidels he made a League with the French and Navarrois and the more to bind this Alliance Married a Lady of the Blood Royal of France called then Amelina afterwards Da. Ximena By her he had D. Garçia D. Ordon̄o and D. Fruela all three successively Kings and D. Gonçalo Archdeacon of Oviedo The Broils among the Moors offered the Christians a fair opportunity of carrying on some Enterprize The People of Toledo provoked by the Cruelty of the Kings of Cordova and relying on the strength of their City Rebelled and chose Mahomet Avenlope for their King but were soon subdued and Avenlope with his Brothers fled to the Protection of King Alonso who received and entertained them favourably believing they might be useful to him in his Wars against the Moors Soon after taking these along and aided by French Navarrois and Biscainers he entred the Country of the Moors Plundering and destroying all he met and without doing any thing more considerable dismissed his Army rich with the Booty they had taken In the following Year which was 874 the People of Toledo as is supposed to oblige their King made an Inroad into the Lands of the Christians as far as the River Duero but the King unexpectedly coming upon them near a Town called Pulviraria upon the River Vrbicus now Orbigo killed 12000 of them and soon after destroyed an Army that followed the others from Cordova in such manner that only 10 of them were found alive among the Dead Almudar Son of the King of Cordova followed with the main Body of the Moorish Forces but understanding the great slaughter of his People durst not advance to Sublancia where the King was and therefore marched back again by Night A Treaty was now set on foot by means of Abubalit who had been taken in Galicia and was well affected towards the Christians the conclusion was a Truce for three Years This time being expired the King broke into the Country of the Moors and passing the River Tagus advanced as far as Merida and thence returned loaden with Spoils having met no opposition Bernard del Carpio is said to have had a great share in all these Actions and that as a Reward of his Services he begged his Father's liberty which the King refusing he rose in Rebellion and built the Castle of Carpio from which he took Name Besides the Moors at his Instigation infested the Lands of the Christians After this he delivered up his Castle upon Condition his Father should be released but the King not performing he fled to France and Navarre and there dy'd in Banishment All these Transactions have no good Authority to back them and have much of Romance in them therefore it is better be succinct in Relations of that nature D. Fruela the King's Brother on what account is not known conspired to kill him but being discovered was Condemned to lose both his Eyes and live in perpetual Imprisonment the same punishment was inflicted on D. Nun̄o D. Bermudo and D. Odoario all his Brothers for conspiring with D. Fruela This punishment being thought too Cruel caused some new Broils For D. Bermudo escaping out of Prison took Astorga and Fortified it then coming to a Battle with the King was overthrown and fled to the Moors This moved the King to make the greater havock on the Lands of the Infidels particularly he so harrassed the Country of Toledo that some Years after they were forced with great Sums of Money to purchase a Truce for three Years to the great Honour of the Christians and Disgrace of the Moors About this time dy'd Athaulfus Bishop of Compostella and Sisenandus a Person of great Piety and Learning succeeded him In his time the Church of St. James was made an Archiepiscopal See and the said Church then newly finish'd Consecrated by certain Bishops that held a Synod there It was not lawful without the consent of the Pope to call a Council of Bishops therefore Severus and Desiderius were sent Embassadors to Rome and obtain'd the consent of Pope John the Eighth and his Bull Constituting the Church of Oviedo a Metropolitan See Together with the Kings Embassadors the Pope sent one called Reginald There met at Compostella 14 Bishops who Consecrated the Church of St. James the Apostle with great Solemnity on the 7th of May in the Year 876. Eleven Months after this the same Bishops by the King's Command met at Oviedo and decreed in pursuance of the Pope's Order that that See for the future should be Archiepiscopal and Ermenegildus was chosen for that dignity For some Years the Moors were quiet and nothing hapned worthy of memory Only in the Year 881. there were Earthquakes throughout all Spain which destroy'd many Buildings King Mahomet being at his Devotions a flash of Lightning kill'd two that stood next to him in the Mosque to the great terror of the rest The Year following Abdalla the Son of Lope forgetting the favours he had receiv'd from the King of Leon and envying his Uncles in whom the said King repos'd so much Confidence that he entrusted them to breed his Son D. Ordon̄o was reconcil'd to the King of Cordova and gathering Forces broke into the Lands of the Christians doing great harm till King Alonso met and worsted him at Cillorico then drove him from Pancorvo whence passing by Leon and through Portugal he return'd to Cordova Next Winter Abdalla overthrew the two Zimaels his Brother and Uncle and sent them in Fetters to the Castle of Recaria This action brought upon him the Forces of both the Kings as well of the Christians as Moors though at the same he endeavour'd to excuse himself to both D. Vela and D. James the two Earls of Biscay and Castile also entred into a League against him as the common Enemy Almudar Son to the King of Cordova and Abuhalit were sent to Besiege Zaragoça but to no effect by reason it was strong and well provided with necessaries In their return they made an Inroad into the
of his Reign which last but 5 Years and 7 Months gave him not time to Exercise his many Virtues At his first Accession to the Crown D. Sancho his Brother stirred up D. Garci Sanchez his Unkle King of Navarre and the Earl Fernan Gonzalez against him The Forces of both those Nations at once entred the Territories of Leon and the King being unprovided and not yet secure of the affection of his Subjects resolved to Fortify himself and not come to a Battle His Enemies reaping no benefit by this attempt returned home to their own Countries But he to be revenged of the Earl for joyning with his Brother and Unkle without any Provocation given him presently was divorced from Da. Vrraca the Earls Daughter and Marryed Da. Elvira such was the Practice of that Age. By this Wife he had D. Bermudo who in process of time after many changes came to be King of Leon. The tumults raised in Galicia for the Love that People bore D. Sancho were soon appeased by the King who to make the greater advantage of this success entred that part of Lusitania Subject to the Moors plundering all the Country as far as Lisbon whence he returned home About the same time the Earl of Castile took from the Moors the Castle of Carranço Abderhaman King of Cordova tho' now very Aged gathered a mighty Army to the number of 80000 Fighting Men the Command of them he gave to Almanzor Alhagib that is Viceroy a General of great Note with orders furiously to over-run the Lands of the Christians Such extraordinary preparations startled the Earl he Listed all that were of Age to bear Arms and finding his Army yet too small for so great a danger held a Council of War at Mun̄on to consult what was best to be done Opinions as is usual in such Cases varyed some were for putting all to the hazard of Battle others for gathering up all Provisions into Places of strength that so the first fury of the Barbarians might be quelled before they came to Blows Gonzalo Diaz a Man of Quality without respect to Honour was for buying a Truce of the Moors The Earl knew well that many there spoke by the Mouth of Gunzalo Diaz but honour prevailed therefore he Gravely Discoursed them upon the Subject extolling the Valour of his People advising to rely on the Assistance of the Almighty and not to Blemish their good Name with the Infamy of Cowardice All agreed to him and having offer'd up their Vows to God moved towards the Enemy who lay incamped near Lara They came not immediately to a Battle and the Earl the mean while going out a hunting pursued a Wild Boor up a difficult ascent to a little Hermitage where a Holy Man called Pelagius had a small Chappel Dedicated to St. Peter The Earl moved to devotion spared the Beast and fell to his Prayers and Pelagius coming he stayed there all Night In the Morning Pelagius told him he should be Victorious and that in token thereof a Prodigy would happen before the Fight Then the Earl return'd to his People who were in care for him and gave an Account of what had befallen him The Souldiers took heart and the Army being drawn up before they engag'd a Gentleman by some call'd Pero Gonzalez de la Puente de Fitero rode out before the rest and the Earth opening swallow'd him so that he was never seen more This terrify'd the Army but the Earl told them it was the sign of Victory the Hermit had spoken of and since the Earth was not able to bear them much less would the Enemy At these words all reviv'd the onset was given and that vast multitude vanquish'd by a handful of Christians This Victory re-establish'd the tottering affairs of the Christians and the Souldiers return'd home loaded with spoils of their Enemies Part of the Booty was given to the holy Man Pelagius and afterwards the Earl built a Monastery dedicated to St. Peter upon the River Arlançd where were interr'd the Bones of D. Gonzalo his Father In our days the Cell of Pelagius is shown on a Rock near that Monastery The Moors nothing daunted at this loss prepar'd again to fall upon Castile and on the other side King Ordon̄o after the Incursion he made into Portugal desirous of revenge resolv'd to make War upon the Earl A mighty danger threatned but the King was easily appeas'd by an Embassy the Earl sent begging Pardon for what was past and that he would not prefer his private animosities before the publick good of the Christians when they were threatned with the extraordinary preparations made by the Moors Therefore the King not only forgave but sent him sufficient supplies to make head against the Moors who were advanc'd as far as Santistevan de Gormaz ravaging the Country As soon as the two Armies met the Battle was given and well fought on both sides but ours obtain'd the Victory with a mighty slaughter of the Enemies King Ordono joyful for this success provided to fall upon the Moors again when Death prevented him at Zamora in the Year 955. His Body was buried with great Pomp and Solemnity in the Monastery of St. Saviour at Leon where his Father also had been Interr'd Our Historians do not mention where D. Sancho the King's Brother was during his Brothers Life or whether ever they were reconcil'd but all agree that after the Kings Death he was by the unanimous consent of all Men Proclaim'd King He was call'd the Gross for his mighty bulk of Body unfit to endure fatigue yet he was good condition'd show'd much Constancy in Adversity and had a generous disposition In the second Year of his Reign which was of our Lord 956 by reason of a Mutiny in the Army not being well assur'd of the affections of his People because many were inclinable to D. Ordon̄o Son to D. Alonso the Monk he left his Kingdom and fled for refuge to his Uncle the King of Navarre D. Ordon̄o easily stept into the Throne and the more to secure himself Married Da. Vrraca that had been Divorc'd from his Cousin King Ordon̄o with the consent of the Earl her Father This D. Ordon̄o was so perversly inclin'd that he was call'd the Wicked and giving way to his base temper became odious and contemptible to the people D. Sancho watch'd all opportunities and mean while went to Cordova where it was reported there were very able Physicians that could bring down his fat Abderhaman receiv'd him with Courtesy and being undertaken by the Doctors his bulk was reduc'd to a moderate size To make his favours the more compleat Abderhaman gave him considerable supplies of Men to recover his Kingdom At his first approach D. Ordon̄o his Adversary fled to Asturias and thence to his Father-in-law the Earl who despising him for his Cowardice took away his Wife Thence he put himself into the hands of the Moors among whom he liv'd poor
and banish'd and at last dy'd in Cordova At the same time Castile was divided with Civil Broils D. Vela Grandson to the other D. Vela who we said was Lord of Alava had great Power there and in the adjoining part of Castile and being a hot Youth took up Arms against the Earl Fernan Gonzalez The Earl lost no time but put him and his Allies to the rout pursuing them so close they were forc'd to take into the Country of the Moors which was the occasion of great troubles and Misfortunes Almanzor Alhagib either at the instigation of these Outlaws or to revenge the affront he had receiv'd rais'd a powerful Army and furiously invaded Castile The Earl marching to meet him by the way went to visit Pelagius the Hermit but finding he was dead and being troubled in mind the said Pelagius appear'd to him in his sleep assuring him of the Victory The two Armies ingag'd near Piedrabita and the dispute was hotter than ever it had been before tho' the multitude of Enemies was great and the Christian Army exceeded not 450 Horse and 15000 Foot It is said the Fight lasted three days only ceasing at Night upon the last day St. James the Apostle was seen at the head of the Christians and gained them the Victory A greater number of the Infidels was slain than in any other Battle our Forces pursuing them two days After this Victory Embassadors came from all the Cities of Castile and the neighbouring parts to Congratulate with the Earl Above all D. Sancho King of Leon sent a splendid Embassy enviting the Earl to be present at the Cortes or Parliament he designed to hold in Leon. This a little perplex'd him fearing some design was hid under that show of Friendship but having no lawful Excuse to absent himself he came on the day appointed accompanied with the Nobility The King went out to meet him and the Parliament was held in the Year 958. but what their Business was is not known Authors relate that the Earl sold the King a stately Horse and a Hawk for a great Sum upon condition if not paid at the time perfixed the price should be doubled every day after Besides by the policy of Da. Teresa the Queen Dowager who desired to revenge her Father's Death it was contriv'd that Da. Sancha her Sister should be Marry'd to the Earl she was then with her Brother D. Garcia King of Navarre and Da. Vrraca the Earl's first Wife was dead It was resolv'd to lay a snare against the Earl because down right force would not prevail and K. Sancho was unwilling to break his word openly therefore it was agreed to work underhand and make use of the perfidiousness of the Navarrois Garci Sanchez was ignorant of D. Sancho's designs and therefore to revenge past wrongs continually infested the Frontiers of Castile After the Earl had complained by his Embassdors they broke out into open War and came to a Battle in which the Earl obtained the Victory Our Historians write that Lope Diaz Lord of Biscay assisted the Earl upon this occasion and say he was Son to In̄igo Ezquerra great Grandson to Zuria formerly Lord of that Country After this Victory a Peace being concluded the Earl in pursuance to the Articles thereof went to Navarre with a good Retinue unarmed as to a Wedding however he was taken Prisoner by the King who was at the place appointed with armed Men. Hence he was delivered by the love of Da. Sancha for whose sake he fell into that misfortune and with her escaped to his own Country On the Frontiers of Castile about Rioja he was met by the Forces of Castile that had vow'd not to return till he were set at liberty Great was the Joy on both sides At Burgos the Nuptials were celebrated The King of Navarre deceived by his Sister prepared for War and the Earl not being backward they Engaged on the Frontiers of Castile and Navarre the King was overthrown and taken Prisoner in the Year 959. The same Year dy'd Abderhaman King of Cordova being of a great Age. Not long before his Death the King of Leon sent him a solemn Embassy desiring the Body of the Martyr Pelayus which was not granted by him but was soon after by his Son and Successor Alhaca who Reign'd 17 Years and 2 Months and being inclinable to Peace endeavoured to oblige all the neighbouring Kings D. Garcia King of Navarre was set at liberty after he had been 13 Months a Prisoner at Burgos the Tears of Da. Sancha and the Intreaties of other Princes having appeased the Earl Queen Teresa a Woman of a fierce and restless Spirit being so far disappointed in her design against the Earl laid other snares for him She persuaded her Son the King of Leon to call him to the Parliament He went tho' with a Jealousie the King came not out to meet him as before but when he came to kiss his Hand ordered him to be cast into Prison This was a great Affliction to the Earl's People Da. Sancha his Wife a Lady of a Masculine Temper and ready wit designing to rescue him feigned she would go in Pilgrimage to the Church of St. James the Apostle Her way was thro' the City Leon the King went out to meet and entertain her Friendly as became a Person of her Quality and his Aunt With much intreaty she obtained leave to visit her Husband and having stay'd all Night together he went out in the Morning in her Cloaths and got safe to his Country The King understanding the Fraud was somewhat concerned but thinking better of it sent her home Honourably to her Husband who over-joy'd at her coming would not make War upon the King but demanded what was due to him for the Horse and the Hawk he had sold him No Payment was made for the Sum by reason of the delay was greater than the King could pay and the Earl made waste upon the Lands of the Kingdom of Leon. Whereupon they agreed that in satisfaction for the Debt Castile for the future should owe no Subjection to the Crown of Leon. This Agreement they say was made in the Year of our Lord 965. The same Year a powerful Army of Moors breaking thro' the Kingdom laid Siege to the City Leon but by the Valour of the Garrlson and Townsmen were Repulsed with great loss Vast flames of Fire rising out of the Sea spread over the Country destroying many Towns even as far as Zamora which beside the present loss was look'd upon as an Omen of future Ills. D. Garci Sanchez King of Navarre dy'd the ensuing Year of 966 leaving by his Queen two Sons D. Sancho and D. Ramiro and three Daughters Da. Vrraca Da. Ermenesilda and Da. Teresa His Son D. Sancho inherited the Crown joyntly with his Brother D. Ramiro The latter Reign'd 10 Years and it is thought dy'd without Issue D. Sancho who as appears by his Grants Rul'd 27 Years Stiled
Instrument of gaining the Battle After the Fight Mahomet shut himself up in the City and as he had designed against the greatest danger took out Hissem from the place where he had kept him Prisoner Being brought out to the People he advised them to prefer their own natural Lord before a Stranger But the People for fear of the Victor giving no ear to his words he was forced to fly to Toledo carrying Hissem with him or else hiding him again Almario was Alhagib or Viceroy to Mahomet who to strengthen his Party against the Enemy and obtain aid of the Christians went into Catalonia where he made great offers and proposed mighty advantages to those Princes if they would assist him D. Ramon Earl of Barcelona and Armengol of Vrgel at the persuasion of this Infidel joyned their Forces to those Mahomet had gather'd in and about Toledo They all made up 9000 Christians and 34000 Moors Near Acanatalbacar the two Armies met and ingag'd with such fury that both left Wings were Victorious and both the right put to flight The Bishops Arnulphus of Vique Aecius of Barcelona and Otho of Girona were here kill'd a shame that such Men should be seen in Arms for the Moors Besides the Earl of Vrgel was slain Mahomet by his own Valour retriev'd the Victory Zulema seeing himself thus vanquish'd fled first to Açafra and not thinking that place secure went farther off All this was in the Year of our Lord 1010. CHAP. VIII Continues the mighty Revolutions among the Infidels with the dismembring of the mighty Kingdom of Cordova and Erecting of several other little Sovereignties in the Chief Cities of Spain ZVlema being overthrown as was said in the last Chapter Mahomet Almahudi the Conqueror remained sole Monarch but according to the Custom of those deprav'd times his Viceroy govern'd all insomuch that after the departure of D. Ramon he Murder'd his Master and thus Hissem the true King was restor'd to the Crown Mahomet's head was sent to Zulema who stayed at a Town call'd Citavan to see what would be the end of all those mighty Revolutions It was the design of the Moors to bring Zulema to submit himself to Hissem as his lawful Prince and for whom at first he seem'd to have taken up Arms but he gathering what Forces he could wasted the Neighbouring Country The Faction of the Abenhumeyas which was still in Cordova was inclin'd to Zulema and for his sake design'd to Murder Hissem but he having notice of it was upon his Guard Zulema being disappointed this way sollicited the Earl of Castile D. Sancho on account of their late Friendship to assist him again D. Sancbo considering better of it made a League with Hissem more to his own advantage for by it six Castles taken from the Christians by Mahomet Alhagib were restor'd to him Mean while Obeydalla the Son of Mahomet Almahudie with the assistance of his Friends made himself King of Toledo Other Authors call him Abdalla and affirm he took to Wife D a Teresa the Sister of D. Alonso King of Leon with the consent of her Brother This Alliance tended to secure both Kingdoms and there was a farther prospect of Converting the Moor. The Maid being thus deceiv'd was carry'd to Toledo where the Wedding was kept with great Solemnity and the Supper was protracted till a great part of the Night was spent After Supper the Lady was conducted to take her rest and the Moor coming hot with desire she bid him forbear her unless he were Baptiz'd but his Passion gave him not leisure to consider so by force he had his will Divine Vengeance soon overtook him for he fell dangerously ill and understanding the cause of his Sickness sent D a Teresa to her Brother with rich Presents She spent the rest of her Life in the Monastery of St. Pelagius in Leon. Obeydalla his Reign was but short being vanquish'd and taken Prisoner by the Forces of Hissem The troubles and confusion among the Moors in all parts of the Kingdom continu'd and offer'd the Christians a fair opportunity of making their advantage but that private grudges always are fatal to the publick Not only discord but Famine also raged among the Moors by reason they had neglected tilling Zulema finding the Earl of Castile would not assist him Confederated himself with the Moorish Kings of Zaragoça and Guadalajara With their aid he took Cordova and Hissem flying into Africk he was left sole Lord of that Kingdom Among those that follow'd Hissem there was a principal Man call'd Haytan This Man possess'd himself of Origuela a City on the Mediterranean Sea and invited Hali Abenhamir Governour of Ceuta for Hissem into Spain upon pretence of making him King Zulema being inferior in strength to them both was overthrown near Cordova deliver'd up to the Conquerour by the Citizens and kill'd with Hali's own hand after he had upbraided him with being the first that Rebelled against his natural Lord Hissem There is no Faith betwixt Companions in Sovereignty Hayton complain'd that the new King did not perform what he had Covenanted with him and therefore joyning with Mundar the Son of Hiaya King of Zaragoça they gathered Forces on both sides and came to a Battle near Zaragoça in which Haytan was vanquished Hali pursuing Haytan came to Guadix and was there killed by his own Eunuchs as he was Bathing By the Votes of the Soldiers Cazin Brother to Hali was brought from Sevil and made King of Cordova He Reigned Three Years Four Months and Twenty Six Days in much trouble for Abderhaman Almortada with the Assistance of Haytan possessed himself of Murcia and took the Title of King Almortada was a haughty Man and by his Pride so far disobliged the People that he was killed by them at Granada Cazin thought himself secure in his Kingdom by the Death of Almortada and the more for that the People of Granada sent him the spoils of his dead Enemy but he was soon undeceived For the People of Cordova Cazin being gone to Sevil enthroned Hiaya his Nephew Son to his Brother Hali a meek and bountiful Man which is very pleasing to the Multitude This Man going to Malaga whereof he was Lord before Cazin again by Force of Arms made himself Master of Cordova His re-establishment was not lasting for the insolency of the Soldiers having caused a mutiny in the City he was forced to fly to Sevil at the end of only Seven Months and three days Neither could he stay long there his adversary having gained the Affections of the People so was obliged to wander like a Vagabond till taken by Hiaya and put in Prison Most of these King were of the Race of the Alavecines a Faction then in great Power The other party of the Abenhumeyas taking Arms chose for their King Abderhaman Son of Mahomet I suppose that Mahomet Almahudie who first rebelled against Hissem but with the same inconstancy killed him within two
