A CONTINUATION OF THE LAMENTABLE AND ADMIRABLE ADVENTURES OF DOM SEBASTIAN KING OF PORTUGAL.  
With a declaration of all his time employed since the battle in Africa against the Infidels 1578. until this present year 1603.  
ANCHORA SPEI   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed for james Shaw, and are to be sold at his shop near Ludgate. 1603.   

The Epistle to the Reader.  
GEntle Reader, in the entrance of this Discourse which follows, you shall find three letters written by an ancient man called Doctor Texere a Portugal, directed to a Bishop this father's very friend, which I have here compiled and expressed among other proofs to verify the infortunate accidents this disastrous King hath sustained, since he was taken prisoner by the great Duke of Tuscan, until the last day of the year past 1601. You may also find within this Pamphlet two Letters translated: one written by D. Raimond Marqueti, a Knight of the order of S. john, borne in Messina in Sicily to Dom Sebastian; the other sent from the said King to D. Prospero Baracco, dwelling in Padua. By the two last letters it will evidently appear unto you, that the prisoner detained now in Naples, is not that Marco Tullio Catizone, whom the Spaniards in their libels have so falsely proclaimed; but the very true King of Portugal Dom Sebastian. Immediately after these letters followeth a discourse, in the beginning whereof there is a Preface written by father Texere, manifesting the natural disposition of Portugals, and witnessing how constantly they address themselves in loyalty towards their Governors that reign over them, according to the sincere word of God, and the unfallible rules of honour.  
You may also behold a most ample declaration, about the end of this discourse, ministering four several points, worthy the reading and observing; to prove unto you assuredly, that the prisoner for whom we travel so industriously with perseverance, is the true and lawful King of Portugal Dom Sebastian, whom God of his divine mercy will (I trust) restore to his former Crown and dignity, for the good and propagation of the peace and welfare of all Christendom: which the eternal God effect, if it be his blessed will. Amen. The 26. of Feb. An. 1602.   

A Letter sent from father Fr. JOSEPH TEXERE to a Bishop.  
POst acceptan benedictionem. I wrote to your reverend Lordship from Paris, to signify unto you the cause of my return from Lions, where I received a letter from your L. dated the 20. of March. In the which you gave me in charge that if I had occasion to travel into Laly, I should give you special intelligence of all the occurrents that should be presented to my understanding in my journey: the 16. of April in the same year I departed from Paris, towards these parts, passing through campaign: the very first day the gout began to assail me, and ceased not, but accompanied me to Chalons, which was wednesday being holiday; where I remained in my covent until the wednesday after Easter.  
The same day, after dinner (having urgent occasion) I was compelled by means of my sickness to use the benefit of a coach, and came the Friday following to Nance. On Saturday following I undertook to walk fair and softly with much pain, to visit his Highness, and the Lady sister to the King, and her husband, the Cardinal, the Count of Vandemont, and the Princess his sister. Believe me I cannot express in words the consolation I conceived, in beholding the inseparable bond of love and amity, wherein these noble Princes seemed to be united and conformed: from whom like one loaden and charged with honourable benefits, gifts, graces, and favours, I departed to Basil on monday being the seventh of May. Notwithstanding the great comfort my entertainment gave me occasion of, yet bitter spell of discontentment wounded me inwardly; for that the friday before, I had particular intelligence by the post, that the Portuguese, the false and counterfeit Dom Sebastian, as they termed him, the pretended King of Portugal, was rendered into the custody of the governor of Orbetelo, a town in Tuscan bordering upon the Mediterranean sea, being a part of the King of Spain's territories, from thence to be conveyed to the Viceroy of Naples: so swift were those bloody Spaniards in their cruel expeditions. The poor Prince departed from that town the 13 of April, at eleven of the clock at night, passing by Siene the four and twentieth, and was delivered the six and twentieth. The manner of divulging these news, was by intelligence that came to Nance by Milan in less than eight days. The eleventh of May I came to Basill: the thirteenth I entered Soleurre, where because I was ill at ease, Monsieur de Vic (your Lordship's dear friend) and worthy Ambassador of his most Christian Majesty in affairs to the Swissers and Grisons, enforced me to stay and repose myself with him, until the sixteenth day: wherehence after the fruition of infinite courtesies I departed, passing by the Swissers, Grisons, Valtoline, and Valcamonica, I entered into Italy: the first town I lodged in was Bresse, the next Verona, Vicence, Padua. The second of june I came to Venice, where without delay I hasted to visit Monsieur Villiers Ambassador of his excellent Majesty. This noble gentleman I found in all respects as your Lordship had commended him to me, most reverend for honour, virtue, and wisdom, as the world can justly testify. From thence I retired myself in his Gondola to a friend of mine, an honourable gentleman, by whom with divers other of my friends that came to see me, I was confirmed in my former knowledge, concerning the mishaps before rehearsed; understanding in like manner, how grievously the nobles and citizens of Venice, took the troubles of the worthy distressed King, ascribing the blame to the negligence of the Portugals, that undertook the managing of his liberty, into whose hands they had committed him safe and sound: for as much as in those Lord's presence, they seemed to acknowledge him, under which pretence they pressed before the Senate, to signify unto them a truth, beseeching them to allow him some other solemnity in proceeding, than they use to a common or private person, and to respect him as a King. The fourth day I returned to Padua: the seventh I was at breakfast in Mantua, where I was well entertained by the reverend and virtuous Prelate, the rare and honourable Lord Fr. Francis Gonzaga, Bishop of the said city. And soon after I had been in my covent, and received the chief Prelate's benediction, I went to salute the Duke and the Duchess, to whom I carried certain letters, who received me with no less show of account than they could have made to an Ambassador that had been employed in the most Christian Kings affairs.  
The self same day to accompany this my glorious entertainment, the despiteful gout made a return into my feeble limbs, and there sojourned with me seventeen or eighteen days in the same city. In which space I drew a tree with branches, expressing the genealogy of the house of Gonzaga; wherewith the Duke seemed so well pleased, that he gave me a great present in gratification. I protest I should never have dreamt that Mantua had been honoured with a Prince so nonoble for virtue, so rare for honourable courtesy, so peerless for bounty, so familiar in histories, so conversant in languages, so great a lover of rare properties, so entire a Christian. I sifted divers of his Court as narrowly as I might possibly, and I discovered them to be true and faithful well-willers to our country of France.  
On the feast day of S. john Baptist somewhat late I set forward in my journey towards Ferrara through Bologne: on the eight and twentieth day of the last month I came to Ferrara, being S. Peter's eve: the next day being the feast day, after my morning repast, I went to the honourable Duke, delivering him certain letters, which he received with a smiling countenance, and made very fair weather to me by his honourable and courteous entertainment, so did likewise his Duchess. All this while making no mention to me of the King, nor of the Portuguese, nor I to any man, the Duke and Duchess severally demanded of me what news I heard of France or Lorraine, and so slighted me off with licence to departed, saying, we will take another day fit to handle these causes more at large: so I departed for that time. The next day following, the Duke came into our covent of S. Mark, where I remained, and our Prior entreated me to bear the Provincial company to entertain his Highness at the Church porch: where the Duke took notice of me, and talked with me all the way passing through the entry; and at his departure said, I will choose a more convenient time to talk with you more at large. After breakfast I went to the Archbishop of Pisa, and delivered him a letter from a very friend of his, in regard whereof he did me many kind offices. And I telling him, I had undertaken this journey for the dispatch of business that concerned my order and myself particusarly, (for so was the tenor of my passport) and to acquaint myself in the families of the Princes of Italy: after long deliberation and pausing for the space of an hour, he demanded of me if I had not heard any speech of a Portuguese, that named himself Dom Sebastian King of Portugal: to whom I answered, that being in the court of Lorraine, I understood by letters sent from Milane that there was such a counterfeit, and abuser, and that therefore I would not meddle neither with him nor his affairs. And he replied unto me, that he thought it not amiss for me to know what passed, and was done in that business. When I found his purpose, I prepared myself to hear him as patiently as I could, and he very pleasantly began this invective which followeth.  
This man that would be called Dom Sebastian. & c. is Calabriam, a merchant, whose name is Marco Tullio Catizone, that hath both wife and children alive, which have been compelled to come from Messina to go to Naples to justify the truth. And the same Portuguese hath had access to Portugal for matters of traffic, where some religious professors of our order have persuaded him to call and proclaim himself Dom Sebastian King of Portugal: and the Monk hath burned and branded him with hot irons, in the same places with the like marks that Dom Sebastian had: and the scar which he carrieth in his arm, was forced by a gash given of purpose with his own hand, and the Monk that on his head. Beside, when he was first taken he had only two crowns about him: and assoon as the Venetians discharged him, the Portugals consulted how they might embark him at Liuorne, and send him presently into France. Whereof the great Duke being speedily advertised, caused all the passages to be laid betwixt Florence & the sea coast, that he could escape no way: and so soon as he saw himself prevented and caught, he straightway discovered his legerdemain, saying, that he was no longer able to endure those torments and grievous imprisonments, to maintain such foolish delusions and cozenage. Presupposed that before he made this confession, he indented to have his life assured him, which they ascertained him of, comforting him that he should not die. And after that he was detected in Naples by the presence of his wife Donna Paula Catizzone, he was instantly sent into Spain, without any violence done unto him, and was there openly and generally showed to all the word, to the end that the Portugals should no longer abuse him, and that it might be published to the world, that he was a very impostor, a counterfeit, and a deluder. After I heard so many foolish and gross absurdities uttered so confidently, my very soul was so deeply plunged into extreme grief and vexation, that I was forced to crave pardon of that reverend lord, for not answering, being sore perplexed: knowing assuredly, that that Marco Tullio Catizzone died in Portugal, while he endeavoured the dispatch of some business the King sent him thither about: which is evident by a letter sent from one D. Raimond Marqueti a Knight dwelling in Messina, by whose means and persuasion the King sent this Marco into Portugal. Which letter was sent by Marqueti to Venice to have been delivered to Dom Sebastian, which came to the Venetians hands, whereof the lords of Venice caused a copy to be taken, and the original remains in the custody of one Constantine Nicoline, citizen and inhabitant of the same city, wherehence a transcript was made, which I have about me to show. This Constantine seeing the agents of Spain to justify an untruth so impudently without blushing, saying, that the prisoner was called Marco Catizzone; showed this letter openly in S. Marks church, to stop and confound their malice. Which letter when they had scene and perused, they were never afterward so bold as to prosecute the matter any further, but kept silence. Moreover it appeared that this prisoner could not be Marco Tullio by another letter, written by the prisoner to D. Prospero Baracco, which he showed me in Padua, which I craved earnestly to have delivered me to bring with me, but I could only obtain a copy thereof, which I have also in my custody. The same is likewise testified by another letter from an Italian gentleman, attending the most Christian king. Whosoever is desirous to see the said letter, shall find it in the beginning of the book, called, Admirable adventures, etc. which was imprinted in France before I came from thence towards these parts. I have set down these proceed in writing to your Lordship, to acquaint you with the forgery and devices of those detractors, called Castilians. Now to return to the Archbishop of Pisa, whom I cannot but charge with great abuse, to report that those natural marks were inseared with a hot iron, and to lay it upon a religious Monk of mine own order. But to set aside many reasons and proofs that might easily confute his allegations, this one shall serve to satisfy all men that have any spark of discretion or judgement; It is impossible that any man should by art, force, or skill, make a man's right arm and leg bigger in all proportions, than the left: that is only reserved to God that made him.  
And further, this reverend Lord would have persuaded me, that the religious man that so marked him was D. Sampayo: which was impossible to be true, for the said father never once saw the King since he departed from Lisbon to go into Africa, until the eleventh of December last passed, when he was set at liberty by the Venetians. Beside, this D. Sampayo never knew any privy marks of the King's body until the year of our Lord 1599 that he went into Portugal to inquire of them. Hearing so many reports so much differing, and knowing how hardly this Archbishop could hide his own error: and considering that to answer him peremptorily, might rather hurt then further my purpose: and to save myself from peril, being within his jurisdiction, I was feign to suppress my inward passions, but said unto him: My Lord, seeing you understand that the imprisonment of this man was the chief cause of my arrival in these parts, and as I understand the honourable Knight came from thence, being four times sent for by letters from Paris to the great Duke, sithence I was in Lorraine, whatsoever is or shall become of his person or affairs I resolve hereafter to take little care, but mean to follow the other employment I recounted to your lordship. Notwithstanding, as one that hath some interest in the cause, I will render your Lordship my censure and resolution in a word, and make you partaker of my inward and secret contemplations. Forasmuch as your lordship hath acquainted with this impostor and deluders confession, dissimulation, and trumperies, I can do no less than grieve thereat very much, and the rather that he escaped without punishment, being (as your lordship assures me he is) so vile and so notorious an offender, marveling you would suffer so pestilent and damnable a wretch to live, that hath been the cause of so many men's disasters, confiscation of goods, ruins, and extinguishments, by undertaking misadventures by sea & land, and what not indemnities for his sake, abandoning country, father, mother, wife, children, house and home, rest and safety: and I wonder it pleased God to suffer such a one to be borne, that his mother in his conception, before her deliverance, had not been transformed into a stone, or presently been dissolved into smoke or air.  
