. . .He entertain'd Hopes of ascending the Throne of Portugal, yet did he not shew the least Impatience, as Duke Theodosius, his Father, had done, but contented himself with a distant Prospect of a Crown; nor would for an Uncertainty venture the Quiet of his Life, and a Fortune which was already greater than what was well consistent with the Condition of a Subject. Had he been precisely what Duke Theodosius wish'd him, he had never been fit for the great Design; for d'Olivarez had him observ'd so strictly, that had his easy and pleasant manner of Living proceeded from any other Cause but a natural Inclination, it had certainly been discover'd, and the Discovery had prov'd fatal both to his[Pg 16] Life and Fortune: at least the Court of Spain would never have suffer'd him to live in so splendid a manner in the very Heart of his Country.

Had he been the most refin'd Politician, he could never have liv'd in a manner less capable of giving Suspicion. His Birth, h. . . Read More