When writing this particular section, without wishing to compel anyone to listen, we intend, in respect of this man's achievements, to adopt the approach taken by certain preachers, who within their homily insert the life history of the person about whom they are preaching and then, having completed it, bring the subject of their sermon to an end. As for us, though we have already made certain references to Nuno Álvares, it would be appropriate if his glorious deeds, which are described below, were to lead some people to inquire about the origins of his lineage and to ask about their very beginning. That said, by discontinuing for a while our chronological order and before approaching that topic, as we shall do briefly, we shall first of all make the following comments by way of a prologue, which he certainly deserves.

Experience teaches us that no person is born without certain contradictory characteristics and that nobody is by nature so calm as never to be upset; furthermore, it is very demanding to behave temperately when enticed by idle pleasures. For those reasons a man is deemed to be honourable, if in a continual struggle he overcomes his natural desires and if he is never found to be at fault, such as would result from blameworthy behaviour. If such determination brings great honour, then the man of whom we wish to speak truly earns it. In an unceasing fight and with huge strength and forbearance he so successfully repressed the sins of the flesh that none could censure him for any obvious shortcoming.

If we could relate at length his prudent deeds, that would be for us a most satisfactory commemoration, yet a task which is more pleasurable than easy. Yet who could give a worthy account of the laudable accomplishments of this noble and virtuous man, whose prowess and circumspect actions, were they all to be set down here, would occupy a large portion of this book?