the two kings would be victorious. Indeed, fome of the nobility had even joined the king of Caftille, thinking his the jufter caufe. ' c Notwithftanding this, the king of Portu-gal aflembled all the forces he could mufter at Coimbra. To fay the truth, thofe of the high-eft birth and of the greateft weight in Portugal were attached to him through perfonal affec-tion: he had full five and twenty hundred knights and fquires, and about twelve thoufand infantry. He appointed the count de No-vaire conftable, and fir Aleyne Pereira mar-flial of the army, both of them able and valiant knights, who knew well how to lead an army to battle. • c They left Coimbra and took the road to-wards Aljubarota at a gentle pace, on account of their heavy baggage following them. They fent forward their fcouts to obferve the difpofi-tion of the enemy's army. Sir John Fernando Portelet had not joined the king, but remained in the caftle of Ourem, five leagues from Alju-barota, not knowing, 1 believe, that an engage-ment was fo near at hand. f I can readily fuppofe the king of Caftille had early notice of our march, which gave him and his army, as they (hewed, much pleafure. He was advifed to haften to meet us and give us battle, efpecially by the Gafcons, who were eager for it, and requefted to lead the van, which they obtained. Sir William de Montfer-rand, who was on our fide with forty lances, 40i