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 â—…in and of Cattle 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 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 Continues the Siege of Goa and Government of D. Luis de Ataide 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 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 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
appearance an hundred years of Age who with the fright of seeing them fell down but recovering and seeing the Souldiers take out the Bars of Silver out of the Tombs he rebuked the Captain giving him Advice to be saved Faria courteously took his leave having Information what was in the other Chappels and resolving next day to plunder them all he retired to his Ships with the Silver taken in this which was a considerable quantity 6. About Midnight there appeared Lights upon the Top of the Great Building and Bells began to ring throughout the Island Faria was advised to be gone being they were discovered but he returned to the Island with only six Men and could see no more than what he had from his Vessels Being returned aboard all protested he ought to retire and he no longer able to withstand the Mutiny said He was obliged in Honour to see what he fled from and went ashoar again with the same six Men. He entred a Chappel and found two Old Men whom he brought away with some Candlesticks and a Silver Idol he found and immediately left that place He understood by the Old Men that the Alarum was given and the Island would soon be relieved that the first Hermit had given Notice Then Faria found how much he had erred in not bringing him away as he was Advised 7. He went away in a Passion that he should lose that Treasure through his own fault and having sailed almost a Month one Night being the fifth of August there arose such a terrible Storm that his Galliot was swallowed up as was guessed by those in the other by the miserable Cries for they could not see it A few days after the other also perished only fourteen of them escaping Thus ended that brave Commander doubtless a just Judgment for the Robbery he designed to commit 8. No less Unfortunate was the End of the City Liampo where this Captain had been so Nobly received and was the effect of a base and insatiable Avarice Lancelot Pereyra a Judge of that City having lost a Thousand Ducats by the Chineses went out with a Body to rob and plunder others as if this might be done though they have been the Debtors This barbarous hellish Action brought the Governour of that Province with Threescore thousand Men upon that City which in four hours time was burnt with Eighty Ships that were in the Port Twelve thousand Men killed of them a Thousand Portugueses and three Millions of Gold lost Scarce any thing was left but the bare Memory of Liampo but it appeared that whatever the Portugueses gained by their Valour they lost by their Covetousness It was admirably said of one of those we call Baâ—…oarians hearing the Actions of the Portugueses in Asia celebrated His Words were these Let them go on for whatever they gain as Couragious Souldiers they will lose as Covetous Merchants They now conquer Asia Asia will soon conquer them Who was most Barbarous he that said this or they who did what he said 9. Liampo had above Three thousand Inhabitants all Catholicks and almost half Portugueses Those who escaped that Storm though quite discredited among the Chineses obtained leave with great Presents in the Year 1547 to Settle in the Port of Chincheo where there was a Village which began to flourish with a rich Trade but came to the same End as the other as shall appear the Year 1549. CHAP. IX Continues the Government of D. Stephen de Gama and contains the Actions of his Brother Don Christopher in Ethiopia 1. WHilst this hapned in India and China Don Christopher de Gama marched through Ethiopia led by that Barnagais who came as Embassadour from the Queen Mother to desire favour of the Governour D. Stephen The Heat the Men endured was excessive though they lay by the Day and marched by Night A Week was spent in passing over a Rugged Mountain whence they descended into a most pleasant Plain Country watered by many Rivulets Through this they marched in two days to the City Barua Metropolis of the Province Barnagasso though damaged by the late Invasion yet of sightly Buildings divided by a great River encompassed with good Villages and Country-houses At the Gates they were received by several Religious Men singing a Litany one of which made a Speech to Welcom them and extol their Generosity in coming to their relief after which our Men visited the Church and Encamped 2. Don Christopher sent Advice of his Arrival to the Emperour who was far off and to the Queen Mother who was near He desired of her to leave that Mountain and put her self under his guard Barnagais was sent to Conduct her with two Companies of Portugueses She came with a great Retinue of Women and Servants Our Men were drawn out to receive her and the Cannon fired The Queen sat upon a Mule whose Trappings reached the ground and she was hid by Curtins fixed to the Saddle her Cloathing was white on her Shoulders a short black Mantle with gold Fringes and from her white Head-Cloaths fell a Veil that covered her Face Barnagais led the Mule his Arm naked and a Tygers Skin upon his Shoulders a Token of Respect a Lord on each side in the same Garb. She opened the Curtains to see the Portugueses and lifted her Veil to be seen by D. Christopher The Reception on both sides was Courteous Afterwards D. Christopher went to Visit Her and by Advice of the Ethiopians it was resolved to Winter there and expect the Emperour's Answer 3. The Answer came expressing his Joy for the Arrival of the Portugueses and desiring D. Christopher to march the beginning of Summer It was put in execution Some Light Horse led the Van to discover then followed the Artillery next the Baggage after it the Queen guarded by fifty Portugues Musqueteers D. Christopher brought up the Reer Barnagais and his Officers made up the Flanks In eight days they came to the Mountain Ganè of most difficult ascent on the Top of it was a City and on the highest Cliff a Chappel near which a House hung round with Three hundred embalmed Bodies sewed up in Hides which being rent with Age shewed the Bodies white and uncorrupt Some were of Opinion they were Roman Conquerors of that Country others and among them the Patriarch supposed them to be Martyrs At the sight of the Portugueses many of the People resorted to the Queen 4. Don Christopher marched on to the Mountain Canete well Watered and stored with Cattle impregnable by Nature and yet strengthned by Art Formerly the Emperours were Crowned here now it was held for the Tyrant by a Thousand Men who at times came down to Ravage the Country D. Christopher contrary to the Advice of the Queen and her Counsel resolved to assault that Den of Thieves He divided his Men into three parts and led the one himself and boldly assaulted the Three Passes that led to it but were forced this day to desist by reason
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 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 thâ—…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 Sâ—… George But the Barbarians having deâ—…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 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 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 thâ—… 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 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 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
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 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 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 â—…eque the Chief are Quiloa Zanzibar and Monbaça but he of Melinde pretends to be the antientest deducing his Pedegree from those of Quitaâ—… 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 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 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 3. The City Burnt and Plundered Tristan de Cunna set sail and met off of Cape Guardafu Alvaro Tellez who had been in a
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 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 Warâ—… 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 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 't is 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 Iâ—… any refuse the 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 Of the Empire of Aethiopia and first of the Kingdoms and Provinces into which it is divided of the Progress of Christianity therein and of the Product of the Land 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 knâ—…w not the Sacrament of Confirmation The Country Tacussa was best disposed to receive Christianity because many Portugueses lived there and that of Gorgorro by the Labours of the Jesuits who had a Church there So the Heathen Agoâ—…s gave ear to our Doctrine these are a warlike People and possess a plentiful Country
Stewards the third the Master of the Horses the fourth the Master of the Ceremonies of the Court the fifth of particular Rites the sixth of the Petitions given the King the other three of lesser Matters Every City has its own particular Council each Metropolis of a Province five distinct Tribunals Each Town has a private Court 6. The great Mandarines are carried about Town in Chairs adorned with Ebony and Gold by four Men with others by to relieve them before the Chiefest go Men by Pairs with long Staves always crying out two others follow these with Tables on which is writ the quality of the Person carried after these go six scattering Bamboes with which they use to bastinade Offenders and others with Fetters and Chains Near the Chair a Man with a silâ—… Umbrello three times as big as those we use â—…two just before the Chair carry a small Box with the Royal Seal on one side a great Fan that shades all the Chair behind go the Pages and other Attendance on Foot and Horseback 7. When one of these goes by all things are taken from the Windows the Images of Funerals are lowred the People stop on the sides of the Streets there is no noise and he passes without moving his Eyes When he goes to any City the ancient Men receive him at the Gate on their Knees The King bestows Honour on Magistrates Mothers as they rise and when they die buries them with Pomp and assigns them stately Pallaces while living 8. The Prisons are large and commonly near to the Palaces of the Mandarines thâ—…y belong to they have no Grates to the Street the Dungeons are terrible the other Part is in Rows sustained by Pillars with Planks along for Beds where every one lies with Fetters on his Hands and his Feet as it were in the Stocks over them all run long Chains so that they cannot turn The lesser Criminals are more favourably dealt with but all fare hard for the Prisons serve to punish as well as to secure Men. The Prisoners have much to do at their Entrance with the Keepers about their Fees for they pay none at going out 9. Their Punishments differ not much from ours but whipping is used before all other Penalties the Lashes are given on the bare Buttocks and Thighs as well to Women as Men and that before the Tribunal or in the Street when the Crime is done there no Body values the Shame but only the Smart They also have several ways of Racking 10. Military Science is very ancient among the Chineses They had tedious Wars with their Neighbours conquered the Island Ceylon and subdued One hundred and Fourteen Kings They always entertain a vast number of Souldiers in Nanking there are Forty thousand in Peking Eighty thousand all over the Kingdom above a Million but they are all Cowards Yet of late Years they beat the Iaponeses out of Corea and the Tartars out of the Province of Peking They use foolish Reviews in which like our Boys they represent Tartars and Chineses and the former are always beaten 11. Gun-Powder is of most ancient standing among them of it they make curious and costly Fire-works they have some Cannon but no Skill in the use of it only shoot at random Their most usual Arms are Lances Arrows and Cutlaces There is a sort of Back and Breast Pieces Proof against Arrows Their Civil Government is very just because bad Ministers are severely punished and the King hears Complaints against them Thus much may suffice for the Affairs of China CHAP. XIX The Division of the Dominions the Portugueses do or have possessed in those Parts commonly comprehended under the general Name of India Some Remarks on the Customs and Religion of those People with some Account of the Christians of St. Thomas and of the Island of Ceylon 1. THE Portugues Dominions generally comprehended under the Name of India though dispersed along the Coasts of Asia and Africk may well be divided into five Parts The first containing the Islands of that vast Ocean as those of Maldivia the King whereof being a Christian with his Wife and Family resided at Cochim that of Ceylon in which we have the Town of Columbo and a Right to the Kingdoms of Iafanapatan Cota and Candea by Donation from their natural Kings the Island of Manar with its Fort and Fishery of Pearl Eastward the Sovereignty of all that Archipelago the Moluco Islands and that of Macao on the Coast of China 2. The Second Part lies from Cape Corrientes to the Mouth of the Red Sea Peopled by Moors along the Coast and the Inland by Idolatrous and Brutal Cafres 3. The Third is divided from Persia by the Persian Golph inhabited by Moors of different Opinions 4. The Fourth contains the Kingdom of Ormuz and neighbouring Parts that Trade thither especially Baharem so famed for the Fishery of Pearl that draws all Mankind thither 5. The Fifth is called India within and without Ganges All that lies between Indus and Ganges which is above 550 Leagues along the Coast is inhabited by two Nations Pagans and Mahometans who for above three Ages have been possessed of that Tract called Indostan 6. In this Fifth Part is included the principal Part of the Portugues Patrimony It begins at Diu a City not inferior to many famous in Europe and was once the Metropolis of Cambaya Almost opposite to it is Damam both which almost shut up the Mouth of the Bay of Cambaya and extend their Command Twenty-four Leagues in which space are many Villages that yield a considerable Revenue 7. From the River of Agacaim to that of Bombaim are Eight Leagues and in that space the City 〈◊〉 â—…th its Forts and Villages as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Agaçaim Bandora Tana Câ—…a and opposite to it the Island Salsete whose wonderful Structures prove it to have been the Metropolis of that Country and Court of Princes The Dominions of Cambaya once extended thither The next is Chaul a Place of Importance Then the Capital of our Empire that is the Island Goemaâ—…e which sigâ—…fies Happy Land corruptly called Goa and Trissuari signifying Thirty Villages for so many it contains which on the Continent commands the Lands of Salsete and Bardes There follow on the Coast of Camaran towards Cape Comori the Towns of Onor 〈◊〉 and Mangalor then in Malahar Cananor Cranganor Coulam and the chief Port of our Fleets Cochim Turning the Cape appears the Pearl Fishery and above it the Cities Negapatan St. Thomas and other Towns if not Subject to at least Inhabited and defended by Portugueses 8. The Exterior India begins at the River Ganges and reaches to China and Câ—…bodia and is terminated by the River Mecom It is inhabited by Heathens worse if possible than the others Here the Portugueses have the rich City of Malaca Metropolis of that Kingdom and the greatest Place of Trade of all those Eastern Provinces 9. Something has been already said of the Manners of all these People we will add
the Mogols prosecuting his Ambitious Designs of enlarging his Empire undertook the Conquest of the Kingdom of Patane then possessed by Xa Holan whom Fortune had once much favoured and now seemed to neglect Nothing withstood the Mogol till he came to the City Xamanea before which he fat down His Enemy encamped a League off on the other side of Ganges and entertained him with continual Skirmishes generally with equal Loss Homaum still pressed and Halon despairing of removing him by open Force had recourse to Stratagem wherein he was singular He endeavoured to protract the Time the best he could till the Season that Ganges overflows which generally drowns all the Plain for the space of eight Leagues Mean while he dug vast Ponds to receive the River and then dammed it up and as the Floods began to swell he broke the Damms which caused the Waters to spread abroad with the greater violence â—…us all on a sudden when the Mogol least thought of it they gushed out upon his Army and before he imagined it swallowed up 50000 of his Men and an infinite quantity of Baggage 2. Homaum by the help of a Carrier escaped upon a Mule and the Queen who was with Child on an Elephant The Queen was delivered of a Daughter and fearing her Husband should hate her because it was not a Son she changed it for one the Wife of a Cornaca had then brought forth Cornaca's are the Men that govern the Elephants Some said the Child thought to be changed was got on the Queen by the Cornaca there being a suspicion he had had to do with her upon the Elephant There is no need of disputing the Possibility of the thing for on the Elephants are Castles those Castles loansom and Solitude and Idleness produce wanton Thoughts Queens are Women and Women have ready Wits However it was Homaum esteemed the Son as his own and he was called Gelaldim Hacbar As to his person he was more like the Cornaca than Homaum but the Endowments of his Mind were equal with the Greatest of Men. This Prince when he came to the Crown being offended at the Innundations of Ganges prevented them by drawing it into several Channels and built there a Palace of such Wonderful structure that Ten thousand Men spent Thirty years in the Work Homaum being come to the City Delhi cloathed the Carryer in Royal Robes entertaining him with a splendid Train and made him sit three days in the Regal Throne during which time he enjoyed the whole Revenue of the Crown and had the full power of Government From this time forward a Mule was stamped upon all his Coyn that even the Beast might not pass unrewarded 3. About the same time Antony de Mota Francis Zeymoto and Antony Peixoto sailing for China were thrown by a Storm among the Islands of Nipongi or Nifon by the Chineses called Gipon and by us Iapan In one of these they were well received and had the Honour to be the first that discovered them though accidentally They lye far Eastward of all India opposite to China between 30 and 40 Degrees of North Latitude They are many the Principal Nipongi or Iapan in which is the City Meaco the Imperial Court According to the Natives the Length of the Island is 