Months His severity and the mutability of those People caused his ruin One Mahomet was put into his place and Reigned one Year four Months and twenty two Days and then was killed by the Citizens The same befell Hiaya the Son of Hali who was of the other Faction and had been before Proclaimed King he was in the same manner slain at Malaga whither as was said he had retired when he had Reigned in Cordova only three Months and twenty Days After this Idric Brother to Hali and Unkle to Hiaya was sent for out of Africk where he was Lord of Ceuta to take the Crown This Man being come into Spain what on account of his Kindred with the other two and what by force of Arms possessed himself of the Kingdom of Granada Sevil Almeria and other Neighbouring Cities The inland continued under Hissem for after the Death of Hiaya the People of Cordova had Reinthroned him unless it was another of the same name those Citizens made Choice of for these affairs are very dark The extravagancies of Ministers commonly turn to the ruin of their Masters as hap'ned to Hissem for his Alhagib or Viceroy being Cruel and Covetous was killed and the King expelled his City In that confusion a Youth of the Family of the Humeyas being assisted by a Company of wild Young Fellows entred the Palace and desired of the Soldiers to Proclaim him King They excused themselves with the disloyalty of the Citizens and advised him to take warning by so many as had perished before him to this he Answered Call me King to Day and kill me to Morrow Such is the inordinate desire of Reigning Nevertheless this Man and Hissem with all the Abenhumeyas as the causers of all these Confusions were turned out of the Town by the Citizens Hissem tired with so many changes of Fortune at last came to Zaragoça where he was well received by Zulema Abenbut King of that City who gave him a Castle called Alçuela where he spent the rest of his Life as a private Man D. Roderick the Archbishop who gives this account of the last Kings of Cordova somewhat more obscure than it is set down here does not mention what became of Idric How is it possible in such Confusion to be plain We can only add that from this time forwards the Kingdom of the Moors which for so many Years had mantained it self in great Power and Splendor in Spain so visibly decayed that it was divided into many Sovereignties for every one that could possess himself of a City called himself King of it Jahuar seized Cordova Albudazin Sevil. Haytan he that at first assisted Hissem and then became his Enemy secured Toledo Some will have the Kingdom of Toledo to be more Ancient because that City often rebelled against the Kings of Cordova Other Kingdoms were erected in other Cities too long and confused to insert here It will suffice to know that these Sovereignties continued till the powerful Family of the Almoravides came into Spain with their King Thesephin which was in the Year of our Lord 1091. Let us turn back now to the affairs of the Christians under the Earl D. Sancho and King Alonso CHAP. IX The last Actions of D. Alonso King of Leon and his Death The Reign of D. Bermudo the Third His Son Sancho Earl of Castile Poisons his Mother His Son Garcia Murdered D. Sancho Earl of Castile desiring to revenge the Death of his Father with the Assistance of the Kingdoms of Navarre and Leon that were his Allies entred the Kingdom of Toledo putting all that stood in his way to Fire and Sword The same havock was made in the Territory of Cordova whither our Forces advanced incouraged with their success In both places a great Booty of Captives and Cattle was taken Tho' the harm was great much more was the Terror this struck into the Infidels who being embroiled in Civil Wars could not oppose the Enemy so that they who not long before kept the Christians in continual fear were now forced to buy a Peace at a dear Sepulveda a Town on the Frontiers also Osma Santistevan de Gormaz and other Towns taken by the Moors in the last War were now recovered From this time some Anthors write the Nobility of Castile were exempted from following the Wars at their own cost only upon the hopes of Booty and it was ordained they should receive pay as was used in all other Countries D. Sancho in a great measure Blemished the Honour gained in this Expedition by the Death he put his Mother to She fell in Love with a Lewd Brawny Moor and durst not Marry him not so much for any Scruple of Conscience as for fear of her Son and therefore resolved to Murder him by that means to make way to her infamous Wedding The Dose was prepared to Poison him but the Earl having intelligence of it forced his Mother by way of respect to Drink first of the Cup she offered him Hence some think sprang the Custom used in some parts of Spain to make the Women Drink before the Men. Other Authors write that a Lady belonging to the Countess having seen her prepare the Dose gave Notice to her Husband whom some call Sancho del Valle de Espinosa and he to the Earl and thereby obtained that Privilege enjoyed to this day by the Family of Monteros de Espinosa of Guarding the King's Person by Night True it is I find no good grounds to believe this Relation but it is so recorded and the People of that Town affirm it as a certain Truth They add that the Earl to atone for this fault and allay the hatred the People had conceived against him built a Monastery for Nuns and in honour of his Mother gave it the Name of On̄a which Monastery Sancho the Greater King of Navarre gave to the Monks of Cluni and in our Days is the chief in that Country D. Sancho by his Wife Da. Vrraca had D. Garcia Da. Nun̄a Da. Teresa and Da. Trigida The two eldest Daughters were marryed to great Men Trigida was Abbess in the Monastery of On̄a About the same time D. Sancho made a New way for Strangers to travel to the Church of St. James the Apostle through Navarre Rioja Briviesca and the Country of Burgos Before this time the Christian Dominions being of a smaller extent the Pilgrims that came out of France used to Travel with much difficulty through Biscay and the Mountains of Asturias where the ways were uncouth and there was a general want of all necessaries King Alonso enjoying a perfect Peace by reason of the Civil Wars among the Moors and the League that was between the Christian Princes gave his Mind wholly to the Civil Government and held an Assembly of the States or Parliament at Oviedo in the Year of our Lord 1020. In this Parliament the Ancient Laws of the Goths were Corrected The King at his own cost and charges rebuilt the City
all necessary Preparations gathering Arms Horses Provisions and Money Not only the Laity but the Clergy were obliged to take up Arms old and now Soldiers raised and Supplies sollicited from abroad Many Strangers moved by the great danger Spain was in and desiring to serve in that War came over especially out of France Among these Raymund Earl of Burgundy and his Kinsman Henry who was Born at Besançon was of the House of Lorrain and in process of time the Founder of the Kingdom of Portugal Besides these there came Raymund Earl of Toulouse With them came a good number of Brave and Experienced French Soldiers D. Sancho King of Aragon was not wanting he tho' very ancient yet had the Vivacity and Courage of Youth and was an excellent Commander having gain'd Experience in the continual Wars he had with the Moors All these Forces made up so great an Army that they resolved to invade the Enemies Country They entred Andaluzia plundring and wasting all where-ever they came It was no time for the Moors to be idle both Armies came in sight of one another near a Town called Alagueto but Joseph finding himself inferior to the Christians shunn'd sighting His retreat was more like to a disorderly Flight for he lost great part of the Baggage King Alonso thought it better to content himself with the Honour gained than to tempt Fortune besides that his Army being composed of so many different Nations could not long hold together Thus he returned home his Army loaded with Spoils and pleased with their Success After this for some time the Almoravides attempted nothing farther for Joseph was forced to repair to Africk to setle his new acquired Kingdom Mean while King Alonso slept not expecting the War would soon break out again Therefore he resolved to strengthen himself with fresh Allies abroad In the first place he gave three of his Daughters in Marriage to those three Lords that came to his assistance out of France Raymund Earl of Toulouse Marry'd D. Elvira Henry of Lorrain D. Teresa both Illigitimate Raymund of Burgundy had D. Vrraca got in Wedlock This Prince is said to have rebuilt Salamanca by the King's Order Moreover Sancha the King's Daughter was Marry'd to Earl Roderick From him some will have the Noble Family of Giron to be descended To Henry was given in Dower all that had been recovered from the Moors in Portugal with the Title of Earl yet as a Subject of Castile to be obliged to come to the Parliament and serve in the Wars This was the Original of the new Kingdom of Portugal which stile it afterwards assumed and continued in the Line of this Prince above 400 Years Raymund of Burgundy had the Government of Galicia with the Title of Earl then usually given to the Governors of Provinces yet the best of his Portion was the hopes of succeeding in the Throne if Sancha the King's Son dy'd The Earl of Toulouse received his Portion in Money and Jewels but no Lands in Spain because he resolved to return to France where he had large Possessions of his own There are Authors who write that the City of Lisbon was taken by King Alonso in the Year 1093. but this is doubtful for it was often taken from the Moors and lost again till some time after this it was gain'd by the Christians and has ever since remained in their hands Much about this time began the Holy-War in the East carried on by most of the Christian Princes for recovery of the Holy-Land Peter a Hermit who Travel'd into Palestine was the first Promoter of it for he making his Observations there discoursed Simon Bishop of Jerusalem about it and having received Letters from him moved the same thing to the Pope Vrban who then sate in S. Peter's-Chair ordered a Council of Bishops to meet at Clermont in France to promote the carrying on of this War and the mean while by his Legates stirred up all the Princes of Christendom to share in so Glorious an Undertaking His Endeavours prov'd so successful that all Countries sounded of nothing but Warlike Preparations most Princes aimed to signalize themselves by showing their Zeal in so Pious a War and Thousands of private Persons voluntarily Enrolled themselves to serve upon their own cost But we must not stray too far into Affairs so Foreign Let us return to what hap'ned in Spain CHAP. II. The great Actions of D. Sancho Ramirez King of Aragon He is killed at the Siege of Huesca his Sons continue the Siege Rout a great Army of Moors and Christians that come to raise it and take the Place IN the Year 1094. was Born D. Alonso Son to Henry of Lorrain and his Wife Teresa who by his Valour made the Name of Portugal famous extended his Dominions and was the first of those Princes that assumed the Title of King which he maintained in opposition to the Kings of Castile The same Year was unhappy for the unfortunate death of D. Sancho I. King of Aragon who merited the esteem of his Subjects not only for having governed and maintained his Kingdom as well as any of his Ancestors but for enlarging and extending its Limits He was the first that came down from the high Mountains where his Predecessors maintained themselves by the natural strength of those Places into the Plains where he took many Cities and Towns He had continual Wars with the Moorish Kings of Balaguer Lerida Monçon Barbastro and Fraga and obliged them to pay him Tribute Then after a long and tedious Siege took Barbastro a Noble City on the Banks of the River Vero in a delightful Country Tho' the strength of the Walls was great yet the King's constancy and indefatigable Labour of his Men overcame all Difficulties so that it was entred by Assault and Plundered From that time Barbastro was annexed to the Bishoprick of Rhoda At this Siege Armengaud Earl of Vrgel was slain and thence called Armengaud of Barbastro He being the King's Father-in-law and Father to his Queen Felicia his death was revenged with great slaughter of the Townsmen Bolea a Town on the Borders of Navarre upon the River Cinga after a long resistance was taken from the Moors So also Monçon a strong Town in that Territory with many other Towns and Castles too tedious to rehearse Estela then a small Town in Navarre now a famous City was built at this time King Sancho having a design upon Zaragoça raised a Castle called Castellar five Leagues beyond that City on the Banks of the River Ebro to bridle the Moors and waste the Country about in which that Garrison was so successful that the City was often reduced to such want as if it had been besieged In that part of the Country where were formerly the Vascetani was built the Town of Luna remarkable for nothing more than for being the Original of the Noble Family of that Name in Aragon The King who was much given
Aragon his Issue Alonso his eldest Son succeeds in his Dominions RAymund Prince of Aragon believing the Capitulation in vertue of which he held that part of Aragon which lies on this side Ebro was void by the Death of the Emperor had a Conference with King Sancho at Naxama There the business was debated the Aragonian pretending that Zaragoça Calatayud and other Towns were now exempted from the Jurisdiction of Castile This would not be allow'd yet they agreed that the King of Castile should not be possess'd of any Towns or Castles in that Country but that the Kings of Aragon should do Homage to them for the same and be oblig'd to come to the Cortes or Parliament of Castile when call'd Moreover the League against Navarre was again renew'd but to as little effect as at other times After this Interview the Argoniam commenc'd the War against Navarre but the Forces of Castile could not do their part being prevented by the Death of the King and Queen The Queen dy'd on the 24th of June in the Year 1158. and was bury'd at Najara in the Royal Monastery of S. Mary the Burial Place of the Kings of Navarre On the last of August following the King being busie preparing for the War against the Moors departed this Life at Toledo and was Interr'd in the Cathedral near his Father He Reign'd only 1 Year and 11 Days and had he liv'd longer might have equall'd the Glory of any of his Ancestors Notwithstanding the King's Death his Army in which every Man wore the Cross entred Andaluzia and in Battle overthrew Jacob Miramamolin who was marching towards Sevil. A great slaughter was made of the Moors yet Jacob their King having recruited his Army fell upon such Moorish Kings as refused to submit to him His first attempt was upon the King of Valencia and Marcia but it succeeded not for Raymund Prince of Aragon defended him as being his Ally Then he bent his Force against Alhagius King of Merida whom he subdu'd After this Fadala and Omer two Sons of Alhagius joyning theirs with some of Jacob's entred the Christian Territories as far as Placencia and Avila and bending their course towards Talavera were on their return to Merida with a great Booty But the People of Avila under the command of their Captains Sancho and Gomez overtaking them near Sietevados totally routed them and recover'd all the Prey Four Years after this the same Commanders breaking into Estremadura defeated the Moors that came to oppose them and brought away a rich Booty of Cattle From these Gentlemen are descended the Lords of Villaroro and Marquesses of Velada At the time of his Death King Sancho recommended his Son Alonso then but four years of age to the care of Gutierre Fernandez de Castro who had been his Tutor He order'd the rest of the Nobles should still keep in their Hands those places they were in possession of till the King was 15 years of Age which prov'd very fatal and gave ill Men an opportunity of disturbing the Peace of the Kingdom the Nobility taking it ill that the King and his Authority should be put into the hands of one single Person Among the Nobility of Castile the two most powerful Families at this time were those of Castro and Lara These for a considerable time had the first Vote in the Cortes or Parliament D. Gutierre who had the charge of breeding the young King for his great Age and Experience was highly esteem'd among the Castro's He had no Children His younger Brother Roderick had four viz. Ferdinand Alvaro Peter and Gutierre and a Daughter called Sancha Marry'd to Alvaro de Gusman so that her power was as great as her Brothers The Family of Lara consisted of three Brothers Henry Alvaro and Nun̄o who had great Possessions along the River Duero and were Sons of Earl Peter of Lara kill'd at Bayonne as has been said Their Mother was a Lady call'd Aba who had been first Marry'd to D. Garcia Earl of Cabra by whom she had D. Garcia Acia the Heir of that Estate which added much to the power of the three Brothers They resented that the House of Castro should be preferr'd before them and carry'd it so high in their Discourses it appear'd they would come to blows rather than quit their pretensions D. Gutierre to secure the publick Peace was easily persuaded to put the King into the hands of D. Garcia Acia a modest Man but of too much sincerity for those times In so much that upon pretence of the Expence he was at with the King the Revenues of the Crown being intangl'd he deliver'd him up to D. Manrique de Lara his Brother by the Mother's side which was all he had strugled for D. Gutierre complained this was a breach of Faith and would again have recovered the charge of Educating the King but his Adversaries mock'd at him and thus all things seemed to tend to Confusion and War Ferdinand King of Leon pretending most right to the breeding his Nephew entred Castile with an Army wasting the Lands of the Family of Lara who remov'd the King to Soria from the danger of the War At this time dy'd D. Gutierre de Castro and was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Christopher at Encas D. Manrique de Lara grown more Insolent requir'd the Heirs of the Deceased to resign such Towns and Forts as were in their hands They excus'd themselves pleading the late King's Will by which they were not to resign them till the young King were at Age. Hereupon D. Manrique caused the Body of D. Gutierre to be taken up as if he had been guilty of Treason The case being put to Tryal Judgment was given for D. Gutierre and his Body order'd to be bury'd Mean while King Ferdinand rang'd all the Country there being no Army to make head against him D. Manrique dispairing he should be able to resist was forced to engage himself to King Ferdinand that he would deliver up the King and Government to him to hold for 12 years To this purpose the Cortes or Parliament was summoned to Soria where the young King was Here one Nun̄o Almexar seeing the King carried away to be deliver'd to his Uncle snatch'd him from those that led him and carried him away to Santistevan de Gormaz Thence with consent of the Brothers of Lara he was carried to Atiença and after many removals to Avila There the Townsmen Loyally Defended him till the 11th Year of his Age and were therefore commonly call'd the Faithful King Ferdinand in a rage for being disappointed accused Nun̄o and Manrique de Lara with breach of Faith and thereupon sent to challenge them but they only answer'd That whatsoever others thought their Consciences were satisfy'd they had done their Duty to their King All the Kingdom rejoiced the King was deliver'd from his Uncle but their Joy was not lasting for he wasted all the Country most of the Cities submitted to him
