CHAPTER II. 

THE EXPEDITION INTO SPAIN. 

1623 

The Palatinate.--Wars between the Protestants and Catholics.--Frederic dispossessed of his dominions.--Flees to Holland.--Elizabeth.--James's plan.--Donna Maria.--Negotiations with Spain.--Obstacles and delays.--Buckingham's proposal.--Nature of the adventure.--Buckingham's dissimulation.--Charles persuaded.--James's perplexity.--He reluctantly yields.--James's fears.--Royal captives.--Buckingham's violence.--Angry disputes.--James's distress.--Charles and Buckingham depart.--Charles and Buckingham's boisterous conduct.--Arrested at Dover.--Arrival at Paris.--Princess Henrietta.--Bourdeaux.--Entrance into Madrid.--Bristol's amazement.--Charles's reception.--Grand procession.--Spanish etiquette.--The Infanta kept secluded.--Athletic amusements.--Charles steals an interview.--Irregularities.--Delays and difficulties.--Letters.--The magic picture.--The pope's dispensation.--The treaty signed.--Buckingham is hated.--He breaks off the match.--Festivities at the Escurial.--Taking leave.--Return to London.--The Spanish match broken off. 

In order that the reader may understand fully the nature of the romantic enterprise in which, as we have already said, Prince Charles embarked when he was a little over twenty years of age, we must premise that Frederic, the German prince who married Charles's sister Elizabeth some years before, was the ruler of a country in Germany called the Palatinate. It was on the banks of the Rhine. Frederic's title, as ruler of this country, was Elector Palatine. There are a great many independent states in Germany, whose sovereigns have various titles, and are possessed of various prerogatives and powers. 

Now it happened that, at this time, very fierce civil wars were raging between the Catholics and the Protestants in Germany. Frederic got drawn into these wars on the Protestant side. His motive was not any desire to promote the progress of what he considered the true faith, but only a wish to extend his own dominions, and add to his own power, for he had been promised a kingdom, in addition to his Palatinate, if he would assist the people of the kingdom to gain the victory over their Catholic foes. He embarked in this enterprise without consulting with James, his father-in-law, knowing that he would probably disapprove of such dangerous ambition. James was, in fact, very sorry afterward to hear of Frederic's having engaged in such a contest. 
was there a war happening?
Now it happened that, at this time, very fierce civil wars were raging between the Catholics and the Protestants in Germany.