

In Portugal is (Dom) Pedro, surnamed “the Speechless," (for so the sons of royal marriages are called before they begin to reign),- a prince of great renown, who traveled throughout Europe, giving proof of his moral training. After he had governed the kingdom as regent for some time with great credit, and had not in the least intentionally opposed (King) Alphonso, his nephew and son-in-law, he was finally shot to death in consequence of a growing hatred that culminated in a war. He had attained renown and credit as a man of great valor in fighting against the Turks under Emperor Sigismund. Thereafter Alphonso, a most gentle prince, magnanimous, and of extraordinary intelligence, quietly took over the kingdom. When his most beloved spouse died, no one could persuade him to take another, and he devoted himself to such matters as might bring him credit and bear fruit for Christianity. When his nobility and power were invoked, he took up the cross, and promised to conduct a crusade against the Turks. In the following year, (Prince) Henry (the Navigator of Portugal), realizing that his kingdom of Portugal covered but a small area, and being eager to enlarge the same, proceeded into the Spanish Sea with great daring; and by the counsel and wisdom of those possessing knowledge of land and sea, he discovered many and various islands, never inhabited by man. He sailed to one of these uninhabited islands. There he found a spring, fertile soil, and a forest, all well adapted to human habitation. He settled a number of people on this island. It yields so much sugar that all Europe can be supplied far beyond its needs. This island is called