News from Spain. A RELATION OF THE DEATH OF DON RODRIGO CALDERON, MARQVES OF SEVEN Churches, etc. Faithfully translated according to the Spanish Copy Printed at MADRID. By Fernando Manojo. From the Court. 1622.   

News from Spain.  

DON RODERIGO CALDERON was the son of Francisco Calderon, who being a Soldier in Flanders, begot him of Maria de Sandalin a Germane woman. He was made legitimate many years after by the marriage of his Parents, and borne in Antwerp, amidst the wants of War and military Misfortunes. Being a Child of few months old, he was let down the City wall (an angry presage of what was to succeed) to avoid the danger of a sack, without receiving any hurt but fear. His Father (now a Widower) borne at Valliadolid, of honest Parentage, with some Inheritance, brought him thither, and seeing him grown up, and not beloved by a Mother in law, whom he had made his second Wife, thinking how to settle him in some course to live; placed him first as Page with the Vicechancelor of Arragon, and after with the Marquis of Denia, Don Francisco Gomez de Sandoual y Rojas, now Duke of Lerma, who then sat at the stern of this Monarchy, and was styled the Favourite of King Philip the Third, now with God. Don Roderigo shot up so fast, under the shadow of his Master's Greatness, and trenched so deep into his favour, that he got to be a Groom of the Bedchamber: And, after Don Pedro Franqueza, Earl of Villa-longa, he was made Secretary of Estate, and only managed the Offices of diverse; so that Expedition in the great affairs of justice and Reward passed through his hands. He was Active and Intelligent, of a comely Presence, somewhat haughty toward Suitors (whose company then he wanted not) but punctual, obsequious, and careful where he meant to please. He married with Dona Ynas de Vergas, Lady of Oliua; which Title he left after to his eldest Son Don Francisco Calderon. His Father (an honest man) sought not to rise, but wisely noting the inclination of his Son, dissuaded him sometimes from it, whereat taking dislike, blown up with the wind of Ambition, he forgot somewhat his natural duty, (desirous to link himself to the Family of a great Lord of these Kingdoms, who was Governor in Flanders where he was borne) yet he advanced his Father (a Widower now the second time) to be a Knight of Saint john, and Alcayde of Consuegra: after of Saint james, where he was Lieutenant of the Order, and had the best Encomienda in Arragon; in which place, like a Christian wise man, he bounded the limits of his fortune. The trump of Fame sounded fare the name of Don Rodrigo, and his great favour with the Duke, and strooke in the Government. Hence pride of heart entering, made him treat presumptuously with diverse, and Power and Greatness laid open unto him occasions of Corruption and Bribery, from whence grew his excessive wealth. Ill Report published his great faults so broadly, that he sought to shelter himself under the Protection of his Majesty's Pardon (gotten indirectly as was said) by which he received plenary Absolution for all was passed. But by occasion of the Duke of lerma's retreat from Court to his own House, his excesses were again divulged, with a common imputation of Deaths, Falsifications, Witchcrafts and Briberies. The particulars were these. He was accused by the Attorney General, culpable of the death of our Queen, Lady Margaret of Austria, who is with God: but because the proofs were not pregnant, he was of that acquitted, as also for the deaths of Alonso de Caravajal, Father Christopher Suarez a jesuite, Pedro Cavallero, and Pedro de Camino. But for the imprisonment and death of Augustine de Auila (an Alguazil of this Court) and circumstances thereof; and the assasinate committed on the person of Francisco de Xuara, by the Sergeant john de Gusman at his procurement, and for having unduely obtained the Pardon of his Majesty deceased, for his said offences; he was adjudged to die. He had notice thereof from Lazaro de los Rios, etc.   

