much wifdom and forethought, were of the prince's council, and who, by inclination as well as duty, thought themfelves bound to give him loyal advice, fpoke to the prince in words like the fol-lowing ; 6 My lord, you have often heard the old proverb of6 All covet, all lofe/ True it is, that you are one of the princes of this world, the moft enlightened, efteemed and honored, in poffeflion of Large do-mains and a handfome principality on this fide of the fea, and are, thank God, at peace with every one. It is alfo well known, that no king, far or near, at this prefent moment dares anger you ; fuch reputation have you in chivalry for valour and good fortune. You ought, therefore, in reafon, to be contented with what you have got, and not feek for enemies. We muft add, likewife, that this don Pedro, king of Caftille, who at prefent is driven out of his realm, is a man of great pride, very cruel, and full of bad difpofitions. The kingdom of Caftille has fufFered many grievances at his hands : many valiant men have been beheaded and murdered, without juftice or reafon ; fo that to thefe wicked a&ions, which he ordered or confented to, he owes the lofs of his kingdom. In addition to this, he is an enemy to the church, and excommunicated by our holy father. He has been long confidered as a tyrant, who, without any plea of juftice, has always made war upon his neighbours ; fuch as the kings of Arragon and Navarre, whom he was defirous to dethrone by force. It is alfo commonly reported, Q 4 and 2jï