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 Chapter 07

Communicating across Cultures

True / False Questions

1. Cross-cultural business communication skills are only necessary for employees of companies
that do business internationally.

True False

2. Our dominant culture has little impact on who we are and how we think.

True False

3. There can be many subcultures within one culture.

True False

4. Geography, history, and religion all play major roles in influencing culture.

True False

5. Ethnocentrism is sensitivity to the different dimensions of cultural difference.

True False

6. Hand gestures vary in meaning from culture to culture.

True False

7. Some nonverbal communication movements, such as eye contact, are the same in every culture.

True False

8. People in the United States tend to be monochronic, meaning they view time in a relaxed way.

True False

9. Edwardo and his co-workers often show up and start meetings fifteen or even thirty minutes later
than scheduled, indicating that they are probably members of a polychronic culture.

True False

7-1
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10. In low-context cultures, individualism is highly valued.

True False

11. Because they spend a lot of time explaining background information, people from high-context
cultures often seem evasive and indecisive to people from low-context cultures.

True False

12. The measure of how people view relationships between superiors and subordinates is referred to
as culture context.

True False

13. A word in one language may or may nothave a corresponding word in another language.

True False

14. Back translating involves translating a sentence beginning with the last word and ending with the
first word in order to ensure a literal translation.

True False

15. Two-word verbs combine a verb with a second element to create a different meaning than the two
words would have on their own.

True False

16. Colloquialisms add color and an additional level of meaning to messages, so they should be used
frequently when communicating with nonnative English speakers to help them better understand
your message.

True False

17. If you plan to do business abroad, you should focus your research solely on the people of the
culture you are about to visit.

True False

18. Researched cultural stereotypes can serve as useful basic models to help you adapt your
behavior to interacting with other cultures.

True False

19. When communicating with a nonnative English speaker, it is best to err on the side of simplicity to
increase the likelihood of clear communication.

True False

7-2
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Multiple Choice Questions

20. Which of the following statements about good cross-cultural communication skills is not true?

A. They eliminate the chance that there will be culture-related misunderstanding.

B. They make it possible for your company to hire a wider variety of good people.
C. They increase your ability to understand the needs of customers from other countries.
D. They can help you persuasively explain to foreign customers how your company can meet
their needs.
E. They can help you be a more effective employee.

21. The way that Calista and the other people from her native city collectively understand and
interpret the world is referred to as their

A. norm.
B. culture.
C. belief.
D. ethos.
E. language.

22. Which of the following statements about culture is true?

A. A person always represents the culture of his or her national origin.

B. Our dominant culture affects how we communicate, but not how we think.
C. The differences between national cultures are strong and unchanging.
D. It is impossible to communicate with people unless you understand their cultural roots.
E. Cultures change as people, ideas, and things move across borders.

23. Which of the following statements about factors that affect culture is true?

A. The climate of a country can impact the habits and values of that country's culture.
B. A country with changing borders tends to be more insular than a country with fixed borders,
such as those created by mountains or oceans.
C. Religion no longer has much bearing on a country's culture.
D. Business people from different cultures almost never share the same goals.
E. While countries that have undergone relatively recent changes in leadership are affected by
their history, more peaceful countries are not.

7-3
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24. The tendency to see only the features of your own culture as "normal" is called

A. ethnocentrism.
B. the power distance.
C. individualism.
D. low-context culturalism.
E. collectivism.

25. Danny is an American whose company has sent him to handle a business deal in Japan. While
he is there, Danny's host offers him unfamiliar foods, refuses to make prolonged eye contact, and
bows frequently. Danny thinks the food and frequent bowing are weird and that refusing to make
eye contact is rude. In his mind, the way things are done in the United States is the "right" way.
What tendency is Danny exhibiting?

A. racism
B. individualism
C. ethnocentrism
D. collectivism
E. culturalism

26. Which of the following statements about body movements is true?

A. The meanings of body movements are generally the same around the world.
B. Some body movements have clear meanings that are a crucial part of communication, while
others do not.
C. If a movement has meaning in one culture, it has meaning in another culture, even if the
meaning is slightly different.
D. A movement that is respectful in one culture will be respectful in another culture.
E. Even though the meanings of body movements vary by culture, eye contact is the same
around the world.

27. A culture that sees time as something that must be planned to be used as efficiently as possible
is

A. monochronic.
B. polychronic.
C. collectivistic.
D. individualistic.
E. short-term oriented.

7-4
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28. Langdon always makes it to appointments on time and feels that meeting deadlines is an
important part of his job. Langdon most likely belongs to a(n) ______ culture.

A. collectivist
B. individualist
C. polychronic
D. monochronic
E. short-term oriented

29. When meeting with clients, Rachelle avoids spending time chatting about things like what they did
last weekend or what movie they saw most recently. Instead, she focuses on getting down to
business so that the meeting ends on time and she can move on to her next task for the day.
Rachelle most likely belong to a(n) ______ culture.

A. long-term oriented
B. polychronic
C. monochronic
D. short-term oriented
E. indulgent

30. Which type of culture thinks extensive planning is unwise and views being on time to an event as
being fairly unimportant?

A. monochronic
B. polychronic
C. uncertainty avoidant
D. indulgent
E. feminine

31. Rosita has a meeting scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today, but she already knows she won't be there
until at least 2:15. However, this doesn't bother her. In her mind, she'll get there when she get's
there. Furthermore, she knows that the client she's meeting with will also show up late. No one
will feel impatient or rushed just because they are not starting on time. Rosita and her client most
likely belong to a ______ culture.

A. polychronic
B. monochronic
C. long-term oriented
D. short-term oriented
E. collectivist

7-5
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32. Barron and Gyeong want to convince Amaro that his tools supply store should buy their
company's brand of ratchets. When they all meet, instead of beginning their sales pitch, Barran
asks Amaro if he caught the local soccer team's most recent match. This leads to a discussion of
the team's season and then to talk about Gyeong's son, who plays soccer for the nearby
university. Eventually, after they have each talked about their families, Barron and Gyeong bring
the conversation around to their product. This meeting would most likely happen in a ______
culture.

A. masculine
B. monochronic
C. polychronic
D. restraint
E. feminine

33. Which of the following statements about space and culture is true?

A. Attitudes toward space tend to be the same in all cultures.

B. People from cultures that view space as belonging to everyone tend to stand in line and wait
their turn.
C. In some cultures, keeping two feet of distance from the person with whom you are speaking is
considered impolite.
D. Cultures that place emphasis on personal space tend to be polychronic cultures.
E. People from cultures that view space as belonging to individuals tend to stand closer together
than people from cultures that see space as belonging to all.

34. A culture where people tend to express themselves directly and explicitly is a(n) ______ culture.

A. low-context
B. high-context
C. indulgent
D. low-restraint
E. polychronic

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35. Melissa wants her company to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, so she has created
a presentation to give to the board of directors. She begins her presentation by explaining some
background information on these practices, such as why they are important for the environment
and the company's image. Melissa then moves on to discussing exactly what measures she feels
her company should adopt, and why she feels they are the best options. Given this information,
Melissa is most likely from a(n) ______ culture.

A. high-context
B. polychronic
C. low-context
D. intimate
E. short-term oriented

36. Background information is explicitly stated in a ______ culture, but is largely implied in a(n)
______ culture.

A. monochronic; polychronic
B. feminine; masculine
C. low-context; high-context
D. low power distance; high power distance
E. collectivistic; individualistic

37. A culture with strong group orientation and coherent, stable traditions that make it possible for
shared assumptions to stand in for explicitly stated background information is a ______ culture.