HIs Titles, Offices, and Commodities, were these, which follow. He was Marquis of seven Churches, Earl of Oliua, Comendador of Ocana, Knight of the Order of Saint james, Captain of the Germane Guard, Treasurer of the House of Arragon, Register of the Chancery of Valladolid, Steward of the works of the said City, Chief Alguazil of the said City and Chancery, and Alcayde of the King's prison. He had two Regencies there, and the first voice and place in Court. He was chief Postmaster of that City. He had a Maravedi for every Bull of the Cruzada that was imprinted in Valladolid, of the King's gift, which came to above six thousand ducats of rent. He had always a Chamber of allowance in the Playhouses of Valladolid, as also in the Coral of Madrid. He was Regidor of Soria, and had a voice in Court. He had two Regencies in the City of Placentia, and a voice in Court. He was depositary General in the said City, and had a voice in Court. He was Register of the Court of the said City. He had the Patronage of the Monastery of Porta Coali in Valladolid. The Patronage of the Rial Chapel of the Monastery of the Mercedes of Madrid. His household stuff was valued at four hundred thousand ducats. He had half of the mother of Pearl brought from the East Indies, containing thirty Quintals of shells, which among the Negroes passeth currant for Bullion. He had the Impost of Brasil wood that came from Lisbon, worth twelve thousand ducats a year. He had a Grant, that none without his leave, could barter for Millstones and Whetstones as Barbers use, which come from foreign Parts, to send them to the East Indies; this was worth to him many ducats.  
It is verified for certain, that he received yearly above two hundred thousand ducats of rent. To particularise all his wealth, would ask along time.  
His Father, his two Sons, two Daughters, and his Wife, went from Madrid two days before he died, having much bewailed his fall, and wrought much for his delivery.   

The Executioner lead his Mule, and (according to the custom of Spain) made Proclamation. This is the justice which the King our Sovereign Lord commandeth to be done on this Man, for having treacherously killed a man, committing an assassinate, and being guile tie of the death of another, with other offences as appeareth by his judgement: wherefore he is to be beheaded, and be an example, that others that shall do the like, may have the like.    

A Relation of the death of Don Rodrigo Calderon, Marquis of seven Churches, etc.  
I Stand in doubt to write what will seem strange to many, and my Relation be taxed as too short, by those which saw it acted, and by others, which saw it not, too affectionate: but the sincerity of my intent is grounded on the mean, taken from a particular Confession which discovereth the greatness of the Action, and rareness of the Case. Don Rodrigo Calderon, late Marquis of seven Churches, Earl of Oliua, Captain of the Germane Guard, a Knight of the Order of Saint james, and Comendador of Ocana, being imprisoned in his own house with a strong Guard, having but the use of one only Chamber with little light; after his Cause had been in discussing two years and a half, had sentence of death given against him, by the Lords of the Assembly, Don Francisco de Contreras (now most worthy Precedent of Castille) Luis the Salzedo, and Don Diego deal Coral. He had notice thereof by Lazaro de los Rios, a Register of the Process, the fourteenth of july 1621. To which he made answer, that he heard it. Then turning to a Crucifix, he said; God be blessed, whose will be in me fulfilled: which was like some other of his actions, both before and after (which, to be short, I let pass in silence) grounded on a virtuous Spirit, wholly exercised in spiritual books of devotion, and full of Religion and Christian courage. From that time, until his death, which was three months after, he never was unclothed, nor came in bed. There was a Pallet by his bed side, with a leather coverlet, on which in the night he rested a little, spending the most part of it in mental Prayer, wherein he much profited by reading a Book of the holy Mother Teresa of JESUS, to which he was much affected, so that he could repeat by memory whole Pages thereof: as also out of a Book of Prayers, composed by Father Molina; and in spiritual Conferences had with the Religious, he cited to them these Books, or others such like. He daily read the lives of Saints in Flos Sanctorum, persuaded thereunto by Mother Teresa and Father Molina, of whom (as he said) he learned it. He made a general Confession with Humility and Contrition, accompanied with many tears of tenderness, witnessing the good preparation of his mind, for what was to come; but to declare particulars, would make rather a Book then a brief Relation.  
