The Marquiss _Daiamonti_ was well pleas'd to see the Duke in that Disposition he had long wish'd to see him in; he wanted to acquaint the King of _Portugal_ with it, but was unwilling to trust to Letters, and fear'd he could not send a Messenger so privately, but that the Court of _Spain_ might discover it, and have just cause to mistrust his Fidelity: However, at last he cast his eyes upon a crafty and intriguing Monk, who for love of Money, or hope of Preferment, would undertake any thing; he was call'd Father _Nicholas de Valasco_, of the Order of _St. Francis_. No one could be fitter for his purpose, since in the Countries where the Inquisition is, this Habit is so much respected, that no one would dare to pry into his Actions, and observe his Steps. As soon as he had receiv'd his Instructions, he came to _Castro-Marino_, the first Town on the Frontiers of _Portugal_, pretending to ransom some _Castilian_ Prisoners which were detain'd in _Portugal_. The King, who had notice given him of it, by a Letter from the Marquiss _Daiamonti_, was desir'd to seize him, and bring him to Court: This was accordingly done; he was arrested as a Spy, loaded with Chains, and brought to _Lisbon_ as a State-Criminal, whom the Ministry themselves would examine; where he was immediately cast into Prison, and seemingly watch'd very strictly: some time after he was set at liberty, since upon Examination it appear'd, that his only Intent was to ransom some _Castilian_ Prisoners; and partly, to make him amends for his former ill Usage, he was permitted to come to Court, to treat with the proper Officer about it. The King saw him himself several times, and promis'd him, that as a Reward of his Industry and faithful Service, he would give him a Bishoprick. The Monk, flatter'd with the hopes of the Mitre, would never stir from the Palace; he made his court to the Queen, and was always waiting upon the Ministers: He wanted to be let into all the State-Intrigues, and did all he could to shew what Credit he had at Court; and thus, without directly revealing his Secret, he betray'd it by his Pride and Inconsiderateness. It plainly appear'd, that the Severity of his Prison was only a blind, and the Examination of the Ministry a pretence to introduce him into Court. Many and various were the Conjectures which were made about his real Business there; but at last a _Castilian_, who was Prisoner at _Lisbon_, discover'd the whole Intrigue.