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Portland pent. She sits with her feet towards an aged figure, having one foot sunk into the earth, and the other raised Porto. on a column, with his chin resting on his hand. Above the female figure is a Cupid preceding the first figure, and beckoning him to advance. This first figure holds a cloak or garment, which he seems anxious to bring with him, but which adheres to the side of the portal through which he has passed. In this compartment there are two trees, one of which bends over the female figure and the other over the aged one. On the bottom of the vase there is another figure on a larger scale than the one we have already mentioned, but not so well finished nor so elevated. This figure points with its finger to its mouth. The dress appears to be curious and cumbersome, and above them is the foliage of a tree. On the head of the figure there is a Phrygian cap: it is not easy to say whether this figure be male or female. On the handles of the vase are represented two aged heads with the ears of a quadraped, and from the middie of the forehead rises a kind of tree without leaves; these figures are in all probability mere ornaments, and have no connection with the rest of the figures, or the story represented on the vase.

PORTLANDIA, a genus of plants belonging to the pentandria class, and in the natural method ranking with those of which the order is doubtful. See BOTANY Index.

PORT-LOUIS, is a strong town of France, in the department of Morbihan, in the diocese of Vannes, with a citadel and a good harbour. It was fortified by Louis XIII. from whom it derived its name. It was a station for part of the royal navy and the East India ships belonging to France. It is seated at the mouth of the river Blavet, 27 miles west of Vannes. W. Long. 3. 18. N. Lat. 47. 40.

PORT-Mahon. See MINORca.
PORTO. See OPORTO.

PORTO-Bello, a town of North America, situated in N. Lat. 9. 3. W. Long. 79. 45. close to the sea, on the declivity of a mountain, which surrounds the whole harbour. This harbour is so large, deep, and safe, that Columbus, who first discovered it, gave it the name of Porto-Bello, or the "Fine Harbour," which is now commonly used to denote the town. The number of the houses is about 130; most of them of wood, large and spacious, forming one long street along the strand, with other smaller ones crossing it. The governor of the town is always a gentleman of the army, subordinate to the president of Panama; but having under him the commandants of the forts that defend the harbour. At the east end of the town, on the road to Panama, is a place called Guinea, where all the negroes of both sexes, whether slaves or free, have their habitations. This place is very much crowded when the galleons are here, most of the inhabitants of the town quitting their houses entirely for the sake of letting them; while others content themselves with a small part, in order to make money of the rest. The Mulattoes and other poor families also remove either to Guinea, or to cottages already erected near it, or built on the occasion. Great numbers of artificers likewise, who flock to Porto-Bello from Panama to work at their respective callings during the fair, lodge in Guinea for cheapness. Towards the sea, in a large tract between the town and Gloria castle, barracks are erected, in most of which the ships crews VOL. XVII. Part I.

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keep stalls of sweet-meats, and other kinds of catables, Porto brought from Spain; but at the conclusion of the fair, when the ships put to sea, all these buildings are taken down, and the town returns to its former tranquillity and emptiness. In 1739, the harbour was defended by a castle and two forts; which were all demolished by Admiral Vernon, who, with six ships only, made himself master of this port. The country about Porto-Bello is overrun with mountains and impenetrable forests, except a few valleys, in which are some scattered farms. Among the mountains that surround the harbour is one distinguished by the name of Capiro, and by its superior loftiness is a sort of barometer to the country, by foretelling every change of weather. Its top is always covered with clouds, of a density and darkness seldom seen in those of the atmosphere. When these clouds thicken, increase their blackness, and sink below their usual station, it is a sure sign of a tempest; while, on the other hand, their clearness and ascent as certainly indicate the approach of fair weather. These changes are very sudden and frequent here. The summit of the mountain is scarce ever clear from clouds ; and when it happens, it is only, as it were, for an instant. Except in the time of the fair, all the inhabitants of Porto-Bello do not amount to 3000; half of whom are Indians, Mulattoes, or Negroes; the Spaniards of any substance not choosing to reside in a place so extremely unhealthy, and fatal even to the lives of the natives. Ulloa tells us, that the cattle brought down hither from Panama or Carthagena, lose their flesh so fast in the best pastures, as to become scarce eatable: he assures us also, that neither horses nor asses are bred here. The heat, indeed, is excessive; and the torrents of rain are so dreadful, sudden, and impetuous, that one not accustomed to them, would imagine a second deluge was coming. These torrents are also accompanied with frightful tempests of thunder and lightning, the awfulness of the scene being heightened by the repercussions from the mountains, and the shrieks and howlings of multitudes of monkeys of all kinds which inhabit the surrounding woods.