And I heard Friar Gabriel his Confessor say, who is Procurator General of the discalced Carmelites (a religious person of venerable fame) that during thirty years space, wherein he had been a Physician for Souls, he never experienced the like: for neither when the sentence of death was notified unto him, or upon any discomfort did he change countenance, or shed tear; but when he remembered his sins, they fell like showers. O force of divine love! which doth soften hearts not shaken with adversity, from whence proceedeth their Fortitude and Humility. He had conference with diverse Religious, and particularly with Friar Gregory de Pedro's, a Preacher to his Majesty, whose great parts of learning and eloquence are already blazoned by fame, and need no report of mine. To him and his Confessor he unfolded his Conscience with Security and Satisfaction, not regarding Honour, or any other pretext, having so resigned up his will to God, and his obedience to his Confessor. That humane fears wrought little in him, without resolving speedily what difficulties they proposed. How excellent he was in this, his death will bear witness. He petitioned an appeal from his judgement, according as his Counsel advised him: but his diligence in procuring his defence, never diverted his mind from the consideration of his death, nor made him omit the exercises of a virtuous life. The judges did not admit his Appeal, but insisted on the execution of the sentence: whereof he having notice the first of October, answered; I hear it, and turning to a Crucifix, said: God be blessed, whose will be in me fulfilled. No impatient word was ever heard fall from him, for as his Soul grew daily nearer Heaven, so shown he most courage in most discomfort, not being sensible of earthly losses, but falling out of love with them, the joy of his Spirit flew a higher pitch, than the discontents of this World did reach unto, so that on the day of his death (had not his Confessor hindered it) he would have proclaimed his sins in the street, as he oft sought to do in prison, if he had been permitted. His Appeal being not admitted, and the judgement confirmed; on Tuesday at midnight, Friar Pedro de la Conception, went to him with this news, in place of his Confessor, who then was not well, who told him he was to receive his Viaticum on Wednesday. He found him quiet at his prayers, which he used much, and received in them particular favours from God. He demanded of him wherefore he came: he answered, to spend the night with you. Falling to discourse of the miseries of this life, and of the happiness of the other that is without end, having fit time, he said to him: Who would not with a good will, exchange a life temporal for an eternal? To which he answered. Alas, Father, would I had not this one, but a thousand lives to lose for God's sake: then (replied the Friar) he will come to you to morrow, and give you the Pledge of his Grace, to receive hereafter the Crown of his Glory. He then presently conceiving wherefore he said so; kneeled down before a Crucifix, and with great zeal of devotion, said thrice: Thy will be done, O Lord (using this resignation of mind in all his tribulations.) Then rising up, he said, I have something to do; and going behind the bed, he put on a shirt of hair, and a cross with sharp pricks of steel, which he ware about his neck, having (for obedience to his Confessor) put them off the day before, to mitigate his continual penance, making his virtues more secure, by the secrecy wherewith he practised them. This he did on days of fasting, which was weekly, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and in those of abstinence, not tasting any thing that might please him, yet so warily that those which attended him observed it not. The rest of the night, he spent in spiritual Exercises. And when the Friar propounded to him, how God rewarded those that take benefit by afflictions, offering them in imitation of his most painful Passion: he answered. I pray God, Father, my sin's cause me not to lose so great Happiness; although, I assure you, I feel such comfort now, that if it would not seem lightness in me, I could laugh. Neither was his fear unlike his hope; affections which tied him alike to God; humility and acknowledgement of his own misery, accompanied the one; and trust in God's Mercy and Power, the other. On Wednesday morning, he disposed the affairs of his Soul by direction of his Confessor, and of Friar Gregory de Pedrosa, whose assistance was of great comfort and profit to him. Then he went into the Chapel, wearing the white mantle of his Order, where his Confessor said Mass, and he Received, with great Faith and Love of God: at which time, with a Spirit full of zeal, he said: O Lord, since thou comest to me to day, let me come to thee to morrow; and coming to those words of consolation: In manus tuas Domine commendo Spiritum meum: he added, Vitam & honorem meum. The Mass being ended where he Rcceived, he heard other four, with such tranquillity and