In conclusion, the writing of this volume has been to the author a labour of love. In the intervals of a minute study of the history of another period, that of the French Revolution, he has turned with pleasure to the task of writing this “Story of Portugal.” He has not been able to work at original authorities as thoroughly as he might wish, owing to the absorbing nature of his more important work, but he hopes the time may come when he will be enabled to spend a few years among the Archives at the Torre del Tombo, and investigate more thoroughly the history of the early relations of England and Portugal, and of the Portuguese in the East. Is he too presumptuous also in hoping that a clearer knowledge of the old and tried friendship of the English nation with the Portuguese may influence in some degree the attitude taken by a portion of the English people towards their ancient ally in the dispute with regard to the extent of the Portuguese possessions in Africa? H. MORSE STEPHENS. OXFORD, _March 1, 1891_. [Illustration: text decoration] CONTENTS. I. PAGE EARLY HISTORY 1 The importance of, and features of interest in, Portuguese history--Greeks, Phœnicians, and Romans--Portugal is not the ancient Lusitania--The influence of Rome--The Visigoths--The rule of the Mohammedans--The Christian princes commence their incursions--Ferdinand “the Great” captures Coimbra--The successes of the Almoravides--The formation of the County of Portugal. II. THE COUNTY OF PORTUGAL--DONNA THERESA 20 The character of Henry of Burgundy, first Count of Portugal--The Countess Theresa--Her policy--Count Henry fights in Spain--His death--The regency of Theresa--The nobility and the bishops--The wars of Theresa--Theresa styled Infanta--The battle of S. Mamede--Theresa introduces the religious military orders--Death of Donna Theresa. III. PORTUGAL BECOMES A KINGDOM--THE REIGN OF AFFONSO HENRIQUES 34 The youth of Affonso Henriques--The heroism of Egas Moniz--The Gallician wars--Affonso assumes the title of king--He is recognized by the Pope--The Treaty of Zamora--Independence won by the Gallician wars--The state of the Moors--Affonso’s first war with the Moors--The victory of Ourique--Legends concerning it--The wars of conquest--The capture of Santarem and Lisbon--The assistance of the English crusaders--Capture of Alcacer do Sal--The Treaty of Cella Nova--Affonso taken prisoner at Badajoz--Truce with the Moors--Further fighting--Great victory over the Moors at Santarem--Death of Affonso Henriques. IV. PORTUGAL ATTAINS ITS EUROPEAN LIMITS 60