_ 476 _ can choosed any place which appears to you suitable for building a fortress; and between yourself and me there will be our lamentations(?), and agreements and true pledges as appropriate. Believe me, I want you close to me, not them. I desire your favour and not theirs. [I wish] us to be united in the fight against the Turks, and on this basis we will make our agreements and obtain all the things necessary for building the fortress. Believe me, and come soon, for if they take Basra it will then be impossible to do anything. They will attack you and your lands; this route is much shorter for them than the one through Suez or that through Jidda. I do not think it necessary to write more, for you can believe that I shall give you everything which you need and at which you will rejoice, and you will find them in me. In this undertaking let there be no delay, for the land will slip out of your hands. It should not be necessary to write to the King of Portugal, who is far away and will have his hands tied. May it please Our Lord to confound this evil brood.
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