he had been leading,) turned to his wife, who, more diligent for the public good administration of the nation, so badly governed since the days of the Count-Duke, had remained in Madrid to govern and encourage by her example + her talents, the people to one with each other in giving them co-operation to the undertaking the army has been entrusted with. Philip had already said that his favourite was the Queen: that intelligent and popular sovereign was not able to enjoy long the caresses of her husband. Attacked by a serious illness in the month of October in that year, she died before the return of the King, who, although be-

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