where 1 chronicled all 1 had heard from doa Juan Fernando de Portelet, relative to what had pafled in the realms of Portugal and Caftiile, until the year of our Lord 1390, CHAP. L. THE PORTUGUESE, AFTER THE BATTLE OF AL-JUBAROTA, SEND AMBASSADORS TO ENGLAND, TO INFORM THE KING AND HIS NOBLES OF • THAT EVENT. À FTER don John had defeated the Spaniards ^"^at the battle of Aijubarota, which took place, as you have heard, near the monaftery of Alco-baçar, whereat were flain fuch numbers of knights and fquires from France, Gafcony and Caftiile, he returned triumphant to Lifbon, his head crowned with laurel, like to the Roman conque-rors of old. The Portuguefe highly honoured him for his courage and victory ; and, after ma-ny grand festivals, a parliament was held by the barons, knights and magistrates from the prin-cipal towns, on the state of the kingdom, and on the means by which they could best perfevere in what they had been fo fortunate in commenc-ing. The wifest among them faid, now was the time to strengthen themfelves, fo that they might be enabled to withstand the ^power of the king of Castille, and enjoy with honour to them-felves the fruits of their victorv. This , 364