366 Leagues according to our computation One hundred less It is divided into Fifty six Governments The Chief Islands about it are Cikoko Tokoesi Sando Sisime Bacasa Vuoqui Taquixima and Firando The Japans have the vain Pride to esteem themselves descended from the Gods They say a great Giant made the World of a Cocks Egg and of the Earthly part a Woman who engendring with a Crocodile brought forth a Man from whom they descend And the Family of the Conguis among them to this day wear Tails like those of Crocodiles hanging at their Breeches in token they are the immediate Line The truth is they are descended from a Chinese Prince who being banished passed thither but they are so vain they would rather descend from a Cock and a Crocodile than from the Chineses In Matters of Religion they have several Sects That of the Xexuni who deny the Immortality of the Soul and is followed by the Nobility it is not only in Iapan they follow it That of the Foccenxuni who adore the Sun and allow a Second Life The Xodexuni that adore the Idol which they think saves them if they name it That of Xocoxu who believe there is a Reward for the Good and Punishment for the Wicked and is followed by the Country People That of Xamabuxe the Professors whereof adore the Devils and converse with them so familiarly that when one would be Revenged of another he orders them to enter into him they call them with a Horn. Their Priests are called Bonzes But above all they adore an Idol called Seuto who lives in Heaven and is the beginning of all things Parricide and Treason they hold as sins that cannot be forgiven Pity this Doctrin should not be held among those that pretend to be Christians 4. Fernan Mendez Pinto in his Travels appropriates this Discovery to himself Saying He came to the Island Tanixuma which I suppose to be Taquixima one of those about Iapan with his two Companions Christopher Borallo and James Zeimoto not by way of Shipwreck but designedly in the Service of a Pyrat who had taken them up when cast away Both Relations mention three Names one of them is the same in both and both agree upon the same Year 1542. I will say something I find in that Author because it is rare and worthy Admiration 5. Nautaquim was then Prince of that Island and seeing the three Portugueses he stood amazed and uttered these mysterious words Let me dye if these meaning the Portugueses be not the Chinchicogies our ancient Records speak of who flying over the Waters shall come to be Lords of the Lands where God placed the greatest Riches of the World and it will be very fortunate for us if they come as Friends Let us return to India 6. The first thing the Governour did was lessening the Souldiers pay for saving of Charges is a great means to gain the Favour of Princes And Ministers never express their Zeal by retrenching their own large Allowances but by cutting off the small ones of the Poor This caused great Discontent among the Commonalty However Two thousand Men were raised and imbarqued in Seventy Vessels of several sorts with which the Governour set out for Batecala a City seated on the Banks of a River upon the Coast of Canara well built and encompassed with a fruitful Country The occasion of this Voyage That the Queen refused to pay her Tribute and entertained Pyrats in her Port to the detriment of the Publick 7. The Fleet entred the Port and the Queen seeing so great a force and that the Governour demanded the Tribute and delivery of the Pyrats Ships that had retired thither and fortified themselves she designed to hold
Mogol at the time when Babor Paxiath great Grandson to Tamerlane the Great reigned among them 4. Omaum Son of Babor now broke with Badur King of Cambaya who to begin the War sent twenty thousand Horse and a multitude of Foot upon his Enemies Frontiers Here it may appear that Ingratitude never escapes unpunished The Queen Crementii who had saved Badur's Life and in return was by him deprived of her Liberty and Kingdom of Chitor now revenged her self on him after this manner He by his Embassadors required her to send him her Son with what Men she could to serve against the Mogol The Queen desired he would restore her other Son whom he kept as an Hostage that she might not be deprived of both and that the mean while she would raise the Forces Badur not diving into her Design sent him and she immediately put her self into the protection of the Mogol Badur enraged at this Action gathered one hundred thousand Horse four hundred and fifteen thousand Foot a thousand Cannon many of great Bulk six hundred armed Elephants and six thousand Carriages This multitude marched in great order and was abundantly supplyed with all things 5. He besieged the City Chitor and battered it furiously but tho the besieged received great damage they did him much more Badur now raging received the News that the Mogols had slain twenty thousand of the Men he sent to ravage their Country He vented his passion upon the City and at last more by policy than strength became Master of it having lost fifteen thousand Men among them four Portugueses The Queen with the choice of her Riches fled Badur used no Cruelty towards the City but repaired it against future dangers leaving Minaâ—… Hozem to command in it with twelve thousand Men. Then he marched towards his Enemy who advanced victorious through the Kingdom of Mandou in order to relieve Chitor and being now informed it was in possession of Badur and that he was intrenched about Doçor Omaum marched thither and encamped 6. Badur found the greatest danger where he sought security for being incamped between a River and a Lake and Omaum before him the resort of Provisions was quite cut off so that in few days they suffered extreme Famine and such as went out to seek Relief fell into the Hands of the Enemy as did Coraçam Cham with two thousand Horse 7. This so disheartened Badur that he stole away and his Camp was plundered by the Mogols who found there vast Riches Badur with all speed fled towards Mandou accompanied by Rume Cham and some Portugueses being left by many persons of Note and particularly Melique Liaz for the murder of his two Brothers In fine very little of that mighty Army escaped the Sword or Famine and what did was dispersed and disarmed Badur got into Mandou having slipped ten thousand Mogols who thought to prevent his reaching that place 8. Badur fortified this City and gave the chief Command to Rume C ham his Favourite Omaum hearing of it lengthened his Marches to come upon him Rume Cham now fearful of his Master deserts to Omaum Rume's Wife Daughter and Riches were at Champanel Badur and Rume strove who should first secure Champanel the former having there one tho the least of his three Treasures which only in Copper-Mony was worth thirty Millions besides Pearls Precious Stones and other things of value with this Treasure he sent Rume's Family and Riches under a strong Guard to Diu whilst he himself hearing the approach of Omaum wasted the Country and destroyed the Artillery lest it should fall into the Enemies Hands The same he did at Cambayaâ—… Rume C ham seeing his Wife and Riches were carried away obtained of his new Master five thousand Horse to follow them As he entered one Gate of Cambaya Badur was going out at another who seeing himself so close pursued by Rume left his Women and Riches by the way that they might put a stop to his pursuit So it fell out for Rume Cham returned to Champanel and Badur got to Diu whilst Omaum was at Champanel dividing his Kingdom and conquering that impregnable place with Liberality 9. Champanel was impregnable by Art and Nature and the Mogols not used to spend time even in easie Sieges but Tyrants have nothing secure so these Rocks which might have been a secure Retreat to him turned against Badur This mountain is thirty Leagues from the Sea and yet visible thither the ascent of it being almost five Leagues Where Nature left any passage Art supplyed it with strong Walls The City stands on the side of it has sightly Buildings twenty thousand Families and a great Trade The City it self is not walled but there are many places upon the Mountain well fortified strongly garrisoned and stored with Cannon Somewhat higher is the Royal Palace wonderful for Structure and Greatness and on the top a Fort can terrifie the most daring Here Badur found no security for Tyrants can meet none in the World and think themselves between Sheets when they are between the strongest Walls and when between the finest Sheets they imagine they lie upon Thorns 10. These Misfortunes were the Motives that induced Badur to consent to our raising the Fort at Diu. Before to secure our Friendship against the Mogol he had surrendered Baçaim to Nuno de Cuna and now in hopes of our assistance to recover what was lost he offered Diu. Badur sent to dispose Martin Alphonso de Sousa who was at Chaul and he urged the necessity of raising the Fort giving advice hereof to Nuno and desiring leave to go treat about this important Affair Cuna refused him leave jealous that any but himself should compass a matter so much desired by his Prince and sent his own Secretary Embassador to Badur 11. Still Badur struggled with his Pride and thought to get assistance from the Turk to recover his Kingdom To this effect he sent Saf Cham Embassador with a rich Present but hearing the Mogol had taken Champanel utterly despaired He resolved to fly to Meca and there wait the Turks Answer but his Mother and Friends dissuaded him advising to grant leave to the Portugueses to raise the Fort at Diu and by their assistance his Fortune might be bettered Instantly he sent to offer it to Martin Alphonso at Chaul whither also came a Message from the Mogol with the same Offer 12. Martin Alfonso having sent advice to the Governor asked not a second time for leave but set out immediately for Diu as Badur desired At Sea he met the Secretary Simon Ferryra and both arrived at Diu on the twenty first of September They soon came to an agreement upon these Articles That Badur confirmed all that had been done relating to Baçaim that something which concerned Trade should be transferred thence to Diu that there should be a League offensive and defensive between the King of Portugal and him that the Fort should be raised where and in what manner the Governor should
and one piece of Cannon and wounded many of his Men and himself so that he was forced to be sent to Damans to be cured Afterwards burning another Village he came off with Loss 7. The Vice-Roy being informed that the Turkish Gallies which the Year before plundred Mascate were again at Sea â—…ared they would make some attempt upon Moçambique and therefore sent thither two Ships to relieve that Place Mean while an Army of Mogols with Elephants and other Necessaries for a Siege entred the Country of Damam burnt Villages and encamped not far from the City Our Commander there Martin Alfonso de Melo having but few Men and being ill fortified sent Advice to the neighbouring Commanders and to the Vice-Roy and in few Days so many Gentlemen resorted to him that they valued not the Enemy 8. The Mogol thinking nothing was to be got by Men who so freely offered themselves to Danger forbore the Siege and with fresh Fury over-ran the whole Country He took a view of the Fort where Ferdinand de Miranda had Commanded and was well known to him he called Miranda loud and rid out from the Front of his Army Ferdinand knowing he that called was Calichan General of those Troops went out and pointed his Lance so well that hitting on his Breast it pierced the Armour wounded him and flew in pieces but he fell not being tied to the Saddle Calichan retired to his Men decamped and marched away but left a Garrison to keep Possession of one Village But the Portugueses had like to have done themselves the Damage they might have feared from the Mogol being drawn up in order to fight among themselves on account of some Disputes about Superiority and about opposing Alfonso de Melo for imprisoning a Soldier A fortunate alarm prevented this Mischief 10. â—…mana da Rama King of Sarceta five Leâ—…ues Northward of Damam a Friend to the Portugueses being upon this occasion entruâ—…ed to secure the Women and Children covetous of the Riches they carried with them refused to restore them Martin Alfonso de Melo and Ferdinand de Miranda marched towards him with Eight hundred Portugueses whereof 140 Horse and 400 Musqueteers and 1000 of the Natives Being come in sight of the City Raumalaje the King sent to offer he would restore all provided they would proceed â—…o farther They thinking it was only to amuse them marched on The King with his Wife and Jewels getting on Elephants and being followed by the Inhabitants fled to a Mountain whence he could see the City plundered and burnt and all the Country about destroyed 11. The Enemy made some attempts upon our Quarters and at last the King â—…me in Person with a good number of Men for some time put our Men very hard to it but in the end was forced to fly and from his retreat sent to make entire restitution of all that had been demanded 12. In Ceylon Raju was preparing to fall upon Columbo The Vice-Roy sent five Sail to its Relief and Raju understanding it stirred not Iohn Correa de â—…to Commander of Columbo eased of that care sent back three of the Ships retaining only two 13. D. Hierome de Mascarennas who was with a Squadron in the Red Sea met with no Enemy but one Night the Sky being serene and clear they all saw a great opening in the Region of the Air with such brightness as enlightned all the Sea then there fell abundance of Flames like flashes of Powder This lasted not long the Night after it continued clear as before and they sailed to Ormuz 14. The Kings of Lara always aspired to raise themselves above those of Ormuz as formerly they had been He that now reigned resolving to possess himself of all Mogostan and leading a powerful Army had taken several Towns and kept the Fort of Ormuz in a manner besieged by hindring the resort of the neighbouring Country People who supply it with Provisions The King of Ormuz who was equally apprehensive of this danger had a Conference with D. Gonzalo de Meneses Commander of the Fort and having adjusted Matters they both set out in August when the heat of the Sun is intollerable to meet the Enemy The King led 3000 Men D. Gonzalo 800 choice Portugueses with a train equal to the greatest Princes These 800 were divided into three Bodies They marched to the Fort of Xamel which they judged impregnable not so much 〈◊〉 Art as its natural Situation in it were Fire hundred Lâ—…ines the flower of that 〈◊〉 15. In â—…ing our Cannon we lost one Man and had many Wounded The Fort was battâ—…d Twenty Days without any Effect The Battery was removed against a Bastion â—…ar the Gate where it soon made a consâ—…able impression The Bastion was assaulâ—…d and gained with the loss of six Men. 16. The Battery was removed thither and continued playing till the King of Lara dying and his two Sons falling at variance about the Succession instead of relieving the Besieged they were forced to surrender upon Condition to march out with their Baggage As they marched the Amadises of the Army of Ormuz who had feigned themselves 〈◊〉 Friends only to get the opportunity of revenging the Affronts received from them in the Persons of their Wives and Daughters now suddenly fell upon them killed 150 and had destroyed the rest had not the King and D. Gonzalo interposed Milascar one of their Officers was killed by our Men whom he assaulted believing them the Breakers of the Articles 17. Xascambar another of their Officers more discreet put himself into the Protection of D. Gonzalo who found much difficulty to save him The Amadises begged of him since he would not suffer them to kill him he would at least permit them to lay their Mouths to his Wounds to suck his Blood in revenge of their Affronts with great trouble he appealed them The King put Coiecenadam with Five hundred Men into the Fort and returned to â—…z Immediately after Provisions â—…w grown scarce in the City were plentifully brought to it 18. At the same time the King of Achem came to Malaca with 150 Sail and finding two Ships in that River batter'd them the space of fifteen days D. Iohn de Gaâ—… who commanded there and whose time was now expiring was most vigilant till Rocque de Melo succeeded him The Enemy weary with battering the Ships resolved to burn them and had compassed it had not Bartholomew Fernandez a Mulato with two Souldiers turned off from them a flaming Vessel designed to set them on Fire 19. Nunno Monteyro coming from the Sreight of Singapura in a Galliot with sixty Portugueses most of them born at Malaca had the boldness to attack all that Fleet. Though it seem fabulous at the first onset he made all those 150 Sail give way then the greatest of them boarded him and he had visibly the better of them when some spark of Fire falling into his Powder blew up him his Vessel and all the Men Yet this
