Justice tho' they did that of Men. 8. Ruy de Melo who was deprived of his Command of Moçambique by the Judge Fr. de Fonseca Pinto went to Goa and being tryed was cleared of all the Crimes laid to his Charge and ordered to be restored to his Post Iames de Cunna Castellobranco Judge of the Criminal Court was sent to restore him The Viceroy charged Melo to forget past Grudges to take care of the Peace and Preservation of that Place and not to offend Guerra or Pinto and the more to secure the latter continued his former Commission during his stay in those Parts The same Charge he gave to the Judge Cunna 9. Melo and Cunna sailed from Goa in two Vessels and Cunna arrived first at Moçambique in May. As soon as he came he promised to reconcile him to Melo and in return desired him to secure Pinto contrary to the Viceroy's Orders which made their Power equal Pinto coming with above 100000 Crowns he had gathered by Extortion was put into Irons Being a Prisoner in the Fort he made use of his Rhetorick telling Guerra how much he was beholden to him and offering if he would release him and secure Cunna to give him sufficient Certificates to save his Reputation and clear him of all Crimes at Goa This he said because Guerra's guilt was no less than his own 10. Guerra overcome with these Promises releases Pinto and sending for Cunna on pretence of Business detains him Prisoner He seeing himself in the Power of his two greatest Enemies whose design was to stay him at Moçambique giving 18000 Ducats security got loose and escaped to Mombaça where Ruy de Melo was detained They two with Simon de Melo Pereyra Commander of that Fort and Emanuel Freyre de Andrade gave Sentence of Death against Guerra as a Rebel Melo and Cunna Embarque for Moçambique mean while Pinto to secure his Gold was sailing for Goa Guerra was advised not to stay the coming of his Enemies yet he did and receiving Melo at the Gate deliver'd him the Keys Melo or his Son for in this particular Relations vary embracing Guerra stabbed him then spurning and reviling caused him to be apprehended A few Days after he was condemned to be hanged and tho' he offered to fit out a compleat Galleon for the King's Service to purchase Life was executed 11. The Chineses provoked by the Insolencies of the Portugueses at Macao were drawing together Forces to expel them The Mandarines of the Province of Quantung sent to them first to reproach them of their Crimes ordering that either they should for the future resolve to live honestly or immediately withdraw from thence with their Wives and Children The Portuguâ—…ses pleaded innocence excused their Faults and promised for the time to come to observe their Laws 12. D. Garcia de Silva of whom mention was made before was still at Goa in order to go Ambassador to Persia. The Reason of his stay was because that King continued to commit Hostilities having taken from us Bandel of Comoram in Arabia Yet now he resolved to send an Ambassador to Spain and chose for this Employ Robert Sherley an Englishman 13. The Persian sending an Ambassador to Spain it was thought the Spaniard might safely go to him D. Garcia began to make ready but his long stay at Goa having been chargeable he demanded 30000 Ducats of the Viceroy who was forced to give him the best part of that Sum but this being in the dead of Winter his Voyage was put off till Spring and I cannot find any farther account what became of him or his Embassy 14. The Viceroy to gratifie the King of Macassa for his kind Entertainment of Gonçalo Rodrigues de Sousa answered his Letter and sent him a Present by Augustin Labato who sailed from Goa on the 3d of October with 2 Galliots On the way he took two Vessels of Achem and being well received and dispatched by the King of Macassa he sailed then loaden with Provisions for Ternate He fought two Dutch Vessels landed the Provisions returned again and brought more from Macassa then going to Manila winter'd there 15. The Portugueses sailing from Malaca to Manila found there was a Days difference between those two Places that is they who go from Malaca think they arrive at Manila on a Sunday and it is Monday and the contrary from Manila to Malaca The reason is that those who sail to the Eastward at every 15 Degrees have the Sun rising an hour sooner and they who to the Westward an hour later From Portugal to India 7 hours are gained the rest from Goa to Manila which added to those lost between Manila and Spain make up the difference of a whole Day 16. Our Viceroy earnestly desired to hear of the many Portugueses were said to be cast away on the Island of Madagascar since the Discovery of India as also to plant the Christian Faith there and settle a friendly Correspondence with the Kings thereof to the