Extraordinary NEWS FROM The Court of Spain: DECLARING The late Solemnities that were performed in the highest way of magnificence, at the Reception of the Young Queen, the Emperor's Daughter; AS ALSO, Of Hamet Aga Mustafera, the Great Turk's Ambassador; together with the substance of his Embassy, and the Originals of his credential Letters: Some Passages also of the English Ambassadors in that Court.  
Sent in a large Letter to a Person of quality in this Kingdom from MADRID.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Lowndes, at the sign of the Unicorn on Ludgate Hill. 1650.   

Laus Deo.  
Madrid, june 1. 1650. Noble Sir,  
YOurs of the twentieth passed came safely to hand, and with more speed then ordinary: I send you a thousand thanks for the variety of news you please to impart, unto me therein, whereby I have obliged the best of our Nation in this Country, for we may be said to have lived here in clouds of ignorance, touching your do in England, till your Letter gave us some light.  
To correspond with you in the like kind, I return you what this Court affords most remarkable, and of those things whereof I have been an ocular witness; the oldest men living here say, they never saw such gallantries and pomp as have been lately here at the entrance of the young Queen, who by special dispensation was permitted to be married to this King, notwithstanding that her Mother (the Empress) was his sister by whole blood, and should have been Queen of England, if the Devil had not broken the match; I mean the Infanta Donna Maria, who is going upon her 16. and he 46. both of a fair Austrian complexion: Out of these late solemnities and pomp, you may infer what a prudent and well governed Nation this is; for though this King's Sword be so long, that it reacheth every where, and is perpetually out of the Scabbard, although he have actual wars with the whole power of France, and in Italy, although he have two of his own Kingdoms in Spain herself lately revolted quite from him, I mean Catalonia and Portugal, and that they bait him on both sides by daily incursions, yet here in the Court there's no appearance of any war at all, but there is as much bravery, freedom, security and pleasure, as if this King had no enemy at all; one can scarce see a thing called a man in buff all the Town over: Here are at this time at least half a score Ambassadors, and among others the grand Signior seems to stoop to this King at last, and seek his friendship, the substance of whose Embassy I send you herewith, together with the stately entrance of the young Queen: but for your better understanding, I will deduce her journey from the beginning.  
After that the Royal Spouse, the Imperial Infanta Donna Maria de Austria, had departed from the City of Vienna, in a most splendid equipage, being accompanied with the King of Hungary, and a great number of Attendants, she came to Trent, where there being magnificent preparations made for her beforehand, and many triumphal new Gates and theatres erected purposely to honour her she rested some time: Thence she advanced her journey to Brescia, where she was introduced and welcomed by the Republic of Venice in mighty great state, and entertained all the while an S. Marks charge, the expense of the hospitality, amounting to seventy thousand Ducats. From Brescia she removed to the City of Milan, where, with the King of Hungary her brother, and but thirty of her servants, she went in privately and unknown, by reason of a great glut of rain which still increased; but when the weather grew fair, and the heavens began to smile again, she made a very solemn entry, being attended by two thousand five hundred persons at least: The Venetian State discharged her expenses all the while for two hundred mile's space, there being five and twenty Wagons that were laden with all sorts of provisions, and six hundred Cuirassiers in complete armour, with four hundred Horsemen besides, that attended her all along; she bestowed upon the Lord Capello (General to the Venetians) a huge gold chain embossed with rich Diamonds, estimated at four thousand Crowns, and she gave forty gold chains more amongst other Officers. Moreover, General Capello in the name of His Imperial Majesty was created by the King of Hungary, Knight of the Roman Empire; she bestowed also on the Venetian Magistrates four and twenty rich vests of cloth of silver, together with huge gilt Cups, Basins and Ewers; she gave also a great Crystal Beaker full of gold, and frosted about with curious workmanship, to the Town for a lasting monument: she herself was presented also by the Archbishop with two Crucifixes of Jasper, and other precious stones, with divers Relics of Saints, and rare Medaills: There were Tilt and Horse-fights, with artificial fireworks appointed, whereupon the King of Hungary her brother, taking his leave very tenderly of her, and with wonderful affection, returned back to Germany again: A little after the Apostolical Nuncio presented her with the Holy Rose, and many rare Relics besides. From thence she directed her course to Final, the people breaking out into a thousand good wishes for the prosperity of her voyage, and her issue, all the way she went: But the Genoese Ambassador was not well entreated by the people, in regard he came late, and without any present, for which he was publicly jeered at and reviled, considering how infinitely that Republic is beholden to the King of Spain, and that she hath her well-being by him: Nor did the Queen herself look upon him with any grace. From thence she set forward for Papia, where she was brought in by the Bishop with a mighty deal of reverence, under a stately canopy, in a rich chair of State, accompanied by Augustus' Duke of Tursis, by Sannettino Doria, by the Duke of Anello; by Marquis Spinola, and other Generals, in a most magnificent equipage, and conducted to the palace of Don Diego Alvardi. The next morning betimes she was saluted by the Cardinal Doncheus, and four Napolitan Ambassadors, the great pieces of Artillery thundering off every where: Then she embarked herself in a Fleet of galleys for Spain, and arriving with wondrous speed at Denia in the Kingdom of Valentia, she was welcomed ashore, and entertained with much splendour, and unutterable joy and applauses.  
