felves, that we may both obtain honour, other-wife your fpurs will not become you.' Each new knight anfwered in his turn, as he marched by,—c Sire we will, with God's grace* do fo, that we shall gain your love and approba-tion.' In this manner were the Portuguefe drawm up, and fortified near the church of Aljubarota. None of the Englifh were defirous to be knighted this day : they were requefted by the king to be fo, but excufed themfelves for that time. We will now return to the king of Castille, and to the knights, fquires and men at arms - from France and.Gafcony with him, and fpeak of the appearance of the Spaniards, and how they were drawn up. The knights they had fent out to re-connoitre had returned, and faid,—c Sirking, and you barons and knights prefent, we ' have lei* furely examined our enemies : we do not believe their whole amount is more than ten thoufand men : they have marched to the abbey of Alju^ barota, where they have halted, and are draw* up in order of battle ; and there they may be found by whoever choofes to feek for them.' Upon this the king fmmnoned a council, to which, in particular, the barons and knights off France were invited : they were aiked, what wap best to be done, when they inftantly replied,—«- * Sir, it is proper they should be fought with : we fee nothing elfe to be done ; for, from the report of our fcouts, they are alarmed for the event, as * they find themfelves diilant from any fortreffes whither they may retreat, and LijEbon is fix • leagues Î7I