Exclusion of the Hollanders out of those Ports To this effect he sent thither several Vessels during his Government I have thought fit not to divide the Relation of those Expeditions and therefore place them together in the following Chapters CHAP. XIII Particular Discoveries made in the Island of Madagascar or St. Lawrence by order of the Viceroy D. Hierome de Azevedo 1. THE Viceroy in pursuance of the King's Orders for discovery of the Affairs of the Island Madagascar or St. Lawrence fitted out a Caravel for that Expedition under the Command of Paul Rodriguez de Costa with Soldiers two Jesuits and Interpreters 2. They set sail from Goa at the end of Ianuary and reached that Island about the middle of April The circumference of it is about 600 leagues the length 260 and lies North-North-East and south-south-South-South-West the breadth where most is not above 80 leagues on the South part and less Northward for there it ends in a Point which bears the Name of St. Ignatius and is about â—…5 leagues in length from East to West It is therefore divided into 3 parts the first made by an imaginary Line drawn from East to West at Cape St. Andrew forms the North part The other two are divided by a ridge oâ—… Mountains running from the said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the middle of the Island to Cape 〈◊〉 â—…omanus 3. I will not name the Kingdoms it contains because they are too many and confused It is very Populous the Inhabitants living in Cities and Town of different extent and grandeur well watered and diversified with Mountains Valleys Bays and Ports The Names of Madagascar and St. Lawrence are given it by Strangers the Natives having no general Name thereof There is no certainty of the first Planting of it The generality of the Natives called Buques have no Religion and consequently no Priests or Churches Any body circumcises the Children between 5 and 7 Years of Age. 4. They are not all of a Colour some quite Black with curled Hair some
alive One answered Yes for doubtless she was immortal And they replied Then certainly it was the Lady Marian. So they call the Blessed Virgin Many said they saw her at Lawrence de Brito's Quarter so bright that she blinded them And some who went to see her Image in the Churches were converted and staid in Town 18. Nizamaluco was desirous to treat of Peace but was not willing to shew it Our Commander wished as much as he and was as backward in making it appear At length both Sides abated and a Treaty was set on foot Faretecan and Azafacan were Commissioners for Nizamaluco Peter de Silva and Meneses and Anthony de Teyve for our Commander in Chief and D. Francis Mascarennas Baroche for the Captain of the City The Substance of the Accommodation was a League Offensive and Defensive between Nizamaluco and King Sebastian This Agreement was celebrated with great Joy and sending of rich Presents on both Sides All this might have been done without so much Effusion of Blood Nizamaluco raised his Camp and returned home CHAP. XI The Proceedings of Zamori upon this Occasion and during the Government of D. Luis de Ataide 1. ZAmori the third Chief of this League who was to act by Sea as Sovereign thereof among those of India performed his Part very coldly After Goa and Chaul had been Besieged a Month he instead of putting his Fleet to Sea sent to treat of Peace with the Viceroy either by this means to amuze him or else to gain some Advantage upon his pressing Necessities For few Princes follow the Dictates of Honour when opposite to their Interest This Affair being proposed in Council at Goa it was unanimously agreed to accept of a Peace though upon hard terms But the Viceroy who had resolved to loose all or nothing said He would make no Peace unless upon such Terms as he might expect in the most flourishing Condition 2. Zamori seeing this Design fail set out a Fleet about the end of February under the Command of Catiproca Marca He soon appeared before Chaul with twenty-one Sail and a great number of Men whereof above One thousand were Musqueteers and passed by Night through all our Gallies and Galleons that filled the Port without opposition The Entrance was defended against only two Paraos whereof one got in the other not The Malabars with reason boasted of this Action and Nizamaluco's Men rejoyced at the Success 3. Nizamaluco was much pleased at the arrival of the Malabars posted the 1000 Musqueteers and then perswaded the Officers to attack our Ships which were under the Command of Leonel de Sousa A great number of Calemutes which are small Vessels that King made use of were crammed full of Men to accompany the twenty-one Malabars every one going as to a sure Victory They set out with great eagerness bearing down upon Lionel