74. 
DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
ever, we are assured, sent strict orders to his ad=- 
herents by no means to come to his aid, as he 
placed his sole reHance on the aid of heaven, and 
wished nothing which could diminish the splendour 
of the miracle which was to be wrought in his fa- 
vour. Accordingly, in a few days, he and his 
brother came to action ; when Alfonso began by 
invoking the aid of the Apostle St James. St 
James appeared in the clouds, bearing the sign of 
the cross, and attended by a numerous cavalry 
of angels at sight of whom the unbelieving army 
fled with such precipitation, that their chiefs were 
left in the rear, and unable to save themselves. 
Panso Aquitimo, being entangled in the den of a 
wild beast, was taken, and died soon after. His 
principal commander was also taken ; but, as he 
was leading to execution, professed himself now 
convinced of his error, and implored that, before 
death, he might receive the sacrament of bap- 
tism ; that, whatever became of his body, his soul 
might be saved. This request appeared so edify- 
ing to Don Alfonso, that he granted him a full 
pardon, on the sole condition, that he and his pos- 
terity should sweep and wash the church, and 
should draw water for the baptism of the Infidels. 
In regard to the battle in question, those who 
are not blessed with the measure of faith enjoyed 
by the Catholic historians, will, doubtless, sus- 
pect that it was mainly owing to the superior 