to Toledo he sent a great Sum of Money to Cordova to relieve the Inhabitants who suffer'd want the Country about them lying still waste A Bushel of Wheat was worth 12 Maravedies and a Bushel of Barly 4 which in that Age was an extrordinary rate In the following Year 1239. we find there were two Eclypses of the Sun one on the 3d of June being Friday when the Sun at Noon day was so darkned as if it had been night The other on the 25th of the same Month as Bernard Guido an Aragonian Historian writes But there must be some mistake in this last for there could not be a Conjunction of the Sun and Moon at that time and nothing else can cause an Eclypse of the Sun Pliny affirms the Eclypse of the Moon cannot return till the 5th Month and that of the Sun till the 7th That Year was unlucky to Castile for the Death of two Notable Men. These were D. Lope de Haro to whom succeeded his Son James and D. Alvaro de Castro who made good our Party in Andaluzia This Gentleman perceiving the evil posture of Affairs went to Toledo to acquaint the King with it and being upon his return dy'd by the way at Orgaz During his absence 50 Soldiers under the Command of Alonso de Meneses D. Alvaro's Kinfman went out of the Castle of Martos to plunder Albamar chosen King of Arjona in the place of Abenhut having notice of that advantage laid Siege to the Castle D. Alvaro's Lady caus'd all the Women to Arm themselves and cast Stones from the Wall making show as if they had been Soldiers Thus they defended themselves till D. Alonso and his Company having Intelligence of their danger return'd and being encourag'd by one James Perez de Vargas of Toledo fought their way thro' the Enemy They being entred the Moorish King raised the Siege for want of Provisions The loss of those two great Men not a little perplex'd the King who upon it set out from Burgos travelling with all speed towards Cordova With him went his two Sons Alonso and Ferdinand Princes excellently qualified and now at age to bear Arms. At the same time King Jayme went to Montpellier to try if he could raise some Money in that City which he stood in need of no less than he of Castile besides he design'd to quiet that City then divided into Factions and punish the Mutiniers He compassed both his Designs Albamar the Moorish King to his other Dominions by the consent of the People joyn'd the famous City Granada and this was the beginning of that Kingdom which lasted till the age of our Grandfathers At Murcia the Citizens in hatred to Alhamar chose for their King one Humiel which gave occasion to the mortal Enmity that continu'd many Years betwixt those two Cities The Moors of Andaluzia tired out the Christians with false Alarms and Ambushes but would never come to a Battle On the contrary the King's Forces took from them many Towns Cities and Castles Among these were of Note Ezija Estepa Lucena Porcuna Marchena Cabra Ossuna and Vaena Places of less note are not worth nameing some of them were given to the Knights of Santiago and Calatrava and some to the Prelates and Nobles who serv'd the King in those Expeditions These losses put the Moors into the greatest consternation imaginable One of the Family of the Almohades whose Name is not known came now over out of Africk hoping to raise himself a Kingdom by revenging the harm done his Nation by the Christians but by some Policy he was taken tho' the manner or place where it was done is not set down in any History King Ferdinand having concluded a Truce for one Year with Albamar King of Granada after he had spent 13 Months in this Expedition return'd now to Toledo where his Wife and Mother receiv'd him with great Joy for his many Victories Thence he went to Burgos and translated the University of Palencia Founded by his Grandfather King Alonso to Salamanca He was induc'd to make this change by the conveniency of this City for Schollars the River Tormes coming up to it and supplying it with all Necessaries Besides this he had another reason which was to oblige the Kingdom of Leon within whose Limits Salamanca stands His Father Alonso King of Leon had there laid some small Foundation of an University that his Subjects might not be oblig'd to go for Learning to Castile Now thro' the Bounty of his Son Ferdinand and afterwards of his Grandson Alonso a great Favourer of Learning it so increased that no place in the World affords greater Rewards of Learning or has better Salaries for the Professors of Arts and Sciences D. James de Haro Lord of Biscay about this time Revolted twice the cause not known the goodness of King Ferdinand and care of his Son Alonso still reduc'd him bestowing greater Favours on him than before Respect was had to the Services of his Ancestors and it was of evil consequence to be imploy'd in Civil Broils when there was so fair an opportunity of Extirpating the Moors These things hap'ned in the Year of our Lord 1240. The same Year in the King's absence the Garison of Valencia under the Command of William de Aguillon and other Men of Note plundred the Territory of Xativa took Rebolledo by surprize and besieg'd the Castle of Chjo which stands on the Mountains and is an Inlet to a delightful and pleasant Plain 20000 Moors came to the Relief of it who charg'd the Christians with great Resolution but were overthrown and put to flight After this Victory the Castle was taken and demolished At the King's return the Moors complained of this breach of Truce and Reparation was made them No sooner did that Truce expire but the King entring their Country took the Castle of Bayren seated in a Valley that bears Sugar and Rice as does all the Territory of Gandia Villena was also taken and Castillon but Xativa tho' Besig'd held out In the midst of these Actions the King was called away to Affairs of greater moment in France Each having setled his Kingdom in the best manner time would permit The King of Arragon prepared to depart into France and he of Castile into Andaluzia A dangerous Sickness detain'd King Ferdinand at Burgos Alonso his eldest Son was sent before to carry on the War because the Truce was almost expired and the Frontiers must be Reliev'd lest they should be in danger Alonso being come to Toledo there met him Embassadors from Hudiel King of Murcia offering him that Kingdom upon these Conditions That Hudiel being taken into the Protection of the Kings of Castile should by them be defended from all Domestick and Foreign Enemies and particulary against Alhamar King of Granada whom of himself he was not able to withstand That during his Life he should enjoy half the Revenues of that Crown These Conditions were very advantagious It was
the King entred in solemn Procession He caused the Walls to be Repaired the Church to be Consecrated and made the City a Bishoprick Authors do not agree about the time when this City was taken the most Learned affirm it was in the Year 1243. the Annals of Toledo say three Years later The Siege lasted eight Months and our Men kept the Field tho' the Winter prov'd very hard Here Roderick the Archbishop of Toledo concludes his History and says it was the 33d Year he had enjoy'd that Dignity The following Year there were Tumults betwixt the Catalonians and Aragonians each side pretending that Lerida was within their Limits The Aragonians said their Borders extended to the River Segre and the Catalonians affirm'd that the River Cinga parted those Dominions King Jayme was more inclinable to the Catalonians designing to divide his Dominions and leave Aragon to Alonso his eldest Son and the Principality of Catalonia to Peter whom he lov'd most tho' the youngest born of Violante his second Wife In fine the case being put to Arbitration the King gave Judgment for the Catalonians to whom he assign'd all the Country betwixt the Rivers Segre and Cinga This resolution of dividing his Kingdom offended not only Prince Alonso but most of the Nobility of Aragon and Catalonia Upon this the Prince withdrew to Calatayud with such as were of his party the chief whereof were Ferdinand the King's Uncle Abbot of Montaragon D. Peter Rodriguez de Aragon Peter Infante of Portugal and other Persons of both Nations who disliked the King's Designs Portugal was now in an Uproar and full of Tumults Sancho II. called Capelo of the form of his Cap then Reigning at the first Govern'd not altogether ill for we find he made War upon the Infidels and gave Mertola and other Towns taken from them to the Knights of Santiago In other respects he was of so easie a nature it almost came to be an Infatuation Mencia his Queen and Daughter to Lope de Haro Lord of Biscay had so intirely gain'd the ascendant over him that she seem'd to be King and he only the Instrument of her Will Her Favourites were of the worser sort and at their will Honours were bestow'd Crimes pardon'd and Punishments inflicted This prov'd the King's ruin for the Noblity offended to see the Government in the Hands of mean People first endeavoured to have the King Divorc'd upon account of Consanguinity and the Queen's Barrenness The business was mov'd to the Pope and to the King who was Consciencious enough yet it availed not it being hard to prevail with the Pope and the King being so in love with the Queen that the People said She had bewitch'd him But love is Witchcraft enough of its self King Sancho had a younger Brother called Alonso Marry'd to the Countess of Bologne in France The Nobility sent the Bishops of Braga and Coimbra to Pope Innocent who then held a General Council at Lyons in France to obtain his Consent for Deposing of their King and Enthroning his Brother but the Pope could not be brought to it only granted that Alonso should take charge of the Government D. Alonso having first been with the Pope at Paris took an Oath that he would have regard above all things to the Publick Good then went into Portugal It was no difficult matter to seize upon the Government the Nobility being all for him yet many Troubles ensued in which Ferdinand and Alonso his Son Kings of Castile bore a part At first King Sancho withdrew into Galicia whither the Queen had before fled Afterwards he went to Toledo to King Alonso then Reigning hoping to regain his Kingdom with the Forces of Castile But his Brother Alonso prevented him by offering to put away his Wife and Mary Beatrix Bastard Daughter to King Alonso and moreover to do him Homage and pay Tribute for the Kingdom of Portugal as had been done Originally Interest bore down Honour and the Pope declared the first Marriage void Thus the Nuptials were Celebrated Certain Towns near the Mouth of the River Guadiana taken by the Castilians which the Portugueses pretended to belong to their Conquest were given in Dower Hence some believe the Kings of Portugal took occasion to add an Orle of Castles to their former Arms. King Sancho having lost all hopes of regaining his Kingdom spent the rest of his days at Toledo living upon Revenues assigned him by the King of Castile After his Death he was Honourably Bury'd in the Cathedral near to Alonso the Emperor Authors do not agree about the time of his Death some say it was 13 years after this we now write of others but 3 and that he Reigned 34 years At the time that King Sancho dy'd his Brother Alonso besieg'd Coimbra which still continued Loyal to the King tho' the Inhabitants suffer'd great hardships Freitas the Governour being inform'd the King was dead yet not giving credit to the Report desir'd leave to go to Toledo to be satisfy'd Leave was granted and a Truce concluded betwixt the Besieged and the Besiegers for that time Freitas being come to Toledo and understanding the truth caused the King's Tomb to be open'd and put the Keys of the City into his Hands saying My Sovereign Lord and King whilst I thought you liv'd I endured all Miseries eat Hides drank Vrine and encourag'd the Townsmen to do the like I have done all that could be expected of a Loyal and dutiful Subject Now you are dead I deliver up the Keys to you which is my last Duty and with your leave will advise the Citizens since they have discharged their Duty that they submit to your Brother Alonso An example of Loyalty that well deserves eternal praise CHAP. III. The beginning of the War against Sevil. Aragon under a general Interdict The Siege and Surrender of Sevil Carmona and several other Places THE League made with the King of Granada put King Ferdinand in hopes of subduing Sevil. 500 Light-Horse were sent before under the Command of the King of Granada to waste the Lands of Carmona formerly a considerable Town Alcala Guadayra thro' that Kings persuasions surrendred Thence a good Body marched towards Sevil and fired the ripe Corn the Vines Olive-trees and all the Country-Houses D. Pelayo Correa Master of Santiago Commanded this Party Another under the King of Granada and Master of Calatrava did the like harm in the Territory of Xerez King Ferdinand himself was at Alcala Guadayra providing all Necessaries that the War might be carry'd on before the Enemy had time to gather strength Now dy'd Queen Berengaria the Kings Mother and soon after Roderick Archbishop of Toledo As to the Year Authors vary some say it was 1245. others 1247. and this agrees with the Inscription upon his Tomb. The Queen was very ancient the Archbishop besides his great Age was worn with continual Labour and had been lastly at the Council of Lyons among other things
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
which make it look like a Terrestial Paradise In our days the principal Trade of that City is Silk At that time it was well Fortify'd and had a strong Garison Some Sallies were made at first in which the Besieg'd came off always with loss In conclusion the Siege had not lasted long before the Moors Capitulated and Surrendred the Place On the other side King Alonso at Alcala de Bençayde came to an Accommodation with the Moors of Granada upon the following Conditions That the King of Granada break the League with Hudiel King of Murcia That he pay 50000 Ducats Yeatly as was done before That King Alonso on his part no longer Protect the Moors of Guadix and Malaga provided the Moorish King grant them a Truce for a Year That the King of Murcia if taken by the Christians have his Life spar'd These Articles being sign'd King Alonso hasted to take possession of Murcia after the surrender whereof King Jayme was return'd home At the Town of Santistevan Hudiel King of Murcia met King Alonso and falling at his Feet begg'd pardon for what was past which was granted upon condition he should no longer use the Stile of King but be content with such Revenues as were assigned him The Title of King was given to Mahomet the Brother of that Abenhut who we said above was kill'd at Almeria Only the third part of the King's Revenue was allotted him the rest to be paid to the Crown of Castile this was the end of the War which had held most People in suspence CHAP. VIII The Kingdom of the Normans in Sicily extinguish'd by the French Wars in Italy The Empress of Constantinople comes into Spain And Jayme King of Aragon to Toledo WHilst the War was in Andaluzia and Murcia the other parts of Spain enjoy'd Peace or there were no considerable Troubles a thing rare among so many Princes and in such a time of Popular Liberty Only Gonçalo Yanez Baçan a Nobleman of Navarre having by a publick Instrument renounc'd his Country with the King of Aragon's consent built a Castle he call'd Boeta whence he infested the Lands of Navarre S. Luis King of France at the same time sent to Pamplona a piece of the Crown of Thorns which was put upon our Saviour's Head Baldwin the Emperor of Constantinople had pawn'd it to him for a Sum of Money In Italy Charles Brother to the King of France slew King Manfredus possess'd himself of all his Dominions and at Rome was Crown'd King of Sicily and Naples The Battle was fought near Benavente which put an end to the Dominion of the Normans when it had lasted many years in those parts The new King oblig'd himself to pay 40000 Ducats every Year to the Church of Rome as an acknowledgment for that Feof and engag'd not to accept of the Empire tho' offer'd him without his Procurement King Jayme much concern'd at the misfortune of his Ally Manfredus study'd how to retrieve that loss As soon as the War was concluded in Murcia he went to the farthest part of Catalonia to be ready if there were any means left to restore the remainder of the Normans and possess himself of that Kingdom which he pretended belong'd to his Son in the Right of his Wife the only Daughter of Manfredus Mean while King Alonso was busie in setling the Affairs of Murcia gathering People to inhabit that Country and building Castles for its security Castile could not furnish a sufficient Multitude therefore he brought many out of Catalonia to settle there Tho' contrary to the late Capitulation he ceas'd not to relieve the Moors of Malaga and Guadix The King of Granada came himself to Murcia to complain of this wrong and receiving no satisfactory answer return'd home worse offended than he came Some Nobles who before were disgusted at King Alonso laid hold of this opportunity and advis'd the Moor to take Arms. The chief of these was D. Nun̄o Gonzalez de Lara a Rich and Powerful Man who pretended the King had much wrong'd his Father D. Nun̄o and D. John his Brother This was the beginning of new Troubles at such time as the King promising himself a lasting Peace was gone to view the Building of Villareal Thence he sent Embassadors to S. Luis King of France to demand his Daughter Blanch in Marriage for his eldest Son Prince Ferdinand This done he went to Vitoria where the King of England had appointed to meet him upon Affairs of high concern yet came not Nevertheless he sent Edward his Son at such time as King Alonso was gone back to Burgos At the same time the Empress of Constantinople being drove from her Empire came to confer with the King Baldwin her Husband and Justinian the Patriarch being Expell'd Greece by Michael Paleologus were taken by the way and fell into the Hands of the Soldan of Aegypt The Empress whose Name was Martha agreed to give 30000 Marks of Silver for his Ransome To gather this great Sum she had recourse to the Pope and King of France and lastly coming to Burgos in the Year 1268. made her address to the King for only the third part of that Sum. The King gave her the whole which was Profuseness rather than Liberality at a time when the Royal Treasures were quite exhausted Some Historians reject this Relation and say Baldwin was never taken by the Soldan of Aegypt In this I have follow'd the Authority of our Histories tho' I know Fame often exceeds the truth Baldwin the Emperor having recover'd his Liberty and lost his Empire went into France and thence to Namur which City was his own where he spent the residue of his Life By a Grant made to the Knights of Calatrava in the Year of our Lord 1264. it appears the See of Toledo was then Vacant unless as it often happens the Years therein be mistaken Either this Year or rather some time sooner Sancho Son to Jayme King of Aragon succeeded Pascualis Archbishop of Toledo I imagine the new Prelate being under Age staid some time in Aragon before he came to his Church which might give occasion to some to write that the See was vacant His Father lov'd him tenderly and therefore about this time came to Toledo to see him as shall presently be related Great Wars and Confusions were now in Italy for Conradin the Suevian strove by force and against the will of the Pope to recover his Father's Dominions Frederick Duke of Saxony accompany'd him out of Germany and Henry Brother to the King of Castile went to him from Rome where he was a Senator his Birth as I suppose supplying his Defects Besides these all the Gibellins of Italy took up Arms for him With these Forces Conradin broke into Naples and in Abruzzo near the Lake Taliacoso came to a Battle with King Charles who was there ready to receive him The French obtain'd the Victory Frederick and Henry were taken in Fight Conradin in the pursuit which
his Sword saying There was no Reason such Men should fall out about that Dog The Arch-Bishop's Head and left Hand were cut off This Disaster was so much the more to be lamented for that the Enemy in that Fight might have been utterly overthrown had the Christians expected till D. Lope de Haro could joyn them for he coming up soon after with only his own Forces oblig'd the Moors to retire but could not totally defeat them because Night came on The Body Head and Hand of the Arch-Bishop being ransom'd at a great rate were bury'd in the Royal Chappel of Toledo where lay Alonso the Emperour and his Son Sancho Ferdinand Abbot of Covarrubias succeeded in the Archbishoprick and he having after six Months resign'd it because the Pope would not confirm his Election the Pope made choice of D. Gonzalo the second of the Name who had been Bishop of Cuenca first and then of Burgos He is said to have been a Cardinal and dyed in the Year 1299. This unhappy Year we now write of was yet more remarkable for the Death of Prince Ferdinand He dyed at Villareal where he had appointed the Rendezvous of all the Forces His Body was bury'd at Huelgas and his Death caus'd no less Grief at present than it afterwards produc'd Troubles his Brother Sancho pretending the Crown of Right appertain'd to him as second Son to King Alonso then Living notwithstanding Prince Ferdinand by his Wife the Lady Blanch left two Sons call'd Alonso and Ferdinand whom at the time of his Death he recommended to D. John de Lara eldest Son to D. NunÌ„o de Lara Prince Sancho being a Youth of good Conduct made Head against the Moors and put a stop to their proceedings He garison'd all strong Places and avoided giving Battle by that means gaining time for the fury of the Infidels to spend it self The Moors of Valencia encouraged by the success of the others and despising King Jayme who was grown old revolted notwithstanding Prince Peter was upon the Borders of Murcia wasting the Lands of Almeria with a good Body of Men. Navarre was no better setled at that time Philip King of France having contracted Joanna the Heiress of Navarre to his Son Philip who succeeded him and was called the Fair made Stephen de Belmarc a French-Man Viceroy of Navarre taking that Imployment from Peter de Montagudo A stranger had not sufficient Authority to quell the Tumults that then were in the Kingdom and Peter de Montagudo offended that he had been removed from that Post joyning with Garcia Almoravides who had always favour'd the Castilians they both headed the Mutineers Within the City Pamplona the Two Factions came to Blows Such was their cruelty that they burnt the Ripe-Corn and dash'd out the Brains of Children but the French had the worst of it Peter de Montagudo inclining afterwards to the French Party either for the sake of Peace or some other Cause was kill'd by his own People A Man unworthy that hard Fate for his many Virtues CHAP. II. Three Popes Dye in one year Prince Sancho of Castile contrives to Vsurp that Crown from his Nephews The Death of Jayme King of Aragon and of Alonso of Portugal Peter succeeds the first and Denis the latter THE following Year 1276 was remarkable for the death of Three Popes which were Gregory the Xth Innocent the Vth and Adrian the Vth. Innocent held it but Five Months and Two Days and Aâ—rian only Thirty Seven Days John the One and Twentieth succeeded him he was born at Lisbon and a great Scholar as appears by his Writings In the Ninth Month of his Pontificate he was kill'd at Viterbo by the fall of the Roof of the Room where he was Nicholas the III. was his Successor At this same time in Castile were sowed the Seeds of a Civil War which prov'd lasting and destructive Prince Sancho us'd all means to gain the affections of the Nobility and People which the King his Father had utterly lost His Journey into France had increas'd their Discontent The People was desirous of Novelties and the Nobles were well dispos'd to Rebel D. Lope de Haro a Man in great power was reconcil'd at Cordova to Prince Sancho A Truce was concluded with the Moors for two Years This done the King of Morocco pass'd over into Africk Prince Sancho with great speed went to Toledo upon pretence of visiting his Father then newly return'd from France His chief Design was to have the Succession settled upon himself with the consent of the King and Nobility D. Lope de Haro undertook to propose this Affair which highly displeas'd King Alonso both for that they urg'd the Succession whilst he was yet living and because he thought it a great wrong to exclude his Grand-children However by the Advice of his Brother Prince Emanuel then a great Friend to Prince Sancho it was resolv'd the Cortes or Parliament should meet at Segovia to determine this Affair Their Judgment was given in behalf of Prince Sancho in which doubtless regard was had to the Peace of the Kingdom which he would otherwise never have ceas'd to disturb In Aragon King Jayme us'd all his Endeavours to quell the Moors by Policy or if that fail'd to apply Force To this purpose he March'd through Valencia and in several Rencounters sometimes the one sometimes the other Party had the better Whilst the King was at Xativa his Forces were so intirely cut off at Luxen that from that Day which was Tuesday the People began to account Tuesday an unlucky Day Garci Ruiz de Açagra Son to Peter de Açagra Lord of Albarazin was slain in that Fight and the Head-Commendary of the Knights Templers taken The King griev'd at this loss and being very much broken with continual Labour left the Charge of the War to his Son Prince Poter and was carry'd away sick to Algezira a Town in Valencia There being given over by the Physicians he resign'd up the Kingdom to his Son giving him much wholesome Advice Then he put on the Habit of S. Bernard intending to spend what remain'd of Life in the Monastery of Poplete where he would also be buryed His Sickness gave him not so much Leisure he dy'd at Valenica on the 27th of July His Fame will be immortal not only for his great war-like Exploits but also for his Piety since Authors assirm that he built 1000 Churches I suppose he caus'd most of them to be Consecrated having taken them from the Moors For Martial Affairs he may be compar'd to the most renowned antient Commanders having fought Thirty pitched Battles with the Moors and been Victorious in them all whereby he obtained the Name of Conquerour He reigned Sixty Three Years and somewhat blemish'd his Good Name by his Incontinency By Queen Violante he had Peter Jayme Sancho the Arch-Bishop Elizabeth Queen of France Violante Queen of Castile Constance marryed to Prince Emanuel and Mary and Elenor who dyed