Achem richly laden The King of Arracam to the intent to possess himself of that Custom-house resolved to joyn with the King of Tangu and sent an Embassador to him with 20 Ialias or small Ships Nicote understanding it caused Bartholomew Ferreyra Captain of our small Craft to fall upon them who put them to flight so that they were sorced to make their escape to the King of Iangona's Country The Enemy thus exasperated gathered 700 small Vessels with 4000 Men under the command of the Prince his Son with whom were Ximicolia and Marquetam Sons to the then Emperor of Pegu. 21. Paul del â—…ego Pinnero set out to meet them with the Boats and 7 Ships and having taken 10 Boats that were advanced before the rest returned to secure them and set out again but observing the Enemy was too strong for him went in to gather more Force Being reinforced he meets the Prince routs him and takes several Vessels The Prince thinking to save himself by running up a River got into a small Creek where Pinnero took all the rest of his Vessels obliging him to escape by Land having lost One Thousand of his Men. Then he took the Fort of Chinim and in it many Prisoners among which was the Wife of Bâ—…unadala 22. Nicote was now abroad with Fourteen small Vessels in which were Sixty Portugueses and Two hundred Pegues he run up a River and hearing the Prince was on the Shore with Four thousand Men Nine Hundred of them Musqueteers he attacks him Ximitoto a valiant Pegu attempted to take the Prince and being himself hurt wounded the Prince in the Face which occasioned his being made Prisoner and gained us the Victory Two Thousand Men of the King of Pram came to the Prince's assistance as he was taken and were also defeated The Pegues seeing their Prince carried away to Captivity would all have gone with him striving to get into our Vessels Such as could not remained on the Shore cursing their hard Fortune that would not permit them to follow him a Prisoner as they had done in Liberty Christians may here learn the Duty they owe to their Princes 23. Nicote may also be a President to all Men how to use their Victories for he not forgetting he had been a Slave to the Prince now his Prisoner served him with the same respect now as he had done then He watched him sleeping holding his Buskins in his Hands with Arms across a Ceremony used by the meanest with their Kings in those Parts and himself attended him upon all Occasions This generosity may well equal him with great Men and purchased him together with other the like Proceedings the Name of Changa which as was before said signifies Good Man 24. But now ends the Government of Ayres de Saldanna by the arrival at Goa of Martin Alfonso de Castro who came to succeed him with the same Title of Viceroy He set out from Lisbon with five Ships whereof one was forced in again About the end of the same Year there sailed thence two Caravels 25. Ayres de Saldanna seems to have had more natural Goodness than Inclination to War for in his time nothing of this sort was set on Foot He was one of those few Viceroys and Governors who are believed not to have wronged the King On his re-return home he died in the Latitude of the Islands and the Ship that brought him was lost at the mouth of Lisbon River He was tall and somewhat corpulent of a tawny Complexion of Viceroys the 18th of Governors the 36th and First of the Name and Sirname 26. I have purposely reserved for the end of this Government the Discovery of Grand Cathay for which we are beholding to F. Nicholas Pimenta Visitor-General of the Jesuits in Asia He chose for this employ B. Benedict Goes a Man well versed in several Languages and particularly the Persian which was the most important for that Design B. Goes cloathed himself in the Habit of an Armenian Christian Merchant and after their manner took the Name of Abdula Isai which signifies Christian Lord. He set out from the Mogol's Court with that Prince's Favour and Merchandize In his Company went two Greeks well skilled in the manner of Travelling and were Leo Grimanus a Priest and Demetrius a Merchant These had four Mahometan Servants who were afterwards Christians which they left at Laor one of the Mogol's Courts as useless and took in their stead Isaac an Armenian who had a Wife and Children there and was there faithful Companion From Laor they set out on the 6th of Ianuary 1603. 27. With great Labour and Hardships they passed through the Cities Abec Passaur Caferstan Guideli and Cabuo Here they were forced to stay 8 Months and meeting a Sister of Hamet Can King of Cascar that was going a Pilgrimage to Meca and was taking up Money at Interest B. Benedict considering it would oblige that Princess and her Brother through whose Dominions he was to pass lent her 600 Ducats without Interest which afterwards stood him in good stead The Priest Grimanus spent with Labour turned back from Cabul The Caravan set forward and passed the Dominions of the Mogol's in sight of the Cities Characar and Parvam 28. They passed the high Mountains of Aingaran and entring Chalca saw a fair People like the Germans then went through Gialalâ—…bat Thalham Quenam Badaxaâ—… Carebumar Serpanil Sarchunar Tanguetar Iaconich in which Journey almost two years were spent with great Toils and Dangers Hence they Travelled to Hiarcan the Court of the King of Cascar and Place of great Trade They stayed a Year for another Carravan and then set out much favoured by the King for the Kingdom of Chalis The Son of the Pilgrim Lady they lent the Money to at Cabul was very serviceable to them and they were repaid in precious Jaspar-stone the richest Merchandize in that Country In their way they passed through these Towns Iolchi Hanchalix Alchegret Hagabareth Cambaxi Aconferset Chiacor and Acfu Acfu is a Town belonging to the King of Cascar where a Grandson of his only ten Years of Age then governed who favoured Goes the time he was obliged to stay there 29. B. Benedict and Isaac setting forward again for Demetrius stayed behind at Hiarcam and passing the famous Desert Caracatay that is The black Land of Catay and these Towns Oitograck Gazo Canani Delai Saraguebedal Ugan and Cucha they came to the City Chalis where a Son of the King of Cascar governed and where they were in great danger and stayed 3 months Here came in the Caravan from Cathay by whom our Discoverer heard of F. Matthew Rivius then residing at Peking and found that China and Cathay were the same Country and only the Names differed Goes joyful of this Discovery resolved to proceed On his way he passed through these Towns Puchan Turfan Arumuth Camul and Quiacioâ—… whence may be seen that famous Wall that parts China and Tartary and came to Sucheu where hearing much of
and their Doctrine and in the Year 1638 gave them 2000 Taes or Crowns to buy a House and Land He also granted them what was more than they could have wished to put over their Door this Inscription I the King Approve of and Protect the Science of Heaven 16. In fine there are now in China this Year 1640. above 100000 Catholicks and among them many Nobles Mandarines some Bonzos and Eunuchs Of Mandarines and Colao's the most admirable were 3 or 4 Pauls one Michael one Ignatius one Leo and one Stephen who were not only Converted but Preached the Faith with great Elegancy and much Profit The great Colao Paul herein surpassed all others 17. The Jesuits at this time in China have twelve principal Residences in the chief Provinces and capital Cities under these above 500 private Oratories with hundreds of Christians belonging to each They have also gained good footing about the Neighbouring Countries as in Tomking Cochinchina Cambodia Laos and other Kingdoms In these last Countries between 10 and 15000 Souls are converted every Year 18. The King of China himself casts down Idols and orders the Prince his Son to fall down before the Images of Iesus and Mary The Queen in her Apartment gives ear to what the converted Eunuchs say concerning our Religion Mass is often celebrated in the Palace and there is great hope of the King whose Piety and Zeal have inclined him to respect the Divine Law insomuch that our Religious have been joyed upon his Conversion 19. What wonderful Accidents have happened and Miracles been wrought in the Conversion of those Christians are set down in sundry particular Relations and in the History of China and are not so proper for this which is only a profane History Besides that being miraculous to some Readers they will appear as Fictions those who are curious may see them in the aforesaid History and Relations Having given the substance of what was writ on a Stone found in China at the end of the Second Volume it will be needless to repeat the whole which is long and is no more than the same thing in many more Words What has been said relating to China in these two Volumes may deserve the Credit of all Men as being the Observations of the Curious as well as Learned and Pious F. Alvaro Semmedo who spent 22 years Preaching and Teaching in that Country The End of the Second Part. THE PORTUGUES ASIA TOM III. PART III. CHAP. I. The Government of the Viceroy D. Hierome de Azevedo from the Year 1612 till 1617. 1. AT the end of last Year came to India the King's Orders for D. Hierome de Azevedo to succeed Ruy Lorenço de Tavora as Viceroy This Gentleman had purchased a great Name by many Years service and chiefly by 18 spent in Ceylon a Thing rare for one who had also gathered great Riches Not that Riches make a Man incapable of a good Name but because commonly the means of acquiring them contribute much to stain it The Fame of his Substance contributed as much as that of his Valour tâ—… his Promotion to this Employment it being thought that he who had so much would be less guilty of those Crimes that proceed from Avarice whereas Experience teaches that those who have most covet most But D. Hierome had offered to accept of that Post without the usual Salary yet afterwards he received it making that a Crime by breaking his Promise which had been none if not offered 2. On Christmas Eve Ruy Lorenço de Tavora delivered him the Sword and the first thing he did was to forbid the payment of Debts contracted by his Predecessor who resolved not to depart India till the payment of them was secured as well for his own Reputation as in respect no Viceroy for the future would be able to get any Money advanced upon the urgent Necessities of the State if that ill Precedent was given and his Debts were all on the account of the Publick At length it was concluded they should be paid as Tavora had ordered The next Action of the Viceroy was to dispatch Danisbeque Sedesable Embassador from Abas the Xa or King of Persia who falsly courted the Friendship of all those Princes he designed to spoil promising each great Advantages and stirring them up one against the other Thus he Treated with King Philip in Spain and King Iames in England which he found most suitable to his Designs Thus he had taken the Island Baharem and strove to possess himself of Ormuz 3. Danisbeque was returned from Spain with the Answer of his Embassy and besides what the King had given him in return for a Present of Silks he carried the Viceroy had Orders to add something at his discretion He added the value of 12000 Crowns in Spice which in Persia was worth much more and having nobly entertained him sent away with him D. F. Antony de Gouvea Bishop of Sirene who also came from Spain and went to propogate Christianity which had but a slender beginning there The Bishop went no farther than Ormuz for the Persians being already ill-affected towards him he feared it would be worse when the Embassador had delivered his Answer So it happened for the King finding the Embassador brought not the Return he expected caused him to be killed and obliged 6000 Armenians to renounce the Faith 4. The Viceroy as well versed in the Affairs of Ceylon gave the necessary Orders for its preservation recommending the putting them in execution to Antony Vaz Feyre Surveyor of the Revenue in that Island Antony Pinto de Fonseca who had served well in Flanders and was now Visitor of the Forts in India with the Viceroy's Leave went to perform the Duties of his Employ D. Henry de Noronna being confirmed in the Command of the Coast of Malabar given him by Ruy Lorenço united the Kings of Vanguel Sierra and Carnate against Ventapanaique on pretence of their safety whereas indeed it was to secure our selves against him in whose Dominions we held Braçalor and Onor 5. This done D. Henry steered for the Coast of Malabar with 28 Sail. Andrew Coello was sent by the late Governour with 3 Ships to relieve Palicate and Siriam and being now driven by stress of Weather to Columbo they were beaten to pieces on that Coast but the Men saved 6. When D. Hierome came from Ceylon to be Viceroy he gave the supream Command there to Fran. Rojo a Man of unknown Birth but noted Valour and by his Courage had attained to the greatest Preferments It was since found that he was of the Family of Meneses as being Son to D. Iames Count de Ericeyra and Grandson to D. Henry de Meneses who was Governour of India 7. This D. Francis de Meneses Rojo being General in that Island and understanding the King of Candea lay before the Fort of Balane and the Commander Emanuel Falcam was in some â—…anger he instantly set out with a very small number spreading his Orders for
any thing abroad because the Country swarmed with Enemies and there were but few Men in the Fort. But he training many Camponeses raised new Works and forced the Enemy to withdraw with great loss 8. Gaspar de Melo now commanded the Northern Squadron consisting of 16 Sail he went to Bacaim understanding there was most need of his Assistance The posture of our Affairs was much mended by this Relief the Enemy being kept more in awe till one day fighting from Sun to Sun our Men without losing one Man overcame a great multitude 9. The Fort of Manora four Leagues from the mouth of the River of Agaçaim being besieged by the Decariis and Bacaim in a good Posture Gaspar de Melo resolved to relieve it and Antony Pinto to bear him Company the chief of their Strength was 700 Portugueses Gaspar one night went himself to view the Enemies Camp and finding it stronger than he had imagined when he returned perswaded his Men it was much weaker He prepared them to fall on before day which was done so successfully that some fled at first with the surprize and many being killed the rest followed Thus that Siege was raised without the Loss of one Man 10. Hence Gaspar de Melo went to Damam again infested by the King of the Sarceta's and in sight of the Enemy cut down their Woods and Orchards they not daring to oppose him The heat of the Sun was then so violent that it caused a Soldier immediately to run mad and died soon after this was all the Loss sustained by us in that Action 11. Then Melo returned to Chaul where he found Ruy Freyre de Andrade successful over his Enemies They marched to destroy a Wood near Upper Chaul in defence whereof a great multitude of the Enemy met them and there ensued an obstinate fight Here Melo forgetting the Duty of a Captain acted more like a private Soldier which heat of his Ruy Freyre did endeavour to moderate he now gave the advice he would not afterwards take They returned victorious but not without losing some Men. 12. Freyre being left alone gave Orders to fall upon the Enemy Captain Peter Gomes Villano answered They had no Men. Advancing still he again orders them to fall on and at the same time received a Musket Shot in his Belly His Men seeing it began to give way but he running forward cryed out There is no cause to retire I am very well yet for some time his Life was in danger Here it was he wanted the Advice he gave to Melo yet that Resolution produced an honourable Victory 13. Melo again joins Pinto de Fonseca at Bacaim in order to relieve the Fort of Assarim that high Mountain that overtops the flight of Birds and is counted impregnable Tho' the Country swarm'd with Enemies they conducted 200 Waggons to that Mountain and having relieved it returned in safety 14. We had not the like success at Diu for Francis Sodre being sent against the Resbutos at Coche with 300 Men in 13 Ships behaved himself so indiscreetly that they slew many of his Men and forced him to retire to his Ships in haste but not cowardly for he still faced them and did all that could be expected at such a time 15. Our Affairs at Mombaça were in a very bad posture for King Sultan Hazen being persecuted by his Unkle Munganaje who armed at the Crown and by the Commander Emanuel de Melo who thirsted after his Riches was accused of Treason those being really the Traytors who accused him His feigned Crimes being laid before the Viceroy he rashly orders him to be brought to Goa directing Simon de Melo Pereyra who went to succeed Emanuel de Melo to seize him The King understanding the Design endeavoured to avoid being taken and the new Commander attacking his House obliged him again to fly to Arabaya of the Cafres Our Commander with Money prevailed to have him killed and cutting off his Head sent it to Goa as it had been a Trophy of some great Conquest Then he puts the Government into the Hands of the Traytor Munganaje joining with him Melinde Brother to the deceased But he who desired no Colleague laid Crimes to his Charge as was done to his Brother and caused him to be beheaded We shall hereafter see the Benefit reaped by this Tyranny and Treachery 16. Cojenitamo Commander of Suratte for the Mogol with 800 Horse and some Elephants on a sudden over-ran the Country of Damam burning the Villages and some of our Men endeavouring to put a stop to him were drawn into an Ambush and all slain The Enemy comes on again with a greater Power and was now absolute Master of the Field when Luis de Iâ—…ito Melo Admiral of the North-Sea came into that Port with his Squadron which consisted of 14 Sail and in them 350 Souldiers These joined 200 of Damam and 70 Horse and above 1â—…0 other Foot They attacked the Enemy who far exceeded them in numbers yet drove him out of those Lands killing above 400 of them 2 Elephants and their Commander in Chief Dalapute Rao on our side only Antony Godinno was slain 17. Luis de Brito pursued them to the Fort of Baroche and entring the Port burnt the Town and all the Vessels that lay there As he returned Victorious discovering the City of the Resbuto's called Barbute he resolved to attack it A great number of them met him and after a Fight which was long dubious were defeated with the loss of 450. On our side died one Captain and four others The City was burnt and the Heads of most of the Dead cut off which were cast ashore near Surat to be seen by the Moors of that place 18. At Bacaim and Chaul there were many Skirmishes which for brevity are omitted but many Towns were burnt much Plunder taken and the Enemy on all sides kept under 19. Emanuel Mascarennas Homem succeeded D. Francis de Meneses Rojo as General of Ceylon he had Orders to curb the Insolence of the Portugueses well known to the Viceroy since he Commanded there and which did us more hurt than the Enemies Sword We had not grown odious to the Chingala's had we not provoked them by oâ—… infamous Proceedings Not only the poor Soldiers went out to rob but those who were Lords of Villages adding Rapes and Adulteries which obliged that People to seek the company of Beasts on Mountains rather than be subject to the more beastly Villanies of Men. 20. The viceroy perceiving that India was not in a condition to withstand so great Enemies as was the Mogol and Xarife Melique Commander of Ponda and suspecting that Ibrahim Idalxa underhand supported him sent Antony Monteyro Corte Real Embassador to the latter with a Present for the King and another for his Favourite Being come to Visapor he had the desired Success which was to obtain that Melique should be Imprisoned at Ponda that the Hollanders who laboured to settle a Factory there should be
