Saavedra, FAJARDO DIEGO DE, statesman and author, b. at Algezares, Murcia, Spain, in 1584; d. at Madrid in 1648. He made his studies at the University of Salamanca where he received his degree in law. After having been the secretary of Cardinal Borgia, Spanish ambassador at Rome, he succeeded him in that position. Saavedra enjoyed the full confidence of Philip IV, conducting the political and diplomatic affairs of the latter during the course of thirty-five years in Italy, Germany, and Switzerland. His qualities and abilities as a statesman are shown as well in his works as in his deeds. His “Idea de un principe … representado en cien empresas” (Madrid, 1640), translation by J. Astry (London, 1700), is characterized by grace of style, penetrating judgment, and sound morality. The same qualities appear in his “Republica literaria” (Madrid, 1670), translation by J. E. (London, 1827), embodied in a pleasing garb of humor. Other secondary works of Saavedra are: “Corona gotica” (1670), “Locuras de Europa” and “Poftica y razon de estado del Rey Catolico D. Fernando”. A complete edition of all his works appeared at Madrid in 1853. Saavedra is not only one of the foremost prose writers of Spain but is also one of the greatest glories of Spanish diplomacy.
WILLIAM FURLONG