ruler, were read. He even published the Theatins,
on account of an opinion that they gave to the cabildo at the latter's
request, on the question whether the cabildo could release on bail
the cantor Herrera from prison--since he did not appear, nor could
his case be prosecuted, nor was there hope that he would appear soon,
for it was more than a year and a half that he had spent in prison;
the Theatins decided this query in the affirmative, saying that the
cabildo not only could, but ought to, release him. Those who signed
the paper were the past provincials, Javier Riquelme, former rector of
San Jose, and Tomas de Andrade, [120] rector of the great college and
of their university; Fathers Alejo Lopez [121] and Jaime Vestart, at
present masters in theology; Ysidro Clarete [122] and Pedro Lope. [123]
Although the matter was so plain, and the paper was signed by so many
fathers, the archbishop annulled that act, as if he were the supreme
pontiff of the Church. This is a matter at which the Theatins have
smiled much, but with a smile that but conceals their annoyance. [124]
The members of the chapter expressed their detestation of all that
they had done, and took oath upon the holy gospels that they would not
again commit such crimes, besides many other oaths that they took,
which were required from them--oaths very offensive to the king our
sovereign. Finally, they were absolved as if they were heretics--the
harshness of the archbishop reaching such a pitch that he wished to
flog them, and already held in his hand the rattan for doing this;
but, after many entreaties from their relatives, he refrained from
carrying out this threat. This inquisitional act being finished, the
archbishop entered the church with them, and, seated on his chair
while they stood, he delivered a speech in which he treated them,
and the religious orders that recognized them as ecclesiastical
rulers, as if they were heretics--although the Dominican fathers,
who also had thus recognized them, escaped from this. Those who were
most offended were the Theatins; and although they are now silent,
one may be sure that they are gathering up their stones. Thus ended
this act, which grieved the hearts of all; and on the following
day the archbishop commanded that they should go to the convent
of Santo Domingo to sing a mass, as a thanksgiving for such absurd
performances. It was sung by the treasurer Valencia, assisted by his
illustrious Lordship; and the ser