young This was his lawful Issue By D. Teresa Egidia Vidaura he had D. Jayme Lord of Exerica and Peter Lord of Ayerve both whom at his Death he declared Legitimate and appointed to succeed in Case Queen Violante's Children left no Heirs By another Woman of the House of Antillon he had Fernan Sanchez who we said above was killed by his Brother By Berengaria Fernandez he had another Son called Peter Fernandez to whom he gave the House of Ixar From them all are descended Noble Families in the Kingdom of Aragon It is remarkable that after his four Sons which he declared Legitimate he appointed the Heirs Male of his Daughters Violante Constance and Elizabeth to succeed excluding the Mothers themselves and all other Women from ever inheriting the Crown of Aragon He charg'd his Son to expel all the Moors the Kingdom as being a People never to be trusted Prince Peter tho' his Father were dead took not immediately the name of King but stil'd himself Heir of the Kingdom till such time as he was crown'd at Zaragoça which was on the 16th of November after the Troubles of Valencia were appeas'd The Queen also was Crown'd and the Nobility took an Oath to Prince Alonso the new King's Son as Heir apparent of the Crown To D. Jayme the late King 's younger Son were given the Islands of Majorca and Minorca with the Title of King as his Father had order'd He had also the Earldom of Rusillon and Mompellier in France This Prince had Three Sons Sancho Ferdinand and Philip. The Division of the Kingdom caus'd disgusts between the two Brothers which at length broke out into open War D. Jayme complain'd that the Kingdom of Valencia had been taken from him and he left a Homager to his Brother thus his Ambition push'd him on to his Ruin and he never gave over till stripp'd of all his Dominions Navarre was nothing quieter than the rest of Spain Philip King of France having taken upon him the Charge of that Kingdom resolv'd to go thither in Person with a sufficient Army to compose those Distractions The Weather was unseasonable the Pyrenean Mountains cover'd with Snow and great want of Provisions Which difficulties caus'd him to return Home himself yet he sent forward Charles Earl of Arras with the most and best of the Army This was a Person of great Authority as being Uncle to Queen Joanna and therefore his presence was of great use The contrary Faction being worsted by the French near a Town call'd Reniega retir'd to that quarter of Pamplona call'd Maverreria the French still pursuing and pressing upon them Therefore Garcia de Almoravides the head of those People with all his Friends and Kindred in the Dark Night got through the Enemies Centinels and fled out of the Kingdom Some of them setled in Cerdagne where their Posterity remains to this Day Pamplona was taken and fired Such as remain'd terrify'd with this Punishment submitted themselves others that were fled being summon'd to appear and answer for themselves upon contempt were in absence attainted of High Treason The French General having quieted the Kingdom went into Castile and was nobly entertained by King Alonso with whom being somewhat familiar the King said He wanted not intelligence from the French Court of such as were near about that King and revealed his Secrets This whether true or false brought Broquiol the French King's Chamberlain into suspicion which was increas'd by Letters of his to King Alonso written in Cyphers intercepted by his Enemies and at last cost him his Head Da. Violante Queen of Castile seeing her Grand-children slighted and Prince Sancho prefer'd before them and not thinking her self safe resolv'd to fly and to that purpose perswaded her Brother the King of Aragon to come to the Monastery of Huerta upon pretence of visiting him there With the Queen were her Grand-children and all together went into Aragon King Alonso when he understood her design indeavour'd to prevent it but too late No misfortune could have troubled him more than this did therefore he vented his Passion upon those he thought had any hand in the Queens departure He caus'd his Brother Prince Frederick and Simon Ruiz de Haro Lord of Cameros to be apprehended The Court was full of discord and many favour'd the King's Grand-children Simon Ruyz was burnt at Trevizo by Prince Sancho his Order he also caus'd Prince Fredrick's Head to be cut off which drew on him much hatred especially for that they were executed without being try'd Embassadors pass'd between the Two Kings He of Castile demanded his Wife should be sent back and the Election of D. Sancho allow'd The King of Aragon excus'd himself saying that Business was not yet fully determin'd and that all Persons found protection in his Kingdom much more a Sister These differences were so heightn'd that it was thought the King of Aragon would have made War upon Castile had not the Moors of Valencia rebell'd and taken Montesa relying upon the King of Morocco But those Tumults were quell'd sooner than was expected for the Moors seeing no Succours came from Africk delivered up to the King Montesa and many other Castles they had in the Month of August 1277. Now King Alonso was come from Burgos to Sevil and thence sent a great Force to Besiege Algezira by Sea and Land Prince Peter the King's Son undertook to subdue that City but he return'd with Shame having lost many Men and our Fleet being ill mann'd was destroy'd by the King of Morocco Our Army dispers'd Some say the King of Morocco then built another Algezira not far from the former The Body of King Jayme of Aragon was deposited near the high Altar of the Cathedral Church of Valencia and thence in the Summer translated to the Monastery of Poblete Both the Kings of Castile and France were equally concern'd about the departure of Qu. Violante he of Castile fearing lest the Children should be carryed into France where they were sure of Protection and he of France lest they should fall into the Hands of their Uncle where their Lives were in danger or at least their Liberty was certainly lost Solemn Embassies were sent from both Princes upon this Score to the King of Aragon who at length resolv'd that Queen Violante should return to her Husband and that the Two Princes should remain in Aragon where they were secur'd in the Castle of Xativa This resolution troubled the Lady Blanch their Mother seeing them depriv'd of Liberty where she expected they should have been protected Hereupon she went away to Aragon and not obtaining any thing of that King pass'd over into France to perswade the King her Brother to make War upon Castile and Aragon unless they comply'd with her reasonable demands The Kingdom of Navarre which the French then possess'd lying so opportunely to infest Castile and Aragon mov'd that King and Prince Sancho to appoint a Conference at a place between Requena and
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
all the Thirds of Ecclesiastical Profits which the Kings Alonso Sancho and Ferdinand had receiv'd without leave till then and gave them to her for three Years longer The Nobility was dissatisfy'd with the Queen Mother and the Princes John and Henry the King's Uncles with D. John Son to Prince Emanuel D. John de Lara D. James de Haro and other great Ones endeavour'd to estrange the King from her To this Effect they call'd the Abbot of Santander who was Chancellor and Treasurer to account for the Revenue because he was preferr'd by the Queen but he being clear'd with Honour that Design fell to the Ground Philip King of France at the beginning of the Year 1303. sent Embassadors to demand those Towns the Navarrois pretended to belong to them but they obtain'd nothing The King of Aragon made Overtures of Peace which were also rejected He offer'd to restore all the Kingdom of Murcia if they would only deliver Alicant to him The Queen lik'd not the Proposal She remov'd D. John de Lara who began to be great with the King and made Prince Henry Lord Steward but he held it not long and these beginnings produc'd Jealousies betwixt the King and his Mother and disorders among the Nobility Prince John and D. John de Lara laying aside their former Grudges had great Power over the King Prince Henry D. John Son to Prince Emanuel and D. James de Haro could not endure to see the Queen Mother slighted for that they ow'd her Obligations This disgust had such Effect that they sent for D. Alonso de la Cerda in order to agree with him Gonzalo Ruiz was sent to Almazan to set this Affair afoot and perswade the Aragonians to march into Castile Whilst these things were in Agitation in Castile Pope Boniface was made Prisoner in the City Agnani by a Party of 300 Horse that broke in upon him being rais'd by the Cardinals of the House of Colonna whom he had depos'd and not without consent of the King of France whom he Excommunicated Three days after the Citizens of Agnani rescu'd him from the Conspirators and he return'd to Rome where he dy'd of a Disease caus'd by Grief conceiv'd for this Affront on the 12th day of October and the 35th after his Imprisonment Nicholas General of the Dominicans was in the next Conclave chosen Pope and took the Name of Benedict the XIth CHAP. IV. The Differences betwixt the Kings of Castile and Aragon reconcil'd After which they joyn in League against the Moors but to no consider able Effect Death of Roger Lauria the great Admiral of Aragon and Divisions among the Moors SPain weary'd out with long Troubles enjoy'd some Peace but there rather wanted Power than Will to disturb it The Differences betwixt the Princes were great and it was requisite to compose them Castile and Aragon were at Variance about the Kingdom of Murcia D. Alonso de la Cerda Itil'd himself King of Castile but had no Power The King of Granada invaded the Territories of the Crown of Aragon and took Bedmar a Town not far from Baeca Prince John the King's Uncle and the Family of Haro were Enemies the former pretending to the Lordship of Biscay in right of his Wife and hoping to prevail by his Interest with the King The Family of Haro for the same reason was Discontented and ready to take up Arms. King Ferdinand earnestly desir'd to put an end to all these Contentions to this purpose he sent Prince John his Uncle Embassador to the King of Aragon whose Power and Authority was then great In the Month of March 1304 at Calatayud after much debate it was agreed that Arbitrators should be chosen to whom the whole Affair should be referr'd and a Truce was concluded till Judgment should be given Time and Place were also appointed for the Kings to meet mean while King Ferdinand being careful for Andaluzia set out from Burges and in April came to Badajoz to meet his Father in Law the King of Portugal of whom he expected to recover certain Towns pawn'd to him during his Minority This enterview produc'd Discontents and nothing was done but only that the Portugues sent his Son in Law some Mony with which he went away for Andaluzia No Action happen'd but a Peace was concluded the Moor promising to pay the same Tribute his Father had done and so both Armies broke up Prince Henry dy'd about this time very Aged at Roa and was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Francis at Valladolid He was ever of a restless Spirit and ambitious of Command His Death was pleasing to all the Kingdom for they fear'd he would disturb the Peace that was afoot and because he left no Issue his Estate was divided among several Noblemen the best part falling to D. John de Lara who held the first Place in the King's Favour In pursuance of the Agreement at Calatayud Denis King of Portugal was chosen Arbitrator to decide the Differences betwixt Castile and Aragon and for his Associates Prince John for the former and D. Ximeno de Luna Bishop of Zaragoça for the latter Kingdom The two Kings met at Torrellas a Town on the Frontiers of Aragon where the Judges decreed that the River Segura should part the Dominions of Castile and Aragon which was what the Aragonian had strugl'd for Judgment was given on the 8th of August and the next day the three Kings met at Campillo and ratify'd the Decree Thence they went to Agreda and so to Taraçona and were receiv'd with great Joy for besides the 3 Kings there were as many Queens the Mother and Consort of Castile and Elizabeth of Portugal famous for Sanctity besides Elizabeth Sister to King Ferdinand who had been Contracted to the Aragonian The Retinue was great especially that of the Portugues who brought with him out of Portugal 1000 Horse and by the Way would never lye in Towns but in Tents set up in the Fields As to the Pretentions of the two Brothers Cerdas the Kings of Aragon and Portugal as Judges decited that D. Alonso should no longer take the Title of King but restore all the Towns he had been and that Alva Bejar Valdecerneja Gibraleon Sarria and some other Towns should be setl'd upon him A small recompence for so many Kingdoms This Judgment was so grievous to D. Alonso that he would not appear but went away heartily cursing the Kings It remain'd only to adjust Matters betwixt Prince John and D. James de Haro Therefore as soon as the Conference was dissolv'd King Ferdinand summon'd D. James to appear at Medina del Campo where the Cortes were to meet Judges were appointed to hear their Pretentions and determine the Cause but D. James fearing the King favour'd his Adversary withdrew After the Cortes broke up Judgment was given in favour of Prince John but the Execution of it deferr'd in hopes some means might be found of adjusting that Matter This was the Posture of
Affairs in Castile in the Year 1305. On the 17th of January dy'd Roger Lauria the famous Admiral of Aragon who gain'd Sicily for King Peter perform'd many brave Exploits by himself and those Kings did none without him His Body was bury'd in the Monastery of Santa Cruz near unto the Tomâ— of King Peter On the 6th of April dy'd Joanna Queen of Navarre at Paris and was bury'd in the Monastery of S. Francis Luis call'd Huttin succeeded his Mother in the Kingdom of Navarre and afterwards his Father in that of France The Queen left two other Sons Philip the Long and Charles the Fair who all came to be Kings of France and Navarre She left also two Daughters one dy'd Young the other call'd Elizabeth was marry'd to Edward King of England and was the beautifullest Lady of her Time Benedict sat in the Papal Chair but 8 Months and 6 Days And he dying it was vacant 10 Months and 28 Days After long Debates betwixt the French and Italian Cardinals Clement the Vth. was chosen and proclaim'd on the 5th of June He was before Arch-Bishop of Bourdeaux and is said to have promis'd many scandalous Things to the King of France before he would permit him to pass towards Rome He was Crown'd on the 11th of November at which time a Wall falling as the Procession was going did much mischief and struck the Tyara off his Head out of which a great Carbuncle was lost which Things were look'd upon as ill Omens and the rest of his life was not unlike to this beginning but those Things do not belong to this History At the same time troubles began again to break out in Spain D. John NunÌ„ez de Lara declin'd in the King's Favour who took from him the Office of Lord Steward and confer'd it on D. Lope Son to D. James de Haro on pretence that D. John de Lara being General of the Frontiers could not serve both places but in reality to oblige the Family of Haro and divide it from that of Lara Those Families understanding the Design knit their Interests the closer together and seem'd to threaten a Rebellion Alonso Perez de Guzman and the Queen interpoâ—'d and restoring each of those Gentlemen their Honours pacify'd them Besides the dispute betwixt Prince John and the House of Haro was reconcil'd upon these Conditions That D. James de Haro during his Life should possess the Lordship of Biscay and after his Death it should fall to Prince John That Orduna and Balmaseda should be Intail'd â—â—on D. John D. James his Son and his Heirs and in lieu of what he was to lose Miranda de Ebro and Villalva de Losa were given him All Men rejoyc'd to see these Differences compos'd except D. John de Lara who in a rage that he had not been consulted in the Affair of D. James de Haro and studying to make his Advantage of the publick Calamities renouncing his Oath of Fidelity withdrew with his Followers to Tordehumos a strong Pâ—ace where he hoped to be able to withstand the King whom he had hainously offended The King's Forces laid Siege to that Place but many favouring D. John it was protracted to a long time Some Overtures of Accommodation were made and because the King would not harken to them his Army broke up of it self and disbanded Among others Prince John favour'd D. John de Lara and the Business was carry'd to such a beight that the King was forc'd to Pardon him only taking from him the Towns of Moya and Canete the Gift of King Sancho Nor was the Peace lasting for both those Gentlemen imagining the King had a Design to take away their Lives openly rebell'd again Prince John was soon appeas'd but it was not so easy to reduce D. John de Lara D. Alonso de la Cerda forsaken of all Men and seeing no Hopes of obtaining the Crown sent Martin Ruiz to take possession of the Towns assign'd him by the Arbitrators and was ever after call'd D. Alonso the Disinherited The Moors of Granada about this time began to Mutiny for that their King was blind and his Brother-in-Law the Lord of Malaga govern'd the State with the same Grandeur as if he had been another King The Nobility were not wanting to incense the Commons Among them Aborrabes a Gentleman descended from the Kings of Morocco seiz'd Almeria and call'd himself King of that place Most of the People favour'd Mahomet Azar the King's Brother and were for putting the Crown upon his Head Aborrabes was expell'd Almeria by the contrary Faction and he designing to seize upon Ceuta a City on the Coast of Africk belonging to the Kingdom of Granada thought to obtain Aid of the Christians This seem'd a good opportunity to drive the Moors quite out of Spain and in order to it the Two Kings of Castile and Aragon met at the Monastery of Huerta upon the Borders of both Kingdoms at the beginning of the Year 1309. There and at Monreal whither they remov'd it was agreed First to pacify D. Alonso de la Cerda somewhat mollifying the Decree of the Arbitrators lest whilst they were busie in the War with the Moors he should raise Tumults in Castile Next to make War upon the Moors with two Armies and at once besiege Almeria and Algezira Besides it was resolv'd Prince Jayme the King of Aragon's Son should Marry Ellenor the Sister of King Ferdinand her Dower to be the sixth part of what was gain'd in War and particularly the City Almeria After the Interview broke up great preparations were made King Ferdinand went away to Toledo to see the Body of his Father King Sancho translated to a stately Tomb built by the Queen This King was naturally meer and merciful and of Body comely and well shap'd He advis'd a Gentleman to whom he had given the Government of Galicia not to put to death some Men of Note that had rais'd Rebellion in that Country but to send them to him which prov'd very advantagious for they to blot out the shame of their Crimes did extraordinary Service against the Moors The Army march'd into Andaluzia and the Castilians laid Siege to Algezira on the 27th of June About the middle of the next Month the King of Aragon set down before Almeria Gilbert Viscoune Castelnovo with part of the Aragonian-Fleet sail'd to Ceuta in Africk and took it The Plunder was given to the Souldiers the City to Aborrabe as had been agreed The Moors of Granada with all their Forces march'd to relieve Almeria but were so bravely receiv'd by the Aragonians that after a sharp Dispute they fled and a great Slaughter was made tho the Woods which were near sav'd many Whilst the Aragonians were busy in the Pursuit the Besieged fallying entred their Works but the Christians returning Victorious soon drove them back into the City On the 15th of October 40000 Moors again assauited the Aragonians in their Works and met with the
against the Moors and eaâ—â—â—â— have the payment of his own Army In this Assembly the Archbishop of Santiago in the Pope's Name propos'd the business of D. Alonso de la Cerda threatning to proceed to Ecclesiastical Censures if he were not satisfy'd D. Alonso now demanded those Towns which he refus'd when offer'd him The Nobility excus'd themselves saying it was against the Oath they had taken to lessen any thing of the King's Patrimony during his Minority All that could be obtain'd was that Ferdinand D. Alonso's younger Brother should be made Lord Steward of the Houshold The Queen went to Cuidad Rodrigo to reconcile her Son-in-Law Prince Alonso to his Father but all in vain The two Princes John and Peter went several ways to Andaluzia Ismael King of Granada to obtain Succours out of Africk gave the King of Morocco Algezira and Ronda with all their Dependencies Prince Peter took Tiscar a strong and populous Town Mahomet Andon whose the Town was surrender'd the Castle Prince John extravagantly ambitious of Honour resolv'd to march up to the Walls of Granada a rash design considering the great Heat of the Season At Alcaudete the two Princes joyn'd their Forces which consisted of 9000 Horse and a great number of Foot They march'd into the Enemies Country destroying all before them Prince John led the Van and Prince Peter brought up the Reer They took the Town of Alora but being in great haste did not make themselves Masters of the Castle On a Saturday being the Eve of Midsummer-day they appear'd in sight of Granada and rested there the next day The 3d day perceiving what Difficulties surrounded them they began to retire Prince Peter in the Van and Prince John in the Reer with the Baggage The Moors hearing of their Retreat Sally'd out of Granada to the number of 5000 Horse and a multitude of Foot under the Command of Ozmin Their design was only to stick upon our Reer without hazarding a Battel In the Heat of the day our Men were far from the River and wanted Water Hereupon the Moors charg'd them with great Fury and hideous Cries Prince Peter hearing the Noise Fac'd about to succour those that Fought The Soldiers were dispers'd and Fainting with the Heat whom the Prince endeavouring to encourage and bring on opprest with Labour and the Fury of the scorching Sun he fainted away and dy'd without any assistance The same befell Prince John who yet sensless liv'd till Night This News being spread abroad the Soldiers drew themselves into a Close Body and the Moors having plunder'd the Baggage retir'd Night sav'd many of the Christians The Bodies of the Princes were bury'd at Burgos Prince John left a Son of the same Name call'd also One-ey'd because he was really so His Inclinations were no better than his Presence Mary Wife to Prince Peter was deliver'd at Cordova of a Daughter call'd Blanch the Education of whom and the Care of her Estate Garcilasso de la Vega a great Friend of her Fathers took upon him New Troubles ensu'd in Castile upon the Death of the Princes every one striving to have the greatest share in the Government At the same time Aragon was disturb'd upon a very extraordinary occasion D. Jayme the King's eldest Son had resolv'd to renounce and resign his Right and Title to the Inheritance of that Crown His Father us'd all possible Arguments to disswade him but all to no purpose Therefore on the 23th of November before the Cortes or Parliament then assembled at Tarragona he made a publick act of Resignation That done he took the Habit of Calatrava and soon after that of Montesa The Lady Ellenor who had been Contracted to him was sent back a Maid into Castile His loose manner of Life was a sufficient proof that it was not Virtue but weakness and inconstancy that mov'd him to refuse a Kingdom D. Alonso his second Brother succeeded in the Title to the Crown and had at â—â—â—t time by his Wife the Lady Teresa a young Son call'd Peter born the 7th Month. This Ladys Portion was the Earldom of Vrgel left her by her great Uncle Armengaud Brother to her Grandmother The Moors incourag'd by their last Success took Huescar Orles and Galera Towns belonging to the Knights of Santiago Besides they made themselves Masters of Martos a very strong place where they spar'd neither Sex nor Age some Christians sav'd themselves upon a Rock near the Town and in the Castle Castile was full of Confusion caus'd by the many Competitors to the Government Queen Mary according to what had been agree'd some years before pretended it belong'd to her alone and sent her Letters to all Places exhorting the People to stick by her Being a Womâ—â— she was look'd upon as too weak to undergo so great a Burthen and many strove to raise themselves to the supream Power Among these the chief was Prince Philip the King's Uncle D. John Manuel and the other D. John who had but one Eye and was Lord of Biscay all powerful Men of the Blood Royal These were all put into Power not by publick Consent but in part as every ones Interest lay Several Assemblies of Provinces were held the result was that Andaluzia chose Prince Philip for their Governour The Kingdom of Toledo and Estremadura elected D. John Manuel most part of old Castile stood by D. John Lord of Biscay These things were not lasting but at every foot the Governours were chang'd as the Peoples Minds alter'd which caus'd an unspeakable Confusion D. Ferdinand de la Cerda had no great Interest and was suspected by all Men he resolv'd to joyn with D. John the Lord of Biscay This was the condition of Castile in the Year 1320. The same Year Prince John the King of Aragon's third Son was consecrated Arch-Bishop of Toledo at Lerida Queen Mary was somewhat jealous of that Prince but the Pope by his Letters assur'd her he would do all things in her Favour The new Arch-Bishop had great Disputes with the Prelates of that Kingdom about carrying his Cross through their Diocesses and he persisting to do so the Arch-Bishop of Zaragoça excommunicated him and shut up all the Churches This he did relying on a Decree of the Prelates of that Kingdom by which they declare any Bishop excommunicate that shall carry his Cross in the Diocess of another The King of Aragon was highly offended at it and wrote to the Pope Letters full of Passion and Threats and had perhaps gone farther but that he was disswaded by his Friends The Pope's Answer was Ambiguous for he blam'd the Arch-Bishop of Zaragoça yet order'd him of Toledo to be absolv'd of the Excommunication lest it might have been just The new Prelate being come to Toledo behav'd himself in such manner towards D. John Manuel who was marry'd to his elder Sister Constance that all Apprehensions of his favouring him ceas'd He would by no means suffer him to receive the King's
