He repeated and exaggerated all these digestions; he advised him to consult Pope Innocent XII.

on this momentous point of regulating the succession.

That pontiff, who was a creature of France, having taken the advice of a college of cardinals, determined that the renunciation of Maria Theresa was invalid and null, as being founded upon compulsion, and contrary to the fundamental laws of the Spanish monarchy.

He therefore exhorted king Charles to contribute to the propagation of the faith, and the repose of Christendom, by making a new will in favour of a grandson of the French monarch.

This admonition was seconded by the remonstrance of Portocarrero; and the weak prince complied with the proposal.