It is necessary to say an introductory word or two concerning the previous history of the man to whose hands the destiny of so many millions was now entrusted.
He was born in May, 1527, and was now therefore twenty-eight years of age.

At the age of sixteen he had been united to his cousin, Maria of Portugal, daughter of John III.

and of the Emperor's sister, Donna Catalina.

In the following year (1544) he became father of the celebrated and ill-starred Don Carlos, and a widower.

The princess owed her death, it was said, to her own imprudence and to the negligence or bigotry of her attendants.