Chapter 132 - How it was known in the city that the fleet was approaching, and what the people did on that account

Summary

When João Ramalho bade farewell to the Master, though it was already very late at night, it was soon known throughout the city that a message had arrived from the fleet that it was already lying at Cascais, and that the next day it was to enter the river and fight against the Castilian fleet. When this news was heard and spread throughout the city, it is not easy to describe how full of anxiety and hope the hearts of its citizens were. They were very happy with the hope that, when their fleet fought against the Castilian fleet, it would defeat it, and the city would be rid of the seaward blockade, and they would be able to receive supplies, of which they were very much in need. Also, if the Castilian fleet were defeated they would be able to seize part of it, and that would bring such a loss to the Castilians that perhaps it might be a reason for the King of Castile to raise the siege from the city.

On the other hand, they felt fear and anxiety when they took into account how the Castilian fleet was much bigger than theirs, and armed with many good men, and the great help which could come from the king's camp, which was so near, if they needed it; and if the Portuguese fleet were to be defeated, they considered the great loss of fathers, sons, husbands and brothers, and other relatives who would perish there. Apart from this, it is worth noting that another great misfortune was in store for them. The city would be under such distress and anguish that not only would they lose all hope of being able to defend themselves but also, if such a thing were to happen to them, within a few days they were bound to fall into the cruel hands of their mortal enemies to be dealt with as they deemed fit.

These inevitable fears made everyone rise from their beds at once, men and women alike, for they could no longer sleep. Talking to each other out of the window about these matters and the next day's battle, a great noise and commotion of people conversing began to spread throughout the city, and this, which went on for a long time, caused the church bells to toll early for matins, especially as the nights were short then.