But in the Court at Madrid 'tis incredible what endeavours were made, and inventions devised to congratulate her coming, in raising up triumphant arches with such art and wonderful artifice, that the like were never beheld (as every one cried out) by humane eyes since the creation. The King stirred himself notably, with Donna Maria his daughter, a Princess of about thirteen years of age, to receive this new glorious Queen at the Escurial, which is esteemed the eighth wonder of the world, it being a royal Palace, an University of itself, and a Monastery containing twelve great Quadrangles, where the great Constable of Castille, with all the Grandees, and a numberless multitude of people attended her all along; and to do homage, or as it were pay their vows unto her.  
Afterwards the nuptial knot being tied at Navalcarna, four leagues distant from Madrid, the Royal Bride was accompanied with a gallant Retinue and Attendants, (glittering with gold and silver) all on horseback, with a select guard of young Noblemen Bachelors all along till she arrived at Court; all the ancient Grandees coming in the rear in a solemn' stately equipage, surrounded with Laquays and Pages clad in shining Liveries; they wore massy chains and gold hatbands, being mounted, some upon Cordova Ginets, others upon Napolitan Coursers, who curveted all the way, being as it were sensible of joy: The Queen herself had forty Laquays of all sorts, wearing new sorts of mandilions, covered all over with gold lace that the watchet velvet underneath could hardly be seen: Her common Guard went in vestments of cloth of tissue with rare embroideries, so that the Sun could not behold a more glorious spectacle: For, the Spaniard hath this quality, that although his ordinary habit be plain black, yet upon a Festival, or occasion of any Triumph, there is no nation more gorgeous.  
All along the streets, from the Retiro (the new house of pleasure) unto the Palace, the King's Court, which was above two miles, all the windows on both sides of the streets, and all the balcones were hung either with rich Arras, Turkey Tapestry, or bright coloured Satins and Taffatas, which waved up and down, to the pleasure of the Spectator: specially the Plate-street, or Silver-street, was so embellished with such various works of Argentry, vessels of massy gold, with such crosses and crucifixes of precious stones, that every shop seemed to be a Constellation, which made the Turkish Ambassador, who was there present all the while, being transported with a kind of astonishment and admiration, to burst out into interjections of wonder, and say, that in the whole course of his life, he never saw such Majesty, and opulence, such curiosities and magnificence. In the corners of the streets there stood eight pyramids, four great, and four small, some round, some quadrangular, some triangular; their tops very sharp and spiring up, which were supported by triumphant arches, whereof four represented the four parts of the world, in every one whereof the King of Spain hath some Territories, which no Monarch yet that ever was on earth could say, the workmanship of those pyramids, and triumphal arches with divers sorts of theatres besides, amounted, by a computation that was made, to above 64000. ducats, which was all at the cost of the Townsmen; who by a kind of loyal emulation, did strive who should express his affections most to his King: The Poets, and wits of the Court had many new ingenious fancies and devices up and down, in landscapes and imagery inventions, with new mottoes appliable to the occasion. In the middle of the high street was a vast Globe, as it were pendent in the air, wheeling about with a continual rotation, which represented the Universe. There were also erected four curious fountains, out of which issued as the Queen passed by such fragrant odoriferous waters that did perfume the air round about for the time: there were sundry sorts of dancers also that capered up and down the streets with bells, and knackers, with sundry sorts of Antiques: before the royal Palace there were divers theatres, where there were new Comedies acted by women, (who were decked like Angels) as well as men. On both sides of the young Queen were two huge Lions, and two Eagles, guarding and conducting her all along; and there were such musical voices in every corner of the streets, that one would think the Angels had descended, and with such ravishing instruments, that one would have thought Amphion or Orpheus to have been there. The King came to the upper part of the stairs to receive his Queen, accompanied with the Infanta his daughter, who went on the Queen's left hand: the whole Town was all night long as bright as if it had been noonday, by the luminaries which were up and down, and rare inventions of fireworks, with new sorts of squibs, that kept such a noise in the air, as if Jove had been darting his thunderbolds all the while. There was a brave eloquent Oration made before the King, the close whereof was, that his Catholic Majesty might have friendship with Germany, Concord with France, reverence with Italy, felicity out of Afia, piety in afric, and commiseration towards America.  
