CHAP. I.

1. LIKE an Impetuous Torrent did the Mahometans spread themselves over the Lesser Asia, after the Catholick Arms had expelled them our Provinces. The Christian Princes busied in destroying each other, looked on their Progress, without attempt­ing to put any stop to the Current; when the Kings of Portugal, as the first who had [Page 2] shaken off themselves the Burthen of those Barbarians, and the first who passed over to crush them in Africk (obeying the Decrees of Heaven which required it) undertook to be the first who should stop their pro­ceedings in Asia.

2. Prince Henry, fifth Son of King Iohn the First, accompanied his Father in the glorious taking of Ceuta, which was Anno 1415. and had a considerable share in the honour of this Victory, as well in regard of his Courage as Conduct, it being doubtful which was most predominant in him, and therefore the more to be admired, for that at this time he was but in the 21th year of his Age. At his return from thence, he brought so great an inclination (being al­ready most skilful in the Mathematicks) to discover New Lands and Seas, that he spent above 40 years in this study, and vast Sums of Mony in bringing Masters from all parts, and Discoverers, and sending Vessels to his Discoveries. Being very well read in Geo­graphy, and having examined many who had travelled much of the World (chiefly the Moors of Fez and Morocco) he got some information of the Arabs who border on the Desarts of Africk, and of the Aza­nagi and Kingdom of Ialof, near the bor­der of Guinea. That he might more wholly apply himself to these affairs, he chose for his abode the Town of Ternacabal in the Kingdom of Algarve, on Cape Sagres, whence the prospect of the Ocean stirred up his Hopes and Endeavours. Going to [Page 3] Bed one night, with his thoughts fixt on these Designs; in the morning (as if he had received some heavenly assurance of success) he with all haste gave Orders for fitting out two Ships, which, and some other, passed not beyond Cape Bojador, 60 1412. Leagues beyond Cape Nam, then the Bounds of the Spanish Navigation. This Cape was 1415. so called by Gilianes, who first passed it, be­cause it stretches it self out so far, viz. al­most 40 Leagues to the Westward, which in Spanish is called Bojar, and thence the Cape Bojador. Its running so far Westward was also the cause that none passed it be­fore; as also that off of it for about 6 Leagues, runs a strong Current, which breaking upon the Sands, rises high and makes a great Sea. This terrified all, not considering, that keeping off at Sea they might turn the Point. The Prince encoun­tring the greatest difficulty, sent Iohn Gon­zales Zarco and Tristan Vaz in a small Ship, with Orders to coast along the Barbary shore, till they had passed that formidable Cape, discovering all the Land, which according to the Opinions of Learned Men and Infor­mation of Arabs, was concluded to run on till under the Equinoctial. Before they 1418. reached the Coast of Africk, they met with such violent Storms, they doubted not be­ing swallowed by the Waves. The Weather obliged them not to follow their Orders, and without knowing where they were, fell in with the Island, which they called Puerto Santo, or Holy Haven, for such it appeared [Page 4] to them after the Storm. This is a little Island, not far to the Northward of the Madera. The Inhabitants they found nei­ther well Civiliz'd nor quite Barbarous, but the Soil very fertile. The Prince joyful with this News and the hopes the Discoverers gave him, sent them again, and with them Bartholomew Perestrello, with three Ships, with Seeds to sow, and Cattle to stock the Place. They put in two Rabbets, which increased in such manner in two years space, that the Corn and Plants being destroyed by them, it was found more convenient to unpeople, than inhabit the Island.

3. Perestrello returned home. Iohn Gon­zales 1419. and Tristan Vaz, making another Voy­age, discovered afar off something like a Cloud, and directing their Course to it, found an Island covered with all manner of Trees, whence they gave it the name Ma­dera, which in Spanish is Wood. This Island for Extent, pleasant Air and Plenty is the chief in that Western Ocean. Each Discoverer entred a different part of the Island, and each had a Grant of that Part from the Prince, with the Title of Captain. Tristan gave his name to that Point where he landed, and Iohn Gonzales took to him­self the Title of Camara de Lobos, or Den of Wolves, because of a Cave he found at landing, which seemed to be the habitation of those Beasts. The Prince gave the Island of Puerto Santo to Perestrello to people, which proved in vain by reason of the vast multi­tude of Rabbets. The Discoverers of Ma­dera [Page 5] began to settle their Plantation, by firing part of that Wood that filled the Island; and the Flame took such possession, that it burnt seven years continually, and was seen far off in Smoak and Sparks like Mount Aetna; so that afterwards the Island being plentiful of Grain, the greatest want the Inhabitants suffered was of Wood, there having been nothing else in it before. There were Churches built, and now there is a Cathedral. King Duarte, Brother to the Prince, gave him the Island, and after­wards the Spiritualities thereof to the Mili­tary Order of Christ.

4. The Prince had spent twelve years en­deavouring the discovery of Guinea, and was now much encouraged by the discove­ry of these two Islands, though many con­demned his undertakings, objecting, That the Land he looked for, was only Deserts, like those of Libia; that if any reached those Parts, they would turn black; that King Iohn, his Father, had invited Stran­gers to plant in Portugal, so far from send­ing out people, of which the Country was in want; that God had appointed those Countries for the habitation of Wild Beasts, which might appear by that they were ex­pelled that new Island by the Rabbets. All this time the Prince's undertakings were not only censured, but almost fruitless, till he sent Galianez in a Barque, who passed that, till then, Invincible Cape Boxador, which action was then in the common Opinion looked upon not inferior to the labours of Hercules.

[Page 6] 5. Gilianes returned in his Barque with 1434. Alonso Gonzales Balday, in a bigger Vessel than the former, and passed 30 Leagues be­yond the Cape, where landing, they saw a great track of Men and Camels. Without any further knowledge they returned home, giving the name of Angra de Ruyvos to that Bay, (in English, Bay of Gurnets) because they found there great quantity of that Fish. The next year the Design was conti­nued 1435. and they passed twelve Leagues far­ther. Here putting ashore two Men on Horseback, who going on till the Afternoon, saw nineteen Men with Javelins, who fled and were pursued, and some wounded, and one of the Portugueses; the first Blood spilt in those Parts. Baldaya having notice there­of, went ashore, but in vain, for the Moors fled; in the Cave where the Moors had been were found some things of inconsiderable value, but esteemed as an Omen of greater advantages. They run on twelve Leagues farther, where at the Mouth of a River they saw so many Sea-Wolves, they judged them to be 5000; they killed many, and brought the Skins, which being a novelty, were then had in esteem. Going farther in­to the Land, they found Fishing Nets dry­ing, but no People, and their Provisions being spent, they were obliged to return to their Prince without any further pro­gress.

6. Antony Gonzales was sent back to the 1440. place of the Sea-Wolves, with orders to load his Vessel with their Skins. One night [Page 7] he went up the Country eight Leagues with ten Men, and spying a naked Man with two Darts in his hand driving a Camel, he came up and took him, the Man with the fright neither defending himself, nor endea­vouring to escape. In his return he met a company of forty Moors, and one Woman, whom they also took in their sight with­out resistance; these were the first taken on that Coast. Returning aboard they found another Ship was arrived there from Portu­gal under Command of Nunno Tristan; with this addition of strength they went ashore again, and met people at night, and being so close that they lost the use of their Wea­pons, clasped each other in Arms, and knew not whom they held, but by being naked and cloathed, and the strangeness of the Language; they killed three and re­turned to their Ships with ten Prisoners. This Place they called Puerto del Cavallero, or the Knights Port, Antony Gonzales being there knighted by Nunno Tristan. An Arab that was on board understood these Moors; him and the Woman they put ashore to per­swade the Inhabitants to redeem the Priso­ners. Next day appeared about 150, some on Camels, some on Horseback, provoking our Men to Land, but finding they did not, discharged a Volley of Stones at them and went off. Antony Gonzales returned to Por­tugal with some Slaves. Tristan having first careen'd, coasted on as far as Cabo Blanco, or White Cape, where though he saw the track of People, meeting none, he returned home.

[Page 8] 7. Antony Gonzales returns, carrying with 1442. him the chief of the Moors he had brought, he promising to give seven Guinea Slaves for his ransom, but once ashore forgot his promise, yet giving notice in the Country, others came to redeem the two Young Men that were Prisoners, giving for them ten Blacks of several Countries, and a conside­rable quantity of Gold Dust, which was the first brought from those parts. There­fore a Rivulet that runs up about six Leagues was called Rio del Oro, or River of Gold. This and a Shield of Buck-skin and some Ostriches Eggs they brought home, all men admiring the colour of the Slaves. The Gold stirred up covetous desires, and en­couraged 1443. Nunno Tristan to undertake again the Voyage, and passing farther, discovered the Island Adeget, one of those of Arguim, and saw twenty Almadies or Boats passing over from the Continent, four men in each, sitting in such manner that they rowed with their Legs. Tristan launching his Boat with seven men, chased them and brought fourteen aboard, and going back for the rest, they had reached the Island. Hence they went over to another Island, which they called De las Garcas, or Island of Hauks, because of the vast numbers they saw there, and took some.

8. The Profit encreasing, the desire of it also encreased. Some came from several 1444. parts to Portugal to admire those Rarities the Natives brought. Lancelot the Prince's Servant, Galianes who first passed Cape Bo­jador, [Page 9] Stephen Alonso, Roderick Alvarez and Iohn Diaz erected a Company in the Town of Lagos, paying an acknowledgment to the Prince, they asked leave to pursue these dis­coveries, and set out with six Caravels, whereof the first was Commander in chief; arriving at the Island, de las Garzas, Martin Vincent and Giles Vasquez with each fourteen Souldiers in their Boats, went over to the Island Nar, where falling upon a Town, they killed many and brought away 155 Prisoners, all Moors. The Captain Lancelot desiring to do the like, attacked Tider and other Islands, where he took above forty Prisoners, which he presented to the Prince, and was well rewarded.

9. Gonzalo de Cintra set out with one Ship, and coming to the Island Arguim, run up 1445. a Creek at night, intending to go ashore, but the Tide ebbing he stuck, and in the morning 200 Moors coming upon him, he was killed with seven of his company. These were the first Portugueses killed in these Attempts, and from the Captain that place took name, being called Angra de Gonçalo de Cintra, fourteen Leagues beyond Rio del Oro. Antony Gonzales, Iames Alonso and Gomez Perez set out in three Caravels 1446. bound for that River, with orders to treat of the conversion of these Barbarians, of Peace and Trade. The Proposals were not received, and they returned, bringing back one of the People of the Continent who came voluntarily to see our Country; and one of ours, called Iohn Fernandez remain­ed [Page 10] there with the same design. Next Nunno Tristan made another Voyage, and brought twenty Slaves from a neighbouring Village, Dinis Fernandez in another Vessel passing the Mouth of the River Sanaga, which divides the Azanagi from Ialof, took four Blacks who were fishing in an Almadie or Boat. Sailing forward, he discovered the famous Cabo Verde, and returned satisfied with this exploit, and having killed a great many Goats in an Island.

10. Antony Gonzales, Garcia Mendez and Iames Alonso, though separated by a Storm, 1447. met again in the Islands of Arguim: Falling upon a Village they took 25 Moors, they flying, he that ran best took most, as Lau­rence Diaz who took seven, whilst others took but one, and some none. They called this Point, Cabo del Resoate, or Cape of Ransom, because some Blacks were ransomed there. The joy was the more for that they found Iohn Fernandez, who was left there the last Voyage, he was fat and in health, though rough like the Inhabitants. He told them, that the Country being all plane and open they often lost their way, and therefore were guided, as at Sea, by the Stars, the Winds, and by Birds. That the Inhabitants lived miserably, feeding on a certain Grain which the Earth produces without tilling, on some Herbs, Lizards and Locusts, all scorched in the Sun, which is predominant, that place lying under the Tropick of Cancer. That they used much Milk, not only as Meat, but Drink, by reason of the scarcity [Page 11] of Water; and therefore when they eat any Meat they never kill the Female, because of the Milk; those near the Sea eat some Fish. When they were acquainted with our People, and they gave them Corn, they eat it whole. The Land is Barren being all Sand, bears a few Palm and Wild Fig-trees, they have no Houses but Tents, their Cloaths are Skins, and the better and neater sort wear Alhaiques, which is not unlike our Crape, and the best, some better sort of Cloath, but none good; their Employ­ment is the care of Cattle, their Language and Writings the same with those of the Coasts of Barbary, with only about as much difference as is between the Castillians and those of Gallicia; they have no King, and live by Hords or Companies. Returning home with this Account of Iohn Fernandez, at Cabo Blanco they killed some Moors and took 55.

11. Dinisianez da Gram, Alvaro Gil and Mafaldo de Setubal, with each a Caravel, landed in the Island Arguim, where they took seven Moors, and by the help of them forty seven afterwards. They ran along the Coast of the Continent eighty Leagues, and at several times took fifty Slaves, losing seven Portugueses, whose Boat being left dry by the Ebb in the Island de las Garzas, they were all killed. Lancelot, who once be­fore had commanded a small Fleet, sailed from Lagos again towards Arguim as Ad­miral of fourteen Vessels. At the same time set out from Madera, Alvaro and Dinis [Page 12] Fernandez and Iohn de Castilla and others, who all together with the former fourteen, made up twenty seven Sail: Nine of the fourteen of Lagos came to Arguim, where Dinisianez was, who persuaded them to de­stroy the Island in revenge of the seven that had been killed, but the Moors under­standing the danger, fled; so that only twelve were found, whereof only four could be ta­ken, the rest killed, as also one of our men. Alvaro de Freytas returned with his three Ships. Lancelot with his sailed to the Island Tider, landed, and finding no People, return­ed aboard, where seeing some Moors from the Shoar jearing our men, because they could not find them, two of our men were so provoked that they leaped into the Wa­ter with their Arms, and swam to shoar to the Moors, who ran down to receive them. Others of our men seeing the danger those two were in, leaped after them, and on the shoar was a sharp skirmish; many of the Moors were killed and sixty taken. This done Suero da Costa and three more return­ed home. In a Village at Cape Blanco they took nine Moors, among them a Woman, who, promising a great Ransom, deceived Suero, for at the Island Tider the bold Wo­man who could swim very well, leaped over-board and gained her liberty by swim­ming ashoar. Lancelot and others unwilling to return without some Loading, as light as they came out, designed to sail to Zahara of the Azanagi and Guinea, but after some small attempts resolved for the Island of [Page 13] Palma. They touched at Gomera and were received by two Commanders Piste and Bru­cho in acknowledgment of some kindness they had received from Prince Henry. They discovered to them the design, and taking them along landed in Palma, all they got was seventeen Prisoners, but among them was a very large Morish Woman, who was said to be Queen of part of that Island. They returned to Gomera, and Iohn de Castilla dissatisfied with the small Prize, base and ingratefully carried away Captives about twenty Islanders who were his Friends and had assisted him. Which wrong the Prince amended by sending them back well cloathed.

12. Gomera and Palma are of the num­ber of the Canary Islands. The Canaries were discovered for King Henry the Third of Spain by Iohn de Betancour a Frenchman; among them he conquered those called Lancarote, Fuerteventura and Ferro. In them he left Masiot de Betancour his Nephew who conquered Gomera, and exchanging them with Prince Henry for some Land in Made­ra, he went and lived there. And because the Islands being twelve in number, there remained eight not conquered, viz. Gran Canaria, Palma, Graciosa Infierno, Alegranca Santa Clara, Roche and Lobos; the Prince sent a Fleet in which were 2500 Foot and 120 Lances, commanded by Don Fernando de Castro, who landing there, converted ma­ny Infidels. But there being complaints made from Spain to whom that Conquest appertain­ed [Page 14] it was given over. Afterwards King Henry the Fourth of Portugal gave them to D. Mar­tin de Ataide Count of Atonguia. And lastly, in the Treaty between Alfonso of Portugal, and Ferdinand of Castile it was agreed they belonged to Castile. The Inhabitants of these Islands were governed by a certain number of Persons, they varied in their Worship, in Fight they used no Weapons but Sticks and Stones, their Cloathing up­wards was Skins, the lower part a covering made of Palm-leaves of divers Colours; they took off their Beard with sharp Stones, their Governours had the Maidenheads of all Women that married, they feasted their Guests with them at their visits, the Chil­dren sucked Goats, their common food Wheat and Barley, Milk, Herbs, Mice, Li­zards and Snakes.

13. Lancelot being homeward bound, dis­covered the River Ovedec, which he called Sanaga, because a Black of that name was released there. It was then believed to be one of the Branches of Nile, because they were informed it ran far to the Eastward. Stephen Alonso in a small Boat went up the River, and took two Blacks with considera­ble opposition made by their Father. Ro­derick Anez and Dinis Diaz were here sepa­rated from the rest by a great Storm and arrived in Portugal. Lancelot steering to­ward Cape Verde, went ashore upon an Island, where he found nothing but Goats, and these words cut on the Bark of a Tree, TALENT DE BIEN FAIRE. [Page 15] This was Prince Henric's Motto, whereby he expressed his designs, and gave Lancelot to understand the Portugueses had been there before; - it was Alvaro Fernandez of Madera that was there. He stood along the Shoar, whilst Gomez Perez going up close in a Boat, threw a Looking-Glass and a Sheet of Paper with a Crucifix on it upon the Land to some Blacks that were there, who breaking and tearing them to pieces, poured in a Volley of Arrows, for which our men design'd to be revenged next day; but a great Storm which dispersed all our Ships prevented the execution. Laurence Diaz got home first, Gomez Perez put in at Rio del Oro, whence he brought one Slave, and many Skins of Sea-Wolves, and found the people there somewhat tractable. Al­varo Freytas and Vincent Diaz in the Island Tider took fifty nine Slaves. Diniz Fernan­dez and Palacano at Cape St. Ann, took nine more; twelve of our men swimming ashore for them. With these and such like small successes, they all returned home, having lost one small Vessel, but the men saved.

14. Nunno Tristan run 60 Leagues beyond Cape Verde, and anchoring at the Mouth of Rio Grande, or the Great River, he run up in his Boat, and soon discovered eighty Blacks in thirteen Almadies or Boats, who surrounded him, and poured in their poi­soned Arrows in such manner that they killed most of his men before they could get aboard, where he also died, none esca­ping without a Wound. Only four men [Page 16] were left in the Ship brought her home, after two months wandring in the Sea with­out knowing which way to steer. Alvaro Fernandez prosecuted the same Voyage, and went 40 Leagues beyond Tristan, killing with his own hand the Lord of a Village whereby was put to flight a multitude that oppressed him. At their return to the Ship they took two Women. He came to the River Tabite, where he was wounded, being attacked by the Blacks in five Almadies. Gilianes and others set out with ten Caravels, carrying with them the Prisoners unjustly seized by Iohn de Castilla. They put in at Cape Verde, where they were beaten and lost five men. They throve better among the Moors, and therefore returned to Ar­guim where they made forty eight Slaves, and at their return in Palma, two Women which had cost them dear, had not Iames Gonzales with a Cross-bow killed seven of the Islanders, and among them their King, who lead them with a Palm in his hand in token of his Soveraignty, and our Victory.

15. Gomez Perez deceived by some Moors of Rio del Oro, who had promised a great ransom, was revenged by bringing away eighty Slaves the same year. Next year set out Iames Giles Homen with orders from 1448. the Prince to settle a Trade with the Moors of Meca or Messa, 12 Leagues beyond Cape Gue, where he got fifty Blacks for eighteen he carried with him, and returned being drove away by a storm. Here was left be­hind against his will Iohn Fernandez, he [Page 17] who voluntarily staid before among the Azanagi. They brought a Lion, which was then much looked upon in Lisbon. The Fame of these Attempts flew so, that it brought from the King of Denmarks Court a Gentleman called Ballarte; a person ca­pable and desirous of great Designs. He was well recommended by his King to the Prince, who at his Suit sent him with Fer­dinand Alonso who then went Embassador to the King of Cape Verde. They were rea­dy to receive him in hostile manner, but were appealed when two Blacks, who were the Interpreters, told them our design, the chief points whereof were the shewing them the Light of the Gospel, and teaching them a more civilized way of living. Their Farim or Governour, being informed here­of came down to the Shoar, and sent an account of our arrival to his King. Mean while they began peaceably to trade. Some Elephants Teeth stirred up a desire in Bal­larte to see one alive. A Black offered to shew him one, and treacherously slew him and some of our men, which obliged us not to stay the coming of that King.

16. King Duarte reigned but a short time. His Son Alonso the Fifth succeeded him, being but six years of Age; at seventeen he took upon him the Government; Prince Peter, Brother of the Discoverer, having ruled for him those eleven years. Because from this time the Discoveries were mana­ged upon the King's account; we will conclude with a description of this great [Page 18] Undertaker. Prince Henry, the Beginner and Author of the South and Eastern disco­veries, was of a proportionable bigness, his Limbs gross and strong, his Skin white and fair, his Hair strong and rough, his Coun­tenance was terrible to such as were not acquainted; for in the greatest heats he was more governed by Meekness than Passion; he had a grave and graceful Gate; he was very circumspect and cautious in his words; plain in his Person, as far as suitable with his Quality; patient in Troubles, valiant in Danger, skilled in Learning, the best Ma­thematician of his Age, very liberal, ex­tream zealous for Religion; he was not known to be given to any Vice; he never married, nor was it heard that he sinned against Continency; his Memory and Pru­dence were equal to his Authority: He died at Sagres in the year 1463. and the 67th of his Age; he lies with his Father in the most noble Church of Batalla.

CHAP. II.

1. KING Alfonso the Fifth took upon him the Government, and prosecu­ted as his Uncle had done, those discove­ries. The first step he gave was a grant 1448. to the Prince, that none without his leave should pass Cape Bojador; and also the fifth and tenth of all things brought from thence. The differences between the King and his Uncle Prince Peter, were a great stop to these affairs. Leave was granted the Prince to plant the Islands Azores, disco­vered 1449. by Gonzalo Vello; they are seven in number, their Names St. Michael, St. Mary, Iesus or Tercera, Graciosa, Pico, Fayall, Flores and Cuervo, which lies farthest to the West­ward, as does the first to the Eastward. They differ not much in Latitude, being about the same with Lisbon. The reason why they were so called, is from a great number of Hauks, which they call Azores, that were seen there when first discovered. In the last was found the Statue of a Man on Horseback, with a Cloak, but no Hat, his Left Hand on the Horses Main, the Right pointing to the West; there were some Let­ters carved on the lower Rock, but not un­derstood. It seemed to point out America. Because in the Islands of Arg [...]m there was [Page 20] trading for Gold and Blacks; the King or­dered a Fort to be built in one of the Islands, and called by the same name; it was erected by Suero Mendez, who was Com­mander of it. At this time also were disco­vered the Islands of Cape Verde by Antony Nole a Genoese, sent by that Republick to Portugal. He also discovered the Island 1460. called Mayo, or May, because he arrived there the first day of that Month. Next day he saw the other two, which he named St. Philip and St. Iacob. The names of those not yet mentioned, are Fuego, Brava, Boavista Sal, St. Nicholas, St. Lucy, St. Vin­cent, St. Antony, in all ten. They are com­monly called of Cape Verde, for that they lie 100 Leagues to the Westward of it. Pedro de Cintra, and Suero de Costa went as far as Sierra Leona.

2. So great were the hopes of the Guinea Trade, and the returns stirred up covetous­ness, so that the King farmed this Trade to Fernando Gomez for 500 Ducats, a small sum in comparison of their present great­ness. He was obliged to continue the disco­veries 1471. 500 Leagues farther in five years. He fortunately discovered the Trade of Oro de la Mina, or the Gold of the Mine by Iohn de Santaren and Peter de Escobar. They went as far as Cape St. Catharine 37 Leagues beyond Cape Lope Gonzales in two Degrees and half of South Latitude. For this discovery was added to him the Sirname of Mina, and he was made Noble. Ferdinand Po discovered the Island which he called Hermosa, or [Page 21] Beautiful, which name it changed for the Discoverers. The last discovery during the reign of King Alonso, was that of Cape St. Catharine, so called because discovered on her day. There were other discoveries before this, as the Coast from whence was brought the first Cochinilla, which the Itali­ans (knowing the Value, but not the Name) call Grana del Paraiso, or Scarlet of Paradise, they had it from the Moors of this part of Guinea, who crossing the Country Mandin­ga and Deserts of Libia, brought it to the Port Mundibarca in the Mediterranean. Now were found the Islands St. Thomas, Anno Bueno, and Principe, all neglected, the King being wholy bent upon Africk. How little these places were minded, may appear by this, that a Spanish Fleet commanded by Gar­cia de Loaysa, Knight of Malta, arriving at the Maluco Islands the year 1525. he found there were Portugueses there before it was known in Portugal, and found in two degrees of South Latitude, the Island of St. Mathew not inhabited, but with footsteps of the Portu­gues, several Fruit-trees, and tame Cattle, carved on the Bark of a Tree, that our men had been there 87 years before, and the French Motto of Prince Henry, Talent de bien Faire. It was the custom of those Sailers to leave this Motto in all places where they landed.

CHAP. III.

1. KING Iohn the Second, who suc­ceeded his Father Alonso, consider­ing the Riches of the Countries discovered encreased his Revenue, and finding the Na­tives inclined to receive the Faith, ordered a Fort to be raised in that part where was the Trade of Gold called Mina. To this end he fitted out twelve Vessels laden with all Materials for the Work, from the Stones of the Foundation to the Tiles, with Pro­visions for 600 Men, 500 of them Souldiers, the rest Workmen. The Commander was Iames de Azambuja. At his arrival he con­firmed the Peace some time before conclu­ded with that People. He acquainted the Prince of it (called Camaransa) with his arrival and intention. He landed to take possession, and set up the Portugal Colours upon a Tree; at the Foot of it he made an Altar, and caused to be celebrated the first Mass that had been in those parts. He prepared himself to receive the Black King, who came attended with many of his Sub­jects naked, save that from their Waste downward, hung Monkies Skins or cover­ing made of Palm-leaves: All armed, some with Shields and Javelins, others Bows and [Page 23] Arrows; some had Skins for Helmets, in such manner they appeared more ridiculous than terrible. The Prince's Legs and Arms were covered with plates of Gold; on his Neck a Chain, with many small Bells, and Tags to his Beard. Before him went a great number of Instruments, more noisie than harmonious; all that were known were Tabors, Horns and Bells. He met the Cap­tain with a grave and pleasing Countenance; the Captain received him with Gravity and Magnificence. The Black took his hand in token of Peace, the same the chief Men about him: After the Ceremonies (different in the Nations, but all vain and imperti­nent) Azambuja laid open his Kings design, which was first to instruct him in the Chri­stian Faith, and conceal our Covetousness, asking leave to build a House for our Men to live in, which was to be a Fort to offend them upon occasion. I do not pretend to persuade the World, our only design was to Preach, on condition it be believed it was not only to Trade.

2. The Portuges Captain was heard with wonderful attention, and the proposal of Religion admitted, but that of the House or Fort rejected; for they are Barbarians in our conceit, but not for their own Interests. Azambuja pressed, and Caramansa yielded and retired. The Workmen began to break a Rock for the Work, and the Blacks who adored it (taking that as an Affront) drove them away. Azambuja took the wisest course, and running to them, pacified them [Page 24] with many Gifts, not of value, but such as pleased. The Fort finished was called St. George, for the particular devotion the King had to that Saint. As it encreased it gained the name and priviledge of a City. Azam­buja remained there with 60 men, and sent back the Fleet laden with Gold. He held that Government three years, he gave it up with Honour (a thing rare among the Por­tugueses) and was honourably rewarded.

3. The King began to take the Title of Lord of Guinea. The Custom till now had been to set up Wooden Crosses in all the new Discoveries; the King ordered for the future to carry them of Stone with the Kings and Captains Names, the Time when, by whom, and by whose Order erected. The first of 1484. these was Iames Cam, who passing Cape Catharine (the last of King Alonso's disco­veries) came to the River Congo in the King­dom of the same Name, by the Inhabitants called Zagre. He went up the River, and saw on both sides Blacks, but were not un­derstood by those he carried with him. By signs he found they had a King, and that he resided far off. He sent him Presents (the most powerful Arguments of Embassadors) but finding the Men that carried them stay long, he set sail, bringing some Blacks home with him. King Iohn was well pleased to see them, and dispatched again the same Iames Cam, sending back with him the Blacks joyful, with many Presents he gave them, but above all with the recovery of their Liberty. The first part of his In­structions [Page 25] was the Conversion of those Infi­dels. At his arrival he restored those Blacks to their Prince, and received the Men he left behind, with mutual admiration. Fol­lowing on the Discovery, he ran 20 Leagues farther, setting up the Cross he called St. Augustin, in 13 degrees of South Latitude, and another in 22. At his return to Congo, having seen the King, he found in him such an affection to our People and Religion, that he sent with him to Portugal some Sons of his Chief Men, desiring they should be baptized, and being made Christians return­ed, and with them Ministers to instruct them in the Faith. They were baptized at Beja, where the King and Queen were God­father and Godmother to the chief of them, and he called D. Iohn, his Heathen Name being Zacuta; the same was done by the Nobility, with the others, whose Names and Sirnames they took. Betwixt the Fort of St. George and Congo, is the Kingdom of Benin. The King hereof covetous of the advantages he saw others reap by our Trade, feigned he would be converted, and desired Priests for his instruction; but they being sent, the design was discovered, and so the effect ceased, but not the covetousness; for those Heathens bought Christned Slaves, and we with the same avarice sold them, after be­ing baptized, knowing their new Masters would again make them fall into Idolatry. This lasted till the Religious King, Iohn the Third, forbid it, though to his great loss; but God who gives an hundred for [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 22] [...] [Page 23] [...] [Page 24] [...] [Page 25] [...] [Page 26] one, to requite him ordered that another Gold Mine should be discovered below that of St. George, whence much more was gather­ed without a Crime, than had been before by that so scandalous a Trafick.

4. King Iohn was informed by the Benin Embassador, who came to desire the Priests should be sent them, that 250 Leagues be­yond them was the most powerful Prince of all those Countries, called Ogane, by whom the Kings of Benin for their security were confirmed, receiving of him a Staff with a Head and a Cross like that of Malta, all of Brass curiously wrought. An Embas­sador went with Rich Presents to solicit these Ensigns of Royalty, who never saw Ogane, because he speaks from behind Cur­tains, but at their departure shews a Foot, in token that he grants their Request. Our King imagined this Prince might be he that is vulgarly called Prester Iohn, by compa­ring these Formalities with what he had heard reported of him. He fitted out three Ships, commanded by Bartholomew Dias; he set up a Cross in 24 degrees of South Lati­tude, 120 Leagues beyond the other Dis­coverers in Sierra Parda. He sailed in sight of the Bay they called de los Vaqueros, or of Herdsmen, because of the many Cows they saw there; beyond this they touched at the small Island Santa Cruz, or Holy Cross, so called from one he set up: 25 Leagues far­ther they came into the mouth of a River which they called del Infante, the Sirname of the second Captain, who was the first [Page 27] that saw it. Being about returning they dis­covered that so many Ages unknown Pro­montory, which they called Tormentoso, or Stormy, because of a great Tempest they met with there; but our King gave it the name of Cabo de Buena Esperança, or Cape of Good Hope, for the great hopes it gave of discovering the Indies. There was set up the Cross St. Philip. The two first Ships coasting along met the third with only three men aboard, having lost it nine Months be­fore with nine Men in it then. With meer joy of seeing the others (a strange, but not unheard of death) one of the three died, the other six had been killed by the Blacks. With various fortune observing the discover­ed Country they arrived in their own, the extent of Land till then found out, being 750 Leagues.

5. Whilst these Discoverers conquered the difficulties of the Seas; Peter de Covillam and Alfonso de Payva travelled by Land, who came first to Naples, then to Rodes, to Alex­andria, Grand Cair, then with a Caravan of Moors to Toro on the Coasts of Arabia. Here they parted, Payva towards India and Covillam for Aethiopia, having appointed a time when to meet again at Grand Cair. Co­villam went to Cananor, Calecut and Goa (fa­mous Cities in the East) passed thence to Zofala in Aethiopia, then to Aden at the Mouth of the Red Sea on the side of Arabia, and at last to Grand Cair, where he found his Companion had died. After these had been sent out two Jews, Rabbi Abraham of [Page 28] Beja, and Ioseph of Lamego. Covillam sent back the latter to inform the King of his success, with the other he embarqued for Ormuz, where having observed what was most remarkable, he left the Jew to follow the Caravans of Aleppo, and returning to the Red Sea came to discover the Court of Prester Iohn, who detained him there as a Spie. But while he was detained, travel­led from Rome, Luke Mark, an Aethiopian Priest, sent by Prester Iohn to our King. This Priest's information revived the Kings hopes and desires, and he was sent back with an Account of what means had been used to settle a Correspondence, and Pro­jects for the perfecting of it.

6. Before Luke Mark parted from Portugal, was arrived Bemoi Prince of Ialof. He came with State, and was received accord­ingly, being conducted to Court by Don Francisco Coutinno Count of Marialva. His strangeness did not cause so much admirati­on, as he conceived of the Majesty and Grandeur with which the King received him under his Royal Canopy. This was the cause of his coming. Biran who reigned in Ialof, giving himself up to all manner of Vice, resigned the Kingdom to his Brother Bemoi, with the reputation of delivering it to a Person in all respects worthy of the Royal-dignity. But Cibitah the elder Bro­ther, envious of Bemoi's happiness, kills Bi­ran, and seizing the Government, makes War upon Bemoi, who with the assistance of Gonzalo Coello, sent by King Iohn, made [Page 29] some resistance. This relief was sent him by reason of the hopes he gave of receiving the Faith. But it being suspected he only designed to make use of the Portugues as­sistance, the Captain was ordered to leave him, which was a great grief to Bemoi. He gave such excuses for not being presently baptized as seemed sufficient, and losing soon after a Battle, he went to Portugal to seek a more favourable turn of Fortune.

7. It was no small part of his Fortune to 1489. be received by so great a Prince, but above all to the hopes of Eternal Happiness, being soon after baptized by the name of Iohn, which he took from the King who was Godfather. Next day he gave him Arms, Purpure a Cross Or within an Orle of Por­tugal. He in return did homage to the King for all the Lands he should be posses­sed of. Twenty four Gentlemen of his Re­tinue were baptized with him. There was great rejoycing, our People shewing their grandeur in such divertisements as were most in use then; and Bemoi with his Re­tinue giving a view of their Activity in Ri­ding, Alighting, and Mounting upon a Speed, standing upright on the Saddle Gal­loping, and some in their Career took up Stones off the Ground, and much more, worthy admiration. The King furnished him with twenty Caravels well manned and armed, as well to forward his Restoration as to build a Fort on the River Zanaga.

8. The Province of Ialof lies between the two famous Rivers Gambea, or rather Rio [Page 30] Grande and Zanaga, so called by the Portu­gueses from a Prince of that Name, whom they spoke with when they discovered it; it has other names in the several Countries it runs through, and makes many Islands, most as being uncooth, inhabited only by Wild Beasts. It is navigable 150 Leagues up, where a ridge of perpendicular Rocks crosses it in such manner, that the Water falling down, forms an Arch, under which Travellers pass dry, and pleasant to behold, but makes a hideous noise with the fall. The Gambea, or Rio Grande, runs 180 Leagues, and carries more Water; it is not all Navi­gable, but runs with less noise, though fill­ed with many Rivers that water the Coun­try Mandinga. Both these Rivers flow out of the famous Niger, and may as well be esteemed but so many Mouths thereof. There is great variety of Fish in these Ri­vers, and several other Creatures along them, as Horses, Crocodiles and Serpents with Wings; the other Beasts that abound are Elephants, Ounces, Wild Boars, and a many more. Great are the numbers of them, and wonderful their variety and different forms. The Waters of the two Rivers mixt cause Vomiting, yet each asunder does not. In this part is that great Cape called Cabo Verde, by Ptolome C. Assinarium, in about 14 degrees of North Latitude. The Country runs 170 Leagues Eastward, is most fruitful, and has many populous Cities. To Tombotu the Mart of Mandingo Gold, resort the Merchants of Grand Cair, Tunez, Oran, Tremisen, Fez, Moroc­co, [Page 31] and other places. This trade moved King Iohn to build the Fort on the River Zanaga. The 20 Caravels were commanded by Peter Vaz de Cunna, who landing with D. Iohn Bemoi the King, and beginning to raise the Fort in the place assigned, either suspecting that he deceived him, or fearing to die in that Country, basely killed the King, en­deavouring with that Foul Crime to hide another not so hainous, which was to return without finishing the Work, and in fine he came back without any effect.

9. The Congo Embassador being well in­structed 1490. in the Faith, was sent home with three Ships. Sono was the first Land they made, and arrived safe at Congo. They were joyfully received by an Old Lord called Manisono, Uncle to that King, who desired to be baptized. An Altar was erected in 1491. the Field, and he was admitted to this Sa­crament by the name of Manuel, and his Son by that of Antony, in the presence of 25000 of their People, this being the first time that Sacrament was there administred. The King of Congo, Nephew to this Lord, hearing what he had done, added to his Estate, and caused all the Idols within his Dominions to be destroyed. The King made his residence at Ambasse Congo 50 Leagues distant, where he received Ruy de Sousa the Portugal Commander, on an Ivo­ry Chair, placed on a Lofty Throne. From the Waste upwards he was naked, the lower part wrapt in Sky-colour Damask, on the Left Arm a Bracelet of Brass; from his [Page 32] Shoulder hung a curious Horse-tail, a Royal Badge among them; on his Head a thing like a Miter, of a delicate Webb, made of Palm, which resembles wrought Velvet. Af­ter the Ceremonies, he desired to see the Holy Vestments: He viewed them with de­liberation and respect, in presence of his Queen, Children and the Chief of the Court. Then he gave leave to build a Church, which was done in few days, of the invoca­tion of the Holy Cross, because begun the day of that Feast in May. In this Church was baptized the King, and some of his Peo­ple, there being above 100000 present, as well for that they flocked to see the Novel­ty, as because they were preparing for a Neighbouring War. The King was called Iohn, and the Queen Ellenor, in honour of our Sovereigns. Afterwards were baptized the greatest part of those had flocked thi­ther. The New Christian King went to meet his Enemy, relying more on his Con­version, and the Cross in the Colours he had received from Ruy de Sousa, than in 80000 men he had in Arms, nor were his hopes vain, he returned with Victory, and Ruy de Sousa to Portugal with the honour of having compleated one of the most famous under­takings of this Crown, leaving in that King­dom People capable to labour the New Vineyard.

10. Afterwards was baptized the Prince, who had been absent in the Wars, and call­ed Alfonso. Panso Aquitimo, the King's Se­cond Son, would not receive the Faith, and [Page 33] the Father falling off, because as a Christian he could be allowed but one Wife, resolved to leave the Crown to the Heathen Aquitimo, in wrong of the Prince who continued con­stant in the Faith. Alfonso was abroad in banishment when his Father died, but re­turning to Court was received as King. Aquitimo having recourse to the Sword, fell upon him when he had but thirty seven Christians, as well-Portugueses as Blacks; yet under the Banner of the Cross Alfonso overcame a vast multitude of Infidels, Aqui­timo being taken and then slain. A Gentle­man that accompanied Aquitimo desired to be baptized immediately, declaring they had been overcome by a Glorious Army that was lead by a Cross, and not by the thirty seven Christians. Alfonso established in peace, destroyed all Idols, and propaga­ted the Faith with great zeal. He sent his Sons, Grandsons and Nephews to Portugal to study. Two of them were worthily af­terwards Bishops in those parts. In memory of that Victory, and of the first Colours sent this King, as also that the Faith was first planted on the day of the invention of the Cross; he took for his Arms, Gules, a Cross Fleury Argent between two Crosses Pattee, charged with the Arms of Portu­gal.

11. The beginning of the Year 1493, 1493. came into the River of Lisbon, Christopher Columbus, who brought from an Island (guessed to be that of Sipango) some Men, Gold, and great tokens of Riches. This [Page 34] Great Man some time before had offered his service to King Iohn, who having slighted him then, looked on him now with some regret, and he provoked him with some extravagant words in revenge of the small regard made of him. There were some who offered to kill him, as well to pu­nish his Boldness, as to conceal from Spain his Discoveries. But the King sent him away with honour: Columbus was a Genoese, and learned Navigation in Portugal; he was employed by the King of Spain, and he had sent him to the Discovery he now came from. King Iohn did not envy the For­tune of Spain, but feared that Discovery was part of what the Portugueses had been so long in quest of. This caused him to fit out a Fleet commanded by D. Francisco de Almeyda in order to oppose those proceed­ings, judging he had right on his side, but it proved not so. Several Embassies passed on both sides to agree the business, and at last came to a conclusion.

12. Though Prince Bemoi was dead, the hopes of making a farther progress in that Country about Zanaga died not with him. They who went in that Fleet had not per­formed what they were sent for, but dis­covered more Land, and gained the good will of the Natives. The Trade was after­wards continued, and a good correspon­dence between our King and those Princes. Peter de Evora and Goncalo Anez went to those of Turucol and Tombotu. Roderick Re­belo, Peter Reynel, and Iohn Colaco and others [Page 35] carried Presents to Mandimansa and Temala of the Fouli, the most warlike of all those People. The King had also correspondence with him of the Moses, very famous in that Age; and with Mahomet Ben Manzugul, Grandson of Muza, and King of Songo (a populous City of Mandinga) who receiving a full account of our King said, That none of 444 from whom he was descended, had any knowledge of more powerful Kings than four, which were those of Alimaen, Baldac, Grand Cayre and Tucurol. At this same time the King laboured to settle a Factory in the City Huadem, 70 Leagues to the Eastward of Arguim, as well for the Trade of Gold, as to have some intelligence of Prester Iohn, which he solicited by all means. Many were sent to these Discove­ries by Land. But Death put a stop to King Iohn's farther progress in these affairs; but cannot obscure the Glory due to him for propagating the Christian Faith in so remote parts, building the Forts of Arguim and St. George de la Mina, which fixed the Sove­reignty of Portugal in Guinea that abounds in Gold, Ivory and all other Riches and Plen­ty, and the Gate that opened a way to the most Heroick Actions afterwards performed by the Portugues Arms.

CHAP. IV.

1. KING Emanuel inherited not only 1497. his Predecessors Kingdom, but his earnest desire of finding a shorter passage by Sea to the East Indies. This attempt was generally condemned by the greater num­ber, but carried by the more prevalent Judg­ments. The King being in the Town of Estremoz, when he appointed Vasco de Gama to Command the Fleet he designed to send. This was a Gentleman of sufficient Quality, Ability and Spirit for such a difficult En­terprise. The King honour'd him expres­sing the great confidence he had in him, and delivered the Colours he was to carry, on which was the Cross of the Military Order of Christ, and on which this worthy Hero took the Oath of Fidelity.

2. Having received Letters for the Princes of the East, among others Prester Iohn, and Zamori or the King of Calicut; he sailed from Lisbon upon Saturday the 8th of Iuly with only three small Ships and 160 men. The Names of the Ships, St. Gabriel, St. Ra­phael and Berrio; the Captains Paul de Gama, Brother to Vasco, and Nicolas Nunnez; there went also a Barque laden with Provisions, [Page 37] Commanded by Goncalo Nunnez. Having passed the Seas already known to Portugues Sailers, they discovered others, and after five Months sail, landed on the Sands of a Bay, now called Angra de Santa Elena, be­cause first seen on that Saints day. Here they took one of two Blacks who were busie gathering Hony in the Mountain, little thinking how far human Boldness carries men. This man pleased with some Glasses and small Bells, brought some others from a Village, in hopes of getting some of those things, and these being furnished brought many more.

3. Fernando Veloso, a daring Young Man, asked leave to go see the habitation of the Blacks; but he returned with more speed than he went, being pursued to the shore, and a Shower of Arrows following as he got into the Boat. Vasco de Gama endeavouring to appease them, was wounded in the Leg, and because they would not hearken to him, he revenged himself with Cross-bows from aboard. The third day being the twentieth of November, he weighed and passed the Great Cape of Good Hope. On St. Catharines day they touched at Angra de San Blas, which is near the Island, where are found the Birds called Soliticairos made like a Goose, but with Wings like Batts; this is 60 Leagues beyond the Cape. Here they ex­changed some Merchandise, and observed the People garding their Cattle, some Wo­men riding on Oxen, and some dancing to Pipes that made no contemptible Musick. [Page 38] But because as they coasted in order to find some Port, they found the Blacks appeared in greater numbers and warlike manner, he terrified them with firing some Guns. He took all the Provisions out of the Barque and burnt it. On St. Lucies day hapned a Storm, the more terrible because it was the 1498. first. On Christmas-day they saw the Land, which for that reason they called Terra de Natal, or Christmas-land, as also the River they named de los Reyes, or of the Kings, for being first seen on the day of Epiphany. Here Gama left two Men to inform them­selves of the Country, and give him an ac­count at his return. To this purpose he carried some Malefactors, their punishment being changed for these dangers. After dealing for some Ivory and Provisions, so much to the satisfaction of the Blacks, that their King came aboard, he went on as far as Cabo de Corrientes, and without seeing the Town of Zofala, passed 50 Leagues farther, and went up a River where were several Boats with Sails made of Palm. It was an encouragement to our Men to see these Peo­ple, for that they understood something of sailing, a thing they had not seen in all those Coasts, and because they were not so black as the others, and understood the Ara­bick Letter. They concluded them more ci­vilized by their Habit of several Colours, and divers sorts of Stuffs both Cotten and Silk. They said that to the Eastward lived White People, who sailed in Vessels like [...]. This River Gama called de Bons Sinays, [Page 39] or of good Signs, for the information he got of what he looked for; though he lost some Men, and many sickned, their Gums swelling out of their Mouths, and there was no cure but cutting, which proceeded from the badness of the Provisions. Sailing hence they again cast Anchor among the Islands of St. George, opposite to Mozambique, whence came several Zambucos or Boats in jovial manner, the Musick of several Instruments sounding in them. As they came near were seen some Black others almost White, all had Persian Veils, and were cloathed with Cotton of sundry Colours. They asked our Men boldly who they were, and what they wanted. Gama answered to the first part, and said he would answer to the rest when he knew whose that Town was. They said the Lord of it was Zacoeja, to whom all Vessels sent notice of their Arrival. Then Gama replied, that his Voyage was to India, and wanted a Pilot to conduct him to Ca­licut, that this was what he desired of the Xeque or Lord. He sent him some Presents, though not of great value, valuable for their rarity.

4. A Moor who carried the advice, re­turned with many thanks for the Presents with some fresh Meats, making excuses that the great distance was what hindred the Lord from visiting him. These Lucky be­ginnings moved Gama to attempt entring the Harbour, but meeting some danger he Anchored above the Town, which lies in 14 Degrees and half of South Latitude, and is [Page 40] encompassed by the Sea; the Land about it is low and unhealthy, the Houses of Hurdles, that of the Lord and the Mosque of Mud Walls; the Inhabitants were Stran­gers and Moors: this being between Quiloa, which lies above, and the Mine of Zofala below it. This place was ever much ac­counted of by our Seamen, being a most secure place to Winter in. The Natives of the Continent are Black. Here came aboard Gama three Ethiopians, who as soon as they spied St. Gabriel painted on the Poop, sell on their Knees, as those who had always preserved Christianity, which was preached among th [...]m in the Primitive times, though now with some corruption. Vasco de Gama sent other Presents to the Lord, and they concluded a Peace, which was confirmed on our part by erecting a Cross there by the name of S [...] George. But the Barbarians having de [...]lly concluded this Agree­ment, our Men going for Wood, fourteen Boats fell upon them, pouring in abundance of Arrows, but being answered by our Cross-Bows and Guns, they never offered to mo­lest us a second time. They sailed hence the 11th of March with one Morish Pilot; he had hired two, but the other fled. Bad Weather obliged him to come to an Anchor again at St. Georges Island. He took in Wa­ter by force of Arms, the Blacks opposing it. And they encreasing to 2000, he fired some Cannon, which killing some, the other with the fright fled to the Continent, lea­ving many in our hands.

[Page 41] 5. The Xeque or Governour at first re­fused a Pilot, he they had being fled, but fearing it might be revenged, sent another so wicked, that he run the Ships among some Islands, which were called del Acotado, because the Pilot was there severely whipped for this fault. This punishment instead of amendment, provoked him to another fraud. He persuaded Gama to take the Port of Quiloa, by telling him there were Christians there; but believing our Ships might be de­stroyed. The Currents drove the Ships off, and they came to an Anchor at the City Mon­baza, which is an Island made by a River that falls into the Sea by two Mouths: The Buildings like those of Spain; the Inhabi­tants all Moors, without any mixture of Christians, as the Pilot affirmed. Our Com­mander sent a Present to the King, and he deceitfully offered a kind reception. This inclined Gama to enter the Port, but it be­ing God's Will to deliver him, the Ships fell off, and our Seamen making some extraordinary cry to bring them about, some Moors, who were aboard, thought they were discovered, taking this for a sig­nal of Battle, they all leaped overboard, which undeceived the Commander, who sailing on, and chasing two Boats, he took one with 13 Moors. By them he was in­formed that not far off was the City Me­linde, and there several Vessels from India.

6. Melinde is seated on the plainest of a Rocky Coast, encompassed with Orchards, Palm-trees, and Woods of Fruit-trees; the [Page 42] Buildings great and sightly; the Country as well stored with Cattle as Fruit; the Na­tives Pagans, of Colour Swarthy, of Body Strong; the Women are counted beautiful; from the Waste downwards they wear Silks and Cottons; on the Head, Veils with Gold-Laces. Most of the Merchants who trade here are of Guzarat, who in return of their Spice, carry Gold, Ivory, Amber and Wax. The King is a Mahometan, and is served with State and Splendor. Gama gave him an account of his Voyage by a Souldier, and how he stood in need of a Pilot. Some Presents and Complements having passed between them, they met on the Sea, where the King was pleased above all with th [...] gift of the 13 Moors not long before taken. The Portugues feared the Moors kindness was deceitful; but it proved otherwise, for the effect of this interview was a lasting Peace faithfully observed by the Portugueses and Moors. Here Gama discoursed with some Merchants of Cambaya, who aboard his Ship were seen to worship an Image of our Lady; which shewed there were yet among them some foot-steps of the Preaching of St. Thomas the Apostle. He carried with him Melemo Cana of Guzarat, finding him so expert in Navigation, that being shewn an Astrolabe, he took little notice of it, as one who was used to more considerable Instru­ments. With this Able Pilot Gama set for­wards, having first erected a Cross, which he called of the Holy Ghost; and cros­sing that great Gulph of 700 Leagues, in [Page 43] twenty two days anchored 2 Leagues below Calecut.

7. Whilst our Discoverers rejoice at their arrival in India, let us give a general des­cription of it, referring the particulars to the arrival of our Ships in those parts. The Region properly called India, is that which lies between the two noble Rivers, Indus or▪ the West, and Ganges on the East. Of the first it takes Name, as does the most Anci­ent Kingdom of Delhi, the best and most powerful of this Country. Hence the Per­sians call it Indostan. On the South it is all girt by the vast Ocean. Encompassed by those Rivers it makes a sort of Peninsula, almost in the form of a Lozenge, or Rhom­bus of equal Sides, but not equal Angles. The two most distant opposite Angles lie North and South; the latter is made by Cape Comori, the other towards the Fountains of the Rivers, which though distant in the Mountains, called by Ptolomy Imao, yet run­ning down the Rivers come almost to meet. The distance between these Angles in a streight Line is about 400 Leagues. The other two opposite Angles, which lie East and West, and are distant 300 Leagues, are formed by the Mouths of the Rivers. They encompass as much Land on their two sides, as does the Ocean on the other two. Though all this Country be inhabited by Heathens and Mahometans, yet they differ in their Opinions and Customs, as they are divided into several Kingdoms, as Multan, Delli, Cospetir, Bengala, Orixa, Mando, Chitor, [Page 44] and Guzarat, commonly called Cambaya The Kingdom of Decan is divided into ma­ny Sovereignties, with Character of Kings, with that of Pale divided between both. That of Bisnagat, to whom are subject ma­ny Petty Princes; and all the Province of Malabar divided into small Territories, some absolute, some subject to those already named. Had not Nature set Bounds to Hu­man Ambition, separating these Countries with vast Rivers, Mountains, Lakes, Woods and Deserts, inhabited by sundry and in­numerable Wild Beasts, they had all doubt­less been under the Command of one Lord. The most remarkable Bounder of this vast Continent, is a long Ridge of Hills, which the Natives call Gate, that is, Mountains; they run about 200 Leagues from North to South: on both sides between the Sea and the Hill run two long, but narrow Plains for about 80 Leagues, that on the West is called Malabar, on the shoar whereof is seated the City Calicut. It was then inha­bited by Pagans, and resorted to by Maho­metan Merchants. Their Kings were al­ways of the Family of the Bramenes, among them esteemed most Religious and Learned, and great Observers of the Doctrine of Py­thagoras. The People is divided into two Degrees, the Commons, whom they call Poleas; and the Nobles called Nayres, who are valiant and skil'd in the Arms they use, and always wear Sword and Buckler; so proud, that if but touched by a Commo­ner, they hold it as a great misfortune, and [Page 45] cleanse themselves by washing. This King of Calicut is the most powerful of all the Coast, and therefore for distinction called Zamori, as much as Emperor. The King­dom took its name from the Metropolis, in which are many Stately Buildings of the Natives, for the Merchants do not mind it. It has no shelter for Ships, which are forced to Ride it out at Anchor in the Road. This is the place where we left the Disco­verers.

8. Gama arrived here on the 20th of May; he gave advice to the King, who was not then in the City, but sent him a Pilot to bring the Ships to a safer place. During this interval came acquainted with the Por­tugueses a Moor called Monzayde, who lived there, and told them in Spanish he had known them in Oran, and would be service­able to them there. So it proved, for from that time he passed between Vasco de Gama and Zamori, upon all occasions with great fidelity, and at last died a Christian in Por­tugal. The third day our Commander went ashore with twelve others, a Catual, or Go­vernour coming from the King to conduct him; they were carried on Mens Backs with such ease, that the motion, though swift, is hardly to be perceived. Thus they were carried, many flocking about them, to a Pagod or Temple, equal, including all its Offices, to the greatest of our Monasteries. On the top of the Front were five Bells, and opposite to it a high Pillar of Brass, with a Cock on the top. Within the Gate at­tended [Page 46] four Bramens, covered from the Waste to the Knees with Cotten Cloaths; and for a Badge of their Profession each had three Threads cross his Shoulders, hank­ing like a Shoulder Belt. They sprinkled them with Water, and gave Powder of Sandal to put on their Foreheads, all with great Cere­mony, and no less Reverence than is used among us in taking the Holy Water in Church. About the Walls were painted se­veral horrid Figures of Monsters and Wild Beasts. In the middle was a round Chappel of good Structure with Brass Gates; within it was the Statue of a Woman, which by reason of the darkness could not be per­fectly discovered. The Portugueses looking upon it, and asking what it was, the Mala­bars answered aloud, and with a joyful Reve­rence, Mary, Mary, Mary, and prostrated themselves on the ground. Our Men did the same, judging that to be the Image of our Lady, nor were they deceived, for it could be no other, those People many Ages before having professed Christianity. The throng of the People grew so great, they stopped the way, and with the eager desire of seeing the new Guests, almost stifled them. Having gone thus 5 Leagues, they came to the Palace, where they saw the King on a Rich Bed set out with Silk and Gold, his Looks full of Majesty, Cloathed with White Cotton strewed with Branches and Roses of Beaten Gold; on his Head a thing like a Mitre set with many Pearls, his Arms and Legs naked, but on them Bracelets [Page 47] and Rings of Gold set with Rich Jewels. A Grave Person by his side held a Gold Plate with some Leaves of Betele, an Herb comfortable to the Stomach, which the Eastern Princes much use, chewing and swal­lowing the Juice of it. The eldest Bramen, who was next the Bed, and whose Age, Grey Hairs and Garb were Venerable, arose, and taking Vasco de Gama by the Hand pre­sented him to that Great Emperor, who looked upon him friendly, but saluted him so scantly, that the motion of his Head could scarce be perceived, and made signs to the Bramen to make him sit down on the Steps of the Ascent whereon the Bed stood. He heard him, and answered in general Terms; then took the Letter sent by King Emanuel, which was writ in Portugues and Arabick, keeping it to consult with his Ministers about the Answer, promising it should be speedy. The substance was only to settle a friendly correspondence between the two Crowns in order to a Free Trade, which might be to the advantage of both. Gama was entertained in the House of a Ca­tual, or Governour, where the next day he endeavoured to gain him and the other Ministers with Presents, but they being in­feriour to their Avarice, he found next time he spoke with them, that he had not won them; but the King seemed more pleased than the first time, whence may ap­pear the Good Will of a Prince is bought at a cheaper rate, than those who would go­vern them when raised to their Favour. In [Page 48] fine, he was content that a free Commerce should be setled between the two King­doms.

9. The Moors understanding this Agree­ment, envious of our success, and fearing the damage must ensue to their Trade, made many Objections against our admittance, as­suring, that we who came now suing, would settle our selves forcibly in time to come. They bribed the Catual or Governour, and he perswaded the King, our Men were Pi­rats and not Embassadors. It was wonder­ful that the King, not knowing how to proceed, because there was none could sa­tisfie him of the truth of this Business, he resolved to rely upon the Faith of him whom his Ministers accused; for, as if he had known how odious a Lie, though to their advantage, was to the Portugueses, he sent for Vasco de Gama, declaring to him at large how he was informed his Embassie was feigned, and that he was some banish­ed or fugitive Person, making him great offers of a kind reception in case it were so, and promising to rely upon his information for the credit of the whole matter. Gama heard the King with a great deal of firm­ness in his Countenance, and declared him­self highly sensible of the great confidence the King reposed in him, in a most learned Speech, with powerful Arguments answered to all that had been laid to his Charge, and concluded with the same gravity and staid­ness he had kept through his long discourse. The King who had kept his Eyes fixed [Page 49] upon him all the time his harangue lasted, hoping by exteriour signs to discover the truth of his assertions, drew a conclusion from the security of his Looks, the elegancy of his Words and gravity of his Person, that there could no deceit be couched under such fair appearances, that the Moors pro­ceeded malitiously, and his Ministers were imposed upon. Then very frankly bid him return to his Ships to land what Merchan­dise he brought, if any, and while that was disposed of, he would prepare such an Answer for the King, as should be to his satis­faction.

10. Vasco de Gama providing to return to his Ships, was detained by Order of the Go­vernour, and finding himself Prisoner, left seven of the twelve he had brought as Hosta­ges. He complained, but to no effect, the faithful Moor Moncayde solliciting for him with all possible diligence. Gama being abroad and finding no fair means could pre­vail to have his men restored, having called a Council, it was resolved to apply force; accordingly he sent out after some Fishermen and took twenty of them: Immediately he let fly his Sails, making shew of departing, that they might send to stay him. And ac­cordingly it succeeded, for the King in­formed of the reason why his Subjects were taken, ordered the seven Portugueses to be exchanged for them, and sent the Answer for our King, and excused the treachery of his People. The fortunate Gama steers home­ward, the Moor Moncayde came voluntarily [Page 50] with him, and some of the Prisoners by force, who were not restor'd, it being thought convenient to bring some to shew, promi­sing them they should return.

