_Pinto_, without loss of time, march'd directly to join the other Conspirators, who were to make themselves Masters of the Palace, and to seize the Vice-Queen; he found that the Business was already done, and that Success had every where crown'd their Undertakings. Those who were appointed for that Expedition, came directly up to her Chamber, and the furious Mob, who follow'd them, threatning to set her Apartment on fire, if the Door was not immediately open'd; the Vice-Queen thinking by her Presence to pacify the Nobility, and awe the People, came out, attended by her Maids of Honour, and the Archbishop of _Braga_; and addressing herself to the chief Conspirators, "I own, Gentlemen, _said she_, that the Secretary justly deserv'd your Hatred and Indignation; his Cruelty and his haughty Insolence were intolerable, nor can his Death be charg'd upon you as a Crime, since you have only deliver'd yourselves from an oppressing Minister: But cannot his Blood satisfy you? Or what other Victim would you sacrifice to your Resentment? Think seriously, that altho' his illegal Conduct may excuse this Insurrection, yet should you any longer continue in Arms, Rebellion will be laid at your doors, and you will put it out of my power to make your Peace with the King." Don _Antonio de Menezes_ answer'd, and assur'd her, "That so many Persons of Quality had not taken up Arms to murder a Wretch, who ought to have lost his Life by the hands of the common Hangman; but that their Design was to restore the Crown to the Duke of _Braganza_, to whom it lawfully belong'd, and which the King of _Spain_ had unjustly usurp'd; and that they were all ready to sacrifice their Lives in so glorious a Cause." She was about to reply, and to interpose the King's Authority; but _d'Almeida_, who fear'd that such a Speech might have a dangerous effect upon the People, or at least cool their Courages, interrupted her, saying, "That _Portugal_ acknowledg'd no other King but the Duke of _Braganza_." Upon which the People shouted again, crying, _Long live Don_ John, _King of_ Portugal! The Vice-Queen believing that her Presence might be of service in the City, and have a good effect upon the People every where, where the Conspirators were not present, was going in haste down stairs, but Don _Carlos Norogna_ stopp'd her, desiring that she would retire to her own Apartment, assuring her that she should be treated with as much Respect as if she still had the supreme Command in the Kingdom; but told her that it would be dangerous for so great a Princess to expose herself to the Insults of a furious People, who were jealous of their Liberties, and enflam'd with Thirst of Revenge. The Queen easily understood the meaning of his words, and found that she was their Prisoner. Enrag'd at this, "And what can the People do to me?" _cry'd she_. "Nothing, Madam, _reply'd_ Norogna _in a passion_, but fling your Highness out of the Window."