is
true, as has been asserted by poets, that pearls are emblematical of
tears, then this great pearl was the most fitting ornament for a king
who put his son to death, poisoned his nephew, burnt his subjects and
devastated the Netherlands during quarter of a century.
Philip's
son and successor, likewise Philip of name, made little use of the
Pelegrina; but his wife Margareta wore it on the occasion of a grand
ball which was given in Madrid in 1605 to celebrate the conclusion of
peace between England and Spain.
James
I. was very eager for the alliance of his son with the royal house of
Spain. To effect this purpose he sent the Prince of Wales and his
favorite Buckingham on a romantic mission to Madrid to make love to the
Infanta. This was considered a very remarkable proceeding, and great
was the astonishment of all the crowned heads throughout Europe who
were in the habit of doing their courting by means of ambassadors,
envoys, and other plenipotentiaries.