What unhappy man could have caused me to forsake my place in Paris, where I was well and quietly seated, to thrust my life into peril, but only he? that wicked and ungodly man. I have twice in this unlucky journey been afflicted with the gout: divers times almost overwhelmed with snow, drenched in waters, tormented with clambering rocks and hills, sustaining all hazards that sea and land might present me, with thunder and lightning from clouds: and is it justice think you (my good Lord) that a man occasioning so many troubles, should live unpunished? This man hath troubled me much, and grieved my very soul. This (noble Duke) might by the aprovement of many, have caused him to have been indicted, arraigned, and condemned, and have ministered to him some extraordinary death, to the terrible example of all others, and have manifested the same to all the world. In my conceit, my noble Lord, this execution had been most expedient & convenient, to the commendation of equity and justice. The Archbishop hearing these words pronounced with such vehement passion, as though my soul had given frank consent to my passionate utterance, in lamentation of my hard success, said: I am much grieved for your vexation: notwithstanding I cannot so heinously accuse nor condemn the man, but only for his folly to call himself Dom Sebastian king of Portugal: for surely he was a reverend man for virtue and sincerity of life. I could rather agree to accuse that Religious traitor, by whom he was first persuaded and suborned to take the name of King upon him. These & many such like words he used aswell to justify himself, as to recover me out of that affliction, which he perceived his speeches had thrust me into; but in the end I took my leave of his lordship, and returned to my cloister of S. Mark, where the religious fathers received with many courtesies and kind welcomes. The like entertainment I found in all other covents as I went, specially at Mantua, where I was importuned to remain many days. God give me ability & grace to requite them, that I may not be found unthankful; for I assure your Lordship, I cannot express the merits and favours I found at their hands, much less see which way I may yield them due recompense. From Mantua I thought best to go to Rome: in hope by the friendship of the Cardinals, and other noble Lords and Gentlemen, to find some furtherance in my affairs, to the bettering of my unhappy Prince's fortunes. That he should be my very king and lord, I am greatly fortified in hope, & find many good signs and apparent arguments amongst the most serious and religious men of estimation, Princes, Lords, and others: finding it not expedient to nominate all the favourers of this enterprise, desiring your Lordship to pardon me for not satisfying you in every particular, concerning my success at this time according to your request: which defects I will repair in my intelligence from Rome, from whence I hope to send your lordship more exact advertisements, concerning the life and success of this Prince since the battle in Africa, from whence he hardly escaped by flight: with all that past here in the time of his imprisonment: how, in what manner, what day & hour he departed here-hence. Fa. Seraphin Banchi hath hitherto much assisted me in the business, & was very joyful of the honourable greetings from your Lordship, desiring his continuance in your honourable favours. By his means I am so much furthered, as I trust to morrow morning to be dispatched hence. The Almighty bless your honourable person in all you desire. Florence the third of july. 1601.  
Your noble Lordship's humble servant, father Fr. JOSEPH TEXERE Portugueze, etc.   

A Letter written by the said Fr. Texere to the Bishop before saluted.  
IN my last Letter written to your excellent Lordship from Florence, I promised to perform as much, or rather more at my arrival at Rome; wherein I fear I shall fail (for many causes checking my will and endeavour) to keep touch with your Lordship. First, because I came not hither so soon as I intended, being hindered by reason of my sickness which lengthened my journey: for being in Viterbe, I sojourned seven or eight days in the house of our Lady De la Quercia, a Monastery of our order, distant some half league from the town, where God by the intercession of the Virgin doth many miracles, to the benefit of the wel-beleevers. So soon as I was entered into Rome, which was Sunday the fourteenth of july, I sought out my very friend, of whom I gathered, that his Holiness and all the Lords of the Court of Rome conceived, and were persuaded verily, that the prisoner which the Duke of Florence caused to be sent therehence the three and twentieth of April at eleven of the clock at night, and delivered into the hands of the governor of Orbetelo, was D. Sebastian the true unfallible King of Portugal. Of him I learned, how he was conducted from Orbetelo to Hercules port, and from that port in a galley to Naples, and last to Castelnouo. This galley the enemies made the subject, to give notice to the whole world, that the said Dom Sebastian was condemned to the galleys, and after to the castle Del ovo. Further, I was showed the copy of a letter, which the Count of Lemos Viceroy of Naples wrote to the Duke of Sessa, Ambassador from the King of Castille unto his Holiness, giving him to understand, that the same prisoner was Dom Sebastian the true King of Portugal. I have also found out which of the Cardinals and Prelates favour the cause of that virtuous and holy Prince. A friend of mine lent me his coach, wherein I went directly to the most excellent Prince, the Cardinal of Florence, and kissed his hand, of whom I had the evidences your Lordship is advised of, and after an hour and halves conference with him, I departed in the same coach so visit sir Alexander Giusti justice de la Rota, our dear friend. From whom so soon as I was departed, I met near his gate with another of my familiar acquaintance, that discovered unto me certain plots and circumventions attempted and suggested by the Duke of Sesse, informing against me in the Consistory of Rome, that I was a seditious man, prejudicial to the state of Christendom generally: for that heretofore the Christian Princes had used to associate themselves in a league jointly to make war against the Infidels; which I had been a cause to hinder, by interposing division and contention betwixt those Princes; and as a principal reason to induce them to believe the same: he showed publicly the discourse which I sent your Lordship from Lions, entitled, Admirable adventures, etc. which for the more familiar understanding was translated into Italian and Spanish. The common dispersing of which discourse, was like to breed much dishonour and damage to D. Philippo the third King of Castille his master, and so purchase unto himself being his agent, infinite disgrace and harm by his displeasure. For my part I answered that I merited no punishment for traducing into writing such true accidents (as they were) the confirmation whereof increased with the time: considering they were not of mine own invention or stamping. Relinquishing this friend, I hasted strait to the Cardinal of Ossat, into whose own hands when I had delivered letters, and informed him thoroughly of the cause of my repair thither: he advised me not to show myself so openly there until such time as I understood what my enemies had conspired to object against me since my entrance into this city, which could not be concealed, for that the Patriarch of Constantinople, (who was and is General of the Order of S. Francis, a Sicilian borne, and so much the more my forcible enemy, by how much he was zealous for the King of Castille his master) had a glance of me in the Cardinal of Florence his house. My occasions detained me so long with this Cardinal till night grew on, so that his Lordship caused me to remain with him until the morrow, wherehence after the hearing of his Mass, I departed to my first friend's house: whither divers persons of quality repaired to visit me, signifying unto me, that the Ambassador for Castille intended to work me all the mischief he could possible: and seeing he found no sufficient means to endamage me before the estate, he had a purpose to bring me within compass of the Inquisition, alleging these accusations that follow. First he objected against me, that I had been in England six or seven years, and that I ever favoured the proceed of heretics; that I composed divers books fraught with heresies; that at Lions I made and began to imprint a book against his Holiness, and the Inquisitors general of Portugal; with many other matters which I let pass for troubling your Lordship. To all which I answered without blemish to my honour or reputation, in this manner: I thank God, all the time I was in England I lived amongst men that were religious, as mine enemies can testify: and for my continance in France, I hope to acquit myself easily from misdemeanour there. To the most capital matter and of greatest importance: that I wrote and began to print a book at Lions against his Holiness, and the Inquisitors general of Portugal, I can purge myself purely, and pass as clear as the most unspotted innocent, being always approved religious and zealous, wherein I appeal to the sincerie of all the brethren of mine own order. In that he terms me a rebel and a traitor to the King his master, for showing myself serviceable and faithful to a foreign Prince his enemy: in that he is assistant to my affairs, recommending my estimation by opening a gap, to decipher the traitorous in Portugal, backsliders, enemies to their own friends, and very Castilian hypocrites: that I am a disperser of many lies, in conventicles at this instant. That article is worthy of such men's preferring as they seem to be, and not fitting men of worth and lovers of Religion. As it happeneth I have the book about me, that was printed at Lions: which shall confute and display the malice and impudency of him that caused the rest of my books to be burnt. The remainder that concerns these affairs, is best known to your Lordship, and therefore to conclude this point, I crave pardon for being so tedious. Now to return to my former subject. Sunday being the 15. of july, and the Monday following, after I had finished the principal part of my intention, I determined (by the counsel of my friends) to return directly to France. And being advertised that the Duke of Sessa had sent beforehand some of his people to way-ly me in the ordinary way, I changed my course by Vmbrie. I departed out of Rome the fourth day after my arrival, and passing by the cities of Narne, Tarne, Spoleto, Foligni, and Assize, I came to Peruse, which I did only pass through, and shaped my course by Siene, Florence, Bologne, through the confines of Modene and Mirandole: and before I could reach to Mantua, my horse fell upon me, and hurt one of my legs very grievously, which caused me to stay in this place, where I might provide the best means for my recovery. I assure your Lordship, I took this mischance to be ominous, that God would have it so, for that by my return this by-way, I gathered some certainty of much that happened to Dom Sobastian the King, since his slight out of Africa, until he was discharged out of this commonweal: and now I begin to make your Lordship a true relation, certain, and without controlment. When it was spread at Rome that I remained in this town, and that by reason of my hurt I could not suddenly departed from hence; a friend of mine certified me by letteers the sixth of August, in what manner Paula Catizzone with her daughter arrived at Naples, being shipped from Messina by the Catholic Kings agents, to come and acknowledge this prisoner for her husband: and the said Paula meeting in the ship with a religious man of the order of S. Francis, of her acquaintance, she dicovering the cause of her travel unto him, assuring him she knew undoubtedly that that prisoner was not Marco Tullio Catizzone her husband, saying, that same prisoner that they call D. Sebastian king of Portugal had sent him into Portugal, which she trusted would make well for that prisoner, and do him no hurt at all: and that she came rather to justify then to condemn him. The same man, my friend promised me of particular advertisements of whatsoever shall be effected in this business. I beseech you consider the cunning the Castilians use in the expedition of their enterprises, who are both terrible and wary in all their practices. Although they know that Marco Tullio Catizzone died in Portugal; yet notwithstanding they continue their indirect and false course, with inventions and sleights colouring their projects, to seduce and blind the world. This woman a subject of the Spanish Kings, was threatened upon pain of death, not to hinder any of the Kings proceed; therefore she must take upon her to know this man, and justify him to be her husband Marco Tullio, etc. though she had never seen him before, be the matter never so false, as it is most untrue, and so proved by many reasons and letters whereof I made mention to your Lordship in my letters from Florence. I have sent a copy to my friend in Rome to be delivered to his Holiness, and another to your Lordship with these presents, to control all those that shall belie this action. Beside this testimony there newly arrived a grave Portugal, a man of good authority and credit, that understanding at Rome which way I was departed, took post horses & came after me. Beside that he was one of my old acquaintance, he brought letters in his bosom of recommendation to induce me to trust him, and that he might open his secrets unto me, which certain Lords of Portugal (that sent him) charged him to do. This man named the house in which Marco Tullio Catizzone died, to the owner whereof he brought and delivered certain letters from the King, and there were counter letters written which were never as yet delivered to the King. In such sort, that this falsity, that this prisoner is Marco Tullio Catizzone, can by no means be proved, in favour of the inventors thereof. Now forasmuch as from time to time I am in more likelihood to recover this mishap: I trust I shall not have cause to stay in this town to write any more letters unto you, but purpose by God's help to make small delay to come myself to your Lordship, and excuse all other messengers. Beseeching the heavenly King to bless your excellent lordship. From Venice the thirteenth of August. 1601.  
Most humbly at your excellent Lordship's service, father Fr. JOSEPH TEXERE.   

The copy of a Letter, written by D. Raimond Marqueti, with this inscription: To Dom Sebastian, calling himself King of Portugal, being at Venice.  
I Received letters from your lordship the sift of September last passed, wherein I perceive the resolution your Lordship hath taken, to commit your care and trust to Marco Tullio Catizzone, a man as worthy as able to manage such a business. Further, I render your Lordship a thousand thanks, for the good opinion and confidence you have reposed in my person; in discharge of which trust, I will repair my diligence, to learn news of that Marco Tullio, who as yet is not returned into these quarters. But so soon as he shall, I will give him to understand, how sore your Lordship longeth for his return: and will also advise him to execute your commandments in all points, with exceeding care, diligence, and secrecy; and by him I will not fail to give your Lordship to understand, that when it pleaseth your Lordship to satisfy your desire, to see this country (haiung already run through the greatest part of the world) I shall procure your conference with these noble men, companions to your adventures which you so earnestly wish to behold, viz. the Duke of Aueyro, Christopher de Tavora, and the rest. If you please to send me some privy marks or tokens, that they may repose as much confidence in me, as is necessary for the dispatch of your Lordship's designs in this service, and any other: I intent to perform to your Lordship both diligence and secrecy. As for the letter to Donna Paula Catizzone, I hold it no policy to deliver it her, considering it is a lose adventure in such dangers to trust a woman. Neither will I neglect to be careful for the honour of the said Paula Catizzones house, as your Lordship required me: and in the end the effects shall show. To conclude, I desire your Lordship to excuse me for not using so reverent a style to your Lordship as I could wish, which I hope you conceive I refrain to do, because I would not be discovered in your weightier affairs: holding this the best and safest course to do your service: wherein I beseech the Almighty God to prosper your Lordship, and grant you due success, to whose tuition with reverend kissing your hands a thousand times, I commit your Lordship. From Messina the eighth of October. 1598.  
Dom Raimond Marquetl.   

The copy of a Letter written by Dom Sebastian King of Portugal while he was prisoner in Venice, sent to Padua to the most reverend D. Prospero Baracco, Amner to the Cathedral Church in that town, the original remaining in the hands of Sr Georgio Bustarelli.  
MOst reverend D. Prospero, I am to signify unto your Lordship, how much I have been grieved for your meritlesse afflictions, having suffered imprisonment for my sake, by the pursuit of the Castilians mine enemies. But seeing things past are irrevocable, and are only to be overcome with patience, considering you are not ignorant of the whole complotment. And forasmuch as I am so restrained from writing at large, that I cannot express unto you my secret meaning; I only request you to send some trusty messenger to Messina, diligently to inquire and search, whether Marco Tullio Catizzone be returned thither with any directions or not. And to that end & purpose, your reverend Lordship may use my name to D. Raimond Marqueti, to whom I wrote heretofore being at Moran, if you forget not, that I received also answer from him. And this Gentleman you may inform of all that hath past since that time (if you think good) and when Catizzone shall happen to come thither, he may direct him covertly to this place, where he may secretly give me knowledge of the expedition in my affairs. And for the love you own to the Almighty, fail not one whit in a business to me of so great importance, considering how much it may avail, to bring my long travails to good end: and weighing, that the Lords of Venice will not be brought to the true period of justice, notwithstanding I have oftentimes laboured unto them to do me right, and make me known personally to the world, saying, that if they find me not to be D. Sebastian king of Portugal, without favour let them worthily punish me. For all this suit they neither yet would nor will come to the centre of my just cause, and wrongful imprisonment, saying, that they loved not to be mocked and trifled withal, offering always very readily, that if I would deny, or not profess myself to be D. Sebastian etc. they would set me at liberty, etc. Love me still as I have done you, & so farewell. From Venice the 15. of April 1599  
D. Sebastian King of Portugal.   

Another Letter written by the foresaid Fr. Texere a Portugal, to the same Bishop.  