Revenue in his Arch-Bishoprick whence there ensu'd a mortal Enmity betwixt them At the same time the Navarrois still subject to France sustain'd a great loss in Biscay Philip the Long King of France dying without Heirs on the second of June 1321 his Brother Charles the Fair succeeded him and equall'd his Brothers in Liberality Valour and Beauty In his time the Biscainers seiz'd the Castle of Gorricia in Guipuscoa pretending the Navarrois withheld it from them wrongfully 60000 Men-march'd out of Navarre if the Numbers are not mistaken and came to Botivara on the 19th of September 800 Biscainers having secur'd the Passes of the Mountains from thence roll'd down Barrels full of Stones and Bodies of Trees on the Navarrois which broke and put them to flight with greater Slaughter than could be imagin'd from so small a Number Giles Oniz commanded the Biscayners and Ponce Morentaina a Frenchman and Viceroy of Navarre those People The Pope sent Cardinal William of Bayonne his Legate into Castile to endeavour to put an end to the Distractions of that Kingdom He procur'd the Cortes or Parliament should meet at Palencia at the same time that Queen Mary the Protectress of three Kings and Honour of Castile worn out with Age and Troubles dy'd at Valladolid on the first of June 1322. She built the Monastery of Huelgas in that City where she order'd her self to be bury'd another at Burgos a third at Tore and others in several Parts of the Kingdom The Cortes at Palencia it seems took no effect A Synod of all the Bishops or Castile was held at Valladolid by the Legate There on the 2d of August many wholsom Constitions were enacted Among other things those that shall eat Flesh or sell it publickly in Lent or the Ember-days are Excommunicated Such as are not Christians are forbid to be present at Divine Service yet if Baptiz'd they are allow'd to be capable of Benefices The common way of Purgation used in Spain is Condemned The Decrees of D. John Archbishop of Toledo publish'd at that time are preserv'd to this day He ordains that Divine Service do not go forwards till the Jews or Moors go out of the Church That Monies gather'd upon the Croisade be deliver'd to the Prelate for Redemption of Captives and Relief of the Poor That Priests say Mass at least four times a year and that after they have said Mattins That what is gotten by the Church shall not be left to Children tho' got in Wedlock This same year Ismael King of Granada was kill'd in the Alhambra by his own People stirr'd up against him by the Lord of Algezira and Ozmin the first was offended at him because at the taking of Martos he took from him a Beautiful Captive the other because he lost a Nephew he dearly lov'd there Scarce was his Death known abroad when his Son Mahomet but 12 years of Age was carry'd on a Chair on Men's Shoulders through the City and proclaim'd King By this means the Governour of the City manifested his Loyalty and prevented the designs of the Conspirators who intended to have set up a King of their own making but were now forc'd to quit the City and to fly to several places CHAP. IX King Alonso the 11th of Castile takes upon him the Government The Conquest of Sardinia by the Aragonians The Death of King Denis of Portugal His Son Alonso succeeds him Jayme the 2d King of Aragon is succeeded by his Son Alonso the 4th UPon the Death of Queen Mary the Disorders of Castile were doubl'd No hopes of Remedy remain'd but in the King 's coming to Age to take upon him the Government There were great Tokens to be seen of his Prudence and Virtue At last being arriv'd at the Age of Fifteen tho' so young the necessity of the Times oblig'd him to take up the Government of his Kingdom Besides the Subjects press'd him and particularly Garcilasso de la Vega and Alvar Nunez Ossorio Men of great Note who labour'd to get into the King's Favour thereby to obtain Pardon of the Crimes they had committed during his Minority He admitted them into his Family and they grew so great that he was chiefly govern'd by them One Joseph a Jew of Ezija a very Rich Man and Chief of the Farmers and Managers of the Revenue had the next place to these Two Gentlemen The King sent Letters of Summons to the Governours of the Kingdom who presently came to him to Valladolid each striving to be first in gaining his Favours tho' their Hearts were not sincere as soon appear'd for only Prince Philip stay'd with the King D. John Manuel and D. John Lord of Biscay withdrawing privately from Court Their pretence was as usual Evil Counsellors They joyn'd their Forces and made a solemn League at Cigales The Form of Covenant formerly us'd among the Nobles of Castile was thus Having read the Articles of Agreement one of the Gentlemen concern'd in the Name of all the rest said I swear by Almighty God and by his most glorious Mother that every one of us will perform all that has been read in this Publick Instrument without Fraud or Deceit That we will not go one without the other against our Enemies nor in any manner act contrary to what has been here establish'd Whosoever shall first violate it that very Day do Thou Almighty God in this World take away his Life and torment his Soul in the other with cruel and everlasting Torments let his Strength and his Speech fail him and in Battel his Horse Arms and Spurrs and his Vassals when he has most need of them Then all present answer'd Amen Other times they divided the Consecrated Host into Two Parts and each took one then follow'd the Curses and Imprecations This is the solemn manner of Associating themselves long us'd in Castile This Union was dangerous to the King and therefore to break it he agreed to Marry D. John Manuel's Daughter who thereupon came to Pen̄afiel submitted himself to the King and deliver'd him his Daughter as yet too young to be marry'd The other D. John seeing himself forsaken thought of Marrying Blanch the Daughter of Prince Peter kill'd in Andaluzla for her great Portion she being Lady of Almaçan Alcocer and other Towns upon the Borders of Aragon which lay opportunely to forward his designs To prevent him the King was advis'd to seize upon all the Lady Blanch's Patrimony Garcilasso forgetting his Obligations to Prince Peter was the chief Man that gave this Advice D. John Manuel being restor'd to the King's Favour meditated Revenge against the Archbishop of Toledo Hereupon some hard words passing betwixt them in the King's Presence the King depriv'd the Archbishop of the Chancellorship whereat he being offended withdrew into Aragon and there exchang'd Churches with D. Ximeno de Luna Archbishop of Tarragona with the additional Title of Patriarch of Alexandria Garcilasso was made Chancellor and from that time
enterment of his Father being then Sick at Girona nor attend the Government then in Confusion the Queen Dowager her Brother and many Men of Note being imprison'd they endeavour'd to fly for fear of the new King The Queen was accus'd by a Jew of having given her Husband some bewitching Potion severals were tortur'd and put to death on this account and the Queen condemn'd to the Wrack but it was not put in Execution yet all her Estate was seiz'd and she only allow'd a Pension to live on The first thing the King did was the submitting his Kingdom to Pope Clement as Castile and Navarre had done before John Earl of Ampurias being at Barcelona in Hopes to be rewarded for his Services to the new King while Prince was cast into Prison upon Pretence that he had call'd in the French to recover his Estate D. Ximeno Peres de Arenos the King's Lord Chamberlain was sent to compose the Affairs of Sardinia He agreed with the Lady Ellenor Arborea in behalf of her Son Marianus whom she had by her Husband Brancaleon Doria That the Judicature of Arborea should remain to them and their Heirs That for other Towns they pretended Right to they should be left to Arbitration That all Places taken during the War should be restor'd Both Parties having Sign'd these Articles the War ceas'd CHAP. VII Peace Concluded with the English The Heir of Castile in imitation of the Prince of Wales in England is created Prince of Asturias A Truce with Portugal and the Moors King John of Castile kill'd by a fall from his Horse THE Treaty of Peace with the English was still afoot and yet the War was vigorously Prosecuted 600 English Horse and as many Archers for the rest were consum'd with Sickness sat down before Benavente whith them 2000 Portuguese Horse and 6000 Foot Alvaro Osoiro the Governour defended the Place bravely and did the Enemy some Harm The King of Castile was unwilling to hazard a Battel which gave the Enemy the Opportunity of taking some Towns in that Neighbourhood Yet their Loss was greater than the Advantage they could propose to themselves for the Flague rag'd among the Foreigners and Famine consum'd them all Therefore after two Months spent in the Siege they return'd into Portugal The Treaty of Peace drew near to a Conclusion therefore the King of Castile sent back the Succours that came to him from France He also sent Embassadors to the Duke of Lancaster with Power to conclude The Duke was at Trancoso a Town in Portugal there he receiv'd the Embassadors The Articles agreed upon were That the King's Son and Duke's Daughter should immediately be contracted That the Bride by way of Joynture should have Soria Atiença Almaçan and Molina That the Dutchess her Mother should have Gaudalajara Medina del Campo and Olmedo That the Duke should have 600000 Florines paid him at certain times appointed and 40000 yearly during his Life and the Life of his Wife Constance These are the Heads of that Agreement The King of Portugal storm'd not thinking himself secure as long as he of Castile reign'd On the other side the Duke complain'd that the King had consummated the Marriage with his Daughter before the dispensation came and therefore from Porto sail'd directly for Bayonne in France Upon his Departure the Towns in Galicia that held for the English submitted to their King as did the Gentry that sided with them having obtain'd Pardon The King of Castile commonly resided at Salamanca or Toro to be at Hand upon all Occasions He sent Embassadors to Bayonne to ratify what had been concluded The greatest Difficulty lay in raising the Mony to pay the Duke of Lancaster To this intent the Cortes met at Briviesca about the beginning of the Year 1388. To oblige his Subjects the King granted all their Requests It was design'd to lay the Tax upon Estates without exempting the Nobility or Clergy but the great Ones opposing it as a Breach of Privilege other Methods were found out After the Cortes broke up the Kings of Castile and Navarre met first at Calahorra then at Navarrets where they renew'd their antient Friendship Queen Ellenor bore her Husband company and with his Consent stay'd in Castile to try whether her Country Air could cure her as she pretended but in reality to be parted from him as afterwards appear'd After this interview the King of Castile appointed the City of Palencia for the Cortes to meet because the Plague was still at Burgos Here his Son was with great Pomp marry'd to the Duke of Lancaster's Daughter Their Ages were not answerable the Prince being but 10 Years of Age the Lady Catharine 19. The eldest Sons of the Kings of England are call'd Princes of Wales In imitation of them the King of Castile created his Son Prince of Asturias and gave him the Lordships of Bijar and Andujar which Custom has continu'd to our Days and so we shall hereafter call the Heir of the Crown The chief Thing done at the Cortes was setling how the Mony for the Duke of Lancaster should be rais'd That done and Peace concluded Constance the Dutchess King Peter's Daughter laying aside the Title of Queen came in August to Medina del Campo to see the King who entertain'd her nobly and gave her the City Huete Betwixt the King and the Duke rich Presents pass'd particularly the Duke sent the King a very curious Crown of Gold The Dutchess went to Guadalajara and took Possession of that Place about the beginning of the Year 1389 The King stay'd at Madrid thither came Embassadors to him from the Duke of Lancaster desiring they might meet on the Borders of Guienne and Biscay He set out in order to it but fell sick by the Way at Burgos yet went on as far as Victoria where he took leave of the Dutchess sending some Persons of Note to bear her Company and excuse him to her Husband on account of his Indisposition In reality he fear'd meeting the Duke left he should endeavour to take him off from siding with the French and he was unwilling to disoblige the Duke or break with France The Duke thus disappointed communicated his Design to the Embassadors who answer'd they had no Orders about that Affair and so return'd to Victoria On the 13th of March as they were digging a Foundation in some part of the Church of S. Engracia at Zaragoça they found two Tombs with Inscriptions the one of S. Engracia the other of S. Lupercius Among the Articles made with the English there was one that any of the Allyes of either part should be admitted into that Treaty The Cortes of Castile met at Segovia and sent Embassadors to Portugal to try whether that King would come into the League He puss'd up with Success had resolv'd to continue the War and invade Galicia yet by the Industry of F. Ferdinand de Illescas one of the Embassadors he agreed to a Truce for
believing he was displeas'd on some private Account but this Emâ—â—ssy avail'd nothing A great number of French enter'd Aragon by the way of Russâ—â—â—â— to rob and plunder the Country Queen Violante who by reason of her Husband's Carelesness govern'd the Kingdom sent an Embassador to complain to the King of France and her Uncles 〈◊〉 Dukes of Burgâ—ndy Beri and Orâ—â—ans whereupon the French return'd home at such time as King John of Aragon was taken away suddenly He went a Hunting on the Mountain of Foxa near the Castle of Mongriu and Vrriols in the fâ—â—thest part of 〈◊〉 He rous'd a she Wolf of a prodigious size or whether he only imagin'd it for with the Surprize he fell down and gave up the Ghost on the 19th of May. He was more remarkable for his lazy Life than for any Virtue His Body was bury'd at Pâ—bletâ— the common Place of Burial of those Kings He left no Issue-male but two Daughters by two Wiâ—es call'd Joâ—â—â—na and Violante The first was marry'd to Mathew Earl of Fâ—â—x the latter contracted to 〈◊〉 Duke of Anjoâ— In his Will he appointed his Brother Martin Duke of 〈◊〉 his Successor which was approv'd of â—â— all the Kingdom to avoid falling under a 〈◊〉 if the Daughters inherited Martin was busy subduing of Sicily Mary his Wife supply'd his Place taking the Title of Queen and â—â—acing Guards to look to Queen Violante who say'd she was with Child to prevent any Frand The Earl of 〈◊〉 pretended to the Crown in right of his Wife because the Females had always been allow'd to inherit Yet notwithstanding his just â—laim the Cortes which met in July at Zaragoça unaâ—â—mously adjudg'd the Crown to Martin then absent They also treated of the Preparations it was requisite to make to repulse the War which was expected from France CHAP. III. The Queen of 〈◊〉 â—â—turns to her â—â—â—band The Earl of Faux invades Aragon The War betâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 and Portugal renewed Joseph King of Granada dies Mahomet his 2d Son usurps The Turks come over into Europe THE Kingdom of Aragon labour'd under the Apprehensions of a War and all the Country was full of Martial Preparations Castile was at Peace the Nobility being reduc'd the Earl of Gijâ—n gone to France as had been agreed The Queen of Navarre tho against her Will was at 〈…〉 to return to her Husband To make her easy he made Oath he would treat her 〈◊〉 a Queen and the Daughter of Kings and the King of Castile bore her Company to 〈◊〉 a Town on the Boders of Navarre Her Husband receiv'd her at Tudelâ— with all possible Expressions of Affection and there was publick Thanksgiving in all Places for her Return John Huâ—tad◠〈◊〉 Mendoça the Lord 〈◊〉 was much in the King of Castile's Favour who for his good Service gave 〈…〉 of Agreda Ciria and Boravia This Bounty of the King's 〈◊〉 Envy in the 〈◊〉 and those of Agreda would not admit him as their Lord but 〈…〉 to stand upon their Defence The King went thither and being receiv'd into 〈◊〉 Town was prevail'd upon not to alienate that Place from the Crown and in lieu of it gave D. John the Towns of Almaçan and Santistevan de Gormaz King 〈◊〉 Embassadors into France 〈◊〉 the Earl of Gijon and they came to Paris at the time appointed but the Earl appear'd not yet as they were upâ—â— returning they understood he was arriv'd at Rochel in the Provinâ—◠〈◊〉 They impeach'd him before the King and after a full hearing he was declar'd 〈…〉 and commanded to submit himself to the King of whom he might hope for Pardon â—o obtain which the King of France offer'd his Intercession In case he refus'd to put himself upon his King's Mercy he was given to understand he must expect no shelter or assistance in France Orders were sent to Britany and all other â—rates dependant on the Crown of France not to give him any Sâ—ccour or Relief The 〈◊〉 of Castile knowing what Judgment had been given demanded the Town of Gijon should 〈◊〉 surrender'd to him but the Earl's Wife who was in it refus'd Whereupon he laid â—lege to it and having taken it cast down not only the Walls but the Houses Her Son Henry was delivered to the Countess upon Condition she should depart the Land This done the King return'd to Madrid intending to visit Andâ—luzia and in order to it went to Talaverâ— where in November he receiv'd the Embassadors who came from the King of Granada to renew the Truce They were order'd to follow the King to Sevil where he was receiv'd with the usual Joy He caus'd the Archdeacon of Ezija to be apprehended as a mutineer and promoter of all the harm done to the Jews The Truce was renew'd with the Moors and thus the whole Kingdom was restor'd to Peace Great hopes were conceiv'd of King Henry but all vanish'd away for he became sickly which continu'd all his Life time and his Judgment fail'd so that nothing hardly remarkable is recorded during the rest of his Reign Some attribute this to the defect of our Histories and others say the profound Peace he enjoy'd gave him no Opportunity of acting any thing worthy of Note The Duke of Benavenâ—e was kept Prisoner at Monterrey in custody of the Master of Santiago and thence remov'd to Almâ—dâ—var This offended the Arch-bishop of Santiago upon whose Word he came 〈◊〉 Court. Besides that Prelate would not own the Popes of Avignon on these Distates he withdrew into Portugâ—â— There he was first chosen Bishop of Coimbra and afterwards Archbishop of Braga 〈◊〉 this time John de Castro was Bishop of Palencia more famous for his Loyalty to King Peter than any other thing This Prelate fled into France and was restor'd when Queen Constance came to the Crown He is 〈◊〉 to have writ the beâ—â— and truest Chronicle of the Life of King Peter but it is not Extant doubtless suppress'd by the prevailing Enemies of that unfortunate King In Aragon the People were indifferent peaceable tho where a Prince's right is disputable it commonly causes Troubles D. John Earl of Ampuriaâ— was secur'd for favouring the Earl of Faux his claim A War threaten'd from France On the 2d of October the Cortes met at St. Francis in Zaragoça in a very full Assembly it was there resolv'd to raise an Army and give the Command of it to Peter Earl of Vrgel It was not without Cause they made these Preparations for the Earl of Faux having pass'd the Pyrâ—nean Hills with a mighty Army wasted all the Country along the River Sâ—gre and at last in November lay'd Siege to the City Barbastro with 4000 Horse and a great number of Foot In the Camp he caus'd himself and his Wife to be proclaim'd King and Queen of Aragon About the middle of December there was an Earthquake at Valâ—ncia which threw down many Buildings and shook others This the Commonalty look'd upon as an ill Omen foreboding
