_ 379 _ with a huge fleet on its way to fight the Mamluks(A). He used many means to obstruct me and it was of no avail to show him my certificate of obedience. He told me how necessary it was, in the interests of God and the King of Portugal, for the soldiers to leave inspired by me to fight with greater vigour. A fortnight, almost day and night, was not enough for me to hear five hundred confessions. As the Fathers of Saint Peter(B) had complained to me that it had not ceased to be Lent for the past three years, and that they should be given a break to rest from confessions, I did not want to trouble them with confessing this fleet. Finally, the captain and the lascars decided not to leave for the war or sail without me, else they would make the confessors judge the matter. If I did not want to go willingly, they would take me by force, or I should knock some sense into the confessors about this very matter. To avoid any scandal to the Society that might arise from this question, and realizing how just their request was, since it emanated from their love for me, I accepted (A) According to Couto, who sescribed the whole of expedition, D. Antonio de Noronha too 1,200 soldiers with him (Dec. VI, Book 9, chaps. 415). (B) Secular priests.
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