[146] [In the Moorish form Sebta-a, corruption of Septem, from the seven hills on which the town and fortress are built.]
[147] The memory of this English princess is held in high respect in Portugal: “Tantæ enim opinionis apud populum erat, quod solúm illud rectè factum videbatur, quod ipsa comprobâsset,” says Matthæus de Pisano.[c] From the bed of death, this queen, who had all the martial spirit of her high race, delivered each of her sons a sword, with a charge to wield the weapon in defence of widows, orphans, and the country, and especially against the misbelievers.
[148] Azurara,[d] though a Portuguese, shows some pity for the poor infidel wretches: he first curses Cain for setting the example of mortal enmity; and still more the “abominable Mohammed” for separating so many souls from the true faith, and by subjecting his followers both to temporal death by Christian swords, and to everlasting torments by the devils. When a Christian soldier dies, intimates the orthodox sage, he has the prospect of eternal bliss; but for the cursed Moors, what remains for them but brimstone and fire, with Dathan and Abiram?
[149] Duarte or Edward was named after Edward III of England.
[150] In Portuguese computation of the number of their enemies, the reader will do well to drop one cipher; hence he will have one thousand horse and eight thousand foot; as many no doubt as were present.
[151] Read thirteen thousand.
[152] The rule before recommended of subtracting a cipher will not do in this case. The aggregate of horse and infantry must be divided by about fifty to come near the truth.
[153] Even the mild Lemos[b] can curse this man: “Hum malvado monstro horror de sacerdocio, indigno da humanidade. Judas de seu Senhor, o inferne clerigo Martim Vieira.”
[154] This is no exaggerated description; it is taken from a contemporary chronicler.
[155] These miracles are alluded to by Ruy de Pina,[i] by Vasconcellos,[j] and are more boldly detailed by Lemos.[b] [He is called “the constant prince.”]