It was a very hard matter to gain Access to _Olivarez_, who had his set Hours of granting Audience, and at which time he sent word the Pay-Master must return. Enrag'd at this Refusal, _Sancho_ cry'd he must, he would speak to him; that his Business was no Trifle, but the Safety of the Kingdom depended on its being immediately reveal'd.
This being told _Olivarez_, he order'd him to be admitted: _Sancho_ enter'd the Room, and threw himself at his feet, crying the Kingdom was sav'd from the Ruin which threaten'd it, since he had gain'd Admittance to one, in whose power it was to prevent it; then told the whole Story of the Duke of _Medina_'s Intent, encourag'd in it by the King of _Portugal_, and persuaded to it by the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, his Design of seizing upon the Galloons, and of making the Soldiers of _Andalusia_ turn their Arms against their King: to justify all which, he deliver'd those Letters given him by the _Franciscan_ for the Duke and Marquiss, and which contain'd the Scheme of the Conspiracy.
_Olivarez_, was so surpriz'd at the Strangeness of this News, that he could not for some time utter a word, but at last recovering himself, he prais'd _Sancho_ for his Loyalty, and told him that he deserv'd a double Reward, not only as he had reveal'd the Plot, but also as he had not been afraid to discover it even to the nearest Relation of the chief Conspirator. Then order'd he the _Spaniard_ to be conducted into a private Apartment, and be debarr'd the liberty of speaking to any one.
Mean while the Minister went into the King's Apartment, and told him all that _Sancho_ had related, and shew'd him the Letters which he had deliver'd him.
Never was Prince in a greater Consternation than _Philip_ was, long had he observ'd and dreaded the haughty Carriage of the _Gusmans_; and as the Loss of _Portugal_, which he thought was owing to the Dutchess of _Braganza_, was still fresh in his Memory, he could not forbear telling _Olivarez_, in a reproachful manner, that all the Misfortunes which the _Spaniards_ had lately suffer'd, they were beholden to his Family for. This Prince wanted neither Wit or Judgment, but he was so addicted to Pleasure, that he would never apply himself to any thing that carry'd the face of Business, but would rather have lost half his Dominions, than be oblig'd to quit his indolent and effeminate manner of Living: Wherefore having vented his Passion in this Reproach, he gave the _Franciscan_'s Letters back to _Olivarez_, without so much as opening them; ordering him to have them examin'd by a Committee, compos'd of three Members of his Privy-Council, who should make their Report to him.