de Sousa and fled with the same precipitation seeing him make at them Yet for all their haste our Gallies did considerable execution among them Nizamaluco who from a height had been looking on did all he could to perswade them to try their Fortune again but to no purpose for after twenty days they stole away by night out of that Harbour with the same good Fortune they came in 4. The Queen of Mangalor thinking to make some Advantage of these Confusions and hearing that Catiproca was near with his Fleet represented to him how easily our Fort might be surprized and offered to defray the Charge He accepted the Proposal thinking to regain the Credit lost at Chaul Unexpectedly he applies scaling Ladders and some of his Men mounted Some Servants of D. Antony Pereyra who Commanded there awaking and seeing the Enemy threw out of a Window the first thing came to hand which was a Chest of their Master 's full of Silver and with it beat down those that were upon the Ladder Pereyra waking with the noise threw down those that had mounted the other fled carrying away the Chest aboard the Ships As they passed before Cananor D. Iames with his Squadron fell upon and totally routed them D. Iames follows them up the River of Tiracole and not one Ship of them escaped Cutiproca was killed and his Nephew Cutiale taken as also D. Antony's Chest recovered 5. Zamori did not fulfil the Articles of the League by sending this Fleet for every one had promised to undertake something in Person till now D. Iames de Meneses had obstructed him scouring that Sea burning many Towns and Ships and taking many which he carried to Goa Towards the end of Iune when D. Iames was gone and Hidalcau and Nizamaluco were about drawing off Zamori fate down before the Fort of Cbale with 100000 Men most of them Musqueteers This place is but two Leagues from Calicut that Prince's Court and was then held by D. George de Castro The Enemy planted forty Pieces of Brass Cannon and girting the place round thought they had shut out all hopes of Relief Some was sent from Cochim under the Conduct of D. Antony de Noronna who could not put it into the Place for the furious Batteries of the Enemies Cannon Francis Pereyra de Sousa coming from Cananor with extravagant Bravery conquered the difficulty but the Relief was small because the Vessels were so As soon as the Viceroy had advice he sent D. Iames de Meneses with eighteen Sail to carry Supplies to the Fort. He with great difficulty got to Chale about the end of September when the Besieged were reduced to the last Extremities there being at least Six hundred Persons in the place whereof not above Seventy that could bear Arms. 6. It seemed impracticable to attempt the putting in any Relief for the mouth of the Harbour was very narrow and all the Hills about it were planted with Cannon But our Commander resolved to surmount all Difficulties A great Vessel was filled with Provisions for two months and fifty Soldiers put into it Iames de Azambuja went before in his Gally and Antony Fernandez and D. Luis de Meneses cover'd it with their Vessels They pierced with incredible Courage through Showrs of Bullets and Ferdinand de Mendoca Nephew to D. Iames run in all the Supplies whilst Francis de Sousa with his Men killed above Five hundred of the Enemy who endeavour'd to obstruct it This done they retired through the same Dangers with loss of forty Men. As they were cutting off a Soldier 's Leg he asked whether the Succour was got in and hearing it was Then said he let me die in God's Name for I cannot die more honourably 7. Though it was not possible to bring the â—…ss People out of the Fort as was design'd yet the putting in of Relief was an Action scarce to be parallell'd for the great hazard and difficulty that attended and vast Power that opposed it 8. The King of Achem the Fourth of these great Confederates whose thoughts were always employed against Malaca did not in point of time answer the
Guenga and falls into the Sea near the Mouth of Ganges between the Cities Angali and Pisolta in about 22 degrees of Latitude The River Bate has his Springs in the Mount Gate and falls into the Sea by Bombaim parting the Kingdoms of Guzarata and Decan From the City Cambaya to the Mouth of this River are 70 Leagues From Chaul South of it to the River Aliga the southern extent of Decan 75 Leagues with these Towns Bandor Dabul Debetele Cintapori Coropatan Banda Chapora and Goa our Metropolis and Archiepiscopal See in India The third district begins where Canara parts from Decan and ends in Cape Comori and contains above 140 Leagues From this River to Mount Delli is about 46 Leagues with these Towns Onor Baticale Barcalor Baranor and others of the Province Canara subject to the King of Bisnaga