away by the Floods at Valladolid and more at Medina del Campo In 40 Days no Corn was ground so that the People fed upon the Grain boil'd for want of Bread At Sevil the River Guadalquivir swell'd within a Yard of the top of the Walls Some of the Inhabitants liv'd aboard Ships for fear of being drown'd others Day and Night were repairing the Walls and Cauking the Gates These Rains and Storms began on the 28th of October and continu'd without ceasing till the 25th of March. Mean while the War with the Moors was carry'd on with various Success James de Ribera the Lieutenant at the Siege of Alora was kill'd with a Dart from the Wall At another place in a Skirmish the Moors slew John Faxardo Son to Alonso Faxardo the Lieutenant Perafan Son to James Ribera tho but 15 years of Age succeeded him in recompence for the good Service done by his Father These Losses were in some measure made up by the taking of Huescar a very strong Town by Assault Roderick Manrique Son to the Lieutenant Peter Manrique took it Besides a great Body of Moors that was marching to the Relief of it was overthrown by the Lieutenant of Caçorla and the Lord of Valdecorneja whereupon the Castle which still held out surrendred But another Misfortune soon allay'd the Joy of this Victory D. Gutierre de Sotomayor Master of Alcantara made an Incursion into the Lands of the Moors with 800 Horse and 400 Foot to attack Archidona The Moors gave the Alarm firing their Beacons upon which about 500 Men got together Arm'd with Darts and Slings and securing the Passes kill'd most of the Christians so that he escap'd with a very few This Misfortune mov'd the Lord of Valdecorneja to raise the Siege he had lay'd to Huelma tho it was near surrendring fearing the Moors encourag'd by this Success would come to relieve it He soon gather'd more Forces and joyning with the Bishop of Jaen wasted all the Territory of Guadix burning the Corn which was fit to cut His Force was 1500 Horse and 6000 Foot A great Number of Horse and 40000 Foot march'd from Granada to oppose him Nothing daunted at that Multitude he engag'd and put them to flight killing 400 the Night hindring the pursuit This Day the Lieutenant Perca signaliz'd himself for his Horse being kill'd and he wounded in the Leg he still fought so bravely afoot that the Moors were glad to leave him In the Kingdom of Murcia not far from Huescar there are two Towns call'd Velez el Roxo and Velez el Blanco The Lieutenant Faxardo lay'd Siege to and had them both surrendred These things we have related are what happen'd in three Years against the Moors we have put them together to avoid confounding the Memory This Year we now write of was Remarkable for the Peace concluded betwixt France and Burgundy which prov'd very Advantageous to France but this belongs to their Histories In Spain the Queens of Aragon and Navarre whilst the Kings their Husbands besieg'd Gaeta as shall be related obtain'd of the King of Castile who was going from Madrid to Buitrago to be entertain'd by In̄igo Lopez de Mendoça that the Truce should be prolong'd till the first of November John de Luna Lord of Illueca sent Embassador on this Account obtain'd this of D. Alvaro de Luna who then manag'd all things and was joyful for that he had a Son born at Madrid who was call'd D. John The King express'd great Satisfaction for it and the Nobility feign'd it to gain his Favour The Death of the Seneschal John Carracciolo the Duke of Anjou and Queen Joanna seem'd to have made way for the King of Aragon to obtain the Crown of Naples Many of the Nobility having consulted together seiz'd the City and Castle of Capua and sent thence Reginald de Aquino into Sicily to offer their Service to the King of Aragon provided he would immediately come to their Aid before the Enemy gather'd strength With the King were his three Brothers all of Age fit for War and well inclin'd to it Prince Peter was left in Sicily to gather the Fleet. The King with his Brother of Navarre and Prince Henry set sail from Messina only with 7 Galleys He touch'd at the Island Ponça then at Ischia and lastly came to Sessa whither a great Number of Noblemen was come from Capua to meet him The chief of them was Antony Marsano Duke of Sessa Here they consulted about carrying on the War and it was resolv'd to besiege Gaeta On the 7th of May it was invested by the Neapolitan Forces at Land and the Fleet of Aragon at Sea The Prince of Taranto came thither with his Forces The King of Aragon possess'd himself of Mount Orlando which overtops the City whereby great hope was conceiv'd it would surrender the Townsmen being in a Consternation and wanting Provisions But the Genoeses who were numerous there by reason of their great Trade resolv'd to defend the City They chose Francis Spinola a Man of Note who chiefly encourag'd them for their Commander and then turn'd all useless People out of the City whom the King of Aragon reliev'd and sent to the Neighbouring Villages which gain'd him the Affections of the Besieged and of all the Country The Senate of Genoa understanding the Danger their People were in by the Duke of Milan's Order sitted out 12 great Ships 2 Galleys and a Galliot Manning them well and putting in store of Provisions Blas Assareto was appointed to Command this Fleet a notable Souldier who had rais'd himself from a very mean Condition to that height by his Valour The King of Aragon set out to meet this Fleet with 14 Ships and 11 Galleys With him went most of the Men of Note not doubting of the Victory The Aragonians anker'd at the Island Ponça and the Genoeses on the Coast of Terracina Thence they sent a Herauld to acquaint the King of Aragon they came not to fight but only to carry Provisions to their Countrymen This Message was much ridicul'd by the Aragonians and both Parties made ready to fight Before they ingag'd 3 Genoese Ships were order'd to stand out to Sea that when the Dispute was hottest they might fall upon the Enemy's Rear The Aragonians believing they fled fell on without any Order The King attack'd the Genoese Admiral The Genoese bringing his Ship about poured abundance of Darts and Stones into the King's Poop In the same manner the other Ships grapl'd and fought as if they had been on Land The Aragonians had the Advantage in Numbers but that caus'd Confusion among them and many were Sea-sick whereas the Genoeses had the odds of being expert Mariners and us'd to that sort of fight The Galleys were of no use the Ships being ingag'd together and so much higher above the Water than the Galleys It was now late when the 3 Genoese Ships which at first were thought to fly fell athwart the
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
Means The King from Cabeçon went to the Kingdom of Toledo and the Nobles to Plasencia D. Peter Giron Master of Calatrava went away to Andalusia where he had the Town of Ossuna designing to stir up that People to Rebellion D. John de Valencuela had the grand Priorship of S. John taken from him and the Bishop of Jaen his Goods and Revenues only because they were Loyal to their King Besides this D. Peter Giron raised Men and endeavoured with large Promises to Debauch all the Nobility of that Country The Duke of Medina Sidonia the Earl of Arcos D. Alonso de Aguilar and the Councils of Sevill and Cordoua resolved to join with the Rebels King Henry perceiving the Storm gather assembled a Councel at Madrid where he asked what was best to be done in that Exigence All being silent the Archbishop of Toledo said his Opinion was The first thing to be procured was that Prince Alonso should be put into the Kings Hands as the fittest Person to secure the Pledge of Peace which if the Nobility â—â—used then they ought to be proceeded against by force of Arms That to this purpose the Court should remove to Salamanca to be near to the Rebels either to Treat of Peace or to carry on the War These things being thought to be meant as they were said were easily agreed to A Message was sent to the Nobles and the Forces ordered to march to Salamanca The King himself went away to Old Castile and with what Forces he had laid Siege to Arevalo then held by the Rebels Thence the Archbishop of Toledo putting off his Disguise went away to Avila whereof he was made Governor by the King Thither the Conspirators repaired to him The Admiral as had been agreed seized Valladolid where they designed their Forces should Rendezvous These sad News having awaked the King out of his Lethargy he is said to have fallen down before a Crucifix and uttered these Words Thy Aid I implore my Lord Christ the Son of God by whom Kings Reign To thee I Recommend my Person and Dignity I only beg this Punishment which I confess inferior to my Deserts may be for the good of my Soul Lord give me Patience to endure it and permit not the People to suffer for my sake Then he hasted away to Salamanca At Avila the Rebels resolved upon a most Barbarous Action to the Eternal Infamy of Spain Without the Walls of that City they Erected a Scaffold and placed on it the Statue of King Henry in his Royal Robes on a Throne with his Scepter and Crown Thither the Villanous Nobles and a Multitude of People resorted Then a Cryer proclaimed Sentence against the King laying to his Charge many horrid Crimes Whilst the Sentence was reading they leasurely stripped the Statue of all its Robes and at last with Reproachful Language threw it down from the Scaffold This Villany was acted upon Wednesday the 5th of June Immediately Prince Alonso who had been all the while present was brought upon the Scaffold there lifted upon the Shoulders of the Nobles and proclaimed King the Royal Standard being Displayed in his Name as was the Custom at the Inauguration of Kings The Multitude presently cryed God Save King Alonso which was ingaging themselves in the Quarrel The News of this horrid Treason being spread abroad some approved of others condemned it It was easie for the new King to be Liberal of what was not his own to Gutierre de Solis at the Request of his Brother the Master of Alcantara he gave the City Coria with the Title of an Earl Burgos and Toledo approved this Act of the Nobles On the other side many great Men declared for King Henry D. Garcia de Toledo Earl of Alva being reconciled came to him with 500 Horse and 1000 Foot The Queen and Princess Elizabeth were sent to the King of Portugal to beg Succours of him They met him at Guardia on the Borders of Portugal yet obtained nothing but good Words and Civil Entertainment The Rebels Rendezvoused at Valladolid the Loyalists at Toro being more Numerous than well Disciplined PenÌ„astor was besieged by the Rebels who because it made a Virgorous Defence threw down its Walls to terrifie other Places Thence they removed to Simancas whither the King sent John Fernandez Galindo with 3000 Horse which so encouraged the Besieged that the Rabble formally condemned the Archbishop of Toledo and having dragged his Statue about the Streets burnt it in revenge to the Affront offered to the King at Avila Hereupon the Rebels raised the Siege but especially because they heard the King had an Army of 80000 Foot and 14000 Horse at Toro This Army marched to Simancas By the way in a Skirmish John Carillo a Captain of the Rebels was wounded and taken being at the point of Death he discovered a Conspiracy naming the Persons concerned in it to the King in private but the King fearing his Discovery might be feigned concealed their Names He laid Siege to Valladolid but could not take it by reason it had a strong Garison or rather because the Kings Men had no stomach to fight There a Treaty was again set on foot King Henry and the Marquis de Villena met again Much was promised and nothing performed yet the King was perswaded since his Revenue could not bear so great a Charge to dismiss his Army and then Prince Alonso quitting the Title of King with all the Nobility would submit Thus both sides disbanded and the Noblemen who were with the King tho they had'done no Service were highly Rewarded The Rebels went away to Arevalo and so Valladolid returned to its Duty Prince Alonso was kept in the nature of a Prisoner and they threatned to kill him because he designed to make his escape to his Brother The Treaty of Peace went on and the Rebels promised to submit provided the Princess Elizabeth were Married to the Master of Calatrava The King consented and immediately sent the Duke of Albuquerque and Bishop of Calahorra from Court because they were Enemies to the Master This Project afflicted the Princess who wept bitterly and having told the cause of her Grief to Da. Beatrix de Bobadilla her first Lady of the Bedchamber that Lady shewing her a naked Dagger promised she would with it kill the Master of Calatrava rather than he should have her But God ordered it better for as he hasted from his Town of Almagro to celebrate the Marriage he fell sick by the way and died at Villarubia at the beginning of the year 1466 He was buried in a private Chappel at Calatrava His Two Sons inherited his Estate D. Alonso Tellez Giron the eldest in pursuance of his Fathers Will was Earl of UrenÌ„a D. Roderick Tellez Giron the younger had the Mastership of Calatrava having before obtained the Popes Bull to that effect He had also a third Son called D. John Pacheco all three unlawfully begotten Not long before the Masters Death in the Territory
of Jaen there appeared such a multitude of Locusts that they hid the Sun Every one interpreted this and the like Prodigies as his Fear dictated rather than according to any Reason At this time Roderick Sanchez de â—revalo who commanded the Castle of S. Angel at Rome wrote in Latin a History of Spain more Devout than Elegant It is called Palentina from the Author who was afterwards Bishop of Palencia Pope Paul II. gave him that Bishoprick at the Request of King Henry to whom he Dedicated that History The said Roderick Sanchez tho a Spaniard was very familiar with that Pope CHAP. V. Peter the Constable of Portugal dies The Rebels in Catalonia choose the Duke of Anjou for their King The Battle of Olmedo The Death of the Queen of Aragon and Prince Alonso of Castile The King recovers Toledo The Rebels of Castile Affront the Popes Legate and are Excommunicated CAstile was full of Confusion and Tumults nothing but Rapine and Murders appeared in all Places the Government being too weak to punish these Insolencies For this Reason the Towns and Cities Associated themselves and by the Kings Consent Rules were prescribed the Heads of the Association to be governed by The People generally feared left the Moores should again Conquer Spain the Kingdom being no less Debauched than in the time of King Roderick and the Archbishop of Toledo was commonly in scorn called D. Oppas which was the Name of him that had helped to betray the Country to the Infidels when they over-ran it These Divisions encouraged the Earl of Faux to invade Navarre as his Wife's Dower not content to expect the Death of his Father-in-Law tho he had blamed that forwardness in his Brother-in-Law Prince Charles Not so satisfied he resolved to oblige King Henry of Castile to deliver up those Towns of Navarre in which he had Garisons At the first onset he took the City Calahorra and laid Siege to Alfaro King Henry sent James Enriquez del Castillo his Chaplain who also wrote a Chronicle of this King to Treat with the Earl but he finding nothing was to be done by fair means gathered what Forces he could and drove him out of the Country Calahorra was also restored to the King the Townsmen expelling the Garison of the Earl of Faux In Catalonia the Aragonians in several places worsted their Enemies and recovered many Towns But what was most considerable D Peter the pretended Earl of Barcelona died at Granobla on the 29th of June His Body was buried at Barcelona He was thought to be poisoned as was very usual in those days In his Will he left that Earldom wherein he had so small a share to John Prince of Portugal his Nephew The Aragonians using the advantage of his Death took Tortosa and other Places To put a stop to all these Losses the Catalonians in a great Assembly at Barcelona chose Renee Duke of Anjou the perpetual Enemy of Aragon their King On the other side the King of Aragon sollicited the Duke of Savoy and Galeazo who had succeeded his Father Francis Sforzia in the Dukedom of Milan to join in League with him He also Courted the English and at the beginning of the year 1467 sent Peter Peralta his Constable to Castile to join in League with the Confederate Lords For the better compassing his Ends he gave Commission to Treat of Matching his Daughter Joanna with Prince Alonso and his Son Ferdinand with Beatrix Daughter to the Marquis of Villena Neither of these Marriages had effect The Earl of Benavente at this time got Prince Alonso from the Archbishop of Toledo for pretending to Entertain him in his Castle of Portillo when he had him in he'kept him yet not long after at the perswasion of the Marquis de Villena restored him to the Rebellious Lords Thus all things tended to open War which King Henry earnestly desiring to prevent condescended again to have Two Conferences with the Marquis de Villena but all to no effect notwithstanding the Earl of Plasencia's Lady a Person of great Parts and well affected towards the King was present in hopes she would reduce her Husband and some others The Marquess de Villena was more subtle to gain an Advantage than King Henry to disappoint him Another Interview was appointed at Plasencia which the Loyal Nobility were concerned at saying it was Lessening of the King to have so many Conferences with a Subject At the beginning of Summer the King removed from Madrid to Segovia and the Rebels possessed themselves of Olmedo Peter de Silva Commandant of the Garison delivered it up Mota de Medina belonged to the Archbishop of Toledo and there was danger it would fall into the hands of the Lords King Henry moved by all these Affronts ordered great Levies to be made Then he summoned the Nobility There came to him the Earl of Medina Celi the Bishop of Calahorra the Duke of Albuquerque who till then had been absent from Court and Peter Hernandez de Velasco who being pardoned his former Fault was now sent by his Father with 700 Horse and a good Body of Foot For this Service he had the Tenths of the Admiralty granted him So great Fear had possessed the King and he was so desirous to gain the Nobility that to secure the Marquis of Santillana he delivered up his Daughter Joanna to be kept by him in his Town of Buytrago Every one sold his Service the dearest he could The King having gathered a good Army marched towards Medina but being come to Olmedo the Rebels drew out to hinder his Passage King Henry was desirous to avoid fighting but could not contain his Men. Upon the 20th of August the Two Armies met and after a sharp Engagement parted again upon equal Terms yet both sides pretended to the Victory Night separated them the Rebels returned to Olmedo and the King with his Forces which were 2000 Foot and 1700. Horse marched on to Medina del Campo King Henry was not in the Fight being advised by Peter Peralta not to hazard his Person Some were of Opinion he meant not honestly being a Friend to the Rebels Neither was the Marquess de Villena there being then at a Chapter of the Order of Santiago where he was chosen Master which made the Nobility very jealous seeing him Preferred and Rewarded when he deserved the severest Punishment Ellenor Countess of Faux Governed Navarre for her Father Nicholas Echavaria Bishop of Pamplona recovered Urania which till then was held by the Castilians A Son of this Ladies called Gaston as was his Father had at this time by his Wife Magdalen Sister to Louis King of France a Son called Francis who for his great Beauty had the Sirname of Phaebeus His Daughter Catherine her Brother dying by Marriage united the State of Albret and Crown of Navarre as shall appear in its place The King of Aragon resided at Tarragona to be near to give Orders for carrying on the War in Catalonia
20 Days Of Disposition he was Robust and of Spirit Lively The latter part of his Life was stained with a leud Appetite tho he was past acting for he fixed his Affection upon a handsome young Woman called Frances Rose whom he design'd to have formerly Married to that D. Jayme de Aragon who was Executed at Barcelona In his Will made 10 Years before his Death he ordained several godly Works to be performed Particularly the Erecting Two Monasteries of the Order of St. Hierome which are famous at this time One of them is St. Engracia at Zaragoça the other St. Mary de Belpuch in Catalonia his Son exactly performing all that he had ordained He also ordered that the Grandsons of his Son Ferdinand tho' by a Daughter should Inherit the Crown of Aragon and take place of their Mothers CHAP. VIII Elenor Queen of Navarre The troubles of that Kingdom and her Death The Countess of Medellin raises Tumults in Castile Portugueses overthrown by the Castilians Heretical Opinions Started and Condemned in Spain King Ferdinand goes into Aragon BY the Death of the King of Aragon his Dominions were divided Aragon fell to King Ferdinand and Navarre to the Princess Elenor in the Right of her Mother She had been 7 Years a Widow and consequently exposed to great Misfortunes That Kingdom was still divided betwixt the old Factions The Biamonteses Enemies to the new Queen were most prevalent These troubles seemed to be a Judgment for the Murders committed upon Charles Prince of Viana the Princess Blanch his Sister and the Bishop of Pamplona Queen Ellenor Reigned not a whole Month. She was more Fortunate in her Issue than in her Life for she had 4 Sons Gaston John Peter and James and 5 Daughters Mary Joanna Marguerite Catherine and Ellenor we shall briefly speak of them all great Families being descended from them Gaston died as was said before and left two Children Francis Phebus and Catherine who both Reigned in Navarre successively John was Lord of Narbonne which he bought of his Father and had Issue Gaston and Germana Gaston was killed at the Battle of Ravenna where he was General for Luis the 12th of France Germana Married King Firdinand after the death of his first Wife Peter applied himself to learning and piety and Pope Sixtus made him a Cardinal James followed the War and was never Married Mary the Eldest Daughter was Married to William Marquess of Monferrat Joanna to John Earl of Armagnac Margaret to Francis Duke of Britany and had Issue Ann and Elizabeth Ann the Heiress being Married first to Charles the 8th and after his death to Luis the 12th of France joined that Dukedom and Kingdom Catherine 4th Daughter to Queen Ellenor Married Gaston de Faux Earl of Candale and brought forth 2 Sons and a Daughter called Anne Married to Ladislaus King of Hungary Ellenor the Youngest Daughter died a Maid Queen Ellenor died on the 12th of February at Tudela where she began her Reign In her Will she Ordained out of her own Money a Monastery of Franciscans should be Built at Tafalla and that her Body should be Buried there and the Bones of her Mother Queen Blanch be also Translated thither from the Monastery of Nuestra SenÌ„ora de Nieva in Old Castile where they were deposited The Revenue was so exhausted that she was forced to Sell her Jewels to Live Francis Phebus so called for his extraordinary Beauty being but 11 Years of Age succeeded her His Mother the Lady Magdalen and his Uncle Peter the Cardinal had the Administration of the Government till he came to Years and discharged their Trust Prudently in those difficult Times The late Queen during her Troubles had no help from her Brother the King of Castile therefore she made no mention of him in her Will but directed the Governors to Adhere to France as they did which was the Cause they soon lost that Kingdom Thus much of Navarre In Castile some new Oppinions in matters of Religion were broached One Peter Oxomensis a Professor of Divinity at Salamanca was the Author By Order of Pope Sixtus the Archbishop of Toledo assembled several Persons of great Learning at Alcala where he Refided who all Condemned those new Opinions and the Author was Excommunicated unless he recanted Sentence was given on the 24th of May and soon after Pope Sixtus confirmed it by his Bull. John Prexanus a famous Divine in that Age. afterwards Bishop of Cuidad Rodrigo wrote a Book against the said Peter The Marquisate of Villena was now the Seat of War for the Marquess because Covenants were not performed with him had recourse to Arms and relieved the Town of Chinchilla besieged by the King's Forces Peter Ruiz de Alarcon who Commanded a Party of the King 's was defeated near Alberca by Peter de Baeça and D. George Manrique who in another Skirmish with Peter de Baeça was Wounded of which hurt he afterwards died A great pitty that so ripe a Wit should be so soon cut off Hereupon the Marquess was liable as having been in Arms against the King's Forces He excused himself laying the blame upon the Insolency of those Officers who forced him to do so and pleaded he had no dealings either with the King of Portugal or Archbishop of Toledo These excuses whether True or Counterfeit prevented any farther proceedings against him In this War there happned an extraordinary accident worth Relating The King's Party had hanged 6 of the Prisoners they took In revenge John Berrio an Officer of the Marquess ordered as many of those he had taken to be put to death in the same manner The Prisoners cast Lots and among the rest it fell to the share of one of 2 Brothers that were Prisoners who had a Wife and Children to die The other Brother who was a Batchellor begged to be put to death in his place and so it was done after they had both long and with many Tears contended about it King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth received the News of King John's Death and their own Accession to the Crown of Aragon in Estremadura where they were quelling the Tumults raised by the Countess of Medellin and D. Alonso de Mâ—nrey The Countess had a Spirit above a Woman for she kept her own Son D. John Portocarrero some years a Prisoner and at last turned him out of Doors which was the cause she was in Arms fearing lest she should be obliged to restore the Earldom to her Son who laid Claim to it as his Father's Inheritance She also designed to keep the City Merida in which she had a Garison D. Alonso was digusted that the Mastership of Alcantara was taken from him and given to D. John de ZunÌ„iga upon which Pretence he seized several Towns belonging to that Military Order The King provided for the War with Portugal which it was feared would prove more bloody than before yet both Parties being exhausted a Treaty was proposed This was the more Welcome to