devotion, that he never sighed nor lamented, being thereat out of modesty ashamed, lest his devotion should be therefore accounted rather vainglorious, then virtuous: in this he excelled, as his private Alms, given in the time of his better fortune, bear witness; and the Religious, by whose hands they passed, can affirm. The Chapel, in which lieth the body of the holy Mother Teresa of JESUS, in the Church of the Discalced Carmelites at Madrid, was part of his Alms, which he desired to make more sumptuous, if his Order had permitted. He also built the hermitage in the Desert de Batuccas, and caused two Masses to be daily said in that which is near to Pestrana. He said the Office of our Lady, and for the Souls departed, having continued it many years. He was Confessed, and received in the Pascall Feasts, our Ladies, and the Apostles, and examined daily his conscience: which he used for these four or five years last passed, to do twice a day. He had thrice made his general Confession before this last, which he ended on Saint Matthewes Eve, and Received the next day. In the prison he was confessed twice or thrice a week, after he might with leave do it. He passed the evening with his Confessor, and with Friar Gregory de Pedrosa, in spiritual questions, so high, that it appeared, God was his Tutor, and the School the Prison, as he said. In his Spiritual conference, these words escaped him: I wish I could give a thousand lives for mine Enemies. His Confessor checked him for calling them Enemies; whereat recalling himself, he humbly demanded how he should name them? His Confessor told him, he should make that Recognition for those which sought to hurt him, if any such were. He much esteemed this advice, and fulfilled it. This night, Father john de la Madre de Dios, companion to his Confessor, brought him a Memorial of Bequests from the Religious of his Order, which were Prayers and Fast. He was greatly comforted therewith, and humbly answered, that he hoped to see himself with God, and to beseech his divine Majesty to reward their great charity. Giving discreet satisfaction unto all, and not leaving any thing by his near approach to death unperformed, that belonged to courtesy and urbanity, or virtuous policy. So that when some came to demand of him debts, no just cause moving them: he answered, If his estate were in himself, he could dispose thereof as he liked; but being now in his Majesty, he stood obliged to defend it, and make no declaration in prejudice of the true Owner, for those that unjustly sought to have it. Talking with Father john de la Madre de Dios, he said: My Father, Wife, Children, Estate and Honour, is taken from me, as to morrow shall be my Life; but that which only grieveth me, is, that I have no more to lose for God's sake; the memory of the loss of these things did not trouble him, but the desire that his death might give example to others so to live, as to save their Souls. O generous condition of a zealous Soul! All love seemed too little, compared with the greatness of the Object; and light increasing according to love, discerned more clearly the unlimited distance between humane power, and divine Omnipotency. Being late in the night, he was importuned by the Religious there present, to lie down on his Pallet, which he did, holding a Crucifix, and by him the Picture of the holy Mother Teresa of JESUS; there he reposed a while, overcome rather with contemplation than sleep. He demanded of Friar Pedro de la Conception, if he should receive Extreme Unction: who answered, That the Church used not to give it to those that died so. Them (said he) since I cannot receive this Sacrament, do me the courtesy, to teach me the Ceremonies thereof, to know them before I die. The Friar took a Manual, and said the Prayers, Litanies, and Ceremonies, omitting the substance of the Sacrament. He gave ear to all with humble attention and devotion, not shunning, but seeking earnestly to prepare himself to dye, in the well performing whereof, he placed his greatest happiness. Then he continued in mental Prayer, from five a clock until six in the morning, with admirable recollection, for the which, afterward he infinitely thanked God. Here let Contemplatives, practised in prayer, consider the divine Favours showed by this Repose, to a man that had the sword laid to his throat, whose thread of Life was even spun, the representation of Death securing the attention of his Spirit, who being unloaded from the weight of this mortality, was united to its everlasting Beginning: a thing so desired by those that treat with God, and only effected by Death, and wished of him, as the mean to obtain so glorious an End. That morning he put off his hair shirt before his Confessor, modestly preventing the public inconvenience which might ensue, by what he desired to have secret. Then kneeling down before diverse grave Religious persons, he read a protestation of Faith, which himself had made. In it was contained, a quintessence of inward zeal, uttered in words, so