Fresh water pours down in streams from the mountains, some running without the town, and others crossing it. These waters are very light and digestive; qualities which in other countries would be very valuable, but are here pernicious, producing dysenteries, which the patient seldom survives. However, these rivulets, formed into reservoirs, serve the purposes of bathing, which is here found to be very conducive to health.

As the forests almost border on the houses of the town, tygers often make incursions into the streets during the night, carrying off fowls, dogs, and other domestic animals, and sometimes even children have fallen a prey to them. Besides the snares usually laid for them, the Negroes and Mulattoes, who fell wood in the forests of the mountains, are very dexterous in encountering them; and some, for a slender reward, even seek them in their retreats.

The town of Porto-Bello, which is thinly inhabited by reason of its noxious air, the scarcity of provisions, and the barrenness of the soil, becomes, after the arrival of the galleons, one of the most populous towns in the world. He who had seen it quite empty, and every place wearing a melancholy aspect, would be filled with astonishment to see the bustling multitudes in the time E e

of

Porto.

B 'Ports

mouth.

the eastern coast of Brasil; bounded on the north by Porto the government of Rio-dos-Hilios, on the east by the North sea, on the south by the government of SpirituSanto, and on the west by the Tupicks. It is a very fertile country, and the capital town is of the same name. It is built on the top of a rock, at the mouth of a river, on the coast of the North sea, and is inhabited by Portuguese. W. Long. 38. 50. S. Lat.

of the fair, when every house is crowded, the squares and streets encumbered with bales of merchandise and chests of gold and silver, the harbour full of ships and vessels, loaded with provisions and goods. Formerly the fair was limited to no particular time; but as a long stay in such a sickly place extremely affected the health of the traders, his Catholic majesty transmitted an order that the fair should not last above 40 days; and that, if in that time the merchants could not agree on their rates, those of Spain should be allowed to carry their goods up the country to Peru and accordingly, the commodore of the galleons has orders to re-embark them, and return to Carthagena; but otherwise, by virtue of a compact between the merchants of both kingdoms, and ratified by the king, no Spanish trader is to send his goods, on his own account, beyond Porto-Bello. The English were formerly allowed to send a ship annually to this fair, which turned to great account; and, while the assiento contract subsisted, either with the English or the French, one of their principal factories was at Porto-Bello.

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In the summer of 1819, this town was taken by Sir Gregor Macgregor, who professed to act for the independent party in Spanish America; but in the course of a few days, he was surprised by the Spaniards, nearly his whole force taken, and he himself narrowly es caped.

PORTO-Farina, a port about 12 miles from Cape Carthage, in the bay of Tunis, where formerly the large vessels belonging to the bey were fitted out, and laid up on their return from a cruise. This harbour is safe from the weather, and opens into a large lake, formed by the Mejerdah, which runs through into the sea.-The northwest wind, which blows right upon the shore, together with the soil brought down by the river, which has the, same quality as the Nile of overflowing its banks, has formed a bar, so that only small vessels can now enter. It is still the arsenal where the naval stores are kept. E. Long. 10. 16. N. Lat. 37. 12.

PORTO-Farraio, a handsome town of Italy in the isle of Elba, with a good citadel. It is very strong, and seated on a long, high, steep point of land, to the west of the bay of the same name, which has two forts. It belongs to the great duke of Tuscany, who always keeps a good garrison there. E. Long. 10. 37. N. Lat. 48.

55.

PORTO-Longone, a small but very strong town of Italy, and in the isle of Elba, with a good harbour, and a fortress upon a rock almost inaccessible. The king of Naples has a right to put a garrison therein, though the place belongs to the prince of Piombino. It is seated on the east end of the island, eight miles south-west of Piombino. E. Long. 10. 10. N. Lat. 42. 52.