Below this to Cape Comori are 93 Leagues and is called Malabar divided into three Kingdoms which own no Superior The Kingdom of Cananor has 20 Leagues of the Coast in which are these Towns Cota Coulam Nilichilam Marabia â—…olepatam Cananor the Metropolis in the Latitude of 12 degrees Tremapatan Cheba Maim and Purepatan Here begins the Kingdom of Calicut and runs 27 Leagues and has these Towns Calicut the Metropolis in about 11 degrees 70 minutes of Latitude Coulete Chale Parangale and Tanor the head of a Kingdom subject to the Zamori or Emperour of Calicut and Chatua the last Bound of this Empire Next is the little Kingdom of Cranganor which borders on that of Cochin then that of Coulan and lastly Travancor subject to Narsinga Near Travancor is the Famous Cape Comori the southermost Inland of this Province of Indostan or India within Ganges and 7 degrees and half of North Latitude where ends the Coast of Malabar and the fourth of the nine districts I now divide the Coast of Asia into From Cape Comori in the West to Cape Cincapura in the East which is the Southermost Land of the Aurea Chersonesus or Malaca are 400 Leagues and within this interval is contained the great Bay of Bengala called by some Sinus Gangeticus because the River Ganges after watering the Country of Bengala falls into this Bay about the Latitude of 23 Degrees This River is wonderful for the abundance of water it carries and esteemed Holy by the Neighbouring People who imagining it conduces to their Salvation when given over are carried and die with their Feet in its water which brings the King a great Revenue for none must wash there without paying a certain Duty Though this River has many Mouths the two most remarkable are called Satigan to the West and Chatigan to the East near 100 Leagues distant from each other and here will end the fifth of the nine Districts This may be subdivided into three parts The first the Kingdom of Bisnaga contains 200 Leagues and these Towns Tarancurii Manapar Vaipar Trechendur Caligrande Charcacale Tucucurii Benbar Calicare Beadala Manancort and Cannameira whence takes name that Cape that stretches out there in 10 degrees of North Latitude then Negapatan Hahor Triminapatan Tragambar Trimenava Colororam Puducheira Calapate Connumeira Sadrapatan and Meliapor now called St. Thomas because that Apostles Body was found there From St. Thomas to Palicata are 9 Leagues then go on Chiricole Aremogan Caleturo Caleciro Pentipolii where ends the Kingdom of Bisnagur and begins that of Orixa the second part of this District and contains about 120 Leagues to Cape Palmeiras with these Towns Penacote Calingan Vizipatan Bimilepatan Narsingapatan Puacatan Caregare and others Here begins the third part which is the Kingdom of Bengala and extends above 100 Leagues The sixth District of the nine begins at the East Mouth of Ganges or Chatigan and ends at Cape Cincapura in little more than one degree of North Latitude This Coast contains about 380 Leagues to Cape Negraes in the Latitude of 16 degrees 100 Leagues and these Towns Sore Satatolu Arracam Metropolis of the Kingdom so called and Dunadiva upon the Point Hence to Tavay in the Latitude of 13 Degrees 16 Leagues This is the bounds of the Kingdom of Pegu. From Tavay to Cincapura 220 the chief Towns along this Coast are Martaban Lugor Tanacerin Lungar Pedam Queda Solongor and Malaca Head of the Kingdom At Cincapura begins the seventh District and ends at the great River of Siam which falls into the Sea in the Latitude of 14 Degrees and has its rise in the Lake Chiammay called by the Natives Menam that is source of waters upon this Coast are the Towns Pam Ponciam Calantaon Patane Ligor Cuii Perperii and Bamplacot on the Mouth of the River The eighth District contains these Kingdoms that of Cambodia through which runs the River Mecon whose Springs are in China that of Champa or Tsiompa whence comes the true Aloes on this borders the Kingdom of Cochinchina then that of China divided into fifteen Provinces or Governments each of which is a great Kingdom those on the Sea are Quantung Fokien Chekiang where ends the eighth District The ninth begins with the Province Nanking and continues that of Xantung and Pecheli running to the farthest discovered Land of the Coast of Tartary I shall speak of the Islands that lie along this tract as they are discovered but the Names of the chief are these the Maldivy Islands Ceylon Sumatra Iava Borneo Banda Timori Celebes the Moluccoes Mindanao Luconia and Iapan Thus much of the Coast of Asia let us now see by whom inhabited and what it produces 2. Though there be many and very different manners of Worship in Asia as well as sundry Nations the chief Religions there may be reduced to these four Heads the