Military Memoirs of Capt. George Carleton Part 11

I had not been there above a Day or two, before many Gentlemen of the Place sent to me, to a.s.sure me, they were heartily afflicted at my Confinement, and resolv'd to write in my Favour to _Madrid_; but as it was not safe, nor the Custom in _Spain_, to visit those in my present Circ.u.mstances, they hoped I would not take it amiss, since they were bent to act all in their Power towards my Deliverance; concluding however with their Advice, that I would not give one _Real of Plata_ to the _Corrigidor_, whom they hated, but confide in their a.s.siduous Interposal, Don _Pedro de Ortega_ in particular, the Person that perform'd the Part of the _Tauriro_ on Horseback, sometime before, sent me Word, he would not fail to write to a Relation of his, of the first Account in _Madrid_, and so represent the Affair, that I should not long be debarr'd my old Acquaintance.

It may administer, perhaps, Matter of Wonder, that _Spaniards_, Gentlemen of the stanchest Punctilio, should make a Scruple and execute themselves from visiting Persons under Confinement, when, according to all Christian Acceptation, such a Circ.u.mstance would render such a Visit, not charitable only but generous. But though Men of vulgar Spirits might, from the Narrowness of their Views, form such insipid Excuses, those of these Gentlemen, I very well knew, proceeded from much more excusable Topicks. I was committed under the Accusation of having abus'd a sacred Person, one of the Clergy; and though, as a Prisoner of War, I might deem my self exempt from the Power of the Inquisition; yet how far one of that Country, visiting a Person, so accused, might be esteemed culpable, was a consideration in that dangerous Climate, far from deserving to be slighted. To me therefore, who well knew the Customs of the Country, and the Temper of its Countrymen, their Excuses were not only allowable, but acceptable also; for, without calling in Question their Charity, I verily believ'd I might falsely confide in their Honour.

Accordingly, after I had been a close Prisoner one Month to a Day, I found the Benefit of these Gentlemen's Promises and Solicitations.

Pursuant to which, an Order was brought for my immediate Discharge; notwithstanding, the new Convert, my old Landlady, did all she could to make her appearing against me effectual, to the Height of her Prejudice and Malice, even while the Daughter, as sensible of my Innocence, and acting with a much better Conscience, endeavoured as much to justify me, against both the Threats and Persuasions of the _Corrigidor_, and his few Accomplices, though her own Mother made one.

After Receipt of this Order for my Enlargement, I was mightily press'd by Don _Felix_, and others of my Friends, to go to _Madrid_, and enter my Complaint against the _Corrigidor_ and the _Clerico_, as a Thing highly essential to my own future Security. Without asking Leave therefore of the _Corrigidor_, or in the least acquainting him with it, I set out from _la Mancha_, and, as I afterwards understood, to the terrible Alarm of that griping Officer; who was under the greatest Consternation, when he heard I was gone; for as he knew very well, that he had done more than he could justify, he was very apprehensive of any Complaint; well knowing, that as he was hated as much as I was beloved, he might a.s.sure himself of the Want of that a.s.sistance from the Gentlemen, which I had experienced.

So soon as I arrived at _Madrid_, I made it my Business to enquire out, and wait upon Father _Fahy_, Chief of the _Irish College_. He received me very courteously; but when I acquainted him with the Treatment I had met with from _Brennan_, and had given him an Account of his other scandalous Behaviour, I found he was no Stranger to the Man, or his Character; for he soon confirm'd to me the Honour _Brennan_ first boasted of, his considerable Family, by saying, that scarce an a.s.size pa.s.sed in his own Country, without two or three of that Name receiving at the Gallows the just Reward of their Demerits. In short, not only Father _Fahy_, but all the Clergy of that Nation at _Madrid_, readily subscribed to this Character of him, _That he was a Scandal to their Country_.

