We hasten to conclude these anecdotes, not to be found in the pages of Hume and Smollett.—­Wilson says that both kingdoms rejoiced:—­“Preparations were made in England to entertain the Infanta; a new church was built at St. James’s, the foundation-stone of which was laid by the Spanish ambassador, for the public exercise of her religion:  her portrait was multiplied in every corner of the town; such as hoped to flourish under her eye suddenly began to be powerful.  In Spain (as Wilson quaintly expresses himself) the substance was as much courted as the shadow here.  Indeed the Infanta, Howel tells us, was applying hard to the English language, and was already called the Princess of England.  To conclude,—­Charles complained of the repeated delays; and he and the Spanish court parted with a thousand civilities.  The Infanta however observed, that had the Prince loved her, he would not have quitted her.”

How shall we dispel those clouds of mystery with which politics have covered this strange transaction?  It appears that James had in view the restoration of the palatinate to his daughter, whom he could not effectually assist; that the court of Rome had speculations of the most dangerous tendency to the protestant religion; that the marriage was broken off by that personal hatred which existed between Olivares and Buckingham; and that, if there was any sincerity existing between the parties concerned, it rested with the Prince and the Infanta, who were both youthful and romantic, and were but two beautiful ivory balls in the hands of great players.

DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

The Duke of Buckingham, in his bold and familiar manner, appears to have been equally a favourite with James I. and Charles I. He behaved with singular indiscretion both at the courts of France and Spain.

Various anecdotes might be collected from the memoir writers of those countries, to convince us that our court was always little respected by its ill choice of this ambassador.  His character is hit off by one master-stroke from the pencil of Hume:  “He had,” says this penetrating observer of men, “English familiarity and French levity;” so that he was in full possession of two of the most offensive qualities an ambassador can possess.

Sir Henry Wotton has written an interesting life of our duke.  At school his character fully discovered itself, even at that early period of life.  He would not apply to any serious studies, but excelled in those lighter qualifications adapted to please in the world.  He was a graceful horseman, musician, and dancer.  His mother withdrew him from school at the early age of thirteen, and he soon became a domestic favourite.  Her fondness permitted him to indulge in every caprice, and to cultivate those agreeable talents which were natural to him.  His person was beautiful, and his manners insinuating.  In a word, he was adapted to become a courtier.  The fortunate opportunity soon presented itself; for James saw him, and invited him to court, and showered on him, with a prodigal hand, the cornucopia of royal patronage.