Christian Jewish Mahometan and Gentile The first two for the most part under the slavery of the latter With the two latter the Portugues waged War their Power is thus divided All that tract from the River Cintacora opposite to Anchediva towards the North and West is subject to Mahometans thence Eastward to Pagans except the Kingdom of Malaca part of Sumatra and some parts of Iava and the Molucco Islands held by the Moors In that tract which is governed by these are the following Sovereign Princes The Kings of Aden Xael and Fartaque who have many Ports of great Trade and their Subjects the Arabs are couragious and warlike Next the King of Ormuz greater than the other three together and then he of Cambaya equal to Xerxes Darius or Porus in grandeur and warlike power From Chaul to Cinâ—…atora belonged to Nizamaluco and Hidalcan two powerful Princes not inferiour to great Kings who maintained great Armies composed of sundry warlike Nations well armed The Moors of Sumatra Malaca and the Moluccoes were well disciplin'd and much better stor'd with Artillery than we that attacked them The Heathens were the Kings of Bisnagar Orixa Bengala Pegu Siam and China all but chiefly the last so Powerful it is not to be expressed and if related scarce credible Siam extends above
Covenants of the League but we shall see him at length in the Government of D. Antony de Noronna performing what he so long delayed The Queen of Guarcopa and others as has been related made up what was wanting in him 9. This was the end of that mighty League this the Government Valour and Fortune of our Viceroy who opposing all the united Power of India re-established the Portugues Reputation so much decayed For which he deserves an everlasting Fame 10. D. Luis de Ataide Lord of Atouguia was of unquestioned Valour had great Experience in Military Affairs to which he had applied himself from his Youth and of a Spirit so free from the Infection of Avarice that as others brought from Asia to Portugal heaps of Treasure he brought four Jars of Water from the four famous Rivers Indus Ganges Tigris and Euphrates which were preserved many Years in his Castle of Penicbe 11. After serving in Europe and Africk he went over to India and served there and at the Age of twenty-two was Knighted at Mount Sinai by the Governor D. Stephen 〈◊〉 Gama Returning to Portugal he went Aâ—… bassador to the Emperor Charles V. and was in that Battle in which the Emperor defeated the Lutherans under the Landtgrave and Duke of Saxony where he behaved himself so well that Charles V. offered to Knight him and he said He had already received that Honour at Mount Sinai and was therefore sorry he could not admit it then The Emperor in the hearing of all answer'd He more envyed that Honour than he rejoyced in his Victory 12. At his arrival at Lisbon King Sebastian caused him to be received under a Canopy yet afterwards like King Emanuel and Duarle Pacheco very much slighted him We shall see it when he is made the second time Viceroy being the first that was so twice D. Antony de Noronna succeeded him now He was the Tenth that had this Title and of Governours the Twenty-fourth The First of the Name and Sirname the Third Count that had that Post He was of the larger size had a good Meen his Complexion white CHAP. XII The Government of the Viceroy D. Antony de Noronna from the Year 1571 till 1573 in the Reign of King Sebastian 1. KING Sebastian thinking the Government of India as it was then extended too great a Burden for one Man divided it into three Parts The first from Cape Guardafu to the Island Ceylon which is that of India The second from Cape Corrientes to Guardufu which is Monomotapa The third from Pegu to China which is that of Malaca The first was given to D. Antony de Noronna with the Title of Viceroy the second to Francis Barreto and the third to Antony Moniz Barreto both stiled Governors Though it may alter things as to point of time I will speak of them in distinct Chapters beginning with D. Antony de Noronna 2. He set out from Lisbon with five Ships and was followed by two more They arrived at Goa the beginning of September safe as to the number of Ships for none was lost but not so as to Men 2000 dying at Sea of sickness of 4000 that set out D. Antony came before Hidalcan had raised the Siege and thereby obtained part of the Honour of obliging him to quit it Hidalcan lest Commissioners to conclude the Peace with the new Viceroy It was proclaimed with great Joy on the 13th of December and so the Year and the War ended together 3. The first care of the new Viceroy was to send Relief to Chale in two Galleys one Galleon and four Ships and after them two Galleys and tâ—…ee other Vessels But these were soon applied to other uses D. Iames