[King Henry of Portugal dyes.] This Year King Henry Dy'd in Portugal, when he had Reign'd but thirteen Months. Five Governours had the Administration during the Interregnum, and were disturb'd by the Arming of Don Antonio, within the Kingdom, and by King Philip's Forces already advancing into the Frontiers. So that neither Government could do any more than consult about the present Exigencies; which at that Time were neither perfect Peace nor open War, there being Hopes that they would lay down their Arms, and joyn with their true Prince, whom the Portuguese is wont to Love, as a Father, rather than as a King. However there were some Troubles, and Commotions. Private Discord is an inseparable incident to all Governments, and that draws the Thoughts of Men after it, and is often the Original of general Calamities, tho' it be moderated, or justify'd by a sincere Zeal.
King Philip enter'd Lisbon supporting his Right by his Power, and [King Philip the II. at Lisbon.] whilst the other Provinces, which compose that Monarchy in Spain, Africk, Asia, and the East-Indies submitted to him, he bestow'd Favours, gave Laws, confirm'd the Old, ratified Priviledges, and gain'd Affections by his Presence, and a General Pardon, which he extended to those who had offended him. On the 15th of November 1582, he swore to observe those Laws establish'd by his Predecessors, and particularly by King Emanuel, as then next Heir to the Crowns of Spain, for himself and his Son, Prince Michael, whom God took to a better Kingdom in his Infancy. Those Laws were afterwards sworn to by King Sebastian, and all of them imported, that all Honours, Employments, Benefices, and the Management of the Revenue of the Crown, with all other Commands by Sea and Land, in Portugal, Africk, India, the Islands and all other Parts already conquered, or to be conquer'd by that Crown, shall be in the Hands of Natural born Portugueses. And by the 24th Chapter of these Laws, it was establish'd, that in fitting out Fleets [He Swears to maintain the Laws.] for India, or otherwise for Defence of the Kingdom, or suppressing of Pyrates, the King should take the necessary Measures with the Kingdom of Portugal, though he should use the Assistance of his Majesties other Dominions. They were sensible that this favourable Law, without infringing the Antient Laws, made way for employing the Forces of the Crown of Castile, in the Recovery, or Preservation of the Kingdoms of the Eastern Archipelago, where at that Time the Christians suffer'd Martyrdom, without any Opposition. And the King for the Recovery of Ternate, especially consider'd the Conveniency of the Philippine Islands, which lie more opportune than India; the Justness of which Reflection has been confirm'd by the Event.