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. [Sidenote: _Octob. 20. 1640._] Upon this several Councils were held at _Madrid_, in which it was resolv'd, that the 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.