I Wrote to your excellent Lordship from Venice the thirteenth of August, and departed thence the eighteenth of the same, being than not thoroughly well: for which reason I made the way more long and tedious than I purposed. I stayed many days at Soleurre, because Monsieur de Vic would not let me pass, until Monsieur de Sillery came to town. After whose coming he stayed me to see the order of that Town, in entertaining the Cantons and other provincials at their first feast: and this commandment I could not well disobey. This importunity and such other were the impediments, that I could not reach unto Paris before the fourteenth of October. Then presently I went to Fontaine Bleau, to kiss his most Christian majesties hand; who entertained me very princely, showing himself glad of my safe return. For to tell you true, I had no assured being, but in France (so offensive and dangerous was the Spanish indignation unto me). At my return from Fontaine Bleau, I met with your Lordship's Advocate agent, praying him to give your Lordship advertisement of my return: promising to write unto your Lordship shortly after: which I did not effect, partly for mine unapt disposition, being vexed with slanderous lies and tales, which mine enemies found occasion to spread in my absence. Who for the satisfaction of their malice, having nenither care of the law of God, nor of his fear, stick not to suppress any troth, to further the confusion of their neighbour, or Christian brother. And to gorge their wicked appetits, respect neither the honour of the King, his safety, nor the firing of Portugal, which they had lately kindled and disturbed: and more than that, being blinded in fury themselves, think no man else can perceive their intents, be the matter never so plain and manifest. But of this theme let this suffice, considering your L. is not ignorant of Castilian broils.  
At my first entrance into this place, I found certain letters written from Rome, Venice, Padua, and other ordinary passages in Italy; all which gave me credible intelligence, that the King my Lord and master lives, and that he is well entreated, in prison in the Castle De Ouo. And my Roman friend, being joyful of my good news, wrote unto me in this form following: Forasmuch as your afflictions, dangers, and travails have received some hope of good event, and for that it is certain, that the troubles of those that fear God, shall be converted into prosperity, so it may fall out, that Haec olim meminisse iwabit. These words and tidings seemed very common and vulgar; which being conferred with those things that fell out happily in Rome, for the good of my Sovereign, I conceived great hope, yet once again to see him re-established in his kingdom. By the same letter I understand, that my intelligence hath bred him great contentment, and that also he conceived no less pleasure by those copies which I sent him, to present unto his Highness: which were the transcripts of those I sent your Lordship from Venice, which prove that Marco Tullio Catizzone is one, and Dom Sebastian another. A Doctor and a friend of mine dwelling at Lions, showed me a letter which a French gentleman his inward friend, of good calling dwelling in Rome, after he had recorded many things concerning the King my master, revealed as followeth. The Count of Lemos Viceroy of Naples, is very favourable to Dom Sebastian his prisoner, honouring him very much, allowing him some small liberty: which when he heard that the King of Castille took in ill part, he began presently to restrain and kept him sporter. When he was allowed to hear Mass amongst other prisoners, they did honour him with much reverence, saying among themselves, that they discovered in his countenance and carriage, a princely Majesty. And without all question, he must needs be Dom Sebastian the King of Portugal, or some devil in his likeness. The Viceroy (as it is said) craved licence of the King of Castil, to go into Spain, because in Naples he could not recover his health, which the King would in no wise grant him. There be other letters sent into these parts, not from Portugals, or any other by their appointment, the contents whereof are here expressed. Heretofore it hath been lawful and tolerable for this prisoner that termed himself D. Sebastian King of Portugal, to speak with any Portugals or men of other nations, that desired to see the said prisoner, that said they had seen him before: and sithence they verified him to be Dom Sebastian the true king of Portugal, he is more straightly kept from the sight and speech of any then before. Another letter (having recounted something concerning this King) addeth: The Count Lemos lying in his death bed about the last of October, said to his son in the presence of his wife and divers other prisoners, that he should look well to the place and charge he had, both of the Viceroyship and his prisoners: for you see (said he) that I am upon the point to go to God, to render account for that I have done during my life: and here I must cease and end my worldly business: for the disburdening of my soul and conscience, I protest that this prisoner here, whom the vulgar call a Portuguese, is the very true Dom Sebastian, lawful King of Portugal. I know it assuredly, having examined him, and for that I have had often conference with him before his imprisonment. Therefore I command and entreat you to use him well. This done, he gave him a letter, which (said he) is written to his Majesty, I mean the Catholic King, touching these affairs, and use all the diligence you can in these things I have given you in charge. The father being dead, the son respected the prisoner with much more reverence than he did before, but allowed him less liberty than he had in the old Count's life. I have also two letters from Doctor Sampayo, the one bearing date the 18 of November, the other the fourth of December, which confirm the same contents before mentioned. There be many other letters here lately sent from Portugals to the same purpose, reinforcing the truth: and here lately past a Portugal by this town, that protesteth he spoke with Dom Sebastian, declaring marks and tokens of his apparel, chamber, and bed, and other appertenances. The same Portugal said further, the King inquired of him for certain persons, which this party being then but young, could not remember, and therefore gave him no direct answer. We have here many rumours from divers places near about. One wrote out of Portugal, which divers other coming from thence confirm, that upon S. Anthony's day of Padua the last year, they rung the great bell at Villila in Arragone in the city of Coimbre, an university of Portugal, where befell a very admirable and rare wonder. In the same town there is a covent of Canon's regulars, of the order of S. Augustine, sincerely reform, great and rich, in the which is interred the body of D. Alphonse Henriques, the first King of Portugal, whom they adore for a Saint. In whose behalf (they say) God hath showed some miracles unto men, to confirm their opinion of him, that they believe not amiss. Many religious men for this four hundred years space successively continuing this Saint for their intercessor to God, (ut ferunt) have obtained much release and consolation in their afflictions, aswell strangers as the natural countrymen; and to this effect they have a book written, recording all the benefits received thereby: so that this house never harboured any other, than those that were devoted to this holy King. The last year an old man (whom age had made feeble and decrepit) used ever to kneel down and pray at the sepulchre of the said King: and upon S. Anthony's day the last year, he there in happy time offered his solemn prayers, and continued a long time in meditation before the sepulchre, where he remained until he was stiff, and not able of himself to rise, but by the assistance of his juniors and religious brethren, who beholding all his face bedeawed with tears, demanded of him how it came to pass. This old man answered, I am very much displeased and grieved at the negligence of our Kings and Princes of Portugal, aswell dead as living, I mean descending from this holy King, that being assured by infinite miracles that he is in heaven in eternal glory, and lives in the presence of God, and we never yet knew any man that traveled to canonize him. To whom one or two answered, That hour shall come. And father, seeing your devotion and love is so great to this holy King, beseech him to be a mediator for the liberty of Dom Sebastian (descending of his masculine line) that he may be restored to his former dignities and Realms; and that good deed will cause him to be canonised.  
We have heard lately more reports by the passengers from Italy and France, that he whom the Venetians imprisoned and released the last year, is Dom Sebastian our true King and Lord, and that he seems no whit to degenerate from the steps and traces of his ancestors.  
As those religious men were advising and contemplating upon the vision of this Alphonse, which was mentioned in the Admirable adventure, etc. and considering the promise God made unto him, when he appeared unto him in the field Orique, the sepulchre resounded unto them three strokes, hearing the echo with ability to judge from whence the noise came. The sound being past, they approached nearer unto the tomb, continuing their discourse; and suddenly again the tomb gave three other great blows, so terrible that they were forced to recoil for fear, and the echo continued so long that they all were amazed, and became as pale and wan, as men use to be in the horror of death. When afterward they came to themselves, recovering their senses and perfect understanding, and conceived that it came by the old man's prayer, they went and revealed this accident to the Bishop of that city who in all the time of treaty between Portugal and the King of Castille, approved himself as rank a traitor to his country, as he proved true servant to the King of Spain: who for his recompense was established in that sea, and created Bishop of Coimbre, Count of Arganill, etc. with 50000 ducats of yearly annuity. This Bishop advertised of the noise, came to the Covent and made inquisition, and finding it a thing so extraordinary, said: You Portugals that wonder at these toys, and give credit to babbles, know that the soul of this Saint, being aloft in glory, is so sore offended with you, that God suffereth these senseless monuments, to give testimony of your fopperies. These words were so ill taken by the people of the town assembled about that strange noise, that the Bishop was constrained to unsay that he had said, and to confess it was very wonderful.  
Furthermore, there are many letters come of late from Portugal, that testify, that at Lisbon the last of October in the year 1601. the Church and hospital of the King, (called all Saints) suddenly fell on fire by night, and flamed so furiously, that the roof was burnt, and all the images of the Kings of Portugal that were painted upon the wall (only the portrait of D. Sebastian) was left undefaced. The self same ruin happened to the arms of the Kings and Princes of Portugal, which were drawn in scutcheons upon the wall. The day following being the feast of all Saints, in the forenoon fell an infinite number of hailstones as big as small eggs, red of colour, which bred as great cause of wonder, as the rain that fell the day following, which was so extreme, that (as I have heard credibly reported by many) the people of that town durst not go out of their doors all that day, for sear of drowning. These things to me (aswell as to others) I assure your Lordship seem marvelous, and can find no reason of their rareness: God of his divine mercy turn them to good. I could have written to your Lordship more news of great consequence, if my paper had not been injurious. But now to return to our first subject, which I will entirely deliver unto your Lordship, & seeing I have recovered my strength, I will proceed to declare unto you the success of D. Sebastian King of Portugal, since his escape from the battle in Africa: which I entreat your Lordship to cause to be imprinted, that all Princes may have free knowledge of the history. Paris the twelfth of januarie 1602.  
Immediately after my last writing, I received letters from my friends at Venice and Padua, by which I understand, the Agent of that signiory (being resident in the Catholic King's Court) hath written a letter to that State, which hath been openly read at Pregay, part of the contents whereof are: That the Count Lemos Viceroy of Naples, before his death wrote a letter to the King his master, wherein he did assure him, that that prisoner which he caused to be sent him from the Duke of Tuscan, under the name and title of a Portuguese, was Dom Sebastian the very true King of Portugal, which in the year 1578. lost the battle in Africa: which he affirmed with many assured reasons, and trials as having thoroughly examined him of divers things wherein he had dealt with him both in Portugal and Castille. This Viceroy never received answer of this letter, in his life: and therefore (being then almost at the last gasp) for the disburdening of his soul, he detected this secret to his son that succeeds in his place, in the presence of his wife, his confessor, and divers other persons of good account, giving him also a letter for the King, wherein is ratified the same he spoke before. The new Viceroy sent to the Catholic king, a noble man of the house of Manriques; of whose house proceeded the Dukes of Najara. This Siegnior he sent with his father's letter, & it is reported that the King returned answer of the same letter to the Count Lemos, commanding him to entreat that prisoner well, and take especial care that no disaster chanced unto him. These news enforced me to enlarge this treatise, I would to God they were like to be true, and that the Catholic King would answer his title with due correspondency to Christianity, according to his Christian style, by yielding liberty to his Cosingermaine, and restoring all that to him belongeth: which were an excellent branch of honour and magnanimity, and an assured mean to settle Christendom in peace, and to avoid the danger of present war, which now the lowering heavens, and malicious inclination of stars do assure us to fall upon us. I confess, that so many extraordinary accidents do persuade me to expect a good issue out of all these troubles, that may be both happy and profitable to the whole commonweal of Christendom. Pleaseth it your Lordship to remember that about the infancy of our amity, I said that if the Portugals and the Castilians be not separated, it will be impossible to maintain a general peace in Europe: justifying my opinion, with many evident demonstrations, and yet to this day I hold the same resolution, in which many noble men both of the counsel and others of great calling do accord, saying, They from day to day see more apparent reasons so to judge. To that end do I daily offer up my sacrifices and earnest prayers to entreat the Almighty God, that it may please him of his divine mercy, to inspire the hearts of all Christian Princes, to combine in one knot to set this cause aright, before the increase of more mischief: for, so much the longer as they defer this good work, so much the greater will be the ruin of Portugal, and peril of our universal destruction.  
Your noble Lordship's humble servant, Fr. JOSEPH TEXERE Portugueze.   

A NARRATION OF THINGS DONE BY DOM SEBASTIAN KING OF PORTUGAL, since the battle he lost in the fields of Alquiber in Africa, fight against Muley Maluco an Infidel, anno 1578. until this present time.  Written by Fr. joseph Texere Portugueze. 

The Preface.  
GEntle Reader, forasmuch as I have done you the favour by my travel to discover in writing unto you a Peregrination so much desired: I shall entreat the like of you again, in giving credit to that I will most faithfully deliver unto you, concerning the natural inclination of the Portugals, and the disposition of the King.  
