Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/92

72 be decided with whom the blame should rest, although the defense of the archbishop appeared by no means satisfactory. One thing was certain however, that the authority of the king had been defied in his representative, and that an audiencia which had failed to support him at a critical moment could not be trusted with supreme control. It was also the opinion of the nobles that exemplary punishment should be meted to the ringleaders, lest leniency give encouragement to greater disloyalty. But to this the marqués de Montesclaros objected, saying that "a child could in his majesty's name control the whole viceroyalty.” Time had evidently left a happy impression on the mind of the ex-viceroy.

Nevertheless it was decided to appoint a new ruler; one possessed of firmness to assume control of an apparently disordered country and with sagacity to guide an investigation and restore harmony by reconciling discordant elements, for it was not thought either prudent or needful to send troops. Such a man it was thought might be found in the governor of Galicia, Rodrigo Pacheco y Osorio, marqués de Cerralvo, who combined great physical strength with tried bravery, and while occasionally subject to passionate outbursts was reputed to be of jovial disposition and agreeable in manner, yet withal devout and addicted to study. These qualities had however contributed less, it is said, to obtain the favor which he enjoyed at court than the fortunate circumstance that he once saved the queen by carrying her away from a fire.

Owing to the apparent urgency of the case Cerralvo hastened on his way accompanied by his marchioness