A. low-context
B. short-term oriented
C. long-term oriented
D. power distance
E. high-context

38. Wei is giving a sales presentation in which she describes her company's product and how it will
meet the needs of the people she is talking to. She does not explicitly state everything she wants
the audience to know. Rather, she relies on body language, tone of voice, and eye movements to
give cues that her audience members can use to understand her full message. Wei most likely
belongs to a(n) ______ culture.

A. high-context
B. power distance
C. low-context
D. polychronic
E. individualistic

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39. Which of the following statements about social hierarchy is true?

A. Social classes exist in all cultures, but have little impact on how intimately people are
addressed.
B. People from cultures that stress equality are likely to be offended by questions about class
status.
C. People from cultures with strict social classes are quick to use first names.
D. A person from a culture that stresses equality is most likely to ask questions determining a
person's class status.
E. Class status has little to no impact on how people address each other.

40. Geert Hofsted refers to the way people view relationships between superiors and
subordinates as

A. restraint.
B. uncertainty avoidance.
C. power distance.
D. collectivism.
E. individualism.

41. Cultures that exhibit a high power distance

A. make decisions by consensus.

B. expect employees to do as their superiors direct.
C. tend to spread out authority so that no one person is too powerful.
D. leave employees to make their own decisions on a case-by-case basis.
E. encourage people to voice their opinions, no matter what role they inhabit.

42. In cultures that have low power distance

A. great emphasis is placed on the authority of superiors.

B. employees look to their boss to make even minor decisions.
C. authority is shared between many people.
D. may be hesitant to offer comments during online conversations.
E. no one is permitted to have any authority at all.

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43. Marina's boss has absolute authority in her office. He makes the decisions, and Marina is
expected to simply do as he says. Marina most likely lives in a ______ culture.

A. high-context
B. high power distance
C. low power distance
D. low context
E. collectivistic

44. Carly and Trent own a small graphic design company together. They can make decisions for the
company by themselves, but they often ask for input from other employees and believe that
decisions made by consensus tend to be better for the company as a whole. Carly and Trent's
company has a(n) ______ culture.

A. low-context
B. high power distance
C. low power distance
D. high-context
E. individualistic

45. Tamiko and her friends all have social media accounts that they use to talk to each other.
However, they rarely add people that they don't know very well to their friends lists, and they
almost never comment on posts made by companies or celebrities because they don't want to
overstep their authority. Tamiko and her friends are likely members of a

A. culture with a high power distance.

B. culture with a low power distance.
C. high-context culture.
D. low-context culture.
E. culture that views space as belonging to the individual.

46. The Protestant work ethic is the belief that

A. planning work in advance is folly because all outcomes belong to God.

B. true work involves one's hands, not one's mind.
C. pleasure should be taken when and where it can be found.
D. if hard work is put ahead of pleasure, success will follow.
E. emphasis should be placed on respecting tradition and saving face in social situations.

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47. Which of the following statements about the expression of emotions is true?

A. Some Middle Eastern cultures express sorrow with loud wailing.

B. Laughter is always viewed as a spontaneous display of pleasure.
C. Asian cultures tend to prefer strong public displays of affection.
D. The expression of emotion is frowned upon in business situations.
E. Westerners frown on public displays of affection.

48. Which of the following statements about workplace values is true?

A. Canadian culture views the employee-employer relationship like a family and expects it to last
for a lifetime.
B. All cultures believe that if you put hard work before pleasure, success will follow.
C. Cultures that place emphasis on interpersonal relationships rather than planning, as is the
case in Spain, tend to be more relaxed in business.
D. American culture focuses on networking and interpersonal relationships rather than
maximizing production or planning.
E. Cultures that have high power distance also tend to expect workers to be free to move from job
to job.

49. Which of the following statements about language is true?

A. Words in languages other than English typically only have one meaning.
B. All languages contain equivalent language components, such as verbs and conjunctions.
C. A word in one language may have no corresponding word in another.
D. Precise translation is typically an easy matter.
E. Words like yes mean the same thing in every culture.

50. Which procedure involves two translators, one with first-language skills in one language, and one
with first-language skills in another, translating a message from one language to another and then
back to the first language so that the original message can be compared with the second
translation?

A. back translating
B. literal translating
C. cultural translating
D. high-context translating
E. power distance translating

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51. Which of the following statements about back translating is true?

A. It involves one translator translating a message into a new language. The translated message
is then reviewed by a second translator for accuracy.
B. It requires three translators.
C. If the translations are good, the second translation will match the original message.
D. It only works with Latinate languages.
E. It is the only way to translate idioms and colloquialisms accurately.

52. Elisa grew up speaking Spanish, but learned to speak English as an adult, and she now works as
a translator for a U.S. company that has frequent business interactions with South American
businesses. Elisa's translating skills are good, and the company typically relies on her alone to do
their translating. However, they are currently involved in negotiating an extremely important
contract and need the wording in Spanish to be exactly right, so they hire George, a freelance
translator and native English speaker to help. Elisa translates the English message into Spanish,
and George translates the Spanish message back into English. They then compare the original
message with George's translation to make sure they match. What process have Elisa and
George completed?

A. first-language translation
B. back translation
C. equivalency translation
D. high-context translation
E. low-context translation

53. Which of the followings statements about language and international business is true?

A. When executives have no common language, they are likely to use English.
B. English is the primary business language of the Americas, while German is the primary
business language of Europe.
C. English is so prevalent in international business that an executive from Cuba and an executive
from Peru would use it to communicate with each other.
D. Because English is the main language of international business, non-native English speakers
have no problems understanding it.
E. English is only used to conduct business when a Canadian, American, or English company is
involved.

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54. Colette is a business executive from France, and Franz is a business executive from Germany.
Colette does not speak German, nor does Franz speak French. Which language are they most
likely to conduct business in?

A. French
B. German
C. Spanish
D. English
E. Greek

55. Two-word verbs consist of

A. an adjective and a verb combined to create an adverb.

B. a noun and a modified verb combined to create a compound verb.
C. a verb and a second element that, when combined, creates a new meaning.
D. two verbs that are joined by a hyphen for clarity.
E. a verb combined with a prefix or a suffix to create a different verb.

56. Check in does not mean the same thing as the words check and in do on their own. Check in is
an example of

A. a two-word verb.
B. an equivalency term.
C. an idiom.
D. a colloquialism.
E. jargon.

57. Which of the following is true of two-word verbs?

A. They should never be used when speaking to nonnative speakers.

B. Nonnative speakers may not understand many of them.
C. Two-word verbs are covered extensively in language textbooks.
D. Nonnative English speakers are rarely confused by two-word verbs.
E. The use of two-word verbs is generally unavoidable as they lack suitable substitutions.

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58. Which of the following is an example of a two-word verb?

A. international communication
B. close tightly
C. calm down
D. crawl under
E. negotiate quickly

59. Jean Luc and Oscar own a small manufacturing company in Louisiana, and they are meeting with
two executives of a Mexican retail chain in the hopes of convincing them to carry their products.
Jean Luc begins the pitch, and after a couple of minutes, Oscar jumps in to say, "Jean Luc really
hit the nail on the head when he said these products offer better value than what you're currently
carrying." The Mexican executives both speak English, but they look at each other in confusion.
What mistake did Oscar make?

A. He used a colloquialism.
B. He used jargon.
C. He used a two-word verb.
D. He spoke with too much familiarity.
E. He exhibited high-context culture traits while dealing with a low-context culture.