PORTO-Santo, an island of the Atlantic ocean, on the coast of Africa, and the least of those called the Madeiras. It is about 15 miles in circumference; it produces some corn, as well as some oxen and wild hogs, with a vast number of rabbits. There are trees which produce the gum or resin called dragon's blood; and there is likewise a little honey and wax, which are extremely good. It has no harbour, but good mooring in the road. It belongs to the Portuguese, and is 300 miles west of the coast of Africa. W. Long. 16. 20. N. Lat. 32. 58.

PORTO-Seguro, a government of South America, on

17.0.

PORTO-Vecchio, is a sea-port town of Corsica, in the Mediterranean sea, seated on a bay on the eastern coast of the island. It is 12 miles from Bonifacio, and 40 north of Sardinia. E. Long. 9. 20. N. Lat. 41. 42. PORTO-Venereo, is a town of Italy, on the coast of Genoa, at the entrance of the gulf of Spetia. It is seated on the side of a bill, at the top of which there is a fort. It has a very good harbour, and is 45 miles south-east of Genoa. E. Long. 9. 38. N. Lat. 44. 5.

PORTRAIT, or PORTRAITURE, in painting, the representation of a person, and especially of a face, done from the life. In this sense we use the term portraitpainting, in contradiction to history-painting, where a resemblance of persons is usually disregarded. Portraits, when as large as the life, are usually painted in oil-colours; sometimes they are painted in miniature with water-colours, crayons, pastils, &c. See PAINTING, p. 641.

PORTREE, is a small village, containing a church and a very few houses, with an excellent bay and a good harbour, in the isle of Skye. "The entrance of the bay (Mr Knox tells us) represents agreeable landscapes Kros's on both sides, with excellent pasture.

'The bay of Portree (says Mackenzie), off the houses, is an exceeding good harbour for a few ships of any size; it is well sheltered, the ground good, the depth from five to 14 fathoms, and nothing to fear coming in but a rock, about half a cable's length from Airderachig Point, on the starboard as you enter the anchorage, part of which is always above water.' It is the only port or harbour to a very considerable division of Skye, on the east side. From this opening to the northern extremity, a course of 20 miles, the shore is one continued line of loft rocks, where no ship can find refuge in the mildest weather, and where inevitable dangers await the mariners in rough weather.

"James V. of Scotland and several of his nobility landed here, when they made the tour of the Hebrides in 1535; from which circumstance, this fine bay has got the honourable name of Portree."

Mr Knox tells us, "that the country round this village, though mountainous, is well inhabited; it raises much grain and many cattle. Here the late Sir James Macdonald had marked out the lines of a town; and government, it is said, promised to assist him in the work with 500l.: but the death of that gentleman put an eud to these promising appearances." We have to add, that Lord Macdonald, the present (1809) proprietor, has resumed the undertaking; and, we understand, has made some progress in building a new town, besides introducing various other important improvements in this and other parts of the island.

PORTSMOUTH, a sea-port town in Hampshire, with one of the most secure and capacious harbours in England, being defended by a numerous artillery, both on the sea and land side, and very good fortifications.

A

Tour.

is one of the finest on the continent, having a sufficient Portsmonth depth of water for vessels of any burthen. It is defended against storms by the adjacent land, in such a manPortugal. ner, as that ships may securely ride there in any season of the year. Besides, the harbour is so well fortified by nature, that very little art will be necessary to render it impregnable. Its vicinity to the sea renders it very convenient for naval trade. A light-house, with a single light, stands at the entrance of the harbour.

Portsmouth. A great part of the royal navy is built here; and here are some of the finest docks, yards, and magazines of naval stores, in Europe. It is seated in the isle of Portsea, being surrounded by the sea except on the north side, where there is a river which runs from one arm of it to the other. It is much resorted to on account of the royal navy, whose usual rendezvous is at Spithead, which is at the east end of the isle of Wight, and opposite to Portsmouth. There is a draw-bridge over the river, and it has always a good garrison. It is governed by a mayor, 12 aldermen, and burgesses, and sends two members to parliament. It has one church, and two chapels, one in the garrison, and one in the Common, for the use of the dock, and others, besides several meeting-houses of the dissenters. Portsmouth contained 32,166 inhabitants in 1801, and 40,567 in 1811. W. Long. 1. 1. N. Lat. 50. 47.

