“Perfidy completed the horrible plot which sedition commenced.... Being conversant now with the falsity with which the loyalty of my beloved Spaniards was calumniated, as they are always faithful to the descendants of their Kings; and being quite persuaded that it is not in my power, nor in my desires, to break with the immemorial custom of the succession established for centuries past, sanctioned by the law, and followed by the illustrious heroines who have preceded me on the throne; and solicited by the unanimous votes of the kingdoms, and free now from the influence and coercion of those fatal circumstances--I declare solemnly of my own free will that the decree signed at the time of my illness was torn from me by surprise, and that it was the effect of the false terrors which upset me, and that it is now null and void, being contrary to the fundamental laws of the monarchy and the obligations which I owe my august descendants, as father and as King. “In my Palace of Madrid, “December 31, 1832.” Ferdinand’s feeling for his wife was shown in the public letter of gratitude which was published soon after his return to Madrid. It ran thus: “_The King to my very dear and beloved Wife, the Queen._ “During the very grave and painful illness with which the Divine Providence saw fit to afflict me, the constant care and inseparable companionship of Your Majesty have been my consolation and delight. I never opened my eyes without seeing you by my side, and finding palliatives for my pain in your face and words; I never received food which did not come from your hand. It is to you I owe consolation in my afflictions and the assuagement of my pain. Weakened by so much suffering, and condemned to a long and tedious convalescence, I then gave you the reins of government, so that the despatch of business should not be delayed; and it is with joy that I have seen the singular wisdom and diligence with which you have directed them, and have abundantly justified my confidence. All the decrees that you have expedited have been to advance public education, to dry the tears of the unhappy, or to increase the general prosperity and the receipts of my Exchequer. In fine, all your determinations have, without exception, pleased me much as the wisest and the best for the happiness of the people. “Recovered from my illness, I once more take over the affairs, and I give Your Majesty the most heartfelt thanks for your zeal in my assistance, and for your efficiency in the government. “The gratitude for such signal offices, which will always live in my heart, will be a fresh stimulus and justification for the love with which your talents and virtues have inspired me from the beginning. “I am proud, and congratulate myself that you have not only been the delight of the Spanish people since your advent to the throne, but you have given me joy and peace, and are now an example of wifely solicitude to wives and a model of administration to Queens.