11. As he was leaving the Sea of Calicut, sixty Vessels, full of Armed Men, set upon and pressed him, but the Cannon being well played, they went off. Sailing along in sight of Land, he set up the Cross of St. Mary in an Island between Baranor and Ba­ticale, which thence took name, with ad­miration of the Inhabitants. This was the sixth and last he set up this Voyage, they were St. Raphael, in the River Bons Sinays; St. George, at Mozambique; St. Stephen, at Melinde; and St. Gabriel, at Calicut. Whilst he was erecting the last Cross, he writ a Letter to the Zamori or King of Calicut, by the hand of Moncayde, and sent it by a Fisherman of that place: In this Letter he excuses himself for carrying away those Pri­soners, which he did not in satisfaction of the Merchandise taken from him, but as an earnest that he would return with them, when he had shewed them to his Prince, and they informed him of the state of their Country; and that in recompence he would bring a perfect account of Spain. In this Voyage he discovered 1200 Leagues, draw­ing a strait Line from the River del Infante, found by Bartholomew Diaz, to the Port of Calicut; for in sailing it is much more. Here he found the Island, the People of Ca­nara call Anchediva, near the Continent, it is small, well shaded with Trees, of a whol­som [Page 51] Air, and has good Water. Anche or Ange singnifies Five, and Diva, Islands; there being so many, but the Chief has car­ried the Name. He was here careening his Ships, taking water, and some respite, when a Pirat attacked him with eight small Ves­sels, so linked and covered with Boughs, that they looked like a small floating Island. He was somewhat surprized at first sight, but perceiving the danger that approached under those Leaves, he attacked it, and ha­ving put to flight seven, took one Vessel. The Name of this Pirat was Timoja, we shall hear of him hereafter. The Prince of Goa, by means of a Jew, endeavoured to draw Gama to his ruin; the Jew from shoar making signs with a Cross, who being ta­ken aboard, and put upon the Wrack, con­fessed he was sent with an ill design, and repenting, was baptized, and called Gaspar de Gama. Some of the men died whilst they were sailing acro [...]s the Great Gulph between India and the Coast of Melinde. He An­chored in sight of the Town of Magadoxa, which stands on an open Coast, but is beau­tiful and strong. Not far from thence came out against him eight Boats well manned, but were soon repulsed. He came to Me­linde, and was received by that King as a Friend. Being again under sail, the Ship St. Raphael struck and was lost, leaving that Name to those Sands. The men were sa­ved by the other two Ships, and they parted by a Storm near Cabo Verde. Nicholas C [...]ello arrived at Lisbon, believing his Commander [Page 52] was there before him, but he was burying his Brother, Paul de Gama, in the Island Tercera. Soon after he came up the Tagus, having been out two Years, and almost two Months. He carried out 160 men, and returned only with 55. They were all re­warded by the King. Vasco de Gama had the priviledge of being called Don, annexed to his Family; to his Arms was added part of the Kings; he had the Title of Admiral of the Eastern Seas, 3000 Ducats yearly, and afterwards the Title of Count Vidigueyra. Nicholas Coello was made a Fidalgo, which is Noble, and had a 100 Ducats a year.

12. Prince Henry, the First Author of thefe Discoveries, had built a Chappel on the Banks of the River a League below Lisbon, for the conveniency of Sailers. In the same place now did King Emanuel erect a stately Church to the same intent, and with the same name it had before, to wit, Our Lady of Bethlehem, placing the Statue of the Prince over the Great Gate, his own and the Queens over the lesser. This is a Monastery of the Order of St. Hierom, and for its security was built in the Water a strong Tower called St. Vincent, not great, but sightly.

CHAP. V.

1. THere were Publick Thansgivings through the Kingdom for the good success of this Voyage; to these succeeded Feasts and Joyful Entertainments. And all mens expectation being raised with the glo­ry of the Action and hope of ensuing Pro­fit, it was consulted how to prosecute what was begun, and resolved, that accord­ing to the disposition they had found in the People of those Countries there was more need of Force than Intreaty, in or­der whereunto thirteen Vesses of several sizes were fitted, and Peter Alvarez Cabral was named Admiral. On the 8th of March the King delivered with his own hand to the Admiral the Flag of the Cross. The Shoar was covered with People, who flock­ed to see the Fleet sail. It contained 1200 Men, 8 Franciscan Friers, 8 Chaplains, and a Chaplain Major. The substance of their Instructions was, to begin by Preaching, and if that failed, to proceed to the decision of the Sword.

2. Twelve days the Fleet sailed with a fair Gale, but at Cape Verde a Storm arose, and one of the Vessels returned to Lisbon. In 10 degrees of South Latitude they saw a [Page 54] Tawny People with lank Hair and flat Faces: They fled from our Men, till halt­ing all together upon [...]n eminence, they were spoke to in several Languages and by Signs, but all in vain. The Fleet passed on, and Anchored upon Easter Eve in a Port they called Seguro, or Safe, because it pro­ved so to them. The People being affable, our Men landed and set up an Altar under a Tree, where there was Mass said and a Sermon preached, to which those Heathens were present with wonderful at­tention. The Admiral sent a Vessel to ad­vertise the King of this discovery, and erected a Cross on a great Tree, calling the Country Santa Cruz, or Holy Cross. He also left there two Portugueses to enquire into the Customs, Language and Product of the Country. This is that large Province of America, called Brazill, for the abun­dance of that Wood which it produces, and hither had he been drove by Storms. Ha­ving left this Port, on the 12th of May he saw a Comet stretching its Tail to the Cape of Good Hope, which vanished in eight days, and was the forerunner of a terrible Storm, insomuch that the day growing dark, they could not see each other or hear, with the horrid noise of the Winds; 20 days this Tempest lasted, and swallowed four Ships. The Admiral arrived with only six Ships of all his Fleet upon the 16th of Iuly on the Coast of Zofala. He chased two Ships, the one was stranded, the other ta­ken, they belonged to Moors, and came [Page 55] from the Mine of Zofala, commanded by Xeque Foteyma. The Admiral treated him courteously, restoring all that was taken, because he was Uncle to the King of Me­linde, who deserved well of the Portugueses for the kind Offices Vasco de Gama had re­ceived of him in time of need. Having quitted the Moor, he arrived at Mozambique on the 20th of Iuly, where he refitted and held on his Voyage.

3. Coasting along, he came to an Anchor before the antient and noble City Quiloa. Abraham, a Man renowed among his Peo­ple, and rich with the Trade of Zofala, then reigned there. The Admiral sent him word, he had important Affairs to commu­nicate to him from our King. The Answer was, that he should come ashoar and he would hear him. He replied, That ac­cording to his Instructions it was not per­mitted him to land, unless to fight such as refused the Friendship of Portugal; but that in respect to such a Prince, he would meet him in a Boat in the middle of that Bay. This Answer was surprising, and Fear wrought more than Kindness. Several Boats were set out on both sides, richly adorned and filled with Musick. Our Commander proposed Amity, Trade and Religion. The Moor gave good words, but disguised ill designs. This known, a Councel was held, the Resolution was to go on, leaving the Revenge for a fitter opportunity, and thus they arrived at Melinde the second of Au­gust, where they were received with all [Page 56] kindness, not only upon account of the Friendship established with Vasco de Gama, but also for the Generosity wherewith Xeque Foteyma had been treated. They visited and presented each other. Ours which was con­siderable, was carried by the Factor Ayres Correa, together with a Letter from our King, writ in Arabick, which was so highly prised by that King, that to the end he might keep the Bearer ashoar that night, he sent the Admiral the Ring whereon was his Seal, the greatest security of those Kings. He told how much he was infested by the King of Monbaça for having admitted our Friendship, renewed and confirmed it with words and actions. Soon after our Ships sailed, having taken in two Guzarat Pilots, and set ashoar two Men in order to disco­ver Prester Iohn's Country, the antient de­sire of our Princes.

4. On St. Bartholomew Eve they reached Anchediva. The Vessels were wash'd and tallow'd, they watered and dealt with the People by signs, and left them satisfied. Then they stood over for Calicut, and dis­covered it the 17th of September. The Na­tives beheld us with Pleasure and Admira­tion; our Cannon was fired for joy, but struck a terror into the People on the Shoar, who fled. Ayres Correa, who had this em­ployment at Melinde, went to advertise the King Zamori. He setled the manner how the King and Admiral should meet, which was done with much circumspection. There were given as Hostages for the safety of [Page 57] the Admiral, and such as should land with him, six of the Kings principal Ministers of the Family of the Bramenes, whose Names he brought from Portugal by the advice of Moncayde. The Prisoners that Vasco de Ga­ma took, were also returned in performance of what he had writ to Zamori, and that they might give an account of what they had seen in Portugal.

5. The Embassie was delivered with much state, it tending only to the settling Peace and Commerce. After much delay pro­ceeding from Jealousie, Peace was conclud­ed and sworn to, and a House in the Town, with much difficulty, granted for the con­veniency of Trade. Ayres Correa took pos­sion of it with sixty able Men. The Mer­chants of Meca obstructed our getting la­ding, complaint was made to the King, but no redress.

6. The cause of it was the enmity be­tween two Moorish Governours, one of the Sea, the other of the Land Affairs, the first called Coje Bequi, the other Coje Cemireci. This last was offended that our Factor had made greater application to the other than to him, and contrived to be revenged, as follows. He was informed there sailed from Cochin, a City distant about 30 Leagues, a very great Ship of Ceylon, bound for Cam­baya with Elephants, who must pass before us. He therefore told the Factor, that the King having desired one of those Beasts, was refused it by the Owners; that if our Men would take the Ship they would ob­lige [Page 58] the King, forward their own business, and possess themselves of a great quantity of Spice which the Merchants of Meca had there. His design was, that we should re­ceive damage in the attempt, that Ship be­ing of great bulk; and to this purpose gave notice to the Owners, that they might be the better provided; and in case that did not succeed, at least hereby we should dis­oblige the Merchants of Cochin. The Ad­miral sent after the Ship, Peter de Ataide in the St. Peter, who gave her chase, she made no account of our Vessel till some of our Balls reaching her, she bore upon us pour­ing in her shot, then made away, and was pursued and taken out of the Bay of Cananor. There were aboard seven Elephants, where­of one was killed by a Cannon Ball, and eaten by our men. This contrivance was of advantage to discover the Author, to terrifie the King, seeing such a Vessel taken by one that was not above the sixth part of her bulk, and to gain the Friendship of the King of Cochin; for the Admiral discover­ing the fraud, restored the Ship to the Owners, making satisfaction for the dam­age. Here it was that Duarte Pacheco Pereyra gave the first marks of that Heroick Va­lour, which after made him renowned in all the World.

7. This evil design turned to our advan­tage, but not the next; for the Ships having been there three Months, there were but two laden, and at a dear rate; and the Factor suspecting that the Ships of Meca [Page 59] laded by night, which hindred ours, com­plained to the King, who ordered him to make Prize of such Boats. They entred and found nothing, for it was a contrivance of the Moors to incense the People against the Portugueses, and so it fell out, for the attempt being divulged, the Rabble rises in search of the Factor and his Company, whereof they suddenly slew forty; the others with five Franciscan Fryers escaped that Storm. The Admiral before the blood of those slain was cool, in a rage burnt fifteen great Vessels in the Port, and battered the Town two days from the Ships, doing great damage, and killing above 500 men.

8. Then sailed to Cochin the Metropolis of the Kingdom, of the same Name, ha­ving by the way burnt two Ships they met belonging to Calicut. The King lived out of Town. The Admiral sent to advertise him of his coming by a Bramen, a Religi­ous Malabar, one of those who wander na­ked, girt with Chains and daubed with Filth, who, if Heathens, are called Iogues, and if Moors, Calandars; this man was afterwards baptized and called Michael. The King re­turned a favourable answer, and permit­ted us to lade Spice. It was done slowly, but without interruption. At Cranganor were found some Christians of St. Thomas, under Armenian Bishops. Two were brought to Portugal, one died and the other returned. Zamori of Calicut had gained the ill will of the Neighbouring Princes by his ill manner of proceeding with our men. Those of [Page 60] Cochin and Cananor desiring an opportunity of breaking with him, strove to draw the Portugues Fleet to their Ports. The Go­vernours of Coulan, on the South of Cochin, sent to this effect to the Admiral, he return­ed thanks, though the Offer was not ac­cepted, having already sufficient lading. He left Goncalo Gil Barbosa as Factor at Co­chin with others, to provide lading for the next Ships should come.

9. He had promised to take in some Gin­ger at Cananor, he went thither to perform his word, and shew he was not afraid to appear before Calicut; he found that King well affected towards us, who sent with him an Embassador (he of Cochin sent two) to King Emanuel with Presents, and offer of a Free Trade. About the middle of Ianuary the Admiral set out in order to return home. On the Coast of Melinde, one of the Ships was drove by bad Weather upon a Bank, the men saved. At Mozambique the rest were refitted, and one sent to set­tle a Trade at the Mine of Zofala. At Cabo Verde they found Peter Diaz, and his Vessel, which had been parted from them; he had escaped many dangers by Sea and Land, chiefly in Port Magadoxa near Cape Guardafu. After the Admiral arrived also in Portugal, Peter de Ataide, who had been parted, and the other sent to the discovery of Zofala, with an account of it.

10. In March before this Fleet returned, sailed out of Lisbon four Ships with 400 men, commanded by Iohn de Nova, an [Page 61] able Seaman. In eight Degrees of South La­titude he found the Island he called of the Conception. Beyond the Cape of Good Hope, at the place called Agoado de St. Bras, they found in a Shoe a Letter writ by Pe­ter de Ataide, who Anchored there after the Storm before spoken of; it gave an account of the Voyage of Peter Alvarez Cabrall. In August they arrived at Mozambique, then at Quiloa, having found an Island, which from the Commander was called of Iohn de Nova. Short of Melinde they gave chase to two great Ships, one was taken, light­ned and then burnt. At length they arri­ved at Cananor; and that King desirous they should stay there, to oblige them dis­covered that the King of Calicut was send­ing against him forty great Ships. This which he thought would detain them, hast­ned their departure; for Iohn de Nova, lest the King should think he staid for fear, sailed on towards Cochin, leaving ashoar four Factors, to prepare Goods against his return. In the Road of Calicut they found the Fleet ready, and falling on it lost ne­ver a Shot, pouring it in all that day and night, and part of the next; there were sunk five great Vessels and nine Paraos, which are small ones, the rest fled to the City with the news. At Cochin, Nova took in his lading with speed, it being provi­ded by the Officers Cabrall had left there to that purpose. He returned to Cananor and took the rest of his lading; at his entrance into that Port he took a Ship of Calicut, [Page 62] plundered and burnt it; the same hapned to another as he came out. In his return having passed the Cape of Good Hope, he found the Island of St. Helena not inhabi­ted; it has proved since a most advanta­gious place to all that use the India Trade, being provided with most excellent Wa­ter. It lies in 15 Degrees of South Lati­tude, distant from Goa 1549 Leagues, from Mozambique 1100, from the Cape of Good Hope 520, from Angola 370, from St. George de la Mina 375, from Brazil 540. from Lisbon 1100.

CHAP. VI.

1. THE Account Peter Alvarez Cabral brought, shewed it was requisite either to attempt making a great For­tune with a great Force, or else to quit the attempt. Some were of Opinion to desist, but the credit of so great an Action prevailed; and though many were lost, the gain of those who returned was so great, that it outweighed the consideration of the damage. The King was inspired with the hope of carrying on what the Apostle St. Thomas had begun, and planting the Chri­stian Religion in those Countries, and en­larging his Royal Titles by adding to them, as he did, those of Lord of the Navi­gation Conquests and Trade of Aethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and India, which were con­firmed by the Pope.

2. The King was sensible, that to obtain a Great Name among so many, so pow­erful and so distant Nations, it was requi­site to shew great Power; therefore in 1502. March he set out Three Squadrons; the first of ten Ships, commanded by Vasco de Gama, now on his Second Voyage. The second of five Ships under Vincent Sodre, which was to scour the Coast of Cochin and [Page 64] Cananor, and hinder the Trade of the Ships of Meca, watching the Mouth of the Red Sea. The third was under Stephen de Gama, but all subordinate to Vasco de Gama. The whole consisted of twenty Ships, and were gone before Iohn de Nova arrived. The King delivered to Vasco de Gama the Flag with great Honour in the Cathedral Church, giving him the Title of Admiral of the Eastern Seas. With him returned the Embassadors of Cochin and Cananor, much honoured by our King. They met off Cabo Verde a Caravel bound for Lisbon, with much Gold from the Mine. Don Vasco shewed some to the Embassadors, and they surprized, said it did not agree with the account the Venetian Embassador in Portu­gal had given them, that the Portugueses without the help of Venice could scarce put Ships to Sea. This was envy, because they were like to lose their Trade with Grand Cayre.

3. The Admiral arrived the 12th of Iu­ly at Quiloa, having lost two Ships in bad Weather. He entred furiously, firing all his Canon, and battering the Town in re­venge of the ill usage others had received from that King. But he to prevent his to­tal ruin, came in a Boat to appease the Admiral, offering to be subject, and pay Tribute to King Emanuel. Thus the Storm was converted into Joy. Sailing thence he was put by the Port of Melinde, and forced to anchor 8 Leagues below it in a Bay, whence spreading▪ his Fleet that no Ship might [Page 65] escape him, he took several, but was most severe with those of Calicut. A Ship of great bulk called Meri, belonging to the Sultan of Cayre, most richly laden, and full of many Moors of Quality, who went Pil­grims to Meca, fell so unexpectedly into our hands, that she was taken without the least resistance, and all the Goods shifted into our Ships. But when 260 Moors perceived we were going to force the Vessel, in which, besides them, were above 50 Women and Children, laying hold of what Weapons were at hand, they beat the Boats from the sides; a Ship coming to her assistance was almost taken, till another relieved it, and the Admiral coming up, the Enemies Vessel was boarded, and after a couragious resistance taken and burnt with all that were in her, except twenty Children who were afterwards baptized.

4. The Admiral sailed to Cananor, and had a meeting with the King upon the Shoar, and Persons were appointed to confer a­bout the business of Trade. Then he sent a Letter to the King of Calicut, signifying to him, that the 260 Moors burnt in the Ship, were upon account for the Portugueses killed by his People; and the twenty Chil­dren made Christians, for one Portugues turned Mahometan. That this was but the earnest of revenge he would soon take up­on his City. Mean while they differed at Cananor about the Price of Spice, and at last some few men were left there to agree the matter, and many Threats sent the [Page 66] King for this usage. Then he set forward to perform what he had promised at Ca­licut.

5. As he coasted along, there met him a Boat, and in it four Noblemen sent by Za­mori with offers extorted by fear. Don Vasco thought they might be advantagious; but resenting that the Proposal was to rest con­tent with the dustruction of almost 300 Moors and a rich Ship, in satisfaction for the loss of the Portugueses, he returned answer, that at his arrival he would burn and destroy the City. The Fleet spread, and took one Ship at anchor, and some Boats. The King prepared himself, but to no purpose; for the Cannon playing, there was great distraction and confusion. He hanged thirty Moors at the Yard Arms; then cutting off their Heads Hands and Feet, threw them into the Sea to be cast upon the Shoar by the Tide, warning them it was but a merciful death to what he de­signed for the Murderers of the Portugueses. Next, the Ship taken was fired, and then he sailed, leaving that Prince and City in a Consternation.

6. The King of Cananor, through fear, granted all he had denied to Entreaties. And the Admiral arriving at Cochin, and having seen the King, perceived it was true (as he had been informed) that those three Kings had combined to make him winter there by fraud, hoping thereby to destroy him, finding a Fleet of 200 Sail they had fitted out for that purpose was utterly lost [Page 67] by Storms. At length Peace and Amity was concluded with the King of Cochin, which proved not only advantagious then, but afterwards durable. Don Vasco among other Presents, gave him a Crown of Gold; and he besides many other things of value, sent the King a Stone of great worth, as being a Sovereign Antidote against all Poy­son. This Stone of the bigness of a Hazle Nut, is found in the Head of that Creature the Indians call Bulgodalf. The King of Ca­nanor understanding the good Correspon­dence there was between Vasco de Gama and him of Cochin, and fearing our Fleet would not return to his Port, declared he was as ready to comply with the Admiral as the other, and received a satisfactory answer. Here Don Vasco received Embassadors, who said they came from some Christian Inhabi­tants of that Neighbouring Country, the Metropolis whereof was Cranganor, and they to the number of 30000: That St. Thomas had preached to their Forefathers; that they were subject to the Patriarch of Arme­nia; that they were infested by the Pagans; that they knew he was an Officer of the most Catholick King of Europe, to whom they submitted themselves, delivering into his hands the Rod of Justice. This Rod was Red, about the length of a Scepter, the ends tipt with Silver, with three Bells at the top. They were dispatched with hopes of a pow­erful assistance.

[Page 68] 7. Whilst the Ships were lading at Cochin, a Bramen of Note, with his Son and Ne­phew, offered himself to Don Vasco, signi­fying a desire of coming to Portugal to be instructed in the Faith, and proposing me­thods of reconciliation with the King of Calicut. He found credit, because his Son and Nephew were to remain as Hostages; and the Admiral sailed for Calicut in a great Ship, accompanied by only one Caravel, hoping to meet Vincent Sodre, who was gon to set the Embassadors ashore. But he be­ing attacked by the Moors, though he worst­ed them, was gone to Cananor. The Bre­men was landed, and carrying several Mes­sages back and forward, gave time for fit­ting 100 Paros or great Boats, which sud­denly one morning hemmed in the Admiral so boldly, that many offered to board him with Fireworks to burn the Ship. It began to take fire, when cutting the Cable she put off the Fireship, and the Boats to avoid it were discovered, but much more by our Cannon, which being at good distance took effect. Sodre receiving advice by the Cara­vel the Admiral had sent, when first he mis­sed him, came in good season, and all toge­ther charged the Enemy in such manner, they were put to flight with great loss. The Hostages were hanged at the Yard Arms in sight of the City, and then put into a Boat with a Letter for the King, desiring him to accept of that Present in return for his Mes­sengers contrivance. The Admiral returned to Cochin, and being dispatched, left there [Page 69] in a wooden House built for that purpose with the King's leave, a Factor and 32 Por­tugueses. Then sailed with his ten Ships for Cananor; not far from Pandarane there met him twenty nine of the King of Calicut. He sent out three Vessels to engage the two foremost of the Enemies, which was per­formed with such vigour, that when the Admiral came up, the two were taken, the rest fled, 300 Moors killed. The Booty was considerable, the chief thing an Idol of Gold, weighing 30 pound, of monstrous shape, his Eyes were two Emrauds, on his Breast was a very large Ruby, and part of him covered with a Cloak of Gold set with Jewels. Sodre was left there to guard the Coast and Factories; the Admiral continued his Voyage. He arrived at Lisbon with nine Ships richly laden, and with publick pomp carried the Tribute he with much honour had received of Quiloa, whereof the King ordered to be made a Custodium of Gold for the Church of our Lady of Bethlehem, and gave all his share of such Prizes as should be taken, to the use of that Structure.

CHAP. VII.

1. THE King of Calicut envying the ad­vantage he of Cochin made of our Trade, got together 50000 men at Patane 16 Leagues from Cochin, with other prepa­rations for War. The People of Cochin fear­ing that Power, were for delivering up the Portugueses to him of Calicut, who demand­ed nothing more. But Triumpara, King of Cochin, refused, and went out with three Nephews, and small force to meet the Ene­my. At the first charge he was forsaken by some of his Nobles, yet assisted by the Portugueses, valiantly maintained a Pass, till his Nephews being killed, whereof one was General, he was forced to fly and se­cure himself in the Island Vaipi, near to and more tenable than Cochin, which was burnt; and he persisted in not delivering up the Portugueses; a notable example of Fi­delity in a Heathen, scarce to be parallel'd among Christians.

2. Whilst the People of Cochin were be­seiged in the Island, there sailed from Lis­bon nine Ships under three distinct Com­manders. The first was Alfonso de Albur­querque, the second Francis de Alburquerque, and the third Antony de Saldanna. The three [Page 71] last were to cruise in the Mouth of the Red Sea against the Ships of Meca; the others to return with their lading. Francis de Al­burquerque arrived first with more Ships than he brought out, having met with those of Vincent Sodre, who was cruising upon the In­dian Coast and distressed by Storm; as also a Vessel that had been separated from D. Vasco de Gama. Sodre had taken four Ships of Calicut, which he carried to Cananor, and burnt several small Vessels; but this hapned before the invasion of Cochin, to whose King he had offered his assistance, but was not admitted; and sailing thence touched at Zo­cotora and Guardafu, and on the Coast of Arabia took some Vessels of Cambaya and Calicut. Winter coming on he took shelter in a Bay near the Islands Curiamuria, and found the Moors of that Coast called Baduiis, who live by their Cattle, were tractable; and after two Months they advised Sodre to seek a better Harbour, because about that time there arose such Storms in that place that he would be lost. He would not cre­dit them, believing they said it only to be rid of him, but sound they spoke truth, be­ing lost with his Brother, and all the men in a sudden Tempest, the other Vessels with great danger, and suffering much through hunger and thirst escaped, met Francis de Alburquerque, and arrived with him at Co­chin. The Commander sent the King a Present into the Island, part whereof was 10000 Ducats in Mony. Then going ashoar the King ran and embraced him, crying, [Page 72] Portugal, Portugal; and all the People with great cries repeat Portugal, Portugal; and the Portugueses to return the civility, cried Cochin, Cochin. The Commander comfort­ed the King, giving him assured hopes in the assistance of his Ships and the others he expected. Not to lose time, he fell upon those who held the Island of Cochin for the King of Calicut, and killing many expelled the remainder; then passed to Vaipi, resto­ring that Country to its lawful Prince. The Lord of Repelim his Lands were wasted with Fire and Sword, and only four Portugueses lost in this action. The joy Triumpara con­ceived in being restored by our assistance, moved him to grant us leave to build a Fort in Cochin. The work was begun when Al­fonso de Albuquerque arrived, and it was call­ed the Fort of St. Iames, and a Church then built, dedicated to St. Bartholomew. 500 men were put aboard some Vessels ta­ken from the Enemy, who burnt Repelim after a stout defence made by 2000 Nayres. Alfonso de Albuquerque ambitious of perform­ing some notable Exploit by himself, advan­ced against a Town, when a multitude of expert Heathens issuing, brought him into great danger, and the more by the assi­stance of thirty three Vessels of Calicut; but Francis his Brother coming up, they were put to flight, and many killed, as were 700 in the Island Cabalam, where they thought to secure themselves. Duarte Pacheco de­stroyed another Town, killing many of the Inhabitants. As our men sailed (though [Page 73] victorious) spent with fatigue, fifty Ships of Calicut met them, the number surprized them, but our Cannon being well played, the Enemy fled. Antonio do Campo carried the news of this success to Portugal.

3. Pepper was bought with some expence of blood. The Queen of Coulam offered la­ding for two Ships, Alburquerque went thi­ther, and setled a Trade as in Cochin; and to manage it left there a Factor and twenty six men. The King of Calicut perceiving our success, desired Peace, it was granted upon our Conditions, some being put in ex­ecution, he put a stop to the rest. He lo­ved the Conveniency, but hated the Means, and again prosecuted the War. The King of Cochin representing how just he had been to us, desired some able Commander might be left there with a number of men to his assistance. The demand was reasonable, it was therefore resolved that Duarte Pacheco with his Ship and two Caravels, and 100 men should be left there. Alfonso and Francis de Alburquerque returned towards home. The first arrived safe, and among other things brought the King forty pound of Pearls, and four hundred of the small; a Diamond of wonderful bigness, and two Horses, one a Persian the other an Arab, which were held in great esteem, being the first that were brought to the Kingdom. Francis de Alburquerque, and the Ships under his Command were never more heard of Peter de Ataide, who followed them, having escaped a Storm, was found with his men at Melinde.

[Page 74] 4. Antony de Saldanna, the last of the three Commanders, and who was sent to cruise in the Mouth of the Red Sea, having lost Diego Fernandez Pete [...]a came to an An­chor at St. Thomas. Short of the Cape of Good Hope was made famous a place by the name of Aguada del Saldanna, or Saldannas watering place, not for any Water he took, but the Blood of his Men shed there, en­deavouring to land. At this time a Storm had parted from him Ruy Lorenço, driving him up to Mozambique, whence he held his course to Quiloa, where he took some small Prizes. An ambition of doing something more remarkable, carried him to the Island Zanzibar, 20 Leagues short of Monbaça, where he took twenty small Vessels. Then he appeared before the Town of that name. The King of it designed to take the Ship with a number of Paraos, or Boats; but our Long Boat going out with thirty men, killed several, and took four Paraos. The King appeared on the Shoar with 4000 men com­manded by his Son, who was killed with some others by the first Volley. Their loss produced our safety, for one of them run­ning from their Croud, with Colours bearing the Arms of Portugal, Peace was concluded, that King agreeing to pay 100 Meticales of Gold yearly, as tributary to Portugal. Thence he visited Melinde, whose King was oppressed by him of Monbaça, for his friendship to us. This obliged Ruy Lorenço to stand in; by the way he took two Ships and three Zam­bucos, small Vessels, and in them twelve [Page 75] Magistrates of the City Brava, who, as such, submitted that City to Portugal, with the yearly Tribute of 500 Meticales. The two Kings came to a Battle, and parted upon equal Terms. Now came Antony de Sal­danna, whereupon he of Monbaça came to an agreement. Beyond Cape Guardafu, and in the Islands Canacani they worsted some Moors who would hinder their watering: On the upper Coast of Arabia they burnt a Ship laden with Frankincense, and forced ashoar another that carried Pilgrims to Meca. But whilst they sail to India, let us see what is doing at Cochin.

5. Zamori of Calicut called [...]gether the Kings and Lords of Malabar, and there re­sorted to him those of Tanor, Bespur, Cotu­gan and Corin, and ten Lords of equal Power, besides the Lesser. They drew to­gether 50000 men, as well for Land as Sea; for the Sea were 4000 men in 280 Paraos, Caturs, and Tonees, Vessels of several sorts, with 382 Cannons to batter the new Fort; all the rest was for the Land to attack the Ford of a River that passed to the Island; these were commanded by Naubea D [...]ring, Nephew and Heir to him of Calicut, and by Elancol, Lord of Repelim. The King of Cochin was in fear, seeing many of his Sub­jects desert, but Duarto Pacheco, who com­manded the Portugueses, encouraged him. Pacheco put himself into a posture of De­fence. Into the Ship he put 25 men, into the Fort 39, into the Caravel 26, into a Boat 23, he was in another with 22; be­sides [Page 76] these, 300 Malabars attended him; the King with his Forces was to guard the City. Thus he went to meet Zamori, and finding him quartered in a Village, attacked it, and did much harm. There hapned three fierce ingagement [...] about gaining the Pass; in the first the Enemy lost 20 Paraos sunk by the Cannon, and 180 Persons of Note, above 1000 private men. In the second 19 Pa­raos and 360 men. In the third 622 Paraos, and 60 fled, and 15000 men by Land, and among them Zamori; Pacheco pursuing, burnt four Towns.

6. The Moors that were with the King of Cochin [...]ve intelligence to the Enemy. The King gave Pacheco leave to punish them. He took five, secured them, and gave out they were hanged, which the King and all his People rese [...]ed. Zamori returns and attempts another Ford. Iames Perez and Peter Raphael with two Caravels and some Boats were posted, where the Lord of Repe­lim was to attack with 3000 men, sustained by the Prince Naubeadarim with his men. At this time 300 Moors deserted Pacheco; he wanted Powder, and the Prince of Cochin, to whom he sent for it, did not relieve him, for the Messenger treacherously forbore de­livering the message. But Pacheco overcom­ing all difficulties, killed 650 of Zamori's men, who retired to a Grove of Palm-trees, where nine of his men were killed so near him by a Cannon Ball, that he was sprink­led with their Blood. After this he lost 6000 men by the Plague.

[Page 77] 7. Great were the preparations the King of Calicut made, and the mean time fa­tigued Pacheco with several stratagems and treacheries. The Bramen Conjurers propo­sed the making a Powder, which being thrown in our mens Eyes, would blind them, and so they would be easily overcome; be­sides they had a new invention of Castles that were to destroy them; and the Moors of Cochin were underhand bribed to poyson the water of the Island. The Powder was looked upon as ridiculous, but great care was taken by Pacheco to prevent the Poy­son. The Castles began to appear, and were eight in number, fifteen foot high, and placed upon two Boats each, and carried many men. Pacheco had a 160 men divided into four parts, the Foord, the Fort, the Caravels and the Ship, and herein consisted the principal strength of the Kingdom of Cochin; for of the 30000 men the King had at first, there were now but 8000 left, ma­ny of the Principal Men having deserted. Zamori had brought 80000 men, and lost 20000. Whilst the Towers were preparing Pacheco was attacked by a number of Paraos, in one attack he killed some men, and took five Boats; in another eight with thirteen Cannons. Six bold Nayres offered to kill him, and in order thereto came over as De­serters, but he having intelligence, appre­hended and sent them to the King. Zamori gave out that the Portugueses at Cochin were all killed, to the intent those who resided at Cananor and Coulam should be destroyed; [Page 78] they were in great danger, one or two kil­led, and many wounded. The King of Co­chin, though he saw the great danger that threatned him, was resolved to endure the utmost miseries, rather than abandon the Portugueses, but feared those few must at last be overpowred by the multitude of the Enemy, and the danger of those brave men grieved him more than his own; he there­fore most earnestly entreated Pacheco to quit that enterprize, and save himself and men for some opportunity wherein he might do his Prince greater service. But Pacheco bid the King be of good courage, and not dis­hearten his Subjects with any signs of fear, but exhort them to stand firm, and thereby they should overcome all difficulties. And fearing lest some Portugueses, by his exam­ple, might faulter in his resolution of dying or conquering, he went aboad the Ship, and made to them a most learned, copious and resolute Speech, which gave new vigour to them all; but much more his speedy Orders, and Couragious Activity shewn at that very time; for scarce was the Speech ended, when the Enemy came to assail him; the Enemies design was to burn our Ships, and therefore those Castles were drove towards them, all the Front flaming. But Pacheco who perceived their intent, threw over long Beams, one end whereof resting against the Ship, the other hindred the approach of those burning Castles.

8. The Enemy appeared with 290 small Vessels, well stored with Men and Artillery, [Page 79] and eight Castles, one carrying 40 men, two 35 each, and every one of the other five 30 men, before all came the Fireworks. The Shoar was covered by 30000 men, with good Artillery; at the Head of them the Lord of Repelim, with a vast number of Pio­neers. The Fight began, the odds being al­most 300 Vessels to three. At first the Ar­tillery wrought no effect, but being conti­nued tore those Towers, and the Smoak be­ing somewhat allayed, the Sea appeared covered with broken Boats, Arms, dead Bodies, and others strugling with Death; the Fight was renewed with great loss to the Enemy, and not one Portugues killed. Next day Zamori returned, and was beaten off with greater damage, having lost 18000 men in the space of five Months that this service lasted. The King by the advice of his Bramens, retired to do Pennance, and by consent of his Councel desired a Peace, which the King of Cochin granted. At this time Pacheco received a Message from the Factor at Coulam, desiring he would come to assist him against five Ships of Moors who obstructed his Market of Pepper. Pacheco went with all speed, and they submitting, he took the Pepper at their own rate, without doing them any harm. He hindred others from coming into that Harbour, and return­ed to Cochin with the Glory of having struck a general terror through all that Coast.

9. King Emanuel being informed by D. Vasco de Gama, how necessary it was to ap­pear with a greater Force in India, fitted out [Page 80] a Fleet of 13 Ships, the biggest had yet been built in Portugal, and gave the Com­mand of them to Lope Soarez, and in them 1200 men. The first Land of India he touched at was Anchediva, where Antony de Saldanna and Ruy Lorenco were refitting, in order to cruise on the Coast of Cambaya up­on the Moors of Meca. But Lope Soarez took them along with him to Cananor, where he staid to give the necessary Orders, and then appearing before Calicut, had some Prisoners, who were taken in the late War, delivered to him; but because they did not give up all, he battered the City two days, wherein he ruined great part of it, and kil­led 300 Inhabitants, and then sailed to Co­chin at the time that Pacheco was upon his return from Coulam. The King informed him of the damage he received from Cran­ganor, a Town but 4 Leagues distant, and fortified by Zamori.

10. Lope Soarez with great secrecy provi­ded 20 Vessels, and sailed with them up the River, where he found 5 Ships and 80 Pa­raos well manned; which two Ships of ours who had the Vanguard, burnt after a sharp engagement. Then he sailed on, the Prince of Cochin was to join him, but came late. A multitude of Indians and Moors covered the Shoar, who with Showers of Arrows en­deavoured to hinder our landing, but our Musquetiers made way, and having reach­ed the Town, it was burnt down to the ground, and the Prince of Calicut who was to have guarded it, fled. This Victory and [Page 81] another obtained by the King of Tanor against that Prince, wherein Lope Soarez was to assist him, though the Succour came late, produced a friendly Peace with that King.

11. Lope Soarez left Manuel Tellez Barreto with four Sail to secure the Fort of Cochin, and set sail in order to return home, with design first to fall upon Banane, a Town subject to Calicut. He was met by twenty Paraos, who freely bestowed their Shot, drawing him into a Bay, where were seven­teen great Ships well-stored with Cannon, and with 4000 men. The Ships were all burnt with their lading, which was very rich, and 700 Turks drowned, besides what perished by Fire and Sword; this Victory cost twenty three men. It was the begin­ning of Ianuary, when Lope Soarez sailed 1506. hence, and he arrived at Lisbon on the 22d of Iuly with thirteen Victorious Ships laden with Riches; three were of the foregoing years Fleet; of his own he lost Peter Men­doza, who being st [...]nded 14 Leagues from Aguada de S. Bras was never more heard of. One of the other three was that of Diego Fernandez Peteyra, who after taking seve­ral Prizes, on the Coast of Melinde, dis­covered the Island Zocotora. The King placed Duarte Pacheco (who had so bravely defended Cochin) by his side under a Cano­py, and went with him in that manner to Church, to honour his great Valour. But soon after imprisoned, and suffered him to die miserably: A terrible example of the un­certainty [Page 82] of Royal Favours, and the little regard that is had to True Merit.

CHAP. VIII.

1. BEfore these Discoveries, the Spice was brought to Europe with vast trouble and charge. The Clove of Malucco, the Nutmeg and Mace of Banda, the Sandal of Timor, the Camfir of Borneo, the Gold and Silver of Luconia, and all the other Riches, Spices, Gums, Perfumes, and Curiosities of China, Iava, Siam, and other Kingdoms were carried to the Market of the City Ma­laca, seated in the Golden Chersonesus, whence the Inhabitants of all the Western Countries as far as the Red Sea, brought them, dealing by way of barter; for no Mo­ny was used, Silver and Gold being of less value there, than with them that traded thither. This Trade it was enriched the Cities of Calicut, Cambaya, Ormuz and Aden adding to what they brought from Malaca, the Rubies of Pegu, the Stuffs of Bengala, the [Page 83] Pearls of Calicare, the Diamonds of Nar­singa, the Cinnamon and richer Rubies of Ceylon, the Pepper, Ginger and other Spice of the Coast of Malabar, and other places Nature had enriched therewith. From Or­muz they were brought to Europe up the Per­sian Gulph to Bacora at the Mouth of Eu­phrates, and thence distributed in Caravans through Armenia, Trebisond, Tartary, Aleppo and Damascus, and then at the Port of Ba­rut upon the Mediterranean, the Venetians, Genoese and Catalonians laded with them to their respective Countries. Such as came up the Red Sea were landed at Toro or Sues, Towns at the bottom of that Streight, thence went in Caravans to Grand Cayre, so down the Nile to Alexandria, and thence shipped off. Many Princes, and particular­ly the Soldan of Cayre, being great losers by this new way found by the Portugueses, they endeavoured to drive them out of India.

2. The Soldan endeavoured to work his ends by a Wile, and therefore gave out, that he was going to destroy the Temple and Holy Places of Ierusalem. Father Maurus of Mount Sinai, fearing the execution, offered to go to Rome to the Pope to procure an accommodation. The Soldan, who desired nothing more, gave him a Letter to the Pope, signifying that his Reasons for destroying those Places, were in revenge of the damage done to his Trade. The Pope sent the same Father Maurus to Portugal. But the Purport of his Message being already known before his arrival, the King made such Preparations, that he re­turned [Page 84] with admiration, carrying more from Portugal to relate at Cayre, than he brought thence to recount here. However the King gave considerable Alms for the Convent, and answered the Pope, shewing that his Intentions in those Eastern Disco­veries tended to the Propagation of the Faith, and extending the Jurisdiction of the See of Rome.

3. On the 25th of March sailed from Lis­bon 1507. a Fleet of twenty two Ships, eleven of them were to return with Merchandise, and eleven to remain in India; they carried 1500 fighting men, and were commanded by Don Franciso de Almeyda, who went to govern in India with the Title of Viceroy, and gave great demonstrations of his Pru­dence and Courage. The second of Iuly hapned a terrible Storm, which tearing to pieces the Sails of Diego Correas Ship, carried three men overboard; two were lost, the third cried from the Water they should have an Eye after him, for he would keep above water till the next morning, and the next morning the Storm ceasing, they took him up, his name was Fernando Lorenço. Don Francisco de Al­meyda arrived at Quiloa with only eight Ves­sels, the others were separated by stress of Weather, and one lost, but the men saved. He entred that Port and saluted as usual, but was not answered, whereupon he com­plained to the King. He at first framed ex­cuses, and avoided coming to a Conference, though Don Francisco attended in the place appointed, which set him upon studying re­venge. [Page 85] After a Council held, it was resol­ved to erect a Fort in that place, as was de­sired by King Emanuel. Having promised some description of all such places as we took possession of, it will be fit to insert here that of the Country, City and Fort of Quiloa.

4. From Cape Guardafu, the most We­stern point of Africk, to Mocambique are 550 Leagues, a hollow Coast like a Bow when bent. From Cape Mozambique to Cape Corrientes 170 Leagues; thence to the Cape of Good Hope 340 Leagues; hence the Coast runs bowing to the Westward as far as the Borders of the Kingdom of Congo; but by reason of its great length, appears to the Eye to run strait to the Northward. Draw­ing a Line from the Southern borders of Congo cross the Continent Eastward, there remains to the Southward that great porti­on of Africk, to which the Barbarous Inhabi­tants have given no name, but was called by the Persians Caffaria, and the Inhabi­tants Cafres, which signifies a Rude People, without Law or Government; and our late Geographers call it Ethiopia Inferior. Above this on the East, runs for above 200 Leagues that Coast which we call. Zanguebar; but the Arabians and Persians give this name to all the Coast as far as the Cape of Good Hope. Above Zanguebar as far as Point Guardafu, and Mouth of the Red Sea, is that which the Arabs call Aiam, or Aiana, inhabited by the same Arabs, and the Inland by Hea­then Blacks. Most of this Coast is very [Page 86] low, and subject to inundations, covered with impenetrable Woods, which made it excessive hot and unhealthy. The Natives are black, of curled Hair, Idolaters, so gi­given to Superstition, that upon frivolous motives they give over the most important Designs, as it hapned to the King of Quiloa at this time; who because a Black Cat cros­sed him at his coming out, failed of meet­ing Don Francisco de Almeyda. The Cattle, Fruit and Grain is answerable to the wild­ness of the Country. The Moors who in­habit the Coast and adjacent Islands, are little given to Tilling, and feed upon Wild Beasts, and some loathsom things; those who live in the Inland, and have commerce with the Barbarous Cafres, make use of some Milk. Nature has stored the Country with much Gold, that those People might inha­bit it, and our Covetousness, though at such distance, find them out. It was Covetous­ness that first drew thither the Arabs, call­ed Emozaydii, that is, subjects of Zayde, who built two considerable Towns, only suffici­ent to secure them against the Cafres. These continued so, till great numbers of other Arabs, who were Neighbourers of the City Laçab, 40 Leagues from the Island Baharem in the Persian Gulph, came over thither, whose first Plantation was Magadoxa, and after Brava; the former became the Metro­polis. The first Arabs separated from these, and mixing with the Cafres, were called Ba­duiis. The first that had the Trade of the Mine of Zofala, were those of Magadoxa, [Page 87] who discovered it accidentally. Thence they spread themselves, but never durst pass Cape Corrientes, a Point opposite to the Westermost part of the Island Madagascar or St. Laurence, and takes its name from the violent Current of Water which often en­dangers Ships there. But along these Coasts they possessed themselves of Quiloa, Mon­baça, Melinde, the Isles of Pemba, Zanzibar, Monfia, Comoro, and others. Quiloa was the chief of all their Plantations, and thence many were spread, particularly on the Coast of Madagascar. The Sea by degrees wear­ing away both sides, made Quiloa an Island. It bears many Palm and Thorn-trees, and divers Herbs and Plants; Cattle, Wild Beasts, and Birds, much after the same manner as Spain; the Buildings also after our manner, flat at the Top, with Gardens and Orchards behind. On one side is the Royal Palace, built in the manner of a Fort; the Gate to the Sea opposite to the Anchoring place, where ours at that time were.

5. Don Francisco de Almeyda, having resol­ved to land, was the first that touched the Shoar with 500 men. He and his Son Lau­rence at the same time attacked the City in two places. Our men had enough to do to cover themselves with their Shields from the showers of Arrows that flew, yet they advanced; but finding the greatest damage they received was from the tops of the Houses, they entred and gained some of them, and thereby so much advantage, that the King fled, and set up in the Field Por­tugues [Page 88] Colours, which stopt the Current of the Conquerors, till he had got over to the Continent with his Wives and Riches. The City was plundered, and not one man lost in this Action, though a considerable num­ber of the Enemies was killed.

6. Mir Abraham now overcome, was but an Usurper, but the 44th Possessor of that Island, of which number many were Ty­rants like him. A Kinsman of this Abra­ham, called Mahomet Anconii had been very faithful and serviceable to the Portugueses; to requite him Don Francisco ordered when the City was plundered, that nothing ap­pertaining to him should be touched. And after all was setled, sent for, and declared him King of that place, putting a Crown of Gold upon his Head with much Pomp and Ceremony. It was a wonderful act of Moderation in this Barbarian, that as soon as the Crown was on his Head, he declared, that had the lawful King Alfudail, murder­ed by the late Usurper, been living, he would have resigned that Crown to him, but since he could not do it, he desired the Son of the said Alfudail might be sworn here­ditary Prince, though he himself had Chil­dren for whom he might covet that Inhe­ritance. This Example in a Heathen might confound the inhuman insolence and barba­rity in Christians (at least those who pre­tend to the name) who wade through Seas of Blood, [...]end the most Sacred Bonds of Consanguinity and Alliance; spoil Provin­ces, oppress the Good, exalt the Wicked, [Page 89] make Honesty, Treason; and Perjury, Duty; and Religion, a property to work their am­bitious cursed ends, to wit, to snatch Scep­ters and Crowns from the Hands and Heads where the Eternal Providence has most worthily placed them.

7. All things being again setled, Don Francisco in twenty days raised a Fort, the Gentlemen, Captains and he himself work­ing at it. He put into it 550 men, and left a Caravel and a Brigantine to cruise there. The 8th of August he set sail for Mombaça, and arrived there with 13 Sail. The City Mombaça is seated in an Island, which is about 14 Leagues in circumference; it is beautiful and strong; before it is a large Bay capable of many Ships. Before he en­tred, two Vessels were sent to sound the Bar, which is commanded by a Platform with eight Pieces of Cannon, which began to play upon them that were fadoming, but they repaid the Courtesie so fortunately, that a Ball falling among the Enemies Powder did great harm, and they quitted the Work. The like success was against two lesser Works, so that our Fleet entred without fur­ther resistance. Don Francisco was told the King was prepared, and had hired 1500 Archers of the Cafres besides his own men. He sent a message to him, but was not hearkned to, and only answered, that the Moors of Mombaça were not to be frighted with the noise of Cannon, like those of Qui­loa. Don Francisco enraged that some men had been wounded, attempting to burn the [Page 90] Ships of Cambaya in the Port, without suc­ceeding, landed his men and marched to the City.

8. He entred the Town the 15th of Au­gust, and drove the Enemy out at the other end, and among them the King, whose Pallace he had possessed himself of, and planted thereon a Cross, and here received the News of the Victory at Sea, the Ships having been burnt as he ordered. In this Action were lost five Portugueses; of the Moors 1513 killed, and 1200 taken, where­of he kept but 200, discharging the rest, the Ships being heavy with Plunder; after which the City was burnt to the ground. Some of the Ships which had been separated by the Storm, joyned the Fleet here. Don Francisco dispatched two before him to car­ry the News of what he had done, and the necessary Orders till he came. He set out for India with 14 Ships, and anchored in the Bay called Angra de Santa Elena, where he found Iohn Homem, Captain of a Caravel, who having been distressed by Weather had discovered some Islands, and met some of the Ships that had lost the Fleet. Sailing thence, the first Port of India where he touched, was Anchediva.

9. Anchediva (as was said before) is the chiefest of five Islands, where the King had ordered a Fort to be built, which was now put in execution. Hither the King of Onor sent Embassadors to Don Francisco with Pre­sents. Hither came to meet him Conside­rable Men, though Merchants, assuring him [Page 91] of the Good Affection of their Prince to the Portugueses. Hither the Neighbouring Moors of Cincatora brought Gifts to him. All was the effects of Fear, produced by the Fame of his Actions. He was informed there was not far from him a Fort, strong by Nature as well as Art, built by the Prince Sabago, and garrisoned with 800 men, being seated on the Banks of the River Aliga and Borders of Onor; he sent his Son Don Lo­renço on pretence of a Friendly Visit to take a view of it, which he effected, remaining there some days.

10. The Fort being finished, he put a Captain and 80 men into it, leaving a Ga­leon and two Brigantines to cruise there, and then sailed to the Port of Onor. He was ill received, and resolved to shew him­self as terrible there as he had done at Mom­baça and Quiloa. The Inhabitants percei­ving it, amused him with excuses till they had secured their Wives, Children and Goods in a neighbouring Mountain, and then appeared with shouts and motions, en­deavouring to terrifie rather than seem fearful. Don Francisco marched by land, and sent his Son with 150 men in Boats to burn some Ships; and though innumerable Arrows flew, and Don Francisco was wound­ed with one, the Town and Ships were fired at the same time. The Wind being in our mens Faces, the Smoak of the Fire did them much harm; but Don Lorenço taking a com­pass avoided it, and fell upon 1500 of the Enemy. The confusion was great on both [Page 92] sides, but more on ours, our men beginning to give ground, till Don Francisco coming up, they took heart and drove the Enemy to the Mountain. Timoja Governour of the City, and Owner of some of the Ships that were burnt, and a man of Graceful Pre­sence, with discreet words appeased Don Francisco, and stopt the ensuing ruin. He excused his King, and in his Name offered Vassalage to Portugal. This done Don Fran­cisco sailed to Cananor.

CHAP. IX.

1. BEcause the Government of Don Fran­cisco de Almeyda was the Foundation of our Security and Conquests in India, it will be necessary here to say some things of its Ports and Chief Places along the Sea Coasts. Asia is divided from Europe by the River Don or Tanais, and the Euxine or Black Sea, and Streights of the Dardanels. From Africk by the Red Sea, and a Line drawn from Suez, the utmost Port thereof, to the Mediterranean, cross that narrow Neck of Land which joyns these two parts of the World, and is 24 Leagues in length. The different Religions there practised, may be reduced to four principal ones, the Christi­an, the Mahometan, the Pagan and the Jewish. That part of Asia which makes most to our purpose, may be divided into nine parts, as it runs along the Coast. The first beginning to the Westward, commences at the Mouth of the Red Sea in 12 d. 40 m. of North Latitude, and reaches to the Gulf of Persia. From the Mouth of the Red Sea to the City Aden is 44 Leagues, thence to Cape Fortaque in 14 d. 30 m. Latitude 100 Leagues, with these Towns Abian, Ax, Ca­nacan, [Page 94] Brun, Argel, Zehel the Metropolis, Herit, Cayem, Fartach. Hence to Curia Mu­ria 70 Leagues, in which are the City Dol­for, famous for Frankincense, and 20 Leagues beyond it, Norbate. From Curia Muria to Cape Ra [...] Alegate in 22 d. 30 Latitude 120 Leagues, all barren and desert. Here begins the Kingdom of Ormus, and hence to Cape Mozandan are 90 Leagues, with these Cities Colagate, Curiate, Mascate, Soar, Calata, Orfacam, Doba and Lima, 8 Leagues from Monbazam, which Ptolomy calls Cape Assaborum, in 26 degrees of North Latitude. All this tract the Arabs call Ayaman, and we Arabia Felix, because the most fruitful and best inhabited of all Arabia. The se­cond division contains 200 Leagues, from Cape Iaques to the Mouth of Indus is call­ed Chirman, divided into the two King­doms, Macran and Madel, with these Towns, Guadel, Calara, Tibique, Calamate, Goadel and Diul, this Coast is barren and much of it desert, because of the shoal Water. The third contains 150 Leagues, 38 from Diul to Cape Iaquete, thence to Dio in the King­dom Guzarata 50, with these Towns, Co­tinna, Mangalor, Chervar, Patan and Corinar; from Dio to Cambaya 50 Leagues, and these Towns, Madrafavat, Moha, Talica, Goda and Gundin. Between Cambaya and Iaquete is included a part of the Kingdom of Guzarata, and the Mountain Country of the Resboutos. The fourth contains 290 Leagues, and is the most pretious part of India, and most frequented by the Portu­gueses. [Page 95] This division is subdivided into three parts by two Rivers that run from East to West. The first separates the Kingdom of Decan from that of Guzarat, which lies North of it; the second parts Decan from Canara on the South. There are other Ri­vers which all have their Springs in the Mountain Gate. The chief of all those Ri­vers is called Ganga, or Guenga, and falls in­to the Sea near the Mouth of Ganges, be­tween the Cities Angali and Pisolta, in about 22 degrees of Latitude. The River Bate has his Springs in the Mount Gate, and falls into the Sea by Bombaim, parting the King­doms of Guzarata and Decan. From the Ci­ty Cambaya to the Mouth of this River are 70 Leagues. From Chaul South of it, to the River Aliga, the southern extent of Decan 75 Leagues, with these Towns, Bandor, Da­bul, Debetele, Cintapori, Coropatan, Banda, Cha­pora and Goa, our Metropolis and Archie­piscopal See in India. The third district begins where Canara parts from Decan, and ends in Cape Comori, and contains above 140 Leagues. From this River to Mount Delli is about 46 Leagues, with these Towns, Onor, Baticale, Barcalor, Baranor, and others of the Province Canara, subject to the King of Bisnaga. Below this to Cape Comori are 93 Leagues, and is called Malabar, divided into three Kingdoms which own no Supe­rior. The Kingdom of Cananor has 20 Leagues of the Coast, in which are these Towns, Cota, Coulam, Nilichilam, Marabia, [...]olepatam, Cananor, the Metropolis, in the [Page 96] Latitude of 12 degrees, Tremapatan, Cheba, Maim and Purepatan. Here begins the King­dom of Calicut, and runs 27 Leagues, and has these Towns, Calicut the Metropolis in about 11 degrees 70 minutes of Latitude, Coulete, Chale, Parangale and Tanor, the head of a Kingdom, subject to the Zamori or Emperour of Calicut, and Chatua the last Bound of this Empire. Next is the little Kingdom of Cranganor, which borders on that of Cochin, then that of Coulan, and last­ly Travancor, subject to Narsinga. Near Travancor is the Famous Cape Comori, the southermost Inland of this Province of Indostan or India, within Ganges, and 7 de­grees and half of North Latitude, where ends the Coast of Malabar, and the fourth of the nine districts I now divide the Coast of Asia into. From Cape Comori in the West, to Cape Cincapura in the East, which is the Southermost Land of the Aurea Cherso­nesus, or Malaca, are 400 Leagues; and within this interval is contained the great Bay of Bengala, called by some Sinus Gan­geticus, because the River Ganges, after wa­tering the Country of Bengala, falls into this Bay about the Latitude of 23 Degrees. This River is wonderful for the abundance of water it carries, and esteemed Holy by the Neighbouring People, who imagining it conduces to their Salvation when given over, are carried and die with their Feet in its water, which brings the King a great Revenue, for none must wash there with­out paying a certain Duty. Though this [Page 97] River has many Mouths, the two most re­markable are called Satigan to the West, and Chatigan to the East, near 100 Leagues di­stant from each other; and here will end the fifth of the nine Districts. This may be subdivided into three parts, The first the Kingdom of Bisnaga contains 200 Leagues, and these Towns, Tarancurii, Manapar, Vai­par, Trechendur, Caligrande, Charcacale, Tu­cucurii, Benbar, Calicare, Beadala, Manan­cort and Cannameira, whence takes name that Cape that stretches out there in 10 de­grees of North Latitude; then Negapatan, Hahor, Triminapatan, Tragambar, Trimenava, Colororam, Puducheira, Calapate, Connumeira, Sadrapatan and Meliapor, now called St. Tho­mas, because that Apostles Body was found there. From St. Thomas to Palicata are 9 Leagues, then go on Chiricole, Aremogan, Caleturo, Caleciro, Pentipolii, where ends the Kingdom of Bisnagur, and begins that of Orixa, the second part of this District, and contains about 120 Leagues to Cape Palmei­ras, with these Towns, Penacote, Calingan, Vizipatan, Bimilepatan, Narsingapatan, Pua­catan, Caregare and others. Here begins the third part, which is the Kingdom of Ben­gala, and extends above 100 Leagues. The sixth District of the nine begins at the East Mouth of Ganges or Chatigan, and ends at Cape Cincapura, in little more than one de­gree of North Latitude. This Coast con­tains about 380 Leagues to Cape Negraes, in the Latitude of 16 degrees 100 Leagues, and these Towns, Sore, Satatolu, Arracam, [Page 98] Metropolis of the Kingdom so called, and Dunadiva upon the Point. Hence to Tavay in the Latitude of 13 Degrees 16 Leagues. This is the bounds of the Kingdom of Pegu. From Tavay to Cincapura 220, the chief Towns along this Coast are Martaban, Lu­gor, Tanacerin, Lungar, Pedam, Queda, Solon­gor and Malaca, Head of the Kingdom. At Cincapura begins the seventh District, and ends at the great River of Siam, which falls into the Sea in the Latitude of 14 Degrees, and has its rise in the Lake Chiammay, call­ed by the Natives Menam, that is, source of waters; upon this Coast are the Towns Pam, Ponciam, Calantaon, Patane, Ligor, Cuii, Perperii, and Bamplacot on the Mouth of the River. The eighth District contains these Kingdoms, that of Cambodia, through which runs the River Mecon, whose Springs are in China; that of Champa or Tsiompa, whence comes the true Aloes; on this borders the Kingdom of Cochinchina; then that of China, divided into fifteen Provinces or Govern­ments, each of which is a great Kingdom; those on the Sea are Quantung, Fokien, Chekiang, where ends the eighth District. The ninth begins with the Province Nan­king and continues that of Xantung and Pe­cheli, running to the farthest discovered Land of the Coast of Tartary. I shall speak of the Islands that lie along this tract as they are discovered, but the Names of the chief are these, the Maldivy Islands, Ceylon, Sumatra, Iava, Borneo, Banda, Timori, Ce­lebes, the Moluccoes, Mindanao, Luconia and [Page 99] Iapan. Thus much of the Coast of Asia; let us now see by whom inhabited, and what it produces.