Kingdom whereby they should lose the Advantages they made of them in the way of Trade represented it to the Magistrates as a thing dangerous to introduce those Strangers into the Kingdom and under-hand bribing the Mandarins prevailed with those very Men who had advised the King to send for the Portugueses with so great Expence to send them back saying It was not convenient to make use of them 3. The King answered It is not long since you proposed making use of these Men against the Tartars now you say it is not convenient When you propose any thing again consider of it better and if they are not for our service let them return It is remarkable that whereas the Chineses are so jealous they suffer no Strangers even Ambassadors to view their Towns especially the Court these Soldiers had liberty to see all Things at thier pleasure without any lett The same liberty 〈◊〉 given to the Ambassadors sent by the City Macao and to the Jesuits 4. The Jesuits made at this time good progress in the propagation of the Faith and were informed of a certain People called of the Cross as being descended from ancient Christians Two Fathers had this Intelligence from certain Jews in the City Caifumfir These Jews had there a Synagogue as big as a large Church well adorned and the Bible in Hebrew Syriack and Chaldaick 5. They gave some account of those People of the Cross who were then dispersed and their Church converted to a Heathen Pagod The Jesuits inquiring in the Neighbouring Towns found some footsteps of that People though they concealed themselves fearing this search after them was upon some ill design One of these had the Pictures of St. Peter and St. Paul 6. Four Galliots sailing from Macao wâ—… attacked by a Holland Ship and being boarded by them fired herself One Iaponese was saved who said That Ship carried Money to supply their Forts and that there were aboard some Chineses of Quality taken not long before Five Portugueses were lost in the Ship 7. Constantine de Sa Noronna succeeded D. Nâ—…o Alvarez Pereyra who was gone to the Conquest of the Mâ—… of Câ—…ma in the Post of General of Ceylon He built the Fort of Sofragam because the Neighâ—… hood was in Arms and left there 100 Portâ—… gueses and 200 Lascarines Then he maâ—… ched towards Madune who was fortified at the two Corla's the ancient â—…trimony of his Forefathers a Mountainous Couâ—… well watred bearing much Rice and aboâ—… 7 Leagues in compass Noronna stayed some days at Ceytavaca to get Provisions and settle 30 Portugueses in a high Tower the only part standing of that great City After a month's march through the Enemies Country where Hunger began to pinch he underderstood Madune fled He follows to his City and finding 〈◊〉 abandoned burns it A Budiame was here destroyed that is a Tree those People highly esteem saying Their God Budum leaned against it whence it takes its Name On the foot of this were the Images of several Idols curiously carved 9. Noronna finding no Enemy was upon his return when 500 of Madune's Men appeared in his Rear commanded by Chacatien Zala Our General laid a few Portugueses and 1000 Lascarines in ambush and though some of our Men at first fled he broke the Enemy killing maâ—… and taking 35 Men of great Note whereof one was Câ—…atien The Enemy seeking Revenge another day had 30 principal Men slain and among them the Prince of Uva who called himself King 10. The Hollanders this Year took several good Prizes the Portugueses endeavouring to gather Wealth but not providing the means to defend it The Particulars are too inconsiderable to be related I will say somewhat of the Malabar Pirats whom our Carelesness and Presumption made bold 11. Whilst our Admiral of the Malabar Sea was upon that Coast D. Pedro a Cousin of that Cunnale who was beheaded at Goa after becoming a Christian fled from that City and commanding 5 Parao's took several of our Ships hindred the Trade and took the Island De las Vacas and that of Tristan Golayo Our General D. Coâ—…tine de Sa from Columbo sent 40 Galliots to Manar to joyn 18 small vessels there and destroy that Pirat They set out on the Eve of the Ascension and being parted by a Storm the 18th met at the Island of Golayâ—… Vitorio de Abreu commanded them who being informed by two Blacks left there by the Owner of the Island that the 5 Parao's were gone to some Place near for Ammunition and that before they returned he might possess himself of Goods to the value of 30000 Ducats lâ—…t there by D. Pedro in a House he made light of this Intelligence and staying for the Enemy lost 12 of the 18 Sail and about 300 Men besides those that were taken whereof he was one 12. Mean while our Squadâ—… convoyed the Merchant Fleet after such a manner that the same Pirate took a Vessel without their offering to desend it The Merchants of Nâ—…an 〈◊〉 the Captains of the Conâ—…oy to recover that Ship but they would or dâ—… not A Spanish Flyboat accidentally pâ—…g by at the request of that City retook it 13. Constantine de Sa ever since he was General of 〈◊〉 had intelligence that Câ—…li Câ—…are King of Iâ—…tan and 〈◊〉 â—…ect assisted Maâ—… He offered 〈◊〉 Money to wave receiving the Price of the Elephants due as Tribute Câ—…li privily Armed and Constantine sent Philip de Olivoyra witâ—… â—…o Portugueses and 3000 Lâ—…es 〈◊〉 demanded the value of the Elephants and 〈◊〉 answered not to the purpose relying on 8000 Men well Armed and his strong Walls Oliveyrâ—… advanced and the King understanding it by a treacherous Portugues sent to him not to proceed and he would stand by the former Capitulation This was only a â—…gem to cut off our Van which was far advanced under Lâ—… Cabral de Faria 14. Oliveyra credited the Fraud and sent Orders to Faria to come back but at such time as the Enemy had attacked him he answered It was then too late and breaking a Body of 1000 Blacks advanced Two thousand that followed him were defeated by Oliveyra who hearing the noise marched with all speed Changali flying over the River was taken and with him 8000 Crowns our Men undecently treating the Princesses that were in his company The King seeing his Brother in-Law's Ears cut off for the Ear-Rings took out his own and gave them to the next Man Oliveyra ordered him at Iafanapatan to make a List of the Portugueses he held Correspondence with He made one and among the many named was Oliveyra himself with the allowance of 2000 Crowns and the late General D. Nunno Alvarez Pereyra with 9000. The King was carried to Goa Oliveyra was left to govern the Kingdom Madune wanting this Friend submitted himself 15. Andrew Botello de Costa coming to Iafanapatan with 6 Sail understood there was a great Danish Ship at Gale that had taken some Prizes he found out and after
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 5. Gilianes returned in his Barque with 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 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 place of the Sea-Wolves with orders to load his Vessel with their Skins One night 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 7. Antony Gonzales returns carrying with 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 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 parts to Portugal to admire those Rarities the Natives brought Lancelot the Prince's Servant Galianes who first passed Cape Bojador 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 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 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 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
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 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 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 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 stâ—…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 of Royal Favours and the little regard that is had to True Merit CHAP. VIII Conquests under King Emanuel from the Year 1505 and beginning of the Government of Don Francisco de Almeyda first Governour and Viceroy of India till the Year 1509. 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 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 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 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
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 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 Iâ—…stigation of the Malabars refused to pay the Acknowledgments due to the Portugueses CHAP. VI. Continues the Government of the Viceroy D. Luis de Ataide 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 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 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 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 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 Banguâ—… and Queen of Oâ—…la the Dominion of the latter lies to the South and that of the other
first Proposals But still the Siege was carried 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 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 Xatiarâ—…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 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 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 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 The Siege of Chaul 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 Men in four Gallies and five small Vessels and some Barques loaded with Ammunition and Provision 3. The
with the Mothers if not near related Maids seldom marry with Widdowers there are Matchmakers The Bridegroom sees not the Bride till she is brought home to him nor knows her name till made sure Portions are not used nor does the Husband buy the Wife as has been falsly reported of them On the Wedding Day the Brides goods are carryed in procession and she at the end of it in a Chair lock'd up and the key sent before to the Bridegrooms Mother for he goes on Horseback well attended to fetch her if by Night they carry many Lantherns on long Poles the Inheritance is divided between the Male issue without respect to those by the lawful Wife above the others yet there are some noble Families where the eldest inherits 3. The Funerals of the Chineses are very costly they bury all in Coffins according to every ones ability in value some cost 1000 Ducats the Coffins are made of thick planks varnished with Charam and adorned with gilding unless some that are made of pretious Wood most of them keep their Coffins by them in the House 4. No body is buryed within the Cities without there are sumptuous Templâ—… for their use with Country Houses about them in places appointed by their Astrologers the Tombs are covered with polished Stones and Beasts carved before them especially the noble ones as Elephants and Lions and elegant Epitaphs upon them Where ever a Man dies he must be carryed to his own place of burial When one is given over they carry him into an outward room to die on a pallet Bed but some that are of great quality die in their Alcoves The Son as raving with grief pulls down the curtains upon the Dead body then it is put into the Coffin with the robes of his dignity and so closed that no ill smell can come out It is laid in a great room hung with Mourning and a Picture of the Dead Man the Children sit round upon the straw and in Mourning the Women are weeping behind Curtains many Ceremonies are used while the Corps lies there 5. The Coffin lies sometimes 2 Years in the House for want of Money the Funeral Pomp is thus First there are carryed great statues of Men and Beasts made of painted Pastboard Pyramids and other things in triumphal Chariots adorned and curiously wrought with Silk if it be a Person of Quality all those things are burnt when the Coffin is interred but the common sort only hire them after this sollow Bonzos singing and playing on Musick then other Bonzos who never cut Hair nor beard and live single in communities these also play on several sorts of Instruments next another sect of Bonzos who cut their Hair praying after them the friends and relations then Sons and Grandsons in deep Mourning and barefooted with little Truncheons about half a yard long in their hands on which they lean so that their Heads hang down near the ground next them comes the Coffin on a thing so big it is carryed by 50 Men with a curious Pall over it and about it many Lanthorns on Poles the last is a multitude of Women in Chairs who are heard to cry 6. The Mourning is of such course Hemp it makes the Men look monstrous Sons for their Fathers wear it 3 Years and in all that time sit not on Chairs but little wooden stools nor dine on a Table touch Flesh drink Wine lie on Bedsteads go to Feasts go abroad unless in a close Chair go to examinations nor can officiate any publick Employ and finally they say they abstain from Women Mourning for a Wife lasts a Year there are for relations of 5 and of 3 Months and for friends of 3 Days Every Town has a publick place of buryal for the Poor some save the trouble burning the Dead and burying the Ashes these in the Province of Suchue are put into pots close stopped and thrown into Rivers 7. The Funeral of the Queen Mother in the Year 1614 was very magnificent to omit the Mourning and lesser circumstances The King with his own hand strewed on the body Pearls to the value of 70000 Crowns and laid on the sides of it 50 bars of Gold and 50 of Silver all Persons of quality of both Sexes came to worship her all Magistrates were ordered to their Tribunals and to fast 3 Days the Officers of the Revenue to provide wax perfumes Images and and other necessaries to be burnt the expence in only these small things amounted to 30000 Ducats the Royal Golledge was commanded to write Poems fit for that occasion 1000 Men were posted at each of the nine Gates of the City thence to the place of buryal which was 12 miles a lane of Soldiers to be made 3000 men carryed the Coffin 1000 accompanyed it 40000 guarded the buryal place while the Ceremony lasted the ways were repaired and railed in that no body might cross them at every 20 paces was laid a basket of yellow Earth to be spread about when the Coffin went by many Tents were set up to rest by the way and provisions for all that attendance that amounted to 80000. 8. After many Ceremonies the Coffin was placed on a Triumphal Chariot with many lights and perfumes the King accompanyed it to the 8th Gate of the Pallace great was the order and silence observed the journey was so Ceremonious it lasted 3 Days At last the Coffin was removed to a more costly Chariot they sacrificed a Bull Aromatick Wine Perfumes and many Garments to the Earth imploring its tutelar Spirits to receive the dead body graciously The Ceremonies lasted long the King favoured all that assisted at them eased the Kingdom of Taxes set open the prisons all as an Oblation of filial Love 9. The Chineses follow 3 sects which they endeavour to reconcile the 2 first natural the third Idolatrous The first of the 2 followed by the Lawyers is Antient adores no Idols ownes a superior Power that can punish and reward but allows it no Temples Sacrifice Prayers or Ministers speak honourably of it as of a Divine Being attribute nothing indecent to it but being blind in their Faith worship Heaven Earth and Man Only in the two Coorts there are Temples dedicated to Heaven and Earth where the King in Person sacrifices and in his absence the Masters of the Rites in all Cities there are Temples of the tutelar Spirits where the Mandarines sacrifice as they do to the Spirits of Rivers Mountains and 4 parts of the World There are also Temples of famous Men and publick benefactors in which are their Images they ask nothing for the next life but happiness in this in fine all tends to the Government Concord Plenty and Exercise of Virtue 10. The second Sect is of the Tauçus the Author of it Lautu a Philosopher who they say was 80 Years in his Mothers Womb and lived in the time of Comfufius this Sect has many followers who live together do not marry let their Hair grow wear ordinary
those of my own Country The Kingdom of Portugal was founded by Three Heroes HENRY ALFONSO and SANCHO most visibly adorned with aâ—… those Virtues which merit to erect Imperial Thrones and from them to Command many Kings many Princes and many Nations Their Successors began to decline The Dominion the same Distributer of Power was pleased to give them in Asia was also founded on Three as appears in the beginning of this Work They were DUARIE PACHECO D. FRANCISCO DE ALMEYDA and ALFONSO DE ALBUQUERQUE Scarce had they one Successor who did not manifestly decline or at least had a mixture of Valour and Timerousness of Moderation and Covetousness with that unhappy distinction that still the Timerousness and Avarice were most predominant No Living Creature puts away his Young Ones till they can shift for themselves So Almighty GOD when He erects Monarchies cherishes them with particular Care till they gather strength and then tho' He does not wholly abandon puts them into the hands of Men that they may perceive the difference between the Divine and Human Care Let an unbiassed Judgment here reflect upon the Exploits of the Portugueses in gaining this Asiatick Crown and it will appear that only PACHECO could have forged it with that fiery Heart which melted the Arms and Riches of the obstinate Zamori That only ALMEYDA could have filed and polished it by applying his own and his Son's Sword which brought it into form by humbling the Turkish Pride And that only the Great ALBUQUERQUE giving the finishing stroaks could have set in it the most Precious Jewels of Goa Malaca and Ormuz For they so far removed from their Country that they had not only lost sight but even the hopes and memory of it entring with a few indifferent Vessels and a most inconsiderable number of Men where scarce a Tree offered them a secure shade amidst Numerous and well Armed Squadrons and Castles and through showers of heavy Ball and poisoned Arrows by the force of their Swords opened deep Trenches raised high Walls and secured to themselves famous Cities and large Countries Let those who have since acted less having so good a ground to perform much more not take it ill if we say That the Bounds of our Dominions in India are almost reduced to what they were in the Beginning It is true some of the Successors a few among so many added something to the Foundation but it was an inconsiderable Copy of the Great Original It is also true others valiantly desended that â—…dation but it was an indispensable Duty Let not timerous Spirits call this a Rash Iudgment which the Brave will only style Unbiassed or say We endeavour to lessen the Merits of Hero's our only Design is to shew the Ways and Means the Giver of Crowns takes to frame and deliver them to Mortals and how far less capable they are to Maintain than He to Form them The Divine Providence gave a sufficient Demonstration hereof in the erecting this Empire and they no less in diminishing of it Hereof we have seen much already and shall see yet more yet not without singular Acts of Valour That it may be manifest the Cause of our Ruin is That the Souls are not always the same for the Hearts always are THE CONTENTS TOM I. PART I. CHAP. I. THE Government of the Vice-Roy D. Garcia de Noronha from the Year 1538 till the Year 1540 in the Reign-of King John the Third Page 1 CHAP. II. Continues the Government of the Vice-Roy D. Garcia de Noronha p. 8 CHAP. III. The Government of D. Stephen de Gama from the Year 1540 till the Year 1542 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 6 CHAP. IV. Goes on with the Government of D. Stephen de Gama p. 24 CHAP. V. Sundry Exploits of Captain Antony Faria from the Year 1540 till that of 1542 during the Government of D. Stephen de Gama p. 31 CHAP. VI. Continues the Exploits of Antony de Faria p. 37 CHAP. VII Continues still the Exploits of Antony de Faria in the Government of D. Stephen de Gama and the Year 1642 p. 44 CHAP. VIII Concludes with the Actions of Antony de Faria p. 47 CHAP. IX Continues the Government of D. Stephen de Gama and contains the Actions of his Brother D. Christopher in Ethiopia p. 54 CHAP. X. The End of the Government of D. Stephen de Gama p. 63 CHAP. XI The Government of Martin Alfonso de Sousa from the Year 1542 till the Year 1545 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 67 CHAP. XII Continues the Government of Martin Alfonso de Sousa p. 76 CHAP. XIII Continues the Government of Martin Alfonsa de Sousa p. 81 CHAP. XIV The End of the Government of Martin Alfonso de Sousa and of the First Part of this Tome p. 86 TOM II. PART II. CHAP. I. THE Government of D. John de Castro from the Year 1545 till the Year 1548 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 95 CHAP. II. Continues the Government of D. John de Castro and Siege of Diu p. 103 CHAP. III. Continues the Siege of Diu the Governour D. John de Castro comes in Person to its Relief p. 109 CHAP. IV. Continues the Government of D. John de Castro and Reign of King John the Third p. 117 CHAP. V. The End of the Government D. John de Castro p. 125 CHAP. VI. The Government of Garcia de Sá from the Year 1548 till the Year 1549 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 132 CHAP. VII The Government of George Cabral from the Year 1549 till the Year 1550 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 140 CHAP. VIII Continues the Government of George Cabral p. 143 CHAP. IX The Government of the Vice-Roy D. Alfonso de Noronha from the Year 1550 till 1553 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 150 CHAP. X. Continues the Government of the Vice-Roy D. Alfonso de Noronha p. 563 CHAP. XI The Government of the Vice-Roy D. Peter de Mascarenhas from the Year 1554 till 1555 King John the Third still Reigning p. 174 CHAP. XII The Government of Francis Barreto from the Year 1555 till 1558 in the Reign of King John the Third p. 178 CHAP. XIII The End of the Government of Francis Barreto p. 186 CHAP. XIV The Government of the Vice-Roy D. Constantin de Braganza from the Year 1558 till 1561 in the Reign of King Sebastian p. 190 CHAP. XV. Continues the Government of the Vice-Roy D. Constantin in the Reign of King Sebastian p. 198 CHAP. XVI The End of the Government of the Vice-Roy D. Constantin p. 207 CHAP. XVII The Government of the Vice-Roy D. Francis Coutinho Count de Redondo from the Year 1561 till 1564 in the Reign of King Sebastian p. 215 CHAP. XVIII The Government of John de Mendoza for six Months of the Year 156â—… in the Reign of King Sebastian p. 222 TOM II. PART III. CHAP. I. THE Government of the Vice-Roy D. Anton. de
