these drunkards, if necessary. To have the troops in France is almost as
well as to keep them here." He begged to be forgiven if he spoke
incoherently. 'T was no wonder that he should do so, for his reason had
been disordered by the blow which had been received. As for Don John, he
was dying to leave the country, and although the force was small for so
great a general, yet it would be well for him to lead these troops to
France in person. "It would sound well in history," said poor Escovedo,
who always thought of posterity, without ever dreaming that his own
private letters would be destined, after three centuries, to comment and
earnest investigation; "it would sound well in history, that Don John
went to restore, the French kingdom and to extirpate heretics, with six
thousand foot and two thousand horse. 'Tis a better employment, too,
than to govern such vile creatures as these."

If, however, all their plans should fail, the Secretary suggested to
his friend Antonio, that he must see and make courtiers of them. He
suggested that a strong administration might be formed in Spain, with Don
John, the Marquis de Los Velez, and the Duke of Sesa. "With such chiefs,
and with Anthony and John--[Viz., John of Escovedo and Antony Perez.]--
for acolytes," he was of opinion that much good work might be done, and
that Don John might become "the staff for his Majesty's old age." He
implored Perez, in the most urgent language, to procure Philip's consent
that his brother should leave the provinces. "Otherwise," said he, "we
shall see the destruction of the friend whom we so much love! He will
become seriously ill, and if so, good night to him! His body is too
delicate." Escovedo protested that he would rather die himself. "In the
catastrophe of Don John's death," he continued, "adieu the court, adieu
the world!" He would incontinently bury himself among the mountains of
San Sebastian, "preferring to dwell among wild animals than among
courtiers." Escovedo, accordingly, not urged by the most disinterested