Page:History of the Reign of Ferdinand and Isabella the Catholic Vol. III.djvu/203

177 HER CHARACTER. 177 being led to this, she adds, " by the consideration chapter XVI of the magnanimity and illustrious qualities of the '. king, my lord, as well as his large experience, and the great profit, which will redound to the state from his wise and beneficent rule." She expresses her sincere conviction, that his past conduct affords a sufficient guaranty for his faithful administration, but, in compliance with established usage, requires the customary oath from him on entering on the duties of the office. She then makes a specific provision for her hus- Provision ^ ^ _ for him. band's personal maintenance, which, " although less than she could wish, and far less than he deserves, considering the eminent services he had rendered the state," she settles at one half of all the net proceeds and profits accruing from the newly dis- covered countries in the west ; together with ten million maravedies annually, assigned on the alca- valas of the grandmasterships of the military orders. After some additional regulations, respecting the descent of the crown on failure of Joanna's lineal heirs, she recommends in the kindest and most emphatic terms to her successors the various mem- bers of her household, and her personal friends, among whom we find the names of the marquis and marchioness of Moya, (Beatrice de Bobadilla, the companion of her youth,) and Garcilasso de la Vega, the accomplished minister at the papal court. And, lastly, concluding in the same beautiful strain of conjugal tenderness in which she began, she says, " I beseech the king my lord, that he will accept all my jewels, or such as he shall select, so VOL. III. 23