After this, I had nothing more to do, but to get that Father to go with me to _Pedro de Dios_, who was the Head of the _Dominican_ Cloyster, and Dean of the Inquisition. He readily granted my Request, and when we came there, in a Manner unexpected, represented to the Dean, that having some good Dispositions towards Mother-Church, I had been diverted from them, he feared, by the evil Practices of one _Murtough Brennan_, a Countryman of his, tho' a Scandal to his Country; that under a Pretence of seeking my Conversion, he had lay'd himself open in a most beastly Manner, such as would have set a Catholick into a vile Opinion of their Religion, and much more one that was yet a Heretick. The Dean had hardly Patience to hear Particulars; but as soon as my Friend had ended his Narration, he immediately gave his Orders, prohibiting _Murtough's_ saying any more Ma.s.ses, either in _Madrid_, or any other Place in _Spain_. This indeed was taking away the poor Wretches sole Subsistence, and putting him just upon an Equality with his Demerits.

I took the same Opportunity to make my Complaints of the _Corrigidor_; but his Term expiring very soon, and a Process being likely to be chargeable, I was advised to let it drop. So having effected what I came for, I returned to my old Station at _la Mancha_.

When I came back, I found a new _Corrigidor_, as I had been told there would, by the Dean of the Inquisition, who, at the same Time, advised me to wait on him. I did so, soon after my Arrival, and then experienced the Advice to be well intended; the Dean having wrote a Letter to him, to order him to treat me with all Manner of Civility. He show'd me the very Letter, and it was in such particular and obliging Terms, that I could not but perceive he had taken a Resolution, if possible, to eradicate all the evil impressions, that _Murtough's_ Behaviour might have given too great Occasion for. This serv'd to confirm me in an Observation that I had long before made, That a Protestant, who will prudently keep his Sentiments in his own Breast, may command any Thing in _Spain_; where their stiff Bigotry leads 'em naturally into that other Mistake, That not to oppose, is to a.s.sent. Besides, it is generally among them, almost a work of Supererogation to be even instrumental in the Conversion of one they call a Heretick. To bring any such back to what they call Mother Church, nothing shall be spar'd, nothing thought too much: And if you have Insincerity enough to give them Hopes, you shall not only live in Ease, but in Pleasure and Plenty.

I had entertain'd some thoughts on my Journey back, of taking up my old Quarters at the Widow's; but found her so intirely converted by her _Clerico_, that there wou'd be no room to expect Peace: For which Reason, with the help of my fair _Vicinos_, and _Don Felix_, I took another, where I had not been long, before I received an unhappy Account of _Murtough's_ Conduct in _Murcia_. It seems he had kept his Resolution in going thither; where meeting with some of his own Countrymen, though he found 'em stanch good Catholics, he so far inveigled himself into 'em, that he brought them all into a foul chance for their Lives. There were three of 'em, all Soldiers, in a _Spanish_ Regiment, but in a fit of ambitious, though frantick, Zeal: _Murtough_ had wheedled them to go along with him to _Pedro de Dios_, Dean of the Inquisition, to declare and acknowledge before him, that they were converted and brought over to Mother Church, and by him only. The poor Ignorants, thus intic'd, had left their Regiment, of which the Colonel, having notice, sent after them, and they were overtaken on the Road, their _Missionair_ with them.

But notwithstanding all his Oratory, nay, even the Discovery of the whole Farce, one of them was hang'd for an Example to the other two.

It was not long after my Return before News arriv'd of the Peace; which though they receiv'd with Joy, they could hardly entertain with Belief.

Upon which, the new _Corrigidor_, with whom I held a better Correspondence than I had done with the old one, desired me to produce my Letters from _England_, that it was true. Never did People give greater Demonstrations of Joy, than they upon this Occasion. It was the common cry in the Streets, _Paz con Angleterra, con todo Mundo Guerra_; And my Confirmation did them as much Pleasure as it did Service to me; for is possible, they treated me with more Civility than before.

But the Peace soon after being proclaimed, I received Orders to repair to _Madrid_, where the rest of the Prisoners taken at _Denia_ had been carried; when I, by reason of my Wounds, and want of Health, had been left behind. Others I understood lay ready, and some were on their March to _Bayone_ in _France_; where Ships were ordered for their Transportation into _England_. So after a Residence of three Years and three Months; having taken leave of all my Acquaintance, I left a Place, that was almost become natural to me, the delicious _Sainte Clemente de la Mancha_.

