that it
would seem that the matter could not be concluded in the time named,
and the said declaration and demarcation should be determined. While
this was being done, neither he nor I would despatch ships, nor
engage in any new undertaking. This would be without hurt to either
one of us, so that, if the demarcation was not determined in the
time appointed, each one's right would remain and continue fully
in force. This expedient, although, it was very prejudicial to our
evident and peaceful possession to discontinue it by any compact, and
withal a compact made with the side opposing us, the ambassadors would
scarcely listen to, declaring that they were not empowered by the King
of Portugal to discuss any halfway measures. And afterwards, although
with great urging on our part they consented to write the latter
concerning this question (and they say they did write him concerning
it), they gave out that the reply received was in the way of a refusal.

And notwithstanding that it was seen and known that they did not
wish to abide by the said treaty, nor to adopt a middle course or
any reasonable conclusion, another expedient was proposed by certain
members of our Council, to whom I committed the matter, namely, that
while the court of demarcation was sitting, as aforesaid, each side
should have entire liberty to despatch ships, if he so wished. For
by this means the King of Portugal could take no offense, since this
expedient was the same for both. Rather, if any harm resulted, it
appeared to be against our right, for of our own free will we permitted
them to make expeditions, from which would follow the disturbance
of our peaceful and continued possession. Upon every point, although
they were given the choice between the said expedients, they answered
as at first maintaining an obstinate silence and asserting that they
were not authorized. Thus by their own decision and choice they left
everything to us.

Then because there remained nothing more to attempt, and in order to
convince them thoroughly, and that the King of Portugal, our cousin,
might know our intention thoroughly, it was proposed to them that
since they were not abiding by the treaty upon which they based
their pretensions, nor accepted the expedients proposed to them,
that they themselves should propose other expedients, so that if
they seemed proper (as were those proposed to them), they might be
deliberated upon. To this they answered for the third time