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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 January 2024
There is no reason to remain silent about another noble deed which the Portuguese accomplished shortly after these events, namely the raid which Antão Vasques made into Castile. Even though certain writers do keep silent about what follows, it is not surprising if they never heard about it, for it would have doubled their sorrows.
It is important that you should know that, when the constable decided to invade Castile, prior to the battle of Valverde which we have just narrated, one of those whom he summoned to join him was a certain Antão Vasques, a very valiant knight of his following. However, at that time he was in Lisbon and did not manage to get ready swiftly enough to join the constable before he invaded Castile. On reaching Estremoz, he learned that the count had already left. He had wanted to go after him, but the people of that town advised him not to do so, because the count had given them instructions not to let anybody go after him, owing to the presence of the Master of Alcántara, Martim Eanes, who was roaming around that area with a large force which could possibly harm them. Therefore, the people of the town told Antão Vasques that on no account should he proceed further.
This Antão Vasques was a very gallant and courageous knight and was one of the valiant men-at-arms with whom the count kept company. When he realised that he would be unable to accompany the count and participate in any honourable feat which might arise, he deemed his journey to be a great loss, turning back without achieving anything which would add to his honour. He made his way back to Évora with his men and had a proclamation sent out that anyone wanting to invade Castile with him should come and talk to him. He would share with him anything he might seize, other than his own portion [as leader] from the raid they planned to make. There came forward to join him 300 foot soldiers. He ordered his silver to be sold off, so as to divide the proceeds among them. Next he went to Beja, where he did the same thing; more troops came to join him. In that way he assembled in all 400 foot soldiers, 15 men-at-arms and 20 crossbowmen, plus 40 horsemen to be used as scouts.
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