Horse and about 400 Blacks Hearing the Enemy was lodged in the Village Baylam two Leagues up the Country he resolved to surprize him at Noon when they use to Bathe Half a League from the place he halted to Rest the Men and the Enemy having Intelligence thereof came on with such diligence and secrecy that they had put them to the Sword had not Ferdinand de Silva who led the Van with much Bravery given a check to their Fury Antony de Sotomayor relieved him already wounded in the Leg was himself wounded and lost some Men but did great Execution This gave Tavora time to make ready whose furious coming up made great havock Our Men turning Back to Back and facing the Enemy round did Wonders Ruy Lorenço with his Horse ranging about did them great harm till falling on their Flank many were slain the rest fled without hopes 4. Next he resolved to take a Great Ship of Bramaluco's that was newly finished in the Dock of Agaçaim He marched thither by Land and D. Luis de Ataide went by Water The latter by force of Arms made his way to the City at such time as the other was reducing it to Ruins breaking through a Multitude of Enemies who endeavoured to stop his Fury each of them lost six Men. D. Luis Landed and both together cleared the Field unpeopled the City and then set Fire to it The Ship was carried to the Port of Baçaim and for many years Traded to Lisbon Bramaluco sued for Peace and he being a suspected Subject of Cambaya our Governour treated with that King and by this means secured the former Peace and obtained a Grant of half the Customs whereof only the Third part was offered before 5. Let us now return to the Fleet in which the Governour was to sail His great Liberality brought him more Men than he desired whereof he chose the best The Fleet consisted of 80 Sail of sundry sorts and sizes and carried two Thousand Men. 6. While this Fleet was fitting the King of Achem falling upon the King of the Bataas unexpectedly made a great slaughter of his People killing among the rest three Sons he rather adored than loved The King desirous of Revenge sent his Brother-in-Law Embassadour to Peter de Faria then Commanding at Malaca The Embassy was to confirm the Peace before concluded and desire assistance of Arms and Ammunition and the better to obtain it sent him a rich Present and offered a free Trade in his Dominions which abound in Gold Pepper Benjamin and Camphir Faria who was intent upon Profit as well as his King's Service plentifully supplied him with Arms and Ammunition offering his utmost assistance and entertaining the Embassadour with splendour The King of Bataa attacked his Enemy with Resolution but was beaten after having almost gained the Victory and retired with great Grief to his City Panaaju Here he dispatched Pinto sent thither by Faria to Trade who narrowly escaped being lost in the River Parles of the Kingdom of Queda by reason of the Revolution had then hapned in the City of that Name the Court of that Prince who had murdered his Father and married his own Mother The first he denyed and pretended he had done the latter in Honour to her having refused many considerable Matches Pinto brought News of the Island del Oro or of Gold the great motive of his Voyage 7. But now our Governour enters the Red Sea with his Fleet. He found most of the Islands and Cities abandoned the People having had notice of his coming The chief Island was Maçua The principal City Suanquem in about 19 Degrees of North Latitude well built and rich The King who was fled a League up the Country entertained the Governour with shews of Peace that he might not destroy the Island But the greatest damage was that hereby he prevented the burning the Ships at Suez gaining so much time as carried thither the News of this Design The Governour in Revenge marched with his Brother D. Christopher and 1000 Men made a great slaughter was Master of the Field and took a great Booty Then turning to the City it was plundered and private Men got four or five thousand Ducats each then it was burnt to the ground The Waters being shoal the Governour resolved to go over to Alcoçer and other places with only sixteen Catures or Barges the rest of the Fleet he sent to Maçua under the Command of Lionel de Lima. There was a great dispute about who should go with D. Stephen and he had much difficulty to compose it They set out of the Bay for this Reason called De los Agraviados or Of the Offended Many Gentlemen went in the Barges as private Souldiers accepting any place so they were admitted such was their desire to be in this Action The number of Men was Two hundred and fifty At Alconçer which is in the Latitude of 25 Degrees they did the same as had been done before at Suanquem Crossing over to Tor or Toro they took some Vessels of the Enemy The Turks at first opposed the Landing but some being slain fled and abandoned the City in which nothing of Value was found The Governour would not burn it in reverence of St. Catharine and a Monastery found there with Religious Men under her Invocation which at their Instance he visited To his great glory he was the first European Commander that took that City where he Knighted several who held this Honour done them there in great esteem and it was afterwards envied by the Great Emperour Charles the Fifth as shall appear in its place Our People and those Religious testified great Regret at parting They are of the Greek Church and of the Order of St. Basil. The City is in the Latitude of 28 Degrees and is thought by Learned Geographers to be the ancient Elana 8. The Governour went over to Suez and after many brave Attempts made by several to sound and view the Harbour which all failed he resolved in Person and in open Day to discover the Gallies He saw them and desiring to do something considerable Landed the Enemies Shot flew from the Town and 2000 Turkish Horse broke out of an Ambush some few whereof were killed by our Canon but our Men obliged to Retire much grieved that this Voyage was disappointed The Governour returned to his Fleet at Maçua where he found the Severity of Emanuel de Gama had caused a Mutiny which gave occasion to 80 Men to run away with a Ship designing to go over to Ethiopia They were met by a Captain of the King of Zeila and after a vigorous Resistance most of them killed On a Gallows hung five whom Gama had Executed for concealing the design of the other 80 they at Execution summoned him to answer before the great Tribunal and he within a Month run Mad and died CHAP. IV. Goes on with the Government of D. Stephen de Gama 1. AT this time Grada Hamed King of the Country called
him in hand till the time came he must go to Cochin This Artifice was soon disappointed for he Landed with Twelve hundred Men in two Battalions the Command of one he gave to Ferdinand de Sousa and Tavora and ordered Twenty light Vessels to go up the River and attack the City by Sea The Governour marching through a Wood was met by a Body of Musqueteers Our Men made no halt but drove them before to the Gates and entred with them not without great opposition the Queen her self with much Bravery encouraging her Men. A Portugues Souldier being beset by Two hundred of the Enemy bravely defended himself till another envious of that Honour came up to him and both Back to Back kept their Ground at length a Party of our Men fell upon the Enemy and with great slaughter of them rescued the two 8. It was Night when our Men possessed themselves of the City In the Morning they not only plundered the Portugueses that were there but falling out about the Booty had such a Battle among themselves that all were hurt and none enriched The Enemy who perceived this from a Hill pours in a shower of Arrows the Governour Orders all to march to Revenge it but those who are grieved by the lessening their Pay Answer That the Gentlemen who are Rich may march for they only came to make up by Plunder what they are unjustly deprived of Garcia de Sa went out with a sew Lances and after some Retreats reciprocally on both sides almost all the Portugueses were put to shameful flight running to their Ships in such haste that some were drowned 9. The Governour hearing this run to them with Reproaches crying out He did not know them and thought they were not the same he left two years before in India This seemed a Reflection upon his Predecessor but they with as loud Voices undeceived him Answering That the Men were the same but the Governour was not that this was the fruit of lessening their Pay to give Gratuities to those who knew better how to beg than deserve them He retired to the Ships and resolved the next day to burn the City and destroy the Country The City run with the Blood of all Living Creatures of both Sexes and all Ages before it was burnt then the Country was laid waste and all the Woods cut down This caused such a general Terrour that whereas before throughout India it was commonly said Beware of Batecala they afterwards changed it to Beware of Martin Alfonso The Queen no longer able to resist submitted and purchased Peace with a heavier Subjection for generally they draw on themselves a greater burden who proudly throw off that they have 10. Martin Alfonso abhorred that so many Men quitting the Service turned Merchants to prevent this and considering the vast Frauds of the Custom-House at Malaca he sent new Orders thither He lowered the Customs of Strangers to invite them to Trade there and raised them to the Portugueses to lessen their desire of Trading thither The first succeeded well for the Customs after that amounted to much more than before The second took no effect Much of the same nature was what he did at Ormuz and therefore we will mention it in this place That King was in Arrears for Tribute Five hundred thousand Ducats which he refused not to pay but was not able for from Twelve thousand that Albuquerque at first imposed on him it was raised to almost One hundred thousand so that the King from a Tributary was become a Slave not having a competent Maintenance left him Martin Alfonso finding he was not able to pay the Debt proposed to him to make over the Customs for payment He to be rid of Oppression submitted and as before he was a King without a Revenue now he had some he seemed no King for the Custom-House is the support of that Crown No doubt it was a Judgment for the Wickednesses of the Portugueses in taking from that King what was his due that the Persians whose it had been should take it from them The oppressed King making Virtue of Necessity resigned his Crown with Praises of him that took it from him for the Instrument began with these vain Preambles I command all to obey this Supream Instrument that it may be understood that between me and my Lord meaning King Iohn the Third who in greatness reaches to Heaven and has Power over all the circumference of the Earth and in Grandeur is equal to the King of China Great King of Iustice as if any Justice were now done him Greatest of all Kings in the World Key of the Treasure that is on Earth that is Vertue and Nobility of whom is learnt the Wisdom of Reigning brightness of the Sea of Kingdoms c. Could any man wronged flatter him that injured him more It is certain He who gave the Praises deserved them better than he that received them CHAP. XII Continues the Government of Martin Alfonso de Sousa 1. ABout the End of this Year arrived in India four Ships from Portugal another came out with them but was put back At the same time D. George Commander of Ternate was at Variance with the Spaniards who under Ruy Lopez de Villalobos had invaded the Portugues Bounds Villalobos was at Zagala a Town of Camafo inhabited by Renegado Christians and from thence held Correspondence with the King of Gilolo D. George protested against him for intruding into what he had no right to according to the late Capitulations He sometimes Answered He was forced thither by Storm Otherwhiles That he was within the Limits of Spain D. George sent Iayme Lobo with 50 Men in two Galiots believing this a sufficient Force because the Spaniards were spent with Misfortunes He had Orders to assist Geliato de Gomo Conora who besieged a Fort of his own that was in Rebellion Iamye went to Momoya where he gathered many of the Natives then Christians and passed over in Parao's which Landing they took up and carried about half a League to a Lake there launched them again anâ—… wasted over to the Fort Geliato besieged The Enemy seeing the Portugues Relief offered to Capitulate but the Portuguess covetous of Plunder refused The Morning appearing they could not Land but man by man and that in several places which the besieged perceiving fell upon those who were ashoar and with considerable damage forced them back to their Vessels The Enemy had Hooks hanging at their Arms one stuck in the Face of a Souldier which drew him along till another came and with his Dagger cut it out D. Geâ—…rge sent 30 Men to the Relief of these who found near the Lake three Portugueses set upon Poles Iayme returns to the Fort which the besieged abandoned and it was dismantled 2. Being able to do nothing against the Spaniards he returned to Ternate Villalobos went over to Gilolo was well received by the King fortified himself and sent a Messenger to D. George to tell him He
Portugueses there were more wounded Ferdinand Machaâ—… saying He should be killed here said the Office of the Dead for himself and leâ—…t it might be thought Cowardize went Dancing up to the Enemy he died of his Wounds soon after the Surrender The King also died for Grief and his Son Câ—…chilguzarate succeeded him Bernardin de Sousa being jealous of the Fort of Tidore went over to it and that King fearing greater damage agreed it should be demolished 9. Sultan Halaudim that King that Peter Mascarenas expelled Bantam and D. Stephen de Gama from Ujantana resolved now to try his Fortune against Malaca He had a great Power at Sea and was assisted by the Kings of Pera Pam and Marruaz and the Queen of Iapara in the Island of Iava About the beginning of Iune the Fleet of these Confederates put to Sea consisting of above Two hundred Sail. The King of Ujantana had sent an Embassadour to D. Pedro de Silva Commander of Malaca whose chief business was to discover what Force was in Malaca D. Pedro on the other side was privately informed by Laximena the Embassadour's Father of the King's design which was to surprize Malaca by giving oâ—…t His Preparations were against Achem. He had like to compass his Ends for the time was very short to provide The King entred the Port and burnt what Ships were in it and at the same time possessed himself of the Suburbs Then he intrenched planted his Cannon and began to batter the Fort furious and successfully and at length reduced the Inhabitants to feed upon such things as are loathsom 10. D. Garcia de Meneses sailing for the Maluco's put into Malaca with his Caravel where he had a hot Dispute with Lacxemena the Kings Admiral who had betrayed his Masters Counsels to the Portugueses and was then killed by them with his Son and his Ship sunk But D. Garcia did not long survive this Honour for attempting to gain a Gun that did much damage to the Town he was killed and with him above thirty Portugueses brought by D. Pedro de Silva to rescue him Mean while several Portugues Ships came into the Harbour from divers parts the News of the danger Malaca was in had reached The Enemy endeavoured to oppose them and Gomes Barreto conducted them in with safety 11. The Enemy resolved to Assault the City and the Commander D. Pedro having Notice of it provided to receive them Scarce did they begin to mount their Ladders when there fell on them a Storm of great pieces of Timbers Stones and Granado's so that in an instant above Eight hundred of them lay dead under the Wall This obliged them to retire to their Works and they resolved to starve the City Our Commander fearing the Consequence of this Resolution was advised by an unknown Souldier who before at the Assault promoted the throwing of Beams to send abroad some Ships and give out They were going to put those Kingâ—… Countries to Fire and Sword They believing it left the Siege which was prosecuted by the Queen of Iapara with the Men of Iava till Giles Fernandez de Carvallo coming unexpectedly with Two hundred Men there ensued a bloody Fight and at length the