and conquer the remainder. We therefore adviffe you to deftroy all fuchlike forts, while you have time fo to do, and to give up all, that is not fecured in large and ftrong towns, by Michaelmas, or at the lateft by St. Andrew's day, to your men at arms; for it is better they fhould have the advantage and profit, than your enemy. We advife you, in particular, to fend fome well in-formed ambaffadors to the king of France, and to his uncles of Berry and Burgundy, that they may be made acquainted with the real flate of your country, and that by the return of fummer, or fooner if the feafon will permit us to take the field, you may wage fuch a war as was never before made in Caftille. Write prefling letters to the king and his uncles, that they may affift you in this neceflity with fuch numbers of men at arms -that you may refill your enemies and preferve your kingdom. There is a ftrong connexion between you and the king of France, which was firft made by your predeceflbr and father ; and you may be affured, that in your diftrefs neither the king nor realm of France, which can do more than England and Portugal united, will defert you. Believe us, that as foon as the king and his council fhall learn your fituation, they will take fuch fteps as will prevent you ffom receiving any lofs in this war ; for know, that thofe french knights and fquires, who are defirous of glory, will, at the flighteft word, haften hither to feek it, for at, this moment they know not where to employ their arms. We mention this, becaufe there is now a peace 28'