60. Which of the following statements about colloquialisms is true?

A. Unfamiliar colloquialisms can cause problems even for native English speakers.
B. Colloquialisms are generally easy for international communicators to understand.
C. Colloquialisms are almost never defined on ESL websites.
D. In the United States, colloquial expressions are rarely used.
E. It is impossible to replace colloquialisms with plain language.

61. Which of the following should you not do when preparing to communicate with people from
another culture?

A. research the culture

B. think about yourself and your company
C. be open to change
D. assume stereotypes are accurate representations of individuals
E. adapt your English to your audience

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62. Which of the following statements about stereotypes is true?

A. They are not based on real life observations.

B. They are perpetuated by generalizations about cultures.
C. They have no use in the modern world.
D. They are flexible and constantly changing.
E. They help us better get to know individuals.

63. Which of the following is an example of a stereotype?

A. Zoe must like spicy food because she is Cuban.

B. Lillian Stark is English, and she prefers that people whom she does not know well call her Ms.
Stark.
C. Akiko is Japanese and bows when greeting someone.
D. Roberto, a Brazilian, is often late to meetings and likes to chat before getting down to
business.
E. James, an American, dislikes even moderate public displays of affection.

64. When speaking with an unfamiliar audience made up of nonnative English speakers, you should

A. talk clearly and use simple words and sentence structure.

B. be sure to include plenty of slang to make your language colorful.
C. talk exactly as you would to a native English speaker so as not to make the nonnative
speakers feel singled out.
D. use simple yes/no questions to make it easy for them to answer.
E. avoid trying to confirm understanding so that you do not embarrass them.

65. Which of the following statements about adapting in international business is true?

A. Adapting to the practices of international partners is always feasible.

B. Adapting to the practices of international partners is always ethical.
C. Buying information and influence are widely accepted and ethical practices.
D. When you have to choose between making a deal and behaving ethically, you should always
make the deal.
E. When faced with an ethical decision, your company will likely tell you to choose the ethical
path.

Short Answer Questions

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66. Briefly explain why it is important to have cross-cultural business communication skills.