Enemies were put to a shameful flight having lost above Two thousand Men many Ships and all their Cannon and Ammunition whereof was a great quantity and it was of great consequence to the City What the Enemy could not execute by force when present they did by perfidiousness after their flight They poisoned a Well whereof our Men drinking above Two hundred died to the great terrour of all till the Cause was known 12. The Affairs of Ceylon were now in a very turbulent posture for Madune contrary to the Agreement distressed the King of Cota who had recourse to Gaspar de Azevedo Commander of Columbo and he with the King's Men and 100 Portugueses defeated the Enemy But the King of Cota being killed by a Musquet-shot he of Ceytavaca renewed his Pretensions The success was not answerable to his expectation for the New Prince assisted by the Portugueses gave him a total Rout. At the beginning of September the Vice-Roy prepared to go in Person to remedy these Disorders At the same time arrived from Portugal five Ships and soon after two more One was forced back to Lisbon by ill Weather The Vice-Roy set out the beginning of October with 3000 Men in 70 Sail. 13. The first thing he did after his Arrival at Ceylon was to put upon the Rack some Subjects of that King he went to succour that they might discover where their Princes Treasure was buried as if he had been an Enemy or had sent for him to make him his Treasurer In the second place he searched the Dead Man's Palace and found 80000 Ducats Thirdly He demanded 200000 Ducats for his Charges which was immediately granted And Fourthly he took the Field with his Three thousand Portugueses and Four thousand of the Kings Men. The King of Ceytavaca met them with a like Number but soon fled into the Mountains followed only by 100 Men. His City was plundered and the Booty very considerable The Vice-Roy turned over the Earth and dug up the Foundations of Buildings to discover hidden Treasures One was found consisting of many Gold and Silver Idols of a large size and other things One half of right belonged to the King we pretended to Relieve according to Agreement but the Wants of India permitted no performance of Promises Had the Indian broke his Word with the Christian he had been a Barbarian I know not what a Christian is that breaks his with the Barbarian Perhaps wiser Men know It appeared we went in search of hidden Treasures not to Relieve distressed Kings when this King desiring Five hundred Portugueses might be left with him to prevent his Enemies making Head again he was left without any because there was no more hopes of Treasure But we shall soon see the King of Cota revenged by the King of Portugal that it may appear the Actions of Kings are Divine when they are their own 14. Mean while Don Antony de Noronha scoured the Sea of Calicut making great havock in it and along the shoar The Vice-Roy returned to Cochin bringing with him a Kinsman of the King of Cota who was become a Christian went to Portugal where he was received with Honour and sent back to India and died in the Faith The Vice-Roy found the dispatch of the Homeward-bound Trading Ships was retarded by the Prince of Chembe he resolved to punish him and set out with a Fleet that contained Four thousand Men. Thirty thousand were gathered from Calicut to oppose him and some endeavoured to hinder the Landing but were soon put to flight 15. Our Men landed and marched to the City the Enemy met them and there followed a bloody Battle in which we lost forty Men but the Enemy was put to flight and the Vice-Roy satisfied with ravaging the Country returned to Cochim and dispatched the Ships
Cham whose first merit was his Disloyalty to the Turk his natural Prince that if he denied this he challenged to fight either single or as he should think fit Rume Cham was present and gave no answer till the King looking angrily upon him for his silence he said it proceeded from Contempt Macedo repeated the Challenge and the Turk no longer able to shun it accepted the Challenge to be fought at Sea Macedo according to appointment waited for him but he came not The Interview took not effect for the differences about the manner of it Nuno taking another Course joined in League with Omaum Patxath King of the Moguls Then Nuno returned to Goa and before and after dispatched several Captains Antony de Silveyra went to Bengala with nine Vessels Vasco Peres de Sampaya to the Red Sea with sixteen thither also Iames de Silveyra with five Gallions D. Stephen de Gama to Malaca the two that were for the Red Sea made some Prizes 25. Cunale Marcar a bold Pyrat about this time scoured the Sea of Calicut with eight Vessels well equipped At Cape Comori he found at night a Brigantine with eighteen Portugueses and three Gunners all so fast asleep that they were all bound before they waked Having awaked them he caused their Heads to be bruised to pieces saying It was to punish them for daring to sleep knowing he was abroad A pleasant Cruelty Thence he went to Negapatan where were forty Portugueses who defended themselves but to no effect for the Degar or Governor who they thought their Friend agreed with Cunale to rob them Coje Marcar tho of kin to Cunale desirous to deliver them from this danger did it by art speaking to each of the two apart and so making them suspicious to each other Yet Cunale took some Portugues Vessels in that River and shot to death eight of the Men. The first died for sleeping these I suppose because they were awake Antony de Silva set out of Cochin with two hundred Musqueteers in fifteen small Vessels Cunale hearing of it run up the Canamera a Bay on this Coast and fortified himself but Antony obliged him to make his escape in the Habit of a Beggar to Calicut leaving his Vessels and Cannon with which Silva returned victorious to Cochin 26. The King of Razet was revolted from him of Ormuz Antony de Silveyra who commanded the Fort at the request of the latter sent Francis Govea with two hundred Men and eight Sail to reduce him Razet received them with Fraud designing to kill them But it succeeded not for Govea was upon his Guard knowing his ill Designs and that he had with his own Cymiter killed the Officer he sent to treat with him Our Captain sailing over to a small Island to water met a Fleet of this Kings and took a Vessel wherein was the King's Nephew for whose Ransom Razet restored the Prisoners he had and submitted to him of Ormuz ratified the Peace made by him he had killed and excused what was past 27. King Iohn his Care was upon the Affairs of India He had understood the event of Nuno de Cuna's attempt upon Diu and that the common Enemy prepared to disturb our Progress so he continually sent relief This year arrived there twelve Ships with fifteen hundred fighting Men commanded by D. Pedro de Castillobranco who set out from Lisbon the last November The latter end of this year came also five Ships more which set out the beginning of this same year they were commanded by Martin Alfonso de Sousa who had a Commission to be Admiral of the Indian Sea The Governor immediately put him in possession of the Post sending him against Damam At Chaul Iames Silveyra delivered him his Squadron and Vasco Perez his Now Martin Alfonso had five hundred Men in forty Vessels He found Damam destroyed by its own Commander who was retired to the Fort with five hundred Turks and Resbutos Martin Alfonso attempted to scale it and received some damage one of his Ladders breaking when the Enemy on the other side opening a Gate to fly our Men stopped them and entring found a large Court full of Men and fifty Horse most of them were put to the Sword and the Fort razed The King of Cambaya fearing greater loss desired Peace which Nuno de Cuna granted and 't was sworn upon the following Conditions That he should give to the King of Portugal for ever Bacaim with its Dependences by Sea and Land That all Ships bound for the Red Sea from that Kingdom should set out from Bacaim and return thither to pay the Duties That none should go to other places without leave from the Portugueses That no Ships of War should be built in any of his Ports That he should no more give assistance to the Rumes There were other Articles in favour of the King to sweeten the harshness of these which were afterwards moderated when he gave leave to raise the Fort at Diu. Now we have some footing in this Province something may be said of its situation people and other affairs with our usual Brevity CHAP. V. Continues the Government of Nuno de Cuna and Reign of King John the Third 1. THE Kingdom of Guazarata commonly called Cambaya from its Metropolis of that Name extends from Cape Iaquete in the West to the River Nagotana near Chaul It makes a great Bay of the some Name The Sea ebbs and flows with such violence in this Bay that in swiftness it exceeds the fleetest Horse and if in this fury it meets any Ship it certainly perishes To avoid this danger there is always a Man on an eminence who when he sees that Torrent coming gives notice with a Horn. The distance between Cape Iaquete and the River Nagotana is above two hundred Leagues On the West it borders upon the Resbuti a mountain people on the North with the Kingdom of Chitor and the East with that of Pale all the Coast is covered with many Towns and Cities It is watered by two famous Rivers Taptii and Tapetii besides many Creeks that form several Islands It breeds abundance of Cattle and is plentiful of other Provisions The Country is all plain so that they generally travel in Waggons after the manner of Flanders but lighter and easier drawn by Oxen somewhat less than those of Spain The Natives are of four sorts one called Baneanes Bagançariis that feed after our manner another called only Baneanes who eat nothing that hath life Their Priests are called Vertias who cloath themselves in white and never take those Cloaths off till they fall to pieces They live upon Charity and like the Children of Israel in the Desart can keep nothing for the next day They place their greatest hope of Salvation in killing no Creature they use no light at night lest any Butterfly should die by it they always carry a Broom wherewith they sweep the Ground they are to tread on lest they tread any Worm or
Accident was but a just Punishment of Monteyro's Disobedience to the Commander of the City and the Enemy content with this success weighed Anchor and made away 20. The Enemy sailed thence to the City Ior and began furiously to batter it Regale the King seâ—… to Malaca to desire Succour it was sent him in twelve Ships which entred that Port so unexpectedly that before any resistance could be made they fired some of the greatest Gallies killing all that were in tâ—… and presented the King with the Headâ—… of one of those Commanders which being set up on the Shore so terrified the whole Fleet they all fled 21. â—…et us return to Damam Ferdiâ—… de Mirâ—…da put to Sea again with his Squadron consisting of twenty Sail. After most violent Storms they were forced to come to an Anchor at Suratte Setting out thence they attacked a mighty Ship of Balala which surrendred having articled for the Mens Lives CHAP. II. Continues the Government of D. Francis Mascarennas 1. MIranda's Men in a Rage that they were deprived of the Booty of that Ship which had submitted it self beset him to the number of Fourteen Sail and after much reproachful Language left him and sailed away to Damam putting that Town into a great fright because they had set up black Colours They landed and marched in warlike manner into the City committing extravagant Enormities Every one was astonished not knowing the cause nor daring to ask it and their Resolution was to kill Miranda as soon as he landed As soon as he entred the Porâ—… they ran to the Shore rashly wounded several instead 〈◊〉 him no Authority being suâ—…t to 〈◊〉 them Miranda privately withâ—… to the Convent of St. Francis and sent 〈◊〉 to offer them as much as could comâ—… to every Man's share of that booty whereâ—…th they were appeased It was not above 〈◊〉 Crowns a Man which they valued above their Honour and Duty 2. Miranda sailed hence with some small Vessels and took another Ship at Goga and then stood for Casteleâ—…e a Nest of Robbers long since threatned by the Portugueses He now coming furiously upon it demolished the Fort burnt the Town and put the Inhabitants to the Sword 3. Zamori seeing so many Villages on the Coast destroyed by Mathias de Albuquerque offered a Peace Albuquerque was Commissioned to treat of it he finding himself still amuzed with Delays fell again to acts of Hostility destroying all the Coast with Fire and Sword The City of Calicut felt this Fury being strongly cannonaded as were Paracale Capocaate and Chatua This done Mathias went away to Ormuz of which Place he was appointed Captain leaving his Squadron under the Command of D. Giles Yanes Mascarennas who came to succeed him with eight Ships 4. This Year Five Ships set out from Lisbon two 〈◊〉 them 〈◊〉 forced in again one was 〈◊〉 away aâ—… 〈◊〉 two â—…ed in India 〈◊〉 oâ—… 〈◊〉 upon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fought thâ—… or foâ—… 〈◊〉 Vessels and 〈◊〉 off with Honour 5. D. Hâ—…ome de 〈◊〉 and Ferdiâ—… de Miraâ—…a being 〈◊〉 with their Sqâ—…drons took each of them two Mâ—…ar Sâ—…ps Both tâ—…se Commanders were goâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Emanuâ—… de Saldanna Captain of 〈◊〉 against the King of the 〈◊〉 who 〈◊〉 over â—…he Camponeses of that Neighâ—… These Commanders being joined with 200 Horse 800 Musketeers almost 1000 â—…laves and Natives and the King of Sarceta at the request of the Vice-Roy with 150 Horse and 500 Foot they marched with great difficulty for the great heat and badness of the ways by Agaçaim Manora Assarim and at the end of Fifteen days discovered the City Tavar they sought for The City had beautiful Buildings and Gardens seated on a Hill that overlooks a very large Plain The King and Inhabitants being fled it was easily burnt with the neighbouring Villages and the Country People and Cattel carried away 6. Our Men advancing into narrow Defiles where two could not go abreast the King of the Coles with 6000 Men fell upon their Rear whilst some Parties annoyed them from the tops of the Hills Here they were brought into great danger and forced to make their utmost Efforts Many Gentlemen signalized themselves and the King of Sarceta appeared always in the greatest danger encouraging â—…e Men wâ—…h his Sword in hand At length our Men made their way through the Defiles and the K. â—…f the Coles defeated was forced to sue for Peace and accept of such a one as we were pleased to grant him 7. This year began with two greaâ—… Losses D. Iohn de Gama sailing from Malaca towards Goa with his Wife Children much Riches and many Men lost his Ship at midnight at Nicobar Above 50 Persons were lost and among them his eldest Son Another Son his Wife and almost 300 Persons were saved in an Island not inhabited He framed a Barque which held 90 and with great Hardships after being made Slaves they got to Coâ—…him the rest being left behind till they could return to fetch them Simon Ferreyra coming in a Ship richly laden from China was cast away in sight of the Coast of Ior. He desired that King to assist him with some Vessels to save part of the Goods and the King took them to himself 8. D. Giles Yanes Mascarennas who commanded the Squadron on the Coast of Malabar would not seem inferior to his Predecessor He made such havock along that Shore that nothing was heard but the Cries of the Inhabitants He twice set fire to Calicut Panane Calegate Marate Conche and the Island Daruti not without opposition with great slaughter of the Heathens 9. They came to the River Cunnale upon which is a Fort of the same Name the Refuge of Pirats subject to the Commander of the Fort. Two Malabar Ships were standing in and being attacked by two of ours the one was taken in the other 50 Men killed by one Ball that swept from Stem to Stern being boarded and almost taken she ungraâ—â—â—ed and made to the Shore that was covered with Mores and defended with Cannon Tavora who commanded our Ship pursued to save 6 Portugueses who were carried away by the Enemy till a Cannon Ball carried away his Leg of which he died Of the 6 only one was carried to Cunnale who at one stroke cut him in two The King of Chale to prevent his own Ruin agreed to pay Tribute assign a place and furnish Workmen and Materials to raise a Fort. Mascarennas on his way to Goa in the River Sal burnt the Villages of Aselonor and those of Cuenti in Salsete 10. Bracalor a City seated on the Coast of Canara in almost 14 Degrees of Latitude was once one of the most noted places of Trade in India in the form of a Common-wealth but much decayed since the Portugueses built a Fort there The People of this place observing that our Commander Francis de Mello Sampayo was wholly taken up in heaping Riches and pleasing his Wife resolved to rid themselves of that Clog They agreed to