Their nuptial joys were advantaged by the presence of the Turkish Ambassador, which then resided in the Catholic Court, and had received audience a little before, which I shall with faith and punctuality deliver you herewith as followeth.  
Hamet Aga Mustafera embarked for Spain at Naples, & arriunig at Valentia, he was received and entertained by the Count of Oropeta; thence he was accompanied to Odonio three leagues distant from Madrid; where to refresh himself after his journey, he bathed himself three times after the Turkish manner: He is a man of a shrewd penetrating judgement, one who hath studied men, and who understands the Spanish tongue, though the Italian better.  
Being brought to Madrid, he was admitted the next day following to his audience at Court, which was performed with that solemnity and magnificence, as the Majesty & grandeur of so great a Potentate, whose person he did represent required. Being attended with a numerous gallant train, he was brought to the royal Palace, where through fourteen several rooms sumptuously garnished, he was brought to the King's presence, which room was embellished with such gems, and sparkling precious stones, with other shining objects, that might upon a sudden dazzle any beholder's eyes. His Catholic Majesty was seated in a high eminent Throne, where Charles the Roman Emperor in former Ages was said to be crowned, he was encircled round about with his Grandees, with the principal Officers of his Crown; and at the foot of the Throne stood his Secretaries, with others of his eight Counsels; and the Judges were there in their robes, in a grave decent posture: The Ambassador bowing himself three times, kneeled on the third stair of the Throne, & pronounced his Oration; wherein he first condoled the decease of his former Queen, the daughter to France; then he congratulated with expressions of a world of good wishes, his second Marriage with the Imperial Infanta; and lastly he desired secret Audience for the rest of his Embassiie: After that he receded downwards, and presented his credential Letters, (his Commission having been exhibited many days before) the Letters were originally in Latin as followeth verbatim.  
Aly Solyman, DOminus Ottomannicae Familiae, Imperator ac Dominus Dominorum, & Principis Orbis Terrarum, Defensor Legis per Prophetam nostrum Mahometem latae, & nobis declaratae, etc. Gloriosissimo omnium Christianorum Principum, Arbitro & Pacificatori Regum Christianorum potentisisimo, & omnibus Virtutibus absolutissimo, Philippo Regi. Sit foelix vitae exitus, & factâ inter nos pace, salus:  
Laus splendoris omnium vestrarum virtutum huc usaque advolavit: Domine, & etiamsi Leges quas profitemar diversae sint, tamen impedimento esse non valuerunt, quin gloriosum vestrum propositum non cognoverim, magnique judicaverim. Absit, ut hostibus vestris, qui in magno numero sunt, adjutor factus sim, quip quorum actionibus me nunquam non subduxi, & expeditionibus & exercitibus eorum quos in procinctu habent, remoram injeci, ut vos victorias vobis dignas reportare potueritis. Ex mea parte omnia peracturus sum, quae Bassa meus Camerarius & amicus, vobiscum transiget, cui plenam fidem adhibebitis.  
Subsigned, Dominus Mundi.  
Englished thus:  
Aly Solyman, LOrd of the Ottoman Family, Emperor and Lord of Lords, and of the Princes of the earthly world, Defender of the Law instituted by our Prophet Mahomet, and declared unto us, etc. To the most glorious of all the Christian Princes, the most mighty Arbiter, and Pacifier of all Christian Princes, and most absolute in all virtues, King Philip. May the end of your life be happy, and peace being made between us, health attend you:  
The glory of the splendour of all your virtues hath flown hither: My Lord, And though the Laws we profess be different, yet they were not able to be an impediment, but that I knew, and much esteemed your glorious purpose: Far be it from me, that I should be an assistant to your enemies, who are many in number; for I have withdrawn myself from their expeditions, and the Armies which they have now afoot, and whereunto I have put a stop, that you might carry away those victories that are worthy of you. For my part I shall perform all things that my Bassa, Chamberlain and friend shall transact with you, to whom you shall give full faith.  
Subsigned, The Lord of the World.  
In his private instructions he proposed these things following: First, the great Emperor will deliver to his royal Catholic Majesty the Holy Sepulchre, and other sacred places in Jerusalem. Secondly, he is willing that a free exercise of commerce may flourish in all maritine ports, and that Pirates be not tolerated hereafter any where. Thirdly, he is willing that Don John of Austria, whose election may be free to some Kingdom, may take to wife the Sultana, who may embrace the Catholic Religion. Fourthly, that the use of slaves be quite taken off for the future on both fides, and those that are now in quality of Captifs may be freely released, and restored without ransom. Now there is intelligence certainly sent, that the Sultana, who is the grand Turk's sister, and some five years since was taken by the Malteses, is converted to the Catholic Faith.  
To these advertisements, I shall add the presents which the Turkish Ambassador brought the King of Spain, and were tendered with much solemnity.  
