CHAP. x. MIDDLE AGES. 277 



mines, converted much of the silver into coin, 

 and thus defrauded the government of its duties ; 

 and with that coin gained such powerful pro- 

 tectors about the court, that they were enabled 

 to escape from Spain in 1635 L . During their 

 occupation this family had gained enormous 

 wealth. Both brothers had been created counts 

 in Spain, and had built a street in Madrid 2 which 

 still bears their name; but they had transmitted 

 the greater part of their wealth to their paternal 

 country, Germany, where families created in 

 this way still flourish as mediatised princes, with 

 extensive landed property. 



The mines continued in a neglected state till 

 1690, when a Jew named Gomez obtained a 

 grant of it from King Charles the Second, and 

 formed a company consisting of Portuguese of his 

 own nation. They attempted to drain the chief 

 mine, the Pozo Rico or rich pit; but from want 

 of sufficient capital to construct engines, and 

 from the unskilfulness of the workmen they had 

 engaged, they failed in their attempt. Gomez 

 was charged with duplicity, was arrested, arid a 

 long time imprisoned at Seville whilst his cause 

 was proceeding in the courts of law, and at 

 length he died before its termination. 



Whilst the persecution of the unfortunate Jew 

 was carried on, it was thought necessary to show 



1 Historia Nature], por Guillermo Bowles, p. 16 and 62. 



2 The street is called Calle Fucares. 