de Lima's Captains snatched him out of the Enemies Hands being penned up between Palisades with only Seventeen Souldiers and gained him time to retire to his Ships 9. The City Iâ—…r is seated on the heighth of a Point of Land in the Country of Malaca in one degree and half of North Latitude not far distant from the Shore girt with thick Walls though of Wood yet strong being composed of vast Beams well knit together at small distances are Bastions all well stored with Artillery and defended by great numbers of Malays Manancabo's and Islanders of Iava and other Warlike Places some of them commanded by their Kings as those of Tringale Dragut Campar and others The River adds much to this strength embracing the City with two Arms. 11. D. Paul being come consulted the manner of attempting the place and began a Battery with good success The Enemies Fleet endeavoured a Diversion but in vain The Battery was continued till the day of the Assumption of our B. Lady to which D. Paul had a peculiar Devotion 11. The morning of that day he landed 600 Portugueses in three Bodies D. Antony de Noronna who led one had a hot Dispute about landing with a Number of the Enemies Musketiers who being repulsed still rallied but at length our Men made their way to attempt the Town where some of them were killed endeavouring to force a passage where there was none 12. In the mean while D. Paul cutting through 2000 of the Enemy in a Wood joyned D. Antony and both together broke into the City The Enemy no longer able to sustain our Fury gave way and was pursued by those two Bodies into the City The third of our Battalions had the same success in getting in and with equal danger being charged by one of the Kings upon an Elephant with a strong and resolute Party But the Beast being shot by D. Nunno Alvarez Pereyra so disordered them that our Men had the opportunity to advance 13. The Fight was very desperate in the Streets many Arrows and Darts flying from the Windows yet our Men advanced till they came to the place where the King was with his Allies and there the Battle was renewed D. Paul encouraged his Men not only with Words but with his Example leading them on with Sword in hand 14. After 6 hours Combat the fortune of the Day still seemed dubious till Matias Pereyra who had only 15 Men left with him of 150 attacked and entred the Fort Botabato which gave new Life to our Men almost spent with continual Labour 15. Luis Martines Pereyra who was left to command the Fleet ceased not battering the Town hearing only the noise of the Fight and seeing the Enemies Colours upon the Walls but seeing the Christian set up on the Fort Cotabato he desisted The Kings also discovering them and other signs of their Ruin mounted on Elephants with their Wives and fled up the Inland 16. After the Victory the City was fired which being great and of combustible matter raised a terrible Flame Many People were burnt chiefly Women and Children who in the Confusion could not escape The Booty was very great the Prisoners many and the number of Slain by the Portugueses amounted to 4000 besides near 3000 killed by those that came to assist Rajale when they saw he was defeated on our side 80 were lost Almost 1000 Pieces of Cannon were found some very large 1500 Muskets and 2200 Vessels D. Paul of all the Booty took to himself only an Image of our B. Lady found by a Soldier in the Wood where he was first ingaged 17. The City Malaca resolved to receive D. Paul in Triumph D. Antony de Noronna for the share he had in this Victory desired he would let him go by his Side and he replied Gloriam meaâ—… alteri non dabo D. Antony offended hereat acquainted his Soldiers and they resolved to anticipate the Triumph They landed with found of Drums Trumpets and noise of Cannon and covering the way with their Cloaths led him to the Church D. Paul landed in the same manner he had done at Ior was received by the Religious Orders with their Crosses and singing placed under a Canopy and crown'd by the Bishop with a Garland of Roses and Flowers CHAP. VI. The End of the Government of D. Duarte de Meneses 1. THE Tyrant Raju resolving to possess himself of our Fort of Colombo in Câ—… to this effect gathered â—…0000 fighting Men 60000 Pioniers and near as many Artificers and other Labourers 2200 Elephants 40000 Oxen 150 Pieces of Câ—…on 50000 Axes Shovels Pickâ—…s and Spades an innumerable quantity of spare Arms and Tools two Castles carried each upon a great Cart with 9 Wheels and almost 500 Sail. He thought fit first to consult the Idols about the Success and having placed Men behind them who should say as he had directed them the Answer was That if he would enter Columbo he mâ—…st shed innocent Blood 2. The People was astonished at this familiarity between their Prince and Idols and he pretending Obedience to the Divine Commands caused 500 Children to be snatched from their Mothers Arms which were all slaughtered and the Idols sprinkled with their Blood 3. Thus prepared he marched and sate down before the Town choosing the Ground he best liked there being no body to hinder him Our Commander Iohn de Brito knowing this Storm was like to fall upon him had made the best provision he could He had but 300 Portugueses the third part of them useless being old Men or Children and 700 Natives and Slaves which he posted to the best advantage about that Wall the Circumference whereof is very great reserving 50 to be ready with himself wherever the greatest Danger called Raju spent a month in dreining a Lake that on one side secured the Town about this Work and securing some Boats we had upon that Water there were many Skirmishes in which the Enemy came off with great loss 4. The Fort was much weakened by the want of that Water which was the chief Defence on that side Our Commander gave Advice of the Danger he was in to the Neighbouring Places The first that sent Relief was Iohn de Melo Commander of Manar it consisted of 40 Men under the Command of his Nephew Ferdinand and Ammunition Ferdinand was posted on the side of the Lake Whilst Raju prepared for the Attack there was a Skirmish between the Besiegers and Besieged in which the former lost many Men and had some of their Works levelled 5. On the 4th of August before day Raju advanced to give the first Assault with such silence he could not be heard and the Darkness was such he could not have been seen but the Musketiers lighted Matches discovered them They laid their Ladders and mounted the Bastions St. Michael St. Goncalo and St. Francis 2000 Pioniers at the same time working below to undermine the Wall many of the former were cast down upon these last and abundance of them in
Mendoça Furtado returned to Goa where he found D. Hierome de Azevedo was then Viceroy Ruy Lorenço de Tavora was Viceroy three Years the 21th of that number 41th Governor and second of the Name and Sirname He had more Inclination to Peace than War which produced Concord with all the Kings of India of Stature tall his Complexion fair aged and a good Christian a rare thing among Men of Quality CHAP. XI Of the Propagation of the Christian Faith in China 1. THough these Affairs properly appertain to the Ecclesiastical History of which I design a particular Volume yet for the satisfaction of those who desire some Information herein and having at the end of the First Part said somewhat touching the first entrance of Christianity in China I will here briefly relate its Progress till the Year 1640 though it be anticipating the Time that the Relation may not be too much dismembred and because that Order is chiefly observed by me in Martial Affairs 2. The four Houses or Residences of Xancheu Nancham Nanking and Peking being setled F. Emanuel Diaz was sent as Visitor of the three first because F. Matthew Rivius could not be spared from the other which was the Soul of them all The Visitor-General Valiniano setled 30 Crowns a Year upon each Residence finding it sufficient to cloath and maintain the Religious who were to live there that they might not obstruct the advancement of the Faith by the necessity of asking any thing 3. The Visitor sent new Fathers to all the Residences In the Year 1604 Cuitayso was Baptized till then he only gave ear to it but was the cause that many were converted and procured the Foundation at Nanking He was called Ignatius In the Year 1606 died the Visitor Valiniano at Macao Nicholas Pimenta succeeded him 4. F. Matthew Rivius died at Peking in the Year 1610 the King appointed his place of Burial and allotted his Companions a House and Church The Mandarins and others celebrated his Funeral with great demonstrations of esteem He was the first buried in that country for all that died before were carried to Macao 5. The Year 1613 the Religious were expelled Hancheu and coming to the City Nanhiun built a Church there and afterwards others In the Year 1616 there were 7 Residences two at Peking one of them without the Walls one at Nanking one at Hancheu one at Nancham one at Caiyeu and one at Nanhiun In them all were 22 Fathers the Converts amounted to 6000 among them many Nobles Lawyers and Mandarines and some Bonzo's 6. The Year 1617 the Religious were expelled from all their Residences the Persecution began at Nanking Some escaped to Quantung and Macao 14 remained hid in China who were afterwards called by other Cities to erect new Foundations One was at Kiencham in the Province of Kiangsi through the means of a Lawyer who was converted and christned Stephen Another at Xambay in the Country of Paul the Doctor Another at Quartim in the Province of Nanking which City it could serve without a Residence there but the Fathers were restored to it by the assistance of Doctor Michael a great Admirer of them and of Christianity and afterwards one of the most famous Preachers of the Gospel By degrees the Persecution ceased and the Fathers were every where restored Two new Residencies were erected in the Cities of Xansi and Xensi and some of those that had been banished returned from Macao 7. The Year 1622 two other Residences were setled in the Province of Fokien another at Xansi another at Xensi another at Honan All things went on successfully and the Year 1630 the Converts came in by hundreds afterwards by thousands 8. In the Year 1634 there were in China 22 European Fathers and 4 Brothers greatly esteemed by the Mandarins and other Persons of Note A Prince of the Province of Xantung sent for some Fathers to hear their Doctrine so did other Provinces afterwards 9. At Peking there were 288 Converts among them Mandarines Lawyers and Soldiers one Eunuch and one Bonzo which is considerable they being a sort of Priests he converted his Father and some Relations 10. At Nanking 70 Converts and a Noble Eunuch of 75 Years of Age. The Christians here were so zealous that when the Fathers removed a Lawyer and his Nephew carrying the Vestments and other Church-stuff on their backs and being told by the Father The Servants might do it They replied It was not fit any body should carry the Things of the Church but they who were proud to be Porters to Iesus Christ. 11. At Kiamcheu and Pucheu almost 2000 Converts at a time when the three greatest Calamities of this World succeeded each other The first was Famine which raged to that degree they eat one another two Women were shot to Death being convicted of eating 40 Children A Father and Mother rather than see their Child perish in their Arms cast it into a River and themselves after it Others buried a Child alive a Christian call'd Peter saved both the Children and brought them up The next Calamity was War and the third the Plague 12. At Hancheu in the Province of Chekiang the Converts amounted not to 150. At Xamhay 400. At Narcham only 26. At Quiencham 80. In the City Fokien 257 and many in the Country At Singam not 100 by reason of the Famine that raged as at Quiamcheu they eat the Dead ground Stones and used the Dust in stead of Meal Some at Hoacheu and the Neighbourhood At Honan but 30. In the Kingdom of Hannam which the Portugueses call Tonking almost 100000. 13. Thomas a Native of Thinhoa laboured in the Kingdom of the Lao'â—… That People is white good conditioned and have no Thieves among them Those of Hannam undervalue them for eating of Vermin They wear narrow Gowns their Feet bare the Head commonly uncovered their Hair round and short like a Lay-Brother only one Lock on the Temples which is run through holes made to that purpose in the Ears they adore an Idol called Theica with the same Ceremonies those of Hannam worship their Tham. They Trade into this Kingdom their Merchandize Elephants Buda's Skins Benjamin and Amber 14. At Dangthan 2441 Converts and many at Thinhoa At Nighihan 4200 the Residence is at Rumo there are 26 Churches and the Divine Offices are celebrated with much magnificence In Bochinh a half Province next Cochinchina 130 were Baptized In an Orchard here was found a Tree brought from the Laos the Leaves whereof gain him that carries them the Affection of all he meets and Reconcile them if Enemies Being examined whether it was not Superstition it was judged to be a Natural Virtue 15. In the Year 1635 there were not above 3300 Converted among all the Residences The House at Chincheo was then first founded A Church was erected in the Town of Yunchum and another in the City Chancheu Now there will be a greater Fruit reaped because the King protects and countenances the Religious
expelled This was done by the assistance of Vincent Ribeyro a Portugues who lived at Visapor and had much interest with the Favourite 21. At Baçaim Luis de Brito Melo and D. Iohn de Almada Admiral of the Diu Squadron joyned Antony Pinto de Fonseca Commander of that place resolving to force the Enemies Camp They made up 1500 Men and marched toward the Enemy who had 1000 Horse and 1500 Foot well intrenched Our design was to surprize them but they had intelligence from some Portugueses in the City nevertheless their Trenches were forced with the loss of 6 or 7 of our Men and not above 500 of the Enemy escaped This Victory secured the Inhabitants of that Country and the Island of Salsete who had suffered much during the two last Years 22. Zamori possessed himself of the Kingdom of Upper Granganer which was of dangerous consequence to our Town of the same Name which he always coveted having an Eye upon a Pagod where the ancient Emperors of Malabar used to be Crowned This Neighbourhood became the more dangerous for that the little King of Paru a small Island relying on his Friendshop with Zamori had began the War in the Rivers between Cochim and Paliporto The King of Cochim not without cause offended at the Portugueses underhand kindled this Fire The Viceroy sent D. Lope de Almeyda with one Galley and ten Ships to relieve Cananor He came upon the King of Paru who terrified thereat concluded a Peace Only the King of Cochim and Zamori now remained an Embassy and Presents were sent to the latter both which he admitted but nothing was concluded 23. At this time arrived at Goa 4 Ships from Portugal five came thence but one was lost within two Leagues of Melinde Of 3000 Soldiers that were shipped aboard these Vessels not half the number came to India the rest dying by the way which was a great loss by reason of the want of Men there was there having so many Enemies upon them and because these same Ships should have come the Year before and were forced back to Lisbon Three Ships homeward bound had yet worse fortune for one was cast away at the Maldivy Islands another in which were all the Men of the former at the Island Fayal where above 200 Men perished the third arrived at Lisbon 24. The Viceroy with that small Recruit resolved to go in Person to the North to meet our European Enemies the English and Hollanders who were strong in these Seas he sent before D. Emanuel de Azevedo with 22 Sail who at Suratte joyned the two Squadrons under Luis de Brito and D. Iohn de Almada They landed and destroyed the Lands of Cifandam and Diva the Towns of Baroche and Goga were plundered and burnt as were six great Ships in that Bay Hence they sailed to the City Patane the Inhabitants whereof terrified by the Flames of Goga fled to the Woods so the Town was fired without any opposition 25. Mean while the Viceroy set out with 7 Galleons that in which he was so large it carried with ease 230 Men at Arms the 30 all Gentlemen There were besides two Pinks one Galley one Caravel and five other Vessels In all which were 1400 Portugueses and much Artillery but unskilful Gunners CHAP. IV. Continues the Government of D. Hierome de Azevedo 1. THE chief Design of this Squadron which at Suratte joyned those three under Azevedo Brito and Almeyda was to destroy four English Ships that lay in that Port. These Preparations seemed too great for such an Enterprize but the Event proved the contrary Being come in sight of the English the Viceroy ordered the two Pinks the Caravel and other smaller Vessels to lay aboard one of the Ships which was separated from the others Having all grappled and almost entred her the other three coming up beat them off The first three of our Vessels having taken fire endeavouring to burn that of the Enemy perished and the English escaped All this day was spent without any Success on our side and the next nothing was done because the Ships lay in a hole where only one of our Galleons could come at them at once and so might be one by one disabled by the Enemies Cannon Some said this was only a pretence of those who had no mind to come at them It was attempted to burn them with Fireships but without success 2. The Viceroy perceiving he only lost his Time there sailed to Diu to send thence Relief to Ormuz having received Advice from D. Luis de Gama Commander of that Place that the Fort of Comoran was besieged by a Persian Captain of Xirav with 14000 Men by Sea and Land This Siege was laid by order of Abas Xa of Persia on account that Gama did not pay him certain Duties due to the King of Lara and the Persian was now possessed of that Kingdom He was glad of this pretence of taking Arms as desiring to possess himself of Ormuz towards which he thought the Fort of Comoron was a good step Nor did he miss his aim for no sooner did the ancient Men of Ormuz hear that Fort was delivered but they concluded this lost D. Luis sent some Succour which hastened the Surrender because one half of it was cut off and the rest returned Andrew de Quadros commanded at Comoran he had but few Men and less Cannon for always our Aim was at trade and was forced to surrender upon Conditions which the Enemy never observed This was done when the Relief of 9 Sail sent by the Viceroy arrived under the command of Michael de Sousa Pimentel who having nothing to do there and to shun the Distasts that happened between him and D. Luis de Gama went away to Mascate 3. The Viceroy returning with his Fleet from Diu discovered the 4 English Ships a great way from Surat making all the sail they could and standing to the Southward He made the best of his way and in the afternoon came up alone within Cannon-shot of one of them because his Galleon was a better Sailer than the rest of the Fleet. His Gunner offered to sink her with two 40 Pounders many opposed it representing the other 3 Ships would come upon him and the Fleet being out of sight the Galleon would be lost which would be a great discredit besides the Damage at such a time when the Government was so poor The Viceroy submitted to their Opinions without obliging them to give it under their hands thinking they would never deny it which they did when he was accused for not doing what the Gunner proposed The English returned Thanks for this kindness firing their Cannon without Ball. 4. The Ships that this Year went from Portugal carried Orders to the Viceroy to sell all Commands and Employments that would yield Money there being no other means than to supply the Wants of that Government This was put in execution and much resented for three Reasons one That it had never been
