The King, who now saw himself fully at liberty, and no longer fear'd the prudent Queen's just Reproofs, gave a loose to his Passions, and indulg'd his pernicious Inclinations. He would scour the Streets at Night with his Bravoes, and abuse every one he met with; nor did the Watch fare better than their Neighbours. Never a Night did he ramble, but the next Morning tragical Histories were publish'd, of several who had been wounded or murder'd in the Streets; and People fled before him with greater Fear than they would before a hungry Lion, just broke loose from his Den. The Count _de Castel-Melhor_ was his first Minister; he was an intriguing, insinuating Courtier, but far from being an able Statesman: haughty in Prosperity, fawning and timorous in Adversity. In his hands were the Reins of the Government, the King reserving no Authority to himself, but that of doing what mischief he pleas'd unpunish'd; nor did the Count ever make it his business to reclaim him, well knowing that the King's Follies and his Authority were inseparable. The _Spaniards_ flatter'd themselves with the Hopes of easily reducing _Portugal_, whilst it had such a Monarch as Don _Alphonso_. To this end they sent a strong Army against it, under the Command of Don _John_ of _Austria_, natural Son to _Philip_ IV. The King of _Portugal_ sent _Schomberg_ to oppose him, notwithstanding the Count _de Villa-Flor_ had the Title of Generalissimo. And to the Count of _Schomberg_'s Courage and Conduct it was that Don _Alphonso_ ow'd the Preservation of his Crown: He beat the _Spaniards_ several times, notwithstanding what _Villa-Flor_ did; who, jealous of his Glory, endeavour'd all he could to cross his Measures, and had effectually done it, had not _Schomberg_'s Interest been greater both at Court and in the Army, which joyfully obey'd the Commands of their brave Leader, who always led them to a certain Victory.