2. Though there be many, and very dif­ferent manners of Worship in Asia, as well as sundry Nations; the chief Religions there may be reduced to these four Heads, the Christian, Jewish, Mahometan and Gentile. The first two, for the most part, under the slavery of the latter. With the two latter the Portugues waged War; their Power is thus divided. All that tract from the River Cintacora, opposite to Anchediva towards the North and West, is subject to Mahometans, thence Eastward, to Pagans, except the Kingdom of Malaca, part of Sumatra, and some parts of Iava and the Molucco Islands, held by the Moors. In that tract which is governed by these, are the following Sove­reign Princes. The Kings of Aden, Xael and Fartaque, who have many Ports of great Trade, and their Subjects, the Arabs, are couragious and warlike. Next the King of Ormuz, greater than the other three toge­ther; and then he of Cambaya, equal to Xerxes, Darius, or Porus in grandeur and war­like power. From Chaul to Cin [...]atora be­longed to Nizamaluco and Hidalcan, two powerful Princes, not inferiour to great Kings, who maintained great Armies com­posed of sundry warlike Nations well arm­ed. The Moors of Sumatra, Malaca, and the Moluccoes were well disciplin'd, and much better stor'd with Artillery than we that attacked them. The Heathens were [Page 100] the Kings of Bisnagar, Orixa, Bengala, Pegu, Siam and China, all (but chiefly the last) so Powerful, it is not to be expressed, and if related scarce credible. Siam extends above 500 Leagues, and has seven King­doms subject, which are Cambodia, Como, Lanchaam, Cheneray, Chencran, Chiamay, Cam­burii and Chaypumo. The King has 30000 Elephants, whereof he carries out 3000 armed to War, and 50000 men only of the City Udia, Metropolis of his Empire. The King of China alone in extent exceeds them all, and all the Princes of Europe put together. China is above 700 Leagues in length, it has abundance of all sorts of Metals, and ex­ceeds Europe in Manufactures; some of their Works seem beyond Human Wit; the Silks, Provisions and Pleasures wherewith it a­bounds, are beyond computation.

3. All the Heathens of India, chiefly be­tween Indus and Ganges, write upon Palm Leaves (without Ink) with Wooden or Steel Pens, which easily cut the Letters on the Leaf, whereof I have seen some in Rome curiously folded; what they design should be lasting, they carve on Stone or Copper; they begin on the left Hand; their Histories are fabulous. 600 years before the arrival of the Portugueses in India, there was a King so powerful in Malabar, that the People began their Era or Computation of Time from his Reign, as they did af­terwards from our arrival. He was per­suaded by the Moors that traded in his Ports, to turn Mahometan, and gave them leave [Page 101] to build Calicut. Being old, he divided his Kingdoms among his Kindred. To the Chief he gave that of Coulan, where he placed the Head See of the Religion of the Bramens, and called him Cobritim, that is, the same as High Priest; to his Nephew he gave Calicut, with all the Temporal Domi­nion, calling him Zamori, that is, the same with Emperour. This last Dignity conti­nues in the same place, the other was trans­lated to Cochin. Having disposed of his Do­minions, he resolved to die at Meca, but was drowned by the way. Calicut is a plain Country, well watered, plentiful of Pepper and Ginger; all other Spice it has from its Neighbours. The People are very Supersti­tious, and do not suffer those of one Trade or Profession to marry into another, or put their Children to Learn. The Nayres who are their Nobles, if they chance to touch any of the Commons, cleanse themselves by washing, as the Samaritans and Jews. The Women of the Nayres are common to them all, but chiefly the Bramens, therefore know no Father, nor is any bound to maintain them. They are most expert at their Wea­pons, beginning to exercise them at the age of seven years. They use all the antient manners of Augury and Divination.

4. The Viceroy, Don Francisco de Almey­da, had an interview ashoar with the King of Cananor, who brought with him 5000 men well armed. He acquainted him he came to reside some time in India, by rea­son of some troubles that were so inflamed [Page 102] with the Zamori King of Calicut. He asked leave to build a Fort in the Harbour, and it was granted. Having begun it, he left there Lorenço de Brito to command with 150 men, and two Vessels to cruise upon the Coast. Being arrived at Cochin, he received the News that the Factor of Coulan with all his men, were killed by the Moors. He sent his Son Don Lorenço with three Ships and three Caravels, with Orders to procure Lading, without taking notice of what had past, but in case of denial, to revenge the slaughter. The Messenger was answered by a Shower of Arrows, and twenty four Ships of Calicut and other places prepared to re­ceive ours. Don Lorenço after pouring in his Shot liberally, burnt them all, only a few of the Moors were saved by swimming. Don Lorenço then went to load in another Port.

5. He returned to Cochin, where his Fa­ther, according to his Instructions, was pre­paring to Crown Triumpara, that King, in recompence of the Gallantry wherewith he had defended the Portugueses against their Enemies. But he being retired to follow a Religious Life, and his Nephew Nambead [...]ra left Successor, it was thought fit to bestow the same Honour upon him. He was Crown­ed with great Solemnity with a Crown of Gold set with Jewels, carried from Portugal for that purpose. This was a security for that Prince, and a terror to others; six Ships were now sent home richly laden.

[Page 103] 6. King Emanuel, to secure the Trade of the Gold of Zofala, had caused a Fort to be built at Quiloa, another at Moçambique, and a Factory at Melinde. After Don Francisco he sent out Pedro de Annaya with six Ships to build a Fort at Zofala; three of the Ships were to go on to India, and return with lading, the other three to cruise on the Coast of Zofala. One of the Captains fell overboard, and was lost; another had 16 men killed in an Island where he landed. The others found Don Pedro de Annaya in the Port of Zofala. He obtained leave of that King, and raised a Fort, whereby the Trade was secured, which that King never intended, imagining that the Country being unhealthful, the Portugueses would be obli­ged to quit it. Here Annaya found twenty Portugueses in a miserable condition, after travelling with great hardships from Cape Corientes, where they were forced to run their Ship ashoar, being no longer able to keep above water. Their Captain was Lope Sanchez, whom they would not obey ashoar, but dividing, travelled in several Companies through those unknown Countries. They were all lost except these twenty, and five found by Antony de Magallanes in the River Quiloame, who brought them to Zofala.

CHAP. X.

1. THE Kingdom of Zofala is a large tract of Land, of 750 Leagues cir­cumference, subject to the Monomotapa, that is Emperour of that South Part of Africk, called by the same Name, or Ethiopia Infe­rior; it is watered by these two Famous Ri­vers, Rio del Espiritu Santo, and Cuama, the latter Navigable 250 Leagues. These, and many other Rivers that fall into them, have Golden Sands. Most part of the Land en­joys a Temperate Air, pleasant, wholsom and fruitful. In part it bears great flocks of Sheep, of the Skins whereof the Natives are Cloathed, because of the cold South Winds. Along the Banks of Cuama, the Country is Mountanous, covered with Woods, and watered with many Rivers, which make it delightful, and therefore the best Peopled, and the common residence of the Monomo­pata. It is abundantly stocked with Ele­phants, and consequenty Ivory, and Mines of Gold encompassed 30 Leagues about, with Mountains, on the tops whereof the Air is serene and clear. They are called [Page 105] the Mines of Manica 50 Leagues South-west of Zofala, there are others 150 Leagues di­stant, none then much valued by their Owners. Here are some Buildings of won­derful Structure, with Inscriptions of un­known Characters, but the Natives know nothing of their Foundation. They believe in one God, under the Name of Mozima, and use no Idols. Witchcraft, Theft and Adultery are most severely punished by them. They have as many Wives as they can maintain; the Kings are above 1000, but the first commands the others, and her Children inherit. In their Funerals they are superstitious; their Cloathing Cotton, the better sort mixed with some Gold Threads; the Houses of Wood. The Kings Atten­dance is more ceremonious than great; his Guard 200 Dogs, and is always followed by 500 Jesters. He is Sovereign over many Princes, and because they rebel, always keeps their Heirs about him. There are no Law Suits among them; they fight a foot; their Arms are Arrows, Javelins or Darts, Daggers and small sharp Hatchets. The Women are so much respected, that if the King's Son meets one, he gives her the way, and stops till she pass.

2. The Moors of Magadoxa were the first that possessed these Mines of Zofala; after them, those of Quiloa, whose Kings were possessed thereof, till Yçuf, one of their Go­vernours rebelled, and usurped the Sove­reignty to himself, with the Title of King, and was the same with whom Pedro de Annaya [Page 106] now treated; and in this place he built the Fort so much desired by King Emanuel, strong though of Wood. The three tra­ding Ships sailed toward India, under the Command of Peter Barreto. Francisco de Annaya was ordered by his Father to secure the Coast up to Cape Guardafu with two Ships; both Vessels were lost, and the Cap­tains saved in their Boats.

3. Whilst the Sea swallowed the Guard of the Coast, the Moors studied the destru­ction of Peter de Annaya at Zofala. The King's Son-in-law persuaded him to get rid of them, at such time as they were so weak, through Diseases contracted by the strange Air, that they joined six of them to bend a Cross-bow. The King laying hold of this opportunity, surrounds the place with 5000 Cafres, and fills the Ditch with Faggots, then gives the assault, darkning the Sun with Showers of Arrows; but our Cannon being well played made such havock, that they filled with their Carcases the part of the Ditch they had not levelled with Wood. Only 35 Portugueses, who were able to carry Arms, did all this execution. After­wards Peter de Annaya sallied with 15 or 20 Moors and drove the Cafres first to a Wood of Palm-trees, and then to their Dwellings, with such consternation, that they cried, out, the King of Zofala bad called them to fight against God. Peter de Annaya with a few men attacks the Town by night, and entring the King's House, he stood behind the Door with a Cimiter, and as Annaya en­tred, [Page 107] wounded him in the Neck, but was soon killed with many more. Next day his Sons with all the Moors assaulted the Fort, but in vain, for the fright cured many of the sick, who joyning in the common de­fence, the Enemy was repulsed. The two Brothers fell out about the Succession to the Crown, and Solyman gaining Annaya, was by him Crowned; and for his own security made a strong Alliance with, and support­ed the Portugueses.

2. Whilst these things hapned at Zofala, in India, the Zamori of Calicut had stirred up the Soldan of Cayre, and hoped with his assistance to drive us out of these Seas; this was not so private but the King of Cochin had intelligence of it, and advertised the Viceroy Don Francisco, who sent his Son Laurence with 11 Sail to prevent or put a stop to the design. As he visited some Ports, news was brought him, that in the Road of Cananor was a Fleet of 260 Paraos, where­of 60 exceeded our Ships in bulk. He directs his course towards them, and after a very sharp engagement they were put to flight, pursued, and some taken, but many sunk and obliged to run aground, with great loss to the Enemy, and of his own only five or six men; the chiefest part of the Booty was four Ships laden with Spice. Don Lorenço had scarce time to breath after this Victory, when he understood the Fort of Anchediva was beset by 60 Vessels of Moors and Gen­tiles well armed and resolute, commanded by a Renegado. The besieged behaved [Page 108] themselves gallantly, and no less the Besie­gers; but having lost some Vessels tore by our Cannon, and hearing of the relief Don Lorenço was about to bring, they went off with all possible speed.

5. The Moors perceiving their Trade was cut off by the Portugueses, thought to shun them by keeping out at Sea in their Voya­ges to Sumatra and Malaca where they went for Spice, striking through the Maldivy Islands, and bearing away South of Ceylon. The Viceroy sent his Son from Cochin with nine Ships to infest that Course. But the Pi­lots wandring through unknown Seas, dis­covered the Island Ceylon, formerly called Trapobana. They anchored at the Port Gale, where many Moors were lading Cin­namon, and taking in Elephants for Cam­baya. They fearful of Don Lorenço's anger, presented him in the name of the King with 400 Bahares of Cinnamon. He well understood the contrivance, but thought it at that time better to dissemble and content himself with the Present, and discovery of the Island, planting there a Cross, with an Inscription, signifying his arrival there. In his return to Cochin he fell upon the Town of Biramjam, which he burnt down, putting all to the Sword, in revenge for the Portu­gueses killed at Coulan, because this Town belonged to that Crown.

6. Cide Barbudo and Peter Quaresma com­ing with two Ships from Portugal, after ma­ny misfortunes, arrived at Zofala, where they found Peter de Annay, and most of his [Page 109] men w [...]re dead, and the rest sick. Quarisma remained there to relieve the Fort, and Bar­budo sailing towards India, found Quiloa in the same condition whereof he gave the Viceroy an account. He sent with all speed Nunno Vaz Pereyra to the relief of the Fort, who having repaired it, and given necessa­ry Orders, went on to Zofala. Neverthe­less the Fort of Quiloa was afterwards razed by the same hands that built it, after having cost many Lives, all the effect of the ill usage of the Portugueses towards the Natives, proceeding from their unlimited Pride and Boundless Avarice.

CHAP. I.

1. THE King had resolved to send Tristan de Cunna to Command the Trading Ships, and Alfonso de Albuquerque to cruize on the Coast of Arabia, when Iames Fernandez Piteyra dis­coverer of the Island Zocotora in the Mouth [Page 112] of the Red Sea arrived. Being by him in­formed there were Christians there who were subject to the Moors, he ordered the two Commanders to direct their course thi­ther, and endeavour to possess themselves of the Fort, to the intent our Fleets might afterwards winter there, and so the Navi­gation of that Gulf might be secured. They carried with them a Wooden Fort to be set up there, in case that which was there were not found serviceable. On the 6th of March they sailed from Lisbon with 13 Vessels, and 1300 Fighting-men, whereof some (being infected, the Plague at that time raging in the City) died by the way. When they came under the Line the Sickness left them. They had a sight of Cape St. Augustin in Brasil, and in crossing the vast Ocean be­tween that place and the Cape of Good Hope, Tristan de Cuma run so far to the Southward, that some of his men perished with Cold, and discovered the Islands still called by his Name; where being assaulted by a Storm, all the Ships were parted, each running a different course, till they met again at Mo­zambique, except Alvaro Tellez, who at Cape Guardufu took 6 Ships so laden with all sorts of Goods, that from them to his own Ves­sel he made a Bridge of Bails thrown into the Sea, over which the men passed as on dry land. Ruy Pereyra, who fell into Ma­tatanna, a Port in the Island Madagascar; being informed it abounded in Spice, espe­cially Ginger, invited thither Tristan de Cunna. He came and anchored in a Bay [Page 113] which Nunno de Cunna his Son called de Do­na Maria de Cunna, a Lady he courted; others named it of the Conception, so it retained the name of Mary, either Religious or Profanely. Some Blacks appeared upon the Coast; he sent a Moor to speak to them, but they hearing he spoke of Christians, had killed him, had not our Cannon from the Ships forced them to retire. Sailing three Leagues farther, they fell upon a Vil­lage on the Bank of a River, where, among others, they took the Lord of it, whom they call Xeque. This man the next night carried our Commander to another Town in a close Bay, which receives the great River Lulangan. This was inhabited by Moors, somewhat civilized, who fearful of our Fleet, fled over to the firm Land in Boats so overladen, that many perished by the way. But our men encompassing the Island, took 500 Prisoners, whereof only 20 Men, the rest Women and Children, among them their Xeque or Lord, a man of Age and a respectful Aspect. The Morning discovered the Sea thronged with Boats with about 600 armed men, who came to release the Women and Children. The Portugues Commander notified his designs to them, and they with very discreet words persuaded him to restore their People. He was satisfied to understand the Island Madagascar was peopled by Cafres, most of them Black, and produced little Ginger, to the contrary of the account he had received. Afterwards he would have entred the Town they call [Page 114] Zada, but it being an unseasonable hour, the People in a fury set fire to it, which ra­ged so, that from the Sea it appeared as if the whole Mountain had burnt.

2. Hence he sent Alfonso de Albuquerque with 4 Sail to Moçambique, because he de­signed against some places on the Coast of Melinde, whilst he with 3 Ships went round to Matatana, where was Clove, Ginger and Silver. One of Tristan's Ships was lost, the Pilot and only seven men saved, this forced him to Steer for Moçambique, but the Wind carryed him to the Island Angoxa. At night he discovered the Light of the Ship St. Iames, which he had left at Moçambique, whither they both returned, and soon after arrived Iohn de Nova, who had wintered in Angoxa, laden with Pepper. Hence he sail­ed after meeting Alfonso de Albuquerque, and sending him before to Melinde. He met two other Ships at Quiloa, and went on to Melinde. The King obliged him to fall up­on Oja, a City, that with the assistance of the King of Monbaça infested him. The Arabs inhabited this Country, where are seen some antient and wonderful Structures. Each City, and almost Village has a King whom they call [...]eque; the Chief are Qui­loa, Zanzibar and Monbaça; but he of Me­linde pretends to be the antientest, deducing his Pedegree from those of Quita [...], a City 18 Leagues from him, though ruined, shews the footsteps of its former Grandeur, having been superiour to all its Neighbours, which are Luziva, Parimunda, Lamon, Iaca, Oja, [Page 115] and others. The Country is watered by the River Gulimanja. George Alfonso going up this River in the term of five days, saw on the Banks impenetrable Woods, and in the water an infinite number of Sea-Horses. Tristan de Cunna (with seven Ships less than he brought from Portugal, whereof one lost, some were separated by Storm, and others sent away) appeared before the City Oja, 17 Leagues from Melinde, on an open Shoar, secured with a Wall, which hides it from the Cafres towards the Land. He sent word to the Xeque he had important affairs to com­municate with him. Who answered, That he was a Subject of the Soldan of Cayre, head Calif of the House of Mahomet, and there­fore could not treat with People that were so much his Enemies. Tristan considering the danger of delays, as soon as day appear­ed, divided his men into two parts in Boats, one part commanded by Alfonso de Albu­querque, the other by himself: And though the Sea seemed to favour the Moors, who stood on the Shoar to hinder our landing, they were forced to flie to the shelter of the Walls, and not trusting to them, entred at one Gate and run out at the other. Nunno de Cunna and Alfonso de Noronha finding the King fled with many of his men to a Wood of Palm-trees, pursued and killed him in the midst of them. George Silveyra perceiving a Grave Moor who led a Beautiful Young Woman through a Path in the Wood, made at him, and the Moor making signs to the Woman to flie whilst they fought, she fol­lowed [Page 116] him, signifying she had rather die or be taken with him, than escape alone; and Sylveyra seeing them strive who should give the greatest demonstrations of Love, let them both go away, saying God forbid my Sword should part so much love. The Town ta­ken, was plundered, and then burnt with such precipitation, that some of our men perished in the flames. The City Lamo, 15 Leagues distant, knowing what had hapned to its Neighbour, submitted to the Portu­gueses; and to make it the more acceptable, the Xeque came to make the submission, and offer a Tribute of 600 Meticales of Gold yearly, and paid the first year in hand; Me­ticales are a Coin of about a Ducate value each. The Fleet went on to the City Bra­va, a populous place, before conquered, but in rebellion, and vain-glorious now with 6000 armed men it exposed on the Shoar. But Cunna and Albuquerque next day landed in two Bodies, and in spight of Showers of Arrows, Darts and Stones, scaled the Walls and routed the Moors, after washing the Streets with their Blood, and killing so ma­ny, their number was not known; of ours 42 were lost, not half by the Sword, but through Covetousness, for overloading a Boat with the Spoil, they were drowned with it. These were they, who blind with Avarice, barbarously cut off the Hands and Ears of Women to take off their Bracelets and Earings, to save time in taking them off.

[Page 117] 3. The City Burnt and Plundered, Tristan de Cunna set sail, and met off of Cape Guar­dafu, Alvaro Tellez, who had been in a Storm with the rich Booty before spoken of. Having discovered the Cape, he stood for Zocotora. Zocotora is an Island 20 Leagues in length, and 9 in breadth, it lies almost East and West, in the Latitude of 12 De­grees 40 Minutes. It is the biggest about the Mouth of the Red Sea, but has no Ports fit for any great number of Ships to winter. Athwart the middle of it runs a ridge of Hills as high as the Clouds, yet not free from the Sand of the Shoar, which is carri­ed up to the very top by the North Winds, and is therefore barren, not only of Plants but Trees, only some small Valleys that are under shelter of those Winds. It is distant from the Arabian Continent 50 Leagues, and 30 from Cape Guardafu. The Ports most used by us, are Zoco, inhabited by Moors; or Calancea to the Westward, and Beni to the Eastward. The Natives are unpolished. Those Valleys that are sheltred from the Sand, produce Apple and Palm­trees, and the best Aloes, which for its ex­cellency is called Zocotorinos. The Com­mon Food is Maiz or Indian Wheat, Ta­marins and Milk. They are all Jacobite Christians, as the Ethiopians; the Men use the Names of the Apostles, the Women chiefly that of Mary. They worship the Cross, which they wear on their Cloaths, and set up in their Churches, where they pray thrice aday in the Caldean Language [Page 118] alternatively as in a Choir; they receive but one Wife, use Circumcision, Fasting and Tythes. The Men comly, the Women so manly, that they follow the War, and live like Amazons; some of them for Propaga­tion making use of such Men as arrive there, and even bringing some by Witchcraft. Their Cloathing, some Cloath and Skins; their Habitation in Caves, their Weapons, Stones and Slings. They were subject to the Arabian King of Caxem. Cunna found here an indifferent sort, not ill manned or unprovided. He sent a Message to the Xeque, 1508. and his Answer provoked his Anger. He resolved (though it were dangerous) to land with Albuquerque, but the first who leaped ashoar, was his Nephew Don Alfonso de Noronha; who to prove himself worthy the choice the King had made of him to Command that Fort, if gained, advanced with a few, but brave men. The Xeque re­ceived him with no great number, though much Gallantry, maintaining his ground, and threatning Cunna, who, through a shower of Bullets and Stones made his approach to the Fort, and was briskly repulsed by the Xeque, whom then Don Alfonso struck down with his Lance. There was a sharp skir­mish, the Moors endeavouring to carry him off, and ours to hinder it, till he and eight more were slain. The Enemy fled to the Castle, which was scaled, and those who entred opening the Gate, gave entrance into a very large Court, presently possessed by our men. About the inward Fort was a [Page 119] bloody Fight, the Moors fighting to the last man, so that of eighty there was but one left alive, besides a Blind Man who was found in a Well, and being asked how he could get in there; answered, that Blind Men saw only one thing, which is the way to li­berty, and which even Blind Men covet. He had his liberty given him. We lost six men. The Natives who had kept off, hear­ing of our success, came with their Wives and Children to thank our Commander for delivering them from the Heavy Yoke of those Infidels; and he, to their great satis­faction received them under the protection of the King of Portugal. The Mosque was cleansed and made a Church of the Invo­cation of our Lady of Victory, and many were there baptized; in which Pious Work the Labours of F. Antony of St. Francis were very remarkable. Cunna gave the Com­mand of the Fort, now called St. Michael, to Don Alfonso de Noronha, who had well de­served it by his Valour, though he had not been appointed for it by the King; he na­med his other Officers, and gave him 100 men. After this he wintered, though with inconveniency, in those Ports, and then sail­ed for India, and Albuquerque for the Coast of Arabia.

4. Whilst these things hapned at Zocotora, the King of Calicut was arming afresh against the Portugueses, relying on the promises of his Southsayers and Wizards, who find­ing the arrival of Tristan de Cunna was de­layed, assured him of success in that lucky [Page 120] opportunity, and on account of a great change of Affairs, which they said must ne­cessarily follow, as foretold by a great Earth­quake and Eclipse of the Sun which hapned, and was so great, that the Stars appeared for a considerable time, which were inter­preted as Omens of our destruction. But the Viceroy Don Francisco shewed him a greater Power than he imagined to defend the Trade of Malabar, composing a Squa­dron of ten Ships, whereof he gave the Command to his Son Don Lorenço. There remained behind at Cananor, Gonzalo Vaz with his Vessel, taking in Water, who fol­lowed, and meeting a Ship of Cananor with a Portugues Pass, he sunk it, and all the Moors sewed up in a Sail, that they might never be seen. A wicked action, for which he was broke, if that could be reckoned a sufficient puni [...]ment for so great a Crime, as violating the Publick Faith; such Enor­mities producing the Calamities that after befel us in India. Don Lorenço lay before the Port of Chaul, when seven Ships arrived, which taking no notice that he saluted them, stood in without making any return. He followed them in his Boa [...]s, and the Moors leaped overboard to gain the Shoar, but he was so ready to receive them, that many perished by the way. The Ships were laden with Horses, and other Goods, in the sale whereof some of the Moors dealing deceitfully, Don Lorenço ordered them all to be burnt, to their great admiration, because Covetousness had not moved him [Page 121] to save any part thereof. Imagining he should find the Fleet of Calicut at Dabul, he sailed thither, and anchored at the Mouth of the River, where discovering the Fleet, and the narrowness of the place to engage, it was carried in Council to desist, contra­ry to the Opinion of Don Lorenço, who was inflamed with a desire of fighting. He pas­sed on 4 Leagues, and a Brigantin and Parao that had the Van, saw a Ship sailing up the River. They pursued till it cast Anchor over against a Town, where were many other Vessels. Don Lorenço seeing the two Vessels follow the Ship, sent after them a Galley, and they three together began to clear the Shoar with their Shot, of many Moors who flocked thither. The noise of Cannon called upon Don Lorenço. He made haste, but before his coming up, the others had gained the Vessels in the Harbour, and ashoar burnt a House full of considerable Merchandise. All the Ships in the Har­bour were burnt, except two they carried away laden with Riches from Ormuz. At his return to Cochin with Victory and Spoils, he expected to be received by his Father with joy, and applause; but he on the con­trary designed to punish him severely for not fighting the Fleet of Calicut, and was ex­cused only, because it appeared he was over­swayed by the Votes of all the Captains, contrary to his own Opinion. The Vice­roy immediately broke, and sent them all to Portugal. This severity much troubled his Son, and obliged him afterwards, endea­vouring [Page 122] to restore himself to his Fathers esteem, to lose his Life with as much Rash­ness as Valour.

5. The King of Cananor desiring to break with the Portugueses, was encouraged by the Zamori, and grounded this Rupture up­on finding on the Shoar the Body of a Ne­phew of Mamale, a rich Merchant of Mala­bar, which was one of those Gonçalo Vaz had thrown into the Sea sowed up in the Sail. This Action was not known there, and the blame was laid upon Laurence de Brito, Captain of the Fort, whose Pass that Ship carried. Brito having discovered the design, and finding himself weak, adverti­sed the Viceroy. The Message was deliver­ed him at Church, whilst he assisted at the Service of Maundy Thursday, and he imme­diately left the Church, and went about ta­king up from every one what Provisions they had, and shipped the men with such haste, that those who had lent their Arms to them who watched at the Sepulchre (as the custom is) went to the Church to dis­arm them. Don Lorenço was Captain, and had O [...]ders when he came to Cananor to obey Laurence de Brito. But Brito insisted, that the other, as Son of the Viceroy, and so Famous an Officer, should command; Don Lorenço was positive, he would obey Brito, as being Commander of the Fort, and in pursuance of his Fathers Orders. But finding Brito resolved to persist in that Cour­tesie, and that it might prove dangerous, he left the Relief, and returned alone to [Page 123] Cochin. The Besieged fortified and entren­ched themselves, the same was done by the Besiegers, who were 20000 strong. Much Blood was spilt about the Water of a Well, but our men by the help of a Mine, made themselves Masters of it. The Moors after this loss retired to a Wood of Palm-trees, to prepare Engines to batter the Fort. Our Commander had intelligence of it by means of a Nephew of the King of Cananor, who endeavoured to gain our Friendship. He prepared to receive them, and when they gave the assault, succeeded so well, first with his Cannon, and then with the Sword, that he filled the Ditch with their Bodies, which they intended to have done with Faggots. They retired to the Wood, and Brito send­ing out by Night 80 men, commanded by one Guadalajara a Spaniard, who was his Lieutenant, the Sally was so vigorously ex­ecuted by the firing of some small Pieces first, in a cold rainy Night, that the Ene­my in a consternation knew not where to save themselves, 300 were killed. But this Joy was abated by the Magazine of Provi­sions taking fire, so that Hunger began to rage, and all Vermin was eaten. The Gar­rison, part sick and part famished, was re­duced to extremity; but the Sea being then rough, left abundance of Lobsters when it went off on the Point of Land where our Chappel was, which were the only re­lief our men had. The Zamori sent a pow­erful supply to the King of Cananor, who gave the last assault to the Fort by Sea and [Page 124] Land, with above 50000 men, who were vigorously received and repulsed with great loss, not one of our men being killed in this action. But now arrives Tristan de Cunna [...] and the King of Cananor terrified with his coming, and the defence made by Brito, sues for Peace, which was concluded with great honour to the Portugues Valour.

6. Tristan de Cunna was upon his return home with the Merchant Ships, and the Viceroy bore him company in order to fall upon Panane, a Town subject to Calicut, where our Enemies laded under the shelter of four Ships of the Zamori, Commanded by Cutiale a Couragious Moor. The Vice­roy and Tristan anchored at the Bar, held a Councel, and then sent both their Sons in two Barques with several Boats, and they in a Gally followed them. They all went up the River through Showers of Balls sent from the Shoar, which is high. The Moors run into the Water to meet our Boats, and killed three men. But the dispute was now come to their Trenches, which some of ours mounted, and Peter Cam set upon them Don Lorenços Colours. The Colours were flying, when the Viceroy seeing his Son Don Lorenço climing with some difficulty, cried out Ah! Laurence, Laurence, what laziness is that; and he very readily answered, Sir, I give way to him that has gained the Ho­nour. A large Moor encountred and wound­ed Don Lorenço, and he gave him such a stroke, as clove his Head to his Breast. The Town being entred, all were put to the [Page 125] Sword. Then all the Ships in the Haven and Docks were fired. We lost 18 Portu­gueses, none of Note; of the Enemy above 500 perished. Though the Plunder was of great value, it was all burnt to Ashes, and only the Artillery saved. After this Victory they returned to Cananor to take in some lading, and Tristan de Cunna set sail for Por­tugal. At Moçambique he met some Ships of 12 that came from Lisbon the year before. Seven were to return with lading, and five under the Command of Vasco Gomez de Abreu, to cruise on the Coast of Melinde, who was also to Command the Fort of Zo­fala. There were also two Ships to joyn Albuquerque on the Coast of Arabia. Iohn Chanoca, with his Ship, was lost in the River Zanaga; Iohn Gomez, and his, in another; Vasco Gomez de Abreu was cast away with four Vessels going for Moçambique. Others, with great danger and Storms, were driven to several places. Misfortunes, terrible, even in the remembrance, but none sufficient to curb Human Avarice and Boldness.

CHAP. II.

1. AFter the taking of Zocotora, on the 20th of August, Cunna and Albu­querque parted, the former for India, the lat­ter for the Coast of Arabia and Persia, in pursuance of the Orders they had from the King. Albuquerque had with him 7 Sail; and 460 Fighting-men. The first place where he touched in the Kingdom of Or­muz, was Calayate, a Town once more Po­pulous, still Beautiful and strong, the Build­ings after the manner of Spain. He sent a Message to the Governour, who offered him Refreshment, and established a Peace. He went on to Curiate, 10 Leagues farther, and was ill received, and storming the Town, met with a Vigorous Opposition, but entred with the death of 80 of the Enemy, and loss of three Portugueses; after the Plunder, the Place was burnt, and with it 14 Vessels that were in the Harbour. Hence he sailed 8 Leagues farther to Mascate, a place stronger than any of the others, and well manned with People, who resorted to it from all [Page 127] Parts, hearing the destruction of Curiate. The Governour fearing the like disaster, made Peace, and sent great store of Provi­sions, and our men went ashoar for Water; but on a sudden the Cannon of the Town began to do great execution upon our Ships, which drew off hastily, not knowing the cause of this turn, till some time after they understood 2000 men, sent by the King of Ormuz for the defence of the place, were newly arrived, and their Officers refused to stand to the Peace. Albuquerque had recei­ved no small damage from the great Can­non, which was plaid very smartly, but landing his men at break of day, he assault­ed the Town so couragiously and fortunate­ly, that as our men entred in at one Gate, the Moors ran out at another. The Place was plundered, all except the Governours House, saved because he received our men friendly, and gave them notice to retire when the Relief came, though he was kil­led in the confusion, not being known. This done, he passed to Soar, all the Inha­bitants whereof fled, except the Governour, and some of the Principal Moors, who of­fered it up to Albuquerque, and received it back to hold of King Emanuel, paying the same Tribute he had given to him of Ormuz▪ 15 Leagues farther is Orfucam, where he found little to do, the Inhabitants having deserted it; he sent after them his Nephew Don Antonio, with 100 men, who having received almost equal damage to what he did, the Moors being numerous, and fight­ing [Page 128] for their Wives and Children, returned with 22 Prisoners. The Town was plun­dered for the space of three days, during which time he prepared to enter into the Harbour of Ormuz, which was the Principal End of this Voyage, and to which these ex­ploits were but a prelude, being small in his esteem, though to others they might appear considerable.

2. The City Ormuz is seated in a little Island, called Gerum, at the Mouth of the Persian Gulf, about 3 Leagues in compass, so barren, that it produces nothing but Salt and Sulphur. The Buildings of the City are sumptuous; it is the great Market of all Goods, brought thither from the East, West and North; which is the reason, that though it have nothing of its own, it abounds in all things, and is plentifully supplied from the Province M [...]gostam, and the Islands Quixome, Lareque and others. About the Year 1273, King Malec Caez possessed all the Land from the Island Gerum, to that of Baharem, and bordered upon the King of Gordunxa, of the Province of Mogastam; this King subtilly obtaining of Malec the Island of Gerum, as a place of no worth; after he was fortified therein, drove him out of all his Country. And translating the City Ormuz, where the King kept his Court be­fore, to this Island, he grew so formidable, that the King of Persia, fearing he would refuse to pay the Tribute the other had done, prepared to invade him. But he of Gor­dunxa prevented him, by imposing on him­self [Page 129] a yearly Tribute, and offering to do him Homage by his Embassadors every five years. In this Tyrant began the City and Kingdom of Ormuz, afterwards possessed by his Heirs and others▪ for the most part vio­lently. When Albuquerque arrived there, Ceyfadim, a Youth of 12 years of age reign­ed, and over him his Slave Coje Atar, a man subtil and couragious. Who hearing what had been done by Albuquerque, made prepa­rations, laying an embargo upon all the Ships in the Harbour, and hiring Troops from the Neighbouring Provinces, Persians, Arabians and others, so that when Albu­querque came, there were in the Town 30000 Fighting-men, among them 4000 Persians, most expert Archers, and in the Harbour 400 Vessels, 60 of considerable bulk, with 2500 men.

3. Albuquerque was not ignorant of the reception designed him; but to shew those People the greatness of his Resolution, he entred that Port about the end of Septem­ber, and came to an Anchor between five of their greatest Ships. For the more terror he fired his Cannon, and the Shoar was soon covered with above 8000 men. Seeing no Message came from the King, he sent aboard the biggest of those Ships, which was of Cambaya, and seemed to ride Admiral, the Captain whereof presently cam [...] to, and was received by him with Civility and State. He told him he had Orders from his King to take him of Ormuz into his Protection, and grant him leave to Trade in those Seas, [Page 130] provided he paid a reasonable Tribute; but if he refused, his Orders were to make War. It was doubtless no small Presumption to of­fer a King the liberty of his own Seas▪ and impose Conditions upon him, with that handful of 460 men against 33000, and se­ven Ships to 400; but the success justified these proceedings, and verified those Acti­ons, which to some have appeared fabulous. The Moor delivered this Message to the King and his Governour Coje Atar, and pre­sently returned one Coje Beyrame, excusing their not having sent to know what we de­manded in that Port, and promising the Go­vernour would come next day to treat. He came not, but the Messages continued, only in order to gain time to sortifie the City, and receive further Supplies. Albuquerque saw into the drift, and told Beyrame, he need only return with the acceptation of Peace as offered, or the declaration of War. He brought answer, that City used not to pay, but receive Tribute. Night coming on, it appeared they prepared to fight by the noise of Warlike Instruments, and Shouts that was heard from the Walls and Ships. The Morning discovered the Walls, Shoar and Vessels covered with Armed Men; the Win­dows and tops of the Houses filled with both Sexes and all Ages, as Spectators of what should ensue. Albuquerque having held a Council, and given necessary Orders, be­gan to play his Cannon furiously, and was answered by the Enemy. They taking the advantage of the Smoak, which hindred the [Page 131] sight, attacked our Ships with 130 Boats well manned, which did some damage with Showers of Arrows, but received more, ma­ny being sunk, and the rest forced to retire by our Artillery. Yet they made a second onset, but were so received, that the Sea was coloured with Blood. By this time Al­buquerque had sunk two of the great Ships, and taken a third, though with great op­position, forcing the Moors to leap into th [...] Sea. The mean time the other Captains had mastered other Ships, and perceiving themselves victorious, ran along the Shoar, and set fire to above 30 Ships, which cut­ting their Cables, were drove flaming upon the Persian Coast, where they burnt others that lay aground. This struck so great a terror into all that multitude, that they fled to the shelter of the City, and Coje Atar sent to offer all that Albuquerque had de­manded. He stopt further proceedings, but perceiving the deceitfulness of the Moor, threatned a greater effect of his Anger in case he persisted in his Wiles. And compa­ring the damage, found, that with the loss of 10 men, most of the Enemies Vessels, with vast Riches, were either sunk, burnt or torn to pieces, and 1700 of them killed. The dead Bodies floating upon the Water, many were seen with Ornaments of beaten Gold, which our men fished for, and obser­ved that many were wounded with their own Arrows, there being none used among the Portugueses.

[Page 132] 4. Coje Atar, considering the damage re­ceived, and what might ensue, called a Council, where it was agreed to submit to what was demanded by Albuquerque. The Articles were drawn, and sworn to by both Parties; their substance was, that the King of Ormuz did submit himself to King Ema­nuel, with the Tribute of 15000 Xeraphines yearly (a Xeraphin is worth about half a Crown) and should assign the Portugueses place to build a Fort. The Fort was im­diately begun, and much advanced in few days, but Coje Atar could not bear with it. He feigned Embassadors were come to re­ceive the Tribute they used to pay the King of Persia, and therefore desired Albuquerque to give them an Answer, since his King was now subject to the Crown of Portugal. He guessed at the design, and bid Coje Atar send somebody to him who might carry the An­swer; the Messengers being come, he put into their Hands Bullets and Spears, telling them that was the Coin the Tribute should be paid in. Coje Atar finding his Plot fail, endeavoured to corrupt our Men with Mo­ny. He prevailed with five Seamen, one of them a Founder, who cast some Cannon there; and another who informed him, that our men were not compleat 460; whereby animated he studied to break the Peace, re­fusing to deliver up those men, and pretend­ing at the same time, it was Albuquerque that broke it.

5. Albuquerque began to revenge this af­front, but with little success, because the Cap­tains [Page 133] employed, opposed it. Coje Atar per­ceiving this, at Night fired a Boat we were building on the Shoar, and one of the Por­tugues Deserters cried from the Wall, Al­fonso de Albuquerque, defend the Boat with your 400 men, and you shall meet 700 Ar­chers. Nor was it to be admired, those vile Wretches should offer these and other Reproaches, since some of the Captains gave intelligence to the Enemy, and per­suaded those five to desert. Albuquerque burn­ing with Rage, attempted to fire some Ships in the Arsenal, and failed. He re­solved to besiege the City, and having ta­ken some that carried in Provisions, cut off their Hands, Ears and Noses, and sent them in to the great terror of all. There was a hot dispute about filling up some Wells that supplied the Besieged, in so much that they were filled with Carcasses of Men and Horses, the Captain and Guard that main­tained them being all slain. The King and Coje Atar came to second this Action, and Albuquerque was in great danger, his retreat being cut off, but a fortunate Cannon Ball opened a way, putting the Enemies Horse into confusion. Albuquerque in these Acti­ons found his men ill disposed to obey; among the rest, three Captains resolving to leave him and sail for India, drew up a Pa­per of Reasons, why he ought to desist from that Enterprize, which he gave to one of the Masons to lay under a Stone in the Work, saying, he had answered, and would be glad to see who durst remove the Stone [Page 134] to read his Answer. None replied. But offended with this, and each fearing he should not have the Command of the Fort when built, the three put in execution their design of quitting him. This troubled Al­buquerque; yet he resolved not to desist, though two Captains that staid with him opposed him, desirous to accompany the others; but he used them with such severity, that they were forced to obey him. From Baharem to Queixome sailed a Fleet with re­lief of Men and Provisions. Albuquerque having pursued, and missing of it, fell upon a Country House of the Kings, guarded by 300 Foot and 60 Horse, and beat them out, killing 80 with the loss of one man. He returned to Queixome, and fell upon 500 Archers sent to the King of Ormuz by him of Lara, under the Command of his two Nephews, and slew them and most of their men, having but 80 with him, the Brothers he sent to Coje Atar as a Present. The Town was burnt, and there being taken among the Plunder a Carpet, so big, the Souldiers were about cutting it for conveni­ency of carriage; Albuquerque bought, and sent it after to Santiago in Galicia. Finding he had but few men left wherewith to con­tinue his enterprize, and those harrased, and Winter coming on, he resolved to go to Zo­cotora, and gave leave to Iohn de Nova to sail for India.

6. Whilst this hapned at Ormuz, the Sol­dan of Cayre set out a Fleet of 12 Sail, and 1500 men, Commanded by Mir Hozem, to [Page 135] oppose the Portugueses in India. By the way he attacked Imbo, and killed the Xeque: the same he did at Ioda, and got great Plunder; then sailed to Diu, where Melique Az Com­manded for the King of Cambaya, whom he was to joyn, and treat with, in order to oppose the Portugueses. The Timber where­of these Ships were built, was cut in the Mountains of Dalmatia, by procurement of the Venetians, (as was said) because the Soldan and Turk were at variance. A Ne­phew of the Soldan carried it in 25 Ships, with 800 Mamalukes besides Seamen. An­drew de Amarall, a Portugues, commanded then the Galleys of Malta; he knowing that Timber was designed against us in India, at­tacked the 25 Ships of the Enemy, with 600 men in four Galleys and six Ships; and after a sharp engagement that lasted three hours, took seven and sunk five, the rest fled to Alexandria, whence the Timber was car­ried up the Nile to Cayr, and thence on Ca­mels to Suez.

7. At this time the Viceroy, Don Fran­cisco de Almeyda, was upon the Coast of Ma­labar, and had sent his Son Don Lorenço to guard those of Cananor and Cochin, and ran as far as Chaul with 8 Ships. On his way he took some Ships of the Moors. Chaul is seated on the Bank of a River 2 Leagues from the Sea; one of the chief of that Coast for Greatness and Trade, subject to the Ni­zamaluco, by whose Order Don Lorenço was well received. They had some intelligence of this Fleet of the Soldan, but gave no cre­dit [Page 136] to it, till it appeared in sight as Don Lo­renço was diverting himself ashoar with his Officers. They hasted to the Ships, giving such Orders as the shortness of the time per­mitted, and were scarce aboard when the Enemy entred the Harbour, with many de­monstrations of Joy; for Mir Hozem thought himself secure of Victory by surprizing our Ships. He designed to board the Portugues Admiral, and t [...] rest of his Ships to board the others. Ours were so placed, that the Enemy passed between them, and Mir Ho­zem coming up with Don Lorenço, poured in Ball, Arrows, Granadoes, and other Fire­works, but was so well answered, that he gave over the resolution of boarding, though the Portugues Vessel was much less than his. The others had the like success, and so pas­sed on, and Night approaching, they pre­pared themselves for the next Morning.

8. Day appearing, Don Lorenço gave the signal of Battle, and endeavoured to board Mir Hozem, the like was done by the others, but only two Galleys succeeded, which took two of the Enemy, having put all their men to the Sword. Mean while the Cannon was furiously plaid on both sides. Don Lo­renzo seemed to have the upper-hand, when Melique Az, Lord of Diu, came with a great number of small Vessels well manned, to the assistance of Mir Hozem. Don Lorenço sent two Galleys and three Caravels to hinder the approach of that Relief. They execu­ted it so effectually, they obliged him to fly to another place for shelter, and the Fight [Page 137] continued till Night parted them, each stri­ving to conceal his loss from the other. The Portugues Captains met in Council, the Re­sult, that it was a rashness to persist in that enterprize, Melique Az being so near with that powerful assistance, that it was conve­nient to take the open Sea, either in order to escape, or to fight with less disadvantage. Don Lorenço remembring the anger of his Father for not fighting the Fleet of Calicut in the River Dabul, and fearing his retreat might be termed a fearful flight, resolutely expected the Morning, only making some motion to save the Ships of Cochin that were in great danger. Melique Az imagining this motion was in order fly, lanched out from his retreat, not at all daunted to see many of his Vessels torn in pieces by our Cannon, and Charges briskly; then Don Lorenço's Ship running foul of some Stakes that were drove in the River, made so much water, there was no preventing her sinking, though Don Lorenço laboured indefatigably till a Ball broke his Thigh, and ordering himself to be set against the Main Mast, where he stood encouraging his men, till another Ball broke his Back. The Body was thrown under Deck, and followed down by Laurence Freyre Gato his Page, who bewailed him with Tears of Blood as well as Water, being shot through the Eye with an Arrow. After a vigorous resistance the Moors entred the Ship, and found the Page by his Masters Body, who ri­sing to defend it, killed as many as covered it, and then died upon them. The Ship [Page 138] sunk at last. Of above 100 men that were with Don Lorenço, only 19 escaped, in all the Ships were lost 140, of the Enemy 600.

9. The other Captains got to Cochin (where the Viceroy was) with the News of his Sons death, which he received with a wonderful resolution. The numbers of men slain and taken being yet doubtful; he en­deavoured by all means to get some intelli­gence, and at that time received a Letter from Melique Az. This Man, born in Sla­very, and descended of the Heretick Chri­stians of Roxia, rose by degrees to that height wherein he was then placed. The Principal Action that advanced him was, that a Kite flying over the King of Cambaya, dunged upon his Head, whereat in a Passion he said, I would give all I am worth that Bird were killed. Melique Az, who was a most expert Archer, no sooner heard this, but he let fly an Arrow, which brought down the Kite. The King rewarded this Action so bountifully, that Melique Az came to be made Lord of Diu, a most Famous City, which being seated on a triangular Peninsula, joyned to the Continent by a ve­ry smal Istmus, is commonly reputed an Island. This man endeavoured politickly to secure himself at one time, both with the King of Cambaya, and the Portugueses, whose Power he feared, and hated for the damage they brought to the Trade of Din. And to this effect he assisted Mir Hozem, sent the 19 Prisoners to the King of Cambaya, and writ to the Viceroy, condoling the [Page 139] death of his Son, extolling his Bravery, and offering to ransom the Prisoners. Thus he endeavoured to appease the Wrath he knew he had provoked by assisting Mir Hozem, which was the Cause of all our Loss.

1. THIS same year 1508, about the be­ginning of April, sailed from Lisbon 17 Ships, which being all separated by bad Weather, at length met at Mozambique, ex­cept one that was cast away on the Islands of Tristan de Cunna; these Ships with those of the foregoing year, came together to In­dia, and added Courage to our People to resist their Enemies. The King ordered that Don Francisco de Almeyda should resign the Government to Alfonso de Albuquerque, and return home in one of the Trading Ships. But he suspended the execution of this Order, because already engaged in ta­king revenge of Mir Hozem. Albuquerque pressed him to obey the Order, Don Fran­cisco [Page 140] excused himself, saying the Ships were gone, and that he had in hand that enter­prize upon the Rumes or Turks who had killed his Son. The other answered, there were more Ships ready to sail, and he would undertake to drive the Turks out of India▪ Almeyda replied, that he had taken up the Sword, and had never resigned it to ano­ther to revenge his Wrongs. Albuquerque offended hereat, went to Cochin; and this was the beginning of some mens protracting the time of their Command, and others pres­sing them to quit, wherein these two Illustri­ous Men discovered much of Human Frailty.

2. Precedent to this were the Actions of Albuquerque at Ormuz and Zocotora, where he wintered and relieved the Portugues, who were there oppressed by Famine. To this effect he went himself with his Ship to Cape Guardafu, and sent Francis de Tavor [...] towards Melinde, and two Vessels to Cape Fum, to make prize of some Ships for their Provisions; they all found what they sought, and so put a stop to the growing Evil. He then resolved for Ormuz, though too weak to effect what he intended, yet at least to sound the designs of that King and his Friend Coje Atar. By the way he resolved to be reven­ged on Calayate for injuries done to some Portugueses. This Town is seated beyond Cape Siagro, called also Cape Rosalgate, at the Mouth of the Persian Gulf. On the Back of it is a Mountain, which has only some Passes, that open a Communication to the Neighbouring Country. One of these [Page 141] Passes is just opposite to the Town, through which is managed most of the Trade of that Province of the Arabs call Ayaman, because (as they say) first inhabited by Name, which signifies Plenty or Abundance, a Son of Lot; and this Land is full of Populous Cities, Fruitful, and of great Trade. Al­buquerque no sooner arrived, but he landed and entred the Town, some of the Inhabi­tants flying to the Mountains, and others being slain in the Streets. Albuquerque staid there three Nights, upon one of which 1000 Moors entred the Town by surprize, and did much hurt; but our men gathering, kil­led many, put the rest to flight, and burnt all the place. They got great quantity of Provisions, which was most of the Booty, and arrived at Ormuz the 13th of September. Al­fonso de Albuquerque presently advertised the King and Coje Atar of his arrival, and they answered, that as for the Tribute of 15000 Xeraphins they were ready to pay it, but would not consent to build the Fort. He therefore resolved again to besiege the Island, and ordered Martin Coello, with his Ship, to guard the Point Turumbaca, where the Wells are; Iames de Melo he posted opposite to the Island Queixome, he and Francis de Ta­vora lay before the City. Thence he view­the growth of the Fort, for Coje Atar had fi­nished it, making use of what the Portu­gueses had began, the better to oppose them. The success was much the same as the other time, but he was in great danger himself, and Diego de Melo, with 8 private men, be­ing [Page 142] killed, he returned to India, having ta­ken a Ship that carried much Pearl from Baharem, and Francis de Tavora took one of Meca.

3. The Viceroy having sent Albuquerque to Cochin, and dispatched the Trading Ships homeward-bound, under Fernando Soarez and Ruy de Cunna, who perished by the way, and ordered other lesser matters, he sailed on the 12th of December from Cananor to­wards Diu in pursuit of Mir Hozem. He had with him 19 Vessels of several sizes, and in them 1600 Souldiers and Seamen, whereof 400 were Malabares. All India was alarmed at this motion of the Viceroy, but chiefly Zamori, and Melique Az, who had used all necessary precautions to secure himself against this danger. The Viceroy being landed with his Officers in the delight­ful Island Anchediva, made to them a grave and learned Speech, touching upon the great Actions performed, and reflecting upon the damage received from the Turks; shewed how much they were obliged to God, their King and Country, to revenge that defect, and the death of his Son, with many more circumstances, and concluded, that the more to terrifie the Enemy it were convenient first to fall upon the City Dabul their Neigh­bour. All that were present unanimously approved of his resolution.

4. The City Dabul is one of the most no­ted of that Coast, by reason of its Situation, Greatness and Trade; seated on a Navigable River, 2 Leagues from the Mouth. The Build­ings [Page 143] were then stately, the Inhabitants Pagans and Moors. It is on the Boders of the King­dom of Decan, subject to Sabayo the King, and was then held by a Governour of his, with a good Garrison, being in fear of our Power. Upon notice of our approach 6000 men were sent in, new Works raised, and much Artillery planted. The Viceroy appearing before it, the Inhabitants, though well pro­vided, began to send away their Goods, the Governour forbid it upon pain of death; and the more to encourage the People brought into the Town his own Wife, who was in a Country House; this example was followed by many of the Principal Men, whose Wives were abroad in the Country. On the 30th of December our Fleet entred the Port. The Viceroy ordered Peter Bar­reto to post himself among the Ships that were in the Harbour, and following close, endeavoured to be the first that landed; but every one being inflamed with the same de­sire, it was all confusion, leaping over one another, so that all, or none was first; of the Viceroy's Boat, the first were Fernando Perez de Andrade, and Iohn Gomez. The Works being high, the Shot flew over our Men. Our Cannon plaid not on the Ene­my because our Men were under it. The Portugueses having gained the Shoar, divi­ded themselves in order at once to attack three Gates, which the Moors perceiving, made so brave a resistance at all three, that the dead Bodies caused a greater stop than the living Defendants, or their Works. The [Page 142] [...] [Page 143] [...] [Page 144] Place was narrow, and the Confusion great' every one thronging for fear of being last. The Viceroy cleared all by sending Nunno Vaz Pereyra to gain entrance another way, who after a hot dispute, though the Moors came on in great numbers, put them to flight, some retiring to a Mosque, others flying to the Mountain. The Commander of the Enemies did all he could to hinder their flight, seeing only ten Portugueses pur­sue a Multitude, who through hast falling over each other, retarded their own escape. The Fight lasted about five hours, in which time, with the loss of 16 Portugueses, were killed 1500 Enemies, all hand to hand, for the Cannon on neither side was plaid. The Viceroy remained that Night in the Mosque; he distributed his men about the Town with Orders to keep Guard. George de Melo and his Company, stood all Night at their Arms, expecting the Enemy that fled to the Mountain would return. Nor was he de­ceived, for they by the favour of the Night, stole into the Town, hoping to recover their Wives, Children and Goods. Little was done till Morning, when the Viceroy gave leave to Plunder, which was hindred by the sudden firing of the Town, so that in few hours it was only a heap of Ashes, and therefore the Booty exceeded not 150000 Ducats. It was afterwards known that the Viceroy was the cause of that Conflagration, fearing the men, taken up with those Riches, might retard his other Design. The Ships in the Harbour had the same end, with no small [Page 145] confusion among ours, scarce able to en­dure the Flames so near them. The Vice­roy had laid in no great store of Provisions, not doubting to get enough along that Coast; but very little was found here where most was expected, the furious Flames, per­haps fiercer than expected, having devour­ed all. He thought to remedy this by send­ing to the Neighbouring Villages, but to no effect, because all was destroyed by multi­tudes of Locusts, whereof they found ma­ny kept in Pots, that were Food to the Na­tives, which some Portugueses tasting found pleasing to the Pallate, not unlike our Shrimps, which made them conclude these were Shrimps of the Land, as the others of the Sea. So in some places, particularly the Vineyards about Rome are found Crabs, not unlike those of the Sea. So that if those Creatures came not so numerous as to de­stroy the Harvest, they might be coveted as Food, not dreaded as a Plague. Such were the Locusts the Scripture mentions the Baptist fed on in the Desert.

5. The Viceroy parted from Dabul with­out Provisions, hoping to get them along the Coast. Payo de Sousa run up a River in his Gally, having seen some Cattle upon the Shoar, and hoping to take some of it; the Owners opposed, and killed him and George Guedez. Iames Mendez succeeded in the Command of the Gally, and met ano­ther passing from Diu to Dabul; this was well manned, and commanded by a Cou­ragious and Expert Turk, who no sooner [Page 146] discovered our Gally, but keeping his men close, so that only they that rowed were in sight, he drew on Iames Mendez to board him without suspecting any danger, when immediately the Turks that were hid, rush­ing out had almost gained our Gally; but our men recovering themselves, gained their Gally with the death of all the Turks, with­out losing one of ours. The Chief Prize was a Noble Beautiful Hungarian Young Woman, who was brought to the Viceroy, and by him given to Gaspar de la India, who gave her to Iames Pereyra of Cochin, and he married her for her Virtuous Qualities, so well suiting with her Birth and Beauty; Per­fections seldom to be found together in the World. Farther on they took in the River of Bombaim, a Barque with 24 Moors of Guzarette, by whose means the Governour sent some Sheep and Rice, whilst Cattle was brought from other places. The same was done at the Fort of Maim; for the People terrified with what had hapned at Dabul, fled to the Mountains. The Viceroy arri­ved the 2d of February at Diu, which ap­pearing high at Sea, girt with Walls and Towers, beautiful and strong, populous and well governed, after the manner of ours in Spain, renewed in our men the memory of our Country, and that inflamed their Cou­rage and Vigour. Melique Az, Lord of this City, was absent 20 Leagues off, with his Army against the Resbuti, but had still ad­vice of the motions of our Fleet, which scarce anchored before the City, when with [Page 147] wonderful celerity he flew thither. He had already used precuation, that Mir Hozem might not perceive how little he was in­clin'd to assist him; and that he might not altogether exasperate the Viceroy, and both of them equally feared him. The Viceroy considered the strong situation of the Place, much improved by Art, the Courage and conduct of Melique Az, and Mir Hozem, and the number of above 200 Vessels well manned, and furnished with all things ne­cessary. Having called a Council, it was re­solved, that Nunno Vaz Pereira should be the Forlorn Hope with his Ship, in which were 120 Fighting-men, most Gentlemen, and of known Valour. He was to be seconded by George de Melo, with the like number, who was to be followed by Peter Ba [...]reto de Magallanes, and he by Francis de Tavora, then Garcia de Sousa, and so the other Vessels, car­rying from 25 to 80 men each. The Night was spent particularly on our sides, in pre­paring their Consciences and Arms, for the danger was to be encountred next Morn­ing.

