Saint Antonio's day did bring Of miracles this twain, 'Twas then the Lord began to reign, And devil cast from the King. [44] Novoa and, also for other details, Newsletters in Valladares' _Semanario Erudito_, vol. xxxiii. [45] Many of these particulars are taken from the Venetian narrative, British Museum MSS., Add. 8701. [46] The work was confiscated by the Inquisition, and the supposed authors and the printer prosecuted; as were the attacks that gave rise to it. {376} CHAPTER IX DEATH OF RICHELIEU AND OF THE CARDINAL INFANTE--PHILIP'S GOOD RESOLUTIONS--HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE NUN OF AGREDA--PHILIP WITH HIS ARMIES--DEATH OF QUEEN ISABEL OF BOURBON--THE WAR CONTINUES IN CATALONIA--DEATH OF BALTASAR CARLOS--PHILIP'S GRIEF--HE LOSES HEART--INFLUENCE OF THE NUN--HIS SECOND MARRIAGE WITH HIS NIECE MARIANA--HIS LIFE WITH HER--DON LUIS DE HARO--NEGOTIATIONS WITH ENGLAND--CROMWELL'S ENVOY, ANTHONY ASCHAM--HIS MURDER IN MADRID--FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN PHILIP AND THE ENGLISH COMMONWEALTH--CROMWELL SEIZES JAMAICA--WAR WITH ENGLAND [Sidenote: Changed conditions] The disappearance from the scene of Olivares seemed to the people of Madrid to change the national winter into summer. All the evils under which Spain had groaned so long would vanish, they thought, like snow before the sunshine; and once more Spain, powerful and rich, would dictate the law to Europe. Philip swore in solemn fashion to forsake dissipation and devote himself thenceforward to the welfare of his people. It was a golden dream whilst it lasted, and for a time it really did lift Spaniards into some semblance of the old-time faith and confidence. All the gang {377} of Guzmans were thrust into the background, and those who had stood aloof were now summoned to the Councils of the King. Quevedo came from his dungeon, cynically triumphant; the distribution of business amongst a multitude of unimportant juntas subservient to Olivares was abolished, and the great Councils again took executive and administrative charge of the affairs entrusted to them. The active and intelligent influence of the Queen was exerted everywhere; and new life was breathed for a time in the languishing body of the State.