Zusammenfassung von Die Geschichte des Don Juan de Austria

The 10 key ideas

1. Key idea 1 · free to read

   A royal child is hidden among peasants

   In the village of Leganes, a widow named Ana de Medina raises a boy called Jeromin as her own son. He plays at Moors and Christians, shoots birds with a crossbow, and knows nothing of his birth. Yet a paper signed in Brussels says he belongs to someone far above her.

   Charles Prevost, a courteous Fleming, arrives in a coach to collect him. Ana weeps and begs for more weeks, but Prevost is kind and firm. At the door Jeromin kisses her four times and sheds no tear. He gives his crossbow to Pedro Verde, his old enemy in the village battles.

   Prevost hides him in a convent in Valladolid. From a window the boy watches Prince Philip ride out beside a lean gentleman with a hooked nose, and he never forgets that face. Jeromin learns early to hold in his feelings.

   A child raised in secret learns self command long before he learns who he is.

2. 2

   Doña Magdalena teaches him charity and courage

   At the castle of Villagarcia, Doña Magdalena de Ulloa receives the boy.

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3. 3

   The dying Emperor looks at the boy

   Emperor Charles V gives up his crowns and sails to Spain to end his days at the monastery of Yuste.

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4. 4

   The secret comes out and a prince is made

   After the Emperor's death, rumors spread.

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5. 5

   A prince among princes learns loyalty and pride

   The new prince finds a place at once.

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6. 6

   He ends the Moorish war with courage and mercy

   In 1568 the Moors of Granada rise in the Alpujarras mountains, spurred by a harsh decree.

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7. 7

   A Pope chooses him despite his youth

   In a small room behind the oratory, Pope Pius V kneels on the cold floor and agonizes over the choice of a commander for the Holy League.

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8. 8

   Lepanto is won by prayer, discipline and daring

   At Messina in August 1571 the fleets of the League assemble.

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9. 9

   Victory brings a crown he is never allowed to take

   After Lepanto, Philip orders his brother to stay in Messina and do nothing without his word.

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10. 10

    Flanders, treachery and the last camp

    In 1576 Philip names his brother Governor of Flanders, where the provinces are in revolt.

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