Political

The town is supposed to receive its name from Port, a famous Saxon chieftain, who, A. D. 501, landed here with his two sons. It made a considerable figure in the time of the Saxons; and from the utility of its situation, was highly favoured by all our monarchs of the Norman line. It was incorporated, and became also a parliamentary borough. In the reign of Edward III. it was in a very flourishing state; but A. D. 1338, in the very same reign, was burned by the French, when that monarch, which was afterwards ratified by King Richard II. forgave the inhabitants a debt, and remitted their fee-farm for 10 years; within which space they so recovered themselves, as to equip a squadron, which sailed into the Seine, sunk two ships, and brought away a great booty. Campbell's The singular excellence of its port, and the convenience of fitting out fleets from thence in the time of a French Survey. war, induced Edward IV. to think of fortifying it, as he actually, in some measure, did; which fortifications were farther carried on by Richard III. But King Henry VII was the first who settled a garrison therein; which was increased, and the place made still stronger, in the reign of Henry VIII, who had a great dock there, wherein was built the Henry Grace de Dieu, which was the largest ship in the navy of his time. The same monarch, remarkably attentive to the security of all maritime places, built what is now called South Sea Castle, for the protection of this.-The improvements made here in the reign of Queen Elizabeth were much superior to all these. King Charles II. after his restoration, directed great alterations, established new docks and yards, raised several forts, and fortified them after the modern manner; which works were augmented under his brother's reign. Notwithstanding this, King Wil liam directed likewise fresh alterations and additions; and succeeding princes, following his example, have, at a large expence, extended these fortifications, and taken in a vast deal of ground: so that it is at present, as the importance of the place deserves, the most regular fortress in Britain; and, as it cannot be effectually attacked by sea, may be justly esteemed impregnable.

PORTSMOUTH, the largest town in the state of New Hampshire in North America. It stands on the south esst side of Piscataqua river, about two miles from the sea, and contains about 600 houses, and 4400 inhabitants. The town is handsomely built, and pleasantly situated. Its public buildings are, a court-house, two churches for Congregationalists, one for Episcopalians, and one other house for public worship. Its harbour

PORTSOY, is a handsome sea-port town, situated on a small promontory running into the sea, on the south side of the Murray frith, in Scotland, about six miles from Cullen, and seven west from Banff. It sends out several fishing vessels, particularly for the Hebride white fishery, and exports a considerable quantity of grain. It contained 599 inhabitants in 1811. A manufacture of stocking and sewing thread is also carried on to a considerable amount for the London and Nottingham markets. In the neighbourhood is a stratum of marble, of a dark greenish colour, in which, it is said, the curious substance called ASBESTOS, or earth-flax, has been found. There is also a remarkable mineral production found here, viz. a granite of a flesh colour, and found no where else in Europe. It contains a quantity of feldspar, and shews a brilliancy like the Labrador spar. When viewed in a particular light, it shews a purple and bluish tint; and when polished, the figures upon it assume the appearance of Arabic characters. It is described by Dr Hutton, Edin. Trans. vol. i. From the asbestos a sort of incombustible cloth is made, which is purified by throwing it into the fire. W. Long. 2. 5. N. Lat. 57.

50.

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PORTUGAL, the most westerly kingdom of Europe, bounded on the west and south by the Atlantic ocean, and on the east and north by Spain; extending See Map of about 310 miles in length, and 150 in breadth. Spain and By modern writers, we find this country constantly Bortugal. styled in Latin Lusitania; and it is certain, that an- Boundaries. ciently a country of Spain went by that name; but it does not by any means appear that the country called by the ancients Lusitania had the same boundaries with the modern kingdom of Portugal. Before Augustus Cæsar, Lusitania seems to have been bounded on the north by the ocean, and on the south by the river Tagus; by which means it comprehended all Galicia, and excluded two of the six provinces of Portugal. But in the more strict and restrained sense of the word, it was bounded on the north by the Durius, now the Douro, and on the south by the river Anas, now the Guadiana; in which sense it was not quite so long as modern Portugal, but considerably broader.

