_ 180 _ He holds the key to the treasures which exist on earth, which are virtue and nobility, the beads by which people pray. He knows how to reign honesty over the Kingdom’s seas. He is the defender of peoples, the casket in which is locked that fine and precious emerald, a strong bastion who defends everyone in the name of justice and truth. He is the limpid fountain who sustains this round earth, both that which is populated and the desert areas in ……………. I have greatly trusted. He is the great emperor, Dom Joao, who may God maintain quietly undisturbed, in this kingdom. May his riches relieve the poverty of the world, to the relief of which I am dedicated. My good fortune resides in being encircled by his honour. He is the tree which gives the fruit and I lie in its shade. The water of his mercy is redemption. I know for certain that the mercy of this great emperor, Dom João, accompanies me. It has placed me in great hope. For all these reasons, I am aware that I am obliged to concur with his actions. I consider the noble palace in the Kingdom of Portugal to be my very nature; nor do I move one hair’s breadth from the path of my duty. Since this that I do is for the respect I owe myself at this time.
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