第117章

How those in the city asked for terms,and the king granted them quarter.

Next day,which was twenty days since the battle had taken place in which the Ydallcao had been defeated,the men of the city opened a gate,and with a white flag carried in front of them went the way of the King's camp with their hands uplifted,begging the King's mercy.

When the King was advised of their coming,he commanded Solestema,[563]his minister,to receive them;and when they saw that he came out to receive them they began to hope that they should experience kindness at the King's hands.

Thus they came to the place where he was,and there they prostrated themselves on the ground with much groaning and tears,and besought his pity and benevolence.

The King commanded them to rise,saying that he would save all their persons and property,and that they need have no fear but should return to the city,and that on the next day he would enter it;and he bade a captain take possession of the city.

Whilst the Moors were thus in presence of the King (the soldiers looking on),they saw Christovao de Figueiredo,and told the King that the conquest and capture of the city was due to that foreigner,that he had slain their captain,and with his people had killed many Moors,which caused the city's destruction.The King,casting his eyes on Christovao de Figueiredo,nodded his head,and turned to the people telling them to observe what great things could be effected by one good man.He then retired to his tent and the men of the city to the city,and the king's troops made great feasting and rejoicing.