6. Between 9 and 10 in the Morning, when there was Flood enough for the Ships to swim, the Admiral gave the signal for en­tring the Port. On a sudden all moved with loud Shouts, and sound of Warlike Instruments on both sides. Melique Az his Vessels ran to hinder the entrance of ours, Showring Bullets and Arrows, which im­mediately slew 10 men in Iames Perez his Gally, that led the way to Nunno Vaz. Yet [Page 148] Nunno pierces forward, and pouring his Shot among the Great Ships, sunk one to rights. He was in great danger between two of them, when George de Melo came up with such fury, that running foul of one of the two, he drove it upon that of Nunno Vaz, and thereby gave way to Sebastian de Miranda to board it, which he performed. Then George de Melo went on to another, in like manner the other Captains. The Viceroy in the midst of the Enemies Vessels, gave them a sufficient diversion, that they might not hinder what the others were acting; and tho' they did him some damage with their continual Shot, he destroyed them with his, till the Paraos of Calicut fled, spreading the News along the Shoar, that the Rumes or Turks were victorious. Mir Hozem being wounded, in despair slipt out of his Ship disguised into a Brigantine, and thence to Shoar, where taking Horse, he never stopt till he came before the King of Cambaya, no less fearful of our Fury, than the falshood of Melique Az, who had assisted him with his Vessels, but not with his Person. The absence of Mir Hozem did not discourage those in his Vessel; for being boarded, they never yielded, but were all slain. A great Ship belonging to Melique being attempted by some of ours, and not able to carry her, the Viceroy discharged all his Cannon upon, and sunk her. Antony de Campo took a Gale­on. Ruy Soarez, one of the last in order of Battel, but not in Courage, running through all, placed himself before the City, and plying [Page 149] most dexterously, took two Gallies, having forced the Defendants to quit them, in such manner, that the Viceroy seeing him at a distance, in a glorious emulation cried out, Who is that who so much excels the rest? O that I were he! The Victory being now no longer doubtful, because some harm was done us by the Artillery on the Shoar, the Viceroy made up to the Ships, where our Gallies and other lesser Vessels killed all that leaped into the Sea, so that the Water was turned to Blood. This Victory was not cheap, for we lost near 40 men. Of the Enemy above 1500 were killed. The Ships being plunder­ed, there were great Riches found in them; and by the great variety of Books in several Languages, was judged, the men were of sundry Nations; among the Books were some Latin, Italian and Portugues. The Soldan and Mir Hozem's Colours were sent to Portugal. Of all the Vessels that were ta­ken, the Viceroy ordered four Ships and two Gallies should be preserved, the rest were burned. The Victory had been more Glo­rious, had not the Conquered been treated with such Barbarous Cruelty, that many, not without reason, judged the unhappy end of the Viceroy and other Gentlemen, to be a just punishment of that Crime. We shall soon see it.

7. Next Morning Melique Az pretending to be much pleased with the Viceroys Victo­ry, sent Cide Ale, a Moor of Granada to wish him joy. There was a Report that the City was in a great Consternation, fear­ing [Page 150] the Conqueror would assault it, and that many were filled with this apprehension. Our men finding the Viceroy inclined to ad­mit Melique Az his deceitful Congratulation, began to mutter, and complain that he stop­ped the course of his Good Fortune, which the Enemies began now to fear. He calling to­gether the Principal Men told them, that he [...]ad no regard to Melique Az, but the King of Cambaya, who was our Friend, and whose City that was; that the Town was strong and they tired; that of 1200 men he Com­manded, only 600 were able to bear Arms; that though the Town were taken, it could not be maintained; and that they might be revenged against Melique Az on his Trading Ships. All agreed there should be no more said of the Assault, [...]nd should give ear to the Moor. The Viceroy received him cour­teously, and told him, that two Motives chiefly brought him to that Port, the one to be revenged on the Rumes, the other to recover the Portugeses that were taken, and who were to him instead of a Son. The first Point he had obtained, and the second he must gain by having them delivered to him; that he should also deliver to him all the Artillery and Munitions belonging to the Rumes that were in the Ships haled in, and they burned, and sell him Provisions. All this seemed little to Melique Az, and was performed with such expedition and exact­ness, that it setled a profitable Peace with the Viceroy, who left one of the Prisoners there to load two Ships with such things as were [Page 151] wanting at Cochin and Cananor. He dispatch­ed Don Antonio de Noronha with Provisions, and some of the Booty of the Ships, to re­lieve his Brother, Don Alfonso, at Zocotora. Then the Viceroy sailed, and arriving at Chaul; that King terrified with the late Victory, became tributary. Passing by Ca­nanor, he was there received with Honour, and at Cochin in Triumphant Manner; but before he had laid aside his Fest [...]al Orna­ments, he was accosted by Alfonso de Albu­querque, pressing to deliver up the Govern­ment according to the King's Orders. The Answer was, he should give him leasure to put off that Heavy Robe, and there would be time afterwards. Albuquerque pressed and the Viceroy delayed.

8. Some Gentlemen persuaded the Vice­roy not to resign the Government, whilst Albuquerque made instance to have it deli­vered up, Evil Spirits fomenting these Feuds. The King of Cochin, urged by these Divisi­ons, delayed the lading with Pepper, two Ships that were to return home, till Albu­querque were possessed of the Government. In fine, the Viceroy sent Albuquerque Priso­ner to Cananor, where he was courteously entertained by that Governour, who then was Laurence de Brito, to whom in few days the Viceroy writ, that he should treat his Prisoner as one who soon must Govern India.

9. King Emanuel being informed of the preparations made by the Soldan of Cayre at Su [...]z, resolved to send a powerful Relief [Page 152] to India. This consisted of 15 Sail, Com­manded by Don Fernando Coutinno, who had an extraordinary Power given him, the King (as was thought) having some ink­ling of the disagreement was like to be be­tween the Viceroy and Albuquerque. No­thing of note hapned him till he arrived at Cananor, whence he carried Alfonso de Al­buquerque to Co [...]bin, treating him as Gover­nour of India. Though there passed some Acts of Civility between the Viceroy and Coutinno, the rest was not suitable; for a Ship he had prepared to pass to Portugal was denied him, and he obliged to take another he had no mind to. He sailed with two more on the 19th of November, and had fair Weather till passed the Cape of Good Hope, when he said, now (God be praised) the Witches of Cochin are Liars, who said we should not pass this Cape. Near there he put into the Bay of Saldanna to take Water; and some men going to ex­change Goods with the Blacks, a Servant of the Viceroy treated two of them so ill, that they knocked out his Teeth, and sent him away bloody. Some Gentlemen looking upon this as an Affront, persuaded the Vice­roy to go ashoar, when they ought to ad­vise him to punish his Servant for abusing People where they sought Relief. This had been Justice. He yielded, but so much against his Will, that as he went into the Boat he said, Ah! whether, and to what end do they now carry the 60 years? Hereby declaring, that was an Action of Raw Heads. [Page 153] There went with him 150, the Flower of the Ships. They went on to a mise­rable Village, and returned with some Cat­tle and Children, when 170 Blacks coming down from the Mountain, whither they had fled, attacked them in defence of their Children, casting Stakes with sharp Points, hardned at the Fire, so furiously, that in a little time they killed 50 Gentlemen, and among them the Viceroy, who died kneel­ing on the Sand, with his Eyes lifted up to Heaven, struck through the Throat with one of these Stakes. George de Melo return­ed with the wounded Men to the Ships, and when he thought the Blacks were withdrawn, went ashore and buried the Viceroy and the rest. This was a manifest judgment of God, that so few unarmed Bar­barians should overcome those who had done such Noble Actions in India. George de Melo carried the News to Lisbon, where it was received with great Grief. The Vice­roy, Don Francisco de Almeyda, was seventh Son of Don Lope de Almeyda, Count of Abrantes, and of Donna Beatriz de Sylva his Wife. He was married to Donna Ioan­na Pereyra; he was Knight of the Order of St. Iames; He was of a Graceful Pre­sence, Ripe Councel, and Obliging Carry­age; he was very Continent, an Enemy of Avarice, very Liberal and Grateful. Don Francisco wore the Coat or upper Garment (which then was instead of the Cloak used now) Black, the Doublet of Crimson Sat­tin, the Sleeves whereof appeared; the [Page 154] Breeches also Black, which were Breeches and Stockins reaching from the Feet to the Waste, over them Boots, a Truncheon in the Right Hand, the Left upon his Sword, which hung almost before. He was the first Viceroy and Governour of India.

CHAP. IV.

1. ALfonso de Albuquerque, now possessed of the Government, prepared to fall upon Calicut, with Don Fernando Coutinno. The Design was kept private, but Zamori provided, as did all the Princes of that Coast when the Portugues were in motion. They set out from Cochin with 30 Vessels and 1800 men, besides some Boats of Malabares, who followed in hopes of Plunder. They arri­ved at Calicut the 2d of Ianuary, and weigh­ing the difficulties of Landing, consulted about the manner; and Ordered that part of the Fleet which belonged to Albuquerque, should be committed to the care of his Ne­phew Don Antonio de Noronha; and the part of Coutinno to Rodrigo Rabelo. Every one [Page 155] strove to be so posted as to land first. Our Men were at Arms all Night, and so tired in the Morning, they had more mind to sleep than to land, though the desire of landing had kept them from sleep; but they soon recovered, the signal being given, and the Cannon Playing. Coutinno had 800 men, and some Field-pieces: Albuquerque had the same number, and besides them 600 Malabares. They marched with more Confusion than Order, each striving to be foremost; the first that attacked the Bul­wark of Cerame were George de Cunna and Francis de Sousa; they found there 600 men, who made a vigorous resistance, till Albu­querque coming up, they quitted it. Albu­querque being fearful of the disorder of his men, gave notice to Coutinno, who running with all speed to his relief, and our Colours being already set up, judging it had rather been a contrivance of the Governour, than disorder of the Men, took the liberty to say unto him, What means this Sir? Was you ambitious the Rabble of Lisbon should report you were the first at taking Calicut, which you so extol to the King? But I shall go to Lisbon and tell the King I could have entred it with only this Cane in my Hand. And since I find no body to fight with, I will not be satisfied till I enter the Pallace of Zamori, and dine in one of his Rooms. This said, without expecting the Answer Albuquerque was about to make, he marched with his men towards that Pallace, where Zamori then was not. He was tired [Page 156] when he reached it, being above 5 Leagues from the Shoar, the Road encumbred with Palm-trees, and having marched hard, and met with opposition by the way, he rested a while in a Plain before the Pallace. Which being then attacked, though well defended, was entred, the Moors flying to the Moun­tains. Our men now possessed of the Pal­lance, fell to plundering, without shame or sense of honour, and with as much disor­der as if they had been on the Shoar, and their Enemy destroyed. The Enemy now reinforced, returned, and falling upon our disordered men, put all into great confu­sion, killing many under their Burdens, and doing great harm, though Vasco de Sylveyra signalized himself, killing two of thier Chiefs, whom they call Caymales. In the mean time Albuquerque had entred the City, and fired it; and having nothing to divert him, marched to see what Coutinno had done. He found all about the Pallace thronged with Armed Men, and that Coutinno was within in eminent danger. Finding it best to hinder the Enemies from pressing upon him, he sent him word he waited his coming. Cou­tinno answered not till the third Message, and then returned, that Albuquerque might march, and he would follow, being busie in gathering his men, who were dispersed about the House. Albuquerque marched, and the Enemy pressed him doing much damage, till News was brought, Coutinno's life was in great danger. He endeavoured to return to his relief, but was hindred by the mul­titude [Page 157] of the Enemy, who slew many of his men, and wounded him with a Dart in the Throat, and a Stone in the Head, and in such manner that he was carried sensless to the Shoar. By this time Coutinno and many more were slain in the Pallace, and several on the way, being oppressed by the multi­tude, and spent with the labour and heat, and stifled with the great Dust. Doubtless they had all perished, if Iames Mendez Vas­concellos, and Simon de Andrade, whom Al­buquerque left in the City with 2000 men, had not stopt the fury of the Enemies, and obliged them to retire. There hapned as great a contest about being the last on Shoar, as had been about landing first, not consi­dering all their misfortune had proceeded from that foolish dispute. At last they sail­ed, having lost 80 men, among them many of Note, whereof Coutinno was one. Albu­querque being come to himself, gave out se­veral Orders at Sea, and dispatched the Trading Ships homeward-bound; and when arrived at Cochin, made preparations for a third attempt upon the Island Ormuz. While he is employed about this Business, we will give some account of what was done by two of the Captains spoken of in the beginning of the third Chapter, which could not con­veniently be inserted before.

2. One of these two Captains was Duarte de Lemos, who, after a Storm, arrived at the place called Medones de Oro, thence he went to Madagascar, or the Island of St. Laurence, and thence to Mozambique, where the rest [Page 158] of his Squadron joyned him. George de Aguiar being lost, he took upon him the Command of the Coast of Ethiopia and Ara­bia, given him by the King, that Govern­ment being then divided into three Parts. From Mozambique he sailed to Melinde; then set out to visit some Islands of that Coast that had neglected to pay the usual Tribute to Quiloa since it was taken. Monfia sub­mitted immediately; Zanzibar made resi­stance, but they were drove to the Moun­tains, and the Town plundered. At Pemba hapned the same, the Inhabitants flying to Monbaza, leaving nothing in their Houses; but some little plunder was taken in a Fort whether the Xeque had conveyed such things as he had not time to secure otherwise. Lemos gave the necessary Orders at Melinde, par­ticularly in relation to the Factory for the Trade of Zofala. Hence he set out with seven Sail for the Coast of Arabia; one Ves­sel Commanded by Gregory de Quadra, in­sensibly was separated from the rest in the Night on the Coast of Magadoxa, and car­ried by the Current to the Mouth of the Red Sea, where the City Zeila is seated, and was there taken. Lemos resolved to take a view of Ormuz, and managed the Towns of that Coast more with cunning than force. The same at Ormuz, where he received of the King and Coje Atar the 15000 Xera­phens, imposed on them as Tribute by Albu­querque, and was well treated. Hence he sent to India, Vasco de Sylveyra, who was killed at Calicut. Then he sailed to Zocotora, [Page 159] and gave the Command of that Fort to Pe­ter Ferreira, sending to India, Don Antonio de Noronha, who took a Rich Ship of the Moors, which being manned by some Portugueses, was cast away in a Storm between Dabul and Goa, and the men made Prisoners: His own Ship was stranded in the Bay of Cam­baya, where he and some others endeavour­ing to escape in the Boat, were all lost; about 30 that remained in the Ship were taken by the Moors and sent to the King of Cambaya. Lemos, on his return to Me­linde, took a Vessel richly laden. The Win­ter being passed, he returned to Zocotora, and found there Francis Pantoja, who came from India with Provisions, and had taken a rich Ship of Cambaya, the great wealth whereof he shared with Lemos his men, saying they had right to it, as being taken in the Pre­cincts of his Government. A rare example of Bounty. Lemos finding himself unprovi­ded for other undertakings, sailed to India, and was received by Albuquerque with great Pomp and Civility.

3. The other of the two Captains menti­oned was Iames Lopez de Siqueira, who was entrusted with the discovery of the Island of Madagascar and Malaca. In the Island St. Laurence he arrived in the Port of St. Se­bastian. He run along the Coast, making use of a Portugues as Interpreter, who had been left there, and forced by necessity to learn the Language. He spoke with a King called Diaman. and was by him civilly treat­ed, but had no intelligence of any Spice or [Page 160] Silver, the great end of his Voyage. Ha­ving had much trouble and no profit, he sailed to India. Don Francisco, then Viceroy, received him well, and to assist in the disco­very of Malaca, gave him another Ship, Commanded by Garcia de Sousa. He passed by Pedir, and that King sent him some Pre­sents, and made him great Offers. The same the King of Paçem; in both places he erected Crosses. At last he anchored in the Port of Malaca, and terrified the Coast with the thundring of his Cannon, so that all the People running to the Ships and Vessels in the Harbour, shewed the apprehension they had of their new Guest. A Boat came to Lopez his Ship to enquire who they were; he answered, there was an Embassador from the King of Portugal, who came to propose such things as might be advantagious to that City. There came back a Message from the King in doubtful language, such as is usual when the designs are pernicious; for some forreign Merchants, Enemies to the Portu­gueses, had persuaded him and his Favou­rite Bandara, with the Powerful Argument of Rich Presents, to destroy Iames Lopez. The third day Lopez sent Hierom Teixeyra with a handsome Retinue as Embassador, who was well received on the Shoar, and placed upon an Elephant, so carried to the King, from whom he returned well pleased.

4. All this was but a Bait to ensnare our People, and therefore the King gave out he would do Lopez the Honour to dine with him in Publick. He sent to invite him, and [Page 161] the Invitation was accepted, till he was in­formed by a Friend of Iao Utimutiraja, that the Invitation was to murder him. Then he gave credit to the advice sent him from a Persian Hostess by Duarte Fernandez after she had endeavoured to come aboard at Night, and was not admitted by Sequeyra, judging it some Love Intrigue, but it pro­ved one means to save those Ships. Lopez excused himself by counterfitting an indispo­sition. Another way was contrived to carry on the Treachery, which was by offering lading of Spice, saying it was requisite to send for it to three several places. This took so well, that 30 men were sent accord­ing to agreement, whilst a Fleet of several Vessels was behind a Point of Land, ready to assault our Ships, at the same time the 30 were killed in the Town. Mean while a Son of Utimutiraja came to visit Lopez, and found him playing at Draughts. He per­suaded Lopez to continue his Game, that he might the less observe him, who offered a thousand times with a Dagger to kill him, and only waited the sign from the Town, when a Seaman, who was Centinel upon one of the tops seeing a throng, and hear­ing noise, cried out, Sir, Sir, Treachery, Treachery, they kill our men. Lopez threw away the Draught-board with such fury, that Utimutiraja's Son and those with him, in a consternation leaped into their Boats: All was done that could be expect­ed upon a sudden, and having sunk ma­ny of the Enemies Boats, and forced the [Page 162] rest to retire, and left 60 of our men in sla­very, and 8 killed, they sailed, and soon after took two Vessels bound for Malaca. Lopez arrived at Cape Comori, sent Teixeira and Sousa with their Ships to Cochin; resol­ving, though ill provided, to return to Portu­gal alone, being fearful of Albuquerque, be­cause he had sided with the Viceroy. With great hazard he arrived at the Island Ter­cera.

5. Albuquerque had now fixed every thing for his design upon Ormuz, dispatched the Trading Ships, and other affairs with great expedition. About the end of Ianuary he sailed from Cochin with 1700 men in 21 Vessels of several sorts and sizes. Albuquer­que at the River Onor, sent for the Pirat Ti­moja (before spoken of) who desirous of our Friendship, and being Powerful, came presently with much Provision. He being skilful in the affairs of Asia, Albuquerque communicated his design to him. But he dissuaded, shewing how much better it was to attempt Goa, that was unprovided, and would be more advantagious. This pleased Albuquerque, and hereupon calling his Cap­tains to Council, it was proposed to them by the said Timoja, and the Design appro­ved of and commended by all. Timoja furnished 12 Ships, giving out he would ac­company the Portugueses to Ormuz, to the end that Goa might be less provided. Timoja had been dispossessed of his Fortune, and ill treated by his Kindred and Neighbours. The desire of revenge, and recovering what [Page 163] he had lost, caused his Love to our People, that it may always appear, that private In­terests are the ruin of the Country. On the 25th of February they came to an anchor in the Port of Goa.

CHAP. V.

1. TIcuari is an Island on the Coast of Canara, formed by two Mouths of the River Gacim, its length from East to West 3 Leagues, the breadth one. There is in it Hill and Plain, has good Water, very Fruit­ful, Pleasant, Beautiful and Healthy. On the Northern part of it is seated the City Goa, which formerly was on the South. This now in being was built by Melique Ho­zem, a Moor, 40 years before the arrival of the Portugueses. The Old is not known when founded; but some Authentick Wri­tings have been found, wherein is mentio­ned, that Mantrasat, King thereof, above 100 years before, confesses one only God, the Incarnation of his Son, and the Trini­ty and Unity; whence appears they had knowledge of the true Faith; to which may [Page 164] be added, that when the City was taken, there was found in a Wall a Copper Cruci­fix. These might be the fruits of the Apo­stle St. Thomas's Preaching.

2. About the year 1300 the Moors be­gan to conquer India. The first that at­tempted it with great Power was Xa Nosa­radin, King of Delhi; with a Powerful Ar­my he came down from the North, conque­ring all the Gentiles as far as the Kingdom of Canara. Thence he returned to Delhi, leaving Habedxa to prosecute the Conquests, who by his Valour and Conduct became so great, that he coped with his Master, which beginning, his Nephew Madura prosecuting, possessed himself of the Kingdom of Canara, and casting off his Allegiance to the King, he called the Kingdom Decan, from the sun­dry Nations wherewith he Conquered it, this Word signifying so much in that Lan­guage. Too great an Empire always threa­tens ruin. Mamudxa fearing this, used great industry to secure himself, which was ef­fectual for some time; but at length seve­ral Governours intrusted with Provinces of this Empire, erected them into Sovereignties. The greatest of these was he of Goa, about the time of our coming into India, called Sa­bayo, deceased about the time of Albuquerque's design upon Goa; and Cufo, King of Hidalcan, had possessed himself of the City, and put it into the Hands of his Son Ismael. The other Princes were Nizamaluco, Mudremaluco Melic Verido, Coje Moçadan, Abexeiapado and Cotama­luco, all great, some very great. Sabayo was [Page 165] born at Saba, a City of Persia, of very mean extraction, but served the King of Decan so fortunately, that he gave him the City Cal­berga. Thence he extended his Conquests of the Pagans of Bisnagar, and after over the Island of Goa, lately possessed by the Moors come from Onor, Melique Hozem be­ing then Lord of it, who defended it with 1200 men, and was killed in the defence. Goa had several dependencies, and with these and others he gained Sabayo, became the most Powerful of those Princes, and consequently hated of them all. He main­tained himself against all whilst he lived, sometimes by Policy, sometimes by Force; but his death produced great alteration.

3. We left the great Albuquerque at an­chor before the Bar of Goa, let us see what he acted. It was necessary to sail up the River, on whose Bank the City is seated; therefore he sent his Nephew Don Antonio de Noronha and Timoja to sound it. A light Vessel leading the way, spied a Brigantine of the Moors, and giving it chase, found they drew under a Fort well stored with Artillery and 400 men, Command­ed by Yaçu Gorgi, a valiant Turk, to se­cure the entrance of the River. Don An­tonio seeing the other in the chase, pressed after him; and though the attack of the Bulwark seemed difficult, they attacked, and after a stout resistance took it, the Com­mander having almost lost a Hand, and not able to stop the flight of his men, retired to the City. Mean while Timoja, not to be [Page 166] out-done, took another Bulwark on the Continent, defended by some Artillery and 30 men. Then they sounded the River. Next day as Albuquerque entred the River, he was met by Mirali, and other Chief Men of the City, who came to surrender it, upon condition their Lives, Liberties and Estates should be secured. The reason of this surrender was, that the Turk Yaçu had terrified them with the relation of what he had seen a few Portugueses do, and that a Iogue (these are Religious Men among those People, esteemed Saints and Prophets) not long before had declared, that place should soon be subject to Strangers. Albu­querque accepted the offer, and anchoring before the City on the 17th of February, was received on the Shoar as if he had been their Natural Prince. He mounted on a Horse, they brought him, with Rich Fur­niture, at the Gate received the Keys, and went on to the Pallace, built by Sabayo. He found there much Cannon, Arms, Tackle, and many Horses. Next he gave such Or­ders as were to the satisfaction of all the City, then dispatched several Embassies to divers Kings, which produced no effect, on­ly shewed the greatness of his Thought.

4. The Neighbouring Towns depending on Goa, came instantly to make their sub­mission, and were kindly received. The Com­mand of the Fort was given to Don Antonio de Noronna; the Government of the Infidels to Timoja, and so the other Posts to the ge­neral satisfaction. Understanding that Ships [Page 167] of Ormuz, and the [...]oast of Arabia were la­ding at Baticala, four Vessels were sent thi­ther, which took and carried them to Co­chin, sending plenty of Provision to Albu­querque. Now our Fortune begins to frown. The Moors begin to exercise their Treache­ry. Those whom Albuquerque most relied upon conspire, and after four Months revolt, notwithstanding the most faithful Timoja blamed his confidence. They had deliver­ed themselves up so easily to shun their own ruin, and gain time till Ismael Hidalcam pre­pared to come to their relief. So it fell out, and he came on with great Power, sending be­fore his great General Camalcam, with 1500 Horse and 8000 Foot. Albuquerque disposed his men with great diligence and order to receive him.

5. The first step was to secure the Heads of the Conspiracy, and the chief being Mir Cazem, to whom he had given the Com­mand of 400 Moors, and his Nephew, they were hewed to pieces by his Guards, others were hanged in publick places, and others kept Prisoners, there being 100 convicted. This discovery, with the punishment, terri­fied the City. Camalcam attempted to pass over to the Island, having prepared Boats to that effect. Don Antonio opposed him, and took 12 Boats. Many of the Enemies were killed, many devoured by the Croco­diles, wherewith that River abounds. Ne­vertheless Camalcam landed in the Island, which was quitted by our men, and some Cannon had been lost, had not two Masons [Page 168] maintained it, though our Gentry fled, till they were killed, and it brought off. After some resistance, all retired into the City. Camalcam encamped about it, playing his Cannon effectually; Albuquerque did what the Place permitted, and now comes up Hi­dalcam with 60000 Men, whereof 5000 were Horse. Part of this Army passed the River, and the rest was divided into two parts, one Commanded by a Famous Offi­cer, the other by his Mother and Women, who maintained their Souldiers by the gain of 4000 Common Women they had with them; so that the Women lived upon them, and they upon the Women. The siege was closed by the coming of the King, and no place left Albuquerque to act any thing con­siderable. It is prudence sometimes to yield to necessity. It was resolved in a Council, before day to abandon the City. This was executed with great hazard, for the way to the Ships began to be stopped by Hidalcam, and Albuquerque had his Horse killed, yet got off without loss, after a siege of 20 days.

6. It was resolved to winter in that Sea, and to this effect drew into a Bay▪ though not commodious, the best thereabouts; and because the Fort of Pangi with much Ar­tillery incommoded them, there was no re­medy but gaining of it; 300 Portugueses were appointed for the attack. Don Antonio de Noronha, with a Party, was appointed as a reserve, to relieve where there was most need, and Albuquerque to guard the Shoar. At the same time they prepared by Night [Page 169] to appear with the day before the Fort; there marched 500 men, sent by Hidalcam to reinforce it. They Joy of these People was so great, that those without, as well as those within being all drunk, they mistook our Men, one side thinking it was the Relief sent them, and the other believing it was the Garrison came out to receive them. They were undeceived by the execution done upon them, 340 being slain, the rest rouced, with the loss of one man acciden­tally drowned. The same hapned at the Bulwark Timoja had before gained at Bardes. Hidalcam hearing of this, was so terrified, that he went from the City, and his fear was the more, because some Conjurer had told him he should be killed by a great Shot near some River. He sent some ceremoni­ous Messages to Albuquerque, to discover what was doing aboard the Ships, and he answer­ed, still adding to his fear. By this means he exchanged those Moors he had kept Pri­soners, for the Portugueses that were left in the City at their abandoning of it.

7. Albuquerque had intelligence some Ves­sels were preparing to burn his Ships, and he resolved to anticipate by firing them, and they being drove up the Harbour, Don Antonio de Noronha was killed in this action. This man used to moderate the Violent Passions of his Uncle Albuquerque, who im­mediately after shewed the effect of his rigid Severity, by hanging a Souldier because he found him with one of the Slaves he called Daughters, that he used to give in Marriage. [Page 170] And when some of the Officers asked him what Authority he had to put this in exe­cution, putting them under Deck, he lifted his Sword over them, saying, That was his Commission against all that were disobedi­ent, and then broke them all. They all suffered much hardship this Winter, especi­ally Hunger. Sailing hence they discovered four Sail, which were judged to be Turks; but coming nearer, appeared to be some of the Fleet come from Portugal.

8. This year King Emanuel had dispatch­ed two Squadrons for India, one of seven the other of four Ships; after them went out two Ships more, and a third to settle a Trade at Madagascar. The four Ships under Iames Mendez were those Albuquerque met at his setting out from Goa, and gave him the News of the other Ships that were on their way, which was a great satisfaction to him, being the better enabled to prosecute his great designs. Gonçalo Siqueira with the se­ven Ships arrived at Cananor, soon after Al­buquerque, who communicated the enter­prize upon Goa, but was over-ruled by Si­queira and went to Cochin. By the way he obtained a Victory over the Malabares of Calicut, who opposed our lading Pepper; then he dispatched Siqueira with the Tra­ding Ships homeward-bound, and soon af­ter Duarte de Lemos with four more, and then turned his view again to the affair of Goa. Iames Mendez, who commanded the four Ships, and was before inclinable to the design, now excused himself. Albuqu [...] [Page 171] finding this, commanded him and his Cap­tains, upon the severest penalties, not to stir without his Orders. It troubled them be­cause they feared losing the opportunity of going to Malaca, whither the King sent them; but they obeyed. Albuquerque set out from Cananor with 23 Sail, and therein 1500 Fighting-men. He passed by Onor to joyn Timoja, whom he found busied in his Wed­ding, being to marry the Daughter of a Queen, and he desiring to be honoured with the Presence of Albuquerque, obliged him to land, which proved very dangerous, for a Storm rising kept them ashoar three days, and when he returned to his Ships, a Boat with 30 men was lost. Timoja sent with him three Ships, and promised to join him at Goa with 6000 men.

9. On the 22th of November Albuquerque anchored the second time before the Bar Calling to mind the dangers he had there escaped, and the discontent that was among some of his Officers, he thought fit to sooth the Principals with an obliging Harangue, and therewith won all their Inclinations. At break of day, on the Feast of St. Catha­rine, the City was assaulted with great slaughter of the Enemy that maintained the Shoar, but (though it seem strange) not one Portugues killed. The Enemy fled to recover one of the Gates of the City, and our men to enter with them. Here the Fight was renewed, till many Portugueses forced their way in, doing great execution in the Streets. They cleared all to the [Page 172] Pallace with great danger, and loss of five Men of Note; and there was a most furious Contest begun with equal Valour on both sides. Now Albuquerque having done what became him, came up, and Fortune appear­ing wholly on our side, the Moors fled, and abandoned the City, endeavouring to get over to the Continent, but through hast and con­fusion perished in the River. After the Victory it was found, that of 9000 Fight­ing-men who defended the Town, 6000 had perished, and 50 Portugueses. Me­deorao, who commanded the three Ships sent by Timoja, behaved himself well. Ti­moja with 3000 men came too late, he was only Witness to the Slaughter. The booty of Horses, Artillery, Arms, Provisions and Ships was excessive, and such as was neces­sary for the great designs Albuquerque had conceived.

10. Our Dead were honourably buried, those of the Enemy in the Bellies of the Cro­codiles of that River, into which they were cast. Not one Moor was left alive in the Island. The Gentiles, who were Country­men, were restored to their Farms, and the Government of them given to Timoja, and after to Melrao, a Nephew of the King of Onor. Whilst Albuquerque setled these Af­fairs, he received many Embassadors with Congratulations of his success from several Princes of Malabar. Many of Hidalean's Officers, then, and afterwards made inroads as far as Goa, but always returned with loss. Iames Mendez and his two other Captains, [Page 173] desirous to go to Malaca, stole away out of the Port by Night, contrary to Albuquerque's Orders. He sent after them, and being brought back Prisoners, he Ordered they should be sent to answer it in Portugal, and two Pilots condemned to be hanged at the Yard­arms. Some were suspicious that Albuquerque detained Iames Mendez, lest he should take Malaca, which Action he designed for himself; others said, he kept him from the danger Siqueira met with there, that Enter­prize requiring a greater Power.

11. Albuquerque providing for the safety of Goa, laid the Foundation of a Fort, which he called Emanuel, being the King's Name. He caused the Names of the Captains who were at the taking of it, to be carved upon a Stone; but because every one would be named before the others, he turned down the Stone, hiding the Names, and on what was visible put this Inscription, Lapidem quem reprobraverunt aedificantes; and thus they were all pleased; for the Portugueses had rather their own Praise should be for­got, than that another should partake. He coined Mony, that of Gold he called Emanuels, that of Silver, Esperas, and half Esperas that of Copper. He married some Portugueses to Women of the Country, gi­ [...]ing them in Portion, Lands, Houses, or Em­ [...]loyments, the better to secure his Colony. One Night that some of these Weddings [...]ere Celebrated, the Brides were so mixt [...]nd confounded together among the People, [...]at some of the Bridegrooms went to Bed [Page 174] to those that belonged to others, and next Morning finding the mistake, they changed them, each taking his own, and all equal as to the point of Honour. This gave the more occasion to some Gentlemen to ridicule the care of Albuquerque. But he persisted with such Constancy, that he brought to pass what he intended, which was, to make Goa the Portugues Bulwark in India. King Emanuel was very desirous of, and recommended to Albuquerque, with much instance, the taking the City Aden, and raising a Fort there. He now possessed of Goa, thought time lo [...] while he attempted not something; he therefore counterfeits the carrying on this Enterprize, and sent some Ships towards the Red Sea, when at the same time his design was upon Malaca. He went to Cochin, ha­ving first secured and ordered all things at Goa: Where was left for the defence of it Rodrigo de Castello Branco with 400 Portu­gueses and 5000 Gentiles, under Melrao to secure the Country and Revenue. He set out of Cochin for Malaca on the 2d of May with 19 Sail and 1400 Fighting-men, 800 of them Portugueses, the rest Malabares.

CHAP. VI.

1. THE City Malaca, whither Albu­querque now directed his Course, is seated on that part of Land, being a Penin­sula, commonly called by the name of Aurea Chersonesus, and upon that Channel which parts the Island Sumatra from the Continent of Asia, about the middle of that Channel, in something more than two Degrees of North Latitude, stretched along the Shoar about a League, in the same manner as Lis­bon. It is divided by a River, and the two parts joyned by a Bridge. The Buildings of Wood, except the Mosque and Pallace, which were of Stone. It afforded a plea­sant Prospect to the Sea, and was well secu­red with Fortifications. The Port was fil­led with abundance of Ships, as being the great Market of all those Parts. It was first built by the Celates, a People for the most part imployed in Fishing, who joyned them­selves to the Malayes, that before inhabited the Mountains. They were assisted by Pa­risamora, submitting to him. This Man had been great in the Island of Iava, and ex­pelled by a Tyrant who usurped his Lord­ship, fled to Cincapura, where being well [Page 176] entertained by that King, he rebelled against him, and was again cast out by the King of Siam, and so forced to wander about Mala­ca; a just punishment for his ingratitude. He having increased the new Colony, gave it the name of his Fortune; for Malaca in that Language signifies a Banished Man. The first King of Malaca was Xaque Darxa, or as another Author says, Raal Sabu) Son of Paramisora, subject to him of Siam, from whom his Successors revolted. The Coun­try of Malaca is subject to Inundations, full of thick Woods, stored with hurtful and dangerous Creatures, chiefly Tigers, which obliges many people to pass the Nights on the tops of high Trees, because they fetch them off the low ones with a leap. The Men are couragious, the Women wanton. The Trade of the East and West make Ma­laca most Rich and Populous. Mahomet reigned at this time, against whom the King of Siam had sent an Army of 40000 men, most whereof perished by sundry ac­cidents, and partly by the treachery of Ma­homet, which he practised with Iames Lopez de Siqueira; but now came Albuquerque to revenge them all. Mohomet feared the re­ward of his baseness, and therefore brought to his aid the King of Pam with a great Force, and had now 30000 men and 8000 pieces of Cannon, and yet his fear was greater than his preparations.

2. Albuquerque sailing from Cochin, by the way he took five Ships of the Moors bound for Malaca, off of Ceylon. The King [Page 177] of Pedir, in the Island Sumatra, sent some Moors to visit him, and with Iohn de Viegas, one of the Portugueses left be­hind by Siqueira, who, with others, flying from Slavery, arrived at Pedir. The same was done by the King of Paçem. Neboada Beeguea, of the Principals of the Treachery of Malaca, was fled from Pedir, and being beaten and taken at Sea by Ayres Pereyra, to the general astonishment of all that beheld him, he shed not one drop of Blood, though pierced with several mortal Wounds; but scarce had they taken off his Arm a Bracelet of Bone, when the Blood gushed out. The Indians discovered the Secret, saying it was the Bone of a Beast that breeds in Iava, which has that virtue; it was esteemed a great Prize, and brought to Albuquerque. Next they met a Vessel with 300 Moors, so resolute, Albuquerque was forced to come up himself to take it, not without some dan­ger. In this Vessel was Geniall, the rightful King of Paçem, banished by the tyranny of the present Possessor. Three other Vessels were taken soon after, whereof one gave in­telligence of the affairs of Malaca, in which Port our Fleet anchored on the 1st of Iuly with much noise of Warlike Instruments and Cannon, terrifying all the People that covered the Shoar; for the guilt of what they had before acted, made then sensible what this Fleet was designed for; there be­ing no surer foreteller of their punishment to wicked men, than their own Consci­ence.

[Page 178] 3. Next day came a Gallant Moor, with a deceitful Message, from the King to Al­buquerque. He received him with great state, the greatest was that of his Person and Venerable Beard, which had never been cut since he was at Ormuz, he saying it should never be cut till he sat to that pur­pose upon the Back of Coje Atar; so it grew to such a length, that he knotted it to his Girdle. He treated the Moor courteously, whose Message contained, that if he came for Merchandize it was ready. The An­swer was, That the Merchandize he sought for, were some Portugueses that were in the City ever since Siqueira went away; that having got them, he would let the King know what more he demanded of the King and City. The Moor at his return spread the terror of this Answer, and it was gene­rally agreed to buy off that danger by re­storing the Portugueses, and paying a sum of Mony. Prince Alodim and his Brother-in-law the King of Pam prevented the execu­ting this, and made ready to defend them­selves. Albuquerque began some military ex­ecution, whereupon the King restored the Captives. Other Messages were sent by the King in order to appease Albuquerque, who answered, That he offered him Peace upon condition he permitted him instantly to raise a Fort there, and repayed the Charge of his and Siqueira coming to that Port, since his Falshood had been the cause of all the damage sustained; and that he must imme­diately return an answer, whether he chose [Page 179] Peace or War. The King desired an Ac­commodation, but his Son and the King of Pam opposed it. At last they all made the necessary preparations to repel the danger.

4. On the Eve of St. Iames the Apostle, the Signal was given for landing, with great Shouts and noise of Guns; immediately the Portugueses leap ashoar, and mix with the Enemy. The hottest of the dispute was about gaining and maintaing the Bridge, which Albuquerque had undertaken himself, and was vigorously defended till the Ene­mies pressed, leaped into the River, where many were killed, and many drowned. The Prince and King of Pam bravely with­stood another party of ours that would make their way to the Bridge. King Maho­met came out on a bulky Elephant, with two more carrying Castles on their Backs, whence flew a great number of Darts. Our men attacking the Beasts, so wounded them, that they fled, trampling their own men, and making way for ours to joyn those at the Bridge. Albuquerque then fortified him­self there, and because much harm was done with poisoned Arrows from the tops of neighbouring Houses, he caused them to be burnt. Albuquerque bestowing great Praises on his Captains for their Valour, and per­ceiving they were scorched with the heat, and faint for want of Meat, retired with them to the Ships about Night, where ten died of poisoned Arrows. The Enemies loss was not known. The King of Pam went away, on pretence of bringing a recruit, but returned not.

[Page 180] 5. Whilst Albuquerque rested in his Ships re­freshing his men, the King harrased his, un­dermining the Streets to blow us up, and co­vering them with poisoned Thorns that might gore us at coming in; he planted more Artillery in many places, and secured the Bridge. Albuquerque sent Antony de Abreu in a Vessel well manned, to gain it; from the Bridge flew Showers of Bullets, and Deniz Fernandez de Melo seeing him near killed, endeavoured to carry him off to the Ships to be dressed, but he with wonderful constancy said, Though I have neither strength to Fight, nor voice to Command, I have still life to keep my Post. Floats of Wildfire were drove along the River to burn the Vessel, and no remedy to prevent it, till Albuquer­que effected it by gaining the Bridge; then the Vessel had liberty to act. Our Com­mander enters the City through Showers of Bullets, Arrows and Darts. Understanding the danger of the Mines which were in a broad Street, he took another way and gain­ed the Mosque; and at last with vast slaugh­ter of the Enemy, took entire possession of the City, having with him in this Action only 800 Portugueses and 200 Malabares.

6. In nine days time all the Moors were killed, or driven out of that great Place. It was Peopled again by Strangers, and some Malayes, to whom leave was granted. Among them came that Powerful Native of Iava Utimutiraja, whose Son had like to kill Siqueira. The Souldiers had three days liberty to plunder. There were found 3000 [Page 181] Pieces of great Cannon; of 8000 that King Mahomet relied upon, being with the rest retired to Bintam, where with Prince Alo­dim he fortified himself. This would be of dangerous consequence, therefore Albuquer­que sent out 400 of his men, and with them went 400 of Utimutiraja, and 300 belong­ing to the Merchants of Pegu, these put the Prince to flight, took seven Elephants with costly Trappings, and retired. The King now wandred the Woods, blaming the ob­stinacy of his Son and the King of Pam; so the Father and Son fell out and parted, each shifting for himself. Albuquerque in­stantly built the Fort, which he called Fa­mosa for its beauty, and Church dedicated to the Visitation of our Lady. He Coined Mony (as had been done at Goa) of se­veral Names and different Value, which was proclaimed about the Streets, and some scattered among the People. By these and other honourable Actions he gained the Hearts of the Strangers, and secured this most Important Place.

7. Albuquerque, though he saw into the Soul of Utimutiraja, knowing it sometimes convenient to trust an Enemy, gave him the Command of the Moors who remained in the City. But he kept private Correspon­dence with Prince Alodim, on pretence to restore him, but in reality to the intent to set himself up. This was not so private but it was discovered, and he, his Son, and Son­in-law were apprehended, and publickly (after Conviction) executed on the same [Page 182] Scaffold they had erected for Siqueira. This was the first piece of Publick Justice execu­ted by the Portugueses in India. One Fire is followed by another. Pate Quitir, a Na­tive of Iava, to whom Alfonso gave that Government, took a sum of Mony of the Wife of Utimutiraja (whom he had suc­ceeded) and a promise to give him her Daughter, upon condition he would revenge the death of her Husband on the Portu­gueses, to whom she had offered 100000 Du­cats for his Life. Pate accepted the Offer, with the same intention of seizing the City. The King of Campar also having this design, sent to Congratulate with Albuquerque, of­fering his Service, and asking the Command of Pate Quitir. But this had no effect now, in its time it shall be related. Albuquerque received here several Embassies, particularly from the King of Siam, who rejoyced to see his Quarrel revenged, though by another hand. He also sent Embassadors to Siam, to Pegu; and two to discover the Islands of Maluco and Banda. They had all Orders to publish every where what had hapned at Malaca, and offer the Trade of that Place on better terms than it was before. All things being ordered, the best the time would per­mit, he resolved to return to Cochin, leaving Ruy de Brito Patalim to Command in the Fort with above 300 men. The like num­ber to guard the Sea, in ten Ships, under Fernando Perez de Andrade. Albuquerque car­ried with himself four Sail.

[Page 183] 8. Whilst this passed at Malaca, there broke out a Rebellion of many of the Na­tives at Goa, and Pulate Cam, an Officer of Hidalcam, appeared before it with a good Body of Men; he passed over into the Island and besieged the City. One of the Principal Exploits was a Sally made by our Commander Rodrigo Rebelo, in which was done much execution. But soon after he was killed, and with him Manuel de Cunna, so that things were in a bad posture. To remedy this, by Publick Consent Iames Mendez de Vasconcellos was chose Com­mander.

9. Pulate Cam gave some jealousie, that he designed to usurp this Territory, to pre­vent which Hidalcam sent his Brother-in­law Rotzmo Cam, who overcame him with the assistance of Iames Mendez, whom he drew to his Aid, and after would drive out of the City, finding himself with a power of 7000 men, there being then not above 1200 in the Town, whereof the third part only were Portugueses. He laid siege, and Hunger began to press within, and some of our men deserted, whereof part repenting, returned, which gave the first hopes to the Besieged

10. Next came Emanuel de la Cerda, left to cruize upon that Sea, and had wintered at Cochin; then Iames Fernandez de Beja, who had been demolishing the Fort at Zoco­tora, and receiving the Tribute at Ormuz. The abundance of Provisions and Recruits of Men they brought, gave new life to the [Page 184] almost dismayed besieged. After these arrived, Iohn Serram, who came from Portugal the year before with Payo de Sa, in order to settle some Trade in the Island Madagascar, where they made several attempts to no effect. Christopher de Brito, who was at Cananor with one great and four smaller Ships, hearing of the condition of Goa, went thither, car­rying many Men and much Provision, and secured the Town which had suffered much that Winter.

CHAP. VII.

1. ALbuquerque sailing from Malaca to Cochin, off Cape Timia, of the Kingdom Aru, in the Island Sumatra, his Ship set upon a Rock, which so split it athwart the Keel, that those in the Poop could not come at them in the Forecastle, and the contrary; neither could the other Vessels, by reason of the darkness of the Night, come to relieve them. Till day ap­pearing Albuquerque was seen holding in his Arms a Girl, Chance had conducted to him [Page 185] in the Confusion; Peter de Alpoem coming up, though with much danger, saved him. The loss he most lamented was that Bone which hindred the wounded Moor from bleeding, and some Iron Lions of curious Work, which he had designed for Supporters to his Tomb. Some men were lost. Albuquer­que went into Alpoem's Ship, and prosecuting his Voyage, took two Ships of Moors, which, though Rich, made not amends for his great loss. Immediately upon his arri­val at Cochin, being informed of the distress of Goa, he dispatched thither eight Vessels with Men and Provisions, and a Promise of his speedy coming in Person. There were then in the Town 1000 men, and the Besiegers were 20000 strong.

2. Six Ships arrived in India from Portu­gal, 1512. Commanded by Don Garcia de Noronha, who had a tedious Voyage, having spent a whole year without touching in any Port: And though the men were tired and sick, yet they relieved some places. The mean while sailed from Portugal to India a Fleet of 13 Ships, whereof one perished at the Islands of Angoxa.

3. This Fleet containing 1800 men, an­chored at the Bar of Goa on the 15th of Au­gust. They presently visited the Enemy in their Fort of Benastarim, and then Don Gar­cia, and George de Melo with their Squadrons passed on, carrying with them Iohn Macha­do and others newly delivered from the sla­very of Cambaya. Albuquerque rejoyced more than at his Victories to see his Nephew [Page 186] Don Garcia with that Command, the great succour he and Melo brought, the Captives released, and all things concurring to fur­ther his designs. His satisfaction was in­creased by the arrival of Antony de Sadanna with the Garrison of Quiloa, which Place being of small importance, they had quit­ted. At the same time came an Embassa­dor from the King of Persia, and one from him of Ormuz to go to Portugal. Albuquer­que ordered the affairs of Cochin to pass to Goa, and by the way left George de Melo in the Fort of Cananor.

4. He was received at Goa as a publick Father, and being informed of the past as well as present posture of Affairs; he visited the Fortifications, and studied how to drive Rotzomo Cam from his Works. The sixth day from his arrival, being on an eminence with some Gentlemen viewing 4000 Moors and 200 Horse, who diverted themselves in the Field, it being Friday, which is their Sabbath, he could not hinder our men from rushing upon them, and driving them up to their Fortifications, where was a hot Skir­mish, and our men victorious with some Booty, having killed above 100, and lost one Captain and another man, and some wounded.

5. Albuquerque resolving to take that For­tress from the Enemy, gave the assault by Land and Sea, and thinking it was not vi­gorously carried on by Sea, he leaped into a Boat, and came so near that a Cannon Ball killed a Canara that steered the Vessels, dash­ing [Page 187] his Brains and Blood on his Beard. This so inflamed him, that he promised a reward to any that should break that Cannon, and immediately one of our Gunners directed a Ball into the Mouth of it, wherewith it flew in pieces and killed the Canonier. This made way for our men to come up the Ri­ver and lay the siege closer, when Zufolari appearing on the Continent with 7000 men coming to the relief of it, but finding no­thing could be done, he retired with some loss sustained by our Cannon. Albuquerque set down before the place with 4000 men, whereof 3000 were Portugueses, in two Bo­dies, one Commanded by himself, the other by his Nephew Don Garcia de Noronha. At first we received some damage, but afterwards did so much, that Rotzomo Cam surrendred upon condition to leave the Fort with all the Cannon and Ammunition, and deliver all the Slaves and Renegadoes, which last Albuquerque punished by cutting off their Noses, Ears, Right Hands, and Thumbs of the Left, and sending them so maimed to Portugal. One of these was Ferdinando Lopez, who to do Pennance for his Sins, voluntarily staid with a Black in the Island St. Helena, where he was afterward serviceable to some Ships, and began to sow that Island.

Albuquerque endeavoured to bring Rotzo­mo Cam over to the Portugues Service, but succeeded not. But this his Fortune terrified many Princes. The King of Calicut con­cluded a Treaty with Don Garcia de Noronha, whom his Uncle had sent to Cochin to take [Page 188] charge of Affairs there. Those of Nar­singa and Bisa, Hidalcam and others sent Embassadors, to all which he answered, ex­tolling the value of the Portugueses Amity, and the terror of their Arms; and being dispatched, sent after them Messengers of his own to inform those Princes, and gain intelligence of them. Now arrived at Goa, Mathew, Embassador from Prester Iohn, in order to go to Portugal; he brought with him a piece of the Holy Cross, and Letters from Queen Helena, who Governed that Kingdom during the minority of her Son David. The design of this Embassie was to settle Amity with our King, and ask Aid against the Moors, who ever infested that Empire. The Embassador said, that at his Masters Court there were then three Portugueses, one call­ed Iohn, who stiled himself Embassador of the King of Portugal, and two who said they had been lately set ashoar at Cape Guardafu to discover the Country. These were Iohn Gomez and Iohn Sanchez, set ashoar there by Order of Albuquerque him­self, with a Moor for that discovery.

7. Finding the Affairs of Goa in so good a posture, he resolved to put in execution an Enterprize he had been charged with by King Emanuel. This was the Conquest of the City Aden. He fitted 20 Ships, with­out acquainting any body with the design When ready to sail he acquainted the Cap­tains with his intentions. The number of the men was 1700 Portugueses, and 800 Canaras and Malabars. They set sail the [Page 189] 18th of February, and arrived safe at Aden. Miramirzan, Governour of the Town, sent to complement Albuquerque, and a Present of Provision. Several Messages passing, and no hopes of a surrender appearing, it was resolved to give the assault.

8. The City Aden is seated on the Coast of Arabia Felix, near the Mouth of the Red Sea, called by Ptolomy, Modocan. Over it appears the Mountain Arzira, all a barren Rock, in many Cliffs. The Town from the Sea looks beautiful and strong. It is rich and famous for the great resort thither of many Nations. The Soil so scarce of Wa­ter, that it has only a few Wells and Cisterns. Even from the Clouds it is scarce watered above once in two or three years; whence it is void of all Trees, Plants and Orchards, the delight and pleasure of other Towns.

9. Albuquerque found the Enterprize was more difficult than it had been represented. On Easter-Eve in the Morning our men landed with Scaling Ladders, this being thought the proper method for gaining the place. It was doubtful who first mounted the Wall, but several being already upon it, the Ladders, overburdened with the multi­tude that pressed to get up, broke several times, so that there was no hope of relie­ving those who had gained the top, and stood in great danger, and Albuquerque was forced to order them down, making one out of the broken Ladders, some fighting while the others came off. After four hours engagement, they retired with great danger [Page 190] and loss, more sustained by the accident than the Enemy. George Silveyra and five men were killed, some died after of their wounds, and some with the fall from the Wall.

10. Albuquerque complying with his ill fortune, and the persuasions of his Captains, and to save time, resolved to give over that attempt, and sail towards the Mouth of the Red Sea. But first they took a Bulwark that guarded the Port, where many Moors were killed, and 37 great pieces of Cannon found.

The Ships were all first plundered, and then burnt. The fourth day after their ar­rival they sailed out of this Port, and arri­ved at the Mouth of the Red Sea, next the Coast of Arabia, which was much celebrated with great signs of Joy by Albuquerque, as being the first of our Nation that had entred those Seas.

CHAP. VIII.

1. THE Form of the Red Sea is not un­like to that of a Crocodile, the Mouth of it is the place answerable to the nar­row Neck, and the Head is that Sea which lies out between Cape Guardafu and Cape Fartaque, and the Point of the Tail reaches [Page 191] to the Town of Suez; it lies N. N. W. and S. S. E. The length of it 350 Leagues, the breadth where widest 40. The Channel is in the middle, and has Water enough to carry the greatest Ships; but the sides ar [...] shoal, full of little Islands and Banks of Sand. No River of any note falls into it. By the Moors it is called Bahar Corzu, that is, closed in; by others the Sea of Meca; by us the Red Sea, from the Colour it takes of the Bottom, as was experienced by the Viceroy Don Iohn de Castro, who caused to be taken up in some places a matter Red, like Corral; in others, Green; and in others, White; and in each the Water seemed of that Colour, but the most is Red, and the Water taken up is as clear as any other. There are some fisheries of small Pearl in many parts of this Sea; it abounds not in Fish. The Mouth lies between 12 and 13 degrees of North Latitude, and is as it were locked up by seven small Islands, the greatest called Mehun, and Perantonomasiam Island. From the Mouth of the streight till Suez, along the Coast of Arabia, for the first 44 Leagues, are some Ports of small note, till we come to the Island Camaran, subject to King of Aden. Thence to Gezan, a great Town 60 Leagues, where are seven conside­rable Ports. From Gezan to Imbo 130 Leagues, all the Dominion of Meca, wherein are good Towns and Ports; among which Ziden, a famous Town, then Ioda, much known, and Meca 15 Leagues up the Country; 60 Leagues from Imbo, is Toro, where it is said the Chil­dren of Israel crossed the Red Sea, which is [Page 192] here 3 Leagues over; hence to Suez 40 Leagues, and there ends the Coast of Arabia. Let us now return from Suez to the streight, where we began, running along the opposite Coast of Egypt and Ethiopia: 20 Leagues from Suez is Grand Cayr, the vast Metropolis of Egypt, but it lies upon the Nile, not the Red Sea; 45 Leagues from it to Alcozer; thence 135, in which space are many Ports to the City Zuanquem; 70 Leagues farther Mazua, in a small Island, as is the other, and opposite to it Arquico; hence 85 Leagues to the Mouth of the Sea. Behind a ridge of Mountains that runs along this Coast lies the Empire of Prester Iohn, which has always preserved Christianity after their manner, and has of late been much supported therein by the Portugues Arms.

2. Albuquerque sailing along this Sea, arri­ved at the Island Camaran, abandoned by its Inhabitants for fear of his coming. Here he took four Ships richly laden, one belonging the Soldan of Cayr, two more he had taken by the way. From this Island he visited o­thers, and now appeared in the Sky, visibly to all, a Red Crols very bright, seeming to be about a Fadom athwart, and of a proporti­onable length. They all knelt, and Albu­querque made a devout Prayer, and the Visi­on was Celebrated with Joy and sound of Musick, and Cannon, till by degrees it was covered by a bright Cloud. He returned to Camaran, designing to winter there, the Wind having failed him to sail to Ioda, as he had designed.

[Page 193] 3. Here they suffered extreamly by Fa­mine, and after many died by sickness, cau­sed by the ill Food. Albuquerque parted hence when the Weather would permit, which was in Iuly, resolving to appear again be­fore Aden, He touched at the Island Mehun, at the Mouth of the Streight, and called it Vera Cruz, because he erected there a very high Cross on an Eminence. He dispatch­ed two Ships to discover the City Zeyla, where they burnt two Vessels in the Har­bour and joyned him again at Aden.

4. Albuquerque found this City newly for­tified. The Cannon on both sides was plaid with almost equal damage. Nothing considerable was performed, but some Ships taken and burnt, and then sailed for India.

5. About the middle of August he ancho­red off of Diu; the Lord of it Melique Az, more out of Fear than affection, sent him some Provisions, and a courteous Message. Albuquerque knowing him, dealt cautiously, and demanded leave to raise a Fort there; he excused himself with the King of Cam­baya; at the same time advising him to deny it if asked. However it was agreed a Factor and some others should be left there to settle Trade; and at parting Melique treated Al­buquerque with such civility and cunning, that he after said he had not seen a more perfect Courtier, or fitter to deceive, and at the same time please an understanding man. Afterwards leave was obtained of the King of Cambaya to raise a Fort at Diu, upon con­dition he might build another at Malaca, [Page 194] and other reasonable Proposals which were admitted.

6. Now arrived in India two Ships from Portugal, a third being cast away, but the men saved, and taken up by the others at Melinde; the Captain of her was after lost in a Boat. Albuquerque went to Goa, and sent his Nephew Noronha to dispatch these two, and three other Ships homewards. These Ships carried an Embassador from Zamori to King Emanuel, he being now in amity with us, and having permitted a Fort to be erected where it was desired. They car­ried also the offers of several Princes, and many Captives taken in War, as Testimo­nies of what he had acted. There went al­so a Portugues Jew, an Inhabitant of Ieru­salem, sent by the Guardian of the Francis­cans there, to acquaint Albuquerque, that the Soldan of Cayr threatned the destruction of all the Holy Places.

CHAP. IX.

1. THat Powerful Native of Iava, Pate Quitir, who had been honoured and preferred at Malaca by Albuquerque, and at the time of his departure was in Rebel­lion, [Page 195] improved his absence to carry on his Treason. One Night he killed a Captain of ours, and took some Cannon, and fortifi­ed himself therewith and with what he had before, and 6000 Men and two Elephants. Ferdinando Perez and Alfonso Pessoa with 320 Men attacked him, one by Land, the other by Water; after a vigorous defence, many of his men being slain, he fled to the Woods. In his Fort was found much Artil­lery, Ammunition and other Riches, and all that part where he lived was burnt to the ground.

2. Pate Quitir having received succour from Iava, and King Mahomet who lost Malaca, begins to raise another Fort in a convenien [...] place, appearing Powerful by Sea and Land, in hopes to usurp the Domi­nion of the City. Ferdinando Perez went again to oppose him, but though he fought with the same resolution, had not the same success as before, being forced to retire with loss of three Captains and four private men. Lacsamana, a Commander of King Mahomet, now enters the River with many Men and much Cannon in several Vessels. Ferdinando Perez goes to meet him with three Ships, the Fight lasted very furious the space of three hours, with much advantage on the Portugues side. Lacsamana with wonderful celerity that Night, threw up a notable For­tification, whilst Perez guarded the River, fearing he should fly from him. It was thought a rashness in their condition to at­tack him, so they retired to the City to [Page 196] consult their own safety, but before they consulted their relief came unexpected.

3. Just then entred the Port three Ships from India with Ammunition and 150 Men. Whilst they considered how to put in execu­tion the Orders sent by Albuquerque, Lacsama­na took all the Vessels that carried Provisions to the Town. Hunger so pressed the Town that some fainted about the Streets, the same Plague attended Pate Quitir in his Quarters. The Weather being fit to sail, Ferdinando Pe­rez set out with ten Ships and one Gally. As they sailed toward Cincapura, the Gally going before, discovered a Sail and kept it in play till the Fleet coming up took and found it stored with Provision and Ammu­nition, designed for Pate Quitir. Perez brought the Captain and Principal Men over to his own Ship, who resolved to kill our Men, and began to execute it, running Pe­rez into the Back with a Poniard; some of them were taken, others leaped into the Sea. Being put to the Rack, they confessed there was a Son of Pate Quitir among them, and that they were followed by three Vessels with the like lading, which were also taken, and all carried to the City. At the same time arrived Gomez de Cunna with his Ship laden with Provision; he came from Pegu, where he had been settling Peace with that King. The Famine being appeased, and Men recovered, Ferdinando Perez with his Fleet attacked Pate Quitir, and fortunately burnt his Fort, obliging him to fly to Iava. Lacsamana seeing this success, drew off. [Page 197] But at Iava a great Fleet is preparing to fall upon Malaca.

