Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. I.djvu/187

MINORITY OF FERDINAND. 43 his title to the crown of Navarre, in conformity ciiaptek with the original marriage contract of his parents, . —- to his sister Blanche and her posterity. ^^ Thus in the prime of life, and at the moment when he seemed to have triumphed over the malice of his enemies, died the prince of Viana, whose character, conspicuous for many virtues, has become still more so for his misfortunes. His first act of rebellion, if such, considering his legitimate preten- sions to the crown, it can be called, was severely requited by his subsequent calamities ; while the vindictive and persecuting temper of his parents excited a very general commiseration in his behalf, and brought him more effectual support, than could have been derived from his own merits or the jus- tice of his cause. The character of Don Carlos has been portrayed "ischarac by Lucio Marineo, who, as he wrote an account of these transactions by the command of Ferdinand the Catholic, cannot be suspected of any undue partiality in favor of the prince of Viana. " Such," says he, " were his temperance and moderation, such the excellence of his breeding, the purity of his life, his liberality and munificence, and such the sweetness of his demeanor, that no one thing seemed to be wanting in him which belongs to a true and perfect prince." ^^ He is described by 25 Alonso de Palencia, Cronica, 36 L. Marineo, Cosas Memora- MS., part. 2, cap. 51. — L. Mari- bles, fol. 106. — "For quanto era neo, Cosas MemorableSjfol. 114. — la templan^a y mesura de aquel Aleson, Anales de Navarra, torn, principe ; tan grande el concierto iv. pp. 561 - 563. — Zurita, Anales, y su crian^a y costumbres, la lim- cap. 19, 24. pieza de su vida, su liberalidad y