much admired this Proceeding understanding it was Freyre's custom rather to Give than Receive 3. The Piece Freyre kept was Cambolim worth about 20 Pardao's The value of a Pardao is 12 Royals and a half Cambolim is a piece of Stuff the Women wear on their Shoulders like a Veil The Captain 's extolling this Action he said The Cambolim was due to some Lady that they should agree whose Mistress was handsomest and it should be given to her The Price without any dispute was allowed to â—…ippolito Furtado his Mistress 4. Whilst the Merchant Fleet stayed at Cambaya Freyre went to visit the Fort of Diu and landed by the way at Goga once a proud City of the Moors but humbled by our Arms the last Year At the end of December the Fleet sailed from Cambaya and was the greatest that had been seen in many Years Freyre with his Squadron convoyed it Near Damam there arose such a Storm that it was a wonder they did not all perish Two Ships were lost with all the Men of another only one Man was saved of a fourth all the Men. What caused most admiration was that 10 small Boats escaped which in a calm Sea carried but a span above Water At length they got into Bacaim 8 Merchant Ships being drove to Chaul met there 4 Parao's of Pirats who took two of them Freyre caused the Beards of the Soldiers of the other six to be cut off for not following his light At last he came safe to Goa with the Fleet. 5. D. Bernard de Noronna commanded the Fleet on the Coast of Malabar Zamori had again broke the Peace and distressed Granganor Noronna hasted thither and cut off all Correspondence between Zamori and 3 Holland Ships that came into that Sea and in despight of all the Nayres relieved Granganor Mean while D. Henry de Sousa sent by him with 11 Sail to Calicut burnt there a great Ship belonging to that Emperor loaded and ready to sail for Meca This done D. Bernard having visited the Forts of Malabar and Canara returned to Goa 6. D. Nunno Alvarez Pereyra succeeded Emanuel Mascarennas Homem as General of Ceylon and made several successful Roads into the Kingdom of Candea bringing thence many Prisoners and much Cattel But let us relate a dangerous Commotion that happened in that Island the Occasion whereof though it be not new in the World is one of those that though often repeated is still admired and was thus 7. Some Years before this died Nicapeti King of Ceylon who being converted and having no Issue made the King of Portugal his Heir At this time there lived in Ceylon a poor Fellow called also Nicapeti He served the Portugueses and gaining admittance to one of the Queens of Valgameme heard somewhat of that Prince called Nicapeti This Fellow being of the same Name resolved to represent his Person and perswade the People that he was their Natural Prince come to Life again He feigns himself a Iogue that is the same as an Hermit among us and beginning to appear about Mareguepore gave out That taking compassion on the Calamities of his Country he came to free them from the Portugues Bondage He found Credit and Men flocking to him entred the seven Corla's when the Disâ—…ava Philip de Oliverae was absent At Matiagama he slew two Fathers of the Society in 6 or 7 days was succoured by the King of Candea with 2000 Men and declared King by most of the Country 8. As soon as our General had notice hereof he sent Emanuel Cesar with some Men to quench this Fire before it grew Masterless Cesar meeting him with 6000 Men at Gandola a Village on the River Laoa they ingaged and Ferdinand Caldeyra who led our Van going on rashly was killed with 10 or 12 Soldiers and Captain Gaspar de Antas 9. In the heat of the Battle 1000 Chingala's who served under Luis Gomez Pinto deserted to the Enemy At this sight our Men gave themselves for lost but much more when D. Constantine a Chingala but Subject of Portugal and of the Royal Blood stepping forward cried aloud Whither do you fly my Friends If you look for your Natural King here am I who by seven several Branches am descended from them In a moment they all turned to and proclaimed him King and he made use of this opportunity to reduce them that had revolted from us After a long Dispute the Enemy fled over the River Next morning our Men passed over and meeting no Enemy stayed there for further Intelligence 10. In the mean while Philip de Oliveyra returned from Candea having heard of Nicapeti's Attempt but not of our Victory There was then a considerable number of Chingala's who served under him to incite these to rebel one came and from the top of a Mountain admonished them to forsake the Portugueses and follow their Natural Prince This caused much disorder among the Men and next day Oliveyra marching on came to the Field of the late Battle and finding above 1000 slain could not discover who had gained that Victory On a Tree was seen an Inscription signifying that all Portugueses were slain no body of them left in Ceylon and that Columbo was surrendred This startled the Portugueses and not a little rejoyced the Lascarines the Chingala's that serve among us are so called who were 800 in number 11. As Philip de Oliveyra continued his march 300 Men attacked his Rear but as soon as he faced them fled Nyhe came upon him near the River Laoa he sent to Emanuel Cesar and they joyned which made the Revolters fly to the Woods They two agreed to take all the Women and Children of some Villages hoping by that means to reduce the Chingala's that were in Arms. Oliveyra took above 400 the same night the 800 Lascarines deserted with their Arms leaving the Portugueses alone who were not above 200. These marched 5 Leagues to the Pagod called Atanagale near Maluana where the General resided who sent them 500 Men 200 whereof were Portugueses He ordered D. Emanuel de Castro to take care of Provisions and Ammunition having made D. Constantine Dissava of the Corlas this was the Chingala who as was abovesaid brought back those who fled from us in stead of D. Philip de Oliveyra wrongfully punishing him for the desertion of the 800 Lascarines CHAP. IX Continues the Government of the Viceroy D. Hierome de Azevedo the same Year 1616. 1. NIcapeti like an absolute King bestowed Imployments and Lands having gathered an Army of 24000 Men with which he marched towards Columbo so vain that half a League from that Town on the Banks of the River Nacolega he would be proclaimed Emperor of Ceylon He sent to the King of Candea to send him one of his two Wives who answered It should be done when the Portugueses were subdued Nicapeti in a Rage at this Answer threatned to use that King like the Portugueses Those 2000 Men sent by him to Nicapeti's assistance
to be naked than to endure such unsupportable Pains Her Feet were torn and she then fainting they cast all the Fire upon her Seeing she neither died nor complained the Executioners strangled her after having suffered alone enough to purchase many the Glory of Martyrdom 19. Tamarascan the Queen's Son understanding the Death of his Mother entred Persia in a rage and obtained several Victories in 3 Years slew above 70000 Persians At length a Peace was concluded and he restored to all he had lost 20. Two of the Religious of St. Augustin travelled towards Georgia suffered great Extremities in vast Desarts in some Places near perishing in Snow At Emanenga in Armenia they were entertained by the Religious of the Order of St. Dominick who reside there 21. At Ervan the Metropolis of Armenia they were courteously received by the Patriarch in a Convent of 30 Religious of St. Basil whose Office is long being the whole Psalter every day and Matins at midnight That Prelate was a Man of a very austere Life gave great Alms redeemed Captives repaired Churches was a great Reformer of Manners and suppressed Married Priests He was almost Adored by the Armenians and hearkened to the Proposal of submiting to the See of Rome Our Religious found him Preaching in a Church but as soon as he saw them he took leave of the Auditory and went to receive them washed and kissed their Feet telling the People Those were the true Apostles of Christ. 22. At length our Religious entred Georgia were honourably received by the King who refused to let them kiss his Hand but made them sit and knowing they carried the greatest part of his Mother's Body declared himself pleased above measure 23. That day they dined with the King the next with the Queen she and her Ladies went to receive the Body and heard Mass with great attention The King caused his Mother to be buried among the ancient Kings of Georgia Speaking of the Pope he said He owned him as chief Prelate and had always declared him such Being presented with two Images of our Saviour and Blessed Lady he said He worshipped them not because they were Idols and only honoured Pictures One of the Fathers reprehended him and was going away but he held by his Habit kissed him and begged Pardon affirming He knew not what he said 24. Next day the King and Queen excused themselves to the Father praying him not to depart but to choose any Place in the Kingdom to build a Church and Monastery He pitched upon the City Gori which is seated in a Plain watered by two great Rivers well stored with Fish The Patriarch an ancient and venerable Person with the Bishops and other Clergy thought they could never sufficiently encourage the new Foundation This happened about the end of the Year 1628. 25. To conclude with these Religious they laboured as much as any in China India Persia and Arabia On the 17th of May 1626 after Noon at Bassora was seen a Cloud rising in the East in the form of a Half-Moon the Horns whereof seemed to inclose that City It appeared like Smoke and Ashes and moved with a Noise that seemed to threaten Destruction All the Country about for the space of half an hour was quite dark then for two hours followed such a storm of Wind and Thunder as terrified all those People The Turks and Persians fled to the Christian Church believing that the only safe place and crying aloud the former Codá Codá the latter Ala Ala that is God God without remembring Mahomet 26. In the Year 1627 the Enemy surprized a Ship of ours there and killed all the Men but three who being carried before Hazen Governour of Humo he offered them their Lives if they would become Mahometans They answered They were ready to die rather than do so He caused them to be Beheaded on the 21st of December 1628. 27. In Africk these Religious baptized the Prince of Melinde who afterwards coming to the Crown acknowledged the Pope writing a Letter to him in the Year 1627 which he signed by the Name of D. Hierome Chingalia This was the first King that received the Faith in those Parts which might have spread more had not the Portugueses by their Enormities obliged this Prince to fall off from them and the Faith as shall be seen hereafter CHAP. II. Continues the Government of the Viceroy D. Francis de Gama Count De Vidigueyra 1. THis Year sailed from Lisbon two Ships and six Galleons under the Command of Nunno Alvarez Botello and arrived all safe at Goa Mean while Ruy Freyre de Andrade with his Squadron was successful in the Sea of Ormuz cutting off Provisions from that Town sinking some Vessels and chasing others He had done more if better supported 5. Some English and Dutch Ships having relieved Ormuz distressed by that Gentleman the Viceroy strengthened by those Ships come from Portugal would not suffer them to depart without being visited He sent Nunno Alvarez Botello Admiral against them with 8 Galleons They sailed at the beginning of the Year 1625 and were separated by a Storm but six meeting Botello appeared in the Sea of Ormuz and was received by twelve of those two Nations The Fight was very terrible and the Enemy having the Wind our Admiral could not come to board as he desired The Dutch Admiral and Vice-Admiral being disabled were forced to draw off At the same time Ruy Freyre having heard the noise of the Cannon came up with three Galliots and the Enemy drew off to the Bay of Comoram We had many Men killed and wounded among the latter our Admiral Botello 3. About the middle of February they met again Nunno fearing he should not be able to come to board them sent a Challenge to their Admiral but he not accepting of it the Fight began and was continued with great fury till the Enemy again drew into Comoran having lost many Men and we 2 Captains and 40 Soldiers Botello went to Water at the Island Lareâ—…a opposite to them and hearing a Cannon fired answered with another supposing it had been a Signal of Battel but the Enemy stirred not then though our Vessels were almost unmasted since the last Engagement At last they thinking it time to depart drew out and being pursued there ensued another Fight The Enemy fled having lost in those three Encounters 1000 Men and 3 Ships which were sunk some of them carried 60 Guns 4. Our Admiral gave chase but soon lost sight of them and went to Winter at Mascate whence he set out in September with 7 Sail whereof he lost three in a Storm the Men saved He came to an Anchor with the rest at Soveral where he took a rich Ship of Meca that sailed with a Dutch Pass Understanding by the Prisoners some of the Enemies Ships were at Surat he hasted thither and found they were the same that escaped after the Fights of Ormuz and Comoran It being impossible to come at them he
attend adorning and beautifying the City He built a Church dedicated to St. Laurence near the Bar and gave it to the Franciscans Then he founded and endowed an Hospital for the Poor in the Field of St. Lazarus which made four Hospitals at Goa He rebuilt the Council-house of the Inquisition and Palace of the Viceroys which were going to ruin 7. For Military Works at Panelim he finished that called the Powder-house where are daily made 14 Quintals of Powder Repaired the Fortifications of Mascate and others These Works seem sufficient to have made him beloved but either some Humours made him odious or else it was impossible to please the Portugueses Some discontented Persons when the Viceroy was about to depart set up several scandalous Libels against him in publick Places and hanged his Effigies on the publick Gibbet Yet after all it was voted that an honourable Statue should be erected to him in the same place where the other had been hang'd but it succeeded not for when the Pedestal was set up there arrived a new Viceroy and the arrival of such always reverses whatsoever was done before 8. Now died the famous Commander Ruy Freyre de Andrade full of Merit unrewarded we have already spoke of his Actions his Qualities were a mixture of good and bad more Politick than Conscientious He was Prudent and Generous Gave all his Orders in doubtful terms to reserve a Meaning to justifie himself by in case of ill success Was familiar with no body choosing rather to be feared than beloved He heard all Soldiers standing or made them sit Any breach of Orders he never pardoned but beheaded a Captain for saving a beautiful young Woman being commanded to put all to the Sword It is needless to repeat more Extravagancies of this kind 9. Two Ships sailed from Lisbon carrying a new Viceroy to India The Count De Linarez returned with them one whereof was cast away near Lisbon the other in which he was went to Malaga where many of the Men died much of the Loading was wasted and the Ship was broke up 10. The Count went to Court and was the first that presented his Prince with part of what he had gained To the King he gave a Hatband to the Queen a pair of Pendants both valued by some 100000 by others 80000 Crowns He was at first received with Hononr and after Imprisoned The Count was of a beautiful Presence and comely Aspect discreet and well inclined of Viceroys the 27th of Governours the 51st and 6th of the Sirname 11. This Year was remarkable in Cochinchina for a Dearth which caused such a Famine as had not been known in the memory of Man and for repeated Treasons About the beginning of the Year a Bastard Son of the King but Adopted by the Queen went to govern the Provinces between Cacham and Chapa he had before his departure conspired with eight principal Men to bring the Government of the Kingdom into his and his Brothers hands which then was managed by the Sons of another Woman As soon as he came to his Government he began to make Warlike Preparations the King understanding it sent for him and he kept off till the Kind died and the Princes possessed themselves of the Palace The Conspirators came to celebrate the Funeral Rites An Uncle of those young Princes was present who understanding those Traitors design to murder his Nephews called up the Guards that were ready to execute his Orders but he thought it enough to terrifie those Conspirators The Funeral ended the Prince having with difficulty got the Royal Seal from the Queen tendred it to his Uncle offering to acknowledge him as King but the old Man unwilling to be out-done by the Youth refused the Offer only desiring him to remember his Children 12. The News of the King's Death being brought to the Bastard at the City Cacham he ordered the deepest Mourning according to the custom of that Country which was to cut their Hair short This to them is a great Affliction for they wear their Hair at length like Women and think it makes them beautiful whereas they are very ugly This done he raised Men and fortified himself at Turam The young King's two Brothers soon came upon him and were Masters of all He fled and being taken attempted to kill himself with a Knife but failing was committed to Prison where he poisoned himself After his Death many Persons of great Note being Accomplices in the Treason were put to Death CHAP. XIII The Government of the Viceroy Peter de Silva from the Year 1635 till 1638. 1. ABout the end of this Year 1635 the Count de Linarez resigned the Government of India to Peter de Silva The same People that accused the Count for being so rigid accused Silva of being too easie Perhaps they blamed the Extreams but what Man can overcome his Inclinations Every Man's Qualifications ought to be looked into before an Employment is given him I know not whether Sylva were naturally easie but he had gained the Nickname of Mole which in Portugues signifies Soft Neither did he like the Government being often heard to say God forgive them that named me for this Imploy for I am not fit for it 2. In March Antony Tellez set out again with his 6 Galleons after 13 Sail of Dutch he expected to meet at Surat A Storm forced him to Bombaim and the Enemy to shun him put into Dabul Tellez returned to Goa and being there at Anchor four great Holland Ships appeared before the Port he went out and having fought two days forced them to lighten their Loading the better to escape This done he enters the Port again and a Squadron of 10 Sail of the Enemy was seen at his Heels the Disadvantage being too great it was not thought expedient to fight them 3. This Year was signalized with a Miracle that happen'd with a Crucifix There is a Monastery of Nuns at Goa in the Arch of their Choir facing the Nuns was placed a Crucifix the Workmanship whereof was not liked because the Eyes were quite shut and the Knees too high On the first Friday of Lent after the usual Procession some Nuns being at Prayers in the Choir distinctly saw the Image open its Eyes the Women frighted cried out and all the other Religious with the Father Confessor resorted thither and before Midnight all of them saw the Eyes open 26 times and sometimes the Body and Cross seemed to move the Mouth opened as if it spoke and Blood ran from the Temples and Wounds Some part of these Wonders were seen several days till on a Tuesday the Church being full of People they all saw what the Nuns had seen for the Body of the Image turned to one side The Bishop and Inquisitors were Witnesses of much of this Motion and the whole was confirmed by the Asseveration of all the Citizens The Eyes remained half open the Knees stretched lower the Feet falling and dragging the Nail after them and the whole