Enrique read through the parchment, and then started up, exclaiming—
“There are things that man must do at his own risk. Who can authorise the inmost promptings of the soul that lead to great ends? The holy father may fear to speak; we will give Tangier to the Church, and win his blessing at the sword’s point.”
So said Enrique, having indeed much experience of the inward promptings of which he spoke; and Duarte was much swayed by his words.
Fernando was still silent. There was the sharpness of a personal wish, both to sway him and to cause a fear of being swayed.
“Let it be as the king will,” he said, slowly; but Duarte had not the heart to accept his submission.
“Matters have gone too far to recede,” he said. “Go, my brothers; I confide in your judgment, and may the blessing of God rest on your arms.”
Fernando bent down and kissed the king’s hand, while Enrique exclaimed—
“Tangier shall be yours, when we meet again.” Dom Joao shrugged his shoulders. “That depends,” he said, “on the number and the condition of your troops.”
All was now hurry and excitement. And between the contending views there was much confusion.
Dom Joao’s opinion on military matters had great weight; and when it was known that he disapproved of the expedition, many held back from it.