Since we are not greatly concerned about certain written reports which we have come across here, we shall confine ourselves to the following account, which appears to make sense. It tells us that when the Master took on the task of ruler and defender of the realm, notwithstanding the arguments which, as you have heard, were put to him by Friar João da Barroca, his intention was not, however, to reign, but simply to enhance his good name. In addition, as he felt sorry for the land where he was born and as he had a deep sympathy for the common folk who were pressing him so very hard, he took on this task and for no other reason, because he hoped that Prince João, his brother, would somehow find a means of being freed from prison, then make his way to Portugal and could thus win back the kingdom and be its lord, according to the case defended by some. Such an outcome would bring the Master great honour, would be a praiseworthy achievement, and everybody would be greatly indebted to him.

After the Master had resolved to tell the prince of his plans in the best way possible, it happened that a certain squire, who was one of the criados of Prince João (for some of them were scattered throughout Castile and others throughout Portugal), learned that the Master, the prince's brother, had assumed the task of ruler and defender of the realm, and yet that, according to others, he was nevertheless planning to leave the country. The squire decided to inform the prince, so that he should be fully apprised of all this and be able to give him, the squire, appropriate instructions. Knowing that the King of Castile had ordered that any person who served the prince, if found in the place where he was held captive, would be arrested and held at His Grace's pleasure, the squire made his way there as stealthily as he could and made his confession to a friar.