67 - Concerning the reply that the King of France gave to the King of Castile's messengers whom he sent to him after the battle [of Aljubarrota]

Summary

We have already mentioned elsewhere how the King of Castile, after losing the battle, sent out from Valladolid for more troops, wherever they could be found. He also sent a message to the King of France requesting help, both with troops and money, to enable him to continue with the campaign which he had begun. His messengers reached Paris, which was where the king then was, and, having handed over their letters of credence, they informed him by word of mouth about everything that had happened to their king in losing the battle and how he was now very short both of troops and financial resources. In addition, they informed him that the King of Portugal had sent letters to England to the Duke of Lancaster, telling him that the time was ripe for him to come and seek the kingdom of Castile, which rightfully belonged to him, and urging him to make every effort to come as swiftly as possible. The King of France made the messengers very welcome, declaring that he deeply regretted the adverse occurrence that had befallen their liege lord. However, he would discuss the matter with his uncles, the Dukes of Berry, Burgundy and Bourbon, as well as with the great lords and noblemen, of which his royal council was composed, and would give them his answer.

Then he spoke with his council, and they agreed that it was right to assist the King of Castile in all possible ways. King Charles summoned the King of Castile's messengers to his Council and in the presence of his uncles and all those there assembled he spoke as follows:

The King of Castile, who is my friend and brother, has sent you to me with his letters of credence, along with other matters which you have expressed to me on his behalf. I have truly understood all these things and have discussed them with my royal council. You are therefore to tell the King of Castile, who is my friend and brother, that I deeply regret and deplore the loss of the battle which he suffered in Portugal. That is because I consider that honour and gallant achievements, when they are his portion, are just as much mine as his; moreover, when the opposite happens, that too affects me.