Nothing of Moment, or worth observing, met I with, till I came near _Ocanna_; and there occurred a Sight ridiculous enough. The Knight of the Town, I last came from, the ever renown'd _Don Quixot_, never made such a Figure as a _Spaniard_, I there met on the Road. He was mounted on a Mule of the largest size, and yet no way unsizeable to his Person: He had two Pistols in his Holsters, and one on each side stuck in his Belt; a sort of large Blunderbuss in one of his Hands, and the fellow to it slung over his Shoulders hung at his Back. All these were accompany'd with a right _Spanish Spado_, and an Attendant _Stiletto_, in their customary Position. The Muletier that was my guide, calling out to him in _Spanish_, told him he was very well arm'd; to which, with a great deal of Gravity, the Don returned Answer, _by Saint Jago a Man cannot be too well arm'd in such dangerous Times_.

I took up my Quarters that Night at _Ocanna_, a large, neat, and well built Town. Houses of good Reception, and Entertainment, are very scarce all over _Spain_; but that, where I then lay, might have pa.s.s'd for good in any other Country. Yet it gave me a Notion quite different to what I found: for I imagined it to proceed from my near Approach to the Capital. But instead of that, contrary to all other Countries, the nearer I came to _Madrid_, the Houses of Entertainment grew worse and worse; not in their Rates do I mean (for that with Reason enough might have been expected) but even in their Provision, and Places and way of Reception, I could not however forbear smiling at the Reason given by my Muletier, that it proceeded from a piece of Court Policy, in Order to oblige all Travellers to hasten to _Madrid_.

Two small Leagues from _Ocanna_ we arrived at _Aranjuez_, a Seat of Pleasure, which the Kings of _Spain_ commonly select for their place of Residence during the Months of _April and May_. It is distant from _Madrid_ about seven Leagues; and the Country round is the pleasantest in all _Spain, Valencia_ excepted. The House it self makes but a very indifferent Appearance; I have seen many a better in _England_, with an Owner to it of no more than five hundred Pounds _per Annum_; yet the Gardens are large and fine; or as the _Spaniards_ say, the finest in all _Spain_, which with them is all the World. They tell you at the same Time, that those of _Versailles_, in their most beautiful Parts, took their Model from these. I never saw those at _Versailles_: But in my Opinion, the Walks at _Aranjuez_, tho' n.o.ble in their length, lose much of their Beauty by their Narrowness.

The Water-works here are a great Curiosity; to which the River _Tagus_ running along close by, does mightily contribute. That River is let into the Gardens by a vast number of little Ca.n.a.ls, which with their pleasing _Maeanders_ divert the Eye with inexpressible Delight. These pretty Wanderers by Pipes properly plac'd in them, afford Varieties scarce to be believ'd or imagin'd; and which would be grateful in any Climate; but much more, where the Air, as it does here, wants in the Summer Months perpetual cooling.

To see a spreading Tree, as growing in its natural Soil, distinguish'd from its pineing Neighbourhood by a gentle refreshing Shower, which appears softly distilling from every Branch and Leaf thereof, while Nature all around is smiling, without one liquid sign of Sorrow, to me appear'd surprizingly pleasing. And the more when I observ'd that its Neighbours receiv'd not any the least Benefit of that plentiful Effusion; And yet a very few Trees distant, you should find a dozen together under the same healthful _Sudor_. Where art imitates Nature well, Philosophers hold it a Perfection: Then what must she exact of us, where we find her transcendent in the Perfections of Nature?

The watry Arch is nothing less surprizing; where Art contending with Nature, acts against the Laws of Nature, and yet is beautiful. To see a Liquid Stream vaulting it self from the s.p.a.ce of threescore Yards into a perfect Semi-Orb, will be granted by the Curious to be rare and strange: But sure to walk beneath that Arch, and see the Waters flowing over your Head, without your receiving the minutest Drop, is stranger, if not strange enough to stagger all Belief.

The Story of _Actaeon_, pictur'd in Water Colours, if I may so express my self, tho' pretty, seem'd to me, but trifling to the other. Those seem'd to be like Nature miraculously displayed; this only Fable in Grotesque.

The Figures indeed were not only fine, but extraordinary; yet their various Shapes were not at all so entertaining to the Mind, however refreshing they might be found to the Body.

I took notice before of the straitness of their Walks: But tho' to me it might seem a Diminution of their Beauty: I am apt to believe to the _Spaniard_, for and by whom they were laid out, it may seem otherwise.

