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.