The Portugals have two especial qualities, happily differing from other nations, which are as familiar to them, as to laugh is proper to all men. The first is, they are extremely scrupulous of conscience: the second, they are exceeding constant in their resolutions, especially when they are assured that they are warranted by the law of God, and concern his glory: for the first I will recommend unto your judgements two examples. The first, after the death of D. Henry supposed King of Portugal, the succession of that kingdom being left to the inheritance of women, came directly to D. Katherine Duchess of Bragance, daughter to the son of D. Duarte, brother germane to the said Henry: who caused her title to be disputed of in the University of Coimbre, which disputation was published in print, and compiled in a book confirmed by the hands of fourteen Doctors, subscribing thereunto: all whose sentences were pronounced in the favour of the said Katherine. The like censure was exhibited by the Doctors of Bologne, Pisa, & other universities in that part of Europe, the succession of the said Realm of Portugal, being adjudged to the same Katherine, & D. john Duke of Bragance, her husband & cousin germane: by reason whereof (while the Cardinal lived being induced, or rather informed by the Agents of D. Philip the second King of Castille, not to publish the said D. Katherine to be his heir, did respite the publication, pretending that D. Katherine, D. Anthony, and D. Philippo, being all at once with other competitors to the crown, might set some variance among the people about the title, leaving it to be censured after his death by certain judges that he had appoined and named) he swore to stand to the sentence of those judges, and would not pronounce him King of Portugal himself, but said it might be a means for him to come to the best assurance of the enterprise before any other: for that he had on his part, not only the most of the Princes of Portugal, descending from that line, but also many cities and towns in that Realm, whereof he was owner and Lord, being above fifty with castles, beside the city of Bragance, and had under his government above two hundred thousand subjects of account, by reason whereof he was the greatest and the richest Prince subject, among the Christian Princes of Europe. Considering withal, that out of the city of Bragance, and two other towns called Chaves, which the Romans' termed AEquas Flavas, he was able to make, and bring into the field thirty thousand men, between the age of five and twenty and fifty years. And it is to be noted, that the men bred in those parts be hard and valiant soldiers, and have been so approved in the battles and victories which the Portugals have had against the Spaniards, by whom they have been often vanquished in ranged battles. This Princes nice conscience, was the cause why he extended not his force to defend his right, but withdrew himself into a corner, without purpose or intent to marry either one or the other: by which means he left the crown to him in the right of his late wife, and his life in short time after.   

The second example.  
The Lord D. Antonio, the Prior of Crato, likewise supposed king of Portugal, by reason of his oath at Santaren, where he was chosen, and after at Lisbon, in which election he was confirmed by the Deputies of the cities and towns of the kingdom, promised by oath that he would make no bargain or agreement with any of their enemies, but leave. the same Realm at liberty. The Catholic King D. Philippo offered to make him Viceroy of Naples for his life time, with four hundred thousand ducats of yearly rent, and the bestowing of certain offices and benefits, and fifty thousand ducats presently to pay his debts to go into Italy: and likewise to restore to their former state, dignity, houses, and goods, those persons from whom they have been confiscated by his occasion, and to give both honour and riches to all them that should accompany and attend upon him, according to every man's place and calling; upon condition he would renounce and disclaim all his right and interest in the kingdom of Portugal, by virtue of their election: and if withal he would swear never to give attention to any, that might persuade him to the contrary. His answer was to all these great offers: That his conscience bound him to do nothing prejudicial to the contract he had already made, and that he had rather live poorly and die miserably in a simple chamber with credit, performing the duty of a good Christian, then to live in great pomp and pride, in sumptuous palaces, disclaiming the law and commandments of God.  
Courteous Reader, no man can speak so assuredly, or so sensibly in this matter as I: for in the year 1582. upon S. Augustine's day, being prisoner at Lisbon, D. Christopher de Nora (for that time appointed Viceroy of Portugal, with whom his Catholic M. sent a gentleman of his chamber for me) assured me, that I might talk with him as boldly as with himself, telling me that the king meant to employ me to D. Antonio about these affairs. This was not then effected, for that I escaped out of prison: since when, in this country & in England, I conferred with him divers times about this business being his confessor, who often said unto me, God forbidden I should do a thing so contrary to my conscience: if I should (said he) I persuade myself that every chink or furrow in the ground would open and swallow me up presently, by reason of that offence. God first I desire, to take away my life: I had rather live laden with afflictions, accompanied with misery and beggary, reserving my serious and public promise, then to lead a perjured life in great prosperity, pleasures, and delights. Thus he died, obtaining (as I think) for the preservation of his integrity, aswell reputation among Christian men, as recompense at God's hand, desiring always to live and rest in peace: and in regard of his small ambition, could have contented himself with the tenth part of the King his cousin's offer, had it not been for the respect to his oath at their election: and could have found in his heart, to have quit the right and claim he had by his father, while the right was in him, but could not dispense with the oath they bond him with when they elected him, having power to do the first, but not the second.  
This is sufficient (as I take it gentle Reader) to prove unto you my first proposition, That the Portugals dwell upon the severity of their conscience. Now coming to prove the second, which is, That they are most constant in their designs, when they resolve to build upon the true law of God, and his honour, I am to entreat you to defend me against the murmurers, our enemies in two respects: that is to say, not only in the principal point that shall concern our subject, but that they may become censurers of me and of the cause, saying, That in the first history of two, I spoke not religiously, and that I give cause of offence to the Kings and Princes of Europe, or that I incite you to take arms against them. To the first objection I answer, that when a person of what estate soever he be, deliver any thing to good purpose, or utter by chance that which is come to pass; in that he offends not, being thereunto obliged in duty and conscience. As for the second, where they suggest that I transgress against Christian Princes, they are much deceived: for though a man make fine gold into a chain, yet for all that it looseth neither the beauty nor reputation of gold, nor the name of the most excellent metal of all others: so let it be supposed that a man descended of a princely race, become a mean subject, yet cannot any man say, he looseth by his dejection of fortune his Nobility that came by nature: for David's sheephook was no disgrace to the Sceptre of juda, nor Justin's wallet, nor the halter of Gratian father to Valentine, were any blemish to the imperial Crown. Therefore I conclude, that no man can accuse me of rashness in the narration of my history, speaking to a good end accidentally, though I prove that many Kings and Princes of Europe, have been derived out of mean or vulgar houses.  
The Chronicles of Portugal offer unto us among the traditions of our ancestors, a notable history well worthy the reporting and observing. In Portugal in the Province of Alentejo, otherwise called Transtagana, there is a town called Veyros, by estimation about the bigness of Manto upon Seine, situate upon a mountain, at the foot whereof Westward, there runs a river which hath the beginning from the North part, the current passing into the South. Not far from that town upon the highest part of a little mountain, regarding the West for the most part, this river seems to have an issue towards the East; and there is a ford where men are constrained to pass, under this promontory: the river hath made a sandy shallow place, as it were knee-deep, where the women inhabiting the said town use to wash their linen, maids aswell noble as vulgar. It fell out upon a day that D. john natural son to the King of Portugal, was to pass by that point with D. Petro justiciar & great Master overseer of the cities, and by reason of that office was endued with spiritual and temporal honour and authority. He being a young and lusty gallant, and governor of the same town, beholding these maidens with their clothes trust up as women use going about that labour, this noble man began to jest with the rest of his company at the barelegged wenches, and passing by them, some part of his train yet to come, one wench amongst the rest (as the history reporteth) in a red petticoat, as she was tucking up her clothes, discovered her legs somewhat high, and giving herself a clap with her hand on the calf of her right leg, said aloud, Here is a white leg (girls) for the master of Auiz. Which being overheard by some of his followers, whom she took no heed of, hearing and seeing what the wench had both said and done, came no sooner into their Lord's lodging, but they reported unto him what they had heard a young frolic wench say, and seen her do. Wherewithal this noble gallant being stirred, sent for her presently, and finding means to have her secretly, upon her begot a son. And this maid was a shoemakers daughter of that town, very rich and of good account, who understanding that his daughter was sent for to such a noble man, and being informed that her own speech and light behaviour was the first cause, and being assured she was deflowered by her own frank consent: took it so heinously, that at her return home, he reviled her with most opprobrious and despiteful words, and beat her out of his doors openly: and to manifest unto the world, how much he was inwardly vexed with the spoil of his daughter, he never after would eat at any table, nor sleep in a bed, nor put on any shirt, never pared his nails, pol'd his hair, nor cut his beard, which grew so long, that the people called him Barbadon, for it continued uncut till it reached beneath his knees. This malcontent lived so long that his grand child, called D. Alphonse grew to be a man, and Duke of Bragance (created by the great Auize master his father who by the election of the people, afterward became King of Portugal, and for his worthy acts, was surnamed memorable) and Barcelos by the right of his wife, the sole daughter, and inheritor to the Constable of Portugal. This town of Veyros, stands between 7 or 8 other towns belonging to the said Duke and is distant but four leagues from Villa Vicosa, where his palace is. This vicinity was the cause that he had perfect intelligence of the shoemaker his grandfather, & the reports he heard of him, made him so desirous to see him, that he determined to go seek him out himself in his own town: where meeting him in the streets, he alighted from his horse, and kneeled down before him bareheaded, and desired him to give him his hand and his blessing withal. The shoemaker having an eye to the Duke's train that attended upon him, and seeing his base humbleness, and hearing his speeches, amazedly conceived him to be some great parsonage, unknown to him, said: Sir, do you mock me? The Duke answered, So God help me I do not: but in earnest I crave I may kiss your hand, and receive your blessing, for I am your grand child, and son to Ines your daughter, conceived by the King my Lord and father. Assoon as the shoemaker heard these sayings, he clapped his hand before his eyes, and said: God bless me from ever beholding the soon of so wicked a daughter, as mine was. Yet forasmuch as you are not guilty of her offence, hold, take my hand and my blessing, In the name of the father, etc. But neither the Duke nor his followers could persuade him to pull away the hand that covered his eyes, so confident this old man was in his discontentment: neither would he talk any longer with the Duke. Shortly after, this old man died, and before his death, he took order for a tomb to cover him, whereupon he communded to be engraven all manner of tools that belonged to a shoemaker, with this Epitaph.  
This sepulchre Barbadon caused to be made  
(Being of Veyros, a shoemaker by his trade)  
For himself, and the rest of his race,  
Excepting his daughter Ines in any case.  
I have heard it reported by the ancientest persons, that the fourth Duke of Bragance, D. james soon to Donna Isabel (sister to the king, D. Emmanuel) caused that tomb to be defaced, being the sepulchre of his fourth grandfather.  
As for the daughter, after she was delivered of that son, continued a very chaste and virtuous woman all her life, and the king made her Commandress of Santos, a most honourable place, and very plentiful (to the which none but Princesses are admitted, living as it were Abbesses and Princesses of a Monastery, builded without the walls of Lisbon, called Santos (that is, Saints) founded by reason of some Martyrs that were there martyred. And the religious women of that place have liberty to marry with the Knights of their order, before they enter into that holy profession: the order is called S. james, bearing the same Cross. In this Monastery the same Donna Ines died, leaving behind her a glorious reputation for her virtue and holiness. Observe (gentle Reader) the constancy that this Portugal, a shoemaker continued in, loathing to behold the honourable estate of his grand child, nor would any more acknowledge his daughter, having been a lewd woman, so purchasing advancement with dishonour. This considered, you will not wonder at the Count julian, that plagued Spain, and executed the King Rodrico for forcing his daughter la Cava.  
The example of this shoemaker is especially worthy the noting, and deeply to be considered: for beside that it makes good our assertion, it teaches the higher not to disdain the lower, as long as they be virtuous and lovers of honour. It may be, that this old man for his integrity rising from a virtuous zeal, merited, that a daughter coming by descent from his grand child should be made Queen of Castille, and the mother of great Isabella grandmother to two Emperors, Charles the fifth, and Ferdinando; and confute the proverb in Spain: 
De cien en cien anos los Reyes villanos:  
Y de ciento en says los villanos Reyes. which is,  From a hundred to a hundred years Kings become villains: and from a hundred to six, villains become Kings: so here the plough was converted into the Sceptre, in less than three score and ten years.  
For the proof of my second proposition, I must necessarily refer you to the history expressed in the discourse of the twelfth letter, entitled: Admirable adventures, etc. concerning Dom Sebastian the true and lawful King of Portugal: where it is reported of D. Alphonse the African (King of Portugal) that seeing King Lewis the sixth deluded him, in not giving him aid according to his promise made at the beginning, when he first arrived in France (by which means for two years space he left Portugal, not being able for want of power to bring his purpose to any good pass, for his rteurne, being ashamed to be seen of the Portugals, for that he lost a battle against the Castilians) determined with himself to steal as unknown out of France secretly, and place himself in a Monastery near unto Rome. And to effect that design he disguised himself in a strange habit, taking with him but two of his people to accompany him: but he and they were intercepted and taken by the way by Robinet (termed the Ox of Normandy): which Philippus Comineus also confirmeth with this addition, that king Lewis was much offended with Robinet for that piece of service: forcing him to supply him with an army & embark him for Portugal, where he ended his life, as I have already more at large declared unto you elsewhere.  