4. Iava is an Island S. E. of Sumatra, they are divided by a Streight 15 Leagues over, it is long and narrow, the length lying from East to West, is almost 200 Leagues. All the length of it runs a Mountain (like the Apennine in Italy) which hinders the Commerce between those People: It has some Ports and good Cities. The Inhabi­tants came from China. Afterwards Moors from Malaca possessed themselves of the Coast. Pate Unuz, who was after King of Zunda, was now Lord of the City Iapara. This Man now prepared a Fleet of 90 Sail to fall upon Malaca; among these, some equal in bigness to our Galeons, and that which he was to go in, greater than any of them. He had been seven years making this preparation, and kept private intelligence with the Natives of Iava that were in Ma­iaca. He had 12000 men and much Can­non. On a sudden they appeared before the Town. Ferdinando Perez with 17 Vessels, and in them 350 Portugueses and some Na­tives, met them, had a sharp engagement, and did much execution.

5. The Night parted the Fleets, and was spent in consulting what should be done next Morning. Pate Unuz endeavoured to gain the River Muar. Perez pursues and pierces in­to the middle of the Enemy, playing his Can­non and Fire works with such success, that ma­ny Ships were sunk and fired. The Fight was very furious, till Pate Unuz fled, and was pur­sued [Page 198] in [...]in, for he never stopt till in Iava, where he preserved that vast Vessel as a me­morial of his escape, and the grandeur of his Fleet, not without reason, for a Merchant of Malaca offered for it 10000 Ducats in case it were taken. This Victory cost some Lives and much Blood, few escaping with­out some Wounds. Thus were those of Ia­va for ever banished from Malaca. Ferdinan­do Perez laden with Spice and Victory sailed to Cochin, in Company of Lope de Azevedo and Antony de Abreu, who came from the discovery of the Maluccoes with three Ships. After them arrived Antony de Miranda from Siam, to the great Joy of Albuquerque, seeing the good Fruits of his Labour and Care for Malaca, and happy return of those he had sent to other places.

6. King Mahomet who had lost Malaca, had not yet lost the hopes of being restord to it. He drew near, and having tried all ways by force, resolved to make use of a Stra­tagem. He ordered that Tuam Maxeliz, a Favourite of his, should imitate the great Zopirus of Babylon. With his consent he did him some great injuries. He then fled to Malaca with some Companions, giving out he fled from the tyranny of his Prince. Ruy de Brito who commanded the Fort, gave credit to him, and by Presents and Policy he gained such freedom, that he had admit­tance at all times, till he came prepared to kill Brito, the King at the same time being ready to second and bring him off; six men were suddenly slain by his followers: Brito [Page 199] then opened his Eyes (for he was sleeping) and gathering his Men, drove the Traitor out at the very time that a Party of Maho­mets came up to the Fort. The Comman­der of the Party Tuam Calascar understand­ing the miscarriage, with a ready wit coun­terfeited he came to the assistance of Brito, and retired. Now arrived Peter de Faria from the Streight of Sabam, bringing with him Abdela, King of Campar, who no longer able to endure his Son-in-law Mahomet, came to live under the Portugueses in Malaca. This was in the Month of Iuly, and George de Albuquerque was come from Goa to Com­mand in this City, with instructions what to do with the King of Campar, which in effect were to give him the charge of Bendara (that is, Governour of the Natives) till th [...] possest by Ninachetu, on whom for his go [...] Services Albuquerque had before bestowed it, and now took it from him for some miscar­riages. This Heathen so much resented it, that he resolved to give a wonderful demon­stration of his Constancy and concernment. He was very rich, and ordered in a Market­place a Scaffold to be erected, adorned with Rich Silks and Cloath of Gold; in the middle he placed a great heap of sweet Aromatick Wood, and strewed the Street from his House thither with sweet Herbs and Flowers, and hung it answerable to the scaffold. He invited his Friends, and clad himself and Fa­mily richly. Then mounting upon the Scaf fold, whilst by his Order that Rich Pile was fired and kindled, he made a long Harangue, [Page 200] protesting his Innocence and the Zeal where­with he had served the Portugueses, and say­ing he would fly up to Heaven in that Flame and Smoke, he cast himself into that Fire, to the great admiration of all the Beholders.

7. The King of Campar was gone home, designing to return and take upon him the charge of Bendara, but was hindred by the King of Bintam and Mahomet. They fitted out a Fleet of 70 Sail, and 2500 Men, un­der the Command of the King of Linga; they besieged Campar, and 8 Portugues Ves­sels set out to shut them up, with some Boats equipped by the Town. The King of Linga observing them somewhat careless, on a sudden fell upon George Botello the Com­mander, with his Gally, all the Fleet fol­ [...]wing him, but he was well received, his [...]ally taken, the Fleet put to flight, and the King forced to leap overboard. They took in the King of Campar, and brought him to Malaca, where he exercised the Charge of Bendara so excellently, that in four Months time the City was visibly improved, many People resorting to it who had fled to Ma­homet, offended at Ninachetu. Mahomet per­ceiving the growth of the City caused by his Son-in-law Abdela, to put a stop to it made use of a Fraud peculiar to a Moor. He gave out in private, but so that it might be spread abroad, that his Son-inlaw was gone over to Malaca by common consent, and the same was done by such as seemed to fly from Bintam, with a design to seize upon the Fort the first opportunity, and deliver it to him [Page 201] as lawful Prince. This secret (as Mahomet had designed it) was divulged at Malaca, and had the effect he pretended; for George de Albuquerque gave more credit to the Re­port, than to the Honest proceeding of the Bendara, who was tried and condemned as a Traytor, and his Head cut off upon a pub­lick Scaffold. The City escaped not the pu­nishment of this Crime, being left almost desolate by the flight of the Inhabitants, and then oppressed by Famine.

CHAP. X.

1. WHilst what is before related hapned at Malaca, Albuquerque visited the 1514. Important Places of his Province, and gave the necessary Orders for their security. He dispatched Don Garcia de Noronha to Cochin, thence to encourage the work of the Fort that was building at Calicut, He appointed four Sail to cruize in the Mouth of the Red Sea, under the Command of his Nephew Peter de Albuquerque, with Orders to touch at Ormuz, and receive the Tribute when it became due, and then discover the Island of Baharem. He dispatched Embassadors well attended, to several Princes. Iames Fer­nandez [Page 202] de Beja went to the King of Cambaya to treat about the Fort of Diu, which he had consented to before, and now refused, induced thereto by Melique Az. The Em­bassadour returned with Presents to Albu­querque, among other things a Rhinoceros or Abada, which was afterwards lost in the Mediterranean, being sent by King Emanuel to the Pope, with other Rarities of India▪ Iohn Gonzalez de Castellobranco was sent to Hidalcan about the pretensions of Goa, to less effect than the other in the affairs of Diu.

2. In September arrived at Goa five Ships from Portugal, under the Command of Chri­stopher de Brito, one was after lost, bound for Cambaya; care was taken to dispatch the la­ding of the others. Albuquerque eased of these more Profitable than Honourable Cares, prepared to set forwards, yet un­resolved, whether he should steer to Or­muz or the Red Sea, the King having Order­ed both. In order to fix a Resolution, he consulted with his Captains. It was agreed the Enterprize should be upon Ormuz, a suitable determination to Albuquerque's de­sires. On the 20th of February he directed his Course thither. His Fleet consisted of 27 Sail, 1500 Portugueses and 600 Mala­bares and Canaras. They anchored in the Port of Ormuz on the 26th of March. Im­mediately came aboard a Visit and Presents from the King. But what best pleased Al­buquerque was, that he found there Michael Ferreyra whom he had sent to Xeque Ismael of Persia, to procure Amity with him, where­of he brought great hopes.

[Page 203] 3. Raez Hamet was now possessed of the Favour of the King of Ormuz, as Coje Atar had been with his Predecesso [...], both these being dead. Among other things Albuquer­que sent to demand of him the delivery of the Fort he had begun there, and that he should send some Principal Men with the Instrument of the Submission of that King­dom made by King Ceyfadim. All was con­sented to, because there was no power to resist. The Governour Raez Nordim came with his Nephew to ratifie all, to whom Albuquerque gave rich Presents, and by them sent the King a rich Coller of Gold, no less valuable for the Workmanship than the Met­tal, and a Standard with the Portugues Arms, to declare the Union between both Nations. Publick demonstrations of Joy were made on both sides for this agreement, with sound of Warlike Instruments and noise of Can­non. On Palm Sunday Albuquerque took pos­session of the Fort before begun, which in few days did rise to a great height, and Al­buquerque with some of his Captains went into the Houses neighbouring to it.

4. Albuquerque prepared to receive an Em­bassador that came from the King of Persia with Michael Ferreyra with Presents, on a Scaffold near those Houses; this Audience was so long deferred to shew to those of Ormuz, that so powerful a Prince sought his Friendship. The King of Ormuz was at a Window to see this Reception. The Pre­sent consisted of Ounces, Brocards, Precious Stones, and Jewels of Gold, and many Silks. [Page 204] The Embassador was honourably received, and the Treaty concluded with mutual satis­faction.

5. Raez Hamet was come from Persia with a design to secure Ormuz, and deliver it up to his King Ismael. He so far gained upon the King, that he absolutely governed him, and nothing was done but by his direction. The better to carry on the Enterpize, he underhand brought People into Ormuz, and was actually in readiness to kill the King, but deferred it till a more favourable oppor­tunity. Albuquerque was informed of all these practices, and how much the King de­sired to be delivered from that oppression; he studied, and Fortune offered him the oc­casion of executing it. An interview was appointed between the King and Albuquerque. His Evil Conscience warned Raez Hamet to shun that danger. He proposed Albuquerque should come to the King, lest the King go­ing should carry him. The other insisted that the King should come to him, and carried it, upon condition that neither Party should be Armed. Some of Raez Hamet's Men broke the Condition, carrying hidden Arms. He was armed himself, and entring the first with much rudeness, Albuquerque cried to his Captains, kill him, which was instantly obeyed. The King came, and the Confe­rence began; but was interrupted by the noise of the People, supposing the King was killed. Raez Hamet's Men knowing it was he who was slain, ran and possessed them­selves of, and fortified the King's House. [Page 205] Albuquerque would presently have scaled it, but was hindred by the King, who with the assistance of his Governours, found other means to expel those Enemies the City. They were to the number of 700, who all went away to Persia. This disorder was succeeded by the Pomp wherewith Albu­querque and all his Captains accompanied the King to his Pallace, to the great Joy of the whole City, seeing their Prince deliver­ed from that Tyrany, and restored to the Majesty of a King. Then Albuquerque dis­patched the King of Persia's Embassador, sending along with him Ferdinando Gomez, with a Present of double the value of that he had received. He was to give an account of what had been done at Ormuz. He was well received, and brought a favourable Answer.

6. It requires a larger History to give an account of the Affairs and Kings of Persia. Let it suffice to say, that the Valiant Prince Reigning at this time, was embroiled in War with the Turk, which was one cause of sending this Embassie, hoping to make an advantage of our Arms against his Ene­my.

7. Whilst the Fort was building, or rather finishing, Albuquerque persuaded the King it was for the safety of the City to put all their Cannon into the Fort, pretending thereby to secure them against their Enemies, but in reality to disable them from offending him. Security is a Powerful Argument where there is Fear. The King and his Governours, [Page 206] though with some reluctancy, consented to all was demanded. The Command of the Fort was given to Peter de Albuquerque. So was that Rich and Powerful Kingdom brought under the Portugues subjection, ra­ther to the advantage than detriment of its Natural Kings; more oppressed before by the tyranny of their Ministers, than by the Tribute they afterwards paid. Besides the security it enjoyed, being protected by our Arms; but that Liberty is sweeter than all other Conveniencies.

8. These Affairs settled, Albuquerque ap­plied himself to dispatch the Trading Ships homeward-bound. He sent to this purpose his Nephew Don Garcia de Noronha with most of the Fleet to Cochin, staying behind himself to conclude such affairs as required his Pre­sence. Soon after he fell sick, and the Dis­ease increasing, was persuaded for the re­covery of his health, to go to India, which he consented to, to the great grief of the King, who looked upon him as a Father. By the way he met the News, that there were arrived in India 12 Ships from Portugal, who brought Orders for him to return home. Lope Soarez, who Commanded them, be­ing appointed his Successor; hearing this, he cried out, Lope Soarez Governour of India; this is he, it could be no other. D [...] Iames Mendez and Iames Pereyra, whom I sent Prisoners for hainous Crimes, return, the one Governour of Cochin, the other Se­cretary? It is time for me to take Sanctuary in the Church, for I have incurred the [Page 207] Kings displeasure for his Subjects sakes, and the Subjects anger for the King's sake. Old Man fly to the Church, it concerns your Honour you should die, and you never omitted any thing that concerned your Ho­nour. Then lifting his Eyes and Hands to Heaven gave God thanks a Governour came so opportunely, not doubting he should die. He was seized with a profound Melancholy, and arrived at Dabul, almost in the Arms of Death, and there writ these last Lines to the King. This is, Sir, the last Letter which I write to your Highness, now under the Pangs of Death, of many that I writ full of Life, because mine was then free from the Confusion of the last Hour, and employed in your Service. I left in that Kingdom a Son, called Blas de Albuquerque, I beg your Highness will make him as great as my Service deserves. As to the Affairs of India, it will answer for it self and me. Upon the Bar of Goa (which he called his Land of Promise) he gave up the Ghost on the 16th of December, in the 63d year of his Age, in his Perfect Senses, and like a Good Christian. He was buried in a Chappel built by himself at the City Gate, and called Sennora de la Sierra, or Our Lady of the Mountain. He was Second Son to Gonçalo de Albuquerque, Lord of Villaverde, and of Donna Leonor de Meneses, Daughter of Alvaro Gonzales de Atayde, first Count of Atouguia. He had been Master of the Horse to King Iohn the Second. Of a moderate Stature, his Countenance pleasing, and ve­nerable by the Beard which reached below [Page 208] his Girdle, to which he wore it knotted; that and his Complexion very White; his Picture shews his Breeches, Double [...], Cloak, Cap and Coif all Black, with Gold Trim­ming; the Wastcoat striped with Green Velvet, with small Spots like Studs. It was doubted whether he was a better Man or Officer. When Angry, his Looks somewhat Terrible; when Merry, Pleasant and Witty. He was twice before Ormuz, twice before Goa, and twice before Malaca, three Famous Islands and Kingdoms in Asia, whereof he gloriously Triumphed.

9. After a long resistance made by the People of Goa, his Bones were brought to Lisbon, and buried in the Church of Our Lady of Grace. He was the first had the Title of Governour of India, as Don Fran­cisco de Almeyda the first of Viceroy.

CHAP. I.

1. WE concluded the Second Part with the Arrival at 1564▪ Goa of the Viceroy D'An­ton. de Noronna. His good Service in India preferred him to the command of Ormur, and his wise Conduct there to the Government of India.

2. With him went four Ships, and he was received with a general Satisfaction. He im­mediately sent Relief to Cananor, which was Besieged, giving the Command of the Land to D. Antony de Noronna, and that of the S [...]a [Page 242] to Gonçalo Pereyra Marramaque with a good Fleet. D. Francis Mascarenas, who was there with a Squadron before, deliver'd it to him, and went away to his Command of Moçam­bique: This was occasion'd by that Morish Woman spoke of in the end of Iohn de Men­doça his Government.

3. Peter de Silva and Meneses, had the command of seven Ships given him to secure the Boats that brought Provisions to Goa, whereof their was a scarcity. About the River Cannaroto he lost sight of three of his Ships by stress of Weather, and after found them encreased to six, for the three had met and taken as many of the Malabars, and were sailing after their Admiral. Returning to the Place where they were dispersed, between the Islands and the Continent, they met the More Murimuja with seventeen Paraos well provided to meet all dangers. He instantly made to our Ships, and after the discharge of Cannon on both sides, they boarded, and having received some damage, the Portu­gueses sunk two and took five, one of them being Murimujas who was kill'd; the others flying, were pursued to the River Pudepatan, where three Paraos and above fifty Almadies or great Boats came to their Relief. Ou [...] Cannon repulsed them, and they run up the River: Of the Enemy five hundred were kill­ed, and three Portuguses.

4. The Viceroy being in care for Cananor, sent thither D. Paul de Lima Pereyra, with four Ships. Being at Anchor in the Bay of Bate [...]ala, the Malabar Pyrat Canatali came [Page 243] upon him with seven Paraos loaded with Boo­ty taken on the Northern Coast. Paul see­ing him come, sets out to meet him. After the usual Salutes with their Cannon, Cana­tale with three of his Ships lays D. Paul's Galliot on Board, the others did the like to the other three, whereof two shamefully fled, the third stood by it till he was sunk. Now all the Enemies force fell upon D. Paul, who, with fifty Men he had, did things behond be­lief, killing above two hundred Mores, but with the loss of thirty Portugueses. D. Paul was so wounded, he was forc'd to sit down and gave order to make to the Enemy, who was drawn off. Canatale, who was preparing to fall on again, seeing the Galliot beyond Expectation make at him, stood away; D. Paul return'd to God, being in no condition to reach Cananor.

5. There our Men were much streightned by the number of the Enemies who were Ma­sters of the Field. Andrew de Sousa made a good resistance, till he dying, and D. Antony de Noronna succeeding him, with the relief he carried, in several re [...]counters they kill'd above Two thousand Mores, and cut down Forty thousand Palm-trees. This is the greatest harm can be done that People, be­cause those Trees are their princi [...]l Suste­nance. The City enrag'd hereat, [...]ll'd to­gether all the Neighbourhood to the num­ber of Ninety Thousand, to take Revenge▪ They had the boldness to assault and scale th [...] For [...] with such confidence of carrying it, that they had before-hand divided the Booty. [Page 244] Nic [...]aripo a Nayre did us great Service, advising D. Payo de Noronna then command­ing there, to put the Men and Riches of the Town, as not tenable, into the Fort. All was drawn in, except D. Antony de Noronn [...] and his Men, who said he would live and die by those Walls, and staid accordingly. The Men all prepared themselves for Death, and stood at their Arms all the last night.

6. By break of day the Enemy attack'd the Works with great crys, and above Two thousand of them entred the City. In one place Emanuel Trava [...]s with Thirty Men did great Execution upon them. D. Antony ap­pear'd in all Parts, Thomas de Sousa, Gasper de Brito, and the two Betancores, made great slaughter at their Posts. The Field was so cover'd, that never a Bullet was lost. The Enemy began to give back, when two Cazices brought them on again. The assault lasted till Sun-setting, then the Enemy retired to their Camp, with a resolution to protract the Siege. About Five thousand of them were kill'd.

7. At this time came Gon [...]la Pereyra with his Fleet, and was a great encouragement to them all; and after him Alvaro Paez de [...] to succeed D. Payo. They both pro­secuted the War, and utterly destroyed the City of Aderrajao who commanded at the Siege, and cut down a great Wood of Palm-trees with considerable slaughter to the Enemy, and without losing one Man. This was the end of that Siege.

CHAP. II.

1. THE Tyrant Raju disturb'd the Peace of Ceylen, resolving to make himself Master of the whole Island: He gather'd a numerous Army, and the better to surprize the Portugueses in Columbo, gave out, his de­sign was upon Cota. He encamped between the two Forts and alarming Cota, imagin'd they were unprovided at Columbo, and sud­denly attacques it by Night, so that above Two thousand Men mounted the Walls, but were as soon thrown down by the Comman­der Iames de Ataide and his Men. The As­sault was renew'd, but at length the Enemy, having lost Five hundred Men, retired; Raju resolv'd to carry both places by Famine, since he could not by force. At Cota he at­tempted to drain the Ditch by turning away the River, and had compassed it, had not Peter de Ataide with some Musqueteers ob­lig'd his Workmen to give over, killing Three hundred of them. It is said, a Cloud miraculously hung between our Men and the Enemy, which conceal'd the former from the latter, but not them from us, so that they fired at a Mark without being seen.

2. But now Provisions began to fail in Cota, and they fed on things loathsom. A­taide thinking to take some of the Enemies [Page 246] Elephants that were in a Wood hard by, sallied out with Eighty Men, but being over­power'd with a multitude was forc'd to retire, having lost two. Raju knowing how famine raged, had corrupted not only the Natives, but some Portugueses. Luis Carvallo, rather through Dispair than good Will, discover'd the Treason; and Ataide, without taking notice he knew it, gain'd the Hearts of the Conspirators, by favouring and cherishing them. The little Silver he had he coin'd and distributed among them.

3. George de Melo commanding in the Island Man [...]r, easily perswaded the King of Candea, as being an Enemy to Raju, to invade his Country now he was absent, thinking by that means to draw him from the Siege. He sent Five thousand Men, and with them Thirty [...]gueses commanded by Belchior de Sousa; they destroyed all as they went, and [...]tterly fa [...]ed the great City Chilao, yet Raju [...] stir'd. On the contrary he prepar'd [...] Assault Cota by Night. A Chingala Wo­man appear'd at the foot of the Bastion Prea­ [...] desiring to be carried to our Captain▪ [...] discover'd to him Raju's design, and [...] the saving of the City. Some believed [...] Woman was an Angel; the truth is, she was Mistress to one of our Souldiers, and [...]ing her Lover's danger, made this disco­ [...]. There is nothing so [...]d, but at some­ [...] does good.

4. Pe [...] de Ataide sent Antony de Silv [...] to [...] to order Iames, as soon as he hear­ [...] C [...]on [...] at Night, to sally with his [Page 247] Men, and fall upon the back of Raju's Army, that would be then busie in the Assault. George de Melo was already come thither from Manar with One hundred Men, seeing the Project of Candea take no effect. In the dead of Night the Enemy attacks the City on all hands, and finds those of Cota ready to re­ceive him: Yet killing some of the Defen­dants, they enter the Works in one place, thither the King and Peter hast, and with in­credible bravery drive them out again. Ste­phen Gouzales, Captain of the Innamos, with Seven Men did the like upon the like occa­sion.

5. At this time came from Columbo the o­ther Ataide and Melo, who by reason of the darkness of the Night, could do no more but fire the Enemy's Camp, and return to their Fort, lest if he succeeded here, he should im­mediately attack it. Raju in Person with the Flower of his Army attacks the Bastion of Preacota, where he found Fifty Soldiers, that seem'd to him to be Fifty thousand by the harm they did him. These Men afterwards declared, That they saw in the Air a beau­tiful Woman, who with her Vail cover'd them and received therein the Enemies Bullets and Arrows, whereof many returned upon and kill'd them. By her side was a venerable old Man with a General's Staff in his hand. This was supposed to be the Blessed Virgin and St. Ioseph. Raju in the Morning seeing this great disappointment fled to Ceytavaca, leave­ing above Two thousand Men dead.

[Page 248] 6. Peter de Ataide fearing he might return, and being quite destitute of Provisions, cau­sed Four hundred of the fattest Men that were killed to be salted, and a Mulato tasted them eating up a Liver. F. Simon of Nazareth urged the unlawfulness of this Food, and A­taide pleaded necessity: But no use was made of it; for it being known that Raju was not in a Condition to return, Provision soon came from Columbo. Thus ended this Siege of four Months, the last forty Days whereof, there was scarce any thing to eat. The Portugueses alone obtained this Victory, for all the King's Men deserted. Those were not above Three hundred, some sick and old.

7. What Raju had design'd we now did our selves; for it being difficult and trouble­some to maintain Cota, it was judged expe­dient to demolish it, and remove the King to Columbo, where he was no less tormented with the Covetousness of the Portugues Com­manders, than he had been before with the Tyranny of Raju. This was performed by Iames de Melo, who went to succeed Peter de Ataide in that Command.

8. Three thousand Mogol Horse appear'd [...]ore the Fort of Damam, where Iohn de Sousa commanded, he sent advice to the Viceroy and the neighbouring Places, and began to fortifie. His greatest Confidence was in the Palisade made of the Plant Le­obera (that is, Milk) which is not be assault­ed, because when struck it casts out drops like Milk, (from whence it has the name) [Page 249] which if they touch the Eyes infallibly blind. Trestan de Mendo [...]a Commander of Chaul came with Two hundred Men. The Viceroy sent four Ships: They marched out to fight the Enemy, who was encamped three Leagues off, who fled at the first sight, leaving a rich Booty in their Camp.

9. The Bassa of Ba [...]ora, during the Go­vernment of the Count de Redondo, desiring the Turks might have a free Trade at Ormuz, had made some overtures of Peace, and the Count thinking it a Matter of too great Concern to be transacted without the great Turks Concurrence, sent Antony Teyxeyra a Gentleman sufficiently qualified Embassador to Constantinople. He entred the Pallace this Year, scattering gold Coin. The Grand Si­gnior to receive him was seated on the ground sewing Caps, which his Grandees bought at excessive Rates. The Embassador told him, That the Bassa had proposed a Peace to the Viceroy, and a free Trade for the Subjects of the Turkish Empire. The Great Turk, without lifting up his head from stitching, answer'd, I ask Peace of no Body: If the King of Portugal desires it, let him send some Great Man of his Court, and he shall be heard. The Embassador brought a Let­ter containing this Answer to Portugal, and it was thought fit not to reply to it, because they found the Turk did not speak like a Taylor.

10. D. Ferdinand de Monroy, a Spanish Gen­tleman, was out with two Ships and four Galliots, to intercept the Fleet bound from [Page 250] Achem to Meca; he lay in the Chanel of Cardu among the Maldivy Islands. Peter Lo­pez Rabelo in his Ship met one of those they waited for of great force and value, and af­ter a long fight they both took Fire, and were entirely consumed. The Captain and some Mores were saved in a Galliot that fol­lowed him, and Iames Ferreyra de Padilla who commanded it, was very insolent with D. Ferdinand about the Distribution of the Mores. D. Iames Pereyra, who set out after­wards upon the same design with five Gal­leons, and six small Vessels, had yet worse Fortune. Being deceived by the Mores▪ at those same Islands he went to wait for the Fleet at the Mouth of the Red Sea: As he returned without doing any thing, a violent Storm that lasted eight days swallowed up two Galleons, whereof his was one; the others were dispersed, and put in where Chance guided them, almost Four hundred Men were lost.

11. At length the War of Cannanor end­ed, for that King wearied out begged a Peace, which was concluded to our Advantage. The concluding Acts of this War were, the taking several Malabar Vessels by Gouzalo Pereyra Marramaque; the slaughter of many Mores that opposed Emanuel de Brito, who convey­ed the Ships from Malaca, China, Molucos, Pegu, Bengala, and Coast of Coromandel tra­ding to India, when he was taking Water at Mount Delii; and several other Rencoun­ters in which we were successful, except in one, where D. Lope de Moura was killed. I [Page 251] will conclude with a remarkable Accident. Calisto de Sequeyra a most expert Marksman, dug a hole in the Field, and lying close did not miss a shot; the Enemy a long time could not perceive whence that harm came, till another well skill'd in the same Art among them found it out, and placing himself in the same manner the other had done, they both aimed at one another so exactly, that both fell down dead.

12. Brama King of Pegu being told by A­strologers he was to marry a Daughter of the King of Columbo, sent to demand her, and he had never a one; but his Chamberlain had one the King esteem'd as his own: They both agreed to put her upon him, as really the King's. And the Chamberlain the more to oblige the King of Pegu, seeking thereby to cast off the Portugues Yoke, feign'd he had that Tooth which was taken at Iafanapatan and burnt at Goa, and would give it in Dow­ry with the Bride. The Embassadors easily crediting what they desired, took the Bride and the Tooth without acquainting the Por­tugueses, and sent advice to Brama, who re­ceived the Wife first, and then the Relick, with the greatest Pomp that ever has yet been heard of. Many Gallies were fitted out, but that which was for the Queen was covered with Plates of Gold, and rowed by beautiful young Women richly clad and brought up to this Exercise, so that they were more ex­pert then Men. They were of those Wo­men who there live without Men in separate Quarters by two and two like Man and Wife A new sort of Amazons.

[Page 252] 13. The King of Candea understanding the deceit of this Marriage, and envying that great Fortune, acquainted Brama therewith, offer­ing him a true Daughter and Tooth, and affirming, both that of Columbo and the o­ther of D. Constantin were Counterfeit, and the true one was in his Hands. If the Daugh­ter was not more real than the Tooth, he was even with the King of Columbo. Brama considering it was as bad for a Prince to own himself cheated as to be so, gave ear to the Embassadors, but not to their Infor­mation. The King of Candea missed his aim, and discover'd his ill Affection. Two things are here worthy consideration, the one that the Portugues Commanders, through their Avarice, exposed that important place to evident danger of being lost, had not Brama being undeceived, grown cold; the other, that had D. Constantin sold the Tooth as he was advised, there had not now been two set up to be adored by so many People.

14. The Trade of India was this Year at a very low Ebb, by reason of the Desola­tion of the Kingdom of Bisnagar, whose Riches are equal to its great extent, which is from the Borders of Bengala to those of Cinde. The Kings of Decan, Nizamaluco, Idalca, and Cutubixa, jealous of that Gran­dure, entred into a League to suppress it. They took the Field with Fifty thousand Horse, and Three hundred thousand Foot: The King of Bisnagar met them with double that Power, and his Age was double, being Ninety six Years old. He had the better at [Page 253] first, but Fortune turning to the other side, he lost his Head, and they remained Victo­rious. They spent five Months in plunder­ing Bisnagar, and yet they were not the [...]rst, for the Natives in three days time had carri­ed away One thousand five hundred and fifty Elephants loaded with Money and Jewels worth above One hundred Millions of Gold, and the Royal Chair for great Days that could not be valued. Notwithstanding all this, Idalxa found a Diamond as big as an ordi­nary Egg, on which the late King's Horse's Feather used to be fixed; and another, tho' not so large, yet of an extraordinary size, besides other Jewels of incredible value. That Crown was divided between the Sons and Nephews of the deceased.

CHAP. III.

1. THE beginning of this Year Gonzalo Pereyra Marramaque sailed for Am­boino 1567. with One thousand Men in Twelve Ships, Embassadors from that Island having represented in how great danger those were who had newly receiv'd the Faith. D. Emanuel de Noronna sailed for Banda, and was stabbed by the way by the Purser of his Gally, whom he [Page 254] had affronted with a Cane. Great Men may command, but not abuse the lesser, for the small have Honour as well as the great. No Man, though never so little, owes any sub­mission in Point of Honour to the greatest, and in point of Condition he owes no more than he pleases to impose upon himself. Al­varo Paez de Sotomayor (the War of Cananor being ended) sails for the Coast of Malaba [...] with twenty Sail: Iames Lopez de Mesquita with three for the Molucos; D. George de Me­neses Barroche for the Red Sea with four Gal­leons, one Gally, and four small Vessels; Lisuarte de Aragon for Ceylon with one Ship; D. Leonis Pereyra for Malaca with six; George de Moura for the North with the same num­ber; D. Francis Mascarennas for Olala to suppress that Queen, who was about to re­fuse her Tribute; for this use Twenty-seven Ships were allotted, and Iohn Peixot [...] went before with eight of them.

2. The Viceroy was fitting a good Fleet in order to follow those that were gone be­fore to Olala, designing to build a Fort at Mangalor, to curb Bucadevi Chantar the Queen. The Fleet consisted of seven Gallies, two Galleons, and five small Vessels, and carried about 3000 fighting Men.

3. The Viceroy anchor'd in the Bay of that City called Mangalor and Olala, seated on the Banks of a River that washes both sides of it not far distant from the Sea, whence was to be seen a Wall wherewith the Queen had fortified her self, within which and the o­ther Works were Thirteen thousand Men [Page 255] with sufficient Cannon. The Viceroy divi­ded his Men into six Battalions, and landed on the 4th of Ianuary. At night the Por­tugueses sitting to supper, and to play with many lights, and the same security as if they had been at Goa, the Enemy laying hold of the Opportunity sallied in a body of Five hundred, followed by Fifteen hundred, fell upon and put them into such a disorder, they scarce had time to take their Arms. D. Fran­cis Mascarennas who had the advanced Post, fared worst; and though he fought well, lost several Men, most perhaps killed by our own Fire, for through the darkness and confusion no body knew what they aimed at. D. Luia de Almeyda relieved him with his Men, who all slipped away to nine, that behaved them­selves with incredible Valour.

4. On the Eve of the Epiphany they gave the Assault, and being as desirous of Revenge as entring the City, soon forc'd their way and fired the Town, at the same time cutting down the Palm-trees. The Queen fled to a Moun­tain. Of the Enemy Five hundred were slain, about Forty of the Portugueses. The Viceroy immediately laid the Foundations of the Fort, giving it the name of St. Sebastian, because the first stone was laid upon his day, and that day chose in Honour of our King then Reigning. By the middle of March the Work was finished with a Church and other Con­veniencies. He gave the command of it to his Brother-in-Law Antony Pereyra with 300 Men, and Ammunition for six Months, and returned to Goa. Afterwards in the time of [Page 256] D. Luis de Ataides Government, the Queen sued for a Peace, and purchased it by a new imposition of Tribute, and a summ of ready Money.

5. The King of Achem had now entred into a League with many Princes of the East, and the Turk, who desired to get footing in India, not doubting with this united Power of carrying Malaca: He Imbarqued with his Wife and Children as if he had gone to take Possession of, rather than to Besiege that City. On a sudden he appear'd before it with 450 Sail, 200 Brass Cannons, and 20000 Men. D. Leonis Pereyra was at that time on the Shore celebrating the Birth-day of King Se­bastian, with a certain Exercise used among Portugueses on Horseback, and perceiving some of the Company were surprized at the sight of the Fleet, he ordered the Sport to continue, drawing down nearer to the Shore, that the Enemy might not imagin they could disturb his Pastime.

6. Afterwards he gave the necessary Or­ders, and making a review, found he had Fifteen hundred Men, whereof only Two hundred were Portugueses. The King of A­chem began with Complements, and shews of desiring accommodation, but all tended only to discover what was the Condition of the Town. D. Leonis who understood him was wary, and carried it on with dissimulation. At length the King perceiving no artifice succeeded, and that he advanc'd but slowly, resolved to put the whole Event upon on [...] furious Assault. After the Discharge of th [...] [Page 257] Cannon, above two hundred scaling Ladders were laid to the Wall with great Shouts on both sides. D. Leonis had also distributed his Men in their several Posts. The Priests had undertaken to defend one, but no sooner did the Enemy attack, than they fled to the Church.

7. In the heat of the Action a Party of ours sallies out upon the Enemies Works, making a great slaughter; among the rest was killed the King of Aru. Our Men re­tired with one Cannon, and loaded with Musquets, Cimiters, and Heads of all sorts of People that compos'd that Army, having lost but one Portugues and six Malayes. The Enemy encourag'd by the King who looked on, mounted our Works, and were as soon thrown down by the Defendants. The King in a rage stamp'd and blasphem'd, and seeing three days furious Assault had not gained a foot of Ground, he utterly despair'd of Suc­cess; therefore with great Secrecy Shipping off all his Army and Train, except Four thousand Men that were killed, he set sail, firing the Ships that were to spare by the loss of those Men. This great Success cost us but three Portugueses.

8. The Commander, D. Leonis, bestow'd not only Praises, but Money and Jewels on all that had signaliz'd themselves, to the va­lue of 15000 Crowns. The Viceroy re­ceiving advice of the danger the City was in, sent to its relief Iohn de Silva Pereyra with Men and Ammunition in seven Ships, but he came when the Siege was raised. So the [Page 258] King of Ujantana our Neighbour with sixty Sail, who visited our Captain in the Fort, and was received with Royal Magnificence, rejoycing at our Success not without trouble that he had no share in it.

9. The Viceroy offended at the Insolence of the Natives of the Island Salsete, who per­secuted the new converted Christians, fitted out a Fleet against them without letting his design be known. When those of Sal [...]te least thought of it, he fell upon them, and destroyed 200 of their Idolatrous Temples. Because we have sometimes mentioned this Island, without speaking of an ancient and wonderful Structure that is in it, it will not be amiss to say something of it here.

10. In this Island is a high Mountain, wind­ing about which are 3000 Cells with each of them a Cistern all cut out of the solid Rock. Under the same Mountain is a way cut through the same Rock, with such Cells on the sides, which is said to go as far as Cambaya, which, if so, must run under the Sea. F. Antony de Porto, a Franciscan, re­solving to enquire into this Secret, got Com­pany, Provision, Torches, and great quan­tity of strong Packthread, and fastning an end at the Mouth of the way, travelled seven days through it. Then finding no end, and the Provision growing short, he returned by the help of the Thread, having as he be­lieved travelled fifty Leagues to his great admiration, but not satisfied. The Gentils said, this was the Work of Bimilamansa, who [...] 300 Years before was King of all that is [Page 259] between Bengala and the Mogol's Country. Formerly a Learned Man of those Parts af­firm'd, this and some others were the Works of the holy Prince Iosaphat.

11. The Affairs of the Molucos were not at all successful. We left Gon [...]alo Pereyra Marramaque on his Voyage to Amboyna, he joined with the Kings of Bacham and [...], set out for the Island Cebu, where some Spa­niards had settled under the Command of Michael Lopez de Lagaspa à Biscainer, and a Man so valiant and subtle, that he amuzed our Captain, till he got together his Men that were dispersed, and then expelled him the Island with shame, for that if attacked at first, the Spaniard had been utterly defeat­ed. To add to this Misfortune, he lost al­most Three hundred Men by a Sickness natu­ral to that Country.

12. Hence he passed to Amboina or Ito, for it is called by both Names, a most beau­tiful and pleasant Island, abounding in Fish, Flesh, and Fruit of all sorts and delicious taste. It is inhabited by two sorts of people, the Ulimas, who are native Mahometans, and have three Towns; the Ulensivas are Hea­thens, and have four. Our Captain found the Natives assisted by Six hundred of the Islanders of Iava, and well fortified under the Command of Gemiro Governour of those Islands. He attacked them with such peril, and was so vigorously opposed, he seemed rather to fight for Life than Victory.

13. At length the Portugueses prevailing, were in danger of being overcome by their [Page 260] great Disorder in plundering. The Captain rectified all by firing the Booty, and many of the Men were scorched, whose Covetous­ness overcame the fear of the Flames. The Enemy retired to a Mountain, and there compounded only for Life, laying down their Arms. But the People of Amboina having been the first among those Islands who ad­mitted the Portugueses offering Subjection to our Crown, Lands, and leave to erect a Pillar in their Metropolis with the Royal Arms of Portugal, and finally embracing our Religion, and contracting Marriages with us, it will be convenient to look a little back in order to proceed in the relation of these Affairs, and particularly of one wonderful Passage, that may serve as an Example to such as pretend to Plant Colonies.

CHAP. IV.

1. THEY who know with what kindness the People of Amboina at first re­ceived us, will be earnest to understand the Cause why now they are become our mortal Enemies. The worst is, they had so just a Cause, which was thus. The People of Curon (I suppose this should be Ceram) became im­placable Enemies to those of Amboina, on [Page 261] no other account but that they received the Portugueses, admitted their Religion, and con­tracted Marriages with them. Hereupon they resolved to expel not only the Portugueses, but even the Natives out of the Island, accord­ingly on a sudden came uponthem with a great Power. Those of Amboina had been ruin'd, but that the Portugues stood by them, and to be short, utterly defeated their Enemies.

2. The People of Amboina, to shew their Gratitude to those who had defended them, invited them to a splendid Entertainment. The Wives of those who made the Feast came abroad to see the Portugueses enter­tain'd. One of these (doubtless he was drunk) was so charmed with the Beauty of one of those Women, or so blinded with Lust, that leaping suddenly from his Seat he catched her in his Arms with such insolence, after being three times admonished without de­sisting, that if Genulius, a Man of great Au­thority, had not interposed, the Portugueses had there been all cut to pieces. And well they had deserved it; for it appears they did not hinder or obstruct so insolent and publick a lustful Extravagancy, which open­ly in the sight of the World, durst force a Hand to those Parts, which even with con­sent are not touched but in private, and with­out Witnesses.

3. Those People burned with the desire of Revenge for the affront they had receiv'd, and look'd upon as most hainous. Nor could Genulius appease them, but by expelling the impudent Guests, which he desir'd as much [Page 262] as any, looking upon himself equally con­cerned in that Injury: and knowing it was a new offence every time the injured saw him that gave the wrong; he therefore reproach­ing them with the hainousness of the Crime, and shewing how greatly they were favour'd in having their Lives spared, ordered them instantly to depart the Island, and never more presume to set their feet upon it.

4. The People overturning the Tables with furious Countenances, gave them to understand they would by force execute what Genulius had directed, if the Portugueses doubted doing of it by fair means. There was nothing to do but submit, so they went away to their Ships full of shame; their ge­neral Confusion paying for the Impudence of one in which all had a share, because none reproved it.

5. Scarce had the Portugueses left the Shore, when those of Amboina prescribed the same Laws to the People of Atire and Tavire, that the Curons, or Cerams, had done to them before. That was, they threatned them with War if they received the Portu­gueses into their Ports: But those People answer'd, That they were Christians, and as such would admit to their Ports and Houses the Portugueses, though it were with hazard of their Lives.

6. They of Amboina were so irritated with this Answer, that falling suddenly upon them, they routed and put to the Sword most of the Inhabitants of those two Places, bringing under their Subjection those Towns [Page 263] that had submitted to the Crown of Portugal; such as refused were reduced by Fire, and Sword, and Slavery. They were not con­tent to put to Death those who were con­stant in the Faith, unless they did it with barbarous and cruel Tortures. One may serve as an Example of all their other Bar­barities.

7. A little King of Elate was taken, who because he would not renounce the Christian Faith, was tied to a Stake, and Pans of Fire being set before him, they cut off pieces of his Flesh, broi [...]ed and eat it in his sight: Some they made him eat, and asked whe­ther he liked it? He with much patience answer'd he did, and was pleased to do that for Christ, who had suffer'd for him: That if after he was dead, they would put a piece of his Flesh into a new Pot, within twenty four hours they would find it converted into Oil, in testimony of the Truth of the Christian Doctrine, and, in fine, that the Portugueses would revenge his Death.

8. They continued the Torments till he died, and then to try what he had said, put a piece of his Flesh into a new Pot covering it, and the Twenty four hours being ex­pired found it full of most sweet Oil. They were astonished, but did not repent; and soon after the Prophecy was fulfilled by their Ruine.

9. Gonçalo Pereyra (as was before said) coming thither defeated them and their Suc­cors they had from Iava and other Places, [Page 264] and reduced them, notwithstanding they for­tified themselves in the Mountains. In this Action five Portugueses were lost, and Pereyra left D. Duartes de Meneses to command there.

10. At this time Iames Lopez de M [...]squita, a most wicked Man, commanded at Ternate. Aeyro King of that Island, who had been so unjustly treated by D. Duarte Deça, had al­ways carried himself respectfully to the Por­tugueses without any Merit of theirs, but was now at variance, because they killed his Nephew. He began to revenge it, killing three of them, because they refused to do him Justice. This difference was composed by some well meaning Persons, and the King and Mesquita solemnly swore to the Reconciliati­on. But it being all deceit in the latter, before six days were expired he murder'd the King as he visited him. This was done at parting, he waited on him to the Door, and his Ne­phew Martin Alfonso Pimentel stabbed him by the Unkle's Order.

11. When this King the last time Em­braced that false Friendship, he took to witness of his sincerity the Scutcheon of the Portugueses Arms, which represent the Wounds of our Saviour. As he was stabb'd, he laid hold of a Cannon about the place where those same Arms were, saying, Ah Gentlemen, why do you thus kill the best Subject your King my Master has? Neither these words, nor the sacredness of the Place, it being hallowed Ground, asswaged their fury. There they strip'd and cut him in pieces, [Page 265] which being salted and put into a Chest were cast into the Sea in sight of his Queen and Daughters, who begged only for leave to bury him. Such was then the Portugues Government, that these and other the like Cruelties and Villainies passed unpunished by them. But God did not so, who first with shame deprived them of those Dominions, and afterwards of a Prince of their own. Gui Chil Babu, Son to the deceased, succeed­ed him in the Crown, and just desire of Re­venge for such inhuman Oppression. He for­tified himself, and entred into a League with all the Neighbouring Princes against us, be­ginning the War with the slaughter of some Portugueses, and persecution of the new con­verted Christians in all those Islands. But this happened later, we shall see it in its proper place.

12. The Viceroy order'd D. Luis de Al­meyda in the Spring to Cruize in the Sea of Suratte, to examin what Ships sailed there without our Passes. He had six Ships with him, and was joined by fourteen more, they took three great Ships richly laden, and brought two of them to Damam, one having foundred at Sea. This was the last publick Action of the Viceroy. He embarqued to return home and died in the Voyage. It was ordered in his Will, that his right Arm should be cut off, and preserved, to be bu­ried with his Unkle D. Nunno Alvarez at Ceuta, and that the Body should be cast into the Sea. It was accordingly performed, and some observed that the cutting off this Arm [Page 266] was the Execution of the Sentence he had given against himself, when a Relation pre­vailing upon him to sign an unjust Paper, he said, The hand that signs such a thing de­serves to be cut off. Such is the force of Af­fection, it makes a Man do the very thing he abhors.

13. D. Anton. de Noronna was a Man of a good Disposition, Judgment and Inclina­tion. He was Viceroy the term of four Years the 11th of that number, and twenty-third of the Governours, the first of that Name, and third of the Sirname.

14. During the Government of D. Anton. the Ships that came from Lisbon to India were, in the Year 1565 four, in 1566 four more, and four in 1567.

15. This Year our great Poet Luis de Camo­ens was at Zofala. Being very poor in India, where he served sixteen Years, Peter Barreto who was going to Command at Zofala pro­mised him great things, and Camoens find­ing nothing came of them, after waiting long he resolved to come for Portugal in a Ship that had touched there, in which was He­ctor de Silveyra and other Gentlemen. Be­ing about to depart, Peter Barreto who had made those Promises not to prefer him, but divert himself, demanded Two hundred Ducats he said he had spent upon him; and those Gentlemen paid the Money and brought him away. So it may be said, Luis de Camoens his Person, and Barretto his Honour, were at once sold for that Money. He arrived at Lisbon the Year 1569, when [Page 267] the Plague raged in that City; so that fa­mous Man always flying one Plague fell into another.

CHAP. V.

1. To D. Anton. de Noronna succeeded with the same Title of Viceroy D. Luis de Ataide, Count de Atouguia, a Person meritorious of this Government, or of a greater, if ever any greater was committed by a Prince to one single Person. He was the first who carried Orders that a Gentleman should be bare when they spoke to the Go­vernor, and be seated on a Chair without a Back. He was the first also sent by King Sebastian after he was out of his Minority.

2. With him went five Ships with a great number of Men, and great part of them of Note. He arrived at Goa in October, and was received in the City with a general Satis­faction of all Men. Though he found the number of Shiping but small yet in few days he set out so many Sail, as caused admira­tion; and good Squadrons were sent to se­veral Expeditions.

3. Luis de Melo de Sylva went in February with thirteen Sail to relieve D. Leonis de 1569. [Page 268] Pereyra at Malaca, the News of his Success not being yet come to Goa, Alfonso Pereyra de la Cerda sailed towards the North with six in November: And Martin Alfonso de Mi­randa with thirty six to scour the Coast of Malabar, infested with Pyrats. The Natives were o [...] with a considerable Strength, and lost five great Vessels, many Men and much Ammunition; but Martin being wounded with a Cannon Ball was carried to Cochin, and died there. D. George de Meneses set out with two Gallies and five small Vessels to seek the Pyrate Canatale, whom he found not; but discovering many Vessels in the River Carapatan he made to them, and came up himself with a Gally in which 180 Mores fought so desperately, that none being left alive but a Father and Son, the former killed the latter, and stabbing himself leap'd over-board.

4. Ayrez Tellez de Meneses set out with seven Sail, and D. Paul de Lima Pereyra with eight for the North. In the River Banda near Goa he found four Catures, or Barges of Malabares, who after losing many Men escaped. Then he held on his Voyage, which was to relieve Rostumecan, besieged by the Mogols in Baroche, which place he had Usurped, laying hold of the Confusions of Cambaya, since the Death of the King Badur in the Sea of Diu. Itimican now held that Government in his Hands by great Subtilty and Artifice, having perswaded the Guza­rates, that a young Man his own Son was the last King's, and therefore he secured that Crown in him for himself.

[Page 269] 5. Whilst Ayrez Tellez sailed, D. Peter de Almeyda Commander of Damam went to Su­ratte, to call to an account Agaluchem Lord of that Town, by the same Title as Rostu­mecan, for loading two great Ships without the Viceroy's leave, the Ships were taken, and valued above 100000 Duccats. As Al­meyda had done, Tellez began to play his part, which was to force the Mogols from Baroche. He performed it effectually: But Rostumecan being out of danger, forgot his Promise to the Viceroy, which was to be­come Tributary to us. So easie it is to make promises in danger, and to break them when delivered.

6. D. Iames de Meneses on the Coast of Malabar did such Execution, that Zamori was not in a condition to relieve Agaluchem, who sent from Zuratte to beg his assistance, being distressed by Nunno Vello Pereyra, who was come from Damam to clear the Bay of Cambaya of Enemies. He burnt two Villages and some Vessels, and brought away many Prisoners. Then with 400 Men he pursued a Body of Mog [...]ls who were fled to a Moun­tain (called Parnel) almost impregnable by Art and Nature, and three Leagues distant from Damam. Nunno neither knew the strength of the place, nor number of the Enemies, who were above 800, and so be­gan to Mount that difficult ascent, whence great Stones were rowled down to hi [...]der the Passage. But the Souldiers climing upon Hands and Feet, reached the first Intrench­ment, which after a vigorous opposition [Page 270] was entred. Then they assaulted the Fort, where both Parties fought desperately. In some places they came so near as to lay hold of one another's Weapons. Antony de Fo [...] ­seca was lifted up by his Lance which some of the Mogols held, and he never quitted it but laughed. Being afterwards asked what he laughed at, he said, To think the Barbarians believed they could get the Lance out of my hands. At length they let him fall. Nunno Vello see­ing he strove in vain, retired after losing seven Men, having killed above thirty of the Enemy, and taken much Provision, fifty Horses, some Camels and Oxen, with which he drew off not without danger, being pursu­ed by 500 of the Enemy, whereof 100 where Horse.

7. He consulted this Affair with Alvar [...] Perez de Tavora who had the Command of Damam; the result was, that Nunno march­ed with 100 Portugues and 50 Morish Horse, 650 Foot, half Portugues, half Mores. They went up the Mountain with great Labour, through ways never before trod, carrying three pieces of Cannon. They met with considerable opposition, five Cannon playing upon them from the Fort, and some Horse breaking out of the Woods; so they lost eight Men, six killed and two taken. Three days were spent in climing the Mountain, be­ing got to the top Nunno planted his Can­non, and batter'd the Work with such fury, that the Enemy the sixth Night abandoned it. The Fort was razed.

[Page 271] 8. The great importance of the impreg­nable Fort of Azarim, moved the Kings of Coles and Sarcetas to attempt the gaining of it. They entred the Country of Bacaim, in which it is, and after doing great harm, set down before it; but Andrew de Villalob [...] who commanded there, bravely defended it till the Viceroy sent Relief. Being then Eight hundred strong they fell upon the two Kings, and not only forced them from the Siege, but following into their Countries put all to Fire and Sword, and returned Victori­ous. The Viceroy now sent out D. Rode­rick de Sousa with six Ships from Cambaya; Peter Lopez Rabelo and Giles de Goes with two Ships and three Galleons for Aden; D. Iames de Meneses with twelve Gallies and thirty small Vessels for Malabar; Peter de Silva de Meneses with thirteen Sail for Bra­çalor. Braçalor is a new Fort between Goa and Malabar, upon the Mouth of a River. The Viceroy offended at the King of Tolar designed to possess himself of it, and agreed with him that commanded to betray it. Pe­ter de Silva going to take possession of it, by the way entred the River Sanguise, which runs through the Lands of Hidalen, where he burnt two Towns and some Vessels. The Commander of Braçalor according to promise delivered up the Fort by Night, and our Men falling upon the Town, killed and took above Two hundred of the Inha­bitants. The Kings of Tolar and Cambolim came up that Night with 1500 Men, and the next with 5000, in a hot Engagement [Page 272] they lost many Men, and we five. The place not being judged tenable, was quitted with Honour, bringing away twenty Cannon, and a great quantity of Ammunition and Arms.

9. Mem Lopez Carrasco sailing for Sunda with only one Ship, and only forty fighting Men in it, passed in sight of the Port of A­chem at such time as that King in person was setting out against Malaca with 20 Gallies, as many Galleons, and 160 other Vessels. Car­rasco finding it impossible to shun them, resol­ved to sell his Life as dear as he could. The whole Fleet attacks them, and tears all their Rigging to pieces, Night parted, and Morn­ing brings them together again, three Gal­lies board them and are beaten off. The Fight lasted three days; the King having lost forty Vessels and many Men returned into his Harbor. As much of our Ship got to Malaca as was hid by the Water, all that was above being shattered to pieces; and thus for that time was Malaca delivered of that trouble.

10. Miran, a King between the Mogul and Cambaya, design'd to possess himself of the Crown of Cambaya, to which he thought he had the best Title, since it had been usurped from the lawful Heirs upon the Death of Badur. He treated about it with the Vice­roy, offering him at present a sum of Mony, and afterwards some Towns, if he would assist him in gaining that Kingdom, and ex­pelling the Tyrant Himican. The Viceroy admits the Proposals, sends an Embassador of his own with the Kings, and makes such [Page 273] diligent▪ Preparations, that on a sudden the Sea of Goa was covered with 140 Sail. To amuze the Enemy he gave out the Design was against Malabar. Whilst an Answer could come from Miran, the Viceroy, to keep his Men out of Idleness, sailed towards the Rivers of Braçalor and Onor, whose Banks are peopled by Canara's, who at the I [...]stigation of the Malabars, refused to pay the Acknowledgments due to the Portu­gueses.

CHAP. VI.

1. WHilst the Viceroy was busie in these Preparations, four Ships from Lisbon arriv'd opportunely at Goa. D. Paul de Lima with one Galleon and six Ships, and Martin Alfonso de Melo Commander of Baçaim meditating Revenge against the Kings of Cole and Sarcetas, got together One hun­dred and thirty Horse, and Eight hundred Portugues Foot. The Enemy had Four hun­dred of the former, and Two thousand of the latter, yet were put to flight, and even in the flight cut off Emanuel Pereyra and all his Men. So much is an Enemy to be fear'd even when he flies. The Cities of Darila and Varem were destroyed, and all the Coun­tries [Page 276] [...] [Page 277] [...] [Page 270] [...] [Page 271] [...] [Page 272] [...] [Page 273] [...] [Page 274] about them. D. Paul in his return took two Ships of the Enemy, though forsaken by some of his own Vessels, and those that left him had afterwards the Impudence to boast of the Victory. The Viceroy receiv'd D. Paul with much Honour; and one of those that had forsaken him coming to kiss (as was the Custom) the Viceroy's Cloak, he said to him, Keep off, go kiss your Mother's hand.

2. In November the Viceroy set out of Goa with above One hundred and thirty Sail, some of them were Tenders, and some Merchants: In the fighting Ships were Three thousand Portugueses besides Indians. He entred the River of Onor, and landed Two thousand three hundred Men, not without opposition. The place seem'd impregnable both by Art and Nature, yet our Men with great diffi­culty beginning to ascend the Hill, notwith­standing the Bullets that fell from above, soon discovered the People flying out of the City, and the Queen of Guarcopa retiring to the Inland, as despairing the Fort could hold out, though Garrison'd with Five hun­dred resolute Men, and well stored with Ar­tillery and Ammunition.

3. The City which was rich and beautiful was first Plundered, and then reduced to Ashes. Our Forces sat down before the Fort, and batter'd it without intermission four days, without the least molestation from a Body of the Natives who came to hinder their Progress: Which the Besieged perceiving, surrendred upon condition to march away [Page 275] without Arms. The Booty was small, the most considerable part of it Cannon and Ammunition. The next day being St. Ca­tharines, a place was cleansed to say Mass in. The Command of it was given to George de Moura with Four hundred Men, half of them Portugueses.

4. Here the Ingenier Simon de Ruan fought alone with thirty of the Enemy till he fell as was thought dead, but as they put him into a Shroud a small motion was perceived, and soon after, to the admiration of all Men, he recovered. In this Action we lost twenty Men. Next the Viceroy passed to Bracalor, which is much like the other in strength and situation. The Landing was somewhat more difficult, being obstructed by 11000 Men, but at length Two hundred of them being killed (with the loss of nine on our side) our Men possessed themselves of a Work which much dismay'd the Enemy.

5. Those in the Fort, before the Viceroy could besiege, abandon'd it. Soon after the Kings of Tolar and Cambolim attack the Fort on a very dark Night, but found Peter Lopez Rabelo who commanded it with Two hundred Men so ready to receive them, that they lost Three hundred, killing only five of his, and despairing of any Success, concluded a Peace with the imposition of a greater Tribute than they paid before. The Viceroy had an interview with those two Princes and the Queen of Cambolim, and they parted very good Friends. Above a Month was spent in building a new Fort in a convenient place, [Page 276] which was the mid-way between the City and the Mouth of the River. The Com­mand of it was given to Antony Botello, who spilt the first Blood in this Action.

6. The Viceroy was in great care, that he received no answer from Miran. But there is no security in humane Policies. Miran thought to tie the Mogol to his Interest, by marrying his Brother to the Mogol's Sister. But scarce did the Brother, assisted by his Father-in-law the Mogol, see Miran march towards Cambaya, when he enters his King­dom with a great Power; and Miran having notice hereof, was forced to stay to secure a certainty of his own, rather than to go to a doubtful Purchase. The Viceroy was much concern'd at this News, and having no pre­sent Imployment for so great a Fleet, divi­ded it into several Squadrons, and sent them upon different Expeditions. D. Peter de Casto had one to secure the Ships trading to Goa; Ferdinand Tellez, who not not long before had taken some Ships of the Enemy, went with another to the North. Of his Squa­dron were Ruy Diaz Cabral, and D. Henry de Meneses, who being separated from him, met fifty Sail of Malabars, and rashly fell up­on them. Ruy Deaz and seventy Men they both commanded were all killed; D. Henry from among the dead was carried into slave­ry, and after ransom'd. D. Emanuel Pereyra and Iohn de Silva Barreto came too late to prevent this Misfortune, but not to put the Enemy to flight after receiving and doing much harm.

[Page 277] 7. The Viceroy resented this loss not so much for its greatness, as because it was the first time Fortune had frowned on him. He went to Mangalor, twelve Leagues to the Southward, to appease some Disturbance that lessened the King's Revenue, and was prejudicial to Trade. This proceeded from the Enmity between the King of Bangu [...] and Queen of O [...]la; the Dominion of the latter lies to the South, and that of the o­ther to the North of that Place. The Viceroy being better received at Mangalor than he expected, had a meeting with those two Princes, and agreed their Differences. In his return to Goa, he left with Antony Botello Commander of Braçalor for the Secu­rity of that Place, six hundred fresh Men; and Antony Cabrall at Sea with three Vessels well provided. At Onor he added to George de Moura Five hundred Men, and left on that Sea Francis and Rocque de Miranda, Brothers, with six Ships, who with Fire and Sword destroyed some Towns and Ships, be­cause they rebelled as soon as the Viceroy had turned his back.

