It began in hope, when the return of
that prince, after his hapless expedition to Morocco, and the fatal
battle of _Alcacar Quiber_, was not only possible, but might have been
considered likely; it was fostered by the policy of the Braganzan
party after all reasonable hope had ceased; and length of time only
served to ripen it into a confirmed and rooted superstition, which
even the intolerance of the Inquisition spared, for the sake of the
loyal and patriotic feelings in which it had its birth. The holy
office never interfered farther with the sect, than to prohibit the
publication of its numerous prophecies, which were suffered to
circulate in private. For many years the persons who held this strange
opinion had been content to enjoy their dream in private, shrinking
from observation and ridicule; but as the belief had begun in a time
of deep calamity, so now, when a heavier evil had overwhelmed the
kingdom, it spread beyond all former example. Their prophecies were
triumphantly brought to light, for only in the promises which were
there held out could the Portuguese find consolation; and proselytes
increased so rapidly, that half Lisbon became Sebastianists.
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