They, of both s.e.xes, give themselves so intolerably up to Amouring, that on that Account the Closeness of the Walks may be look'd upon as an Advantage rather than a Defect. The grand Avenue to the House is much more stately, and compos'd as they are, of Rows of Trees, somewhat larger than our largest Limes, whose Leaves are all of a perfect Pea bloom Colour, together with their Grandeur, they strike the Eye with a pleasing Beauty. At the Entrance of the Grand Court we see the Statue of _Philip_ the Second; to intimate to the Spectators, I suppose, that he was the Founder.

Among other Parks about _Aranjuez_ there is one intirely preserved for Dromedaries; an useful Creature for Fatigue, Burden, and Dispatch; but the nearest of kin to Deformity of any I ever saw. There are several other enclosures for several sorts of strange and wild Beasts, which are sometimes baited in a very large Pond, that was shown me about half a League from hence. This is no ordinary Diversion: but when the Court is disposed that way, the Beast, or Beasts, whether Bear, Lyon, or Tyger, are convey'd into a House prepar'd for that purpose; whence he can no other way issue than by a Door over the Water, through, or over, which forcing or flinging himself, he gradually finds himself descend into the very depth of the Pond by a wooden Declivity. The Dogs stand ready on the Banks, and so soon as ever they spye their Enemy, rush all at once into the Water, and engage him. A Diversion less to be complain'd of than their _Tauridores_; because attended with less Cruelty to the Beast, as well as Danger to the Spectators.

When we arrived at _Madrid_, a Town much spoken of by Natives, as well as Strangers, tho' I had seen it before, I could hardly restrain my self from being surprized to find it only environ'd with Mud Walls. It may very easily be imagin'd, they were never intended for Defence, and yet it was a long time before I could find any other use, or rather any use at all in 'em. And yet I was at last convinc'd of my Error by a sensible Increase of Expence. Without the Gates, to half a League without the Town, you have Wine for two Pence the Quart; but within the Place, you drink it little cheaper than you may in _London_. The Mud Walls therefore well enough answer their Intent of forcing People to reside there, under pretence of Security; but in reality to be tax'd, for other Things are taxable, as well as Wine, tho' not in like Proportion.

All Emba.s.sadors have a Claim or Privilege, of bringing in what Wine they please Tax-free; and the King, to wave it, will at any Time purchase that Exemption of Duty at the price of five hundred Pistoles _per Annum_. The Convents and Nunneries are allowed a like Licence of free Importation; and it is one of the first Advantages they can boast of; for, under that Licence having a liberty of setting up a Tavern near them, they make a prodigious Advantage of it. The Wine drank and sold in this Place, is for the most part a sort of white Wine.

But if the Mud Walls gave me at first but a faint Idea of the Place; I was pleasingly disappointed, as soon as I enter'd the Gates. The Town then show'd itself well built, and of Brick, and the Streets wide, long, and s.p.a.cious. Those of _Atocha_, and _Alcala_, are as fine as any I ever saw; yet is it situated but very indifferently: For tho' they have what they call a River, to which they give the very fair Name of _la Mansuera_, and over which they have built a curious, long, and large Stone Bridge; yet is the Course of it, in Summer time especially, mostly dry. This gave occasion to that piece of Railery of a Foreign Emba.s.sador, _That the King would have don wisely to have bought a River, before he built the Bridge_. Nevertheless, that little Stream of a River which they boast of, they improve as much as possible; since down the Sides, as far as you can see, there are Coops, or little Places hooped in, for People to wash their Linen (for they very rarely wash in their own Houses) nor is it really an unpleasing Sight, to view the regular Rows of them at that cleanly Operation.

The King has here two Palaces; one within the Town, the other near adjoining. That in the Town is built of Stone, the other which is called _Bueno Retiro_, is all of Brick. From the Town to this last, in Summer time, there is a large covering of Canvas, propt up with tall Poles; under which People walk to avoid the scorching heats of the Sun.

As I was pa.s.sing by the Chapel of the _Carmelites_, I saw several blind Men, some led, some groping the Way with their Sticks, going into the Chapel. I had the curiosity to know the Reason; I no sooner enter'd the Door, but was surprized to see such a number of those unfortunate People, all kneeling before the Altar, some kissing the Ground, others holding up their Heads, crying out _Misericordia_. I was informed 'twas Saint _Lucy's_ Day, the Patroness of the Blind; therefore all who were able, came upon that Day to pay their Devotion: So I left them, and directed my Course towards the King's Palace.

