Page:Catherine of Bragança, infanta of Portugal, & queen-consort of England.djvu/531

 HE opinion her country held of Catherine was justified almost immediately. Pedro's health completely failed, and he became incapable of carrying on the government. His son was too young to take his place. His second Queen was now dead. In this time of perplexity he decided to make Catherine Regent of Portugal, a choice which the people greatly applauded.

Pedro retired to the province of Beira for his health and for complete quiet, and issued decrees to all tribunals that they should acknowledge Catherine's absolute authority. He sent his confessor to her with a document of directions, advising her to avail herself of the wisdom and experience of the Duke of Cardavall in any difficulties. He also appointed a Council of State for her, and a ministry.

It was a sudden and most unexpected charge, but Catherine was fully equal to the occasion. Those powers of mind and government so despised in the Court of Whitehall, now grandly vindicated themselves. The Queen-Consort, once derided by the wits of the British nation, looked on as a poor creature, without ability or sense, now showed herself in her true colours. She was solemnly and publicly declared Queen-Regent of Portugal in 1705. The