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The commonly received opinion with regard to the Etymology etymology of the word Portugal, is, that a great num- of the ber of Gauls landed at Porto, or Oporto, whence it re- name. ceived the name of Pertus Gallorum, or the Port of the Gauls; and in process of time that name gradually extended over the whole country, being softened, or rather shortened, into Portugal. But the time when this event happened, the reason why these Gauls came thither, and what became of them afterwards, are all particulars which lie buried in oblivion. It is alleged, however, that, upon an eminence which overlooks the mouth of the river Douro, there stood an ancient town called Cale, strong and well peopled, but ill suited for trade; and this occasioned the construction of a lower town or hamE e 2 let,

Portugal. let, which was called Portus Cale, that is, the haven of Cale; and, in process of time, Portucalia. At length, becoming so considerable as to merit an episcopal chair, the bishops subscribed themselves, as the records of ancient councils testify, Portucalenses, and the name of the city was transferred to the diocese. It is true, that these bishops afterwards changed their title, and subscribed themselves Portuenses, that is, bishops of Portu. But the facts just mentioned are actually recorded in authentic histories; and as the diocese of Portucalia contained in a great measure that little country in which the sovereignty originally began, the name extended itself, together with the acquisitions of the sovereigns, and has remained in the kingdom, though the diocese itself bas changed its name, and possibly on that very account.

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Originally only a small kingdom.

Portugal, though even yet but a small kingdom, was originally much smaller. The Spanish and Portuguese historians agree, that Don Alonso, King of Leon and Castile, and son to Don Ferdinand the Great, bestowed his daughter Donna Theresa in marriage upon an illustrious stranger, Don Henry and gave him with her the frontier province which he had conquered from the Moors, small indeed in extent, but excellently situated, and so pleasant and fertile, that it has sometimes been styled Medulla Hispanica, or the marrow of Spain. To this territory was added the title of Count; but authors are much divided about the time that this stranger came into Spain, and who he was. However, the authors of the Universal History make it pretty evident, that he was a grandson of Robert the first duke of Burgundy. The manner in which he obtained the principality above mentioned is related as follows:

The king, Don Alonso, apprehensive that his success in taking the city of Toledo would bring upon him the whole force of the Moors, sent to demand assistance from Philip I. of France, and the duke of Burgundy, whose daughter he had married. His request was granted by both princes; and a numerous body of troops was speedily collected for his service, at whose head went Raymond count of Burgundy, Henry, younger brother of Hugh duke of Burgundy, Raymond count of Tholouse, and many others. They arrived at the court of Don Alonso in the year 1087, where they were received and treated with all possible marks of esteem; and having in the course of two or three years given great proofs of their courage and conduct, the king resolved to bestow his only daughter named Urraca, then a more child, being at most in her ninth year, upon Raymond count of Burgundy, and assigned them the province of Galicia for Henry of the support of their dignity. About four years after, Burgundy Don Alonso being very desirous to express his gratitude to Henry of Burgundy, gave him in marriage a natural daughter of his, born while he remained in exile at Toledo, whose name was Donna Theresa; and upon this marriage, he gave up in full property the country which has been already mentioned.

the first count of

Portugal.

The new sovereign, with his consort, fixed their residence in the town of Guimaraez, pleasantly situated on the banks of the river Ave. The remains of an ancient palace belonging to their successors are still to be seen; and on account of its having been anciently the capital, the king, Don, Denis, granted the inhabitants an immunity from taxes, which they still enjoy.

