This was put down, but a wider revolt came on in
1820, and spread early in the next year to Rio de Janeiro, the capital,
whose people demanded of their ruler a liberal constitution.
A great crowd assembled in the streets, the frightened monarch taking
refuge in his palace in the suburbs, where he lay trembling with fear.
Fortunately, his son, Prince Pedro, was a man of more resolute character,
and he quieted the people by swearing that his father and himself would
accept the constitution they offered. Full of joy, the throng marched with
enthusiasm to the palace of the king, who on seeing them approach was not
sure whether he was to be garroted or guillotined. Forced to get into his
carriage, he quite mistook their meaning, and fell into a paroxysm of
terror when the people took out the horses that they might draw him to the
city with their own hands. He actually fainted from fright, and when his
senses came back, he sat sobbing and snivelling, protesting that he would
agree to anything,--anything his dear people wanted.
King John by this time had had quite enough of Brazil and the Brazilians.
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