de Meneses coming from Chale he sent him back with 1500 Men who came too late the Fort being already delivered to Zamori upon Conditions This surrender was made contrary to the plurality of Votes by the Commander D. George de Castro overcome by the Prayers and Tears of his Wife and other Ladies that were there without considering that he was Eighty Years of Age and ought rather to chuse an honourable Death than a short term of infamous Life Nor was this all his fault for the Provision had lasted longer had not he put it into his Wife's Hands and she into those of her Slaves Thus she was the first Eve among the Portugueses of India that tempted her Husband to a Crime of this nature this being the first place so delivered by them to the Enemy And the Viceroy could not but lose more Honour by loss of Chale than he could justly pretend to by the raising the Siege of Goa 4. D. Iames gathering the People that came out of Chale and were under the Protection of the King of Tanor left them at Cochin Then dividing his Fleet with Mathiâ—… de Albuquerque they clear'd the Sea of Pyrats and secured the Coasts next they took and demolished a Fort built by a Nayque subject to Hidalcan at the mouth of the River Sanguicer Here was killed Antony Fernandez Chale a Malabar who for his Valour and Conduct had often the Honour to Command many of the bravest Gentlemen that were in India at that time He was of the Order of Christ was carried to Goa and there buried with greater State than any till that day that had not been Governor of India 5. When the Viceroy accepted this Command in Portugal so much lessened by the Division of Governments his great aim was to get an Estate being poor and having Children He thought India might mend his broken Fortune and that Antony Moniz Barrâ—…to would be satisfied with less than was ordered to fit him out for the Government of Malaca he was deceived for Moniz was not satisfied with what could be done nor was India in a Condition to give what was promised him in order to go to Malaca nor Malaca in a posture for a Man who look'd upon his Reputation to go thither with that Title without a considerable Force The one would not go with what was given him and the other could not give more Difficulties hard to be composed 6. Moniz resolved not to go to Malaca and writ to Portugal that the Reason was because the Viceroy would not furnish him with what was requisite as not desiring he should go Malicious Whispers are generally grateful to Princes and great Men. Those who govern'd King Sebastiaâ—… unhappy Kingdom whose King is a Child without any other Information besides this Gentleman's which all tended to his own Advantage committed the weakest Act that has been heard of Moniz himself will shame them and himself as shall appear in its proper place 7. The Vice-Roy after fitting out several Squadrons as usual and receiving four Ships from Portugal two whereof were lost in their Return was obliged to make ready a considerable Succour for Damam threatned by the Mogol on account that that Place and Baâ—…aim both belonged to the Kingdom of Cambaya whereof he was now possessed
and he sends no Embassador to them without some Servant of hers the second is Inahanda that sollicites for the Moors the third Nabuiza that lives in the same Apartment with him the fourth Navemba the fifth Nemangore the sixth Nizingoapangi the seventh Nemongoro the eight Nessani the ninth Necarunda each of them lives apart with as great state as the King and have several Revenues and Kingdoms for their expence As soon as one dies another succeeds in place and name they have power to reward and punish as well as the King sometimes he goes to them sometimes they come to him there are many Women waiting on them of whom he makes use as he pleases 11. The Principal People of Monomotapa and whereof the Emperor is are the Mocarangi not warlike nor furnished with any other Arms but Bows Arrows and Javelines they have no Religion nor Idols but acknowledge one only God and believe there is a Devil that he is wicked and they call him Muzuco They believe their Kings go to Heaven and call them Muzimos and call upon them in time of need as we on the Saints They speak of things past by tradition having no knowledge of Letters They give Ear to the Doctrine of Christianity the lame and blind they call the King 's Poor because maintained by him with great Charity and if they travel the Towns they go through are obliged to maintain and furnish them guides from one place to another A good example for Christians 12. Every Month has its Festival Days and is divided into three Weeks each of 10 Days the first Day is that of the New-Moon and the Festivals the fourth and fifth of each Week On these Days they put on