67. Identify and give a brief example of three major factors that influence a country's culture.

68. Give an example of how the meaning of body movements or positions often mean different things
in different cultures.

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Other documents randomly have
different content
often complain, that that Prince shew'd too little Affection
for the Good of his Country, and Concern for his own
Interest; and that at a time when it was in his power to
assert his Title to the Crown, he should seem so regardless
of his own Right, and lead so idle a Life. Finding that these
Insinuations made an impression upon the People, he went
still farther: To those who were publick-spirited, he
represented what a glorious thing it would be for them to
lay the Foundations of a Revolution, and to deserve the
Name of Deliverers of their Country. Those who had been
injur'd and ill-treated by the Spaniards, he would excite to
the Desire of Revenge; and the Ambitious he flatter'd with
a Prospect of the Grandeurs and Preferments they might
expect from the new King, would they once raise him to the
Throne. In short, he manag'd every thing with so much Art,
that being privately assur'd of the unshaken Affection of
many to his Master, he procur'd a Meeting of a considerable
Number of the Nobility, with the Archbishop of Lisbon at the
head of them.
This Prelate was of the House of Acugna, one of the best
Families of all Portugal; he was a Man of Learning, and an
excellent Politician, belov'd by the People, but hated by the
Spaniards, and whom he had also just cause to hate, since
they had made Don Sebastian Maltos de Norognia,
Archbishop of Braga, President of the Chamber of Opaco,
whom they had all along prefer'd to him, and to whom they
had given a great share in the Administration of Affairs.
Another of the most considerable Members of this
Assembly, was Don Miguel d'Almeida, a venerable old Man,
and who deserv'd, and had the Esteem of every body; he
was very publick-spirited, and was not so much griev'd at
his own private Misfortunes, as at those of his Country,
whose Inhabitants were become the Slaves of an usurping
Tyrant. In these Sentiments he had been educated, and to
these with undaunted Courage and Resolution he still
adher'd; nor could the Entreaties of his Relations, nor the
repeated Advices of his Friends, ever make him go to Court,
or cringe to the Spanish Ministers. This Carriage of his had
made them jealous of him. This therefore was the Man
whom Pinto first cast his eyes upon, being well assur'd that
he might safely entrust him with the Secret; besides which,
no one could be more useful in carrying on their Design, his
Interest with the Nobility being so great, that he could
easily bring over a considerable Number of them to his
Party.
There were, besides these two, at this first Meeting, Don
Antonio d'Almada, an intimate Friend of the Archbishop's,
with Don Lewis, his Son; Don Lewis d'Acugna, Nephew to
that Prelate, and who had married Don Antonio d'Almada's
Daughter; Mello Lord Ranger, Don George his Brother;
Pedro Mendoza; Don Rodrigo de Saa, Lord-Chamberlain:
with several other Officers of the Houshold, whose Places
were nothing now but empty Titles, since Portugal had lost
her own natural Kings.
The Archbishop, who was naturally a good
Rhetorician, broke the Ice in this Assembly; Conostagio.
he made an eloquent Speech, in which he
set forth the many Grievances Portugal had labour'd under
since it had been subject to the Domination of Spain. He
reminded them of the Number of Nobility which Philip II.
had butchered to secure his Conquest; nor had he been
more favourable to the Church, witness the famous Brief of
Absolution, which he had obtain'd from the Pope for the
Murder of Two Thousand Priests, or others of Religious
Orders, whom he had barbarously put to death, on no
other account but to secure his Usurpation: And since that
unhappy time the Spaniards had not chang'd their inhuman
Policy; how many had fallen for no other Crime but their
unshaken Love to their Country! That none of those who
were there present, could call their Lives or their Estates
their own: That the Nobility were slighted and remov'd from
all Places of Trust, Profit, or Power: That the Church was
fill'd with a scandalous Clergy, since Vasconcellos had
dispos'd of all the Livings, and to which he had prefer'd his
own Creatures only: That the People were oppress'd with
excessive Taxes, whilst the Earth remain'd untill'd for want
of hands, their Labourers being all sent away by force, for
Soldiers to Catalonia: That this last Summons for the
Nobility to attend the King, was only a specious Pretence to
force them out of their own Country, lest their Presence
might prove an Obstacle to some cruel Design, which was
doubtless on foot: That the mildest Fate they could hope
for, was a tedious, if not a perpetual Banishment; and that
whilst they were ill-treated by the Castilians abroad,
Strangers should enjoy their Estates, and new Colonies take
possession of their Habitations. He concluded by assuring
them, that so great were the Miseries of his Country, that
he would rather chuse to die ten thousand Deaths, than be
obliged to see the Encrease of them; nor would he now
entertain one thought of Life, did he not hope that so many
Persons of Quality were not met together in vain.
This Discourse had its desir'd effect, by reminding every
one of the many Evils which they had suffer'd. Each seem'd
earnest to give some instance of Vasconcellos's Cruelty. The
Estates of some had been unjustly confiscated, whilst
others had Hereditary Places and Governments taken from
them; some had been long confin'd in Prisons thro the
Jealousy of the Spanish Ministers, and many bewail'd a
Father, a Brother, or a Friend, either detain'd at Madrid, or
sent into Catalonia as Hostages of the Fidelity of their
unhappy Countrymen. In short, there was not one of those
who were engag'd in this Publick Cause, but what had
some private Quarrel to revenge: but nothing provoked
them more than the Catalonian Expedition; they plainly
saw, that it was not so much the want of their assistance,
as the desire of ruining them, which made the Spanish
Minister oblige them to that tedious and expensive Voyage.
These Considerations, join'd to their own private
Animosities, made 'em unanimously resolve to venture Life
and Fortune, rather than any longer to bear the heavy
Yoke: but the Form of Government which they ought to
chuse, caus'd a Division amongst them. Part of the
Assembly were for making themselves a Republick, as
Holland had lately done; others were for a Monarchy, but
could not agree upon the choice of a King: some propos'd
the Duke of Braganza, some the Marquis de Villareal, and
others the Duke d'Aviedo, (all three Princes of the Royal
Blood of Portugal,) according as their different Inclinations
or Interests byass'd them. But the Archbishop, who was
wholly devoted to the House of Braganza, assuming the
Authority of his Character, set forth with great strength of
Reason, That the Choice of a Government was not in their
power; that the Oath of Allegiance which they had taken to
the King of Spain, could not in conscience be broken,
unless it was with a design to restore their rightful
Sovereign to the Throne of his Fathers, which every one
knew to be the Duke of Braganza; that they must therefore
resolve to proclaim him King, or for ever to continue under
the Tyranny of the Spanish Usurper. After this, he made 'em
consider the Power and Riches of this Prince, as well as the
great number of his Vassals, on whom depended almost a
third part of the Kingdom. He shew'd 'em it was impossible
for 'em to drive the Spaniards out of Portugal, unless he
was at their head: that the only way to engage him, would
be by making him an Offer of the Crown, which they would
be under a Necessity of doing, altho he was not the first
Prince of the Royal Blood. Then began he to reckon all
those excellent Qualities with which he was endow'd, as his
Wisdom, his Prudence; but above all, his affable Behaviour,
and inimitable Goodness. In short, his Words prevail'd so
well upon every one, that they unanimously declared him
their King, and promis'd that they would spare no Pains, no
Endeavours to engage him to enter into their Measures:
after which, having agreed upon the time and place of a
second Meeting, to concert the ways and means of bringing
this happy Revolution about, the Assembly broke up.
Pinto observing how well the Minds of the People were
dispos'd in favour of his Master, wrote privately to him, to
acquaint him with the Success of the first Meeting, and
advis'd him to come, as if by chance, to Lisbon, that by his
Presence he might encourage the Conspirators, and at the
same time get some Opportunity of conferring with them.
This Man spent his whole time in negotiating this grand
Affair, yet did it so artfully, that no one could suspect his
having any farther Interest in it, than his Concern for the
Publick Welfare. He seemingly doubted whether his Master
would ever enter into their Measures, objecting his natural
Aversion to any Undertaking which was hazardous and
requir'd Application: then would he start some Difficulties,
which were of no other use but to destroy all Suspicion of
his having any Understanding with his Master, and were so
far from being weighty enough to discourage them, that
they rather serv'd to excite their Ardour.
Upon the Advice given by Pinto, the Duke left Villa-viciosa,
and came to Almada, a Castle near Lisbon, on pretence of
visiting it as he had done the other Fortifications of that
Kingdom. His Equipage was so magnificent, and he had