First, there were four Lions with golden chains, and collars also embossed with pure gold, whereon were engraven the Arms of his royal Majesty. Secondly, there were twelve Cimiters with massy gold hilts, and scabbards tied to gold chains, and curiously engraven on the hilts and chapes. Thirdly, there were four chests filled with Turkey knives, their hafts of massy gold, and embroidered with pearl of much value. Fourthly, there were twelve Unicorns horns, every one twelve yards long, inlaid with gold, and engraven with his Catholic Majesties Arms. Fiftly, there were four and twenty Turkey carpets interwoven with gold and silk, on which were drawn those victories which his Catholic Majesty had obtained since he was King. Sixthly, a Coach of Crystal and gold figured in form of a triremiary galley, hung with sails of silk in a specious manner, wherein were drawn the triumphs and victories of his Majesty. Seventhly, two smaller chests were filled with feathers of high price. Eighthly, there was a great Crystal box embroidered with pearl, which contained forty fair Bezoar stones. every one weighing fourteen ounces. Ninthly, there was a coverlet for a bed, beautified with forty stars, whereon Caesar's victories were described. Lastly, six horses white and black, with so many turkish slaves.  
Touching the reality of this Embassy, and what the success will be, we yet suspend our judgement, for the transactions of things are carried so privately, that they are kept from vulgar knowledge, as indeed all great affairs of State should be.  
Besides this Turkish Ambassador & divers others, there are here two English Ambassadors, one for the King of Scotland, as they term him here, and the other from the States of England: The first is the Lord Cottington, who was once your Lord high Treasurer of England, who hath about twelve in his company, yet hath he a fair Palace, two Coaches attending him, and diet for himself and his family, all upon this King's charge, but he grows daily more and more out of request, as all use to do in time when they live upon another man's charge. 'Tis true, that they were here at first very sensible of your late King's death, and of the manner of it, and they resent it still as he was a King and Sovereign Prince, but as he was an heretical King, as they termed him here, they were rather glad of it, it being such a brand to the reformed Religion, and an advantage to theirs; people do commonly use to deride an Englishman when they meet him, saying, what's become of your great Defender of the Faith? what's become of your Queen, the daughter of Henry the Great? had she been of the house of Austria she should not have been left so long unrevenged: Our Infanta Donna Maria had not been so busy, and you had prospered better by her, but you would have none of her, and see what's become of you; Now, who can blame our King to assist the Subjects of England, considering how often your Kings did adhere to the Hollanders, his revolted Subjects, against him?  
Your Parliaments Agent is but lately arrived, and he had all the respects and formalities that a Sovereign Minister of State could expect, he had two Audiences the three first days he came, one public, the other private, with Don Luis de Haro the Favourite, who sways most; And though this Agent be of a complexion that the Spaniards do hate, for they paint Judas always with red hair, yet there hath not been the least affront or indignity offered him yet. 'Tis thought generally here, that this Crown will make a league and confederate with your State, provided they engage with him to recover the Kingdom of Portugal; for Spain hath been observed to prefer always her own interest before any friendship. The news here is from Lisbon, that your Parliaments Fleet by hover upon those seas, and half blocking up the mouth of the River, do much infest those coasts, and utterly destroy trading, so that King John is thought to be in a sad condition, and cannot tell what Saint to pray unto. The King of France his chiefest Confederate, and Protector in a manner, hath written lately peremptory letters unto him, that he should favour and adhere to Prince Rupert, who as 'tis bruited here, is upon selling away his Ships unto him.  
They give Porto Longone here to be as good as retaken upon the Coasts of Italy, and they promise themselves great successes against the French this year, yet they complain against the Hollander, that he hath broke the Capitulations of peace in divers things.  
There was one attempting to translate your late King's Book into Spanish, but he was surprised, the copy suppressed, and the Translator hardly escaped the Inquisition, because it contains some passages offensive to the Church of Rome; and had it been published, 'tis thought it had run the same fate as King James' Confessio Fidei did, which was publicly burnt by the Officer of the Inquisition in times passed.  
The English Roman Catholics here are in great hopes, that if there be a league struck betwixt this King and your State, the Recusants in England and Ireland will be better used.  
There is a fresh report that the young Queen is already with child, though some think that this report proceeds rather from hopes then truth; if it prove so, and that she be delivered of a male, I believe a treaty will quickly be set on foot to match the young Infanta, who is like to be a goodly Lady; till then, she may haply prove a State Maid, before she be suffered to have a husband.  
This is all that the Spanish Court affords for the present, at lest 'tis all that I dare trust under seal; by the next you shall hear further from me, provided that you be punctual in the continuance of this monthly correspondence; so I pray God guard you, and guide you in all your affairs and purposes.  
Your true friend to love and serve you, T. B.