8. At the end of this Year arrived at Goa five Ships from Portugal. The Queen of Guarcopa who was fled to the Mountain, ra­ther for fear than good Will, came now to an Accommodation.

9. In those Seas were left D. Iames de Me­neses with Forty two Sail; Luis de Melo de Silva with fifteen; Vincent de Salda [...]na with eight; D. Iohn Coutinno with Four; and D. Francis de Almeyda with Two Galleons: The first [Page 278] of these carried Fire and Sword all along the Coast of Malabar, to the Terror of all that Empire. The strong Towns of Coulete, Ti­ [...]acole, Capocate, Padrarigale, Panane and Calicut felt this fury. Above 1000 Heathens were killed or made Prisoners, above Sixty Vessels taken, and many more sunk and burnt. We lost but four Men in all those Actions.

10. Zamori thought to put a stop to the Ruine of his Country by offering Proposals of Peace, but no Ear was given to them. The Weather effected what that did not, it being no longer practicable to lie upon that Coast. Luis de Melo disappointed the Arti­fices of the Queen of Guarcopa, who treated of Peace, and prepared for War. He burnt many of her Towns, ravaged the Country and demolished her Fort of Sanguise. Vin­cent Saldanna in the Sea of Mangalor did his Duty, securing our Ships that traded that way. D. Iohn Coutinno did the same about Cambaya, Cochim and Chaul. D. Francis de Almeyda disabled and put to flight at Diu six Malabar Galliots that attempted the en­tring that [...]ort to burn the Ships that were in it.

11. In the beginning of Winter the Vice­roy fitted out two Squadrons to relieve Onor and Daman, fearing the Mogol design'd a­gainst the last, and the Queen of Guarcopa against the other. His greatest care was for On [...]r, hearing the Enemy had attempted to des [...]roy ou [...] Men by Treachery, bribing some Ca [...]raes who were in it, to poison our Men [Page 279] with the Fruit of the Herb Du [...]uro, whose quality is such, it makes Men forget all things, and renders them wholly insensible, even of Wounds. The Treachery was dis­covered, and the Conspirators hanged over the Walls in sight of them that employed them, who then betook themselves to open force, having failed in this private Practice. At that time entred the Port a Galley and three other Vessels with a Body of choice Men for the Relief of the Fort.

12. The Wickedness of the Portugueses in killing the King of Ternate, began to be pu­nished: That King's Son and Heir had com­menced his Revenge, as was said before, and now sent his Unkle Calacinco with twelve Gallies to Amboina. He was near taking our Fort, whilst the Commander of it D. Duarte de Meneses was consulting far off with Gonçalo Pereyra about the manner of maintain­ing it, but Baltasar de Sousa who supplied his place defended it well. Baltasar Vieyra saved it, killing with a Musquet Shot a Caciz of Note, upon whose Death the Enemy with­drew to the Island Varenula, and had they not retired, they had carried the Fort be­fore Pereyra and Meneses could come to re­lieve it.

13. They being come, Pereyra puts to Sea with six Sail. One of them commanded by Lawrence Furtado being hard set by the Ene­mies Admiral, Furtado leaps into it and kills the old Commander, and the Galley was taken, two other were also taken, and the Enemy fled to other Islands, not thinking [Page 280] themselves safe at Varenula. Above Nine thousand Men were killed in these Expedi­tions.

14. Whilst this happened at Amboina, the Fort at Tornate was so close besieged, that our Men wished for Vermin to feed on, ha­ving eaten all that could be found. The King perceiving the besieged did not treat of a Surrender, joined with the King of [...] dore, gave so furious an assault, that he [...] twenty Portugueses and entred the Tre [...]es. The next Night they had as good success. Luis de la Mo defended his Bastion with great Bravery, and Belchior Vieyra for this time delivered the Fort, killing Beneuoa General of Tidore, at which sight his Men fled. Pereyra hearing of this Posture of Affairs, left Sancho de Vasconcelos to command at Amboina, because D. Duarte was dead, and hasted to Ternate with three Vessels that row­ed, and One hundred Men. At Bacham where the King was our friend, he encreased to fourteen Sail.

15. The Confederate Kings set out to meet Pereyra with fifty Coracoraes, which are great Gallies. Pereyra receives them, and they fought with much bravery: The King of Tidore attacks our Admiral Galley, but being almost killed, drew back with his Gal­ley quite disabled. The Enemy gave way, and Pereyra came to the Fort, and brought fresh vigor with that Success. But those of Ternate were so intent upon Revenge, that they continued the Siege five Years, and our Men were forced to abandon the Fort. [Page 281] The King of Tidore received those that would stay with him, the rest dispersed into several Countries. We shall see in time how they were expelled Tidore: And it is rather a won­der they continued there so long, being guil­ty of such Villainies, than that they were at last drove away. But great Storms threaten India now, and our Viceroy is preparing to meet them.

CHAP. VII.

1. ALL humane Grandure is subject to Envy. The Princes of Asia seeing 1570. the vast increase of the Portugues Power, re­solved to give it one fatal Blow; and to this purpose entred into a League, which was five Years in forming and concluding, and carri­ed on with wonderful secrecy.

2. These Princes were Hidalcan Alecdaxa, Nizamaluco Xaoxem, and Zamori. Their Design to extirpate the Portugueses in India. To this effect they raised powerful Armies, and made so sure of the success, that they had before hand divided their imagined Con­quests. The first was to have Goa, Onor, and Braçalor; the second, Chaul, Damam, [Page 282] and Baçaim; and the third, Cananor, Man­galor, Cochim, and Chale. Hidalcan had as­signed his principal Men Offices at Goa, and some Portugues Women that were cried up for Beauties. The King of Achem was at the same time to make an attempt upon Ma­laca. In fine, those Princes broke out like impetuous Torrents, covering the Fields with multitudes o [...] Men. Hidalcan marched to besiege Goa, Nizamaluco to Chaul, with­out any respect to the Peace which had been no way infringed.

3. The Viceroy upon this occasion shew'd an undaunted Spirit. It was generally agreed Chaul should be abandoned, for the greater security of Goa, but the Viceroy resolved the Enemy should have nothing but what was dearly bought. He immediately sent D. Francis Mascarennas with 600 Men in four Gallies and five small Vessels to the Relief of Chaul. Among these went many Gentlemen of Note, to serve as private Souldiers. They set out about the end of September.

4. Next the Viceroy applied himself to provide for the defence of Goa. He posted Ferdinand de Sousa de Castellobrance, an old Souldier in Asia, in the Pass of Benastarim with 120 Men; D. Paul de Lima at Rachol with 60, and thus in other places he distri­buted 1500 Natives of the Island. There were not compleat 700 Portugueses in it, these he reserved to relieve where ever the greatest danger threatned. The City he put into the Hands of the Dominicans, Fran­ciscans and Clergy, who exceeded not 300, [Page 283] assisted by 1000 Slaves. Captain Iohn de Sousa with 50 Horse was to be ready to ap­pear where-ever there was occasion. D. George de Meneses, [...]rnamed Barroche was to keep the River with 25 Sail. At the same time the Viceroy caused Ammunition and Provisions to be brought from all Parts, the Works to be repaired, and about the mid­dle of December he took his Post upon the Bank of the River.

No sooner was he there, than several Bo­dies of Men appeared coming down the Mountain Gate, and encamping at Ponda, commanded by Norican, Hidalcan's General. About the end of December he advanced, and encamped over-against the Pass of Benasta­rim, pitching his Master's Tents, who spent eight days in coming down the Mountain by reason of the greatness of his Army. At night he lighted so many Fires to dis­cover the Paths of the Mountain, that at a great distance the multitude of his men could be seen. Being come to Ponda he covered those vast Plains with rich and costly Tents.

6. This Army consisted of 100000 fight­ing Men, besides an infinite number of Fol­lowers; 35000 Horse; 2140 warlike Ele­phants; 350 pieces of Cannon, most of an extraordinary bigness, and some great Barques brought upon Mules, to be lanched for all occa­sions upon the River. The chief Commanders of this multitude were, Norican called Hener Maluco, of such quality, that he never ap­peared with his Prince but in the Field; Rumercan and Cogercan, who for their qua­lity [Page 284] had distant Quarters on the edge of the Water. The Army encamped in such man­ner, it looked rather like a regular City than a Camp. Their order of Battle was thus: Hidalcan at Ponda with 4000 Horse, 6000 Musqueteers, 300 Elephants, 220 Can­nons; Cogercan, Rumercan, and Mortazacan near the Mouth of the Channel Ganja with 3000 Horse, 130 Elephants; and nine Cannons. Norican opposite to the Island of Iohn Lopez with 7000 Horse, 180 Elephants, and eight great Cannons. Camilcan and Delirracan facing the Pass of Benastarim with 9000 Horse, 200 Elephants, and 32 batter­ing Pieces. Solyman Aga on a height above Benastarim with 1500 Horse, and two Field Pieces. Anjozcan opposite to the Island of Iohn Bang [...]l with 2500 Horse, 50 Elephants, and six Cannons. Xatiarviatan in sight of Sapal with 1500 Horse, 6 Elephants, and 6 Cannons. Danlatecan, Xatiatimanaique, Chitican, and Codemenacan facing the Pass of Agaçaim with 9000 Horse, 200 Elephants, and 26 Cannons. The rest of the Army covered the Mountains capable to strike a Terror into the boldest Spirits.

7. The Viceroy viewed all the Posts, of­fering his Person to the greatest danger. The ranging of the Enemies Army caused him to alter his first method, being now reinforced with some men come from several Parts, he posted his men thus: The dry Pass which he had designed for himself, he committed to D. Peter de Almeyda, and D. George Deça with 120 men, and went him­self [Page 285] to that of Benastarim, where Ferdinand de Sousa de Castellobranco was with the like number, taking to himself the Command of one of the lesser Posts there, rather than remove that Officer. D. Michael de Castro not far from Madre de Dios with 150; Iames Barradas on the point of the dry Pass with 60; D. Peter de Castro towards Benastarim with 120 maintained at his own Charge; Iames de Azambuja hard-by with 50; Fran­cis Pereyra a little farther with 20; Vincent Diaz Villalobos at Sapal with 60; next Gaspar Fernandez with 50; then D. Luis de Almey­da, D. Ferdinand Monroy, and D. Martin de Castellobranco with each 60; Francis Marquez Botello with 50; Alvaro Mendoça between the Viceroy and Pass of Mercantor with 10; a little farther Simon de Mendoça with 120; Emanuel Rolim at St. Iohns Pass with 100; In the Pass of Marque the City placed 80; Iohn de Sousa with his 50 Horse went from Agacaim to the Bar, to receive and execute his Orders; Baltasar Lobo de Sousa at Pard [...] with 50; Peter Alvarez de Faria near him with 80; Vasco Perez de Faria at Necra with a Company; Damian de Sousa at Bachol with the like Body; and Francis de Silveyra at Norva with 30.

8. Several Vessels with small Guns were to run along the River to relieve all these Posts. Thus the number of the Viceroy's Men was not above 1600, and he had but 30 Cannons in all those Posts. This was the force we had to oppose that great Power, the like was at Chaul.

[Page 286] 9. For Nizamaluco set down before it at the same time, as Hidalcan did before Goa. They two being suspitious of each other, kept time in their Preparations, Setting out and Marches. But that we may not con­found the Actions by mixing them, we will first relate those at Goa, and then proceed to Chaul. The Cannon began to play, the flashes whereof enlightned the Night and the smoak darkned the day. The Enemy spent their first Fury on the Fort and Works of Benastarim, and did great harm, but could not perceive it; for whatever they ruined by day was repaired by night. They pour­ed in showers of Bullets, for only in Alvaro de Mendoça his Post 600 were found, some of them of two Spans diameter; we could not answer with the like number, but could see we did great execution. And our Vessels sailing nimbly about, plied their small Guns with good effect. Ferdinand de Sousa de Ca­stellobranco one night by the help of a great number of Torches that went before spied an Officer of the Enemies crosing, a height opposite to him with young Women a dan­cing before, Sousa desirous to untune their harmony, caused a Cannon to be so luckily levelled at them, that the Officer, some of those that lighted, and two couple of the young Women were seen to fly into the Air.

10. This was the time for the return-Ships to sail for Portugal, and every Body advised the Viceroy to stop them, because they would carry 400 Men that might be a great help in the present distress. But the Viceroy am­bitious [Page 287] of making his Glory the greater, by conquering the greater difficulties, answer'd, There was want of them in Portugal, and he trusted those that remained were sufficient for the work he had in hand. So the Ships set sail.

11. Hitherto the Portugueses did much more harm than they received, having killed many of the Enemy, and among them some of Note, and lost no number nor any person considerable, only some were dangerously wounded. D. Francis de Sylva being wound­ed with a Cannon Ball so that his Guts hung out, continued encouraging his Men holding them up with his hand. Peter Homem de Silva losing much Blood at three Musket Shots he had received, and being perswaded to go off, said, It could be no matter of moment since he felt it not. Our Vessels did good Service; and the Enemies were not idle, carrying their men from one place to another. Our men had the boldness often to land and attack the Enemy in their Posts, and still brought away Prisoners, the heads of those they killed, Colours and Arms. D. George de Meneses Barroche in his Vessels, and D. Peter de Castro by Land with 200 Por­tugueses made such a slaughter, that the Vice­roy to animate the City, and show them what was done abroad, sent them two Carts loaded with Heads. Gaspar Diaz and his Brother Lancelot running up the Country one night a League and half with 80 men, burnt two Villages and many Farm Houses, and brought away many Prisoners, heads of the [...]in, and of Cattle.

[Page 288] 12 Another time these two Brothers with 130 men, attack the Quarters of Cogergan and Rumergan, and making a great havock, destroyed all they had provided in order to pass over into the Island of Iohn Lopez. In this Action Francis de Cunna Coutino, Ser­vant to the Viceroy, going alone before the rest, came so close up to 500 Mores, that he threw two Granadoes among them, which did some execution, and retired without hurt. The Enemy admired the smallness of our number, and greatness of our Actions; but was more surprized when he heard, that in the heat of all this fury, the Viceroy had order'd D. Iames de Meneses who came from the Coast of Malabar with his Squadron, to return thither; and D. Ferdinand de Vascon­celos to go with four Gallies and two small Vessels to destroy the City Dabul, to show Hidalcan, whose it was, how little account he made of all his Power. D. Ferdinand burnt there two great Ships of Meca, and many small Vessels; then landing fired some Villages, and had done the same to the City, had not his own Captains opposed it.

13. He returned to Goa, and attacking the Quarters of Angoscan, a principal Man among the Enemy, three Miles distant from the Viceroy, entred them with great slaugh­ter. But his Men with the success falling into Disorder, the Enemy rallied and fell upon them, killing some, the rest fled leaving their Captain, who, weakned with loss of Blood, and tired with the weight of his Arms, could not get into a Boat, but fought [Page 289] in the Water till he fell down dead. His Ensign Augustin Fernandez died honourably with his Colours in the left hand, which he bravely defended with the right. Forty were killed, their Heads with the Colours were carried to Hidalcan. The Viceroy immediately sent Barroche with 100 Men more to burn D. Ferdinand's Vessel taken by the Enemy, which he performed, bringing away the Cannon that was left in it by the Enemy, believing no Body durst come where it lay.

CHAP. VIII.

1. AT this time Zamori made Proposals of Peace to the Viceroy, either to amuse him while he went upon other designs pursuant to the Articles of the League, or else hoping to gain some advantage in that pressing Conjuncture. The Viceroy gave him to understand he would not yield the least point for fear, and continued firm in this resolution, notwithstanding Hidalcan had prevailed with the Queen of Guarcopa to declare War at Onor: That Prince was astonished to see him send relief thither, when he thought there was not force to supply Goa. The Viceroy at this time also [Page 290] relieved Marramaque at the Malucos, and Francis Barreto at Mocambique.

2. The grand design of Hidalcan was to get over into the Island, in order to it his General Norican began to lay a Bridge over the River with a vast number of Workmen. The Viceroy falling upon them made a great havock. There was a Report that Hidalcan designed to pass over to the Island in Person, and carnestly desired a fine Horse the Vice­roy had, for which he had before offered a great Sum of Mony. The Viceroy sent it him for a present, assuring nothing should be more pleasing than to see him come over to Goa. Hidalcan accepted of the Horse, and caused him to lie upon silk Quilts under Canopies of Cloath of Gold, to be covered with embroidered Dammask, and his Trap­pings to be adorned with massy Gold, and his Provender was mixed with Preserves and other Dainties. The Horse enjoyed it not long, being killed by a Cannon-Ball. At this time such a violent Storm of Rain fell, that most Posts were abandoned; the Vice­roy desired to take a Standard that was left in one; a French Gunner with only one Man went over in a Boat to fetch it, and were both killed.

3. It was now the beginning of March, and the Siege had lasted two Months, with­out abating any thing of the Fury. Many of our Buildings were ruined by the Enemies Cannon, many of them killed by ours. An­tony Cabral run up the River Chapora with four Vessels, and landing fifty Men, burnt four [Page 291] Villages, and above fifty Sail, bringing away some Booty. D. Paul de Lima with forty Men did as much at Rachol. The Viceroy laying hold of a Rope at the Pass of Bena­starim to draw a Cannon, others refusing for fear of the many Bullets that flew, one hit him upon the Arm, and only pierced the sleeve without doing him any harm. After­wards being in the Church of Santiago, the Roof of it was beat down and hung over his head, Emanuel de Sousa Coutinno stepped up to save him, by receiving the Blow, but he acknowledging the Kindness reproved the Action.

4. The Viceroy used all possible means to have Intelligence from the Enemies Camp. He bribed some Renagado Portugueses that served there, but what is more, he corrupt­ed Hidalcan's most beloved Wife, and by her means knew the King's secret Thoughts, which he could not conceal from her.

5. Hidalcan now began to consider the damage done by so few Men to so nume­rous an Army, that now the Portugueses in­creased in strength by the arrival of several Squadrons that had been abroad, among which Iames de Meneses returned victorious from Achem, and Luis de Melo de Silva from Malabar. He desired Peace, but was loath to propose it. The Viceroy who knew his Thoughts ordered it so, that a Treaty was in a manner set on foot, so that no body could discern who was the Author of it. Yet at length Hidalcan stooped to make the first Proposals. But still the Siege was carried [Page 292] on, and April was began. Seven hundred Mores attack a Pass, Two hundred Portu­gueses at first opposed them, but seeing they were relieved, fled in such Disorder, that neither their Officers nor the Viceroy could rally them. Their two Captains were kill­ed.

6. The Action of D. Iames de Meneses relating to Zamori, shall be referred to the Chapter of Chaul; that of Luis de Melo is fit for this place. He set out with Fourteen Sail in search of the Fleet of Achem, and met it near that Port; it consisted of Sixty Sail well Manned and provided with Can­non, commanded by the King's Son and Heir. Melo and he met first, and our first Shot killed him and several of his Men. The Fleets met and fought resolutely on both sides; but the Enemy was utterly destroyed, three Galleys and six small Vessels taken, all the rest sunk but one. We lost not one Man; of the Enemy Twelve hundred were killed, and Three hundred made Prisoners. Melo returned to Malaca with the Vessels and Cannon he had taken, and thence sent some Men to the Malucos, and came to Goa with Fifteen hundred, and Vasco Lorenço de Barbuda whom he found at Cochim prepa­ring to bring some Relief.

7. These Commanders being come to Goa, took their Posts. Meneses executing his Office of Admiral was carried off wounded, at such time as Three thousand of the Ene­my began to enter the Island of Iohn Lopez. Antony Fernandez de Cale with One hundred [Page 293] and twenty Men met and put them to flight, killing a great number.

8. During this time, before Winter came on, several Attempts were made upon the Enemies Quarters and Inroads into the Country always with success. One Night One hundred and fifty Men beat the Enemy out of a Post at Benastarim and after another at Angoscan, ruining all the Works they had raised. They did the same at Xatiar [...]ao, Chatigan and Rachol, burning Villages demo­lishing the Works, and killing very many.

9. Hidalcan, though almost in despair, began to plant Gardens, and other Works, as if he designed either to take Goa, or live in that Field: He resolved to enter the Island with Nine thousand Men at the Pass of Mercantor, which was not guarded, be­cause the River is wide there. Our Men hearing a Drum, which never beats but when that Prince marches in Person, run thither, and saw him on the other side en­couraging his. Advice being brought to the Viceroy, he sent several Parties and follow­ed himself. In spight of all opposition Five thousand Men got over under the Command of the Turk Soliman Aga, Captain of the Guard. Fresh Men still flocked to the Vice­roy, till he was Two thousand strong. All the Posts which extended two Leagues were in Action.

10. All the Thirteenth of April, from Morning till Night the attack lasted, and from the next Morning till the Day follow­ing. Hidalcan all the while looking on, [Page 294] cursing his Prophet Mahomet, and throwing his Turbant on the Ground. Of the Por­tugueses scarce Twenty were killed, of the Enemy almost Four thousand, and among them Soliman Aga; Hidalcan's Brother-in-Law, and other Persons of Note, some Co­lours, and Plunder were taken.

11. F. George de St. Lucia a Dominican and Bishop of Malaca, foretold this Success to the Viceroy. Hidalcan raged, and in publick vowed not to stir thence, but in private wished a conclusion, but used not the means. He proposed a Pence, and despair­ed of concluding it upon the Terms he of­fered; one of them was the Surrender of Goa, as if the Portugueses had all this while tought for any thing but to keep it. Our Viceroy treated with Norican about killing the King, offering him either the Crown of great Power in the Government. Norican admits the Proposals, and as the blow was ready to be given, the Treachery was disco­vered, he secured, and so the other Conspi­rators desisted. This was about the end of April.

12. The treaty of Peace failing, the Siege went on, but not with the vigour as before. The Enemies Cannon ruined our Buildings, ours their Men, and Parties of ours burnt all the Country. Sebastian de Resende with only four Men attempts a Post of the Ene­mies, and killing some, would have brought away one alive, but he making much oppo­sition, Resende was forc'd to kill him. Lan­celot Picardo and others with forty Men did [Page 295] great execution. Antony Fernandez with thirty falling upon Rumercan's Quarters where there was eighty, killed eighteen, and retired without any damage received. The Viceroy leaning one day on a Page, a Ball took away his Prop. Being at rest one night he heared a great Noise, and instant­ly came abroad, and a Bullet hitting him on the Breast, fell at his feet without doing the least hurt.

13. Hidalcan to divide and weaken the Viceroy, again perswades the Queen of Guarcopa to attack Onor. She consents, and joining Three thousand Men of her own to Two thousand sent by him, besieges the Fort. It was the middle of Iuly, the dead of Winter there, when the Viceroy received Advice thereof. He sent instantly Antony Fernandez de Chale with two Galleys and eight Vessels, and what Men they could con­tain: Antony in five days enters that Port, and joining with George de Moura command­ing there, falls upon the Enemy and puts them to flight, killing many, and bringing all the Cannon into the Fort. About this time Zamori broke out in another place, but that requires a particular Chapter.

14. The Viceroy underhand endeavoured to stir up other Princes to invade Hidalcan's Dominions, by that means to draw him from the Siege. Both endeavoured to hide their desire of Peace. Hidalcan made appear as if he resolved not to stir, and the Vice­roy as if he valued not his lying there. In fine, the whole Winter was spent, and to­wards [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page 292] [...] [Page 293] [...] [Page 294] [...] [Page 295] [...] [Page 296] the end of August, when Summer be­gins, and the Enemy might better keep the Field, the number of Tents was seen to decrease, then the Men, and lastly the Can­non vanished, without coming to any ac­commodation, after a Siege of ten Months, wherein the Enemy lost Twelve thousand Men, Three hundred Elephants, Four thou­sand Horses, and Six thousand Oxen, part by the Sword, and part by the Weather. Thus Goa was suddenly delivered. Let us now see what was done at Chaul by Nizama­luco, the second Chief of this League.

CHAP. IX.

1. NIzamaluco keeping time with Hidal­can, set down before Chaul at the same time the other did before Goa. His General Faretecan invested the place with Eight thousand Horse and Twenty thousand Foot; and on the last day of November the Enemy broke ground with a horrid noise of warlike Instruments.

2. Luis Ferreyra de Andrade, a Man well deserving such a Post, commanded at Chaul, and laboured long under great Wants of all Necessaries, supplying those Defects with his and his Men's Valour, till D. Francis Mas­carennas came to his assistance with Six hun­dred [Page 297] Men in four Gallies and five small Vessels, and some Barques loaded with Am­munition and Provision.

3. The Fort of Chaul is seated in about 18 deg. of N. Lat. on the Bank of a River, not twelve Miles from the Mouth of it. There were in it but fifty Horse, and a small number of Foot. The first bold Action done here was by Sebastian Gonzales de Al­velos, who passing over a small Creek alone, challenged any of that number of Enemies, and none durst answer him. Then Alexander de Sousa went over with fifteen Horse to discover the Enemy, and stayed so long till 5000 came upon them, among which they killed a considerable Officer. At this time Faretecan was marching down the Mountain Gate with 8000 Horse, a great number of Foot, and twenty Elephants; he sat down before Chaul, and began to plant Cannon.

4. Faretecan desiring to do somewhat be­fore his Prince came, set the Castles upon the Elephants and tied Syths to their Trunks to give an Assault. All turned to his Loss, for he was repulsed by Sea and Land, and forced to retire as far as the Church de la Madre de Dios, or Mother of God, where his men rallied.

5. Here it is said some Miracles were seen, as that a Bullet hitting a Souldier on the hand, rebounded from it as a Ball struck with a Racket. The fight lasted three hours with great slaughter of Mores, and loss of three Portugueses.

[Page 398] 6. The Enemy having lodged themselves about the Town, it was thought convenient to demolish all the Buildings that were any thing distant. Nothing remarkable happened till after December. Some Mores being then gathering Fruit in an Orchard, Nunno Vello went out with five Soldiers, and killing one of them, others came on still till they made up Six thousand, and ours encreased to two hundred; who behaved themselves with such bravery, they drove that multitude, killing One hundred and eighty, with the loss of two.

7. Nizamaluco came before Chaul in the beginning of Ianuary with the rest of his Army, which now together consisted of 34000 Horse, 100000 Foot, 16000 Pioniers, 4000 Smiths, Masons and other Trades of sundry Nations, as Turks, Coraçons, Persians and Ethiopians, 360 Elephants, an infinite number of Bufalos and Oxen, and forty pieces of Cannon most of a prodigious bigness, some carrying Balls of 100, some 200, and even 300 weight, and had Names answer­able, as Cruel Butcher, Devourer, Orlando Fu­rioso, and the like. Thus 150000 Men so well provided, planted themselves before a Town that had only a single Wall, a Fort like a House, and a handful of Men. Fare­tecan lodged himself in the Vicar's House near the Chapel of the Mother of God with 7000 Horse and twenty Elephants. A­galascan in the House of Iames Lopez with 6000 Horse; Ximirican between that and upper Chaul with 2000, so the City was [Page 299] beset from Sea to Sea. At the same time 4000 Horse ravaged the Lands of Baçaim. The King took his Quarters at the farther end of the Town; thus the space of two Leagues was covered with Tents.

8. The Portugues [...]s at first being but few, and the Works inconsiderable, had no par­ticular Posts, but were wherever the danger threatned. Soon after the News of the dan­ger of Chaul being spread abroad, many Gentlemen flocked thither with supplies of Men, so that in a little time there were 2000 Men in the Town. It was resolved to maintain the Monastery of St. Francis, and it was committed to Alexander de Sousa. Some Houses were also judged fit to be de­fended. Nuno Alvarez Pereyra with forty Men had those on the Shore, those between the Misericordia and St. Dominick D. Gonçalo de Meneses, others near Nunno Vello Pereyra, and so in other Places.

9. Mean while it was generally voted at Goa, that Chaul ought to be abandoned, but the Viceroy resolutely opposed, and was seconded by Ferdinand de Sousa de Castello­branco. He immediately sent thither D. Du­arte de Lima and Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses with their two Gallies, and some Men in four other Vessels. Let us see what was done at Chaul whilst they are under Sail.

10. Nimirican had promised Nizamaluco he would be the first man should enter the Town, in order thereto he vigorously at­tacks the Posts of Henry de Betancor and Fer­dinand Pereyra de Miranda. They bravely [Page 300] made good their Ground, and being reliev'd repulsed him, killing Three hundred of his Men, seven of ours were lost. The Enemy turn their Cannon upon the Monastery of St. Francis where we had some Pieces, and both sides striving to burst or dismount the op­posite Guns; the Gunners were so dextrous, that Bullets were seen to meet by the way. On the Eve of St. Sebastian a Party of ours sallied upon some Houses where the Mores had fortified themselves, and killed a great number without losing one Man.

11. Nizamaluco enraged at the last re­pulse desired Revenge, and that same night attacks the Fort of St. Francis with Five thousand Men. The Mores thought to sur­prize ours, but were soon undeceived by the Execution done among them. The attack lasted very furious the space of five hours. The Portugueses suspected the Enemy work­ed under the Wall, and could not see by reason of the darkness, but Christopher Curvo three several times put half his Body out of a Window, with a lighted Torch in one hand, and a Buckler in the other, to dis­cover what was doing. The noise was very great, and those in the City fearing for those that were assaulted, sent them Relief though with great hazard. The Morning discovered the Fort stuck with Arrows, and under it above Three hundred Mores slain, without the loss of one Portugues.

12. Next day the Enemy repeated the Assault, and continued it five days with great resolution, with as great bravery were [Page 301] they received by the Portugueses, who often fallying covered the Field with dead Bo­dies and took several Colours. However it was at last judged expedient to quit that Fort, and withdraw the Men into the City, lest the losing of it should prove more pre­judicial than the defending it could avail. Seventeen Men were killed in it. One of these being on a high place to give notice when the Enemy fired their Cannon, said to those that were below: If they should now fire Raspadillo (that was a Cannon eighteen Foot long so called) without doubt they would send me all in pieces to sup with Iesus Christ, to whom l commend my self, for the Gun points at me. Scarce had he spoke the words when he was torn in pieces by a Ball from that Cannon.

13. The Mores being possessed of the Fort and Monastery of St. Francis, fired a whole Street, but attempting to gain some Houses lost Four hundred Men. Three of them challenged a like number of ours, who thinking it a disparagement to answer them upon equal terms, only two went out, which were Gomez Freyre and Luis del Valle, who carried a great Hanger. The Mores refused the odds, and one of them with­drew. Valle with the advantage of the Hanger overcame his Adversary, and then assisted Freyre to kill the other. So both sides might be said to be conquer'd, the Mores losing their Lives, and ours their Honour by taking the Advantage.

[Page 302] 14. Chaul being now streightned, Ruy Gon­çalez de Camara was sent to Goa for Relief; which he brought in two Galleys. At this time appeared here, and before Mangalor, the Malabar-Ships, sent by Zamori, pursuant to the Articles of the Consederacy. But our Method being to relate what each of the Confederates did separately, this shall be re­ferred to another Chapter. Let us see one of the bravest Actions that has been heard of, performed by Stephen Perestrelo, Com­mander of the weak Fort of Caranja.

15. It was said, above 5000 of Nizama­luco's Horse marched into the Lands of Ba­çaim. They resolved to attempt some of our Garrisons; and being beaten off at Aça­rim and Damam, went and sate down before Caranja, where Stephen Perestrelo was, with only Forty Men, Caranja is a small, incon­siderable Work, between Chaul and Damam, on the Edge of the Water, and is, in some measure, an Island, being encompassed by small Brooks. As the Enemy sate down be­fore it, Emanuel de Melo came with Thirty Men. Being now Seventy strong, Perestrelo falls upon that great Number, with such Success, that after covering the little Island with dead Bodies, the rest fled, leaving their Cannon, and a considerable Quantity of Arms and Ammunition.

16. But to return to Chaul: The Moors furiously batter'd it with Seventy Pieces of large Cannon, for the space of a Month; the least that was spent every Day being 160 Balls. They made great havock among [Page 303] the Houses, in which many were killed; one single Ball slew six Persons that were eating together; others fell into the Ships, and failed not o [...] Execution there. This Batte­ry began against the Bastion of the Cross, and w [...]s carried on to the Place where Peter Ferreyra and Mem Dornelas were posted, le­velling all with the Ground. The Besieged worked incessantly to cover themselves; but the Enemy's Gunners were so expert, they mounted their Balls so, that they fell among those that thought they were within Shelter. Augustine Nunez found an Expedient to a­void this Danger, which, though thought difficult at first, was afterwards their only Security.

17. Our Commander seeing the Battery on the other side of St. Dominick never cea­sed, thought fit to attack the Enemy's Quar­ters opposite to it. Alexander de Sousa and Augustine Nunez undertook it with One Hundred and Twenty Men, and, though vi­gorously opposed, drove the Enemy thence; killing many, and firing the Works.

18. Iohn Alvarez Suarez, an Officer of the Revenue, hearing the Danger of Chaul, fitted out a Vessel at his own Charge, and came thither with some Soldiers; where he behaved himself beyond what was expected of one, whose Business seemed to be only the Pen, though now he converted it to the Sword.

19. Coming now at the time of the At­tack of those Works, he was one of the first that mounted. Ferdinand Casqueiro hear­ing [Page 304] the Moors play at Tables in an House, ran in, and killed two of them, driving the rest from the Sport. The Work was level­led with the Ground, without any Loss on our Side. Among the Arms taken in this Action, was a Cymiter with this Inscription, IESUS SAVE ME.

CHAP. X.

1. THE Enemy attacked some consider­able Houses, and were repulsed, with Loss of one Man of ours; but we having undermined that of Hector de Sampaio, to blow it up, they ran furiously, and set their Colours upon the Top of it. This incen­sed our Men, and there followed an obsti­nate Dispute in the House, till some Fire ac­cidentally falling into the Powder, it blew up, killing Forty Two of our Soldiers: Some escaped so disfigured, that their own Friends mistaking them for Moors, ran out to kill them.

2. The Moors escaped here unhurt, and set their Colours upon the Ruins of the House, and upon that of Xira, which they took next. Ximirican assaults by Night the Bastion of the Cross, with Six Hundred Men; but Ferdinand Pereyra opposed them with Thirty; and Henry de Betancor second­ing [Page 305] him with some others, they beat them off, and took five Colours they had planted upon the Work. Betancor fought with the Left Hand only, having before lost the Right: And Dominick del Al [...]ma being lame, caused himself to be brought out in a Chair.

3. April was now begun, and the Enemy seemed resolved to continue there all the Winter, and were raising new Works. A­lexander de S [...]sa and D. Goncalo de Meneses were appointed to sally upon them. Their Soldiers understanding it, ran out without Orders, to the Number of Two Hundred, and furiously drove the Enemy from their Works, which, their Captains coming up, they ruined. Above Fifty Moors were killed, and some few Portugueses.

4. Nizamaluco perplexed with so many Losses, gives a general Assault with his whole Army, at once attacking all our Pos [...]s. There was scarce any of our Works that the Moors did not enter, and plant their Colours; and with the same Vigour and Fury were repulsed, and drove out of them. In the Morning above Five Hundred Moors appeared slain, and Four or Five Portugueses. This was the Posture of Affairs, when some Supplies came from Goa, Diu and Bacaim, being above Two Hundred Men, and a suf­ficient Quantity of Ammunition.

5. Two other Dangers now terrified the Besieged: The on [...] a troublesome, though not mortal Disea [...]e; being great Swellings all over their Bodies, which deprived them [Page 306] of the Use of their Limbs. The other, that Nizamaluco sollicited the King of Sar­çeta, and some Rebels of Camb [...]a, to fall upon the Portugueses in other Places; by that means to hinder Relief coming to them. But neither of them gave ear to him. This Prince seeing he must finish alone what [...]e had undertaken alone, fell to battering [...] House of D. Nunno Alvarez Pere [...]ra, [...] continued it for the Time of Forty Two Days. He assaults it wi [...]h Five Thou [...] Men: The Defendants at first were but [...] ­ty; soon after, Twenty more came to their Assistance; and some others also after that. We lost but One Man, and killed above Fifty Moors. One being taken, and brough [...] to the Captain, told him, above Five Thou­sand had been killed during the Siege.

6. The House of Nunno Vello was battered and assaulted Thirty Days, with much the same Success; only this Difference, that we lost Ten Men. Only Thirty Soldiers sus­tained these furious Assaults, till it being judged no longer needful to defend the House, it was agreed to blow it up. The Enemy hastily ran to possess themselves of it, setting up their Colours at such time as part of the Building flew into the Air, do­ing good Execution though not so much [...] was expected. But what this fell short, was made up by another Mine, and by the Va­lour of D. Francis Mascarennas; who falling upon those that escaped the Mine, put them to the Sword, and came off much hurt. In like manner, the House of Francis de Mel [...] [Page 307] was quitted, after they had been defended to Admiration.

7. The Summer was now almost spent: There were thrown into the City above Six Thousand Cannon-Balls, some of a prodi­gious Bigness; and Nizamal [...]co was making Preparations to lie there the Winter. A­bove Two Hundred Portugueses, fear [...]g the Ruin of the City, had deserted; but in­stead of them, Three Hundred came from Goa, which put Chaul into somewhat a bet­ter Posture. On [...] 11th of April, Ruy Gonçalez de Camara [...]ell upon Five Hundred Moors, in an Orchard, with such Success, that only Fifty of them escaped. He took Five Colours, and lost only Two Men, but had many wounded.

8. Fortune could not be always favour­able to the Besieged, sometimes they must meet Disasters. The Moors enraged at that Loss, played their great Cannon incessant­ly: A Chance- [...]all from one of them, light­ing upon one of the Galleys that brought the Relief, sunk her downright, with all that was in her, being [...]rty Men, and Goods valued at Forty Thousand Ducats. The Moors did not lo [...] rejoyce a [...] this Ac­cident; for Ferdina [...] [...]ez fallying the next Day with Four Hundred Men on the Side of St. Francis, obtained anothe [...] [...], equal to that of Ruy Goncalez, and brought away some Ammunition, Arms, one Piece of Can­non, and other Booty. Nizamaluco beheld this Action, and mounting on Horse-back, offered to come down in Person, with a [Page 308] Lance in his Hand; then changing it to a Whip, in a Rage threatned his Men, and upbraided them as Cowards.

9. Our Men were now so accustomed to Danger, nothing could terrifie them; and they seemed to court Death, as if she had not been busie enough about them. Some of our Soldiers being employed, levelling the Enemy's Works we had driven them from about St. Francis, and being more han­dy at the Sword than Spade, drew upon themselves a great Number of Enemies, whereof they killed above Two Hundred, not without Loss on our Side.

10. D. Iohn de Lima, Francis de Sá, and D. Nunno Alvarez went out to discover some Mines it was thought the Enemy was carry­ing on. They executed their Command, entring those Quarters, where they put all that were in them to the Sword. In these two Actions we lost Six Private Soldiers, and D. Luis de Gastellobranco, who having lost one Leg, offered the other; D. Iohn de Li­ma, who seeing a Moor miss several Shots he made at him, stood still till he was killed; performing his Promise made on his Brother D. Duarte's Grave, that he would soon fol­low him; Anthony de Fonseca, he who hung by his Lance at Parnel, and laughed at the Enemy; Francis Barradas, and Ruy Pereyra de Sa, and Five other Gentlemen of note.

11. After the King had made it appear he designed to continue the Siege all the Winter, and all Things were on both Sides disposed in order thereto, Faretecan made [Page 309] some Overtures of Peace, but without any visible Commission from his Prince, who caused him to be apprehended, not for act­ing therein without Orders, for, doubtless, he had private Instructions; but upon suspi­tion that he was corrupted. It was no won­der if Nizamaluco desired a Peace, after ly­ing before a Town Seven Months, without any Success, but losing as many Thousand Men. Nor was it strange the Portugueses should wish it, having already lost above Four Hundred of their own, besides Indians. But the Hopes of Peace being extinguished by the Imprisonment of Faretecan, George Pereyra Coutinno went out with his Ships, and, without any considerable Loss, burnt Three that belonged to Nizamaluco.

12. It was now the Beginning of Iune, and the Attacks and Batteries were carried on with such Vigour, as if they then be­gan. The first Attempt was upon D. Nun­no Alvarez his House, which was lost through Carelesness. Yet after it was taken, some Gentlemen attempting to recover it, lost at least Twenty Portugueses, without doing any considerable Execution. Next, the Enemy possessed themselves of the Monastery of St. Dominick, where great Slaughter was made. At D. Gonçalo de Meneses his House it was well fought, but to our great Loss. In all the other Quarters, the Cannon-Balls [...]lew like Hail. Let us come to the last As­sault.

13. The Batteries never ceased from the End of May, till the End of Iune; Niza­maluco [Page 310] resolving to make a Breach fit for his whole Army to try its Fortune. On the 28th the Elephants appeared loaded with Castles, and the Castles full of Men. A va­liant Moor, well mounted, walked leisurely before all our Works, within Musquet-shot, and never altered his Pace; notwithstanding above Five Hundred Shot was made at him, and his Horse wounded, he went off un­hurt. The whole Army expected the Sign to move, but it was not given because our Cannon killed an Officer of Note, which the King took as an ill Omen, and put off the Assault till next Day. Six of our Men ven­turing out of the Works, drew a great Mul­titude of the Enemy within reach of our Shot which was so well bestowed, that One Hundred and Eighteen fell down dead, and above Five Hundred were wounded, with out doing us the least hurt.

14. The next Day about Noon the King gave the Signal to fall on; and the whole Body of Men and Elephants advanced with horrible Cries, and Noise of Warlike Instru­ments. Agalascan attacked Iames Suarez de Albergaria, Iohn de Silva Barreto, Roderick Homen de Silva, and Laurence de Brito, in their Posts. Faretecan and Sujatecan fell on the Quarter of the Misericordia. Misnarr [...], Captain of the Guards, on that of Ruy Gon­çalez. D. Francis, our Commander in Chief, being to relieve where-ever the greatest Dan­ger pressed, planted himself opposite to the King with part of his Men, having distribu­ted the rest where there was need.

[Page 311] 15. The Day was darken'd with Smoak, at Times lighted with Flames; the Slaugh­ter and Confusion was great on all Sides. Some of the Enemy's Colours were planted on our Works, but soon taken, or cast down, with those who had boldly set them up. The Elephants, made drunk by the Nayres, that they might be the more fierce, being burnt and wounded, ran madly about the Field. One much valued by the King, being fired in the Flames, ran into the Wa­ter, and swam over the Bar, where one of our Vessels killed him with a Cannon-Shot. In fine, The Assault ended with the Day, the Portugueses remaining Masters of all their Works, after killing above Three Thousand of the Enemies; among which, one was the Son of Agalascan, and many more of Note.

16. This Action cost us but a few private Soldiers, and Eight Gentlemen. D. Henry de Meneses being lame, having his Legs burnt, caused himself to be carried in a Chair. Laurence de Brito took a Colours. Gonçalo Rodriguez Caldera and Hierome Cur­v [...] would not leave their Posts, after receiv­ing many dangerous Wounds. In fine, All did more than mortal Actions; it would be a Lessening of others to commend some, and we cannot particularize them all.

17. The Moors asked Leave to bury their Dead; which being granted, as they drew them off, they asked the Portugueses, What Woman it was that went before them in the Fight, and whether she was alive? One an­swered, [Page 312] Yes; for, doubtless, she was immortal. And they replied, Then certainly, it was the Lady Marian. So they call the Blessed Vir­gin. Many said they saw her at Lawrence de Brito's Quarter, so bright, that she blind­ed them. And some who went to see her Image in the Churches, were converted, and staid in Town.

18. Nizamaluco was desirous to treat of Peace, but was not willing to shew it: Our Commander wished as much as he, and was as backward in making it appear. At length both Sides abated, and a Treaty was set on foot: Faretecan and Azafacan were Com­missioners for Nizamaluco: Peter de Silva, and Meneses, and Anthony de Teyve, for our Commander in Chief; and D. Francis Ma­scarennas Baroche, for the Captain of the Ci­ty. The Substance of the Accommodation was a League Offensive and Defensive be­tween Nizamaluco and King Sebastian. This Agreement was celebrated with great Joy, and sending of rich Presents on both Sides. All this might have been done, without so much Effusion of Blood. Nizamaluco raised his Camp, and returned home.

CHAP. XI.

1. ZAmori the third Chief of this League, who was to act by Sea as Sovereign thereof among those of India, performed his Part very coldly. After Goa and Chaul had been Besieged a Month, he instead of putting his Fleet to Sea, sent to treat of Peace with the Viceroy, either by this means to amuze him, or else to gain some Advantage upon his pressing Necessities. For few Princes follow the Dictates of Honour, when opposite to their Interest. This Af­fair being proposed in Council at Goa, it was unanimously agreed to accept of a Peace though upon hard terms. But the Viceroy who had resolved to loose all or nothing, said, He would make no Peace unless upon such Terms, as he might expect in the most flourishing Condition.

2. Zamori seeing this Design fail, set out a Fleet about the end of February under the Command of Catiproca Marca. He soon ap­peared before Chaul with twenty-one Sail, and a great number of Men, whereof above One thousand were Musqueteers, and passed by Night through all our Gallies and Gal­leons that filled the Port without opposition. The Entrance was defended against only [Page 314] two Paraos, whereof one got in, the other not. The Malabars with reason boasted of this Action, and Nizamaluco's Men rejoyced at the Success.

3. Nizamaluco was much pleased at the arrival of the Malabars, posted the 1000 Musqueteers, and then perswaded the Of­ficers to attack our Ships, which were under the Command of Leonel de Sousa. A great number of Calemutes, which are small Vessels that King made use of, were crammed full of Men to accompany the twenty-one Ma­labars, every one going as to a sure Victory. They set out with great eagerness, bearing down upon Lionel de Sousa, and fled with the same precipitation seeing him make at them. Yet for all their haste our Gallies did considerable execution among them. Nizamaluco, who from a height had been looking on, did all he could to perswade them to try their Fortune again, but to no purpose; for after twenty days they stole away by night out of that Harbour with the same good Fortune they came in.

4. The Queen of Mangalor thinking to make some Advantage of these Confusions, and hearing: that Catiproca was near with his Fleet, represented to him how easily our Fort might be surprized, and offered to defray the Charge. He accepted the Pro­posal, thinking to regain the Credit lost at Chaul. Unexpectedly he applies scaling Ladders, and some of his Men mounted Some Servants of D. Antony Pereyra, who Commanded there, awaking, and seeing the [Page 315] Enemy, threw out of a Window the first thing came to hand, which was a Chest of their Master's full of Silver, and with it beat down those that were upon the Ladder. Pereyra waking with the noise, threw down those that had mounted, the other fled carry­ing away the Chest aboard the Ships. As they passed before Cananor, D. Iames with his Squadron fell upon and totally routed them. D. Iames follows them up the Ri­ver of Tiracole, and not one Ship of them escaped, Cutiproca was killed, and his Ne­phew Cutiale taken, as also D. Antony's Chest recovered.

5. Zamori did not fulfil the Articles of the League by sending this Fleet, for every one had promised to undertake something in Person; till now D. Iames de Meneses had obstructed him, scouring that Sea, burning many Towns and Ships, and taking many which he carried to Goa. Towards the end of Iune, when D. Iames was gone, and Hi­dalcau and Nizamaluco were about drawing off, Zamori fate down before the Fort of Cbale with 100000 Men, most of them Musqueteers. This place is but two Leagues from Calicut, that Prince's Court, and was then held by D. George de Castro. The E­nemy planted forty Pieces of Brass Cannon, and girting the place round thought they had shut out all hopes of Relief. Some was sent from Cochim under the Conduct of D. Antony de Noronna, who could not put it into the Place, for the furious Batteries of the Ene­mies Cannon. Francis Pereyra de Sousa com­ing [Page 316] from Cananor with extravagant Bravery, conquered the difficulty, but the Relief was small because the Vessels were so. As soon as the Viceroy had advice, he sent D. Iames de Meneses with eighteen Sail to carry Supplies to the Fort. He with great difficulty got to Chale about the end of September, when the Besieged were reduced to the last Extre­mities, there being at least Six hundred Per­sons in the place, whereof not above Seventy that could bear Arms.

6. It seemed impracticable to attempt the putting in any Relief, for the mouth of the Harbour was very narrow, and all the Hills about it were planted with Cannon. But our Commander resolved to surmount all Difficulties: A great Vessel was filled with Provisions for two months, and fifty Soldiers put into it. Iames de Azambuja went be­fore in his Gally, and Antony Fernandez and D. Luis de Meneses cover'd it with their Vessels. They pierced with incredible Cou­rage through Showrs of Bullets, and Fer­dinand de Mendoca, Nephew to D. Iames, run in all the Supplies, whilst Francis de Sousa with his Men killed above Five hun­dred of the Enemy, who endeavour'd to ob­struct it. This done, they retired through the same Dangers with loss of forty Men. As they were cutting off a Soldier's Leg he asked whether the Succour was got in, and hearing it was, Then, said he, let me die in God's Name, for I cannot die more honour­ably.

[Page 317] 7. Though it was not possible to bring the [...]ss People out of the Fort, as was de­sign'd, yet the putting in of Relief was an Action scarce to be parallell'd, for the great hazard and difficulty that attended, and vast Power that opposed it.

8. The King of Achem, the Fourth of these great Confederates, whose thoughts were always employed against Malaca, did not in point of time answer the Covenants of the League, but we shall see him at length in the Government of D. Antony de Noronna performing what he so long delayed. The Queen of Guarcopa and others, as has been related, made up what was wanting in him.

9. This was the end of that mighty League; this the Government, Valour and Fortune of our Viceroy; who opposing all the united Power of India, re-established the Portugues Reputation, so much decayed; For which he deserves an everlasting Fame.

10. D. Luis de Ataide Lord of Atouguia was of unquestioned Valour, had great Ex­perience in Military Affairs, to which he had applied himself from his Youth, and of a Spirit so free from the Infection of Ava­rice, that as others brought from Asia to Portugal heaps of Treasure, he brought four Jars of Water from the four famous Rivers, Indus, Ganges, Tigris and Euphrates, which were preserved many Years in his Castle of Penicbe.

11. After serving in Europe and Africk he went over to India, and served there, and at the Age of twenty-two, was Knighted at [Page 318] Mount Sinai by the Governor D. Stephen [...] Gama. Returning to Portugal he went A [...] bassador to the Emperor Charles V. and was in that Battle in which the Emperor defeat­ed the Lutherans under the Landtgrave and Duke of Saxony; where he behaved himself so well, that Charles V. offered to Knight him, and he said, He had already received that Honour at Mount Sinai, and was there­fore sorry he could not admit it then. The Emperor in the hearing of all answer'd, He more envyed that Honour, than he rejoyced in his Victory.

12. At his arrival at Lisbon King Sebastian caused him to be received under a Canopy, yet afterwards (like King Emanuel and Duarle Pacheco) very much slighted him. We shall see it when he is made the second time Viceroy, being the first that was so twice. D. Antony de Noronna succeeded him now: He was the Tenth that had this Title, and of Governours the Twenty-fourth: The First of the Name and Sirname, the Third Count that had that Post: He was of the larger size, had a good Meen, his Com­plexion white.

CHAP. XII.

1. KING Sebastian thinking the Govern­ment of India, as it was then ex­tended, too great a Burden for one Man, di­vided it into three Parts: The first from Cape Guardafu to the Island Ceylon, which is that of India: The second from Cape Cor­rientes to Guardufu, which is Monomotapa: The third from Pegu to China, which is that of Malaca. The first was given to D. Antony de Noronna, with the Title of Vice­roy; the second to Francis Barreto, and the third to Antony Moniz Barreto, both stiled Governors. Though it may alter things as to point of time, I will speak of them in distinct Chapters, beginning with D. Antony de Noronna.

2. He set out from Lisbon with five Ships, and was followed by two more. They ar­rived at Goa the beginning of September safe as to the number of Ships, for none was lost; but not so as to Men, 2000 dying at Sea of sickness of 4000 that set out. D. Antony came before Hidalcan had raised the Siege, and thereby obtained part of the Honour of obliging him to quit it. Hidalcan lest Com­missioners to conclude the Peace with the new Viceroy. It was proclaimed with great [Page 320] Joy on the 13th of December, and so the Year and the War ended together.

3. The first care of the new Viceroy was to send Relief to Chale in two Galleys, one Galleon and four Ships, and after them two Galleys and t [...]ee other Vessels. But these were soon applied to other uses; D. Iames de Meneses coming from Chale, he sent him back with 1500 Men, who came too late, the Fort being already delivered to Zamori upon Conditions. This surrender was made contrary to the plurality of Votes by the Commander D. George de Castro, overcome by the Prayers and Tears of his Wife and other Ladies that were there, without considering that he was Eighty Years of Age, and ought rather to chuse an honou­rable Death, than a short term of infamous Life. Nor was this all his fault, for the Provision had lasted longer, had not he put it into his Wife's Hands, and she into those of her Slaves. Thus she was the first Eve among the Portugueses of India that tempted her Husband to a Crime of this na­ture, this being the first place so delivered by them to the Enemy. And the Viceroy could not but lose more Honour by loss of Chale, than he could justly pretend to by the raising the Siege of Goa.

4. D. Iames gathering the People that came out of Chale, and were under the Prote­ction of the King of Tanor, left them at Cochin, Then dividing his Fleet with Mathi [...] de Al­buquerque, they clear'd the Sea of Pyrats and secured the Coasts; next they took and de­molished [Page 321] a Fort built by a Nayque subject to Hidalcan, at the mouth of the River San­guicer. Here was killed Antony Fernandez. Chale, a Malabar, who for his Valour and Conduct had often the Honour to Command many of the bravest Gentlemen that were in India at that time. He was of the Order of Christ, was carried to Goa, and there buried with greater State than any till that day, that had not been Governor of India.

5. When the Viceroy accepted this Com­mand in Portugal, so much lessened by the Division of Governments, his great aim was to get an Estate, being poor, and having Children. He thought India might mend his broken Fortune, and that Antony Moniz Barr [...]to would be satisfied with less than was ordered to fit him out for the Government of Malaca; he was deceived, for Moniz was not satisfied with what could be done, nor was India in a Condition to give what was promised him in order to go to Malaca, nor Malaca in a posture for a Man, who look'd upon his Reputation, to go thither with that Title without a considerable Force. The one would not go with what was given him, and the other could not give more. Diffi­culties hard to be composed.

6. Moniz resolved not to go to Malaca, and writ to Portugal that the Reason was, be­cause the Viceroy would not furnish him with what was requisite, as not desiring he should go. Malicious Whispers are gene­rally grateful to Princes and great Men. Those who govern'd King Sebastia [...] (un­happy [Page 322] Kingdom, whose King is a Child!) with­out any other Information besides this Gen­tleman's, which all tended to his own Ad­vantage, committed the weakest Act that has been heard of: Moniz himself will shame them and himself, as shall appear in its pro­per place.

7. The Vice-Roy, after fitting out several Squadrons as usual, and receiving four Ships from Portugal, two whereof were lost in their Return, was obliged to make ready a considerable Succour for Damam, threatned by the Mogol, on account that that Place and Ba [...]aim both belonged to the Kingdom of Cambaya, whereof he was now possessed; and by this Means Sultan Mamud, Heir to the late King of Cambaia, was left to the Tuition of three Great Men, Alucan, Itimi­tican and Madremaluco. Each of these envy­ing the others Fortune, strove to make him­self Master of the young King: And he finding all their Aim was Power, fled from Madremaluco, where he thought himself in danger, to Itimitican, and totally lost him­self. They were all three bad, but this was the worst of all. Therefore, considering the young King might flee from him, as he had done from the others, he resolved to lay aside all Shame, and betray him. Gelalde [...] Hecbar Taxa, King of the Mogols, was now in great Power; to him he offers to deliver the King; by which means, with a small Army, he might possess himself of that Kingdom, whereof he should be Vice­roy, as a Reward of his Treachery. Hecbar [Page 323] agreed, set forward with a good Army; and at the City Amadaba, the Traitor deli­vered up his Prince to him; and so the Mo­gol, without drawing Sword, was seated in the Throne of Cambaia.

8. Hecbar not satisfied with what he had got, resolved to recover the Lands and Towns of Baçaim and Damam. This Design being known, D. Luis de Almeyda, Com­mander of Damam, gave Advice to the Vice­roy; who immediately sent some Succours, and prepared to follow in Person. He set out from Goa the Latter End of December, with nine Galleys, five Gallions, eight Gal­liots, and ninety other Vessels.

9. The Viceroy being come into the Ri­ver of Damam, struck such a Terrour into the Enemy, who was encamped two Leagues off, that the King immediately sent an Am­bassador to the Viceroy, to treat of Peace. The Viceroy received him in his Galley with great State, and firing all the Cannon of the Fleet; and having heard his Propo­sals, sent back with him Anthony Cabrall, who concluded the Peace to the Content of both Parties. The Viceroy returned to Goa, and the Mogol setled himself in the Possession of the Kingdom of Cambaya, cutting off the Head of the Traitor Itimitican, a just Reward of his Villany.

10. The Inhabitants of [...] were of­fended at the Fort lately bui [...]t by us there; they besieged it to the number of 6000. Ruy Gonçalez de Camara, who commanded there, gave Advice to the Viceroy, and provided [Page 324] to make a good Defence. Five Sail came immediately to his Relief; then twelve more, under the Command of D. George de Meneses, who by the Way destroyed the Town of the Naique of Sanguiçer, with great Slaughter of the Enemy, and Loss of two Men. With­out the Bay of Braçalor he took a Ship of Me­ca; and entring, found all was safe, with the Succour of the first Ships.

11. D. Henry de Meneses sailing to the Northward with one Galley and seven other Vessels, near the Islands of Angerula, eight Leagues from Chaul, took two great Ships be­longing to Hidalcan; but a Storm arising, they were all drove ashore, and taken by Mala­bars, who carried them to Hidalcan; and he, because the Ships were taken after the late Conclusion of Peace, (though the Fault was theirs, for answering with their Cannon, when they were required to shew Portuguese. Passes, as had been agreed) caused D. Hen­ry, and all the Portugueses then at his Court, to be put into the Castle of Bilgam; and it cost some trouble to release them, and ap­pease that Prince.

12. It was the Middle of October when the King of Achem (though late, yet pursuant to the great League before spoke of) appeared before Malaca, with almost 100 Sail, 7000 Men, and a vast quantity of Ammunition. He landed the same Night of his Arrival, and suddenly set fire to the Town of Iller; which had been burnt to the Ground, had not as sudden and violent a Shower of Rain quenched it. Iohn Bandara, Captain of the [Page 325] Horse, ran with more Zeal than Discretion to succour the Town, and was killed.

13. The Enemy attempted to burn our Ships; but failing in this, and other Designs, he sate down before the City, resolving to carry it by a regular Siege, having at first thought it would not cost him that Trouble. The City was in a miserable Condition, ve­ry poor, without Men, unhealthy and out of heart, having suffered much by Ship­wrecks, Sickness and Famine, not without deserving it; for Malaca was (I know not whether it is) the Portuguese Ninive in Asia.

