f
from it the smallest portion of happiness can be derived to the nation.

"When the people of the rich and majestic province of _Minas_ were
suffering under the iron yoke of their mistaken governors, who disposed
of it as they pleased, and obliged the pacific and gentle inhabitants to
disobey me, I marched thither, only attended by my servants: I convicted
the government and its creatures of the crime they had committed, and of
the error in which they seemed desirous of persisting; I pardoned them,
because the crime was more an offence against me, than against the
nation, as we were then united to Portugal.

"When a party of Portuguese and degenerate Brazilians attached to the
Cortes of miserable, worn-out Portugal, arose among the brave people of
the beautiful and delightful province of St. Paul's, I instantly
repaired thither, and entered the province _fearlessly, because I knew
the people loved me_. I took the measures that appeared to me to be
necessary; and there, before any other place, our independence was
declared, in the ever-memorable plain of Piranga.

"It was at the country seat of the most faithful, and never-enough
praised Amador Bueno de Rebeira, that I was first proclaimed Emperor.

"My soul itself was grieved that I could not go to Bahia, as I had
intended, but which I did not do on the remonstrance of my privy
council, to mingle my blood with that of those warriors who have so
bravely fought for their country.

"At all hazards, at that of life itself, if necessary, I will maintain
the title that the people of this rich and vast empire honoured me with
on the 13th of May, of the past year--PERPETUAL DEFENDER OF BRAZIL. That
title engaged my heart more, than all the splendour I acquired by their
spontaneous and unanimous acclamation of me as Emperor of this desirable
empire.

"Thanks be to Providence, that we now see the nation represented by such
worthy deputies! Would to God it could have been so earlier! But the
circumstances preceding the decree of the 3d of June did not permit it;
and since that time, the great distance, the want of public spirit in
some, and the inconveniences of long journeys, especially in a country
so new and extensive as Brazil, have retarded this much-wished and
necessary meeting, notwithstanding all my repeated recommendations of
speed.

"At length the great day for this vast empire has arisen, which will be
the grand epocha of its history. _The assembly is met to co