John, of Austria, 1547-1578; Spain -- History -- Philip II, 1556-1598
opinion, and to do all you can that these captives should be
well treated, as I said above, that one should show fierceness
and bravery to one's enemies until one has conquered them, and
after they are conquered, gentleness and pity, and to advise me
on the first occasion that offers about this.
"Our Lord keep the Illustrious person of Y.E. as I wish.
"From Messina, the 7th of May, 1572."
Footnote 13:
Pius V having just died.
[Illustration:
PHILIP II AND HIS SON DON FERNANDO
_Titian. In Prado Gallery, Madrid_
]
At the end of this letter is the following postscript in D. John's own
hand:
"I desire that this boy should be given me much more than I can
say, as he will do so little harm, and I am truly fond of him,
and almost under an obligation, and thus, as I have said, I
desire to have my wish gratified, and for this I truly want your
help, whom I beg that if it now appears to you to be the time
and occasion, to do me this favour, to grant it, and to see that
in every case and time the rest of those in the company of the
said boy should be well treated, as pity towards such is
certainly, in my opinion, the sign of a good heart, and,
moreover, I wish that they should know that I am watching over
their interests, and all this I confide to you, Don Juan.
"At your service,
"D. JOHN."
The Pope, the King, and the Doge of Venice readily agreed to what D.
John asked, and left him exclusive master of the poor captive child. The
Generalissimo sent to set him at liberty with all his servants; but
beforehand, and while D. John was at Naples, there arrived in the port a
beautiful Turkish galley, with a safe conduct of embassy, sent by Fatima
Cadem, a daughter of Ali Pasha, and the only remaining relation left to
the orphan. Alhamet came in this galley, the tutor of the two brothers,
bringing a letter and a rich present from Fatima for D. John of Austria.
The following is the translation of her letter, given by Vander Hammen:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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