That which I have said (gentle Reader) I think to be sufficient, to acquaint you with the natural disposition of Portugals. And to induce you to believe what likewise hath been verified concerning D. Sebastian my Lord and Master, it is convenient for you to know, that he resolved never to discover himself, or to make it apparent to any man, what he was; but was fully persuaded to pass the rest of his time uncothly, and so to finish his life in silence: because he wilfully took upon him (contrary to the advice of Xarisa, and all the Princes, Lords, and Commanders that accompanied him, to give battle to Muley Maluco, in the hour, the day and place, that in their judgement was not thought fit for his advantage: and the King acknowledging his error and oversight he committed that day, so afflicted his soul, that the memory thereof bred him more inward torment and vexation, than any misfortune that ever befell him in all his woeful days. For the confirmation whereof, I will give you to understand (courteous Reader) what I heard an old man say, being a man of great authority, an ordinary assistant, and a common releever of afflicted persons be they never so abject, and a Religious man of mine own Order, and Archbishop of Spalleto, a Venetian borne, a maintainer and supporter of truth; who during this realms last troubles, wrote in the behalf of his Christian Majesty. This reverend Prelate, while I lay sick in his house, distant some half league from Venice, sitting by my bed side, said unto me: In this very self same bed lay D. Sebastian your King, tormented with a fever, before his imprisonment in Venice, at which time in my hearing, a father of the Orderof S. Bernard, a Doctor in Divinity, very famous for his profession, entreated him to tell him how it came to pass that he lost the battle in Africa: and because the King condescended not to his demand, he reiterated the same again. Then suddenly I beheld tears gushing from his eyes as big as pease, and in such abundance, as they did wet not only his handkerchief, but his shirt, the sheet, and a silk quilt that lay upon him. This passion was without weeping or sobbing, for that he never could do, but ever showed himself all one, no changeling, come prosperity or adversity. At length he requested us instantly, to use some other communication, saying, The remembrance of that intolerable mishap, was to him such a torment, as it deprived him of reason and judgement, and made him desire to abandon both the sight and conversation of all men. All this grief could not supplant his sickness, which persecuted him so sore, as he was out of hope or care of his recovery: oft tempting him to end his misery with his own hands. I considered it was great inhumanity to add a torment to his affliction, in seeking to extract that from his knowledge, which his extreme sorrow would not give his tongue leave to utter: so I desired the noble man to departed with me, and give him time to rest a while: for that the night before he had slept very little or not at all. To conclude, the shame and grief he sustained inwardly by his rash attempt, as is before rehearsed, committing so great an error, and so prejudicial to Christianity, enforced him to obscure and hide himself from all his acquaintance and familiars: imitating Alphonso his predecessor, both in temerity and repentance: or to equal Boleslaus king of Poland, who to kill Stanislaus the Bishop of Cracovia, left both his Crown and Sceptre, and retired himself into Hungary, where some say within few years after the execution of his bloody purpose, he slew himself. Others say, that he was devoured with dogs in a forest: but the most certain report saith, that he served a Cook in a Monastery at Carinthia (called Osia) a little distant from the town named Felikirchen: and after the sufferance of many troubles and travels he died, and was known by a writing which was found in his bosom, the content whereof was: I am Bolislaus sometime King of Poland, that slew Stanislaus Bishop of Cracovia. In the same manner I believe had Dom Sebastian the King of Portugal died, had he not been a religious man, bound in conscience to show and reveal himself, and take pains to seek to be restored to his former rights and dignities, so provoked to do by secret illumination from God himself, who otherwise had resolved to end his life in an hermitage: which intent he manifested in certain Italian verses composed by him while he was in prison in Venice, which I have about me, uttering all his success sithence he lost the battle in Africa, etc. There were four examiners appointed by the Senate to attend that business all the time of his imprisonment there, which examinations and verses he sent enclosed in a letter to his Holiness, which also are in custody. The Advocate, judge, Counsellor, and Inquisitor testify, that he gave them a princely, sententious, and a pithy answer, rehearsing all things that had passed concerning himself and others, since that battle in Africa, with the names of the Generals, Colonies, Captains, Lords, and Gentlemen, that accompanied him in that action: the number and the diversities of nations, the day, the hour, the situation of the place, where it was fought; how and in what manner he escaped.  
I am again to entreat you friendly Reader, to give credit to that I shall report unto you, and not to measure the nature of Portugals by the light and lewd dispositions of other nations.  
When I was in England with D. Antony, the putatife King of Portugal, as I told you before, I was solicited by Fr. Diego of Chaves, a professor of mine own order, with great importunacy to relinquish and give over this SH' D. Antonio, and incline towards his Catholic Majesty, whose confessor this Diego was, and his sole Governor: assuring me, that if I would yield to his request, I should be very bountifully rewarded; & wrote unto me most confidently, that my entertainment should not want one mite of 25 or 30000 ducats yearly in revenue to be duly paid, which allowance would not only serve competently to maintain me in honourable estate, but I might also deduct a surplusage therehence, to enrich my kindred and friends withal, whom also the king promised to prefer & advance for my sake, (this Cofessor was my mother's cosingermaine) assuring me that all my actions, intents, and purposes whatsoever, prejudicial to his Catholic Majesty, should be quite buried in oblivion, and no blame for any invectives or writings in derogation of his Majesty should be once objected against me. And to the end I might the rather yield unto him, he recapitulated all the particular offices and favours he had performed in my behalf at the time of my imprisonment; that he purchased my deliverance, & saved me from being adjudged to the galleys, and also prevented me from being stretched upon the rack: and further, obtained pardon of his Majesty for Emanuel Texere my uncle, that was condemned to lose his head; and caused all his goods to be restored, that were confiscate, for being in employment with D. Antonio against the king: and when he could not obtain a grant at my hands of that which he demanded himself, he incited my friends and acquaintance to do their uttermost, to win me from my constant resolution, hoping in regard of the great distance and separation from my country, and what by the want and necessity I endured in France, with my aged constitution of body, I would retire from that place and end my age in Portugal, where I began my youth: attempting afterward by rating & reviling to make me recant, when other provocations would not prevail. All which enticements mixed with bitter taunts, moved me nothing at all: and at this instant if I would vouchsafe acceptance, I might receive the same entertainment before offered. It is not yet two years passed sithence a very dear friend of mine in this town priest me with vehement persuasions to return into Portugal, assuring me of as much advancement there as I would desire: but God forbidden, that ever I should accept it, for I had rather be a poor religious beggar in France, than a great discontented Bishop in Castille, or in Portugal: considering the country is not itself, but in bondage, most servilely subject to Castilian tyranny. In this town a nobleman of France, in the presence of divers Princes of the Blood, accompanied with some religious men of mine own order, often persuaded me to leave the habit of S. Dominicke, and betake me to another, assuring me in lieu thereof an Abbey (which he had in his power at that time to give) & afterward a covent of 8 or 9 thousand livers annual rent: and to make me capable thereof, he promised to procure me a dispensation from his Holiness, to allow the exchange of my present habit. All which bountiful proffers could not once move me to change my shape, like a mutable weathercock, or an airy Chameleon. For if the spirit of God forsake me not, I will die as I have lived, a religious votary to S. Dominicke, and a natural Portugal: and the same blessed stability possess all those that seek and spread my reproach and defamation; and to those that make a scorn of me, I answer nothing, but that I am a true religious Portugal, of the same disposition that other my countrymen be: I mean the godly, virtuous, and loyal Portugals. Neither will I admit any for my associates in this case, but such as be most entirely sincere and constant. So I end my present narration in the name of God, and purpose to proceed to the handling of my promised discourse: which, albeit I cannot so exacty relate, as I desire (not being an eye-witness of all that hath been done and suffered by this miserable king my Lord and master) I have gathered out of the greatest probabilities and assertions of the justest and honestest, that I could possibly learn or understand, that were able to give me the best intelligence: which diligence I was bound in duty and conscience to exercise, and am withal enforced by the importunity of many (meeting me in the town and field at every corner) to discourse unto them my masters adventures. Therefore to satisfy them and all the world, and to meet with their tedious inquisitions, I have effected this collection, to rid myself of trouble, and to quench their inordinate thirst after the truth, referring all that can read, to this and my former discourse of Admirable adventures. Farewell.   

The Narration.  
AT my being in Venice (gentle Reader) I understood by diverse, that the opinion conceived of many, and the rumour commonly spread concerning the death of Dom Sebastian the king of Portugal, my Lord and Master, was false: and believed rather, that their reports were more like to be true, that maintained the contrary. For that it was confidently justified by credible persons, that he was seen alive and safe since the battle in Africa: namely, by Cid Albequerine, Emanuel Texer my Uncle, N. Murselo Higuera, and many other Gentlemen and personages of great quality and account. He escaped by flight among the rout, being sore hurt in his head and in one arm, and passed as a private man to his ships, and was embarked amongst the remnant of his army, that saved themselves by flight, as he was forced to do. After a few days he arrived in Portugal in a town called Neu feu de mill fuentes, near unto S. Vincents Cape, where he refreshed himself, and sent for a Chirurgeon from Faro: his name I have forgotten (but well I remember he was reckoned excellent in his Art.) There the king sojourned, accompanied with the Duke of Aneiro, and Christopher Tavora, and diverse other Lords, until he was perfectly healed. The tidings of his being at the Cape were suddenly spread at Lisbon, and was soon published generally throughout all Portugal. And it was affirmed, that he was seen at the Covent of Capuchins (built upon the point of S. Vincent) amongst his companions. This rumour was soon quailed by the policy and authority of Petro de Alcaçova, great Secretary of Portugal, in the behalf of Dom Philip king of Spain, with whom he had beforehand concluded, when Dom Sebastian the king employed him in Embassage into Spain, before his departure into Africa. And for that cause this Petro Alcaçova (a damnable Politician and a monstrous traitor) as soon as the first news came, that the Christians had lost the day, and his King and Master slain, this jew gave secret intelligence to the king of Castill of all that happened: signifying unto him, that now were a fit time to surprise the kingdom of Portugal, and bid him make ready for the purpose. I respected the handling of the second establishment of union between the king my master before his departure, and the king of Castille, which is expressed by one Connestay at large; who being a man of good respect in Portugal, came post to seek me from Rome to Venice, and amongst many other news, he reported unto me, that as soon as ever it was bruited abroad in Portugal, that Dom Sebastian the king was living, and prisoner in Venice, there were many devices revived concerning this brute, that long time before lay buried. And withal you must note, that Dom Diego de Sosa the Admiral, which conducted the king into Africa, reembarqued him from thence into Portugal again, and gave continual intelligence unto his kindred and assured friends, that their king was living, and that he had secretly received him a board, among the scattered troops, and gave them an especial charge, that they should conceal it. And further, that he gave him a secret sign, whereby he might know him hereafter, if need required: which privity, Dom Diego discovered unawares, when a counterfeit (suborned for the purpose) came to that Diego's house, sending for him into the field to come home to speak with Dom Sebastian the king: to whom he said abruptly: Hath he delivered any secret token betwixt him and me, whereby I might credit thee? By which question he published that, which he secretly had bewrayed before to his allies. Whereupon the Cardinal Dom Henry, great Uncle to the king, took occasion to send a trusty servant of his, called Emanuel Antunes, to S. Vincents Cape, charging him to use all the industry he might, in finding out what certainty he could learn of the king his Nephew. All which, this Emanuel performed, with as much endeavour as he might possibly use: and by his diligent inquisition about the said Cape, found that the king had been in the Monastery: and was there certified, that he was both hurt in the head and arm, and in a manner frantic, not only for the exceeding anguish and vexation of mind which he suffered for the loss of victory, but withal the shame did ever perplex him, when he considered the overthrow came by indiscretion and rashness, and that by his default the flower and prime of all Portugal, was defeated and cut off. Antunes brought a very large testimonial hereof to the Cardinal under the seal of the father Guardian, and all the rest of his brethren of the said Monastery: which the Cardinal received with his own hands, commanding his servant to impart this secret to none, which he for his own part buried in his own bosom. And not being able to find out what course his Nephew and his company took for their escape out of the country, gave over the expectation of his recovery either of his crown and sceptre while he lived, though it were his due. But when it was known in Portugal that the K. lived, Antunes begun to acknowledge the pains he had undergone in these affairs, by his master's appointment: which was no sooner conveyed to the king of Castile's care, but he sent for this Antunes, of whom he had a liberal relation of all that he knew concerning that business: and soon after Antunes his return into Portugal, he died. Whereby it appeareth unto me, that God lengthened his life some space, to reveal a truth, that seemed before to be very intricate and doubtful. Shortly after the Portugals began to murmur among themselves, boldly saying, that D. Philip the king had made away Dom Sebastian their king (his Nephew) going to him to crave his aid before his departure into Africa, because he had a meaning to gain the kingdom of Portugal to him and his successors, and hold it by usurpation. And this scandal was never extinguished, because fame divulged his arriving at the Cape called S. Vincent, and no certainty appeared to the world, what way he passed from thence. But since it is proved, that from Spain he got shipping and traveled into Alexandria, and there lived in Prester john's Court with his followers, some twenty months, unknown of what quality he was, professing that he had a desire to see the world, and traveled only to that end and purpose: for of want he made no show, he and his company being well furnished with gold and jewels of great price. From Aethiopia they passed over the red sea, and so directly to the mount Sinai; from thence to the great Sophi called Xatama king of Persia, whom he served as a Commander five or six years against the Turks, where he achieved many victories, and diverse wounds in his body, with much honour and reputation. In requital whereof, the king of Persia did him many honourable offices, and gave him rich presents of inestimable price, with the which he and his company departed. I heard at Venice of his conference with Colonel Cigogna, a man of great experience in the wars, which assured the Lords of the Senate, that he never talked with any man more wise, learned, or better experienced in Military discipline, than this noble person: and he protested he could be no other, than the same he professed to be. The excellent and most reverend Lord the Archbishop said, he heard the discourse between the King and the Colonel, which delighted him exceedingly. This Archbishop I could not speak withal at my being in Venice, for that he was employed in Dalmatia in the affairs of the State.  
The King leaving Persia, went towards jerusalem, from whence he traveled by firm land to Constantinople: which after certain days he left, and came into Italy, from thence to Hungary, and from thence fetched a compass by Muscouie, Poland, Swedland, and Denmark, where he took shipping for England: and in London it is reported he saw D. Antonio the supposed king of Portugal. From England he passed into Holland; from Holland by Almain back to Antwerp: therehence to Paris, anno 1586. It comes to my memory, that in the latter end of the same year, one Antonio Fernandes Pignero, a Priest, which had sometime been Amner to the said Dom Sebastian, etc. and was with me in service from the said Lord D. Antonio, told me that the same Dom Antonio, had heard it credibly reported, that Dom Sebastian the King was living, etc. whereat D. Antonio seemed to be sore amazed and perplexed. About which time I craved licence of D. Antonio to go out of England into this country, which he gave with some show of discontentment therewith. By reason whereof, and to avoid all suspicion, I moved no question to him concerning the particularity of this matter; and I must tell you by the way, that Pignero had all this discourse in writing sub sigillo confessionis, which although (said he) I make the same known unto you, yet I pray you conceal it from D. Antonio, because it may be very prejudicial to him of whom I heard it. In the year following after Easter, in the time of Ember, when I was come to that town, whither I made the scope of my journey, I heard the like concerning the same business which I before had heard in England, whereof I seemed to make no great care: and coming to Paris, after his Christian Majesty had entered the town, D. Nowclet assured me in the presence of divers Portugals and French men, not once nor twice, but many times, that it was as certain and assured that D. Sebastian (King of Portugal) had been lately in Paris, as he spoke to me: describing him to me by many circumstances: to all which I gave no credit, esteeming all he said to be mere fables. Not that I held any opinion or conceit that he was slain at the battle in Africa, but my imagination could not receive any impression that he could be guilty of any such rare dissimulation to pass so many cities and regions without discovery.  
