When the Master saw that he could learn nothing more from the queen about his imprisonment, he took his leave of her and went straight away to Vimieiro, where the king was. Coming up to the bed where he lay ill, he kissed the king's hands and said:

‘Sire, you ordered my arrest, and I am greatly beholden to you for having ordered my release if I did anything to deserve it, and even if I did not. My liege, you know well that you have protected me, and the honourable estate to which it pleased you to bring me. Among the many favours that I have received from you until now, I here ask you to be good enough to do another, which is this: that you tell me the reason why you ordered my arrest. For, although I served you willingly and intend to continue to do so, it could be that some of those things in which I believe I am serving you and doing what you desire displease you, and being unaware of this, I would serve you as I have done until now. In that way, though hoping for your goodness and favour as a reward for my service, the very opposite of that would ensue. Therefore, I beg of your goodness that you kindly inform me of whatever is your will.’

The king replied, saying, ‘You say well, and I understand your good intention; but be assured that I ordered your arrest only to show how much you were in my power and for no other reason.’

‘Sire,’ said the Master, ‘ever since that time when God brought me to the age at which to acknowledge you as my king and liege lord, I have always known and do know the great power that you have over me and everyone in your kingdom. If there was no other reason than this, it seems to me that you could learn by other means whether I had that knowledge; and if there is any other reason why my service is not pleasing to you, as I have said, I beg you kindly to tell me.’

The king said that it had not been for any other reason. Then the Master kissed the king's hands and took his leave.