about 4000 Foot were either slain or taken All the Booty was recovered Having received the news of this Victory Queen Elizabeth went away to the Borders of Navarre to hasten the Marriage betwixt her Son and that Queen And King Ferdinand hasted to Andaluzia to prosecute the War Being come to Cordova it was resolved to raise greater Forces because after the taking of Boabdil the Moores were again united under Albohacen and he had recovered Granada notwithstanding many of the Citizens hated him for his Cruelty and Avarice King Ferdinand at the head of 6000 Horse and 40000 Foot destroyed the Suburbs of Yiora and having taken Tajara by Assault utterly destroyed it Thence he Marched and Encamping on the plain of Granada sent out Parties who burnt and destroyed all about them King Albohacen having no confidence in the Citizens durst not venture out of the City and onely some small Parties came out to endeavour to pick up Staglers That King sent to offer the Earl of Cifuentes and Nine more of the principal Prisoners he had taken for his Son Boabdil He also proposed Conditions of Peace but such as were haughty and violent King Ferdinand answered he was not come to receive but to give Laws and would not hear of any Peace till they laid down their Arms. The Marquess of Cadiz and others ceased not to perswade the King to release Boabdil because it was a mean to keep the Enemy divided which would redound to our advantage King Ferdinand having wasted the Country and lest a good Garrison in Albama under the Command of Ynigo Lopez de Mendoca Earl of Tendilla returned to Cordova Thither the Moorish King was brought Prisoner from the Castle of Porcuna Being come before the King he offered to kiss his Hand but King Ferdinand Embraced and Entertained him courteously After some time they concluded a League upon these Conditions That Boabdil should give his Eldest Son and 12 other Sons of the principal Moores as Hostages that he would always continue faithful to King Ferdinand That he should pay the yearly Tribute of 12000 Ducats and come to the Cortes when Summoned That in Five years time he should Release 400 Christian Slaves Upon these terms he was dismissed King Ferdinand having Garrisoned all Towns thereabouts and given the Government of Ezija and general Command of those Frontiers to D. Luis Fernandez Portocarrero set out towards the Queen At the same time 1500 Moorish Horse and 4000 Foot under the Command of Bexir Governor of Malaga broke into the Territory of Utrera but were overthrown by Portocarrero and the Marquess of Cadiz near Guadalete In memory of this good Service it was granted to the Marquesses of Cadiz for ever that they should have the Suit of Cloaths the King of Spain wore upon every Feast of the Nativity of our Blessed Lady which is in September Within the same Month the Marquess recovered Zahara by surprize King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth went to Vitoria tho' with small hopes that the Marriage designed would take effect The Lady Magdalen pleaded the Queen her Daughter was Marriageable and the Prince but a Child At Vitoria the Earl of Cabra and James Fernandez de Cordova were received with extraordinary Honour the Cardinal of Toledo with all the Nobility by the King's Order going out of Town to meet them A Pension of 100000 Maravedies was given to the Earl of Cabra for his Life and to his paternal Coat of Arms was added a Kings Head Crowned within an Orle of 7 Colours betokening that number taken from the Enemy in their Retreat from Lucena The Winter Floods carryed away a great part of the Wall of Alhama and the Garrison was for abandoning the Place but the Earl of Tendilla caused a Cloth painted in such manner that the defect could not be perceived to be spread along that part By this project they gained time to repair the Damage before the Enemy understood the Cheat. For want of Money to pay the Garrison he gave them Pastboard Tickets with his name on the one Side and the value they were to go for on the other promising to make them good as soon as the danger was over On the 15th of November the Pope gave a Cardinal's Cap to D. John de Melguerite Bishop of Girona He wrote a brief History of the Kings of Spain called Paralipomena but enjoyed that Dignity only a few Months His Body lies at Rome in the Church of our Lady de Populo The troubles in Navarre did not cease and the old Factions grew strong through the general Contempt of the Government To add to all former Misfortunes a new War broke out John Viscount Narbonne Unckle to Queen Catherine pretended to have Right to that Kingdom before his Nephews and alledged that a Woman could not Inherit the Crown The truth is he had no Right and therefore by force of Arms brought all the Earldom of Faux into Subjection To put an end to these troubles it was thought convenient to hasten the Queen's Marriage The Lady Magdalen her Mother was for Marrying of her in France The People pleaded she ought not to Marry without advice of the Cortes and thereupon the Inhabitants of Tudela protested if she were disposed of otherwise they would deliver up the Town to King Ferdinand He at the beginning of the Year 1484 held the Cortes of Aragon at Taraçona where nothing remarkable was done only at first the Catalonians pleaded they ought not to be summoned out of their own Province yet at last they submitted Mean while Catherine Queen of Navarre was married to John d' Albret Lord of Perigeux Limoges Dreux and many other Places This Match produced new troubles in Navarre King Ferdinand designing to make his advantage of those Confusions stayed there himself and sent his Queen to provide for the War in Andaluzia Albohaâ—en kept up his Authority and his Son Boahdil had much ado to maintain the Title of King in the City Almeria that People hating him as a Friend to the Christians their Preachers employed by his Father never oeasing to rail at him About 10000 Men from Sevil and Cordova in April wasted all the Lands of Malaga No relief came to the Moores out of Africk either because that People was ingaged in other Wars or because our Fleet Commanding the Sea gave them no opportunity to stir All our Force being on that side the Genoeses under the Command of Jordieto Doria ravaged all the coasts of Catalonia and Valencia A Fleet was therefore rigged upon that Coast to Curb the Insolency of those Pyrates Some troubles in Ecclesiastical Affairs required the presence of King Ferdinand to settle them Luis Despuch Master of Montesa dying the Knights chose D. Philip Boyl in his Place but King Ferdinand pleading that by virtue of a Bull granted him by the Pope no Master of a Military Order could be Elected without his Consent the new Elect was Deposed and Charles late Duke of Viana
and the New King retired to Capua which he had fortified but was betrayed to the French by Trivulcio a Milanese the Governour Whilst the King of France was at Capua the Great Turk's Brother died Others say it was at Naples whether the King marched and was received into that most Noble City without any resistance upon Sunday the 22d of February The New King Ferdinand before the French came abandon'd all and retired to Castelnovo where were the Queen-Dowager her Daughter Frederick the King's Unkle and many other Lords Thence he went to the Castle del Ovo and lastly over to Sicily to wait some turn of Fortune But the French were so fortunate that in 15 Days after their entring upon the Borders of the Kingdom all submitted to them to the utmost point of Italy I believe never so great an Undertaking was concluded in so short a time Only some few Places in Calabria held out some time for King Ferdinand but at last submitted as did Rijoles which is in sight of Meçina where the Fleet of Spain lay but had no Orders to attempt any thing CHAP. V. The League against the French carried on with wonderful Secrescy The French King returns home The Venetians overthrown by the French King Ferdinand of Naples successful against them and recovers that Noble City NO sooner had the French possessed themselves of the Kingdom of Naples but all the Princes of Italy began to consider how heavy the Dominion of that Nation would lie upon them if suffered to settle and root it self in Italy King Ferdinand of Spain was in the greatest danger for the Island of Sicily whither he was informed the French designed to pass as soon as they concluded the Affair of Naples being chiefly animated to that Enterprize by the Prince of Salèrno one of the Outlaws and principal Enemy to the House of Aragon The better to oppose them he sought to draw the other Princes to a League against France To this purpose he had some Months since sent Laurence Suarez de Figuera to Venice and now sent a Gentleman called John Deza to the Duke of Milan with Orders to make an Overture to him not only of giving him one of the Princesses his Daughters but of making him King of Lombardy both which Proposals he willingly gave ear to He also practised to draw the Emperor and the English into the League and in order to it proposed cross Matches to strengthen the Alliance between Prince John and the Princess Joanna his Children and Maximilian and his Sister Margaret on the other side which Design was so well prosecuted that it was fully concluded by Francis de Rojas sent on purpose to Flanders Care was taken to raise Money in Castile and Aragon to defray the Charge of the War In Aragon the Cortes met which the King would have had the Princess Catherine hold but it would not be allowed and he was forced to come himself Such Industry was used that at last the League was concluded at Venice It was agreed this called the Most Holy League should last for the space of 25 Years and that between them all should be raised an Army of 34000 Horse and 28000 Foot proportionable to the Power and Ability of each of the Confederates It was given out the Design was to protect the Church and defend their own Dominions but in reality it was to drive the French out of Italy This Business was carried on with such wonderful Secrecy that the French Ambassador Philip de Comines Lord of Argenton a Man of great Wisdom and Experience then at Venice had not the least Intelligence of it and was so surprized when Augustin Barbadico Duke of Venice gave him an account of it that he asked whether the King his Master might return with safety into France The face of Affairs was soon changed for the Neapolitans repented of what they had done because the Insolencies committed by the French were intolerable The Duke of Milan was perplexed for that the Duke of Orlcans had secured the City Novara besides he understood that the French endeavoured to draw the Genoeses from his Subjection insomuch that he was forced with great Submission to have recourse to the Venetians for their Assistance The King of France understanding what had hapned resolved to return with all speed before the way was stopped Before his departure he appointed Gilbert Duke of Monpensier a Prince of the Blood Viceroy of Naples with him he left part of his Army and some able Commanders He also sent to the Pope to ask of him the Investiture of the Kingdom of Naples and to let him know he desired to pass through Rome to confer with his Holiness about important Affairs As to the Investiture the Pope answered he was ready to do Justice according as he should find and as for his going to Rome it could not be without some great Disorder because the People were enraged against the French This unpleasing Answer made the King hasten his Journey He set out from Naples on the 20th of May Being come to Rome he found the Pope was retired to Perosa From Rome he went into Tuscany spent some Days at Siena and without entring Florence went on to Pisa The Florentines demanded the restitution of that City as had been promised them but the People of Pisa prevailed upon him Thence he went into Lombardy where Francis Marquess of Mantua General of the Venetians came to cut off his Retreat The French being fewer in number would have avoided fighting and endeavoured to join the Duke of Orleans but it could not be The Enemies met on the Banks of the River Tarro which runs within a League of the City Parma The Venetians lay near Fornovo a Village at the Foot of the Mountains the French at the entrance into the Valley There the Battel was fought which was one of the most remarkable that had hapned long in Italy At first the Italians had the better but then falling to plunder and seize the Cannon the French had leisure to rally and returned upon the Enemy with such Fury that they broke them with a mighty Slaughter The King was in great danger all his Guards being slain and tho' the Victor could not obtain of the Enemy a Truce for three Days wherefore he was forced to steal away to Aste without beat of Drum It was no small help to him in his retreat that the River being swollen with the Rain the Italians could not so soon pass it to pursue him Yet he sustained much loss by the Light Horse that kept in his Rear and the Country-people who took Arms to secure the Passes Above 4000 Italians were killed in the Fight The Duke of Mantua immediately sate down before Novara where he much distressed the Duke of Orleans Scarce was the King gone from Naples when the Affairs of that Kingdom began to change The Fleet of Spain commanded by the Earl of Trivento lay at Meçina Thither came
Prince of Zaragoça the Spaniards went down the wind apace in Calabria The Viceroy hasted to Messina and gathered all the Foreigners he could to Succour his Party From Rome D. Hugo and D. John de Cardona Brother to the Count de Golisano quitting the Posts they had under Duke Valentin at the perswasion of the Spanish Ambassador carried 240 chosen Men to that City As soon as they came to Messina gathering what other Forces they could they passed the Streight at such time as the Earl of Melito Brother to the Prince of Bisignano having taken the Town of Terranova had much distressed the Castle D. Hugo marched thither and having defeated the Earl raised the Siege and the Princes of Salerno and Bisignano who lay before Cosenza were forced to quit that Enterprize and came down to the Plain of Terranova to endeavour to make up that loss This Fight hapned 4 days before Emanuel de Benavides arrived at Messina with the Forces he brought in 15 Ships Among the other Commanders there came with him Antony de Leyva a Man hereafter famous for Valour and Conduct They passed over with the greatest speed they could to join D. Hugo and the rest The Princes being retired to Melito sent the Earl with 700 Swiss and some Horse and People of the Country to besiege Cosensa He marched to Mota de Culambra 3 Miles from Rosana where lay most of the Spaniards who were upon them by break of day and the Town being open entred it killing some of the Enemy others fled and others with the Earl retired to the Castle News being brought that the Lord of Aubigni with all his Forces was marching to the relief of the Earl the Spaniards drew back to Rosana At the same time Fabricius de Gesualdo Son to the Earl of Conça and Son in Law to the Prince of Melfi who Commanded on the Frontiers about Taranto went out to Ravage the Territory of that City Luis de Herrera and Peter Navarro Captains of the Garrison of Taranto lay in wait for the Enemy in a Pass where they killed or took them all only 3 escaping Fabricius himself was made Prisoner In the other parts of Apulia the War was hotly prosecuted both Parties striving to receive the Duties of Cattle which is one of the best Branches of the Revenue It would be too tedious to relate all particulars but the poor Country People suffered extreamly both French and Spaniards driving their Cattle To put a stop to this Mischief the Duke of Nemours resolved to march with all his Forces and break down a Bridge that was over the River Ofanto 4 Miles distant from Barleta thinking thus to prevent the Enemies Parties from passing over especially when that River swells with the Rains The Lord of Aubigni as soon as he had entred Calabria marched towards the Enemy that was in Terranova The Town was weak and ill provided therefore they agreed to quit it and pass over the Mountain to Retromarina The French having taken the Passes put to flight all the Spanish Infantry and took about 50 Horse of the Troops of Antony de Leyva who fought with much Bravery Yet the greatest number fled to Girache and other strong Holds This Defeat gained the Lord of Aubigni such Reputation that most of Calabria submitted to him Four days after the Duke of Nemours came with his Army to the Bridge of Ofanto and with his Cannon beat down the middle Arch and a Tower which he had half ruined when he was there before The Great Captain hearing of his Approach sent for the Forces that were at Andri and then followed the Enemy but they marched off the same way they came The Great Captain sent a Trumpet to stay the Duke who answered that when Gonzalo Fernandez would come as near Canoza as he had been to Barleta he engaged his Word to come out and Fight him At this time the Duke of Calabrta came to Madrid and tho' a Prisoner was entertained like the Son of a King On the first day of January 1503 Duke Valentin took Sonagalla He also made Prisoners Francis Ursino Duke of Gravena Paul Ursino Vitellocio and Oliveroto who came to him upon a safe Conduct The Pope also apprehended Cardinal Ursino their intent being totally to ruin the Family of the Ursini as they had already the Coloneses tho' but a little before they had made a strict Alliance with them Soon after that Duke took Perosa and Civita Castelli and aimed at the Republicks of Siena Luca and Pisa but durst not attempt them for fear of the King of France under whose Protection they were which gave him an Opportunity of sending Forces to Naples in the same manner as if they had marched through his own Territories For all this the War betwixt Florence and Pisa continued and the Pisans had thoughts of putting themselves under the Protection of the Catholick King The King would not then admit them and when he would it was too late Two Cousins Alonso and Francis de Albuquerque with each of them 3 Ships sailed from Portugal for India CHAP. VIII Great Booty taken by the Spaniards as also the Sieur de la Palisse A Combat betwixt 13 French and as many Italians Several losses of the French The Marquess del Gasto comes over to the Spaniards THE Great Captain who lay with his Forces at Barleta was much perplexed being resolved not to take the Field till the Germans and Forces he Expected from Spain had joined him but at the same time want of Provisions obliged him to march towards the Enemy who lay at Monorbino Canosa and Cirinola On the 15th of January he marched out of Barleta sending before the Commendary Mendoza with 300 light Horse to drive the Country as far as Labelo which was 25 Miles distant thence and was plentiful of Cattle He Halted Four Miles from Monorbino to Face the French if they should come out of the Town Our advanced Party drove above 40000 Sheep 200 Men at Arms and as many Archers came out of Cirinola thinking to join a like number that lay at Canosa and then recover the Booty from our Men who endeavouring to cut them off did it so disorderly that they got into Canoza tho' with some loss The Duke of Nemours stirred not so that our Men had leisure to carry off the Prey Four days after Intelligence being given that the Sieur de la Palisse was marching with 500 Horse to Ravage the Territory of Barleta the Great Captain and D. James de Mendoça possessed themselves of Two Passes through which the Enemy must of necessity make their way The Sieur de la Palisse fell with his Horse at first setting out which was the cause he went not himself but sent one la Motte his Lieutenant with 70 Men at Arms and Archers They fell into the Ambush and were all killed or taken only Two escaping Among the rest La Motte was taken by D. James de Mendoza This