The last year writing to the said Doctor to Annissi where he dwelled, of these news which I heard, that my Lord and master should be set a liberty by the consent of the signory of Venice: I entreated him to write unto me at large, that which he had oft recited to me in this town, concerning the estate of that King. And because his answer was, that he could not agree to the satisfaction of my demands, I ceased to importune him any further in that behalf. But forasmuch as at my being at Venice, some of the chiefest of the signory of that State, ask me if I were able to say any thing concerning that the King had answered upon his examination: saying, that he had been in Paris, and there conferred with a Portugal fled out of his country for D. Antonio's cause, being his cousin. And further, that he met with a gentleman of Switzerland at Soleurre, departing from thence towards Annissi, by whom I sent a letter to D. Nowelet: in the which I most instantly desired him to set down in writing all that he had declared to me at Paris, concerning my master D. Sebastian, etc. At my great importunity it pleased him to grant me my desire, and here I have annexed the same, copied out verbatim, as it was written, in manner and form, with the recommendations he assigned me to do to his friends, (named in the same original) men of good esteem for birth, office, and popular affectation. So that to his truth and sincerity no man can take exception, being a professor in his art, both very learned and excellently experienced, in his life and manners never detected. Therefore all suspicion either of the matter or the man is prevented.   

The copy of a Letter sent from D. Nowelet to Fr. joseph Texere.  
SIR, I received your last Letter dated the eighteenth of the month past: whereby you make me recall to mind the grief I conceived by your letters preceding, concerning the troubles of Emanuel Godigno, a Gentleman, borne in Portugal. I had long since expressed in writing, and sent it you, if I had conjectured your disposition had been apt to entertain news. So ready and willing I am to apply my endeavours to do you service, in any thing you shall please to command me: but the consideration of your rare perfection of memory, made me decline from doubt of any defect therein, and so much the slower in committing that to writing, which I had before so observantly uttered in your hearing, and in the presence of many persons of good respect, aswell of your country, as of other nations: imputing this imposition rather to your desire to be better assured, Obsignatis tabulis, then to any want of carriage in your understanding parts, I thus address my pen to confirm my tongue's discourse. In the year of our Lord 1588. being at Nance, in employment and service of my Lord the Cardinal of Gondie, about the affairs of my Lord the Bishop of Paris, his nephew, that was called Abbot of Buzai; I took up my lodging in the covent of the jacobins, where I found good opportunity to engraft myself in the favour and friendship of the reverend father D. Sampayo, a man much commended for his liberal erudition in letters, but recommended for his integrity and zeal, one of your own order, and of your ancient and approved acquaintance, and being both godly and learned, united in more assured bonds of love and amity, then are exercised among the vulgar. Mean while that league of friendship then planted between that good Dr. Sampayo and me, took so good root in us both, as it continueth without peril of supplanting till this day: and is like for your sake to fructify abundantly, as well by increase of love, as of acquaintance with many other noble gentlemen of good sort and condition. Among the rest of the ordinary frequenters, came Sr. Emmanuell Godigno, to visit Doctor Sampayo at my lodging, and taking some acquaintance of me, continued the same as long as I lay in Nance: till I retired towards Paris, leaving to my great sorrow the sweet conversation betwixt Doctor Sampayo and myself, loving each other dearly. This Godigno loath to let slip out of use, the compliments that had passed between him and me at Nance, at his coming to Paris frequented my lodging daily, to understand of Doctor Sampayoes' health and welfare: whereof I not being able to give him any certain intelligence, he began to mourn and look heavily, whom I could not choose but in that passion to accompany, envying any man's affection should exceed mine in zeal to my friend. It followed that, upon a sunday (in what month I remember not) this Sr. Godigno received the Communion very devoutly, ministered by the chief of the jacobins, which made me refrain for that time to salute him, or he me: for in truth I think he saw me not, and I not willing to interrupt his devotion, let him pass without any ceremony on my part performed. Notwithstanding, the same afternoon he repaired to my lodging, and as his custom was, demanded what tidings I heard of his friend and mine Doctor Sampayo: and I having no better means to inform him then before, desired him to excuse my ignorance being unable to give him any contentment by intelligence of him, or from him. At which answer, the kind gentleman seemed very pensive and appalled, sitting still a long while mute and silent: whereby I imagined he had somewhat that inwardly distempered him, for I might perceive the tears trickle down his cheeks. Which perturbation breaking out at his eyes, afforded him some liberty to utter these words following: Sir, I consider the great love that was betwixt Doctor Sampayo and you, that maenifestly appeared to me at Nance: & withal, the confidence he reposed in your fidelity towards him; which persuades me, that I cannot commit a secret matter of great consequence to a man that can more assuredly conceal it then yourself. And I doubt not but the same shall be as safely guarded in the treasury of your constancy, as in his, if you will vouchsafe to give me your unfeigned promise so to do. Whereunto I answered: Sir, if it be a secret never as yet by you revealed to any man but unto me, you may boldly speak it: but if you have already trusted any man, or shall hereafter declare the same to any other, it may so fall out, that you may lay some other man's deserved blame to my charge. Therefore in this doubtful case I beseech you trust yourself, and tell me nothing: for I will not have you ransack your enclosure upon my protestation, although I presume so much upon your honest sincerity, being a Gentleman both honest and religious, you will utter nothing unto me, that shall not be like yourself: considering beside, I have seen you this day participate a sound mystery, most reverently and devoutly among the jacobins, which assures me, that you cannot produce any thing out of your mouth either profane or wicked. Whereunto he replied, that he was expressly prepared to receive the holy Communion upon this day, to the end God might inspire him with the understanding, what was fittest for him to do in this case, and resolved absolutely to tell it me, that I might disclose it to Doctor Sampayo, fearing lest he might die, burdened with so great a secret, as concerned the good of all Christendom, holding his conscience greatly charged with the weight thereof, conjuring me seriously to deliver it safe to Doctor Sampayo: mean while if it please God to take him out of this transitory world, it might be lawful for me to publish it openly before my death. This and such other like speeches being ended, he began to unbosom his conceit, in this manner: It was my chance to meet with a Gentleman in this town, my countryman, between the which and me there had been ancient amity: after many days conference at secret meetings, he told me that Dom Sebastian the King of Portugal was not dead: whereat the said Godigno seemed to be astonished, and said, he did not believe it, until he had seen him alive with his own eyes, and then (said he) I may have reason to be of your mind. Which the other promised should be effected, and to that purpose carried him to dinner to the house where Dom Sebastian was lodged, which was as I remember in S. james his street, or in harp street; whether the first or second day, or shortly after he had used to that place, he could not certainly name the time, but a friend of his a Portugal came and inquired at the house for Dom Sebastian King of Portugal: and as he was coming up the stairs, Godigno hasted down the stairs to stop his passage, and took occasion to carry away his friend, feigning some other affairs with him because he would prevent the King from discovery, who was very jealous of public notice. But the morrow after, the same gentleman came again about his former business, and inquired earnestly for the King, and being there denied him, ceased not to ask of every one he met throughout all the city for Dom Sebastian King of Portugal, but not prevailing at all, he fell into an extreme agony, and desisted not from inquisition, to little purpose: and surprised with great care what to do, was at length inspired with a motion from God to profess a solitary life, and take upon him the habit of an hermit: so, being disguised traveled towards Spain, and arriving at the Court, made means to speak with the Catholic King, saying, that he had matters of great importance to reveal unto him, and to none but the King. And after long attendance, he was admitted to the King's presence to have audience, to whom he protested he had lately seen Dom Sebastian in Paris, and confirmed it by many signs and tokens of verity. The King presently forbade him by any means to utter it to any man living, and willed him to go abroad every where to search out and discover what he might possibly, allowing him present money to bear his charges, delivering him a letter to D. Bernardin Mendosa, than his ledger Ambassador in France, to give him any money he should have cause to use, not signifying unto him for what cause or intent: and thereupon he showed me letters, which made the matter evident that he had been in Spain, as is aforesaid; but for the particularities of the said letters I do not well remember, but that I hold myself satisfied thereby that he had been in Spain, etc. but to continue his tale, he told he had traveled so long that his money being well wasted he was forced to go to Mendosa, to be supplied in his necessity, to whom when he would not reveal the cause of his coming into those parts, and having letters of intelligence out of Spain from some great man that he should deliver that Godigno no more money, being but an impostor and a deluder, as they termed him, Mendosa was soon confirmed in that parsimony, intending before to shut up his liberality and to give him never a deneere: at which denial this Godigno began to lament and burst forth into bitter tears: as I judge his lamentation was because he was crossed and prevented for coming to the type of his enterprise.  
In the end, protesting before God and his Angels, and by virtue of that holy Sacrament he had that day received, that all that he had uttered to me was true: in the end without protestation of believing or show of incredulity, I promised him my secrecy, as he desired: some few days after this conference, he returned unto me as he used to do enquiring what news I heard of father Sampayo: to whom I answered, I understood of him no more than before. Mean while, I was (as it were) distracted in conceit, seeing this Gentleman's relation a paradox adverse to the fame and vulgar opinion of Dom Sebastian's death: and weighing this Gentleman's integrity, zeal, and communication with the lacobins, could not in my conscience condemn him for a liar. But whether it were true or false, according to my promise I concealed it (though it were in some sort an offence so to do). It came to pass in some little space after, in the house of an Apothecary, dwelling in the suburbs called S. German, near the gate (whose house was razed at the siege of Paris) that this man died. Here is all that I can say concerning this subject, which I never opened to any man saving to Doctor Sampayo, which was a good while after, but the time I do not justly remember: and one cause why I was loath to speak of it, was, for that I was afraid to be thought deluded. And me thinks this I have written unto you may seem very strange, notwithstanding the common report at this hour is, that Dom Sebastian was seen alive two years after he was detained in Venice: but I tell ye, the greater part of the world suppose, that he is a counterfeit, suborned, etc. God knows what he is, who ever send you happy and long life: so with my humble recommendations to your reverend self, I leave you. From Annisi the last of September, anno 1601.  
I forgot to tell you, that Emmanuel Godigno added to that before mentioned; that the Catholic King gave him in especial charge to tell Dom Sebastian, that the Catholic King requested him by any means to hasten his return without delay to him, desiring nothing so much as to render him the possession of his Realm and kingdom, and to bestow his eldest daughter upon him in marriage.  
I am farther to desire you of so much favour, as to send me these books from Lions here mentioned in a catalogue enclosed in this letter, and I will faithfully repay whatsoever you shall lay out to that purpose. Here follow the titles: All the works you can find, De regno Christi temporali. I beseech you salute for me Monsieur le Feure, recommending my faithful service unto him: of whom if it please you, you may crave assistance in my business, for he is a man, multae lectionis.  
Good Lord! I had forgotten my duty to Monsieur de Tyron, to Monsieur Pelle jay, to Monsieur de Marnay, and to my loving friends of Amboise, three brethren, reckoning myself much bound to them all: notwithstanding, I fear they little trouble themselves with the thinking upon so mean a man as myself, and this conceit half dismays me to trouble you so far as to recommend me in all humility to my Lord Bishop of Eureux. Whatsoever you shall think convenient to perform in my behalf, either to add or diminish, I refer to your discretion.  
Your most humble servant, CL. D. Nowelet. The superscription. To M. Texere Portugueze, Counsellor and Amner to the King, etc.   

A Declaration.  
THe King D. Sebastian departing from Paris traveled through France directly into Italy: and I know not who followed him, or where he forsook his company, but most assured I am, he resolved to give over the pomp and glory of the world, and to retire himself to live privately; and being in Dalmatia, he made choice of an hermitage for his habitation, contenting him therewith in lieu of his former princely palace. This poor hermitage was situated on the top of a mountain, near the city of Lesine, where he abode for the space of three years: in the issue of which time there arrived a ship of Portugal, from whence some passengers going a pilgrimage to that hermitage, seeing the King, knew him incontinently, and said aloud: Behold, yonder is our King Dom Sebastian; and spread this rumour presently about the city. The King perceiving that he was discovered, grew much displeased therewith, and upon that discontentment, determined with himself to forsake the place, (to the great crucifying of my soul, for there he lived in great tranquillity of mind with no less consolation) being in a bodily fear lest the Portugals should come thither and search for him, he thought good to go: and before he went from Lesine, he distributed all his movables and household-stuff amongst his friends: three of the which coming to Venice were called before the Senate, before whom they confirmed all which the said King confessed upon his first examination touching his estate and accidents in those quarters. The Senators called them to come before the King face to face in open view of the whole Senate and assistants, and they knew one another very well; and one of them brought a picture with him, which the King had left behind him, upon the which was painted, jesus Christ crucified, with S. Sebastian and S. Anthony of Padua. And this act is so common in Venice, that they talk thereof without controlment.  
The King departed from Lesine wandering here and there, seeking some convenient place to retire himself into, fit for his design, lodged himself in a mountain near Pisa, where he spent his time as you shall hear. He had hose, and what else I know not, but no hat, nor other necessary thing that might serve instead there of: by reason whereof you must needs imagine his complexion of force must alter, which from swart became black, his hair grew long, but not unseemly, for he used to cut it: his garments were of course cloth, and his food herbs, roots and fishes, which were given him for God's sake: he frequented the city, where, the first months of his arrival, he gave money towards the dowries and marriages of poor maidens, and at his own charge delivered many out of prison, discharging their debts. And having distributed all he had for God sake, he was feign to receive again for Godsake, and took that in good part which was given him in the town, only to serve the necessities of his person, which were few, considering the austerity of his diet and hard penance which he willingly endured, relecuing prisoners with the surplusage of his poor fortunes, if he had any, to whom he did many services by his travel & labour, to dispatch their business whensoever they requested him. One reported unto me, that he had many charitable alms at a Portugals house in the town, who ministered unto him clothes and other necessaries, without knowledge what he was, or where he was borne: which he by his own confession took very thankfully. The like befell him in S. Alexis, where he afterward arrived: and after in Edisse a city in Syria, he received bencuolence of his own servants, that wandered almost through the habitable parts of the world to seek him.  
