_ 74 _ was therefore necessary to fight, for although there might be danger in disembarking, it was not great, nor was the loss of some men very great, as they would not all have to die. What would be very great would be the loss of the credit of the Portuguese and the belief of the Arabs, as they were certain to believe that it was through fear, and no other cause, that we had abandoned the fight. A great case was made for the artillery of the enemy, whilst it seemed that we despaired of the succour of Our Lord, who had so many times delivered the Portuguese in India from much greater dangers than these. Our Lord would again deliver us them, because He only showed His power where man was weak. For that reason, we had to fight But in spite of all these reasons, those voting against fighting were greater, their opinions were not accepted. Chapter: XIII When it was announced by the governor to the fleet that the city would not be attacked it was a great shock to everyone, a dreadful thing. It was said without fear that there could be no greater betrayal than this, not to seize so small a city with so many and so courageous men, and with such a quantity of weapons. If he had enough strength to fight the Turk, how much more had he for taking that city.
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