While Álvaro Gonçalves and Álvaro Pais were acting as envoys in Alenquer, the people of Lisbon became deeply concerned when they learnt that the King of Castile was heading towards Portugal and discussed the situation as follows: ‘Why are we bothering to send messages to the queen and simply delaying matters even more? Let's approach the Master and firmly request him graciously to accept taking on the task, without any restrictions, of defending this city and this realm. We shall serve him with our very lives and possessions and we shall give him all that we have. Throughout the kingdom that is what all other true Portuguese will do as well. Let nobody trouble themselves any longer with sending messages to the queen or with any answer which she might send back.’

Then the common people, freely and without heeding the sentiments of those few who were opposed to the idea, requested the Master graciously to accept the title of ruler and defender of the realm. Realising just how strong was their intent and acknowledging too the advice of Friar João and of the other people who had discussed the matter with him, he decided to accept the undertaking, provided that they all assembled that very day in the Monastery of São Domingos, so that he could address them about what his intentions were in staying in Portugal, in response to their persistent entreaties. They replied that they were delighted.

When [later] that day many people gathered together in the monastery, the Master explained to them his reasons for having planned to leave the country, which we have mentioned. He went on to describe how they had repeatedly pleaded with him that he should nevertheless stay behind as their defender and how he had excused himself on grounds which he at once indicated to them. However, since their insistence was so powerful that, despite everything, he should not leave but remain in the city, then, to serve and honour his country, he had now firmly resolved to stay, provided that they found the means to serve and support him in a position of honour and dignity such as was required to defend the realm.