Chapter 162 - The names of a number of places that declared for Portugal

Summary

Leaving aside the names of such apostles and martyrs, it is appropriate for us to question the city of Lisbon again, saying: ‘O most noble city of Lisbon, life and heart of this kingdom, purged of all the dross in the crucible of loyalty! Since we already know of certain martyrs among those who suffered for you, let us now see: who were the confessors who made you renowned among the people, adhering always to your cause without failing in their faith?’ Answering such a question, she could reply as follows:

Among those that declared with me that Pope Urban [VI] was the true pastor of the Church, and the Master the ruler and defender of these kingdoms, it was the good and loyal city of Oporto that laboured much with me in this very serious business, providing great help and expenditure to support the truth of the cause I defended. With her were: Coimbra, Évora, Guarda, Viseu, Lamego and the town of Silves. Also together with them, in the Algarve, were: Castro Marim, Tavira, Faro and the other places in that kingdom. Others were Sines, Santiago do Cacém, Mourão, Serpa, Elvas, Monsaraz, Portalegre, Arronches, Fronteira, Portel, Évoramonte, Estremoz, Castelo de Vide, Avis, Montemor-o-Novo, Palmela, Setúbal, Almada, Amieira, Sertã, Penamacor, Pinhel, Monsanto, Trancoso, Linhares, Lousã, Celorico, Moncorvo, Miranda, Freixo de Espada à Cinta, Vila Flor, Castelo Branco, Nisa, Almourol, Marialva, Celorico de Basto, Abrantes, Tomar, Soure, Pombal, Alcanhede and other places similar to these.

All the others abandoned me, some through failing courage and some because the Portuguese were disloyal; others through the force of torment which they could not bear, some making a mockery of me and the cause that I fought for, in order to escape the subjection which our enemies against all reason wanted to impose on us by force. Those that are named here were the confessors that always supported my cause, being my companions in the trials and tribulations that I set myself to suffer to defend the kingdom.

Living thus widowed and disconsolate, having no one else to support me except the Master my lord and bridegroom in whom lay my great trust and hope, everybody came together in the city of Coimbra and there publicly received me with him, giving him to me as liege lord and king as you will later hear.