with him such a number of the Nobility and Gentry, as well
as of Officers, that he looked more like a King going to take
possession of a Kingdom, than like the Governour of a
Province, who was viewing the Places and Forts under his
Jurisdiction: he was so near Lisbon, that he was under an
obligation of going to pay his Devoirs to the Vice-Queen. As
soon as he enter'd the Palace-yard, he found the Avenues
crowded with infinite numbers of People, who press'd
forward to see him pass along; and all the Nobility came to
wait upon him, and to accompany him to the Vice-Queen's.
It was a general Holiday throughout the City, and so great
was the Joy of the People, that there seem'd only a Herald
wanting to proclaim him King, or Resolution enough in
himself to put the Crown upon his Head.
But the Duke was too prudent to trust to the uncertain
Sallies of an inconstant People. He knew what a vast
difference there was between their vain Shouts, and that
Steddiness which is necessary to support so great an
Enterprize. Therefore after having paid his respects to the
Vice-Queen, and taken leave of her, he return'd to Almada,
without so much as going to Braganza-House, or passing
thro the City, lest he should encrease the Jealousy of the
Spaniards, who already seem'd very uneasy at the Affection
which the People had so unanimously express'd for the
Duke.
Pinto took care to make his Friends observe the
unnecessary Caution which his Master us'd, and that
therefore they ought not to neglect this Opportunity, which
his Stay at Almada afforded them, to wait upon that Prince,
and to persuade, nay, as tho it were to force him to accept
the Crown. The Conspirators thought the Counsel good,
and deputed him to the Duke to obtain an Audience. He
granted them one, but upon condition there should come
three of the Conspirators only, not thinking it safe to
explain himself before a greater Number.
Miguel d'Almeida, Antonio d'Almada, and Pedro Mendoza,
were the three Persons pitched upon; who coming by night
to the Prince's, and being introduc'd into his Chamber,
d'Almada, who was their Spokesman, represented in few
words the present unhappy State of Portugal, whose
Natives, of what Quality or Condition soever, had suffer'd so
much from the unjust and cruel Castilians: That the Duke
himself was as much, if not more expos'd than any other to
their Treachery; that he was too discerning not to perceive
that d'Olivarez's Aim was his Ruin, and that there was no
other Place of Refuge but the Throne; for the restoring him
to which, he had Orders to offer him the Services of a
considerable Number of People of the first Quality, who
would willingly expose their Lives, and sacrifice their
Fortunes for his sake, and to revenge themselves upon the
oppressing Spaniards.
He afterwards told them, that the Times of Charles V. and
Philip II. were no more, when Spain held the Ballance of
Europe in her hand, and gave the neighbouring Nations
Laws: That this Monarchy, which had been once so
formidable, could scarce now preserve its antient
Territories; that the French and Dutch not only wag'd War
against them, but often overcame 'em; that Catalonia itself
employ'd the greatest part of their Forces; that they scarce
had an Army on foot, the Treasury was exhausted, and that
the Kingdom was governed by a weak Prince, who was
himself sway'd by a Minister, abhor'd by the whole Nation.
He then observ'd what foreign Protection and Alliances they
might depend on, and be assur'd of; most of the Princes of
Europe were profess'd Enemies to the House of Austria; the
Encouragement Holland and Catalonia had met with,
sufficiently shew'd what might be expected from that
able[B] Statesman, whose mighty Genius seem'd wholly
bent upon the Destruction of the Spanish King; that the Sea
was now open, and he might have free Communication
with whom he pleas'd; that there were scarce any Spanish
Garisons left in Portugal, they having been drawn out to
serve in Catalonia; that there could never be a more
favourable Opportunity of asserting his Right and Title to
the Crown, of securing his Life, his Fortune, and his Liberty,
which were at stake, and of delivering his Country from
Slavery and Oppression.
We may easily imagine, that there was nothing in this
Speech which could displease the Duke of Braganza;
however, unwilling to let them see his Heart, he answer'd
the Deputies in such a manner, as could neither lessen, or
encrease their Hopes. He told them, that he was but too
sensible of the Miseries to which Portugal was reduc'd by
the Castilians, nor could he think himself secure from their
Treachery; that he very much commended the Zeal which
they shew'd for the Welfare of their Country, and was in an
especial manner oblig'd to them for the Affection which
they bore him in particular; that notwithstanding what they
had represented, he fear'd that matters were not ripe for so
dangerous an Enterprize, whose Consequence, should they
not bring it to a happy Period, would prove so fatal to them
all.
Having return'd this Answer, (for a more positive one he
would not return) he caress'd the Deputies, and thank'd
them in so obliging a manner, that they left him, well
satisfy'd that their Message was gratefully receiv'd; but at
the same time persuaded, that the Prince would be no
farther concerned in their Design, than giving his content to
the Execution of it, as soon as their Plot should be ripe.
After their Departure, the Duke confer'd with Pinto about
the new Measures which they must take, and then return'd
to Villa-viciosa; but not with that inward Satisfaction of
Mind which he had hitherto enjoy'd, but with a Restlessness
of Thought, the too common Companion of Princes.
As soon as he arriv'd, he communicated those Proportions,
which had been made him, to the Dutchess his Wife. She
was of a Castilian Family, Sister to the Duke of Medina
Sidonia, a Grandee of Spain, and Governor of Andalusia.
During her Childhood, her Mind was great and heroick, and
as she grew up, became passionately fond of Honour and
Glory. The Duke, her Father, who perceived this natural
Inclination of hers, took care to cultivate it betimes, and
gave the Care of her Education to Persons who would swell
her Breast with[C] Ambition, and represent it as the chiefest
Virtue of Princes. She apply'd herself betimes to the Study
of the different Tempers and Inclinations of Mankind, and
would by the Looks of a Person judge of his Heart; so that
the most dissembling Courtier could scarce hide his
Thoughts from her discerning Eye. She neither wanted
Courage to undertake, nor Conduct to carry on the most
difficult things, provided their End was glorious and
honourable. Her Actions were free and easy, and at the
same time noble and majestick; her Air at once inspir'd
Love, and commanded Respect. She took the Portuguese
Air with so much ease, that it seem'd natural to her. She
made it her chief Study to deserve the Love and Esteem of
her Husband; nor could the Austerity of her Life, a solid
Devotion, and a perfect Complaisance to all his Actions, fail
of doing it. She neglected all those Pleasures, which
Persons of her Age and Quality usually relish; and the
greatest part of her time was employ'd in Studies, which
might adorn her Mind, and improve her Understanding.
The Duke thought himself compleatly happy in the
possession of so accomplish'd a Lady; his Love could scarce
be parallel'd, and his Confidence in her was entire: He
never undertook any thing without her Advice, nor would
he engage himself any farther in a matter of such
consequence, without first consulting with her. He therefore
shew'd her the Scheme of the Revolution; the Names of the
Conspirators, and acquainted her with what had pass'd as
well in the Assembly held at Lisbon, as in the Conference
he had had with them at Almada, and the Warmth which
every one had shown upon this occasion. He told her, That
the Expedition of Catalonia had so incens'd the Nobility,
that they were all resolv'd to revolt, rather than to leave
their native Country; he dreaded, that if he should refuse to
lead them on, they would forsake him, and chuse
themselves another Leader. Yet he confess'd, that the
Greatness of the Danger made him dread the Event; that
whilst he view'd the Throne at a distance, the flattering
Idea of Royalty was most agreeable to his Mind, but that
now having a nearer Prospect of it, and of the intervening
Obstacles, he was startled; nor could he calmly behold
those Dangers into which he must inevitably plunge himself
and his whole Family, in case of a Discovery: That the
People, on whom they must chiefly depend for the Success,
were inconstant, and disheartned by the least Difficulty:
That the Number of Nobility and Gentry which he had on
his side, was not sufficient, unless supported by the
Grandees of the Kingdom; who doubtless, jealous of his
Fortune, would oppose it, as not being able to submit to
the Government of one, whom they had all along look'd
upon as their Equal. That these Considerations, as well as
the little Dependance he could make on foreign Assistance,
overrul'd his Ambition, and made him forget the hopes of
reigning. But the Dutchess, whose Soul was truly great, and
Ambition her ruling Passion, immediately declar'd herself in
favour of the Conspiracy. She ask'd the Duke, "Whether in
case the Portuguese, accepting his Denial, should resolve to
make themselves a Republick, he would side with them, or
with the King of Spain?" "With his Countrymen
undoubtedly, he reply'd; for whose Liberty he would
willingly venture his Life." "And why can you not do for your
own sake, answer'd she, what you would do as a Member
of the Commonwealth? The Throne belongs to you, and