CHAP. XIII.

1. MAlaca had, in a manner, no Hopes of Defence; the Enemy incessant­ly battered the Walls, and cut off all Provi­sion from coming to it: There was nothing within but Misery, and Calling upon God for Mercy, without deserving it by any other Action, but because they implored it. So cas [...]e it is to appease the Divine Wrath.

2. So it happened; for in this Extremity, accidentally came into that Port Tristan Vaz de Vega, with one only Ship, in which he sailed for Sanda, to load with Spice. The Be [...]ged earnestly [...]ntreated him to assist [Page 326] them, and he could not but give ear to their Intreaty, though it seemed a Rashness to en­gage a Fleet of an Hundred Sail with Ten, whereof Nine were almost rotten, and un­rigged. Among these were distributed 300 Soldiers, as naked as hungry. The Captain, who might repose much Confidence in his own Valour, acknowledging, in such Cases there ought to be no Trust but in God, gave the Example, and caused all his Men to con­fess, and prepare themselves for Death.

3. About the End of November he sailed, and discovered the Enemy's Fleet in the Ri­ver [...]. He gave the Command of his own Ship to Emanuel Ferreyra, and went himself into a Galliot with his Sword in his Hand, to encourage the Men, seeing him expose himself to the greatest Danger with them. The Signal being given, and the Cannon furiously discharged, our Captain lays the Enemy's Admiral on Board, makes great Havock among 200 Men that were in her, beats down her Flag, and she getting loose, shews him her Stern.

4. Mean while, Ferdinand Perez, with on­ly thirteen Men, in a small Vessel, took a Galley. Ferdinand de Lemos runs his Ship with such force against another, that he over­set and sunk her. Francis de Lima having ta­ken another, burnt it, to be at leisure to re­turn to the Fight, that still continued. Ema­nuel Ferreyra, who was in Vega's Ship, sunk three Vessels, unrigged others, and killed many Men. To be short, Every one fought to admiration, the whole Enemies Fleet fled, [Page 327] except four Galleys and seven small Vessels that were burnt or sunk; 700 of the Enemy were kill'd and taken, of ours only five were slain: Our Ships waited three days to see if the Enemy would return, and then carried this joyful News to Malaca, where it was scarce believed.

5. Let us see what was doing at the Ma­lucos. Whilst Gonçalo Pereyra Marramaque, our Admiral in those Seas, carried Relief to Ternate from Amboina, this Fort was Besieg'd by the Fleet of Ternate, sent by the King ei­ther to stop Pereyra from going to relieve our Men whom he held in great Distress, or if he were gone to possess themselves of those Islands. They being too late to stop him, besieged the People of Ulate in the Islands of Iliacer. They had been forty days shut up, when D. Duarte de Meneses with Sancho de Vasconcelos, who commanded at Sea, came to their Relief. They of Ulate encourag'd with this Succor, fell upon the Besiegers and put them to flight. They presented our Captain with Baskets of Heads, and he re­turning to Amboina, found D. Duarte dead, and succeeded him in that Command. The Command of the Sea he gave to Simon de A­breu, call'd Papabierro, that is Sword-swal­lower, because, being concern'd in many Duels, he always disarm'd his Adversary.

6. Being abroad with his Squadron he met that of Ternate, and there began a furious Battle, but the other Vessels in the heat of the Action forsook him, and he overpower'd by the Multitude was killed, and 25 men [Page 328] with him. Autony Lop [...]z de Resende, who went not off with those Cowards, came to succour him, but it being too late; the Ene­my offer'd him Quarter, and he refused it, saying, He bad rather die as his Commander had done. The Admiral of Ternate attacks, him, and he taking a Cannon upon his Shoulder (I suppose it was a little one) or­der'd a Souldier to give fire to it, so succes­fully, that it broke the Admiral's Leg. His Men thought him dead, and whilst they were busie about him Resende had time to make his escape, having lost four Men in this great Action.

7. The little King of Atua, a new Con­vert, who had fought bravely, was betrayed to Reboanje, Commander of the Ternatenses, who offer'd him his Life if he would renounce the Faith, and threatned him with a new sort of Martyrdom if he refused: He con­tinued firm; and being hung by a Rope be­tween two Vessels, Reboanje's Galley run with all its force at, and tore him to pieces.

8. Iohn de Silva succeeded in the Com­mand of the Sea. All our Men seeing so many misfortunes befal us in those Islands, were for quitting them: Only Sancho de Vas­concelos protested he would not abandon the Christians of those Islands, affirming, if no Body would bear him Company he would stay alone and defend them with the Natives, They were all asham'd, and yielded to his Resolution. They quitted Ito, and fortified themselves upon the Point of Rosanive, where the Land makes a Bay of four Leagues in [Page 329] Length, and three Leagues over at the mouth, and runs up still narrower like a Pyramid; on one side of the Point is the pleasant and plentiful Town of Rosanive, the Inhabitants thereof and the neighbouring Places were our Friends. There the new Fort was built, the Atives and Tavires labouring at it with great Fidelity to the Portugueses, by whom they were reduced to the Faith, which they firmly adhered to. Iohn de Silva went to Malaca for Succor, which was granted him by Francis de Costa commanding there, and was cast away in the Bay of Tapara, where the Men were made Slaves.

9. Though these were lost, yet some Sup­plies came to Amboina, sent by the Viceroy. Our Enemies at Atua falling on a sudden up­on the Portugueses, killed five and an Italian [...]esuit. Mascarennas fled into the Woods, whence he was brought out at the end of eight days almost famished. Sancho gather­ing our Friends, fell upon Atua, and killed not only the Children at their Mother's Breasts, but the very Beasts. In the Island [...], twelve Leagues distant, he did the same, some of the Natives retiring to a Moun­tain.

10. At this time time arrived at Goa four Ships from Portugal, under the Command of D. Francis de Sousa, who as soon as he land­ed, went to the Archbishop D. Gasper, and deliver'd to him a Letter from the King, and other Papers. Scarce had that ancient and learned Man seen them, when without any consideration, he committed a great weak­ness, [Page 330] putting those Orders in Execution; for there being several Circumstances that ought to be weighed by a Person of his Years and Profession, he instantly with great disorder called together several persons appointed for this extravagant Action into the Church▪

11. The Orders were read by a Cryer; they contain'd, That D. Antony de Noronn [...] should be deposed from the Viceroyship, and that Antony Moniz Barreto should imme­diately succeed him with the Title of Go­vernour. All Noronna's Crime, whereby he merited to be thus deposed, was, that he gave not to Moniz what was not in his power to give; and all the Merit of Moniz, that he promised that which afterwards he could not perform. D. Antony return'd to Portu­gal, though slighted, not inglorious; for extravagant Injuries done by Superiors, are rather Honours than Affronts to the Person that receives them: Yet he not well consi­dering it, died for Grief, as did his Wife and Brother-in-law; and that Minister [...] State who was the cause of their Death, by crediting so slightly the Information of An­tony Moniz, being sensible of the wrong he had done, broke his Heart: And King Se­bastian hearing of the Death of D. Antony, declared he was sorry it happen'd before [...] had made him reparation of his Hono [...] D. Antony was a Man of great Honour, Si [...] cerity and Prudence, and who, according to the Rules of the World, deserved his ill Fortune. His Visage long and disagreeable, his Body large and gross. In the number of [Page 331] Viceroys he was the 11th, in that of Gover­nors the 25th; the 1st of the Name, and 4th of the Sirname; he held the Government [...]wo Years, and deserved to hold it many.

CHAP. XIV.

1. SCarce had the Bishop concluded that Act so misbecoming the Pastoral Staff, 1573▪ when he took out another Order, wherein Gonçalo Pereyra Marramaque was appointed to succeed Antony Moniz Barreto in the Go­vernment of Malaca, and in default of him D. Leonis Pereyra was named. The latter suc­ceeded, for the other died after relieving of Ternate. This done, that Pharisaical Caba [...] broke up, and hasted to carry the News to [...]he Viceroy, who received it with such un­concernedness as might well put them all out of Countenance.

2. Advice is now brought, that Malaca [...]s again in danger, the K [...]ng of Achem being again before it, assisted by the Queen of Ia­ [...]a. The new Governor orders D. Leonis Per [...]yra to be gone to his Government to [...]ccour that place; D. Leonis demands of [...]im what he had before demanded of D. A [...]tony, and he returns the same answer No­ [...]a had given him, without remembring [Page 332] what he had writ to the King, or consider­ing he had now less reason to refuse D. L [...] ­onis, than Noronna had to deny him, for then India was threatned by all the Power of the East, and was now deliver'd of that danger. D. Leonis, to take all manner of excuse from him, would have been satisfied with much less now, than Moniz demanded before: But even that was not given him, and he came away for Portugal; where that was his Justification for not taking upon him that Command, but was not esteemed an Offence to deprive Moniz of the Govern­ment, as it was with less reason in the Case of D. Antony; whereby it appears, the Will of Ministers of State makes the Crimes or Merit of such as depend on them.

3. This Year passed without any thing remarkable, and about the end of it arriv'd six Ships from Portugal: They carried an Order for Trying and Executing D. George do Castro, for delivering up the Fort of [...] to Zamori. He was taken into Custody, and with him his Wife Donna Felipa, who, tho' really guilty of the Crime, was not liable to undergo the Punishment. He suffer'd for her, and all that were in fault, having his Head cut off upon a Scaffold in the Market Place of Goa; and it was observ'd, that others who were as much to blame as he, did not only escape unpunish'd, but were re­warded; and it is yet more remarkable, that a Year after a Commission was sent from Portugal, for D. George de Castro to serve in another Post.

[Page 333] 4. Scarce did India begin to breath, after so many Troubles, and particularly Malaca, when the Queen of Iapara sent to Besiege it, her General Quiaidaman with 15000 chosen Natives of Iava, in almost 80 great Galleons, and above 220 smaller Vessels. Tristan Vaz de Vega was come back thither from Sunda after the late Victory: By com­mon Consent, and with much Justice, he was chose Commander of that Place, D. Francis Enriquez his Predecessor being dead. He gave Advice of the danger to the Governor Antony Moniz, and he to all the neighbour­ing Places, promising to requite whatever they should do in order to relieve the Be­sieged; whereby such Succours came into them on a sudden, as put them into a good posture of Defence.

5. Mean while Moniz demanded of the Chamber of Goa to lend him 20000 Pardaos to fit out a Fleet, and finding them back­ward, offer'd his Son Duarte Moniz, a Boy of eight Years of age, as a Pledge; the Chamber gave the Money, and took the Pledge.

6. Whilst this Fleet was fitting out, the General of Iava began to act in the same manner the Ring of [...] had done, at­tacking Iller; and D. Antony de Castro coming with only ten Men to defend it was killed, as Bandara had been the last Siege. The whole Army landed and lodged themselves [...]ound the Town. Vega sent Iohn Pereyra and Martin Ferreyra with 150 men to beat the Enemy from a Post; they killed 70 of [Page 334] them, levelled their Works, and brought off seven Pieces of Cannon. Pereyra afterwards burnt above 30 of their Galleons, and some great Engines they had framed to attack a Bastion. Ferdinand Perez de Andrade a d [...] Bernardin de Silva burnt their Palisades. In all these Actions we lost 15 or 20 me [...]. The River being thus cleared, Pereyra with our Vessels besieges the Besiegers, and at In takes the Provisions that were coming to them; whereupon in great Consternation they Imbarqued and went off by night. P [...] ­reyra pursues and cuts off their Rear: Almost half the 15000 perished by Fire, Sword, and Sickness during the Siege, which lasted three months, and the pursuit of three hours.

7. The King of Achem and Queen of I [...] ­para took it by turns, for when he left the 1575. Port she came in, and he now comes in [...] she goes out. He came now with 40 Gallies, some Ships, Galliots and other Vessels, to the number of 100, with a great Train of Artillery. Tristan Vaz order'd Iohn Perey [...] in a Galley, Bernardin de Silv [...] in a Caravel, and Ferdinand de Pall [...]res in a Ship with each 40 Men to go out to guard the Provisions that were coming, and whereof the City was in great want; the Enemy falls upon them, and in an instant beat all three to pieces; 75 Men perish'd by Fire; Sword and Water, 40 were taken, and only five sav'd themselves by swimming, the three Captains fought to their last breath. Iohn Pereyra promised s [...] to do, to one who seeing all lost offered hi [...] a Boat in which he might have escaped. [Page 335] Only 150 men remained in Malaca to de­fend it, and of these 100 were sick and aged. Want of Men and Ammunition caused them to be very still in the City. The Enemy not knowing the Cause, imagined they had some cunning Stratagem in hand, and in a panick Fear raised the Siege, when they might have carried the Town, contenting themselves with their success against the three Captains. They came into the Port in the beginning of Ianuary, and went out about the latter end.

8. The Priests, Women and Children had cried loud with sighs and tears, implo­ring the Mercy of God, which at length they obtain'd: Next to God the City was saved by Tristan Vaz de Vega's Courage, be­ing ready upon all Occasions; and by his liberality having spent above 20000 Ducats, wherewith he has purchased a never-dying Honour. The Succours the Governour sent came too late.

9. D. Iohn de Costa, Admiral of the Ma­labar Seas, cruized there victorious with two Gallies and 24 other Vessels. He fell upon the Town of Gaipar, near Braçalor, then in Rebellion, kill'd 1500 of the Inhabitants, burnt the Town, and cut down the Woods. Thus the King of Tolar, grown haughty, was humbled. In the River of Chale he de­stroyed an Island belonging to Zamori. A­bove that his City of Parapangulem could not escape its Ruin. The Heir of the Crown coming to the Relief of it, was killed with 200 Moors. At Cap [...]cate 300 were [...]ain, with [Page 336] the loss of two on our side. At Mount De­lii, the Town of Nilachiram was consumed to Ashes. Between these Actions, several Vessels were taken, which supplied the Gal­leys with Slaves, and the Fleet with Provi­sions.

10. Let us now see our Dominion in the Molucos drawing to an end. New Comman­ders were still sent to ruin all by their Ava­rice, with strength to maintain the Fort: D. Alvaro de Ataide was now there, and Nanno Pereyra under Sail to succeed him. The King of Ternate continued the Seige, and the place was almost famished. It look­ed as if God had undertaken the Re­venge of his Father's Death, and assisted him to starve that Garrison; for no Succor was sent thither, but perished. Of all Marra­maque his Squ [...]dron not the least Vessel re­turn'd to Goa; four Ships that went with Antony de Valadares and Lacerda were cast away in several places, and he got thither a­lone, and after him Francis de Lima with a Galliot. These were comforts to the Be­sieged, but no perfect Cure. The King of Ujantana, our Friend, supplied the Enemy with Arms. Sancho de Vasconcelos coming from Amboina to succor the Besieged to small effect, found a Galleon of his loaded with them in the Port; and a Portugues Ship at Banda in danger of falling into the hands of those People: For, seeing the decay of ou [...] Affairs on that side, every one strove to ha­sten our Ruin. Belchior Botello going with one Galleon to relieve the Fort, was ca [...] [Page 337] away on the Sands Solocos, Another in which D. Alvaro was going, away, after resigning that Command to Nunno, was beat to pieces in the Harbor. The great Ship of Lionel de Brito came when there was no Fort therē, and was lost afterwards. Other Supplies, a great deal of Cannon, much Merchandise and Ammunition, and above 2000 Men de­sign'd thither, perish'd all by lamentable dis­asters. The Murderer of that innocent King was stabbed by the People of Iava, rather as Executioners of God's Justice, than Ene­mies to the Portugueses. Gonçalo Pereyra Marramaque, who consented to the Murder, died for meer Grief of so many Misfortunes, as he sailed for Amboina, and was cast into the Sea.

11. In [...]ine, our Dominion in that Island came to a dishonourable Period; for those who had so insolently treated the Ternatenses, were forced to beg their Lives of them, de­livering up the Fort to the King, who treat­ed them better than they deserved.

12. The King entring the Fort, protested before the Portugueses, he did not take pos­session of it for himself, but in trust for the King of Portugal, and would deliver it to whoever he should appoint, as soon as the Murder of his Father was punish'd. I be­lieve they never demanded the Fort, becaus [...] they would not oblige themselves to do Ju­stice. This was the second Place we lost after this manner in Asia. The loss of this Place was not punished as that of Chale, the C [...]ime being the same, only with this [Page 338] difference, that the Tears of the Women extorted the one, and the Perswasions of Je­suits the other. The arrival of that Ship, with sufficient Supplies was a testimony of the Guilt. But both places being lost for want of Relief, they ought rather to have been Executed who did not relieve, than they that surrendred them. It was a good answer of the King of Persia to a Portugues Ambassador, when asking, How many Gover­nours of India the King had beheaded? the Ambassador said, None: Then replied the King, The Dominion of the Portugueses in India will not last long.

13. Our Affairs at Amboina were not in much better a posture; for though Sancho de Vasconcelos did more than could be ex­pected of his force, yet it was less than was requisite, it was but rising and falling. He defeated two Fleets of Ternate, killed their Commanders, and Cachil Tidore; the People of Amboina slew Maladam, and many more, and eat them; for they use to eat those they kill in the Church. By his Order Alexander de Mattos destroyed the Island Iamam, but at length the Natives kill­ed him and all his Men; but afterwards D. Henry, Unkle to the King of Ti­dore, coming with Two hundred and fifty Men, slew Two thousand of them. Two Natives of those Islands, as big as Giants, killed with their own hands, the one above Twenty, the other above Thirty Men. San ho returned again, and entred the same Town.

[Page 339] 14. The People of Amboina designed pri­vately to Murder Sancho de Vasconcelos. He suspecting that Ruy de Sousa, a new Con­vert, and the principal Man of Rosanive, was the Author of that Conspiracy, sent friend­ly for, and then secured him by the advice of some Portugueses, not without the help of the Jesuits, believing it was for the bet­ter, and they ruined all: For Sousa escaping out of Prison, did what he never had de­sign'd, joining our Enemy, and killing a good number of our Men, which put our Affairs into a desperate Posture.

15. This Year F. Peter de Alfaro with three Companions entred the City of Quan­tung, and perceiving he did not profit much there, returned to Macao, where he built the Church. He was a Spaniard, and seem'd to foresce, that what belong'd now to the Portugueses only would soon belong to his Nation. A token of his Sanctity is, that perishing by Shipwrack, he was afterwards found on the Shore upon his Knees.

16. This Year concludes with the arrival of four Ships from Portugal. Since there is no Account to be found of what our Governor acted the next Year till D. Iames de Meneses succeeded him, let his Government end here, and I will go over to the Relation of what was done these very Years, in Monomotapa, by the Governour Francis Barreto, and his Suc­cessour Vasco Fernandez Homem. Antony Moniz Barreto was a Man deserving of that Post he obtained, though he got it not fair­ly, [Page 340] and was one of the best Governors of India, the Twenty-sixth of that Number, and Second of the Name and Sirname.

CHAP. XV.

1. SInce, by reason of the Disagreement between Antony Moniz Barreto, and the Viceroy D. Antony de Norronna, and D. Leonis Pereyra, the Government of Ma­laca, one of the three into which that Dominion was divided, took no effect, let us go over to the other of Monomotapa, which was erected, though it lasted not long. When Francis Barreto returned to Portugal, after having been Governor of In­dia, he was appointed Admiral of the Gal­lies: He exercised this Command at the time of that memorable Action of Pennon, by which he gain'd great Reputation. Being come back to Lisbon, and the King resolv'd to make that Division of Governments, he named him for Monomotapa, with the addi­tional Title of Conqueror of the Mines there. The great inducement to this Con­quest, was the Information and Experience of the vast quantity of Gold found, particu­larly [Page 341] at Manica in the Kingdom of Bocaranga.

2. The Doubt was, whether it were proper for a Man who had been Gover­nour of all our Dominions in Asia, and this Southern Part of Africk to accept of this, which was the least considerable part into which it was divided, but the danger and difficulty of it made amends for the great­ness. Three things prevailed with him to accept of it; the first, that he was poor; the second, that he thought it no lessening to take a less Command in Obedience to his Prince; and the third, that it was allowed him, in case the Viceroy and he met at Sea, their Power should be equal in all respects.

3. In fine, Francis Barreto submitted to his King's Command, and the Desires of his Country, and sailed from Lisbon in April, 1569, as Captain, General, and Governor of that Conquest, with three Ships. He carried One thousand Landmen, and might have had more, if the Vessels could have con­tained them; for the noise of Gold drown­ed the thoughts of danger, and nothing raises Men like the thoughts of gain. A­mong these were many Gentlemen and old African Soldiers. Being come to Moçambique, he went to subdue the King of Pate, who was revolted from us.

4. Barreto had Orders not to undertake any thing without the Advice of Francis de Monclaros, a Jesuit, who was the cause of the ill Success of this Enterprize. So great an Error it is to subject a Soldier to a reli­gious Man: So indiscreet a Presumption [Page 342] for a religious Man to undertake what does not belong to his profession: There were two ways to the Mines, the one through Monomotapa, the other by Zofala, Barreto was for this, Monclaros for the other, and car­ryed it, notwithstanding, all the Votes to the contrary, and so the first step they gave was to their ruin.

5. Now the Governor enters upon this Conquest, let us say somthing of its Climate, quality, and extent. The Coast from Cape Delgado to Mozambique, is in the form of a bow; it begins in 9 deg of S. lat. and ends in 14 d. 3 m. in which space are the Islands Pajaros, Mesa; one at the Mouth of the River Paudagi, Mocoloe, Matemo, Queriba, Cobra, near the River Menluane, Quisve, and Cabras, or Del Açotado. Then follow the Rivers, M [...]cutii, Mucululo, Situ, Habe, Xan­ga, Samoco, Veloso, Pinda, Quizimaluco, Tin­tagone. Between these last are the Bays of Xanga and Fuego, and the Sands of Pinda. From Mocambique to the Port of the Bay of Cauea, in 21 deg and half of S. lat. The Continent runs to the Westward, gathering the Waters, where appears the Parcel de Z [...]fala, the dangerous Scylla, and Caribdis of those Seas, into which falls these Rivers, Moeugo, Bayones, M [...]ge, Mojuncoale, San­gage, Ambuzi, (here lie the three Islands of Angoxa,) Monca, Macolonga, (with three other Islands) Tondamaje, Corombeca, Que­sungo, Loranga, Chimani, Mogundo, Mafusa, (between the last are the Ports of Quilimane, and Luabo, with the Island Chimgoma,) Ten­dicalu, [Page 343] Quiloe, Sabam, Bagoe, Miave, Zofala, (with the opposite Island called Inbansato) Quiloane, Mambony, Molimon, Quilamancohi. Between Cape B [...]siqua in 32 deg. of S. lat. and Cape Correntes in 23, is the great Bay of Sau [...]a. Into this Bay falls the River In­hambane, where is the Trade of Ivory. From these names I infer the Language of those People, cannot be harsh, being mostly com­pounded of the soft Letters, L. and M.

6. The Empire of Monomotapa from the Mouth of Cuama in the East, runs 250 Leagues, is divided by the great River Zam­bere, which falls into that of Chiri, running through the Country of Borero, where are many other large Rivers, and on their banks many King's, some absolute, some Subjects of Monomotapa; the greatest of the first is Mongas, bordering on C [...]ama and Zambere, which falls into the Sea, between Mozam­bique and Zofala, to the S. E. by four Mouths. The first that of Quilimane, 90 Leagues from Mozambique. The second Cuama, 25 to the Southward. The third Luabo, 5 Leagues lower, and the fourth Luaboel, 15 more to the South. Between them are fruitful and large Islands, whereof one is 60 Leagues in compass. The River is Navigable, the same number of Leagues up to the Town of Sena, inhabited by Portugueses, and as many more to Tete, a Colony of theirs also. The richest Mines are those of Musapa, called Anfur, the Ophir where the Queen of Saba had her Riches, when she went to Hierusa­lem. In these Mines has been found a lum [...] [Page 344] of Gold worth 12000 Ducats, and another of the value of 400000. It is not only found among Stones, but grows up within the bark of several Trees to the top, where the branches spread. The Mines of Man­cbica and Butica are not much inferior to these. There are many others not so considerable. There are three Fairs or Markets, whither our People Trade for this Gold, from the Castle of Tete on the River Zambeze, 120 [...]ngues from the Sea; the first is Luane four Days journey up the inland. The se­cond Buento farther distant, and Masapa the third, yet farther of. This Gold was pur­chased for Cloth, glass-beads, and other things of no value among us. At Masapa re­sides a Portugues Officer appointed by the Commander of Moçambique, by consent of the Emperor of Monomotapa, but upon con­dition, not to go into the Country, without his leave upon pain of Death: He is Judge of the differences that arise there. There are Churches of the Dominicans at Massapa, Bo­cuto, and Luanze.

7. The Original, number and time of the Reign of the Kings is not known; it is be­lieved, there were several in the time of the Queen of Saba, and that they were subject to her, for thence she had her Gold. In the Mountain Afur, near Masapa, are seen the ruins of stately buildings, supposed to be Pallaces and Castles; in Process of time, the Empire was divided into three Kingdoms, Quiteve, Sabanda, and Chiganga, this last the most powerful, as possessing the Mines [Page 345] of Manchica, Butua, and others; its believ­ed, the Blacks of Butua of the Kingdom of Chicanga, are those that carry the Gold to Angola, because 'tis thought there are but 100 Leagues distance between those two pla­ces; this Country bears Rice, and what we call Indian-wheat, has abundance of all sorts of Cattle, Fowl, and Gardening: Their chief care is Pastorage and Tillage; this Empire is divided into 25 Kingdoms, which are Mongas, Baroe, Manica, Boesa, Ma­cingo, Remo, Chique, Chiria, Chidima, Boquizo, Inbanzo, Chiruvia, Condesaca, Daburia, Ma­curumbe, Mungussi, Antiovaza, Cbove, Chun­gue, Dvia, Romba, Rassini, Chirao, Mocaran­ga, and Remo de Beza; there are many Lordships, that have not the Title of Kings.

8. The Emperor has a great Palace, though of Wood; the chief Apartments of it are three, one for himself, another for his Wife, and a third for his menial Servants; it has three Doors into a Court, one for the Queen, to go in and out at, another for him and the Servants that attend his Person, and are Sons of his Noblemen; the third for the Cooks, who are two great Men and his Relations; and the under-Cooks who are also Men of Quality. None of these must be above 20 Years of Age, for till that Age, they do not believe they have to do with Women, and if any do, they are severely punished; after that time, they are preferred to great imployments: Those within Doors, are governed by a Captain, and those with­out [Page 346] by another, as formerly in Spain, the Alcalde de los Donçeles.

9. The Principal Officers about the King are, Ningomoxa Governor of the Kingdoms, Mocomoaxa, Captain General, Ambuya great Steward; to him it belongs when the Ma­zarira or the King's Principal Wife dies, to name another in her stead, but it must be one of the King's Sisters or nearest Rela­tions; Inbantovo, the head Musitian, who has many under him, and is a great Lord; Nurucao, Captain of the Van-guard; Bucu­rumo, which signifies the King's Right-hand; Magande, the chief Conjurer; Netambe, the Apothecary that keeps the Ointments and utencils for Sorcery; Nebono, chief Porter. All these Offices are executed by Lords; there is no delicacy in Cookery used; they only Eat boyl'd and roasted, they Eat the same as is usual among us, with the addition of mice, which they esteem as good as Par­tridge or Rabbet.

10. The King has many Wives, only nine called great Queens, which are his Sisters, or near Relations; the others the Daugh­ters of Nobles. The chiefest is called Ma­zarira, and Mother of the Portugueses, who often present her, because she sollicites their business with the King; and he sends no Embassador to them without some Servant of hers; the second is Inahanda, that sol­licites for the Moors; the third Nabuiza that lives in the same Apartment with him; the fourth Navemba; the fifth Nemangore; the sixth Nizingoapangi; the seventh Ne­mongoro; [Page 347] the eight Nessani; the ninth Neca­runda, each of them lives apart, with as great state as the King, and have several Re­venues and Kingdoms for their expence. As soon as one dies, another succeeds in place and name; they have power to reward and punish, as well as the King; sometimes he goes to them, sometimes they come to him; there are many Women waiting on them, of whom he makes use as he pleases.

11. The Principal People of Monomotapa, and whereof the Emperor is, are the Moca­rangi, not warlike, nor furnished with any other Arms, but Bows, Arrows, and Jave­lines; they have no Religion nor Idols, but acknowledge one only God, and believe there is a Devil, that he is wicked, and they call him Muzuco: They believe their Kings go to Heaven, and call them Muzimos, and call upon them in time of need, as we on the Saints. They speak of things past by tra­dition, having no knowledge of Letters. They give Ear to the Doctrine of Christi­anity; the lame and blind they call the King's Poor, because maintained by him with great Charity; and if they travel, the Towns they go through are obliged to maintain and fur­nish them guides from one place to another. A good example for Christians.

12. Every Month has its Festival Days, and is divided into three Weeks, each of 10 Days; the first Day is that of the New-Moon, and the Festivals the fourth and fifth of each Week: On these Days they put on their best Apparel, the King gives publick [Page 348] Audience to all, holding a Truncheon about three quarters of a Yard long in each hand, as it were leaning upon it; they who speak to him lye prostrate, this lasts from Morn­ing till Evening: If he is indisposed, Ningo­moxa stands in his place, no body can speak to him, or go to Court, on the 8th Day of the New-Moon, because it is held most un­lucky.

13. On the Day the New-Moon appears, the King with two Javelins runs about in his House, as if he were Fighting, the great Men are present at this pastime, and it being ended, a pot full of Indian wheat, boyled whole, is brought, which he scatters about the Ground, bidding them Eat, because it is the growth of the Earth; they know how to flatter, for every one strives to gather most, knowing that pleases him, and they Eat it as savourly, as if it were the great­est dainty.

14. Their greatest Holy-day, is the first Day of the Moon of May, they call it Chu­avo: On this Day all the great Men, which are a vast number, resort to Court, and there with Javelins in their Hands run about repre­senting a Fight; the sport lasts all Day, then the King withdraws, and is not seen in eight Days after, during which time, the Drums never cease beating. On the last Day he orders the Nobleman he has the least affecti­on for to be killed; this is in the nature of a Sacrifice he offers to his Muzimos, or An­cestors; this done, the Drums cease, and every Man goes home. The Mumbos Eat [Page 349] Man's flesh, whereof there is a Publick Butchery. Let this suffice for the Customs of this Empire, for it would be endless to re­late all.

CHAP. XVI.

1. SUch was the Country whether the Go­vernour Francis Barreto was now going, he set out from Mozambique with more Ves­sels than he brought and more Men, Tools, Camels, Horses, and other necessaries for War, and for the work of the Mines; hav­ing Sailed Ninety Leagues, he went up the River Cuama, called by our first discoverer De las buenas sennales, he came to Sena, or Fort St. Marcalis, as F. Monclaros desired, and repaired the Town Inaparapala, which is near to another of the Moors, they being always professed Enemies to the Christians, began to undermine our designs, as they had formerly done in India; they attempted to poyson our Army, and some Men and Horses began to Die, and the cause being disco­vered by one of them, they were all put to the Sword, and the Chief of them torn to pieces at the mouths of Guns, except one (called Mahomet Iame) who affirming the Blessed Virgin had appeared to him, and [Page 350] commanded him to become a Christian, by the name of Lawrence; he had the favour to be strangled. The discoverer was par­doned.

2. Barreto sent an Embassador to the Em­peror, who for the more honour admitted him to his Presence, not as other Embassa­dors were treated at this Court, which is to go without Arms, bare-footed, on their Knees, and when they come near, prostrating them­selves on the ground. The effect of the Embassy was to desire leave to punish the King of Mongas who was in Rebellion, and go on to the Mines of Butua and Manchica: The first part was a piece of flattery, to obtain the second, because the Lands of Mongas lie between Sena and the Mines, and it was necessary to make way with the Sword. He consented to all, and offered One hun­dred thousand Men; Bareto accepted not of them, because he would give him no share in the Honour gained in that War, and thinking thereby to oblige him the more.

3. He marched ten Days with Twenty three Horse, and Five hundred and sixty Musquetiers, (enduring much by Hunger and Thirst) for the most part along the River Zambeze, over whose most rapid stream hang pieces of the high Mountain Lupata, ninety Leagues distant from the Ethiopian Sea. At the end of this tedious march, they began to discover part of the Enemy, and soon after saw the-Mountains and Valleys covered with Arm'd Men, the Governor was not daunted, seeing it was [Page 351] hard to discover the end of that multitude, he drew up, and gave the Van to Vasco Fer­nando Homem, he had the Rear, and between the bodies was the baggage, and some Field pieces; when they came to charge, he re­moved the Canon to the Front and Flanks, the two unequal bodies advanced, the Ene­my in the sorm of a half-Moon; before they engaged, an old Woman advanced and scat­tered some Powder towards our Men, having perswaded the Enemy (she was a notorious Witch) that that Powder alone would gain the Victory.

4. Barreto understanding the superstition, having seen t [...]e like in India, ordered a Gun­ner to level a [...]iece at her; which was so well performed, the old Woman was torn to pieces; the Cafres were astonished, be­lieving her immortal. Barreto rewarded the Gunner with a Gold Chain; the Enemy ad­vance without order, either through igno­rance, or relying on their multitude, and clouds of Arrows and Darts begin to fly, but our Musquetiers killing them by Hun­dreds, they turned their backs, many were killed in the pursuit, and then our Men or­dered to halt; the Governor marches to the City Mongas, and meets another multitude like the former, which in like manner was put to flight, above Six thousand Cafres were slain, and two of our Men, and the Gover­nor was sorced to alight and lead his Men; the City was entered without opposition, being abandoned, our Men entrench'd, and in the Morning discovered an Army as great [Page 352] as both the former; the Cafres were again routed, and beg'd peace in the King's name. The Governor received the Messenger with such Majesty, that he was astonished, and could not speak; being come to himself, and having delivered his Message, Barreto promised he would see the King, and mat ters should be adjusted.

5. The next Day our Men marched and incamped in a convenient place where Em­bassadors came from the King to treat of Peace. It happened one of our Camels broke loose and came so near the Gover­nor, that he stoped him till they came up that were in pursuit of him; [...]e Cafres hav­ing never seen such a Beast, admired it stop­ped at the Governor, thinking it some sub­mission it made to him, and began to ask some questions. He making his advantage of their ignorance, told them, he had many of those Beasts that only fed upon Man's flesh, and having devoured all that were killed, that Beast came from the rest to desire he would not make Peace, because they would come to want Food; they astonished hereat, earnestly intreated him, he would desire the Camels to be satisfied with good Beef, and they would instantly bring them a great number. He granted their request, and marched on. He was in great distress for Pro­vision when news came his presence was re­quired at Mocambique. He gave the Com­mand of the Forces to Vasco, and departed [...] The cause was this,

[Page 353] 6. Antony Pereyra Brandam, who at the Molucos had committed Crimes that deserved the severest punishment, in Portugal was con­demned to banishment into Africk; he de­sired the Governor he might be permitted to go with him to Monomotapa; he did it, and being come to Moçambique, gave him the Command of that Fort. Brandam, though Eighty Years of Age, and under such obli­gations, resolved to secure himself in the Fort, and defame Francis Barreto with false informations sent to the King: the Original Papers fell into the Governor's Hands, who being come to Moçambique, showed them to him, and he falling down and kissing his Feet begg'd Pardon; Barreto lifted up and forgave him, then giving the Command of the Fort to Laurence Godino, returned to prosecute his design.

7. Our Governor being come to the Fort of Sena, F. Monclaros came out in a great rage to tell him, he should desist from that Conquest, with which he had imposed upon the King, that no more Men might be lost, for he should be answerable to God for what had, and should die. It was most certain, Barreto was not the promoter of that Con­quest, and Monclaros was in fault for all the miscarriage that had been committed; Bar­reto took this insolence so much to Heart, that he died within two Days without any other Sickness, breathing out his Soul in sighs. Doubtless the Jesuit had more to an­swer for his death, than he, for the miscarri­ages the Jesuit was guilty of.

[Page 354] 8. King Sebastian much resented this loss, and particularly expressed it by the honou­rable Reception he made to his Body when brought to Lisbon. So this great Man ha­ving escaped so many Bullets among the In­dians, so many Darts and Arrows among the Cafres, and the Malice of a Villain, fell by the Words of a religious Man.

CHAP. XVII.

1. THE Governor Francis Barreto being dead, an order of the King's found among his Papers was opened, by which Vasco Fernândez Homem his Major, was ap­pointed to succeed him. The Perswasions of F. Monclaros, who now disliked the Conquest, so far prevailed with him, that forgetting his Duty he returned to Moçambique. There some understanding Persons, and chiefly Francis Pinto Pimentel his Kinsman, repre­sented this Affair in such manner to him, that he returned to Monomotapa. Being now delivered of that religious Man, who went away to Portugal, he set out by the way of Zofala, as Francis Barreto would have done, that being the properest Road for the De­sign in hand: He marched directly towards [Page 355] the Mines of Manchica of the Kingdom Chi­canga, bordering by the Inland with that of Quiteyve, the next in Power to Monomotapa. With him was the same number of Men, and sorts of Instruments his Predecessor had. To oblige the King of Quiteyve, he Com­plemented and sent him Presents, and tho' these are the most efficacious means to make all things easie, that Prince grew so jealous of these Solicitations, that he received all very coldly.

2. The Governor not making much ac­count of his Answer, marched into his King­dom. Several Bodies of Cafres attempted to stop his Passage, but were routed with great slaughter. The King seeing he did not prevail by force of Arms, had recourse to Policy. He caused all the People and Provisions to be withdrawn from the Towns and Country, so that our Men suffered ex­tream want till they came to Zimbaoe his Court, whence he was fled, and had forti­fied himself in inaccessible Mountains. Vasco burnt the City, and marched on to Chicanga, the King whereof rather through fear than love, received him with exterior signs of Affection, and gave him free passage to the Mines. Our Men marched to them, many believing they should gather Gold by hand­fuls; but seeing the Natives with much dif­ficulty gather'd but little in a long time, and not being expert at that work, and that to make any thing of it, more Men and Ma­terials were requisite, they return'd the [Page 356] way they came, and parted Friends with that King.

3. Though they obtained not what was sought this way, yet the ease wherewith they came to the place designed, evinced how great an Error it was to impose F. Monclaros as Director to the late Governor, who, only to follow his own extravagant Humour, lead him a way so dangerous and tedious. Vasco returned to Quiteyve, and that King did now for fear what he refused before, permitting the Portugueses to march to the Mines of Maninnas, only upon con­dition they should pay him Twenty Crowns yearly. Vasco passed thence to the Kingdom of Chicova, bordering upon Monomotapa to the Norward along the Inland. The cause of undertaking this March was, the Account he had of rich Silver Mines. Having en­camped, he ask the Cafres for the Mines and they seeing it was in vain to resist, and fearing the discovery of the Mines would be their Ruine, scattering some Ore far enough from the Mines, shewed it, telling them, there they were.

4. By this means the Cafres got time to escape; for our Men giving credit to them let them go, perhaps not desiring they should see what Treasure they got. The Governor caused all round about to be dug, and after much labour it was no wonder he did not find what was not there. Provision growing scarce, and finding no Fruit of his Labour, he marched away, leaving Captain Antony Cardoso de Almeyda with Two hun­dred [Page 357] Men, and Necessaries to continue there some Days, to examine into the Truth of that so much coveted Corner of the Earth.

5. Vasco being gone, Cardoso suffered him­self to be again deceived by the Cafres, who had before imposed upon him. They of­fered, since he could not find a Vein there, they would show him a place where he might; and leading him the way of Death rather than that of the Mines, killed him and all his Men, after they had defended themselves with incredible Bravery. This may convince those who affirm, numbers of Cafres would fly from a Gun, as not having before seen them, since here Two hundred Men fighting with them for their lives, were all slain by their Darts and Arrows.

6. This was the end of that Govern­ment, scarce begun sooner than ended, and possest by two Governors, who no sooner saw, but they lost it. The first killed by rash words, the second expelled by a pru­dent, not barbarous, Stratagem. However the Peace and Trade with the Emperor of Monomatapa continued. These Actions of Francis Barreto and Vasco Fernandez Homem, were in the time of the Government of D. Luis de Ataide, D. Antony de Noronna, and Antony Moniz Barreto; but we could never exactly find when the first died, and the last desisted.

CHAP. XVIII.

1. IN the beginning of this Year sailed 1575. from Lisbon Ruy Lorenço de Tavora, to succeed Antony Moniz Barreto, with the Title of Viceroy of India, and four Ships: He died at Moçambique, and was the first that came short, being appointed for that Government. The Ships arriving at Goa, the Royal Patents of Succession were open­ed, and D. Iames de Meneses there present was the Person named in the first. So he was rather Successor to Antony Moniz, than Ruy Lorenço. However, since he was de­signed for it, we will reckon Tavora the Twelfth of the Viceroy's, and Twenty­seventh of Governors, and First of the Name and Sirname.

2. D. Iames de Meneses having held this Command near two Years, there is no doubt but there happened more remarkable Passages than I heer relate, but I could find no more, having used all possible endeavours to get some farther Memoirs of his Time. Certain it is there are some, but our Portu­gues Gentlemen, though they make no use of, keep them as close as Misers do their [Page 359] Treasure. The little I could gather is thus:

3. As soon as D. Iames took upon him the Government, he fitted out several Squa­drons for the usual purposes. At that time some Captains were upon the Northern Coast upon their own account, as D. Hie­rome Mascarennas, D. Iames and D. Antony de Silveyra Brothers, and Francis Pessoa. They anker'd in the River of Dabul, that City being then at Peace with us, and were re­ceived by the Tanadar Melique Tocan with feigned kindness. He proferred to furnish them with what they wanted, and invited them home to dine with him, having Men ready to murder them in the height of their Merriment. All things succeeded as he de­sired, for they put themselves into his Power unarmed, except Mascarennas, who forbo­ding some Treachery stayed in the River. Those that accepted the invitation were killed, except a few who fled to the Shore, and the Murderers after them had like to have entred Mascarennas his Vessel, but that he and those few that were with him laying hold of Arms repulsed the bloody Assassins. Mascarennas carried the news of this Disaster to Goa.

5. Towards the end of this Year arrived 1577. the Ships that sailed from Lisbon the be­ginning of it; they were six in number, two set out first under Mathias de Albuquerque, appointed to Command at Malaca, and four after.

[Page 360] 5. As soon as the Governor was informed by D. Hierome de Mascarennas of the Villainy committed by the Tanadar of Dabul, he di­spatched D. Peter de Meneses with a small Squa­dron to Revenge that wrong, ordering him to lay wait for the Ships of Meca, and do all the Mischief he could on the Coast subject to Hidalcan. Meneses met two great Ships of M [...]ca, and after a sharp dispute forced them a Shoar, where the Sea running high they beat to pieces. This was the posture of Affairs when in August arrived D. Luis de Ataide Count de Atouguia, to take upon him that Government the second time, which D. Iames de Meneses then quitted, having been the Twenty-eighth Governor, the Se­cond of the Name, and Third of the Sir­name.

CHAP. XIX.

1. WHEN King Sebastian had resol­ved (though he designed better) to bury the Glory of his Kingdom in the Sands of Africk, he appointed D. Luis de Ataide Count de Atouguia, General of his Forces: But soon after, not able to conform his Youthful Heat to the prudent Circum­spection of the Count, that he might have a plausible Colour for removing him, he a­gain constituted him Viceroy of India, pre­tending there was need of such a Man there; as if he had not much more need of his Con­duct himself.

2. The Count well understood the drift of this Change, but not willing to disgust the King, took no notice of it. He desired to have along with him Nunno Vello Pereyra, a Man more Expert than Fortunate in Military and Sea Affairs, as will appear hereafter, and Iohn Alvarez Suarez, a Man versed in the Revenue, and who had given good Proof of his Courage, as was related in the Siege of Chaul. D. Luis had a pro­sperous Voyage, and was received at Goa with great Joy.

[Page 362] 3. His arrival at Goa was about the end of August: The first thing he did after re­ceiving the Sword, was the spreading the News that King Sabastian would infallibly that Year go over into Africk, where he was already killed when this was given out. The Viceroy foreseeing that disaster, and the ill Consequences might arise from it, fitted out such a mighty Fleet, as struck a Terror in­to all the neighbouring Princes, who mea­sure their own safety by our Power. The design of this Fleet he never revealed to any Man.

4. Amidst these greater Cares he forgot not the less, but sent Supplies to D. Peter de Meneses to enable him to act the more vi­gorously against Melique the Tanadar of Dabul. The Viceroy in Person carried on the War against Hidalcan along the River of Goa, whether his Dominions extended; and he no longer able to endure it, proposed a Peace, promising the Traytor Melique should be for ever banished Dabul, and all his Dominions. The Peace was concluded, and our Forces withdrew. At that time ar­rived at Goa three Ships from Portugal, and were the last sent sent by King Sebastian. When these came to India, two Caravels set out from Lisbon with the News of the King's Death, one bound for Goa, the other for Malaca.

5. Henry the Cardinal succeeded in the Throne, and from amidst those Ruines di­spatched five Ships for India, fearing lest the loss of King Sebastian being known, new [Page 363] Troubles might arise, if those Dominions were not timely supplied.

5. The Viceroy understanding that Me­lique Tocan, contrary to the Articles of the Peace concluded the Year before, continued at Dabul publickly exercising his Office, and was ready to Launch a great Ship to Trade to Meca, he resolved to show how much he resented that wrong, and to that purpose sent thither D. Paul de Lima Pereyra with ten Sail.

7. D. Paul coming to the Mouth of the River found all the Shore fortified, and a great number of Cannon planted in all conve­nient Places: He forces his way in through all the Batteries, and sees Six thousand Horse, and great number of Foot covering the Shore, and pouring showers of Bullets and Arrows upon him; nevertheless he at­tempts to burn two Ships belonging to Hi­dalcan, but finding it impossible to come at them for the number of the Enemy's Cannon, he runs up the River, and spent some days in burning all the Towns along the Coast.

8. The Enemy calls in to their Aid Car­tale and Mandaviray, two Malabar Pyrats who were in the Sea of Chaul with five Gal­liots: To these Melique joins other five Sail he had ready with Five hundred Turks, Per­sians, and other resolute Men. The Shore was cover'd with People that came to see this Action. D. Paul prepared to receive them, and after the Discharge of the Can­non they came up board and board, and hand to hand.

[Page 364] 9. D. Paul boarded the first Galliot, they were ten to ten, though the Enemy had the advantage of the bigness of the Vessels and number of Men; but our Captains following the Example of their Admiral, behaved themselves so bravely, that only one of the Enemy's Galliots escaped, the rest were all taken. We lost but two or three Men in this Action, which was as fortunate as any we perform'd in Asia.

10. Having taken this Revenge of Melique for his Crime, and of Hidalcan for winking at it, D. Paul sailed out of the River through the same Dangers he came in, losing one Man. Being come to Goa with Nineteen Sail, whereas he went thence with only Ten; the Viceroy came out to receive him, and in the hearing of all that were present, said, What is it you mean, D. Paul, will you with such Acts of Bravery provoke my Envy to poison you? Thus Heroes praise great Men, and at the same time upbraid those who enviously Rail at noble Actions.

11. The Emperor of Ceylon had some time since by his Ambassadors desired King Iohn III. to send him some Religious Men of the Order of St. Francis, to instruct him in the Christian Religion: They being come to him he recanted. F. Iohn de Villa de Conde was this Year at his Court, and had several times confuted the Bramenes disputing of Religion. Yet they refusing to yield them­selves overcome, he offer'd with a lively Faith, that he and one of them should be cast into a River full of great Crocodiles, or [Page 365] into a great Fire, and that his Religion, who came out unhurt, should be allowed to be the true. They refused, and the Franciscan im­mediately reaped the Fruit of this Victory, baptising D. Iohn Parea Pandar King of Cota, in the same Island.

12. The Kingdom of Angola is near Mo­nomotapa, whereof we lately spoke, and therefore will relate what happened there this Year, because it is a remarkable Passage. Paul Diaz undertook to War with that King, who had treacherously kill'd a number of our Men: This Captain with only two Galleys did Wonders on the Banks of the River Co­anza, till he fortified himself in an Island formed by this and the River Lucula. Then joining the King of Congo and other Princes with only 150 Portugueses he several times defeated the Enemy. But the most remark­able is the Battle wherein that King had a Million of Men, which were put to flight in such Confusion they kill'd one another.

13. At the beginning of this Year, when the Ships sailed for India, our Kingdom, by the Death of the old Cardinal, King Henry, was under the Direction of five Governors, who dispatched them. They were four, whereof one was forc'd back to Lisbon, the last sent under a Portugues Government, and the last our Viceroy saw: For he having done no more than what is related, or if he did, having left no memory of it, died the beginning of the Year, having in some man­ner foretold it For some time before leave being asked of him to bury his Cousin Antony [Page 366] Rotello by his Brother D. Iohn de Ataide, he refused it, saying, He had long since designed that place for himself.

14. At the end of his first Government something was said of his Qualities and Merit, and I have referred it to this place to speak of his undaunted Courage, as a virtue most peculiar to him. Some Proof of it has been given in the former Part of his Life, I will now give another Instance. At the attack (as I think) of Onor he sailed in a Brigantine, sitting on a Chair, and a famous Musician by him playing upon a Harp. The Enemy's Cannon from the Fort reached the Vessels, and grated the Musicians Ear; D. Luis, who was pleased to hear the Musick, seeing him give over, as if he had not seen the Cause, asked him, why he left off; the Musician told him; and he stretching out his hand, said, I pray let nothing disturb thee, go on with that Tune, for it is a very good one.

15. One of the Gentlemen that were standing behind him, seeing this was too great a Contempt of Danger, said, Tell that Man, if he happens to be killed, all will be lost: And another answer'd, Do not tell him so; for if he be killed, here are Men enough fit to suc­ceed him.

16. D. Luis this second time govern'd the Term of two Years and seven Months, and may be reckoned in the number of Viceroys the Thirteenth, in that of Governors the Twenty-ninth; the First of the Name and Sirname.

CHAP. XX.

1. THE Ships dispatched by the Gover­nors of Portugal the last Year, car­ried new Patents of Succession. In the first was named Ferdinand Tellez de Meneses. The Bishop of Malaca, D. Iohn Ribeyro Gayo, was President at this Ceremony, which was celebrated with such Demonstrations of Joy, as if there had been no Memory of their fresh Subjects of Tears.

2. Whilst the Affairs of Portugal were in this miserable Condition, those in the King­dom of Visapor were no better, the Succes­sion being uncertain upon the decease of Hidalcan, who died without Heirs in the 23d Year of his Reign, and 50th of his Age. He studied less to have Wives to get Chil­dren, than young Men instead of Wives. A Youth of 18 Years of Age, who had more Honour than to consent to such Baseness, killed him as he was endeavouring to allure him to his brutal Appetite. Abraham, Son of Xatamas, one of two Brothers not long before slain by him, succeeded in the Throne. Qui [...]balechan, a powerful Man, conspiring [Page 368] with others, enters Visapor with Forces, and seizes that Prince. Not long after the E­thiopians (who are the Guard of those Prin­ces) did the same under three Heads, chose by themselves to this purpose, who were Acalachan, Armichan, and Delarnachan. This last secures the other two, and takes all the Power into his own hands. Our Governor kept a watchful Eye over all these Proceed­ings, knowing the Happiness of our Af­fairs, depended much upon the Event of those.

3. At this time were brought to India new Instructions from the Governors of Portugal, and Philip the Second then sworn King, and First of the Name there. The Governor was order'd to tender the Oath there. Fer­dinand Tellez performed the Ceremony with great Solemnity in the Church of Goa on the third of September.

4. The Captains then commanding our Forts there were at Goa, D. Tristan de Meneses; at Zofala and Moçambique, D. Peter de Castro; at Ormuz, D. Gonzalo de Meneses; at Damam, Martin Alfonso de Melo; at Baçaim, D. Ema­nuel de Almada; at Chaul, D. Ferdinand de Castro; at Cananor, George Toscano; at Cochim, D. George de Meneses Baroche; at Columbo, Emanuel de Sousa Coutinno; at Tidore, Iames de Azambuja; and at Malaca D. Iohn de Gama.

5. The Governor understanding that four Galliots of Malabar Pyrats were harboured in some of the Rivers about Goa, immedi­ately [Page 369] sent Mathias de Albuquerque with ten small Merchant Ships that were the readiest at hand, after them. He found them in the River Carapatan; three of our Vessels that were foremost falling violently upon them, forced the Malabars to leap into the Water, and by that time Albuquerque came up, each of them had taken one.

6. There were at Mazulopatan two Ships of the bigness of ours that Trade to India; one belonging to the King of Achem, loaded with Ammunition, design'd, as was believed, against Malaca; the other to the King of Pegu richly loaden. The Governor sent Gonçalo Vaz de Camoens with four Ships to seize upon them: The first of the two had notice of it, and went off, and Gonçalo Vaz being informed of the great Force of the other, by the consent of his Men left that Design, and went over to the Coast of Pegu, where the Malabar Pyrats took one of his Ships Commanded by Francis Serram, and a Galliot of Ferdinand de Lima. They came to the Mouth of the River Negraes, just at such time as the Ship they feared to En­counter at Mazulapatan was entring. They could not in Honour avoid engaging her, though they were but two Galliots: After a desperate Fight, which lasted al­most two days, the Ship was sunk, our Men having first rifled her with such covetous­ness, that our Vessels had sunk, had not the Captain thrown many of the Goods over­board.

[Page 370] 7. The Galliots setting out again, were for some time carried about by the Wea­ther, it being the beginning of Winter, till about the place where they sunk the Ship, they discover'd the Prince of Fegu with a Fleet of 1300 Sail, design'd for the Con­quest of the Kingdom of Arracam. The Prince desired to meet with these Galliots, having advice they were thereabouts, and that his Father would be as much pleased with taking of them, as the Conquest of that Kingdom. Sixteen of the best Sailers ad­vancing, began to play their Cannon, and were as well answer'd, till they came to Board. After a sharp Engagement, three of the Ene­my's Ships were disabled, some entred, many Prisoners and 18 Pieces of Cannon taken; then our Men seeing all that Multitude was coming upon them, making all the Sail they could and plying their Oars, got into the Port of Arracam. The King rejoycing for the share he had in this Success, and well pleased that Gonçalo Vaz made him a present of some of his Subjects taken in the great Ships, gave liberty to some Portugueses he had long kept in Prison.

8. About this time three Turkish Gallies set out of the Port at Moca, sent by the Bassa Mirazenam to plunder Moscate, having Intelligence from Moors living there; that the Town was Rich, and unprovided of De­fence. Alibec, a Turk, used to Robbing undertook this Design. Mirazenam was born at Otranto of Christian Parents, and was Go­vernor [Page 371] of all that Part of Arabia Felix and Pe­trea, which the Natives call Ayaman, he resided in the City Cana, the Center of Arabia Felix. 60 Leagues North of Moca, and as many from Xael. Cana is built upon a Hill, encompas­sed with a good Wall, and thought to be the Foundation of Cham the Son of Noah, and to have been the Court of the famous Queen of Saba. The Province is most fruit­ful, called by the Ancients, Siria Mumifera, because it produces Frankincense, Myrrh, and Storax.

9. Alibec being before Mascate, landed his Men, ordering those that remained in the Galleys to enter the Port, and as soon as they were in to play their Cannon furiously, that so the Inhabitants being imployed on that side, he might come in upon their Backs. It succeeded as he desired; for most Men saved themselves by flight, but few their Goods, and he in an instant entred and plundred the Town. Iames Machado going out to bury some Treasure, was killed, and himself and Money deprived of Burial.

10. Let us in some manner describe the situation of this Town: Extend the right Hand with the Palm of it down, stretch out the Thumb from the fore-finger, and sepa­rate that from the middle Finger, keep that close to the other two. The space be­tween the middle and fore-fingers, is a Bay called Seabo, running up as the hand repre­sents. The distance between the Thumb and Fore-finger is another Bay, not so deep, along the Shore whereof the Town is bailt, [Page 372] shut in by two Mountains; one rises at the point of Seabo next that part where the three Fingers are together, it has only one Path that leads to Mascate so narrow, that two Men cannot pass it a-breast. This way Alibec come into the Town, no Body imagi­ning he would attempt it, for four Men with one Cannon might maintain it against the Universe.

11. Let us not deny any Man the Honour that is due to him: They that fled from Ma­scate to Mataro, a Town a League distant, not thinking themselves safe there went to Bru­xel, a Fort four Leagues up the Inland, belonging to Catani, Head of a Hord of A­rabs. This place at that time was com­manded by an Officer of his, a Man so Just and Honourable, that hearing the Misfor­tune of those People who came to him for Refuge, (for in great Dangers the lesser is a Refuge) he went out to receive, comfort, and entertain them. This was much, but what follows is more; His Men seeing the Portugueses come loaded with Riches, advi­sed him to make use of that Opportunity, and not show too much Weakness or Pity. And he fearing, lest Covetousness should make them Disobedient, laboured with soft Expres­sions and sweet Words, to disswade them from their wicked Design.

12. They all submitted themselves to their Officer's Reasons, and, with kind Usage, much comforted the Disconsolate Portu­gueses, who continued there till Alibec be­ing gone, they returned to Mascate, al­ways [Page 373] relating and admiring how honour­ably that Moor treated them, without suf­fering the least wrong to be offered to their Persons or Goods.

13. The News of the Ruine of Mascate being brought to Ormuz, The Commander, D. Gonçalo de Meneses caused the Gallies to be closely watched, and Ships to be fitted out immediately to follow them. He made Luis de Almeyda Commander in chief, gi­ving him a Galleon, a Galley, and six other vessels, with Four hundred good Men. But he not observing the Orders of Meneses that were to follow the Galleys, fell into the Coast of the Naytaques, where they in­tended to Surprize the beautiful and rich City Pesani. But Francis Machado having given the Alarm, by falling upon some Peo­ple that were passing in two Boats, the In­habitants all fled.

14. They plundered the City without Honour or Danger, and after burnt it and near Fifty Sail that were in the Bay. The very same Fate attended the City Guadel, not inferior to Pesani, and that of Teis of the Abindos, a barbarous and fierce Nation, the last of Gedrosia, on the Banks of the Ri­ver Calamen, the People of it join with the Naytaques in their Piracies.

15. All these Things were begun, though not absolutely transacted, when D. Francis de Mascarennas arrived in India with the Title of Viceroy, being the first sent by our first King Philip, who was second of [Page 374] Spain. Ferdinand Tellez left the Govern­ment in a peaceable Condition, and the Sea of Goa well furnished with good Ships. He was the last Governor appointed by the Portugues Authority, in Number the Thir­tieth, held it Six Months, the First of the Name, and Fourth of the Sirname.

CHAP. I.

