Don _Sebastian_, who was ever entertaining himself with the Ideas of future Conquests, thought this Opportunity of planting the Christian Religion in _Morocco_ was not to be neglected; and therefore promis'd the _Moorish_ King not only his Assistance, but rashly engaged himself in the Expedition, giving out that he intended to command the Army in Person. The wisest of his Counsellors in vain endeavour'd to dissuade him from the dangerous Design. His Zeal, his Courage, an inconsiderate Rashness, the common Fault of Youth, as well as some Flatterers, the Bane of Royalty, and Destruction of Princes, all prompted him to continue fixed in his Resolution, and persuaded him that he needed only appear in _Africa_ to overcome, and that his Conquests would be both easy and glorious. To this end he embarked with an Army of Thirteen Thousand Men, with which he was to drive a powerful Prince out of his own Dominions.
_Moluc_ had timely notice given him of the _Portuguese_ Expedition, and of their landing in _Africa_; he had put himself at the head of Forty Thousand Horsemen, all disciplin'd Soldiers, and who were not so much to be dreaded for their Number and Courage, as they were for the Conduct of their General. His Infantry he did not at all value himself upon, not having above Ten Thousand Regular Men; there was indeed a vast Number of the Militia, and others of the People who came pouring down to his Assistance, but these he justly look'd upon as Men who were rather come to plunder than to fight, and who would at any time side with the Conqueror.
Several Skirmishes were fought, but _Moluc_'s Officers had private Orders still to fly before the Foe, hoping thereby to make the _Portuguese_ leave the Shore, where they had intrench'd themselves. This Stratagem had its desir'd Effect; for Don _Sebastian_ observing that the _Moors_ still fled before him, order'd his Army to leave their Intrenchments, and marched against the Foe as to a certain Victory. _Moluc_ made his Army retire, as if he did not dare to fight a decisive Battle; nay, sent Messengers to Don _Sebastian_, who pretended they were order'd to treat of Peace. The King of _Portugal_ immediately concluded, that his Adversary was doubtful of the Success of the War, and that 'twould be an easier matter to overcome _Moluc_'s Army, than to join them; he therefore indefatigably pursued them. But the _Moor_ had no sooner drawn him far enough from the Shore, and made it impossible for him to retire to his Fleet, but he halted, faced the _Portuguese_, and put his Army in Battalia; the Horse making a half Circle, with intent, as soon as they engaged, to surround the Enemy on every side. _Moluc_ made _Hamet_, his Brother and Successor, Commander in chief of the Cavalry; but as he doubted his Courage, he came up to him a little before the Engagement, told him that he must either conquer or die, and that should he prove Coward enough to turn his back upon the Foe, he would strangle him with his own hand.