Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. II.djvu/367

 CHAPTER IV.

ALLIANCES OF THE ROYAL FAMILY. - DEATH OF PRINCE JOHN AND PRINCESS ISABELLA.

Royal Family of Castile. — Matrimonial Alliances with Portugal. — With Austria. — Marriage of John and Margaret. — Death of Prince John. — The Queen's Resignation. — Independence of the Cortes of Aragon. — Death of the Princess Isabella. — Recognition of her infant Son Miguel.

The credit and authority which the Castilian chapter sovereigns established by the success of their arms, were greatly raised by the matrimonial connexions which they formed for their children. This was too important a spring of their policy to be passed over in silence. Their family consisted of one son and four daughters, whom they carefully educated in a manner befitting their high rank ; and who repaid their solicitude by exemplary filial obedience, and the early manifestation of virtues rare even in a private station. They seem to have inherited many of the qualities which distinguished their