Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/776

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756
FIFTH, SIXTH, AXD SEVENTH VICEROYS.

manrique. Bishop Romano was an uncompromising enemy, who had long awaited such an opportunity. He now invited all to present charges, no matter how trivial they appeared; he would make them large enough. Especially were all claims for money allowed.[1] The ecclesiastic succeeded well in all these operations. A faithful servant of the king was humiliated, his peace of mind destroyed, his pride brought low, his family reduced to poverty. Romano was happy. Very different from his grand viceregal entry into Mexico was Villamanrique's departure; the former was a triumph, the latter a funeral. With his afflicted marchioness, and carrying with them the remains of their dead daughter, the late viceroy departed from a land where he had met with nothing but misfortune and sorrow.[2]

  1. Romano even went so far as to attach the linen and wearing apparel of the marchioness, Doña Blanca. Torquemada, i. 650-1; Cartas de Indias, 866.
  2. Many of Bishop Romano's decisions were subsequently revoked, and the release of Villamanrique's property was decreed; but at the time of his death only part of it had been restored. Torquemada, i. 650-1; Vetancvrt, Trat. Mex., 10, 11. The latter informs us that he subsequently retired to a Franciscan convent in Spain, where he died.