he should have taken it and so the Breach had been the greater His chief care was to reestablish the Administration of Justice much depraved by the late Confusions He endeavoured to raise some Supplies of Money to help defray the past Expences and pay the Forces he was to keep on Foot which he Quartered about as might be least offensive to the People Some Companies of Spaniards whom he knew to be Insolent and Injurious he sent away to Spain in Two Ships He forgot not to repair the harms done during the War and particularly the Walls of Naples and Gasto Capua he secured with such Works as made it stronger than if it had been Walled These things he did to be in a readiness in case the Enemy should attempt any thing again and all was easie to him by reason of the great reputation he had gained not only in that Kingdom but throughout all Italy so that many Cities offered to side with Spain Genoa both the Factions of the Adornos and Fregosos consenting offered to revolt from the French so they were supplied with 2000 Spaniards Julian de Medicis Brother to Peter that was drowned in the River Garellano promised 100000 Ducats a Year from himself and his Party if he were restored to Florence whence at present he was Banished The Council of Pisa to avoid falling again into the Hands of the Florentines proposed either to submit themselves wholly to the Catholick King or to put themselves under his Protection The City Areço rather than continue subject to the Florentines made the same offers The Lord of Plombin a City tho' small yet of great importance for the defence of the Kingdom put himself under the Protection of Spain To be short Pandolfo Petrucci and Paul Ballon made the same Overtures for themselves and their Cities of Siena and Perusa Even in the City of Milan 600 of the Citizens offered their Service if he would attempt to Conquer that Dukedom All these practices were at an end by the Truce concluded in France by the Ambassadors Gralla and Antony Augustin for Three Years the Kingdom of Naples included The Catholick King Swore to observe it at Mejorada about the end of January One of the Articles was that the said Truce should be Proclaimed at Naples on the 25th of February which was not performed because the Great Captain would first have it made known to such as were still in Rebellion The Prince of Rosano would not admit of it but because the Commendary Solis on that score did not press Rosano he with his Forces sate down before Cherinthia where he did much harm Luis de Arsi tho' he admitted the Truce drove the Cattle of Andria and Barletta and took what Prisoners he could Our Commanders said that notwithstanding the Truce they might punish such of the Barons as committed any Insult after it and therefore pressed both them we have spoken of Venosa with its Castle was easily taken because Luis de Arsi left it unprovided when he retired thence to Trana and thence to France which in a Bravado he did with Colours flying and Beat of Drum Thus only Six Towns in that Kingdom and those remote from the Sea were left to the French The King of France pretended that all that was taken after the day appointed for proclaiming the Truce ought to be restored as unlawfully gained and suspected the Delay of proclaiming had been advisedly contrived to that purpose On the other side it was guessed he never intended to observe the Truce and had only contrived it to have the better Opportunity of taking the Spaniards at an Advantage which might well be believed because at the same time he had appointed John James Trivulcio his General in Italy besides 5000 Swissers and 500 Horse were daily expected out of France under the Command of the Lords of Aubigni and Alegre and the Marquess of Mantua and Duke of Ferrara raised all the Forces they could in Italy At the same time the Great Captain was dangerously sick which with the Report spread abroad of Re-establishing king Frederick and the Pope's soliciting to have him General of the French Forces gave occasion to People to discourse variously of matters of State and particularly the Coloneses took the Liberty to utter some bold Speeches All was again appeased by the Recovery of the Great Captain who pesently appyled himself to make all the necessary Prepations for a mighty War which was expected would break out again in that Kingdom All Italy and Spain suffered very much this Year by Famine and on the 5th of April being Good Friday there were great Earth-quakes in Castile and Andaluzia which overthrew many Buildings The greatest harm was done in some Towns on the Banks of the River Guadalquivir Lope Soarez de Albergaria Sailed from Lisbon with a good Fleet for India This same Year the Catholick King gave the Office of Lord High Steward to D. Bernard de Sandoval y Rojas Marquess of Denia of whose Family because often mention is made it will not be from the purpose to set down the latter part of their Genealogy Ferdinand Gutierrez de Sandoval who is said to have been chief Commendary of Castile was Father to D. James Gomez de Sandoval first Earl of Castro and Lord Lieutenant of Castile his Eldest Son was Ferdinand the Father of D. James Gomez de Sandoval whom King Ferdinand Created Marquess of Denia His Son was D. Bernard who we said was made Lord High Steward to the same King Ferdinand in which place he continued even after the King's death to Queen Joanna D. Bernard had by his Wife the Lady Frances Enriquez Four Sons and Six Daughters He had also a Bastard Son who for his good Parts came to be Archbishop of Sevil. Luis Eldest Son to D. Bernard was Father to Francis Earl of Lerma who died before him but left a Son called D. Francis Gomez de Sandoval who came to be Duke of Lerma and a Cardinal of whom we shall speak in another Place D. Ferdinand Youngest Son to the said Marquess had many Children and among them D. Bernard de Rojas y Sandoval Cardinal and Archbishop of Toledo to whom that Church is obliged for restoring to it the Lieutenancy of CaÄ™orla after it had been many Years Alienated CHAP. IV. Perfidiousness of Duke Valentin who is as perfidiously sent into Spain by the Great Captain contrary to his promise and he ill represented to the King Projects of Peace betwixt France and Spain come to nothing THE Vâ—netians after the death of Pope Alexander had possessed themselves of several Cities in Romania and aimed at the rest Duke Valentin being no way able to oppose them agreed to deliver such Forts as remained in his power to Pope Julius who sent one Peter de Oviedo to take possession but the Duke changing his Mind gave private Orders to his Lieutenant at Cesana to Hang the said Peter He did so whereupon the Pope Arrested
grew jealous of the Kingdom of Naples fearing lest the Great Captain should encline to favour his Son-in Law Prosper Colona failed not to encrease this Jealousie tho' he had obtained all he came to Spain for and particularly that Bartholomew d' Albianos Company of 400 Men at Arms should be reduced to 200. Besides the Catholick King ordered only 1200 Men at Arms 600 Light Horse and 3000 Spanish Foot to be left in the Kingdom of Naples 2000 Spaniards to be sent to Spain and the Germans dismissed all to save Charges and weaken that Kingdom A particular Council was erected in Castile for the Government of it Ladron de Mauleon was sent Ambassadot from the King of Navarre to confirm the ancient Alliance with King Ferdinand by concluding the Match betwixt the Prince of Viana and the Archduke's Daughter He also pressed to have Duke Valentine then Prisoner released as did many Cardinals created by Pope Alexander The King was willing to renew the League and inclinable to the Match As to the Duke he said it could not be done at present tho' at the same time he thought to make use of him in Italy to balance against the Great Captain He desired Security that he would be true to his Interest and Alonso d' Este Duke of Ferrara offered to be bound for him Emanuel King of Portugal sent the Bishop of Porto and James Pacheco his Ambassadors to Rome to acknowledge Pope Julius After he had sent several Fleets to Trade in India he now sent Francis d' Almeyda with the Title of Governour to reside there that all who passed to those Parts might know who they were to obey Many Difficulties attended the Prosecution of this Enterprize besides the length of the Voyage One was the Opposition made by the Venetians as has been hinted before Another that the Soldan of Babylon either at the Instigation of that State or of his own accord undertook to ruin their Trade in those Parts He sent Maurus Guardian of the Monastery at Hierusalem with Letters to the Pope complaining of the Proceedings of the Catholick King in the Conquest of Granada and Conversion of the Moors and of the King of Portugal for ruining his Trade in India and taking his Ships He desired him to put a stop to any further progress in this Affair otherwise he threatned to destroy the Holy Sepulchre and put to death all the Christians within his Dominions This moved the Pope to send the same Religious Man with the Letters to Spain to both the Kings neither of whom made any account of them or the Threats they contained CHAP. VI. King Ferdinand becomes odious to the People The Posture of Affairs in Italy The Emperour and King Philip of Castile Ratifie the Peace with France King Ferdinand agrees with the French King THE Cortes at Toro passed the Laws called of Toro which had been framed before the death of Queen Elizabeth After the Cortes were dismissed King Ferdinand continued at Toro till the end of April to be thoroughly satisfied whether King Emanuel of Portugal approved of his continuing in the Government The Nobility in hatred to him gave out that he treated about marrying the Princess Joanna Daughter to King Henry and to assert her Title which before he had impugned and by that means to maintain himself not only as Governour but Rightful King of Castile in opposition to his Daughter and Son-in-Law It is scarce credible how much this Report incensed the People Certain it is his Vice-chancellor Alonso de la Cavalleria endeavoured to persuade him to change the Name of Governour for that of Administrator and Guardian as Fathers are to their Children before they are of Age and Queen Joanna might be account such either in regard of her want of Sense or of her being confined and that he ought to take the Title of King either on this account or as Husband to Queen Elizabeth He brought the Example of his Father King John who still called himself King of Navarre tho' he had Children and that Kingdom had been his Wife's The Nobility of Castile and those of the New King's Council were of another Opinion They said it were better for King Ferdinand to retire to the Kingdom of Aragon and from thence to aid his Children in what they should desire for that One Kingdom would not admit of Two Heads Neither could they agree as to his Kingdoms of Granada and Naples The Catholick King pretended a Right to Granada as conquered in his Wife's life-time and as for Naples he said there was no dispute of its appertaining to the House of Aragon and therefore highly resented that his Son-in Law should pretend to dispose of it without consulting him to whom only it belonged This made him suspicious of the Great Captain who was a Castilian for the Emperor had sent to know which side he would encline to in case of a War and the Pope had put the same Question to him To the Emperor he answered in general Terms to the Pope resolutely telling him It was plain he knew not what Men he had to deal with who were not used to commit any thing that was disloyal to their King or unworthy themselves From Toro the Catholick King went to Segovia and thence sent D. John de Fonseca Bishop of Palencia to Flanders to attend upon the Queen his Daughter From the Emperor and his Son came as Ambassadors to the Catholick King Andrew de Burgo of Cremona and Philibert Lord de Vere who was great with the Archduke and had much Knowledge of the Affairs of Castile To him the Catholick King made known his Grievances and again attempted to draw D. John Manuel from King Philip but he instead of it discharged himself King Ferdinand's Service King Philip also kept Lope de Conchillos Secretary to the Bishop of Palencia a long time close Prisoner for writing a Letter from the Queen to the King committing to him the Charge of the Government which Letter was intercepted and thereupon no Spaniard was suffered to speak to the Queen which so heightned her Distemper that she was shut up In Italy the Great Captain sent Nun̄o de Ocampo with 1000 Men of those that were ordered to be dismissed to defend Plombin and Pisa The Florentines laid Siege to Pisa but Nun̄o de Campo throwing himself with his Men into it they were forced to rise and depart without it The Coloness pressed to have Bartholomew d' Alviano's Command reformed which the Great Captain delayed knowing the Worth of that Gentleman but afterwards understanding he held Intelligence with the Pope and designed to Favour the House of Medicis against the Florentines his Command was reduced He knowing of it thought to have seized Plombin but being disappointed aimed at Pisa The Great Captain commanded him to desist upon pain of Forfeiting his Possessions and Command in Naples The Florentines laying wait for him overthrew and wounded him At Naples for his Disobedience his Estate was
daily more People resorted thither and more Men of Note as the Duke of Bejar the Marquesses of Astorga and Aguilar Gazilasso de la Vega and the Duke del Infantado This encouraged the followers of King Philip. The Catholick King stayed at Astorga till the 15th of May thence he went to Ravanal designing to go on to Santiago and to appoint the Interview there Some of his Council advised him not to be too hasty because Delay would breed Discord among the Noblemen and the Favourites of King Philip and by that means he would be reduced to submit to his Father-in-Law This was the Posture of Affairs in Castile The Princes of Italy and other Nations expected the Event of King Philip's going into Spain believing the Catholick King would be Affronted and much Weakened This they were the more apt to give Credit to because they saw the Great Captain contrary to his King's Orders continued at Naples which they could not believe to be without some Mystery But he understanding these Surmises sent before his Horses and Equipage and with it Peter Navarro to acquaint the Catholick King with the true Reasons of his stay which were to Order the Garrisons and appease the Soldiers who mutinied for want of Pay On the other Side John Baptista Espinelo went away at the same time for Spain to Complain of the Great Captain and blame all his Proceedings which was easie to do because he had much Credit with the Catholick King Calumny often prevails above Truth at least its first Efforts are more violent Thus the Catholick King resolved to use all means to draw the Great Captain from Naples and to this purpose appointed his Son the Archbishop of Zaragoça to go and take the Government of that Kingdom upon him At the same time he sent John Lopez de Vergara Secretary to the Great Captain with a Note under his Hand wherein he solemnly Swore he would give him the Mastership of the Order of Santiago as soon as he came into Spain This was believed to be only a Design to intrap him for at the same time he Ordered Peter Navarro created Earl of Olivito to go with the Archbishop and Apprehend him in Castelnovo The reason why the King changed his Mind was because he received a Letter from the Great Captain assuring him of his Fidelity and swearing to stand by him and keep that Kingdom at his Devotion besides he promised he would soon be in Spain Thus this Storm was laid which at that time might have been of dangerous Consequence CHAP. IX The Spaniards and Flemmings at variance upon their first meeting King Ferdinand raises Forces pretending to Rescue his Daughter Many forsake him and he is forced to quit Castile An Interview of the Two Kings NO sooner were the Noblemen come to Corun̄a but there arose Disputes and Contentions among them nor could they agree with the Flemmings The Marquess of Villena took Place of all others and as Lord High Steward when the King heard Mass stood next the Curtin on the one Side and Monsieur de Vere as Steward for Flanders on the other They could not agree about the Interview betwixt the Two Kings The Castilians were for hindering of it that they might not agree the Flemmings as the more sincere People thought it best they should meet to prevent Misunderstandings Monsieur de Vere was he that appeared most for the Interview yet some malicious Persons said he did it out of malice to D. John Manuel by reason of his great Interest in King Philip. But he at this time gave greater signs of Discontent than of being in Favour the coming of so many Noblemen having very much startled him fearing least some of them should step in before him and be the cause of his fall All of them agreed in their Complaints against the Catholick King Some thought it hard he should take to himself half the Revenune of the Crown and not divide the Income of the Masterships Some said how could Three Kings be endured in Castile and D. John Manuel produced a Grant passed in France wherein King Ferdinand Stiled himself King of Castile Many reflected that all Commands in Spain were held in the Name of the Catholick King who was still to appoint Governors to many Cities whereas it would not be in the power of King Philip in a long time to dispose of those Posts Above all they exclaimed that he raised Men under Colour of setting his Daughter at Liberty she being kept up and not allowed to be seen by reason of her Indisposition This Article was true For King Ferdinand had sent out Orders to levy Forces upon pretence of Rescuing his Daughter to strengthen himself if they should come to an open Breach The Duke of Alva had already raised a Force in the Kingdom of Leon to stand by the Catholick King he only of all the Nobility adhering to him tho' he was sensible of the Danger he exposed himself to since all forsook the King even the Constable who was his Son-in Law and the Admiral his Cousin having thought it more for their Advantage to accompany King Philip. King Ferdinand not satisfied with raising Men in Castile sent an Aragonian Gentleman called Jaime Albion to acquaint the King of France with the Posture of his Affairs and request him to stir up the Duke of Guelders and Bishop of Liege to make War upon Flanders by that means to bring down King Philip to his own Terms Still the Talk of an Interview continued but could not be agreed upon King Philip resolved to set out from Corun̄a towards Santiago Before him marched the Germans with their Cannon in as good Order as if they were in an Enemies Country The same day being the 28th of May the Catholick King and Queen set out towards Betanços D. John Alonso de Fonseca Archbishop of Santiago had declared for the Catholick King which was the reason King Philip would not meet him there nor made no long stay in the Place but turned off to Orense and the Catholick King staid at Villafranca Then King Philip sent Word to the Catholick King that if he would send the Archbishop of Toledo to him he hoped all things would be adjusted to Content This was accordingly done and the Archbishop laboured to reconcile all Differences but advanced little the Nobility opposing it as unwilling that the Two Kings should be reconciled From Villafranca King Ferdinand went to Baneza and thence to Matilla at which time many Prelates and other Gentlemen forsook him being drawn away by the Nobles that had Declared against him This made the Catholick King despair of being able to support himself if the matter came to be decided by the Sword which was the cause he endeavoured to Compound with his Son-in-Law at any Rate Hereupon he sent him a Letter desiring they might meet without farther delay or hearkning to ill affected Persons His answer was only Complaints that the Catholick King raised
Successors when they received the Investiture These were the same Conditions that had been imposed upon Charles the first of France About the beginning of July this Grant was passed by the Pope and College of Cardinals On the 7th of August the Pope remitted the yearly Tribute and the 50000 Duccats contenting himself with the white Palfrey and his Furniture and 300 Horse to serve him wheresoever there was War in the State of the Church designing to use them against Ferrara In the time of Pope Leo there was imposed an acknowledgment of 7000 Duccats for the leave granted to the Emperor Charles the 5th to hold that Kingdom together with the Empire which was contrary to the antient Capitulations with the Houses of Anjou and Aragon The King of France was much offended at this Proceeding and by his Ambassador the Bishop of Rieux complained grievously thereof to the Catholick King whilst the Cortes sat at Monçon There on the 13th of August was a Subsidy granted the King of 500000 Crowns a great Sum considering the Time and the Liberty of those Provinces They also in Case the King should be called away authorised Queen Germana to preside and even to assemble the Cortes again if broke up provided she were commissioned as Lieutenant of those Kingdoms The Associations erected some Years before were now dissolved Many Ambassadors and great numbers of Nobility were at Monçon during the Sitting of the Cortes At Malaga a Fleet was provided to carry over D. Garcia de Toledo and the Forces for the Conquests of Africk The King was earnest they should set out yet they delayed some time because of the Plague that was at Bugia The Fleet sailed in the heat of Summer carrying 7000 Men. Part of the Fleet and 3000 Men were left at Bugia to secure that Place James de Vera having put Bugia into a good Posture followed the Fleet and they came together being 16 Galleys to the Port of Tripoli at such time as Count Peter Navarro had embarqued his Men to the number of 8000 designing for Gelves the greatest and most important Island on the Coast of Africk about 100 Leagues West of Tripoli It is plain and sandy covered with Palm and Olive Trees so near the Continent that on the one side there is a Bridge to go over to it In length it is above 16 miles wants Water has no Town but scattering Houses and on the Shore a Castle where the Lord lives It was once subject to the King of Tunez but at this time had a Xeque or particular Lord. On the 28th of August they arrived at Gelves The Forces landed finding no Opposition either in the Island or on the Continent at a Town they call Puente Quebrada All the Army was divided into 3 Bodies D. Garcia tho he was General would advance before the rest with the Gentlemen that followed him Some say it was by advice of Peter Navarro others affirm it was against his Will The Xeque had about 150 Horse and 2000 Foot but so ill armed and so fearful they offered good Terms rather than come to Blows It was Afternoon when our Forces began to march the heat of the sandy Ground was so violent as if all had been in a Flame Scarce had they advanced 2 Leagues when some fell down dead with Drought and all suffered extremely The Vanguard being come to a Wood of Palm Trees fell into Disorder to seek Water at some Wells they imagined there were near certain ruined Houses Here the Moors observing their Confusion fell upon them D. Garcia and others that were a horse-back lighted Some advised him to retire He answered Advance Gentlemen are we come hither to turn our backs If Fortune frown on us yet she cannot make us forget the Duty we owe to our Birth Having said thus he took a Pike from an Aragonian and fell in among the Moors Our Men nothing moved by the Example of their General fled The Moors took the advantage and falling on killed four of those that alighted which were D. Garcia Garci Sarmiento Loaya and Christopher Velasquez all Commanders of Note There was no stopping of those that fled The Count ordered the Batallions of James Pocheco and Giles Nieto which were with him in the Rear to make head against the Moors and by that means prevented their being all cut off The Earl himself was in such a Consternation he was one of the first that embarqued tho he might pretend it was to oblige the Galleys next the Shore to take in the Men many being drowned because they would not admit them About 4000 of our Men were killed or taken and among them many of Note The Body of D. Garcia was carried to the Xeque who writ to D. Hugo de Moncada Viceroy of Sicily that supposing that Lord to be the King 's Kisman he kept his Body in a Chest to be disposed of as he should direct D. Garcia left a young Son called D. Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo who was afterwards one of the famous Generals of the World Count Peter Navarro having sent the King an account of that Disaster ordered the Galleys back to Naples and with the rest of the Fleet sailed for Tripoli where he arrived on the 19th of December having been 8 days in a Storm He left James de Vera in that City with a Garrison of 3000 Men other 3000 he disbanded being unfit for Service and he with 4000 more and part of the Fleet went out to scowr the Coast between Gelvez and Tunez Bad Weather obliged him to lie by most part of the Winter in the Island Lampadosa near Sicily An infinite number of Moors about the end of this Year layed Siege to the City Safin on the Coast of Africk and subject to the Portugueses Atayde the Governour having received some Supplies from the Island of Madera defended himself bravely and the Siege being raised made an Inroad as far as Almedina 32 miles from Safin He had several Skirmishes with the Moors took a great Booty but in his return such great Numbers came upon him that he was forced to quit it He made several other Incursions and came up to the very Walls of Morocco an Action of more Honour than Advantage The same was done by D. John Coutin̄o Governour of Arzilla and Peter de Sousa of Azamer both brave Commanders and ambitious of enlarging the Portugues Dominions in Africk which might have been the more easily performed that Country being divided into many Kingdoms and they at variance among themselves CHAP. X. Some Cardinals Revolt from the Pope Bolonia taken by the French The Revolted Cardinals summon a General Council MUch about the same time the Catholick King having broke up the Cortes at Monçon returned to Castile and Pope Julius set out from Rome towards Bolonia The King was going to the Cortes of Castile summoned to meet at Madrid to take care for carrying on the War in Africk and no less to provide for the Affairs