When I came to the outward Court, I met with a _Spanish_ Gentleman of my Acquaintance, and we went into the _Piazza's_; whilst we were talking there, I saw several Gentlemen pa.s.sing by having Badges on their b.r.e.a.s.t.s; some white, some red, and others green: My Friend informed me that there were five Orders of Knighthood in _Spain_. That of the Golden Fleece was only given to great Princes, but the other four to private Gentlemen, _viz_. That of _Saint Jago, Alacantara, Saint Salvador de Montreal_, and _Monteza_.

He likewise told me, that there were above ninety Places of Grandees, but never filled up; who have the Privilege of being cover'd in the Presence of the King, and are distinguished into three Ranks. The first is of those who cover themselves before they speak to the King. The second are those who put on their Hats after they have begun to speak.

The third are those who only put on their Hats, having spoke to him. The Ladies of the Grandees have also great Respect show'd them. The Queen rises up when they enter the Chamber, and offers them Cushions.

No married Man except the King lies in the Palace, for all the Women who live there are Widows, or Maids of Honour to the Queen. I saw the Prince of _Asturia's_ Dinner carried through the Court up to him, being guarded by four Gentlemen of the Guards, one before, another behind, and one on each Side, with their Carbines shoulder'd; the Queen's came next, and the King's the last, guarded as before, for they always dine separately.

I observed that the Gentlemen of the Guards, though not on Duty, yet they are obliged to wear their Carbine Belts.

_SAINT Isodore_, who from a poor labouring Man, by his Sanct.i.ty of Life arrived to the t.i.tle of _Saint_, is the Patron of _Madrid_, and has a Church dedicated to him, which is richly adorned within. The Sovereign Court of the Inquisition is held at _Madrid_, the President whereof is called the Inquisitor General. They judge without allowing any Appeal for four Sorts of Crimes, _viz_. Heresy, Polygamy, Sodomy and Witchcraft, and when any are convicted, 'tis called the Act of Faith.

Most People believe that the King's greatest Revenue consists in the Gold and Silver brought from the West Indies (which is a mistake) for most Part of that Wealth belongs to Merchants and others, that pay the Workmen at the Golden Mines of _Potosi_, and the Silver Mines at _Mexico_; yet the King, as I have been informed, receives about a Million and a half of Gold.

The _Spaniards_ have a Saying, that the finest Garden of Fruit in _Spain_ is in the middle of _Madrid_, which is the _Plaza_ or Market Place, and truly the Stalls there are set forth with such variety of delicious fruit, that I must confess I never saw any Place comparable to it; and which adds to my Admiration, there are no Gardens or Orchards of Fruit within some Leagues.

They seldom eat Hares in _Spain_ but whilst the Grapes are growing, and then they are so exceeding fat, they are knocked down with Sticks. Their Rabits are not so good as ours in _England_; they have great plenty of Patridges, which are larger and finer feather'd than ours. They have but little Beef in _Spain_, because there is no Gra.s.s, but they have plenty of Mutton, and exceeding good, because their Sheep feed only upon wild Potherbs; their Pork is delicious, their Hogs feeding only upon Chestnuts and Acorns.

_MADRID_ and _Valladolid_, though Great, yet are only accounted Villages: In the latter _Philip_ the Second, by the persuasion of _Parsons_ an _English_ Jesuit, erected an _English_ Seminary; and _Philip_ the Fourth built a most n.o.ble Palace, with extraordinary fine Gardens. They say that _Christopher Columbus_, who first discover'd the West Indies, dyed there, tho' I have heard he lies buried, and has a Monument at _Sevil_.

The Palace in the Town stands upon eleven Arches, under every one of which there are Shops, which degrade it to a meer Exchange.