feeling and significant, that it caused both admiration and confusion. Don Pedro Fernandez de Mansilla, an Alcayde of the Court, came to take his leave of him, whom he met half way, with a behaviour and countenance of such serenity, that it paralleled not with his present estate. Don Pedro desired him to command him some service, to which he answered, That since he gave him leave so to do, he besought him for a quick dispatch in his Wife and children's business (which was a s●…te for Land with his Majesty, that depended before Don Pedro de Mansilla) to this he gave him a courteous answer. Those that then were present, began to shed tears, and sigh, seeing a courage so undaunted, and a presence so venerable. He seeing himself to be the Cause of their woe, comforted them, saying: Sirs, it is no time to lament, but to rejoice, since I am going to do the Will of God. These words gave cause of comfort to pious minds, by discovering the good estate of his Soul and great Christianity. Then he went into the Chapel in a Cloak, and upon it the habit of Saint james, where he heard many Masses. He entreated the Carmelite that said it, to put his Soul together with the Host into the Chalice. This was to follow the example of the holy Mother Teresa of JESUS, who on a Palm Sunday said the like. This wrought so good effect, that he was comforted both in Soul and Body, and encouraged to suffer. He gave his rosary to a religious man of the Order of Saint Hierome, for accounting himself as dead, he prepared for his own Dirge. Thus he continued, performing many acts of Contrition, in fervent prayer, until the time of execution. At eleven, Friar Gregory de Pedrosa came unto him, and said: Sir, now let us go, for God calleth us. He presently answered; Let us go. When they put off the Cloak of his Order, there came one and put a Hood over his short Coat, from which and from his doublet he had the night before, cut the neck, and the strings from his band, in place whereof he had put a button, to come more ready to his last End, knowing he was made a sacrifice to God, who disposed the means to make his death more easy, which he received rather with Love then Fear. When he went out of the Chapel, he told his Confessor, he felt himself very weak both in Soul and Body: who answered him; Trust in God, and pray to him for strength, and he will not deny it you at this time. Coming to the stairs, God gave him courage, that it now seemed not difficult to him to go in the streets, as it was wont; so other things, which in his imagination appeared impossible, coming to act them, by God's assistance, were become very fezible. Coming down the stairs, and seeing a Mule ready for him, he said: What, a Mule? Nay, I ought rather to be dragged in a basket; practising still more pure Acts of Humility and contempt of the World, and desiring the most disgraceful death. He road on the Mule without fear, squaring all his actions to the rules of Modesty, and necessity without ostentation. Then he toeke a Crucifix which he embraced so affectuously, that it made great impression in the beholders. Going on, the people cried: God pardon, and give you strength: to whom he answered, Amen; God reward you. Coming to the Market place of Saint Dominick, and hearing the Prayers and Cries of the people, he lifted up his eyes, and said: Lord, since they all ask my Pardon, Pardon me, I beseech thee. When he came to the Smith's little street, he said to his Confessor: Father, this is rather a triumph, than a carrying the Cross of Christ, who was blasphemed, and I am prayed for. Pray, Father, that the joy I now feel, be not a reward for that little I have suffered for his sake. I dare not weigh these words in the balance of my Reason. Let us leave something in silence, since his valour and sincerity, will sooner be searched into by a zealous affection, then uttered by an eloquent tongue. He fixed his eyes, with a grave aspect upon a Crucifix there present, testifying thereby the recollection of his thoughts. In his contemplation he remembered the spiritual encouragement, given him by the Religious which accompanied him, divinely discoursing on the Happiness to come. Being come to the place of Execution, with a constant Countenance, he alighted from his Mule, and without any help, went up the Scaffold. He beheld without fear the Sword and Block. Set his Hood right, and said to the Religious: Let me rest here awhile. His Confessor, and Friar Gregory de Pedrosa, sat down about him, with the rest of the Religious, in number twelve, no person, but what was needful, being suffered to enter. They kneeled down to pray for his Soul. He read diverse jaculatory prayers, with such resignation and attention, that his Instructors stood astonished. After a good while he rose, and told his Confessor, he felt himself comforted, to see that God wrought in him his will, saying, it was fit to thank him therefore, and be confessed before death, and absolved by the Bull of Faith in Baptism, with a protestation thereof. 