should you perish in attempting to recover it, your Fate
would be glorious, and rather to be envy'd than pity'd."
After this she urg'd "his undoubted Right to the Crown; that
Portugal was reduc'd to such a miserable State by the
Castilians, that it was inconsistent with the Honour of a
Person of his Quality to be an idle Looker-on; that his
Children would reproach, and their Posterity curse his
Memory, for neglecting so fair an Opportunity of restoring
them what they ought in justice to have had." Then she
represented the difference between a Sovereign and a
Subject, and the pleasure of ruling, instead of obeying in a
servile manner. She made him sensible, that it would be no
such difficult matter to re-possess himself of the Crown;
that tho he could not hope for foreign Assistance, yet were
the Portuguese of themselves able to drive the Spaniards
out of their Country, especially at such a favourable
Juncture as this. In short, so great was her persuasive Art,
that she prevailed upon the Duke to accept the Offer made
him, but at the same time confess'd his Prudence, in letting
the Number of the Conspirators encrease before he join'd
with them; nor would she advise him to appear openly in it,
till the Plot was ripe.
Mean while the Court of Spain grew very jealous or him.
Those extraordinary Marks of Joy, which the Lisbonites had
shewn at his coming thither, had very much alarm'd
d'Olivarez. It was also whisper'd about, that there were
nightly Meetings and secret Assemblies held at Lisbon: So
impossible it is, that a Business of such a consequence
should be wholly conceal'd.
Upon this several Councils were held at
Madrid, in which it was resolv'd, that the Octob. 20.
1640.
only way to prevent the Portuguese from
revolting, was by taking from them their Leader, in favour
of whom it was suppos'd they intended to revolt. Wherefore
d'Olivarez immediately dispatch'd a Courier to the Duke of
Braganza, to acquaint him, that the King desir'd to be
inform'd, by his own mouth, of the Strength of every Fort
and Citadel, the Condition of the Sea-Ports, and what
Garisons were plac'd in each of them: to this he added, that
his Friends at Court were overjoy'd at the thoughts of
seeing him so soon, and that every one of them were
preparing to receive him with the Respect due to his Quality
and Deserts.
This News thunder-struck the unhappy Prince; he was well
assur'd, that since so many Pretences were made use of to
get him into Spain, his Destruction was resolv'd on, and
nothing less than his Life could satisfy them. They had left
off Caresses and Invitations, and had now sent positive
Orders, which either must be obey'd, or probably open
Force would be made use of. He concluded, that he was
betray'd. Such is the Fear of those, whose Thoughts are
taken up with great Designs, and who always imagine that
the inquisitive World is prying into their Actions, and
observing all their Steps. Thus did the Duke, whose
Conduct had been always greater than his Courage, dread
that he had plung'd himself into inevitable Destruction.
But to gain time enough to give the Conspirators notice of
his Danger, by the Advice of the Dutchess, he sent a
Gentleman, whose Capacity and Fidelity he was before
assur'd of, to the Court of Madrid, to assure the Spanish
Minister, that he would suddenly wait on the King; but had
at the same time given him private Orders to find out all
the Pretences imaginable for the delaying his Journey,
hoping in the mean time to bring the Conspiracy to
Ripeness, and thereby to shelter himself from the
impending Storm.
As soon as this Gentleman arriv'd at Madrid, he assur'd the
King and the Duke d'Olivarez, that his Master follow'd him.
To make his Story the more plausible, he took a large
House, which he furnish'd very sumptuously, then hir'd a
considerable Number of Servants, to whom he before-hand
gave Liveries. In short, he spar'd no Cost to persuade the
Spaniards that his Master would be in a very little time at
Court, and that he intended to appear with an Equipage
suitable to his Birth.
Some days after he pretended to have receiv'd Advice that
his Master was fallen sick. When this Pretence was grown
stale, he presented a Memorial to d'Olivarez, in which he
desir'd that his Master's Precedence in the Court might be
adjusted. He did not in the least question but that this
would gain a considerable time, hoping that the Grandees,
by maintaining their Rights, would oppose his Claims. But
these Delays beginning to be suspected, the first Minister
had the thing soon decided, and always in favour of the
Duke of Braganza; so earnestly did he desire to see him
once out of Portugal, and to have him safe at Madrid.
The Conspirators no sooner heard of the Orders which the
Duke had receiv'd, but fearing that he might obey them,
deputed Mendoza to know what he intended to do, and to
engage him firmly, if possible, to their Party. This
Gentleman was chosen preferably to any other, because he
was Governor of a Town near Villa-viciosa; so that he could
hide the real Intent of his Journey from the Spaniards,
under the specious Pretence of Business. He did not dare to
go directly to the Prince's House, but took an opportunity of
meeting him in a Forest one morning as he was hunting;
they retir'd together into the thickest part of the Wood,
where Mendoza shew'd him what Danger he expos'd
himself to, by going to a place where all were his Enemies:
That by this inconsiderate Action the Hopes of the Nobility,
as well as of the People, were utterly destroy'd: That a
sufficient Number of Gentlemen, who were as able to serve
him, as they were willing to do it, or to sacrifice their Lives
for his sake, only waited for his Consent to declare
themselves in his favour: That now was the very Crisis of
his Fate, and that he must this instant resolve to be Cæsar
or nothing: That the Business would admit of no longer
Delay, lest the Secret being divulg'd, their Designs should
prove abortive. The Duke, convinc'd of the Truth of what
was said to him, told him that he was of his mind, and that
he might assure his Friends, that as soon as their Plot
should be ripe, he would put himself at the head of them.
This Conference ended, Mendoza immediately return'd
home, for fear of being suspected, and wrote to some of
the Conspirators that he had been hunting; "We had
almost, continued he, lost our Game in the Pursuit, but at
last the Day prov'd a Day of good Sport." Some few Days
after Mendoza return'd to Lisbon, and acquainted Pinto that
his Master wanted him, who set out as soon as they had
together drawn out a shorter Scheme to proceed upon.
Coming to Villa-viciosa, the first thing he acquainted the
Duke with, was the Difference which had lately happen'd at
the Court of Lisbon, the Vice-Queen loudly complaining of
the haughty Pride and Insolence of Vasconcellos; nor could
she any longer bear that all Business should be transacted
by him, whilst she enjoy'd an empty Title, without any the
least Authority. What made her Complaints the juster, was,
that she was really a deferring Princess, and capable of
discharging the Trust which was committed to her
Secretary. But it was the Greatness of her Genius, and her
other extraordinary Deserts, which made the Court of Spain
unwilling to let her have a greater share in the Government.
Pinto observ'd, that this Difference could never have
happen'd in a better time, seeing that the Ministers of Spain
being taken up with this Business, would not be at leisure
to pry into his Actions, or to observe the Steps he should
take.
The Duke of Braganza, since Mendoza's Departure, was
fallen into his wonted Irresolution, and the nearer the
Business came to a Crisis, the more he dreaded the Event:
Pinto made use of all his Rhetorick to excite his Master's
Courage, and to draw him into his former Resolution. Nay,
to his Persuasions he added Threatnings; he told him, in
spite of himself, the Conspirators would proclaim him King,
and what Dangers must he run then, when the Crown
should be fix'd upon his Head, at a time when, only for
want of necessary Preparation, he was not capable of
preserving it. The Dutchess join'd with this faithful Servant,
and convinc'd the Duke of the Baseness of preferring Life to
Honour: he, charm'd with her Courage, yet asham'd to see
it greater than his own, yielded to their Persuasions.
Mean while, the Gentleman whom he had sent to Madrid,
wrote daily to let him know, that he could no longer defer
his Journey on any pretence whatsoever, and that Olivarez
refus'd to hear the Excuses which he would have made.
The Duke, to gain a little longer time, order'd the
Gentleman to acquaint the Spanish Minister, that he had
long since been at Madrid, had he had Money enough to
defray the Expence of his Journey, and to appear at Court
in a manner suitable to his Quality: That as soon as he
could receive a sufficient Sum, he would immediately set
out.
This Business dispatch'd, he consulted with the Dutchess
and Pinto about the properest Means of executing their
Design: several were propos'd, but at last this was agreed
upon, That the Plot must break out at Lisbon, whose
Example might have a good effect upon the other Towns
and Cities of the Kingdom: That the same Day wherein he
was proclaim'd King in the Metropolis, he should be also
proclaim'd in every Place which was under his Dependance;
nay, in every Borough and Village, of which any of the
Conspirators were the leading Men, they should raise the
People, so that one half of the Kingdom being up, the other
of course would fall into their Measures, and the few
remaining Spaniards would not know on which side to turn
their Arms. His own Regiment he should quarter in Elvas,