Nevertheless, the Stairs by which you ascend up to the Guard Room (which is very s.p.a.cious too) are stately, large, and curious. So soon as you have pa.s.s'd the Guard Room, you enter into a long and n.o.ble Gallery, the right Hand whereof leads to the King's Apartment, the left to the Queen's. Entring into the King's Apartment you soon arrive at a large Room, where he keeps his _Levee_; on one side whereof (for it takes up the whole Side) is painted the fatal Battle of _Almanza_. I confess the View somewhat affected me, tho' so long after; and brought to Mind many old Pa.s.sages. However, the Reflection concluded thus in favour of the _Spaniard_, that we ought to excuse their Vanity in so exposing under a _French_ General, a Victory, which was the only material one the _Spaniards_ could ever boast of over an _English_ Army.

In this State Room, when the King first appears, every Person present, receives him with a profound Homage: After which turning from the Company to a large Velvet Chair, by which stands the Father Confessor, he kneels down, and remains some Time at his Devotion; which being over, he rising crosses himself, and his Father Confessor having with the motion of his Hand intimated his Benediction, he then gives Audience to all that attend for that purpose. He receives every Body with a seeming Complaisance; and with an Air more resembling the French than the _Spanish_ Ceremony. Pet.i.tions to the King, as with us, are delivered into the Hands of the Secretary of State: Yet in one Particular they are, in my Opinion, worthy the Imitation of other Courts; the Pet.i.tioner is directly told, what Day he must come for an Answer to the Office; at which Time he is sure, without any further fruitless Attendance, not to fail of it. The Audience being over, the King returns through the Gallery to his own Apartment.

I cannot here omit an accidental Conversation, that pa.s.s'd between General _Mahoni_ and my self in this Place. After some talk of the Bravery of the _English_ Nation, he made mention of General _Stanhope_, with a very peculiar _Emphasis_.

"But," says he, "I never was so put to the Nonplus in all my Days, as that General once put me in. I was on the road from _Paris to Madrid_, and having notice, that that General was going just the Reverse, and that in all likelyhood we should meet the next day: Before my setting out in the Morning, I took care to order my gayest Regimental Apparel, resolving to make the best Appearance I could to receive so great a Man.

I had not travell'd above four Hours before I saw two Gentlemen, who appearing to be _English_, it induc'd me to imagine they were Forerunners, and some of his Retinue. But how abash'd and confounded was I? when putting the Question to one of 'em, he made answer, _Sir, I am the Person_. Never did Moderation put Vanity more out of Countenance: Tho' to say Truth, I cou'd not but think his Dress as much too plain for General _Stanhope_, as I at that juncture thought my own too gay for _Mahoni_. But," added he, "that great Man had too many inward great Endowments to stand in need of any outside Decoration."

Of all Diversions the King takes most delight in that of Shooting, which he performs with great Exactness and Dexterity. I have seen him divert himself at Swallow shooting (by all, I think allow'd to be the most difficult) and exceeding all I ever saw. The last time I had the Honour to see him, was on his Return from that Exercise. He had been abroad with the Duke of _Medina Sidonia_, and alighted out of his Coach at a back Door of the Palace, with three or four Birds in his Hand, which according to his usual Custom, he carried up to the Queen with his own Hands.

There are two Play-houses in _Madrid_, at both which they act every Day; but their Actors, and their Music, are almost too indifferent to be mentioned. The Theatre at the _Bueno Retiro_ is much the best; but as much inferior to ours at _London_, as those at _Madrid_ are to that. I was at one Play, when both King and Queen were present. There was a splendid Audience, and a great Concourse of Ladies; but the latter, as is the Custom there, having Lattices before them, the Appearance lost most of its l.u.s.tre. One very remarkable Thing happen'd, while I was there; the _Ave-Bell_ rung in the Middle of an Act, when down on their Knees fell every Body, even the Players on the Stage, in the Middle of their Harangue. They remained for some Time at their Devotion; then up they rose, and returned to the Business they were before engag'd in, beginning where they left off.

The Ladies of Quality make their Visits in grand State and Decorum. The Lady Visitant is carry'd in a Chair by four Men; the two first, in all Weathers, always bare. Two others walk as a Guard, one on each Side; another carrying a large Lanthorn for fear of being benighted; then follows a Coach drawn by six Mules, with her Women, and after that another with her Gentlemen; several Servants walking after, more or less, according to the Quality of the Person. They never suffer their Servants to over load a Coach, as is frequently seen with us, neither do Coachmen or Chairmen go or drive as if they carried Midwives in lieu of Ladies. On the contrary, they affect a Motion so slow and so stately, that you would rather imagine the Ladies were every one of them near their Time, and very apprehensive of a Miscarriage.