After he had remained certain years in these mountains, there appeared a vision unto him by night, wherein he thought God commanded him to repair home into his own kingdom, and leave this desolate and solitary life, and abandon both hermitage and mountains: but afterward misliking his former opinion, he begun to suspect the same apparition to be diabolical, or mere fantastical, and revoked that purpose for to proceed in his journey homeward: but a very old man dwelling near unto him in the foresaid desolate place, with whom he lived in a great league of amity, because he was a virtuous man, exercising himself wholly in devotion and prayer, made him revoke that unreverent conceit of his vision, saying that it was a good and a godly motion, and therefore could not proceed from an ill spirit: and therefore a godly and a divine vision, and persuaded him to do his endeavour, to execute that, which therein was given him in charge.  
The King listened unto this old man's advice, and so much the rather, for that he discovered unto him before many strange things, and foretold many matters that he had seen take event according to his predivination. Whereupon the King wiping away the tears from his cheeks, which his woeful heart had sent outward as messengers of secret sorrow, took his leave of his fellow in affliction, like one deprived (by grief) of ready use both of reason and judgement. So, abruptly leaving his loving friend and religious companion, trotted onwards of his journey from one place to another, until he came to Messine a city in Cicile. In which place it is supposed he had left (passing that way before) some pieces of gold and jewels of value, which to recover, to serve his present turn, and to furnish him in good sort, he was forced to discover himself to his companions, from whom he had stolen long before.  
In this voyage he sent Marco Tullio Catizzone into Portugal, with diverse letters, to many persons of quality (as is said before in my Treatise called Admirable adventures.) And at Messine he shipped himself in a Galley belonging to his Holiness, bound for Genua, being fraught with silks, & afterward came to Civita Vecchia. From whence without any delay he posted to Rome, and was lodged near unto S. Peter's Church, where as he was sleeping in his chamber, he was rob by certain of his servants, whom he had newly entertained into his service, not long after his coming to Rome. And very near as shortly after my departure therehence, hearing of the rumour, I sent to a friend of mine there, to give me intelligence of the certainty of these tidings. Who sent me word that he had been at his lodging, and spoke with his hostess, being a widow, and with her children and servants, which reported all that had passed in that business, saying they well discerned by his behaviour, that he was some honourable parsonage, or some very great Lord, and said they were very much grieved with the infortunate rumour that was spread there, that he was declared to be Dom Sebastian the true King of Portugal; which by his gravity and majestical behaviour assured them no less, then that he was some great Prince.  
Conferring this I now learned, with these circumstances collected before in this country, and afterward confirmed at Venice, any man may be well assured that this report was true. At Venice one showed me an inventory, written with his own hand, of those parcels of treasure that had been stolen from him: amongst the rest there was a chain of gold garnished with precious stones; which the great Sophi presented him, with a diamond of great value, and rings with precious stones most exquisitely set, with many other pieces of good estimation and value. And while he was distempered for the loss of these jewels, he missed certain papers, the purports whereof were of great importance: all which were slipperily conucyed away; which being kept had been direct testimonies to serve his turn, in the doubtful opinions of them that were to try and sift him, whether he were the same Dom Sebastian he pretended to be. And having understanding of some ambushment laid to entrap him by the passage of Vmbrie, he altered his course and went by Narne; and when he came thither, and heard no news of his enemies in his way, he went forward by Tarne: where he had intelligence that his Holiness would go to our Ladies of Laret. Then he addressed his journey to that place directly; and when he came to Newaine, he understood his Holiness had changed his purpose, and was resolved to go by Bologne, and so to Ferrara: the King after his devotion ended, bend his travel towards Bologne. Wither when he came sore wearied and tired miserably, he heard of another alteration, that his Holiness by means of some sickness that came upon him suddenly, had no intent once to budge from Rome, being forced to keep his chamber. This tossing and reeling to no purpose, troubled the poor King exceedingly, having broken the neck of his designs: not knowing then what way to take, thought with himself to go some way at a venture, not resolving upon any one, his fortunes grew so variable: at the last he directly passed to a village, which belongs to the Count of Verone, in the midway to Mantoue, which some call Nogara. And when he came to that borough, a strange imagination possessed him, that one violently withstood him, for going any further that way. Then, he supposing himself to have daylight enough to guide him to Mantoue, was contented to be checked in the other passage; finding his mind assailed with a thousand variable cogitations, which so afflicted him, that he could not utter any one period of his vexations, to him that accompanied him. All this time I had no certain report of the kings being in that place: which is the cause I made no mention of the day, as I used to do of his other passages.  
The king being at Mantoue told a Gentleman of Lorete, that when he was at our Ladies there, he named himself, ivan Poeta. This Gentleman being entered into very good terms of amity with the King, did him many kind favours and courtesies, entertaining him at his lodging in the best sort he could devise: and shortly after accompanied him to Ferrara, where he appareled the King in silks and velvet. Shortly after this Gentleman had performed these offices to the King, his urgent business called him from that place: but before he went, he conducted the King to his tailors house, and there took order for the supplying of his wants, and gave great charge for his special entertainment, willing his host to call him joanne Baptista Sartori della contrada de Santa Maria la Fratra. This man was of good years, very virtuous and rich, into whose house the King entered the fourth of October, anno 1597. In which year, the King understanding the Pope was to make his entry into Ferrara; accompanied with this tailor, about the first of May set forward towards the same city: whither when the King came and found not his Holiness there, he determined then to attend his coming. In which space the King confessed himself to Friar Alonso, a religious professor of my order, a man of great virtue and sincerity (but very simple) who thinking to do well, did that which fell out to be very ill, in reporting to divers Nobles and Gentlemen, that Dom Sebastian the King of Portugal was in the city, attending the presence of his Holiness: and as it happeneth, that one evil seldom comes alone, the tailor being acquainted with a gentleman of Portugal (whose name I know not, some called him Baron) this Gentleman the tailor conducted home to the King's lodging to dinner. This Portugal sitting at the table, often beheld the King advisedly as he sat at meat, and observed him in every respect. Soon after dinner was done, the King rose and departed to his chamber. After his retire the Gentleman said to his hostess, and the rest of the company that dined with them, the tailor also being present: Gentlemen (said he) this Gentleman that sat here at dinner amongst us, is surely D. Sebastian the King of Portugal. I am that countryman and know him well, for I have seen him many times before his departure into Africa to war against the Infidels. All we Portugals hold it for an assured verity, that he escaped at that time very sore hurt, and that he was seen afterward in Portugal, from whence he fled, but how or what way we could never yet learn. The tailor no sooner heard these words, but he went presently and told them to the king. This speech much offended the king, and grieved him not a little; and withal, remembering that Friar Alonso had in his mere simplicity betrayed him: and moreover, considering that the King of Castile's Agent was advertised that he was in that city, and plotted against him, being in great fear what evil might happen unto him, resolved presently to steal away secretly, without taking leave either of host, confessor, or tailor.  
This discourse the tailor himself uttered unto me, with many other particularities, in the temple of S. Silvester in Verona, confirming the same in his own house afterward, with the effusion of abundant tears running down his cheeks and beard, with such zealous lamentation, as he enforced me to accompany him in the self same manner of grieving. He told me also that he remained in his house with him seven months at the least, and was attended on by his daughter, being a fair young maiden: and in all that while he protested the King did not once look directly in her face, commending him for his temperate, affable, and exceeding virtuous behaviour, and that he observed his fasts very severely, praying almost continually: and said farther unto me weeping: Father, I fear that Prince is much injured: I beseech the Almighty God to preserve him: O that it were lawful for me, and for his safety, that I might keep him within my simple habitation, not as he is a Prince, but in respect of his bounty and honour: and if I should happen to die before him, I could leave him sufficient to live on all the days of his life. Trust me the simplicity of this poor old man, pleased me exceedingly, and induced me the rather to believe him. He also informed me by what title the Senate of Venice called him, and inquired of him if ever he entertained him in his house, and whether his answers to divers interrogatories were true or not, and whether all that he told the Lords were true or false? To which he answered justly and failed not a jot; and he maintained him to be the true King of Portugal, having many reasons so to persuade him: the one was the confident assertion of the Portugal gentleman that dined in his company at Ferrara, saying he departed out of Portugal secretly, yet proved by many circumstances: and this old man assisted me much when the Senate convented him before them, ask him how long he kept company with him before he came to Ferrara, and whether he were the same man that lodged in his house. Then he kneeled down before his feet, embracing them, and looking towards the Senate, said: This is Dom Sebastian King of Portugal, which lodged in my house: whom afterward I accompanied to Ferrara. And when the king was asked of the judges, whether he knew that old man or no: he answered, that he had never seen him before this day. At which answer, the old man told me he was more perplexed, than he was with his sudden departure from him at Ferrara, and wept most bitterly. I must excuse the king for thus confuting the old man before the Senate, for that he understood at Venice and Padua, a little after he departed from the presence of the Senate, that they had straightly imprisoned and punished one Monsieur jeronimo at Venice, for entertaining him into his house, and had punished divers other for doing him the like favour. And the King fearing that the like rigour might be offered this silly old man, made him to disclaim his acquaintance: which the King upon his return to prison, revealed incontinently to Count Caesar Martinengo, to Count Charles his brother, and divers other his fellow prisoners. And the Lords said unto me, they called me to see one john Baptista Sartori de Verona, and asked me if I knew him; and for that I was much bound to this good old man, for many good offices done unto me, and for that I saw it turned them all to displeasure, that did me any good, I answered for his safety, that I knew him not, nor had ever seen him: which the poor old man digests very heavily: and if any good friend would but deliver this my excuse unto him, I will acknowledge myself much bound to him for that friendly courtesy. The self same act in the like words, a Cannon of Bresse reported unto me, meeting me in that city, accompanying me as far as Lac, happening to speak of the king, and of the opinion that was delivered of them generally that had seen him: that it was thought verily he was D. Sebastian the king most assuredly, not knowing me to be any favourer of his proceed: telling me that all he knew of the matter, he heard of these Counts and gentlemen that were in prison with him, for the space of five months: whereof he recited unto me many particulars: and this Cannon (as I take it) was called De Lone: so after long conference the night approaching, I took my leave of him, etc.  
The King departing from Ferrara, held on his way to Padua, and being there, he thought it fit he should attend the answer of his letters he sent into Portugal by Marco Tullio Catizzone: his devotion performed to S. Anthony, he determined to go to Venice, where all these things happened unto him, which we have already reported in the former treatise, entitled, Admirable Adventures, etc. as you may read in a letter sent to me from john de Castro; & in that, which the king wrote to his Holiness: where it is at large specified, how he was betrayed into the hands of the Castilians, by one of his own servants for reward, and so committed to prison. This treacherous varlet being convinced and reproved by some of the King's friends, that had understanding of his perfidious service, being already bought and corrupted with a few pence, following the perjured faction like a masterless cur, fell into the art of slandering, and banding against his loyal master with hot pursuit, and vehement accusations, as sodomy, cozenage, in prison and abroad. Notwithstanding all this villainy, God that ways all men's causes in equal balance, will not suffer his servants ever to quail under the burden of iniquity: the hearing of his cause was committed to Sr. Marco Quirini, which was at that time Sabio de la terre firm, and at this day is, Sabio Grande, one of the four judges, commissioners allotted for this circuit. The said Quirini reporting to the Senate what he had heard concerning his accusations, and what also was testified in his defence, said, That he not only found this man innocent and guiltless of the crimes laid to his charge, but thought him generally to have lived a harmless life. This sentence was well approved and allowed by the Senators: & assoon as it was published, which was in the beginning of the year 1599 they freed the king from the dungeon where he lay before, and placed him in a more favourable prison, a place of some liberty. You shall read hereafter the pains and punishment Dom Sebastian the King my master endured since his misadventure in Africa, until the day of his manifestation to the world. I beseech you hold me excused, though I satisfy you not so plentifully and so orderly as you expect or desire: it is all I could learn, and it is hard to gather so much in these parts, where the truth hath been so ingeniously laboured to be suppressed and smothered: beside, the great hazard of my person in traveling to obtain this little, assuring you that our hope withers not, but springs daily, to see my Lord Dom Sebastian to be as absolute King of Portugal, as it is justly due unto him by the law of God and nations: then shall my pen trample upon the vale of tyranny and oppression, that now so imperiously curbs poor patience and equity.  
Seeing God hath hitherto been both his lamp and shield, to lighten and guard him, through so many dark and dangerous ambushments: why should we not be assured that he that can hath a purpose to make us rejoice and wonder as much at his advancement and dignity, as his poor friends and servants are grieved and dismayed with his fall and misery: hoping all Christian, magnificent, and majestical Princes will join in intercession to the Almighty, to restore my poor (yet princely Master) from his woeful impisonment, to his Crown and liberty.   

A Declaration.  
NOw it is requisite, that I report unto you somewhat concerning the ring, that hath been so famous throughout the world, and of the rare virtues it was esteemed for: and so forward to handle other matters, whereof some make for his purpose, and other some as much for his hindrance.  