whose Governour was wholly in his Interest. That as for the
manner of their making themselves Masters of Lisbon, Time
and Opportunity would be their best Counsellors; however,
the Duke's Opinion was, that they should seize the Palace
in the first place, so that by securing the Vice-Queen, and
the Spaniards of Note, they would be like so many
Hostages in their hands, for the Behaviour of the Governour
and Garison of the Citadel, who otherwise might very much
annoy 'em when they were Masters of the Town. After this,
the Duke having assur'd Pinto, that notwithstanding any
Change of Fortune, he should still have the same place in
his Affection; he sent him to Lisbon with two Letters of
Trust, one for Almeida, the other for Mendoza; wherein he
conjur'd 'em to continue faithful to their Promises, and
resolutely and courageously to finish what they had begun.
As soon as he arriv'd at Lisbon, he deliver'd his Letters to
Almeida and Mendoza, who instantly sent for Lemos and
Coreo, whom Pinto had long since engag'd in the Interest
of his Master. These were two rich Citizens, who had gone
thro all the Offices of the City, and had the People of it very
much at their command; as they still carry'd on their Trade,
there were a vast Number of poor People daily employ'd by
'em, and whose Hatred to the Spaniards they had still taken
care to encrease, by insinuating that there were new Taxes
to be laid upon several things at the beginning of the next
Year. When they observ'd any one of a fiery Temper, they
would take care to discharge him, on pretence that the
Castilians had utterly ruin'd their Trade, and that they were
no longer able to employ them; but their Aim was to reduce
them to Poverty and Want, insomuch that Necessity should
oblige them to revolt: but still would they extend their
Charity towards them, that they might always have them at
their service. Besides this, they had engag'd some of the
ablest Merchants and Tradesmen in every part of Lisbon,
and promis'd, that if the Conspirators would give 'em
warning over night of the Hour they intended to rise,
punctually at that time they would have half the City up in
Arms.
Pinto being thus sure of the Citizens, turn'd his Thoughts to
the other Conspirators: he advis'd them to be ready for the
Execution of their Plot upon the first notice given them;
that mean while he would have them pretend they had
some private Quarrel, and engage their Friends to assist
them, for many, he observ'd, were not fit to be entrusted
with so important a Secret, and others could not in cold
Blood behold the Dangers they must go thro, and yet both
be very serviceable when Matters were ripe, and only their
Swords wanted.
Finding every body firm in their Resolutions,
and impatient to revenge themselves upon Dec. 1.
1640.
the Spaniards, he conferr'd with Almeida,
Mendoza, Almada, and Mello, who fix'd upon Saturday, the
first of December, for the great, the important Day: Notice
was immediately given to the Duke of Braganza, that he
might cause himself to be proclaim'd King the same day in
the Province of Alentejo, most part of which belong'd to
him. After which they agreed upon meeting once more
before the time.
On the Twenty-fifth of November, according to their
Agreement, they met at Braganza-House, where mustering
their Forces, they found that they could depend upon about
One Hundred and Fifty Gentlemen, (most of them Heads of
Families) with their Servants and Tenants, and about Two
Hundred substantial Citizens, who could bring with them a
considerable Number of inferior Workmen.
Vasconcellos's Death was unanimously resolv'd on, as a just
Victim, and which would be grateful to the People. Some
urg'd, that the Archbishop of Braga deserv'd the same Fate,
especially considering the Strength of his Genius, and the
Greatness of his Courage; for it was not to be suppos'd that
he would be an idle Looker-on, but would probably be more
dangerous than the Secretary himself could be, by raising
all the Spaniards who were in Lisbon, with their Creatures;
and that whilst they were busy in making themselves
Masters of the Palace, he, at the head of his People, might
fling himself into the Citadel, or come to the assistance of
the Vice-Queen, to whose Service he was entirely devoted;
and that at such a time as this, Pity was unseasonable, and
Mercy dangerous.
These Considerations made the greatest part of the
Assembly consent to the Prelate's Death; and he had shar'd
Vasconcellos's Fate, had not[D] Don Miguel d'Almeida
interpos'd. He represented to the Conspirators, that the
Death of a Man of the Prelate's Character and Station,
would make them odious to the People; that it would
infallibly draw the Hatred of the Clergy, and of the
Inquisition in particular, (a People who at this Juncture were
to be dreaded) upon the Duke of Braganza, to whom they
would not only give the Names of Tyrant and Usurper, but
whom they would also excommunicate; that the Prince
himself would be sorely griev'd to have the Day stain'd with
so cruel an Action; that he himself would engage to watch
him so closely on that Day, that he should not have an
Opportunity of doing any thing which might be prejudicial
to the common Cause. In short, he urg'd so many things in
his behalf, that the Prelate's Life was granted, the Assembly
not being able to deny any thing to so worthy an Advocate.
Nothing now remain'd but to regulate the Order of the
March and Attack, which was agreed upon in this manner:
They should divide into four Companies, which should enter
the Palace by four different Ways; so that all the Avenues
to it being stopt, the Spaniards might have no
Communication with, or be able to assist one another: That
Don Miguel d'Almeida, with his, should fall on the German
Guard, at the Entrance of the Palace: That Mello Lord
Ranger, his Brother, and Don Estevan d'Acugna, should
attack the Guard, which was always set at a Place call'd the
Fort: That the Lord-Chamberlain Emanuel Saa, Teillo de
Menezes, and Pinto, should enter Vasconcellos's Apartment,
whom they must immediately dispatch: That Don Antonio
d'Almada, Mendoza, Don Carlos Norogna, and Antonio
Salsaigni, should seize the Vice-Queen, and the Spaniards
which were with her, to serve for Hostages, in case of need.
Mean while, some of the Gentlemen, with a few of the most
reputable Citizens, should proclaim Don John, Duke of
Braganza, King of Portugal throughout the City; and that
the People being rais'd by their Acclamations, they should
make use of them to assist, wherever they found any
Opposition. After this they resolv'd to meet on the first of
December in the morning, some at Almeida's, some at
Almada's, and the rest at Mendoza's House, where every
Man should be furnish'd with necessary Arms.
While these things were transacting at Lisbon, and that the
Duke's Friends were using all their Endeavours for his Re-
establishment, he receiv'd an Express from Olivarez, (who
grew very jealous of his Conduct) with positive Orders to
come immediately to Madrid; and that he might have
nothing to colour his Delay, he remitted him a Bill upon the
Royal Treasury for Ten Thousand Ducats.
The Commands laid upon him were so plain and positive,
that the Duke could not put off his Journey without justly
encreasing his Suspicion. He plainly foresaw, that if he did
not obey those Orders, the Court of Madrid would take
some such Measures as might prove fatal to him, and
wholly destroy their Projection; he would not therefore
refuse to obey, but made part of his Houshold immediately
set out, and take the Madrid Road. In the presence of the
Courier he gave several Orders relating to the Conduct of
those he left his Deputy-Governours, and in all respects
behav'd himself like a Man who was going a long Journey.
He dispatch'd a Gentleman to the Vice-Queen, to give her
notice of his Departure, and wrote to Olivarez, that he
would be at Madrid in eight Days time at farthest; and that
he might engage the Courier to report all these things, he
made him a considerable Present, under pretence of
rewarding him for his expeditious Haste, in bringing him
Letters from the King, and his first Ministers. At the same
time he let the Conspirators know what new Orders he had
receiv'd from Court, that they might see the Danger of
deferring the Execution of their Design; but they were
scarce in a Capacity of assisting him, an Accident having
happen'd, which had almost broken all their Measures.
There was at Lisbon a Nobleman, who on all Occasions had
shewn an immortal Hatred to the Spanish Government; he
never call'd them any thing but Tyrants and Usurpers, and
would openly rail at their unjust Proceedings, but nothing
anger'd him more than the Expedition of Catalonia:
d'Almada having taken care to fall often into his Company,
thought there was not a truer-hearted Portuguese in the
whole Kingdom, and that no one would more strenuously
labour for their Liberty. But oh Heaven! how great was his
Surprize! when having taken him aside, and discover'd the
whole Conspiracy to him, this base, this cowardly Wretch,
whose whole Courage was plac'd in his Tongue, refus'd to
have any hand in the Business, or to engage himself with
the Conspirators, pretending that their Plot had no solid
Foundation: Bold and adventrous where no Danger was,
but fearful and daunted as soon as it appear'd. "Have you,
said he to Almada, Forces enough to undertake so great a
thing? Where is your Army to oppose the Troops of Spain,
who upon the first News of the Revolt will enter the
Kingdom? What Grandees have you at your head? Can they
furnish you with Money sufficient to defray the Expence of
a Civil War? I fear, continued he, that instead of revenging