I remember not to have seen here any Horses in any Coach, but in the King's, or an Emba.s.sador's; which can only proceed from Custom; for certainly finer Horses are not to be found in the World.

At the Time of my being here, Cardinal _Giudici_ was at _Madrid_; he was a tall, proper, comely Man, and one that made the best Appearance.

_Alberoni_ was there at the same Time, who, upon the Death of the Duke of _Vendome_, had the good Fortune to find the Princess _Ursini_ his Patroness. An Instance of whose Ingrat.i.tude will plead Pardon for this little Digression. That Princess first brought _Alberoni_ into Favour at Court. They were both of _Italy_, and that might be one Reason of that Lady's espousing his Interest: tho' some there are, that a.s.sign it to the Recommendation of the Duke of _Vendome_; with whom _Alberoni_ had the Honour to be very intimate, as the other was always distinguish'd by that Princess. Be which it will, certain it is, she was _Alberoni's_ first, and sole Patroness; which gave many People afterwards a very smart Occasion of reflecting upon him, both as to his Integrity and Grat.i.tude. For, when _Alberoni_, upon the Death of King _Philip's_ first Queen, had recommended this present Lady, who was his Countrywoman, (she of _Parma_, and he of _Placentia_, both in the same Dukedom) and had forwarded her Match with the King, with all possible a.s.siduity; and when that Princess, pursuant to the Orders she had received from the King, pa.s.sed over into _Italy_ to accompany the Queen Elect into her own Dominions; _Alberoni_, forgetful of the Hand that first advanced him, sent a Letter to the present Queen, just before her Landing, that if she resolved to be Queen of _Spain_, she must banish the Princess _Ursini_, her Companion, and never let her come to Court. Accordingly that Lady, to evince the Extent of her Power, and the Strength of her Resolution, dipatch'd that Princess away, on her very Landing, and before she had seen the King, under a Detachment of her own Guards, into _France_; and all this without either allowing her an Opportunity of justifying her self, or a.s.signing the least Reason for so uncommon an Action. But the same _Alberoni_ (though afterwards created Cardinal, and for some Time King _Philip's_ Prime Minion) soon saw that Ingrat.i.tude of his rewarded in his own Disgrace, at the very same Court.

I remember, when at _la Mancha_, Don _Felix Pachero_, in a Conversation there, maintain'd, that three Women, at that Time, rul'd the World, _viz._ Queen Anne, Madam _Mantenon_, and this Princess _Ursini_.

Father _Fahy's_ Civilities, when last at _Madrid_, exacting of me some suitable Acknowledgment, I went to pay him a Visit; as to render him due Thanks for the past, so to give him a further Account of his Countryman _Brennan_; but I soon found he did not much incline to hear any Thing more of _Murtough_, not expecting to hear any Good of him; for which Reason, as soon as I well could, I changed the Conversation to another Topick. In which some Word dropping of the Count _de Montery_, I told him, that I heard he had taken Orders, and officiated at Ma.s.s: He made answer, it was all very true. And upon my intimating, that I had the Honour to serve under him in _Flanders_, on my first entring into Service, and when he commanded the _Spanish_ Forces at the famous Battle of _Seneff_; and adding, that I could not but be surprized, that he, who was then one of the brightest _Cavalieroes_ of the Age, should now be in Orders; and that I should look upon it as a mighty Favour barely to have, if it might be, a View of him; he very obligingly told me, that he was very well acquainted with him, and that if I would come the next Day, he would not fail to accompany me to the Count's House.

Punctually at the Time appointed, I waited on Father _Fahy_, who, as he promised, carry'd me to the Count's House: He was stepping into his Coach just as we got there; but seeing Father _Fahy_, he advanced towards us. The Father deliver'd my Desire in as handsom a Manner as could be, and concluding with the Reason of it, from my having been in that Service under him; he seem'd very well pleas'd, but added, that there were not many beside my self living, who had been in that Service with him. After some other Conversation, he call'd his Gentleman to him, and gave him particular Orders to give us a _Frescari_, or in _English_, an Entertainment; so taking leave, he went into his Coach, and we to our _Frescari_.