1. I Have purposely omitted giving so particular an Account and Descrip­tion of the People and Countries mentioned in this History, as will be expect­ed from me, to avoid interrupting the series of Affairs, and connexion of Matter, reser­ving it still for a more proper place. The grand Revolution of the Kingdom of Por­tugal now brought under a foreign Prince, puts a Period to the Proceedings of our own, that we may begin again with what [Page 376] was transacted under our new Sovereigns. Here then it will not be amiss to give the Curious the Satisfaction of some further In­formation touching the Indians, Ethiopians, Chineses and Iapans, but still with my usual brevity, dividing among them this Fourth Part of this Second Volume. As Asia is di­vided into several Empires, so it is inhabi­ted by many very different sorts of People, and each People distinguished by very oppo­site Customs. Yet those that are of one Be­lief, agree in the essential Part, though they differ in Form. It is so in India, as well as any other considerable Portion of the World, and therefore the Malabars, one of the Na­tions thereof, may inform us of the Religion and Government of all the rest.

2. As to the Frame of the World, they believe it had a beginning, and will have an end; but then begin again, and in that manner will be everlasting; that all things after having encreased, diminish; that in the beginning as One thousand and Animals were produced One thousand died, but now for One thousand produced One thousand and one die; that the reason why more die is, be­cause the heat of the Sun increases; that in the end, a violent Wind shall dissolve all things; that nothing shall then remain but the Deity Ixoreta, as in the first Chaos; that he shall be reduced to the bigness of an Egg, and this to the quantity of a Dew drop, scarce discernable; that after it has sounded like a Cricket, it shall increase by the same mea­sure it diminished, and shall produce within [Page 377] it self the five Elements, (for they reckon the Heaven the fifth) that their increasing shall burst the Egg in the middle; that there shall appear in it seven shels put together like an Onion; that the Egg being divided into two unequal parts, the biggest will be the Heavens, and the lesser the Earth; that the Gods were and shall be so formed again.

The Egg being open, the Deity will be placed in the upper part, on the Earth will appear a Mountain of Silver, on the top whereof will be seen the instruments of Generation (which they call the true Ixoreta or Deity, the true God and Causa Causarum) because all things in the World proceed from the Union of the instruments of Ge­neration; therefore they particularly adore the noblest, that it is the Male, and place its Image in their Pagods, and on their ways. This they reign to have three Rines, from which proceed the three Gods, Bramá, Vist­ [...], and Givem, or Ixora.

4. Of the superior and inferior producti­ons, this is their Opinion. Ixora with this instrument of Generation, which was of a prodigious bigness, plowed up the Earth for the space of Seven hundred thousand loxe­nas, each of these when greatest, is four Leagues, and when least a League and a halfe; from the Furrows sprung seven Seas and seven Lands, the ridges were the Moun­tains, the furrows, the Vales and Waters. Then from Ixoras back came the Woman called Cbati, (this has some resemblance with Eve's being made of Adams Rib,) and [Page 378] was separated from it by virtue of some words, and they resolved to have copulation. The length of the Generating Instrument (called Linga) wherewith Ixora had plowed the Ground hindred; he cut it into eighteen pieces, whereof were made the Weapons they use, as the Spear, Sword, Bow, and Buckler. Then Ixora with his Finger opened the way of Generation in Chati, which shed much Blood; he received it in his Hands, and throwing it up into the Air, suddenly of it were produced, the Sun, Moon, Stars, Roses, Flowers, Sweet-herbs, and Snakes, which they use in their Ceremonies, both being then fit for Copulation, by them the World was Peopled, the Beasts and Devils produced, and Heaven filled with Spirits, which they say are Thirty three Millions.

5. The Heaven is fixt upon the Earth, not the Earth, the Center of it. The Sun and Moon move like the Fish in the Water, by Day from East to West, by Night they run about the Northward, not under the Earth, but along the edge of the Horrizon; they doubt whether the Earth be supported upon a Bulls-horns, or upon the Snake called Ananta; their Paradize is in some Mountain. The Snake Bassagui fighting with the Wind, would not let it pass, but Ixora command­ing her to give it way, the Wind flying the more impetuous for having been detained, tore up a Mountain, which falling into the Sea, formed the Island Ceylon. Other Islands are encompassed with Seas they call of Sugar, Milk, Butter, and Sweet-Water. Happy the [Page 379] Sailers that could find such pleasant Seas.

6. The Bases or Grounds of the Elements are of several matters, that of the Earth of Copper; that of the Water of Silver; that of the Fire of Gold; that of the Air of a Pretious Stone; that of Heaven of another Stone of more value: They are Gods and move, on the first waits the Bird Anam; on the second Guereram, on the third a Cart; on the fourth an Ox; on the fifth a Horse.

7. There are seven large Subterranean dwellings, called Padalas, where live People who have no other light but that of certain bright Stones, which Snakes have in their Foreheads. One Day of ours is a Year in Heaven, and one of our Years, Three hun­dred and sixty five there. The Days of the Week (as among us) take their names from the Planets, and one of them is a Festival. They believe the transmigration of Souls.

8. The God Givem, or Ixora, is of the colour of Milk; besides the usual two, he has one Eye in the Forehead, which being of Fire, consumes all things; his Body of such a length, that Brama, though he endeavour­ed it, could never find the beginning or end of it. The other Brother Vistnu, who is God of the Transmutations, converted him­self into a Hog, and turned up the Earth with his snout, but could never find his Feet. He is so thick that the Snake that girts the World, cannot encompass one of his Arms, [...]e has Sixteen Hands, all employed with Deer, Chairs, a Guitar, a Bell, a Bason, a Trident, a Rope, a Hook, an Ax, Fire, a [Page 380] Drum, Beads, a Staff, a Wheel, a Snake; on his Forehead, a horned Moon; his Ap­parel skins of Beasts, laid down with Snakes; he has two Wifes, the Goddess of the Wa­ter, and Chati, who has already dyed One and twenty times; and because every time she dies, he puts one of her Bones upon his Neck, he now wears One and twenty Bones there. Having shared his Body with his Wife, and she hers with him, he is halfe Man halfe Wo­man; his care is to finish all things, Bram [...] to Create, and Vistnu's to govern them.

9. The God Ixora lives in Calaya, a most delicious Mountain for Woods, Gardens, Fountains, Birds and Nymphs, among them there is nothing but Harmony. The desert parts of it are inhabited by Ri [...]is, Hermits, much esteemed for sanctity, in a private and most pretious Tabernacle, is the Silver Rose with two Musical white Nymphs, and among them the Linga, or Eternal God, placed on a Lion of inestimable value, and invisible.

10. Brama and Vistnu envying Ixoras's great­ness, set themselves against him; he said if they could find his beginning or end, they should be his Superiors. Vistnu looked for his Feet and Brama and for his Head; the first was deterred by a Snake, the second dis­swaded by Roses; he brib'd them to testifie he had seen his Head, which they did. Vist­nu sensible of the fraud, turn'd them into Beasts, and cut off one of his Heads, of his Blood sprang a Man with Five hundred Heads, and One thousand Hands. Ixora did penance for this crime, and travelling, came [Page 381] to a place where they threw several Beasts at him, he catched, [...]ead them, and cloath­ed himself with their Skins; being over­powered, Vistnu came to his Aid in the shape of a beautiful Maid, and his Enemies were astonished at her form: Ixora having to do with her, a Son was born, Ixora and Vistnu differed about whom it should belong too, and a Heavenly Spirit reconciled them, tak­ing it to himself. He bred him an expert Archer, and kept him as his guard against Sagatracavaxem, the Giant of Five hundred Heads, and One thousand Hands, sprung from Bramas Head, cut off by Ixora. This pilgrimage of Ixora gave the Original to the Pilgrims, called Iogues, who wander about living upon Charity, wearing Peri­wigs, and strewed with Ashes.

11. Ixora has four Children, the first has the Face of an Elephant; the second of a Monkey; the third is Superbenia, with six Faces and twelve Arms; the fourth a young Woman called Patracali. The Father and his Wife Chati converted into Elephants, begot a Son with an Elephant's Head and four Arms, he is wonderful big, and rides on a Mouse. The first fruits of all that is sowed are offered to him.

12. The Bramones who are the Masters of their Ceremonies, abstain from Fish, Flesh, Eggs, and Wine, of other things they Eat and Drink without measure, they celebrate the Aniversaries of their Dead with great Banquets; they are so much afraid of the Moon on the fourth Day after the full, that [Page 382] they shun seeing even the reflection of her in the Water.

13. Chati washing her self in the time of her courses, produced a Man. Her Husband cut of his Head, which rowling to the foot of his Mountain Calaya, brought forth the Tree on which grow the Coco's, which therefore have the resemblance of Eyes, Nose and Mouth. But the Wife complain­ing Ixora cut of an Elephants Head and put it to the Body, which remained Man and Elephant. Then both converting themselves into Monkeys, begot one, but she ashamed to bring it forth, desired the Wind to tran­slate it to another Womb, and it was re­moved to that of the Wife of the Heaven­ly Spirits. She was delivered of, and Ixora gave him great power, calling him Anuman. This is the Reason the Indians adore Mon­keys.

14. Patracali Ixoras's Daughter is black, she has eight Faces, and sixteen Arms, great round Eyes, Hogs Teeth, two Elephants for pendants, she is cloathed with Snakes, her Hair like the Peacocks Tails, has seve­ral things in her hands, particularly Arms, the Devil Medala waits on her; she seeing her Father could not overcome the Giant Daridabaxada, Conquered him by Policy. Ixora to deliver her from Enemies, sent her to live invisible among Men. At Sea she overcame some Fishermen, and landed at Coulam, and marryed the Prince of Coulett, who being falsly accused of stealing the Queen of Pande's Bracelets, was impaled. [Page 383] Patracali brought him to Life, caused Sacri­fice to he offered to him, and thus freed from the bands of wedlock, remained a Virgin.

15. Ixora in a passion threw his Wig on the ground, which became an Armed fierce Man, who cut off the Head of Lecxaprazava King of the Peringales, and the Hand of the God of Fire, and the Sun's Teeth. Ixora put on a Goats-head upon Lecxaprazava's Shouldiers instead of his own.

CHAP. II.

1. THE God Vistnu is black, he has four Hands, and always lies sleeping on his back in the Sea of Milk; yet so he go­verns the whole World; his Bed is the Snake Ananta, which has five Heads; on four he lays his Hands, on the other his Head; the Snake asked him, in case she had more Heads, what he would lay on them. Then One thousand Heads sprung out from her, and as many Hands from him to lay on them. He has two Wives, Laexemi and Pumedevi, the first scraches his Head, the other his Feet.

2. Vistnu was born or transformed nine times, into a Fish, a Tortoise, a Hog, half­a [Page 384] Man, half a Lion, a Bramen, Siriparexi Rama, Siri Rama, Belapader, and Siri Chri­stna, and is to be born the Tenth time. In the first shape he overcame Breniacxem in the bottom of the Sea, taking from him the Law he had stole from the heavenly Spirits. In the second he reconciled the Difference between the celestial and infernal Spirits, about parting the Ambrosia from Poison, and giving this to the latter, and that to the former. With Ambrosia he cured King Devaindra, who being Cursed by Rixi for lying with his Wife, was cover'd all over with Privy-Members, which were converted into Eyes.

3. The Sea is salt, because the great Raxi Ag [...]ssia having drunk it all up, at the re­quest of Vistnu pissed it out. That there might be no Thieves in the World, he ap­pointed Guards; these were Indra, King of the higher Spirits; Vani, God of Fire; Pidarpati, King of the Devils; Varuna, God of the Water; Maril, God of the Wind; Cabera, God of Riches, and other Persons of Note. The Malabars, in their Poems, make a Jest of this, because they are all Theives.

4. Mave [...], Lord of the World, kept Mankind in such plenty, that none remem­bred God. Vistnu in one of his Changes remedied this, and then from the Water which washed one of his Feet came the River Ganga, which therefore is the Purgatory of such as when they die are washed therein. Venus endeavouring to hinder the Reforma­tion of Mankind, lost an Eye.

[Page 385] 5. The Bramenes are the Masters of the Indian Religion, and proceed from Fisher­men; because the Malabar Churches were delivered to Fishermen, upon condition they should always wear some mark of their Trade. This is the cause they wear abou [...] their Necks some threads of their Nets. This is the Original of those Threads they wear, never before mentioned by another Writer.

6. Vistnu turned himself into Siri Rama, and his Snake Ananta, Chocra and Buzio in­to Men. Siri Rama killed Tarb [...]ga Wife to R [...]jada, that was a Man-eater, and had the Face of a Lioness, and wore two Ele­phants as Pendants, her Cloathing Snakes, her Weapon a Trident; she lived in a Moun­tain of Bones of the People she had eaten. Siri married the Daughter of King Genega, and went to do Penance for killing Tar [...]ega. His Wife went with him, and he obtained of Rixi Anisoya, that he should be always Victorious, and his Wife appear Beautiful to him. They went to Ceylon, where Chur­p [...]naga Sister to Ravena King of that Island being a Widow, asked Siri Rama to get her a Husband, he bid her chuse among the Heavenly Gods, and she liked none of them, but Lacxena Brother to Siri Rama, who despised and cut off one of her Breasts, of the Blood whereof sprung the Leeches.

7. Her Brother Ravena for Revenge [...]ole Siri Rama's Wife Sida. The manner of looking for, finding, and recovering her is so tedious, preposterous, and foolish, as [Page 386] well as the foregoing part, it is not worth the strickest Curiosity to read it. What follows is little better, but something of this monstrous Medley is fit to be related, to show the prodigious stupidity of these Opinions.

8. Siri Rama having found his Wife, and seeing she was very Beautiful said she had wronged him, and lain with his Enemy. He threatned to kill her, and she offered to Purge her self by Fire; and kindled one so fierce, the heavenly Spirits could not en­dure it, she stripped her self naked, and walked seven times round it, then turning to the East, said, When Ravena stole and would have taken me by the hand, I doubt whe­ther his Shadow touched me. Afterwards in the Island Ceylon seti [...] [...]e under the Tree Axogani, he fell at my feet to overcome me, and I doubt whether the Crown he had on his head touched them. There was nothing more that I know of between me and him. Then she threw her self into the Fire, and could not be seen for some time; then the God of Fire came out, and bidding Siri Rama hold out his Hands, dropt Sida upon them, as­suring him her Honour was unstained.

9. This done, Siri Rama placed Bixivem on the Throne of Ceylon, and went himself to possess that of Aioddia, after he had spent Fourteen Years in these Affairs. The Prin­ces, People, Celestial Spirits, and Dancing Women received him. The Queens pre­vailed with Sida to show them the Figure of Ravena, she drew him with Chalk on a [Page 387] Board, which shook as Siri Rama sate on it; not knowing his Enemy's Picture was there­on. The Queens told him, Sida had paint­ed him, and he again jealous, though she was with Child, ordered Lecxena to carry her to a Mountain, and there kill her. He carried, but left her there alive. She was delivered of two Sons very like Siri Rama, who seeing them, and knowing she was not dead was satisfied. He went to fetch her, but could not; for Pumi Goddess of the Earth opened it and swallowed her up. His Sons succeeded him in the Crown of A­jodda.

CHAP. III.

1. VIstnu turned himself into his younger Brother Siri Christna, who was born very beautiful. At the hour of his Birth the Palace was filled with Brightness, though it was Mid-night; the Doors flew open, and the Fetters fell off that held Bassudever. He arose and took the Child to carry it to Amparhi, and by the way the Waters of two Rivers divided themselves, that he might pass dry. Camusem consulting Diviners a­bout [Page 388] the Birth of this Child, which was the first Quarter of the Moon, on a Thursday in August, the Sun being in Leo, and the Moon in Taurus, in the time of Minabixam, they answer'd, Siri Christna would govern the whole World, and would kill him in the Sixteenth Year of his Age. They ad­vised him to send a Woman that had veno­mous Milk, that sucking her might be his Death; but the Child, instead of her Milk, sucked out her Soul, and she died to the astonishment of his Mother Axoda, who was present. Thus he escaped other Dangers from his Enemies, and at Seven Years of Age, was skilled in all Sciences, and among other Extravagancies defloured the Maids he played with.

2. His Mother whipped, and causing him to open his Mouth to discover whether he smelt of some Butter 'twas said he had eaten, she saw within Heaven and Earth and her self. She frighted, bid him shut his Mouth, but he would not till she promised him Figs or Sugar, and other things, and that she would carry him to the River to make Pipes to play upon. He, to be revenged on the Women, watched a Bath where they came, and enjoyed them all.

3. He went afterwards to fight the Snake Caliga that was Nine Leagues long, had Eyes like two Suns, and lived in a Lake made of the Venom she cast out of her mouth. The Snake finding she could not overcome him, perceived he was the God Vistnu, and begged his pardon. Camused [Page 389] caused a Woman turned into a Snake to swal­low him, and he swelled till he burst her. In fine, Camused was killed, and Siri Chri­stna's Parents placed on the Throne of the Kingdom of Madure. This done, Vistnu turned into Siri Christna, married 16108 Women, and lying with them all in one day got as many Sons. This is counted the greatest Action of this God.

4. Betele is a Plant, the Leaves whereof pouder'd with Lime and Areca the Indians chew and suck to preserve the Teeth, streng­then the Stomack, and provoke Lust. It is so like our Ivy, that an Ambassador of Hidalcan in Lisbon made use of it instead of Betele, mixing it instead of Areca with Cipress Apples, and said the Virtue was the same. Argionem being upon a Tree Degastri, one of the Wives of the Celestial Spirits came and carried him up in her Chariot, where he found this Plant, and stole a Stock of it which he planted on Earth. This is the reason the Indians be­lieve this Plant came from Heaven, and that it cannot thrive unless he that Plants steal it.

5. The time of Siri Christna's Death draw­ing on, he gave signs to know it by, which was, that when he expired the World should be inverted from what it ought to be, and is the time of Culi, which now is. Their Writings say, all will come to Confusion. But Vistnu coming to the World again, shall kill all for their Wickedness, except two Kings, who till then shall be doing Penance [Page 390] for the love of Vistnu. These are Mara of the Sun's Charge, and Divappi of the Moon's.

6. Darmaputrem, one of the hundred Bro­thers, descended into Hell, where he saw one encompassed with great Treasures, and perishing with hunger: He asked the reason, and the other answer'd, That it was because he had not given Alms while he lived in the World; but that once he shewed a poor Man the House where the Rice was kept that was given for Charity, pointing at it with his Finger. Then Darmaputrem bid him put that Finger with which he had pointed into his Mouth, which he doing thought he tasted all the Dainties in the World. Darmaputrem and others returning into the World gave great Alms, whereby after Death they purchased Paradice. This proves the Malabars believed Heaven and Hell, and a Reward and Punishment for good and bad Works.

7. Brama is the antientest God of the three, he resides in the Rose that springs from Vistnu's Navel, though he lies in the milky Sea. He descends through the hollow stalk of the Rose to Vistnu's Belly, where are the Ideas of all things, and where he produces these by looking on those. He has four Heads, which are the Original of four Laws; and because Ixora cut off the fifth Head for the Lye he told, he lost the fifth Law, which is that of God, and therefore the Bramenes want it. He dies and comes to Life very often; an artificial Day of his contains 120000 Years of the Celestial Spirits. He [Page 391] has two Wives, but never had Children by them.

8. Among the Malabars are four sorts of Nobility, Bramene, Exastri, Baestri, Chadra. The first they say proceed from Brama's Face; the second (being Kings called Coilas) from his Arms; the third from his Thighs, which Race they say is extinct; the fourth from the Feet, called Nayres. The Bramenes have the name, because descended from the Face, and are much honoured by the Kings who are not Bramenes, and may sit down be­fore them.

9. Though they attribute the Production of all things to Brama, he acts only in the most perfect, giving others the lesser power. Sometimes he grants so great Power to o­thers, that he is in great danger of them, and forced to fly. Vistnu converted into a Nymph, delivered Brama from one of those Dangers. Ixora seeing that beautiful Form of his got him with Child. He was delivered of two Children, the one at the Mouth, the other at the Thigh. One was called Chartava; the other Ayapem, who lost his Birthright by drinking too much Wine, and it being put to his choice, whether he would be the Low­est among Angels, or Chief among Devils, he chose the latter, and was constituted such. Ixora gave him Privilege to converse with Men and be serviceable to them, and he came in the Shape of a Nayre to the Court of the King of Pande. He lived in Malabar and turning Physitian, in which he was suc­cessful, had Temples dedicated to him [Page 392] His chief offering is Whelps, because he is a Hunter. So ancient a Custom it is for Doctors and Whelps to go together. They say in this Age of Brama all Men have Mon­key Faces, and in the next they will be Horse Faces. The contrary is seen among us; for outwardly we appear Men, and inwardly are Brutes.

CHAP. IV.

1. BEfore they build a Pagod they sow the Ground with Kidney-beans, when they are green they turn in a greyish Cow to seed on them, and where she Dungs, they believe is the place for the Pagod, placing on the very spot a Pillar, and on the top of it the Idol, to whom it is dedicated: Then they build the Walls, which are never of great extent, but rich, as being black Mar­ble well carved, covered with Copper-plates, with Globes of Gold, or gilt. The inside is set thick with monstrous Images with ma­ny Heads and Arms, and girt with Serpents. Then they build a square Wall about it, on each side of it is an entrance with a sumptu­ous Portal, with Histories of their Gods carved about them. They are covered in the same nature as the Temples. Under­neath are Heads of Elephants, Bears, Lions, [Page 393] Tigers, and other wild Beasts with terrible Eyes and Teeth. It is thought these things are to terrifie those that resort thither, and move them to give Alms; though their Poet Palcanar laughs at it. Those who go to visit the Idol enter the inclosure, but not the Temple. The Inhabitants of Pande, Sub­jects of Bisnagar, are singular in these Works.

2. The most famous Pagods are, that of Rettora built by Cheram Perimal living at Cranganor, who placed in it the Statue of a Man ten Cubits in length, lying on a Snake with five Heads in the Sea of Milk. The Temple was covered with Plates of massy Gold, but because they were subject to be stole he put them into the Treasure of the Pagod, and instead of them placed others of Copper. The Idol is still covered with pure bright Gold that shines like Fire; his Crown is of an inestimable value, and has many precious Stones, in the Forehead three Rubies that exceed all price, on his Feet Buskins valued 200000 Ducats.

3. In the Treasure, besides the covering Plates there laid up, there are nine Boats of Gold set with rich Stones, each big enough to contain three Men; the same number of Kettles of the same Matter, each deep enough to hide the Bramene with the Idol upon his Head, many Pots, Peacocks and Cocks of Gold and Silver, and an infinite quantity of Co [...]. These are useless Vessels, those that are of use and the same Metal are kept more at hand. At the entrance of the Pagod hangs a Gold Candlestick so big, no Man can [Page 394] lift it from the ground, and with the conti­nual smoak looks like Ebony. Several Idols and Candlesticks that stand before the prin­cipal Idol are of the same Metal. In fine, the Treasure is unmeasurable, if we may believe a Bramene who turned Christian, and had many good Qualities that show he merited Credit.

4. The Revenues of this Pagod are incre­dible, and very many live on them. The enclosure is of Marble six Yards high, and above one in thickness; it is about half a League from the Shore, a beautiful Way leading to it. At each of the wonderful Gates can enter at once four Elephants with all their Furniture. It is guarded by 1000 armed Men: The Coast is dangerous, which secures many great Men who keep their Treasures there.

5. The Pagod called Comori, from which that famous Point of Land takes name, is also remarkable. Comori Pagod, signifies, The Church of the Virgin. It is like the other in Structure, but not in Riches, because they trust them not there, since our Fleets Sail upon those Coasts. The Pagod is dedi­cated to a Virgin Daughter to a Shepherdess, that was changed for a Son of Davagni Sister to the Giant Maveli, who killed all her Chil­dren, because he was told one of them would be his Death. He thought to kill this Virgin, and she giving him a kick flew through the Air into the Desert to the place where the Pagod now stands on the Shore, having been formerly 60 Leagues from the Sea. She after [Page 395] flew a great Giant by the help of the God Vistnu, and set his Head on a Rock that now appears in the Sea, and is above 400 Fathom round. In the very place where the Virgin sate after this Victory, was erected the Pa­god.

6. The Pagod of Trivate is more ancient than that of Rettora, but poor, having been plundred by the Nayque of Madure. It is not much frequented. This Temple was insti­tuted in memory of the Giant Naragecoguer­poli, who by destroying the World provo­ked the God Vistnu; and still came to Life again, though overcome and killed by him. Vistnu, to end the dispute, laid him on the ground and sate down upon him. This is what is represented in the Pagod.

7. That of upper Cranganor has an Idol on whose Head one of the Bramenes gives se­veral strokes of a hammer every day. For they think if this were not done, he would by this time touch the Stars with his head. In the Frontispiece are several Images in the Portugues Habit, whence is concluded either that Work was finished after their arrival, or such a Habit was formerly used there.

8. That of Canari in the Island Salsete, is bigger than all the others, and exceeds them in sumptuousness of building. It seems to have taken the name from some Builder of that Country, or from Canara King of Bis­nagar, the grandure of the Work requiring so great a Founder. It is dug out of a Moun­tain that looks like one solid Stone, and is black Marble. The Body is very high, the [Page 396] Isles low, but altogether of a vast bigness, somewhat dark, as dug out of the middle of a Mountain. Among at least 3000 Habita­tions that are cut out about it with each a Cistern by the Door, there are some large Rooms, and one of an extraordinary big­ness, in which 'tis said are read Lectures of all Sciences. We have already spoke in the Second Chapter of the Second Part of this Tome, of the Way cut under this Mountain said to run as far as Cambaya, of the Fran­ciscan that attempted to discover that Secret, and the Princes that are believed to have made it.

9. The Pagod of Maliassa is in the same Island. At the foot of a Mountain is a Portal of a moderate bigness: The two Pillars that support it are in the Shape of Giants well carved. There are other Figures like those of Angels among Christians. This leads into a large Porch, and on the left hand is the Gate of the Pagod through which the Water runs: Then follows a great A­partment, after that other little ones, and then a strait way, all dug out of the solid Mountain.

10. The Pagod called of the Elephant, because the Figure of one stands upon a Rock at the entrance of it, is in one of the many Islands of the River Bombaim between Bacaim and Chaul. It is like the others, in that it is cut out of a Mountain, but exceeds them much in curious work. The first entrance is into a spacious Room supported by vast Pillars in the form of Giants curiously carved. [Page 397] It has three Isles: The Pillars are all compo­sed of Figures of the same height as the Tem­ple: On one of them is the Giant Briareus with his hundred Hands; on another the God they call Mahamurte, who has three Faces to one Body, on his Head a Pontifical M [...]tre, though of Marble, wrought to ad­miration. In a Chapel is the Angel turning our first Parents out of Paradice. Pa [...]ipbae and the Bull are there also: On one of the Walls is a sort of Altar, and over it are car­ved many wild Beasts, the most remarkable one with seven Heads. Some Soldiers attem­pted to enter an Apartment that is very dark, and being fearful took Lights, but were drove out by a multitude of Bats that were frighted at the Light▪ There are Galleries with rich carved Work of Men and Women, most of them in very immodest Actions and Postures. This (they say) was the Choire of their Ceremonies. Their are o­ther Buildings to be admired for their Great­ness and Structure, and two remarkable Se­pulchres.

11. To conclude, the Pagod dedicated to the Monkey is so great, that only the Cloi­ster in which they shut up the Cattle designed for Sacrifices, has 700 Columes of Marble nothing inferior to those of the Roman Pan­theon.

CHAP. V.

1. EVery Pagod has a Cook who dresses the Rice that is offer'd for himself, for the Idol, and for those who offer. The last divide their share with their Neighbors, who esteem it as a Holy thing. A great Poet of theirs laughs at them for offering more Food to the statue, seeing it has not Eaten the last, and they answer, though he does not Eat, he smels it.

2. The Kings and Nobles every Day use a ceremony (called Tevaram, that is Divine Ceremony,) which is with many Prayers to offer Rice, Coco, and Butter, all burnt in honour of their golden Idols, of which they have a number answerable to their Estate; so that some have above 1000; this sacrifice is to obtain Riches for themselves, revenge and destruction of their Enemies: Many have in their Houses familiar Devils, which they call Cutichates, every Day they offer some­thing to them, they get by them; and some have 300 of them. They make them enter into the bodies of those they would be revenged of, whereof they make great advantage, for many pay to be delivered from them. By the help of them converted into the shapes of Beasts, they hurt People and infest whole Towns: There are those living, who have seen the [Page 399] Town of Cranganor burnt by this means. At Pudiangale near Calicut, a Woman had one of these, and saw it in the shape of a Cock, a Monkey, and a little black Boy with a Truncheon in his Hand: these are not punished in Malabar, but their Kings make use of them in danger: The very Heathens observe that all those who follow that course live and die miserably.

3. In sickness they consult Wizards, not Doctors; they say a Devil causes the Disease, and bringing him into the Sick Man, make him tell the Reason of molesting him; then they promise him something to go out again, and he does it. They think the Small-pox is Cured with an offering to Patracale, who they affirm causes them. The Gout they believe is caused by [...]ive she Devils like Sows, tothem they offer Food fit for such Beasts, that they may transfer the Disease to their Ene­mies.

4. They adore and offer Sacrifice to vene­mous Snakes, that they may not hurt with their Poyson. The Lawyers on the first Day of September do the same to their Books.

5. Their Baths are used rather to cleanse the Soul than the Body; they know the ten Commandments, but think not themselves bound by them. It is a great Sin if a No­bleman is touched by one that is not such, though he be never so great by learning, by the Sword, or by Virtue: And even Riches there cannot prevail to gain this point. The King of Travanco [...] being resolved to become a Bramene, though not of that descent, was [Page 400] told, he must first be bore of a Cow; be made one of Gold so big, that going into it, he was born out of it; he offered it to the Bramenes with a great Snm of Gold, and obtained the dignity, but not Hereditary.

6. They purge themselves from venial Sins, by putting their Heads under Water, one of these is a Nobleman touching a Ple­bean, and to prevent it, the latter cries as he goes, Po, po, po, that is, have a care; another is, touch [...]ng the Dead or their Friends within fifteen Days; another, to touch Meat with the right Hand when they Eat; ano­ther, to touch them so touched, or their Houses or Wells; to touch another with the right [...]and whilst Eating; to touch a grain of Rice fallen as it is taken up; to touch a drop of Water disturbed by one not so noble Mortal Sins are not forgiven, so he who com­mits them▪ remains subject to Death, and the Lord of the Earth as long as he lives. The mortal are these, To use Pots touched by Men de [...]led; to Eat Rice before Purifica­tion, to Eat it boyled by a Man of base race; to have to do with a Woman of that sort; to Eat Rice into which is fallen the least grain out of another Man's plate.

7. Their bathing is thus, They believe the stone of the bath is the God Brama; the lips of it Vistnu, and all together Ixora. When they go in, their nakedness is covered with a rag or leafe; in the Water they write Om with one Finger, and throw Wa­ter over it with three, believing the three Gods bathed there. Then dividing the Wa­ter, [Page 401] dip their Heads, and after cast up some towards eight parts of the World, offering Water to the eight Guardians thereof. They call upon Siri Pagod, and wash their Faces three times; they also cast Water up to­wards Heaven, offering it to the Sun, then wash their Hands and Feet: On the Palm of their left Hand they put Ashes of Cows­dung and sprinkle it, and believe the left Hand is the Earth, the right Heaven, and and the Palm the place of Generation; laying one Hand upon the other and shutting them close, they say, Let the end of the World come.

8. This they do in imitation of Ixoras's Egg, and think the upper Hand when open­ed, represents Heaven, the lower the Earth; with the right Thumb they write upon the Ashes, Iara, that is the Fight that was in the Egg between Fire and Water. Then that all their limbs may be sanctified, they touch with their Hand the principal parts of the Body, from the privy parts to the crown of the Head, and the Ears, Elbows, Knees, and great Toes: They hold their hands as if they gave something to two Spirits (who they say attend on us writing our good works on the right Hand, and the bad on the left,) the same they do to the eight Guards of the World, turning about. The last ceremony is to rub the Forehead, Shoulders and Breast with Ashes taken with two Fingers and the Thumb of the right Hand, in honour of the three Gods.

[Page 402] 9. The bathing called Titan, performed in the Sea, is very solemn; before it they perform a ceremony, in which they offer [...], (a sort of flowers) prostrating them­selves three times on the ground▪ once in re­verence to the Pagod, once to the Sun, and once to the Sea. The chief places they re­sort to for this bathing, are three on the Coast of Travancor, (viz.) Baçora, Rettor [...], and [...]; the Days appointed are the first of each Moon, chiefly those of Iuly and Ia­nuary, but if the New-Moon fall on a Wed­nesday, it adds so much to this devotion, that the Mountains and Valleys can scarce contain the multitude of Pilgrims that resort from above Five hundred Leagues distance, of all Sexes, Ages, and conditions, and all a foot. Above all others, the Ganga of Bengala, is held in veneration for this wash­ing.

10. Ashes of Cows dung is their chief Purgation, powdering their Forehead, Shoulders and Breast with it; the more of it their Iogues, or Religious Men, have upon them, the more Holy they are reputed; they carry it in purses to recompence the Alms that are given them: The Reason they esteem this Powder is this, Ixora was sanctified by the Ashes of Gevelinga, Vistnu desiring to partake of this blessing, and impart it to Mankind, carryed a Cow to [...], where she got a mouthful of that dust; Vistnu took her dung in which was that Ashes she had Eaten, and burning it made more Ashes, which he shared with Man.

[Page 403] 11. They also dissolve the same dung and sprinkle their Houses and Highways with it, to purify them; with this is the way dayly sprinkled through which Zam [...]ri goes from his Pallace to the Pagod, and his Table cloth, and a Gold dish, on which the Meat is brought. As soon as they see a Cow piss, they run and catch it in their hands, drink part, and sprinkle themselves with the rest, and believe themselves most pure; besides the Law that forbids killing a Cow, 'tis so great a Sin, that it requires much Alms and other good acts to expiate it. Oxen are not so much valued, though many Princes think themselves descended from a Bull, be­cause all Men being destroyed, and only Women left, one of them had carnal Copu­lation with a Bull, and brought forth a Boy, who was the restorer of Men.

12. Their manner of swearing is laying a Hand upon a Sons head, if the swearer has one, or else upon a Cows; to clear themselves when accused of any crime, the party puts his Hand into boiling Butter, or Oyl, then 'tis wrapt and sealed up in a cloth; if on the third Day after it appears found, he is cleared, if otherwise, found guilty, the accuser, if the party be cleared, makes satisfaction with a Sum of Money. They make another Tryal in the River that runs from Cochin to Cranganor, where is the Pagod of the Crocodil. The Brame [...]es by their sorceries bring one of them to the shoar, the person accused leaps upon his back, if he is carryed over safe, they account him [Page 404] innocent, if devoured, guilty. Both these Experiments have been made use of in pre­sence of our People of late Years.

13. They have yet another manner of Tryal, which is by putting the Hand into a pot full of Adders, to fetch out a Ring, thereby the more to provoke them. If they sting, the party is guilty, if not, clear. This is used in Cranganor, Mangalor, and other parts of Canara. A King of theirs coveting a most plentiful Wood of Coco's that belonged to a Poor Woman, took it from her by force, and ever after it bore none but hollow empty Coco's; there are some living who are Eye witnesses of this wonder.

14. They have several Fasts, one called Egadezi, which is kept the eleventh Day of every Moon, on this Fast they Eat nothing but Fruit: That called Giveraseri begins by Night in February, and they neither Eat, D [...]ink, nor Sleep, in Twenty four Hours. They walk round the Pagod rehearsing sto­ries out of their Scripture: If any happen to shut his Eyes, overcome with sleep, he washes himself as oft as it happens, and con­tinues his former exercise. In the morning they offer some Money to the Idol: The Fast Tirivadira belongs only to the Women. That for the Dead, which the kindred of the Deceased keep, lasts a Year, during which time they do not Eat, Fish, Flesh, Eggs, drink Wine, or chew Betele.

15. The Fast Masa Upasa is the most reli­gious of them all, and few account them­selves [Page 405] so happy as to observe it. He that does, begins the last Day of October, he wash­es himself, puts on clean cloaths, and visits t [...]e Pagod of Vistnu. On the first of Novem­ber he goes round it One hundred and one times, (the devoutest One thousand and one) at each turn in the nature of a Prayer, re­peating the name of Vistnu, One hundred and one times: This must be done every Day of November, and the ten first of De­cember. He must Eat only Eggs and Milk, not look upon Women, he must think on nothing but that name, and praises of it. Next Year he must do the same, beginning the first of December, and ending the tenth of Ianuary, so he must go on every Year till twelve be over; and then begins again the first of November, and fasts the forty Days; after this he is canonized sor a Saint, in such a manner, that only the sight of him is forgiveness of Sins.

CHAP. VI.

1. IN matters of Matrimony they have se­veral customs. The Bramenes may have as many Wifes as they can main­tain, though they be not of their Race; but the Bramene Women can have but one Hus­band, and must not mix with the Nayres, [Page 406] on pain of losing their quality. They con­sult Foretune-tellers about a happy time to Marry; they choose a Husband of their own race born under the same Planet, and the same Day of the Moon, as themselves, to which purpose the times of Nativities are punctually observed. The Bramen that does the duty of Priest, is called Odicon, or Cu­rical; he for four Days sacrifices in a Den Rice, Butter, Cows, and such like things; he lights a lamp, and sets aside a portion of Rice for Garapatii, and for the Epicurean Elephant, that he may not disturb the Feast. The Bridegroom ties about the Brides neck, a thread on which hang three little pieces of Gold, in honour of the three Gods; this is called Tale, and is the mark of a Marryed Woman. Hence among the Ma­labars Matrimony is called Quo Fa, which signifies binding; if the Husband dies first, the Woman throws away the thread, or Tale, in token of liberty.

2. The Priest takes the couple by the Hands and says some Prayers, then they go to feast; they do not lie together till some happy Planetary Conjunction, when that hap­pens, they go to the door of the Room which is half put too, and therewith the Priest say some Prayers, and withdraw; the next Day they go to a Cauldron of Water, in which are live Fish, and each holding the end of a cloth, draw it through like a Net, the Fish taken they lay respectfully on their Heads, with the right Hand; if many be taken, they believe they shall have many Children, and the contrary.

[Page 407] 3. If any dies a Maid, they cause some poor Man of the family, (an unheard of beastliness) to deflour her though very young; him they pay well for so doing, and as soon as done, throw stones at him till he runs out of reach. Those of the family Ex­astri, and the Kings that are not Bramenes, make no Royal Marriages, so their Wifes are not Queens, but Concubines, called Na­tiaras, and all of them may have Gallants. Therefore the Sons do not inherit, but the Nephews born of Sisters. Of their manner of Marrying we have spoke before.

4. The Tale among the meaner sort of Women, serves to tie them to one Husband, and among Ladies, to turn them loose to all lasciviousness. Only the Bramenes have liber­ty to lie with all sorts of Women, from the meanest to the Queen. The others if they have to do with inferiors are killed, if Wo­men, sould. The Nayres differ not from the others, in the manner of their Weddings. Among the meaner sort as Tradesmen, one of them puts the Tale upon the Young Wo­man, who is thereby capacitated to follow whom she pleases, or be taken up by who­ever likes her. Among Silver-smiths, Black-smiths and Founders, four Brothers, or as many as there are, keep one Wife between them, and have particular Days assigned for each, that the inheritance may not be con­founded. Till a Maid is licensed by the Tale, she may be abroad among Men, and [...]one dare presume to meddle with her.

[Page 408] 5. The Bramenss of the North do not on­ly celebrate their own Weddings, but those of Beasts and the Elements. In our Age there was a great Man of that Family, who spent above 15000 Ducats at the Wedding of a Bull and a Heifer. There was also a Baneane who making a Well in the Village Calegam for the use of Passengers, and resolv­ing to Marry this Water with some other, despised all that was near, and Marryed it to the River of Suratt, above 30 Leagues distant, and spent above 5000 Crowns in the Wedding.

6. The Chatines Marry as the Bramenes, but their Widdows cannot throw off the Tale, because they must not Marry again, nor keep a Gallant: When they want Heirs, they adopt one, by drinking to the adopt­ed, who pledges in Coco-milk dyed with Sa­fran. If he is a Man they give him one of the names of the Sun, if a Woman, of the names of Gods Wife.

7. The cause the families do not mix, is because the Bramenes descended from the God Bramasface, those of Chatrier (that is Kings) from the right Hand, those of Vaix­er from the Belly; those of Chadrer, (they are the Nayres) from the Foot. At first they used to mix, but afterwards the Bra­menes obtained a priviledge of King Chera­man Perimal to the conrrary; hence they are so much superior to others, that they are polluted by coming near as well as touch­ing them; they must not Eat with those of a lower race, nor any thing drest by them, [Page 409] nor out of any Vessel of theirs; if any of them Marries, or has to do with inferiors, they burn on his Forehead a mark like a daws soot, and his kindred making a statue like him of straw, and the Herb Dorpe, burn it with ceremonies, as if it were a dead Man. The Bramenos loose their birthright of their Family, by Eating Fish, Flesh, or Eggs; and by Drinking Sura or Orraca, by stealing or killing another Bramen, pro­vided it is not in War [...] among the other Families, there are divers customs about being defiled.

8. Saniade or Saniassi is a dignity greater then a King, of which only the Bramenes are capable, the elect is installed by another Saniassi in this manner. The Image of the elect is made in Straw and burnt, to show he is dead to the World; then the Master leads him to a Bath, cuts of his Corombi, and dips him 72 times, then takes off his piece of Net, the mark of a Bramene, cloaths him in red, and he can never after wear white, only on his back a Fota. He delivers him a rod with a piece of the same cloath, and a straw Hat; for three or four Days he is un­der the Masters tuition, must not Eat Fish, Flesh, chew Betle, nor so much as look upon a Woman, and if accidently he meets one, he puts his Hat over his Eyes, and goes on till she is out of sight. He is to take what is given him without complaining, lives in or near the Pagod, succeeds and is Heir to his Master. He bows only to the Idol, and even the King and Bramenes do to him, all his [Page 410] defence is in curses, so much dreaded, that every one endeavours to appease him; he is not to handle Money; none can carry his Hat when he goes a foot: If he does any thing contrary to his institution, the Bra­menes accuse him before the King; if con­victed, they stain him with Safran and de­pose him, but he buys it off with bribes.

9. They use no ceremony with those that die under the Age of 7 Years; those that are above this Age, are burnt towards the South from their Houses, where lives Iemen King of the Devils, that he may the sooner carry away the Soul. For mourning they shave their Heads and Beards, which they do not cut for a whole Year after, nor have to do with Women: Lye 15 Days on a mat, and enter not into the Pagods; the 15 Days ex­pired, they cast the Ashes into the Sea, if near, if not into some bye place, and plant a Fig-tree where the funeral pile was; then they wash and put on clean cloaths, cast out all Earthen Vessels, and one comes to purify the House, sprinkling it with Cows piss and Milk.

10. Every Day of the Fast, he that pu­rifies the House puts a little Rice upon a Fig leafe, which the Rooks Eat, or if they fail, which is looked upon as a great misfor­tune, 'tis cast into the Water for the Fish. The Anniversary is a Feast at which there must be no Poor. On the Coast of Coromandel, Goa, and Cambaya the Women burn them­selves with their Husbands, unless such as have sucking Children. I [...] any refuse, the [Page 411] relations hold it as an affront to them, and force her. 300 burnt themselves with the Nai­que of Madure. The manner of it is thus, The Woman is carryed on Mens shoulders to the Pagod, in her best attire▪ and anointed with Sandal, after praying to the Idol, she dances all the way to the place; where her Husband was burnt, and casts her self into the Fire; the relations standing round with forks to keep her in, and making a noise with several iustruments that her cryes may not be heard and move compassion.

11. The Original of this Custom was from King Pandues Wife, who voluntarily burnt her self with him, and it is upheld to secure the lives of the Husbands; it having been observed, that more died by means of the Wifes, then by Sickness. The Saniade or Saniassi is not burnt, but buryed whole in the Pagod where he serves; they make a hole and seat him in it upon the bench he used before he is quite Dead, with a little Rice, and some without for the Idol, then cover him with Clay without any farther ceremo­nies, believing he is suddenly gone to Hea­ven.

CHAP. VII.

1. EThiopia was the Second of our Three great Discoveries (which were India, Ethiopia, and China) and therefore shall be the Second described. The Reader may be assured of its Truth, as being delivered by an unbiassed and learned Person, that spent a considerable time there, travelling and exa­mining into the Truth of things, and being an Eye witness of the greatest part.

2. The City Danoas was the Metropolis of this Empire, seated on the top of a Moun­tain: The Country about it is divided into Districts, some mountainous, but all fruit­ful. Three Miles to the Northward is O­gara so fertile, that the green and ripe Fruit hangs at once upon the Trees. Westward is Dambia, not inferior to the other; then Amfras, where our Patriarch resided, and had Lands. Next follows Dara and others, till you come to the Nile.

3. In all these Divisions are many Mona­steries and Churches, with Priests and Friars. Ethiopia kn [...]w not the Sacrament of Con­firmation. The Country Tacussa was best disposed to receive Christianity, because [Page 413] many Portugueses lived there, and that of Gorgorro by the Labours of the Jesuits who had a Church there. So the Heathen Ago [...]s gave ear to our Doctrine; these are a war­like People, and possess a plentiful Country. The Damotes, though more polite, received not the Gospel so well, till being overcome in a Battle by their Prince, they submitted and entertained the Religious Men, and there are now theremany Churches and Mo­ [...]asteries.

4. The Kingdom of Gojao was the first that admitted the Observation of Lent, and kept the Catholick Holy-days. It contains a great number of Monasteries, among them those of Gonge and Salalo are famous. The Je­suits had three Residences here, Colelá, Sarcá, and Neb [...]sse. The first two have good Churches finished, the third one very mag­nificent begun. The Stone they are built of is blew, so light it is more like Wood, but yet hard. The Kingdom of Bagamidri re­ceived some Catholick Fathers, and there are still Christians there.

5. The Kingdom Amora began to incline to Christianity at the time the Emperor re­jected our Doctrine. The Viceroy [...]da Christos and many of the People continued firm. The Faith was not spread into the Kingdoms of Narea and Zemen, or Provinces of Abargale, Borá, Saloá, Casta, Bugua, Ore­jate, Sarte, Anubas, Sera and others.

6. It took most root in the Kingdom of Tigre, which being the chiefest of Ethiopia, the Description of it will serve to illustrate [Page 414] what relates to all the others. The King­dom of Tigre is almost round, its extent One hundred Leagues North and South from the Borders of the Amaceus to those of En­derate, with the same distance East and West from Dangali at the mouth of the red Sea to the River Tacasse near Semen. It is divided into several Governments, called Xumetes, and the Governors Xumos, some of them in some cases not subject to the Viceroy, but immediate to the Emperor. In Sire, Ende­rata, Agamea, Serave and some others, the Xumos must be Natives of the Province, and of certain Families to which those Commands are peculiar. Their Law-suits are like ours in Europe, there lies an Appeal from the Judge to the Viceroy, and from him to the Emperor, except in some Cases, in which the Judge finally determines.

7. The Governments are sold, and he that bids most carries them. A Governor is declared, by putting on him the Cab [...]ya, ty­ing a red Ribband about his Head, and he walking about the C [...]tama, or Court, a Cryer proclaims; We have made this our Slave Go­vernor of the Province of Bugna (or any other.) Then he returns to Court, and takes his leave of the Emperor, having first laid aside the Ornaments used at this act, for the same serve all upon that Occasion. Then he sends a Servant with such a Riband, to make it known in the Town where the Governors reside. The Viceroy of Tigre for his Place pays Three hundred Oqueas yearly, which is about Two thousand Ducats. The Bar­nog [...] [Page 415] (corruptly Barnaga [...]) which signifies King of the Sea; for Bar is the Sea, and Nogus a King, pays Two hundred. The Xu­mos or Governors according to the value of their Commands, there being no set Rates, but all pay.

8. Along the Coast of Moss [...]a Northwards is the Country of the Dobeytas, subject to the Turks; Southward lie the Xios; up to­ward the [...]nland near Enderata and Ojerate the Dob [...]s, all Mahometans subject to the Em­peror. Next those are the Dorbeytas, Chri­stians only in name, Rebels to the Empire, defended by their inaccessible Mountains. The Mamps [...]s follow their Example, and have been often attacked without success. Along the same Coast are these Provinces; Cantiba the Upper and Lower, Seraoe, Sa­licit, Sama, Tedexerez, Torates and Galas: Westward is Siré, and its Desart on th [...] Banks of the famous River Tacasse bordering on the Cafres; then Nader and Addit. From the West Southward Tamben, Gralta, Sart, Ojerate, Enderata, the Bugnas, Dobas, and Sera a plentiful Country peculiar to the Queens. Turning again to the West Senafe, both Mambarata's, Agamea, Ambacenete, B [...] the greater and lesser, Galá, and many other Governments. The Center of all is Tremona between the famous Church of A [...]çum, where the Emmperors are Crowned, and the Fa­mous Monastery of Abb [...] Guarima. In each of these Divisions there is a Fair every week, and several Custom Towns, as Barava, Ser [...], Sir [...], that yield a considerable Revenue.

[Page 416] 9. There are two Winters, the first of the Sea, and reaches about two days Jour­ney up the Inland, beginning at Massua, and ending beyond the Monastery of Brizan. It begins in December and ends in March. From that place forward towards the Inland it is Summer. The second Winter begins near the famous Church Asmara near Bizan, where the first Winter ended, and reaches over all Ethiopia. The Commencement of it is in Iune, as in India and Coast of Arabia, but not so severe. It Rains the Afternoons only with Thunder and Lightning before, which gives notice to Travellers and Shep­herds to get to shelter; for soon after fall flashes of Fire, and such Hail as kills all it meets.

10. There are also two Summers, the first temperate, the other insupportable, for the burning Wind, which they call Urur, strikes down People, and sometimes they rise no more. In some Places, as Marebo, Tacasse, Nor and others, as soon as Winter expires, pestilent Fevers Rage, proceeding from Vapors the Sun exhales from Bogs. Though the Roads are full of Woods, mountainy and lonesom, they are not so much infested with Highway-men as in Europe.

11. There never was the Plague in this Kingdom, and when it happens in the other Provinces, it kills not many, because there are no great Towns. Such as are Infected, or fearful, go from the Towns into Cottages about the Mountains, and if any dies, he is burnt together with the Cottage, no Body [Page 417] daring to bury him. The People are long lived, and know not what the Pleurisie or Stone is: They have abundance of good and wholsom Springs. From them and what the Country about most produces the Provinces take name. There are also hot Springs doubt­less Medicinal, if they knew the use of them. The Cattle drinks of them, and thereby be­comes larger and fatter. They have other Springs and Rivers esteemed miraculous.

12. As there are two Winters and Sum­mers, so the Product of the Earth is two­fold: They have abundance of Wheat and Barley, Pease, Lentils, Beans, Kidney-beans, Indian-wheat of several Sorts, Hemp, where­of they make no use, Nuga, an Herb with yellow Flowers whereof they make Oil, Zufo for the same use, and serves to die Cloath of a Saffron colour; Aja, a Grain between Wheat and Rye, but has a scattering Ear, a particular sort of Grain whereof they make Sava answerable to our Beer, though not so clear, yet serves to make them drunk.

13. They have white Rose-trees, white and red Lil [...]es very beautiful, Jasmin won­derful for smell and greatness, Hony-suckles, a certain odoriferous Flower that dies by day, and recovers at night. Their Hills, Valleys, Meddows, and Shores are cover'd with variety of Flowers of of all Colours. All sorts of Herbs are there abundantly pro­duced, and some but little Ginger.

14. For Fruit-trees they have the Tama­rine, Peach, Pomgranate, Ancoy a sort of Pear, Fig, Orca like the Fig▪ the [...]e of [Page 418] bigger bulk, but the Leaves less; another sort of Fig-tree, called Muss, which grows like a Body of a Tree covered with Leaves so big, that a Man may wrap himself in one of them; out of the top shoots one only Branch on which are the Figs, on each of them, whatever way cut, appears a Cross, for which reason it is concluded to be the Fruit forbidden our First Father Adam, and the cause of his Fall. There are wild Ta­marins, the Fruit whereof is not eaten. Vineyards there are none, but some wall Vines whereof they make no Wine, but Reasins. There are Lemmon-trees sweet and sowre, Cedars and Ebony-Trees. They have also Cotten, whereof are made course Clothes for the common Sort, and is used as all o­ther things instead of Mony, of which i [...] this Country there is none.

15. They Plow their Ground only super­ficially, not cutting deep, and their Plows in many places are drawn by Men and Wo­men, most of the Plow-shares are of Wood. Their chief Stocks consist in Cattle, and some Men possess from two to 10000 Head of great Cattle. Some of them divide their Herds by the Colours, and those that have Horns from those that have none, for there are naturally many here without them; none of the Bulls are fierce. There are many Goats, and it is reckoned a shame to drink their Milk; no less quantity of Sheep, some of such large Tails, as are equal to one of the Quarters; they make course Cloath of the Wool for the Poor. They have all [Page 419] other sorts of Beasts and Fowl in abun­dance.

16. The Conntry abounds in Butter and Honey, the best of the last is that of Ende­rat [...] and Agamea. The Bees, for fear of Theives, are kept within Doors, with holes through the Walls for them to go out. There are wild Bees, and of their Liquor is made the Wine most in esteem; both Men and Women glory in being drunk with it. Where these swarm, there resorts a little Bird that loves Honey, and fearing the Bees, goes out to meet Passengers, and attracts them with his Note, and leaping from Tree to Tree to the place where the Honey is; the People knowing this, follow him, take the Honey, and he remains satisfied with what is left.

17. It is certain there are gold Mines here, but not made use of, lest they should provoke the Turks and other Nations to covet the Country. They lie Eastward, and on the right hand of the way from Maigoga to Ta­movem. On the top of a neighbouring Moun­tain is to be seen a Wall, believed to have been a Fort to defend the Mines; though they are stopped up, some Gold is taken a­bout the Skirts of them. There are other [...] in other places, but none known of Silver in this Kingdom, in that of Semen there, are, and those so rich, that two Parts in three of the Oar are pure Metal, they are also stopped up. In Tigre there are Mines of Lead, and many of so good Iron, that they make thereof all sorts of We [...]pons without Steel, whereof they have none In [Page 420] Senafe there is abundance of pure Sulphur, and as much Salt-peter at Gralta.

18. Between Baraoa and Massua, there is abundance of a sort of bright Stone which opens in Leaves like Izinglass, and being burnt turns to a white Pouder like Ceruse used by Painters, but not with Oil, for that turns it black. Between Dangali and Senafe is a great Mine of Salt of great value, be­cause there is no other there but what is made with Sea-water between Massua and Defalo. The Salt dug out of the Mine is cut into Bars about a Span in length, and between two and three Fingers broad and thick, which serve for Money in other Parts. Not far from it in a Mountain is a sort of Salt that is a Cure for some Diseases.

19. The Empire of Ethiopia has never a good Sea-port Town, because it reaches not to the Sea, only some little Part of the King­dom of Tigre. The Port Baclur, the first within the mouth of the Red Sea belongs to the King of Dangali a Mahometan, and is not considerable, being incapable of great Ships. The Port Defalo between that and Arquico where the Turks have a Fort is yet worse. The best Port on the Coast is Ar­quico, where the Turks have raised another Fort: Between it and Defalo are two large Bays, where any Ships may ride.

CHAP. VIII.

1. IN Ethiopia there are no written Laws, but ancient Prescription is preserved by Memory, and often proclaimed at the Courts of Kings and Governors. There are no Prisons. When a Man is accused, they fasten a Chain to his right hand, and to the left of the Accuser, or one of his Servants, and so they continue till Sentence is given, so that it is as dangerous to accuse as be ac­cused. When a Man is condemned to death, they deliver him over to the Party ag­greived, to kill him as he pleases, without allowing the least time for preparation.

2. The Witnesses may be accepted against, and such as are allowed give their Evidence Viva voce, for nothing is writ. They have a sort of Judges called Umbares, which they hold to be descended from those sent by Sa­lomon with the Queen of Saba, and her Son David, when she returned from Hierusalem.

3. The rich wear Shirts of Bo [...]eta lined with the same, or another sort of Linne, they reach to the Ankles, the Sleeves long and close to the Arm with abundance of ga­thers, the Neck high and stitched, with silver and silk Buttons of several Colours, and Loops of the same instead of Button­holes. Others wear them blew, and all gir [...] [Page 422] themselves with silk or Linnen Scarses; they use no Belts, but such as are fastned to their Swords, which they seldom wear; their Breeches as long as the Shirt and narrow; from the mid-thigh downward of Velvet, Damask or Sattin, upward of Linnen, be­cause of the heat. Over all they wear Ca­bayas, which are like Sheets (called also Fo­tetes) thrown over their Shoulders, to do Reverence to any Body they open these, for they wear nothing on their Heads; but if they do Reverence to the Queen or Prince, they let fall the Fotete to the waste. If any wear Veils on their Heads they do not take them off.

4. They wear Periwigs, which they call Gatonas, made of sundry shapes, some like the brims of a Hat one over another, some round, others like Horns, and so other sorts. It is a Trade to make them, and they spend a whole day in ordering one; they are oint­ed with Butter whereon the Dust settling makes them look monstrous.

5. Some over their Cloaths hang carelesly [...]certain Skins like Sables with little Bells of Gold or Silver; about their Necks gold Chains with Crosses, Bracelets of the same Metal, and Silver Rings. The poorer sort cloath much in the same Nature, but with Apparel of less value. For the most part they go barefooted; or if they wear any thing, it is only a sort of Buskins so streight the Foot never goes to the bottom, and so they drag them. The meanest sort of all wear Cow. Hides either with or without the [Page 423] Hair, dressed as soft as any Cloath.

6. The Women of great Quality, as the Oisoros, that are of the Blood-Royal, and others wear Shifts of Silk, or rich Indian Linnen, they cover the whole Body, very close at the Wrist, but the rest of the sleeve so wide it hangs down to the ground. They use Bracelets of Gold and Silver, Necklaces of Glass of several Colours, from the Shoul­ders downwards they are covered with silk Veils of several Colours, or white as the Men, and they let them fall like them when they make Reverence; they put nothing on their Heads, their Hair hanging in many breadths, or loose and divided, fastned to the Skin ointed with Butter, the ends are knotted. Men and Women to avoid discom­posing this so tedious dress, when they sleep rest their Neck upon sticks so framed, that the Head lies hollow: They always carry Bodkins of Ivory, Ebony, or other things well wrought to scratch themselves with, and are always stuck in the Hair.

7. Round their Eyes and Lips they lay Colour, makes them rather blew than black. The Brides on the Marriage-day die their Hands blacker than they are naturally; for as among us whiteness is beauty, so black­ness among them: They wear Rings on their fingers, on the little one they let the Nail grow so long, it exceeds all the [...]ther fin­gers, in their Ears great Rings of Gold or Silver.

8. Their Weapons are Firelocks, which they have from the Turks, Darts of several [Page 424] sorts, Maces, Slings, Swords, Hangers, Poi­niards, and for the defensive Coats of Mail, Helmets, and Bucklers of Bufalo and Sea-Horses Skins. The warlike Instruments, Trumpets and Kettle-drums, the Musical Ta­bors, great and lesser Guitars, the first of five, the others of three strings.