yourselves on the Spaniards, and freeing Portugal from
Slavery, you will utterly ruin it, by giving the Spaniards a
specious Pretence for doing what they have been so long
endeavouring at."
D'Almada, who expected nothing less than such an Answer,
and being very much troubled at his having entrusted the
Secret to a Man, who in all probability would betray it,
without replying drew his Sword, and coming up to the
other, his Eyes sparkling with Rage; "Base Wretch, said he,
by thy deceitful Words thou hast drawn a Secret from me,
with which thou must take my Life, or by the Loss of thine
atone for thy Treachery." The other, who had always
thought it safest to avoid the nearest Danger, at the sight
of d'Almada's naked Sword, promis'd to do any thing. He
offer'd to sign the Conspiracy, and found weighty Reasons
to destroy his former Objections; he swore that he would
bury the Secret in his Heart, and endeavour'd all he could
to persuade Almada, that it was neither want of Courage,
or Hatred to the Spaniards, which had at first made him
averse to what he had propos'd.
Notwithstanding his Oaths and Promises, d'Almada could
not be thoroughly satisfy'd of this Man's Fidelity; he took
care, without losing sight of him, to let the others know
what had happen'd. A general Consternation immediately
spread itself amongst them, and they fear'd, that the
Prospect of the Danger which he must share, or the Hope
of a Reward, would make this Wretch betray them. Upon
this they resolv'd to defer the Execution of their Project,
and forc'd Pinto to write to his Master, to put off his being
proclaim'd in his Country, till he should hear further from
them. But Pinto, who knew how dangerous it was to defer
such a thing, tho but for a Day, at the same time sent him
another Letter, in which he desir'd him to take no notice of
his first, seeing that it was only the Effect of a panick Fear,
which had seiz'd the Conspirators, and which would be over
long before the Express arriv'd.
Nor was this crafty Man at all deceiv'd; for the next Day
finding every thing still and quiet, and the Person who
caus'd the Alarm making fresh Promises of Secrecy, they
concluded that either he had arm'd his Mind with a
generous Resolution of assisting them, or was afraid of
impeaching so many Persons of Quality; and therefore they
determin'd to proceed to Execution on the appointed Day.
But another Adventure happen'd, which disquieted 'em as
much as the former.
There were always in the Palace several of the
Conspirators, walking up and down like Courtiers out of
Place, whose Business it was to observe what was done
within; but on the Evening of the last of November, they
came in a Fright to their Companions, to tell them that
Vasconcellos (by whose Death they were to begin the
mighty Work) was just gone on board a Yacht, and had
cross'd the Tagus. Who but Conspirators would have taken
notice of so indifferent a thing? For a thousand Reasons, in
which they were not concern'd, might have made him go
on the other side of the Water; but they immediately
concluded, that this artful Statesman, who had always his
Spies abroad, had discover'd their Plot, and was about to
bring into Lisbon those Soldiers which were quarter'd in the
Villages on the other side of the River. Death, in its most
ghastly Shape, appear'd to them, and they fancy'd that
they already felt the cruellest Torments which could be
inflicted. Some were resolving to fly into Africa, others into
England; and all of them spent the first part of the Night in
the greatest Disquiet imaginable, between the Hopes of Life
and Fear of Death. But about the middle of the Night their
Apprehensions vanish'd; for some who had been sauntring
about the Port, to endeavour to discover the Secretary's
Design, came and brought them the welcome News, that
Vasconcellos had been only diverting himself upon the
Water, and that he was return'd, with the Musick playing
before him. A sudden Joy succeeded to their Grief, and
about an hour after, being inform'd that every thing was
quiet in the Palace, and every body bury'd in a profound
Sleep, they return'd home to enjoy a little Rest; that they
might be fitter for the Morning's Work.
It was very late, or rather very early, when they parted, and
within some few hours of their appointed time, and yet an
Accident happen'd within those few hours, which had
almost betray'd them; so dangerous and uncertain are
Enterprizes of this nature, whilst there are Men, whom
Hopes of Gain, or Fear of Punishment, can work upon to
betray their Fellows. Don George Mello, Brother to the Lord
Ranger, lodg'd at a Relation's House, in the furthest
Suburbs of Lisbon. This Gentleman thought, that now the
time was come in which the Conspiracy would break out,
and there was no necessity of hiding it any longer from this
Relation, whom he had reason to believe was his Friend, as
also one that might be serviceable to them, and who
otherwise would for ever reproach him with having
distrusted him as one not true to the Interest of his
Country. Wherefore as soon as he came home, he went
into his Chamber, and there reveal'd the Secret, desiring
him to join in the Enterprize with so many Persons of
Quality, and to behave himself as a Portuguese ought to do
upon such an occasion. The other, surpriz'd at the
Strangeness of this News, affected a seeming Joy for the
approaching Liberty of his Country, thank'd Mello for the
Confidence he repos'd in him, and assur'd him, that he
accounted himself happy in having an opportunity of
exposing his Life in so just and glorious a Cause.
Upon this Mello retir'd to his Chamber, to lay himself down
to sleep, but scarce was he got thither, when he began
seriously to reflect upon what he had been doing, and
could not but think himself guilty of a very inconsiderate
Action, in putting the Lives of so many Persons of Quality in
the power of one, of whose Principles he was not overwell
assur'd; then began he to fancy, that he had observ'd
something of Fear in the Countenance of the Person, at the
time when he was advising him to share the Danger of the
Undertaking.
Full of these Reflections, he could not lay him down to rest,
but was walking in great Disorder about his Chamber, when
he thought he over-heard a kind of whispering Noise.
Opening his Window softly, to see if any body was in the
Street, he could perceive a Servant holding his Relation's
Horse, and himself ready to mount. Enrag'd at this, he
snatch'd his Sword, and hastening down stairs, seiz'd his
Kinsman, and ask'd him whither he was going at this
unseasonable time. The other would have forg'd an Excuse,
and was hammering out a Lye, but Mello holding his Point
to his Breast, threaten'd to kill him, if he did not
immediately go in again; then order'd he the Keys of the
House to be brought him, and having fasten'd all the Doors
himself, he retir'd with his Kinsman, nor would he lose sight
of him till it was time to go to the Rendevouz, to which he
carried him.
But now the Morning dawn'd, that was to decide whether
the Duke of Braganza should be the King and Deliverer of
his Country, or be accounted a Rebel and Traitor.
Betimes in the Morning the Conspirators met at the
appointed Places, where they were to be furnish'd with
Arms. They all appear'd with so much Resolution and
Courage, that they rather seem'd marching to a certain
Victory, than to an uncertain Enterprize. But what is very
much to be admir'd at, is, that amongst such a Number of
Nobility, Gentry, Citizens, nay Priests, not one should falsify
his Word, or break his Promise, tho their Interests in the
Event were very different; but they all seem'd as impatient
for the important Moment, as if each there had been the
Contriver of the Scheme, or at the Head of the Enterprize;
or rather, as if the Crown was to have been the Reward of
each individual Man's Labour. Several Ladies also made
themselves famous on that Day. But the noble Behaviour of
Donna Philippa de Villenes ought never to be forgotten,
who with her own hands arm'd both her Sons; and giving
them their Swords, "Go, my Children, said she, put an end
to a Tyrant's Power, revenge yourselves on your Enemies,
free your Country, and be assur'd, that if Success does not
crown your Undertaking, your Mother never will live to see
the cruel Fate of so many brave and deserving Patriots."
Every one being arm'd, they made the best of their way
towards the Palace, most of them in Litters, that they might
conceal their Number and their Arms. There they divided
into four Companies, and waited with impatience till the
Palace-Clock struck Eight; that, and the firing of a Pistol,
being the appointed Signal. Never did time seem so long;
they fear'd that their being at that Place so early, and in
such a Number, might make the Secretary jealous of their
Design: but at last the long-expected Hour struck, and
Pinto firing a Pistol, they rush'd forward to execute their
bold Design.
Don Miguel d'Almeida, with those that accompany'd him,
fell upon the German Guard, who were so far from
expecting any Attack, that they were sitting very carelessly,
few of them having their Arms in hand; so that they were
cut to pieces, without scarce making any resistance.
The Lord Ranger, with his Brother Mello, and Don Estevan
d'Acugna, fell on the Spaniards who kept Guard at a Place
before the Palace, call'd the Fort. These Nobles, followed by
most of the Citizens who were engag'd in the Conspiracy,
fell upon the Castilians Sword in hand, and fought most
resolutely; but no one behav'd himself more bravely than
one of the City Priests: this Reverend Man, with a Crucifix in
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