As human deeds are judged on the basis of what was intended rather than the ensuing outcome, let no one have any inclination to censure the Master, when considering the events which then followed, by claiming that he took steps to kill Count Juan Fernández out of a wild urge to reign or hold some kind of sway over the kingdom, rather than for any other reason. That was never his intention, nor did any such urge well up in his heart. On the contrary, it was merely in order to carry out a noble deed and to avenge the dishonour inflicted on his brother, that he greatly risked his own life and honour by involving himself in this act, having decided to abandon both the kingdom and his mastership on that account, as in fact he had wanted to do.

Indeed, as soon as the queen left for Alenquer, while he remained in Lisbon, he decided, for his own life and safety, to leave for England, as he saw that it was unwise for him to remain in the country. He ordered all necessary steps to be taken to prepare for his departure in two naos moored in the city harbour laden with merchandise.

Highly discreet and honourable man that he was, he awaited the due time to depart. As he was obliged to pass through certain places where danger normally lurks, against which human ingenuity and resistance are of no avail without the special help of that Lord Who governs all things, and as, too, he wished to clear his conscience, among the things which he did first, he called for Vasco Porcalho, who was the grand commander of his Order. He explained to him in detail, as the queen had explained to him after his arrest, that he, Vasco Porcalho, had indicated to King Fernando that he, the Master, wished to go to Castile to join Prince João to fight against his country and for that reason the king had ordered his arrest and on no other grounds.

The Master said: ‘Consequently, I bore such a grudge against you that I intended to kill you.