You have heard (gentle Reader) of one that showed this King a ring, etc. thus it happened. As soon as he was come to Venice, there was warning given to the goldsmiths, both by himself and some other of his friends, that he was rob of certain pieces of gold and jewels at Rome: then he gave them the marks and tokens; desiring them, that if any such came into their hands by chance, they would make stay of them, until he, or some for him, came to challenge them. Not long after, a goldsmith lighted upon a ring of gold, wherein was graven the Arms of Portugal: which ring he presently brought to Monsieur jeronimo, of whom you have read before, an inhabitant of the same town, who was jointly apprehended with the King for lodging in his house, and was not delivered until five hours after the King was set at liberty. jeronimo took the ring and brought it secretly to the King, lodging privily in his house. Assoon as the King beheld the ring, he said; This ring is none of mine, but it belongs to D. Anthony my cousin. This relation I had from jeronimo himself at Venice, in the presence of many witnesses, and how the goldsmith happened to get this ring. In Moran an Island some half league from Venice, there is an Abbot called Capelo, a gentleman of Venice, a grave parsonage, and of great authority, hearing that the King laid wait for certain jewels that he had lost, hoping thereby to recover some of them; having a diamond in his keeping, with the arms of Portugal, came to the town to the conventicles of S. Francis, called Frari, where the King lay concealed, for that he was pursued by some that meant him no good; who no sooner beheld the ring, but he said: Verily this is mine; and I either lost the same in Flanders, or else it was stolen from me. And when the King had put it upon his finger, it appeared otherwise engraven then before. The Abbot enquiring of him that brought him the ring, how he came by it: he answered, It is true that the King hath said. Therehence arose a strange rumour of a ring, that by turning the stone you might discern three great letters engraven: S. R. P. that is as much to say: Sebastianus Rex Portugalliae. Ignorant people not conceiving aright of the thing, raised thereupon such rumours, as their own imaginations could gather: and at all times, so often as the Abbot showed the ring to the King, he had many witnesses to testify the same. I sojourned three weeks in the same I'll, very near the Abbot's house, after this had past.  
To the second point: although the King were lean and weak by reason of his travel and troubles, as it is like he could not be so strong and puissant as he was when he reigned in Portugal, being there full fed and corpulent: yet in Padua in the house of D. Prospero Baracco, he was seen to lift up two men at once with great facility, one of the which was called Pasquino Morosini, the other Bernardino Santi; both these together (putting his arm between their legs) he heaved from the ground, without straining or wrenching in the view of many. He did the like in the I'll of Moran to two other, the one called jeronimo Calegari, the other Pascalino Calegari; and there was present the Archbishop of Spalleto at the like performance of his puissance with other men of quality: and this Pasquilino was a man both tall and corpulent. A Venetian gentleman of the house wherein the the King was prisoner, oftentimes took occasion to scoff at the king, saying: It was impossible he should be the person he reported himself to be, with other jeering frumps: whereto the King said earnestly: Sir, I pray you tell me the reason of your incredulity, and whereupon it is grounded: and Moliner answered: Because I have heard it often reported, that the King Dom Sebastian was a lusty strong man, of power to pull a horse-shoe in sunder with his hands, and able to tyre six horses in an hour; and you are but a spare poor meager shrimp, and a gristle in respect of such a one, and scarcely able to tear four cards asunder, if they be well joined together, nor like to tyre one horse in an hour. Well, said the King, if force will prove me to be Dom Sebastian, etc. and the matter rest only upon that, it may be that one day I may satisfy you in that point. So long this gallant continued in his former jeering and railing, that one day above the rest, he moved the King's patience, and made him angry, and constrained him to show him by the force of his hands, that he was Dom Sebastian, etc. and made him confess the same: for being in a rage he came upon him directly, and took him by the girdle with his right hand, and heaving him higher than his head, carried him round about the prison in that manner, to the great admiration of all that beheld it: and this Gentleman never after durst abuse him any more, but used him with the honour and reverence that was due unto him. In like manner, he took up in the same prison by the girdle one Gasparo Turloni (a Gentleman of Venice) with his right hand, and baptist Marsoto with his left hand, and lifted them both up from the ground at one time. He also in the same prison took up (putting his arm between their legs) two other Gentlemen, one very gross and corpulent (namely Messier Lucio de Messine, and Alexander de Alexandria) and lifted them both of a good height: the opportunity of this Gentleman made him do it in prison: and at Padua, and at Moran he was disposed to show his force, to pleasure his friends thereby. That which before was spoken of the ring, and of his forces, were the two things I thought necessary first to give you notice of.  
To add to the two first two other. In Venice there is a rich and an honourable merchant; who hearing of this King, what marks and tokens he had on his body, and what he had said and done, took occasion to go to him, and made means to deserve his love and amity, by the performance of many kind offices towards him. This merchant was a Piemontoise by nation, by name called Monsieur john Bassanesse, and his mother being a widow married after to one Bartholomaeo Verneti, a Piemontoise borne also: who often used to check and reprove his son in law for going so much to the King, saying, he was am impostor and a counterfeit: and his son in law boldly defended the King, by all the means and reasons he could devise. During this contention betwixt the father and the son in law, the old man said; Come hither, hear me: Emanuel Philibert Duke of Savoy, sent an Ambassador to Dom Sebastian king of Portugal his nephew, son to his cousin germane, which Ambassador brought him a present; and returned back again from the said King with answer: and another present from the King to the Duke, the Ambassadors name was Dominico Belli, whose servant I was at that very instant, by means whereof I saw and was privy to all the parcels, and placed them myself in the casket, and likewise saw advisedly what was returned from the King. Now sit, if you can persuade that man that says he is D. Sebastian, etc. to tell me what parcels those were (that were sent to and fro) directly, you shall bring me to be of your mind, and to confess that he is the very same man he nominates himself to be. john Bassanesse hearing these words, bethought himself which way he might come to have conference with the King, to understand the right of this matter, & as he was studying how to bring his purpose about, he dreamt of a stratagem which should effect his design, which was, that he would perpetrate some light crime, in hope therefore to be committed to the prison, where the king was: whereupon he resolved to take a cudgel under his cloak & go to the Rialto, the chiefest place in Venice, and there quarrel with one or other, and bastinado him until he had drawn blood of him, for which act he doubted not but to be committed: he proceeded according to his secret determination, and when he was come near the Rialto, he met with a friend of his, who perceiving by his countenance, that he was troubled in mind, said unto him: Sir, I see by you there is somewhat amiss. john Bassanesse being well assured, that he was a faithful servant to the King, laid open his intention unto him, who found a means to get a note in writing under the king's hand of all the parcels, that passed from the one to the other. This memorandum was put into the hands of one Lecnardo Donato, one of the Sabio grand, that first examined the King, and was thought to owe him little good will, but after he surveyed his cause, and found it so just & true, traveled earnestly to the Senate, to pronounce him Dom Sebastian the true king of Portugal. All this I have heard confirmed by many very worthy persons: the original I could not bring with me, for that Donato at my being there was employed as General of five and twenty thousand foot, and five thousand horse, in the county of Brosse: which force the signory had levied the year before, for their defence upon some intelligence, etc. But as soon as john Bassanesse had got the writing, he hied him home to his father in law, and they agreed between them, that one should stand at one end of the table, and the other below; and the father wrote the pieces he knew, and the son by his note was able to inform the old man of divers parcels that he had forgotten: and the old man said it was haste made him overslip somewhat; those four white horses (said he) I did not well remember, but I think verily it was true: and the old man wondered not a little, how his son came by this intelligence, and said he had devised it himself: but seeing himself vanquished, said to his son: Visit the King, my son, at your pleasure, and do him what good you may, and I beseech God to assist him.  
Forasmuch as I know the curious sort of people, desire to view the particulars, and to make our proof the more authentical, I have here set than down in order as they were inventoried.  The parcels presented by the Duke to the King. 
A case full of silks, of divers colours.  
Another full of cloth of silver, of divers sorts and colours.  
Another full of cloth of gold, of divers colours.  
A diamond set in a ring.  
An ancient garment of very great value, being a trophy, taken from the French at S. Quintaines, embroidered & garnished about the neck with many jewels, four white horses which the old man had forgotten, and divers other pieces not named.  Those parcels that were sent from the King to the Duke. 
A great chain of gold of very good value: two peutrils, two bits, two pair of stirops, all garnished with diamonds, rubies, and other stones of great price.  
One diamond set in gold, which Bartholomeo Veneti said was as big as the nail of his right thumb.  
Many East-Indian dishes of sundry colours, with other rich things of good esteem.  
For the second of the last proofs, being the fourth and last, you shall understand that there be four merchants at Venice, men endued with wealth, honour, estimation, and charity, that in my hearing have named these four witnesses Barnaba Rizzo, jean Bassanesse, Constantin Nicoli, who keeps in his hand the original letter of D. Raimond Marqueti, by which it is manifest that D. Sebastian is one man, and Marco Tullio Catizzone another: which letter he showed publicly at S. Marks, to convince the falsehood of the Castilians, and their adherents: for the which and such other like services, the Spaniards could not be appeased without revenge. The nineteenth of October, I had intelligence by letters, that one came into this honest man's shop, his servants being sent all out of the way, and cut him on the head with a curtle-axe, and in divers other places so dangerously, that he was in great peril of his life. The malefactor escaped unknown. The fourth and last is called baptist Dolphin, and these four have been ever good friends to the King, both by entertaining him and traveling in his affairs, to the uttermost of their power, to set him at liberty, without intermission of any minute of opportunity, that might be spent in his profitable service. But the Castilian Agents considering and knowing the zeal of these personages, and observing their constancy, that both with all their might and main, defended the cause of the King my master: seeing that neither fair promises, persuasions, nor threatenings, could make them desist from their vowed fidelity and assistance, entered into this devilish practice. First they began to publish these witnesses to be fools, cosiners, and rogues, and persuaded certain bankers and brokers to lay wagers with them, that the prisoner was not Dom Sebastian the King: assuring them that they might offer to give a thousand for one, if ever it were proved or published; for that they knew assuredly, that he was a Portuguese, a Sodomite, a thief, a cosiner, and a counterfeit, and that ere long they should see him hanged upon one of the pillars of S. Marks Church. These usurers believing this to be true, and desirous to make gain of any thing, began to enter into the course of laying wagers, as the Castilians had advised them. The witnesses hearing they offered so frankly a thousand for one, if the prisoner were judged to be Dom Sebastian, etc. knowing certainly that it was he: believing that the Senate, in regard of such especial marks; tokens, and proofs, would not refuse to publish him, what they had found him: were easily drawn to bargain with these bankers, to some of the which, the simple and honest men gave out twenty, some thirty, some fifty, some ten, some five crowns, in hope to be paid a thousand for one: so that they had given out some three hundred crowns or more; and shortly after they found out the wrong and hindrance they had done to the poor King's cause, by their money, they begun to repent themselves exceedingly of their folly: the account was cast, that the repayment would amount to three hundred thousand crowns. And the bankers seeing themselves engaged for so great a sum of money; and if the Senate should chance to publish that which they knew to be true, that they were like to be stripped of the greatest part of their substance, began to complot and oppose themselves to countercheck the truth, which fell out to be a great prejudice and bar to the King my masters cause; for that many chief men, and the factors of many principal houses, were interested in this hazard of indemnity: as those of the house of Astroci, Caponi, Baglioni, Labia, jacobo Begia, Antonio Simone, Pietro Tobon, Bastian Garinoni, and many others of their parents and allies, for their sakes: among which were divers that bare office in the commonweal, as jacobo Fuscurini a proctor in S. Mark, that was ever enemy to the King my master. In the end this devilish invention, and Castilian pernicious policy, wrought us much woe, and multiplied our enemies infinitely: for it was so commonly known and spoken, that little children as they went for mustard, could say, that this was the principal cause why the Senators would have had Dom Sebastian say, he was not Dom Sebastian but a Portuguese, and they promised strait to set him at liberty; and not that favour alone, but they would do what else for him, he could or would require. Whereupon he wrote a letter to the Pope, complaining justly upon the Senators of Venice, for requiring at his hands so unlawful a thing, to whom he declared in his letter, that he answered them, that he had rather die a tortured death, then confess so palpable an untruth, to gain an ignominious life and liberty. O that it were possible for me to speak all that is true in this case! but I must let pass infinite injuries, lest the revealing all, might rather aggraute then relieve my masters misery. If I durst, this discourse should have been more ample, and better understood, if it were lawful that I might say what I could say, that the monarchs and Princes of Christendom, have done the King my Lord secretly and openly much good and ill, and are unwilling either of both should be manifested to the world in writing. Notwithstanding I will never bury in silence an answer that a grand Sabio of this commonwealth made to a magnificent Prince in Europe, of great understanding, but of no great antiquity. This Sabio going to visit this Prince, was entreated by him to tell him what ground the Signiory of Venice had, to proceed upon the prisoner in that form, which called himself Dom Sebastian King of Portugal? for (said he) if they found him to be a Portuguese, why did they set him at liberty without chastisement? And if it were verified unto them by good proofs and evidence that he was Dom Sebastian King of Portugal, why did they use him in that manner? The grand Sabio publicly made this answer in the presence of many. Sir, forasmuch as the affairs concerned the estate of Spain, the Signiory would not presume to judge whether it was he or not. This man was committed for disobeying a commandment the Signiory laid upon him, and therefore restrained two years of his liberty, to the end he might repent him of his fault, and after the expiration of two years again dismissed him upon the like commandment. And to be plain with your Excellency: the man would follow no good advice, but was wilful, turbulent, and of ill government, by which means much ill is come unto him. That word ill advised, might have been well interpreted, for that he would not deny himself to be that which undoubtedly he was. It was not my fortune to be present at this act, being elsewhere employed out of those parts: but at my return it was related to me, by a learned person that was there in present; which afterward the same Prince himself did ratify unto me, assuring me that the answer of that Sabio grand, did verily induce him to believe, that that prisoner was Dom Sebastian the very true King of Portugal: for if the Signiory had held this man to be a Portuguese: said this Prince, to what purpose did the Sabio hold me with such a long discourse publicly, considering he knew the privity of the affairs; if he had been proved a Portuguese, it had been sufficient to have said in a word; Sir, he was a Portuguese, an impostor, and a cosiner, without any more ado. But you see how the world fares, and how it sways abruptly, and so ends my pitiful narration; advising, entreating, and conjuring you (gentle Reader) to shun the snares and trips of these subtle enemies: for I can assure you, by the testimony of a good conscience, that they be those that S. Chrysostome term the pharisees, Qui portabant mel in over, & fell in cord: they will flap you in the mouth with honey, which when you begin to chew, perhaps you shall taste sweet, but in the digestion, you shall find it most bitter in operation. Farewell.  
FINIS.