He did the like at the time of his confession.  He was confessed, and receiving absolution, he fell on the ground and kissed the feet of his Confessor. Being commanded to rise, he went to his Chair, not to dye, but to triumph, with such courage, humility, and magnanimity, that all were filled with piety and admiration. A part of his Hood he cast behind the chair, and prayed whilst the Executioner made all things ready. Then he called him, embraced him, and spoke to him most lovingly. He proceeded so fare in acts of pure Love and joy, that when Friar Gregory de Pedrosa said, Now is the time to show courage, he answered: I never felt such content. When his feet were tied, he said, What do you? The Religious told him, it was the Order. Then tie me, said he. Coming to tie his arms, he put them out, saying: Hold, tie them. Then he called the Minister of death (let decency excuse me for using this term) and said: Come hither, Brother, let me embrace thee once more, and bowing toward him with his body, his arms being tied, gave him the humble kiss of Peace. This Act of heroic humility, done with desire of greater demonstration, drew down many tears, either of joy or sorrow in the Spectators. When they tied him in the Chair, his Confessor told him, That Christ was also tied; at which time he remembered the Passion with affections burned in the fire of divine Love.. His eyes were covered with a black taffeta, which himself had brought for that purpose. He lifted up his head, ready with joy to perform what before he had so often thought of in prison, and said, Take it, O Lord; Take it, O Lord. When the Executioner held the taffeta with his left hand, to give the stroke with his right hand: he forbidden him, saying: I will sit still, with a voice and heart so strong, that were it lawful, I would say, Naturre had privileged him from fear. Then received he the stroke, and repeating the sweet Name of JESUS, gave up his Soul. The Looker's on, though bathed in tears, beheld a spectacle, not horrible, but pleasing, caused by a happy death. A death that hath eclipsed the greatest examples, and limited the highest praises, whose duration will outlast the World. For were he not in Nobility so ancient, he might hereby lay a foundation for a glorious Family; since Nobility is but a virtue of the mind, practised either in undergoing dangers in War, or in giving good examples in peace, both which were seen in him; and if according to the end, the virtue of the mind is to be measured; here only was the love of God, where no respect was had to the World or to Fame, which in the end will become dumb. This example of his death hath wrought much, being in Madrid, the Court of Don Philip the Fourth, King of Spain, where is a general concourse of Strangers, magnifying with respect the Spanish name (beside the deserved credit of their ancient valour) seeing a man paralleled with any whom the Roman eloquence did extol, for although Scevola, Regulus, Horatius, and many others, suffered much honour; yet here morally speaking, it was without it. And if any were present at this death, either without Religion, or of a contrary (which God forbidden) what inward remorse, unquietness of mind, and accusation of conscience must they needs have, seeing such strange acts of Faith and Love to God, wrought with such fortitude, that it only may teach us the force of Truth, and Light of Catholic Religion. In this Glass they may see their errors.  
Thus fare my love hath carried me, although my Relation be but as a shadow of this wonder: which such as saw not, may not hope to know as it was, because those which were present, want capacity to declare it.  
As to the substance, I had particular information from those which conversed with him in prison and abroad; all Persons of Virtue and Religion; and although I heard of much more, yet would I not insert here but what was certain; for a matter of itself so admirable, needeth not borrow ornament or addition elsewhere.  
His Body lieth buried in our Lady's Church, of the Discalced Carmelites in Madrid, in the Dean and Chapters Chapel. These Religious, out of love to him, buried him there, in a Tomb covered with a black cloth, and on it the Insigne of his Order. Requiescant in pace. This Epitaph is written upon his Sepulchre. 
He who within this Tomb doth lie,  
Began to live, when he did dye.   Soli Deo honour & gloria.  

Imprinted at Madrid with licence, by the Widow of Fernando Correa de Montenegro.