The Portuguese, now finding themselves independent, immediately began, like other nations, to attempt the

subjection of their neighbours. Henry is said to have Portural performed great exploits against the Moors; but the accounts of them are so indistinct, that they cannot be taken notice of here. He died in 1112; and was succeeded by his son Don Alonso, then an infant in the third year of his age. In his minority, the kingdom was governed by his mother Donna Theresa, assisted by two able ministers. During the first nine years of their ad- Difference ministration, nothing remarkable happened; but after with Cas that period some differences took place between the tile. queen regent (for she had assumed the title of queen after her father's death) and Urraca queen of Castile. Theresa insisted, that some part of Galicia belonged to her in virtue of her father's will; and therefore seized on Tuy, an episcopal town, and a place of some consequence. Urraca, having assembled a numerous army, went in person into Galicia; upon which Theresa was obliged to abandon Tuy, and take shelter in one of her own fortresses. The consequence, in all probability, would have been fatal to the new kingdom, had not the archbishop of Compostella, without whose assistance Urraca could do nothing, demanded leave to retire with his vassals. This offended the queen to such a degree, that she threw him into prison; which act of violence excited such a commotion among her own subjects, that the Portuguese were soon delivered from their apprehensions. Queen Theresa fell immediately after into a similar error, by throwing into prison the archbishop of Braga, who had not espoused her cause so warmly as she had expected. The bishop, however, was quickly delivered by a bull from the pope, who also threatened the kingdom with an interdict; and this was the first re→ markable offence which Theresa gave her subjects.

Soon after this, Queen Urraca died, and all differences were amicably settled at an interview between Theresa and Don Alonso Raymond, who succeeded to the kingdom of Castile. But, in 1126, the king of Castile being obliged to march with the whole strength of his dominions against his father-in-law the king of Navarre and Arragon, Theresa took the opportunity of again seizing upon Tuy; but the king soon returning with a superior army, she was again obliged to abandon her conquest. But the greatest misfortune which befel this princess, was a quarrel with her own son Don Alonso Enriquez. It does not appear indeed that Theresa had given him any just cause of offence; but it is certain that a civit war ensued, in which the queen's forces were totally defeated, and she herself made prisoner, in which situation she continued during the remainder of her life.

6

Moors and

Enriquez having thus attained to the free and full Don Alon possession of his dominions, made several attempts upon so's wars some places in Galicia, but without success; so that he with the was at last constrained to make peace with Alonso king king of of Castile and Leon, who had assumed the title of Em-Castile. peror of the Spains; the more especially as his dominions happened to be at that time invaded by the Moors.— The number of infidels was so great, that the count of Portugal had little hopes of subduing them; but a plague breaking out in the Moorish army, they were obliged to retreat; after which he reduced several places belonging to that nation. But, in the mean time, the emperor Don Alonso, breaking into the Portuguese territories, destroyed every thing with fire and sword. The king of Portugal surprised and cut off a considerable part of his army; which, however, did not hinder

the

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The Portugal.

9 Reduces Lisbon and

unworthy of cujoying the kingdom of Portugal. next year the king undertook the recovery of Lisbon out of the hands of the Moors; and concerning this expedition there are such numbers of fables, that it is almost impossible to come at the truth. What can be 12 other gathered from these accounts is, that he undertook the cities. siege with a small army, and was able to make but little progress in it, partly from he strength of the place, and partly from the numerous garison by which it was defended. At length, fortunately for Don Alonso, a fleet of adventurers, French, English, Germans, and Flemings, that were going to the Holy Land, anchored at the mouth of the river Tagus, whose assistance he demanded, as not altogether foreign to their design of making war on the infidels. His request was readily granted; and, with their assistance, Lisbon was speedily reduced; which conquest so much raised the reputation of this monarch, and brought such numbers to recruit his army, that before the end of the year 1147 he had reduced 12 other considerable cities.

Ports, the emperor from marching directly towards him. But, at the intercession of the pope's legate, all differences were accommodated, and a peace concluded; all places and prisoners taken on both sides being delivered up. In the mean time, the progress of the Christian arms in Spain being reported to Abu-Ali Texefien, the miramamolin or chief monarch of the Moors in Barbary, he directed Ismar, or Ishmael, his lieutenant in Spain, to assemble all the forces in the southern provinces, and drive the Christians beyond the Douro. Ishmael immediately began to prepare for putting these orders in execution; and having added a considerable body of troops brought from Barbary to those whom he had raised in Spain, the whole army was very numerous. He was met by Don Alonso of Portugal, in the plains of Ourique, on the banks of the river Tayo; and Ishmael took all possible means to prevent the Christians from passing that river, because bis own cavalry, in which the strength of his army chiefly consisted, had thus more room to act. The Portuguese forces were very inconsiderable in number in comparison of the Moors; but Ishmael, being too confident of victory, divided his army into twelve bodies, and disposed them in such a manner as might best prevent the flight, not sustain the attack, of the Christians. The consequence was, that his army was overthrown with incredible slaughter, and a vast number of prisoners taken, among whom were 1000 Christians, of the sect styled Mozarabians, whom, at the request of Theotonus, prior of the Holy Cross, Don Alonso set at liberty with their wives and children, and procured them settlements in his own dominions.

