CHAPTER I.

DOMESTIC AFFAIRS OF SPAIN 153

Internal Administration 153

Revolutions under Isabella and Charles V. 153

Absolute Power of the Crown 154

Contrast between Charles and Philip 154

The latter wholly a Spaniard 154

The Royal Councils 155

Principal Advisers of the Crown 155

Character of Ruy Gomez de Silva 155

Figueroa, Count of Feria 157

Cardinal Espinosa 157

Two Parties in the Council 159

Balance held by Philip 159

His Manner of transacting Business 159

His Assiduity 160

His Mode of dividing the Day 161

His Love of Solitude 161

Extent of his Information 161

Partial Confidence in his Ministers 162

His Frugality 162

His magnificent Establishment 162

His fatal Habit of Procrastination 163

Remonstrances of his Almoner 164

Habits of the great Nobles 164

Manners of the Court 165

Degeneracy of the Nobles 165

Splendour of their Households 165

Loss of Political Power 166

Depressed Condition of the Commons 166

Petitions of the Cortes 166

Their Remonstrance against Arbitrary Government 167

Their Regard for the National Interests 167

Erroneous Notions respecting Commerce 168

Sumptuary Laws 168

Encouragement of Bull-Fights 169

Various Subjects of Legislation 169

Schools and Universities 170

Royal Pragmatics 170

Philip's Replies to the Cortes 170

Freedom of Discussion 171

Standing Army 171

Guards of Castile 171