The Duchess of Alva, and other ladies who had charge of her during her confinement, deserted her chamber in order to obtain absolution by witnessing an auto-da-fe of heretics.

During their absence, the princess partook voraciously of a melon, and forfeited her life in consequence.
In 1548, Don Philip had made his first appearance in the Netherlands.

He came thither to receive homage in the various provinces as their future sovereign, and to exchange oaths of mutual fidelity with them all.

Andrew Doria, with a fleet of fifty ships, had brought him to Genoa, whence he had passed to Milan, where he was received with great rejoicing.

At Trent he was met by Duke Maurice of Saxony, who warmly begged his intercession with the Emperor in behalf of the imprisoned Landgrave of Hesse.