Victory of Ourique.

Don Alon

After this signal victory, gained in the year 1139, so assumes Don Alonso was proclaimed king by his soldiers, and the title of ever after retained that title, renouncing all kind of Ling. subjection to the crown of Spain. Being very desirous, however, of bringing down the power of the emperor, he entered into a league with Raymond count of Barcelona and regent of the kingdom of Arragon against that prince. In consequence of this treaty, he entered Galicia with a considerable force on one side, while Don Raymond did the same on the other. Neither of these enterprises, however, succeeded. The Portuguese monarch met with a severe check in his expedition into Galicia, where he received a dangerous wound, and had some of the nobility who attended him taken prisoners. At the same time he received intelligence that the Moors had invaded his dominions, so that he was obliged to retire; which, however, was not done in sufficient time to prevent the strong fortress of Leyria from falling into their bands. This fortress they demolished, and put all the garrison to the sword; but the king caused it to be rebuilt stronger than before, and put a more numerous garrison into it; however, he undertook nothing farther this campaign. The war continued with various success till the year 1145, when the king projected an enterprise against Santaren, a strong city about 12 miles from Lisbon. In this he luckily succeeded; and by that means gained a considerable tract of country, and a strong barrier to his dominions. After this success Don Alonso caused himself with much ceremony to be chosen and crowned king of Portugal before an assembly of the states, where he also solemnly renounced all dependence on the crown of Spain, declaring, that if any of his successors should condescend to pay tribute or to do homage to that crown, he was

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For many years after this, Don Alonso was success. Has his res ful in all his undertakings. He settled the internal gal dignity. goconfirmed vernment of his kingdom, procured a bull from Pope by the pope.. Alexander III. confirming his regal dignity, undertook many successful expeditions against the Moors, and became master of four of the six provinces which compose the present kingdom of Portugal. In all his undertakings he was assisted by the counsels of his queen Matilda, who was a woman of great capacity, and sufficient for the government of the kingdom in her husband's absence. By her he had a numerous offspring, particularly three daughters; the eldest of whom Donna Mafalda or Mathilda, was married to the king of Arragon; the second, Urraca, to Don Ferdinand king of Leon; and the third, Theresa, to Philip earl of Flanders. In 1166, however, the king thought pro- His unsuc per, from what provocation we know not, to invade cessful war the dominions of his son-in-law Don Ferdinand; and with Don possessed himself of Limmia and Turon, two cities of Ferdinand & Galicia, in which he put strong garrisons. The next of Spain..

year, elated with his success, he marched with a numerous army towards Badajos, which he invested; on the news of which, Don Ferdinand, who had assembled a large army at Ciudad Rodrigo, marched to its relief. Yet before he could come within sight of it, it had surrendered to the king of Portugal; upon which Don Ferdinand came to a resolution of besieging his antagonist in his newly conquered city; which Don Alonso perceiving, endeavoured to draw out his forces into the field. Though he was at that time upwards of 70 years of age, he was himself on horseback, and pushing forwards at the head of his horse to get out at the gate,. he struck his leg against one of the bolts with such violence that the bone was shattered to pieces. This accident occasioned such confusion, that the Portuguese troops were easily beaten, and Don Alonso was taken prisoner. He was exceedingly mortified by this disgrace, especially as he had no great reason to expect very kind treatment from his son-in-law. However, the king of Leon behaved towards him with the greatest. respect and affection. He desired him to lay aside all thoughts of business, and attend to his cure; but finding him restless and impatient, he assured him that he expected nothing more than to have things put into the same condition as before the war, and that they.

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