their best Apparel the King gives publick Audience to all holding a Truncheon about three quarters of a Yard long in each hand as it were leaning upon it they who speak to him lye prostrate this lasts from Morning till Evening If he is indisposed Ningomoxa stands in his place no body can speak to him or go to Court on the 8th Day of the New-Moon because it is held most unlucky 13. On the Day the New-Moon appears the King with two Javelins runs about in his House as if he were Fighting the great Men are present at this pastime and it being ended a pot full of Indian wheat boyled whole is brought which he scatters about the Ground bidding them Eat because it is the growth of the Earth they know how to flatter for every one strives to gather most knowing that pleases him and they Eat it as savourly as if it were the greatest dainty 14. Their greatest Holy-day is the first Day of the Moon of May they call it Chuavo On this Day all the great Men which are a vast number resort to Court and there with Javelins in their Hands run about representing a Fight the sport lasts all Day then the King withdraws and is not seen in eight Days after during which time the Drums never cease beating On the last Day he orders the Nobleman he has the least affection for to be killed this is in the nature of a Sacrifice he offers to his Muzimos or Ancestors this done the Drums cease and every Man goes home The Mumbos Eat Man's flesh whereof there is a Publick Butchery Let this suffice for the Customs of this Empire for it would be endless to relate all CHAP. XVI Continues the Government of Francis Barreto in Monomotapa 1. SUch was the Country whether the Governour Francis Barreto was now going he set out from Mozambique with more Vessels than he brought and more Men Tools Camels Horses and other necessaries for War and for the work of the Mines having Sailed Ninety Leagues he went up the River Cuama called by our first discoverer De las buenas sennales he came to Sena or Fort St. Marcalis as F. Monclaros desired and repaired the Town Inaparapala which is near to another of the Moors they being always professed Enemies to the Christians began to undermine our designs as they had formerly done in India they attempted to poyson our Army and some Men and Horses began to Die and the cause being discovered by one of them they were all put to the Sword and the Chief of them torn to pieces at the mouths of Guns except one called Mahomet Iame who affirming the Blessed Virgin had appeared to him and commanded him to become a Christian by the name of Lawrence he had the favour to be strangled The discoverer was pardoned 2. Barreto sent an Embassador to the Emperor who for the more honour admitted him to his Presence not as other Embassadors were treated at this Court which is to go without Arms bare-footed on their Knees and when they come near prostrating themselves on the ground The effect of the Embassy was to desire leave to punish the King of Mongas who was in Rebellion and go on to the Mines of Butua and Manchica The first part was a piece of flattery to obtain the second because the Lands of Mongas lie between Sena and the Mines and it was necessary to make way with the Sword He consented to all and offered One hundred thousand Men Bareto accepted not of them because he would give him no share in the Honour gained in that War and thinking thereby to oblige him the more 3. He marched ten Days with Twenty three Horse and Five hundred and sixty Musquetiers enduring much by Hunger and Thirst for the most part along the River Zambeze over whose most rapid stream hang pieces of the high Mountain Lupata ninety Leagues distant from the Ethiopian Sea At the end of this tedious march they began to discover part of the Enemy and soon after saw the-Mountains and Valleys covered with Arm'd Men the Governor was not daunted seeing it was hard to discover the end of that multitude he drew up and gave the Van to Vasco Fernando Homem he had the Rear and between the bodies was the baggage and some Field pieces when they came to charge he removed the Canon to the Front and Flanks the two unequal bodies advanced the Enemy in the sorm of a half-Moon before they engaged an old Woman advanced and scattered some Powder towards our Men having perswaded the Enemy she was a notorious Witch that that Powder alone would gain the Victory 4. Barreto understanding the superstition having seen tâ—…e like in India ordered a Gunner to level a â—…iece at her which was so well performed the old Woman was torn to pieces the Cafres were astonished believing her immortal Barreto rewarded the Gunner with a Gold Chain the Enemy advance without order either through ignorance or relying on their multitude and clouds of Arrows and Darts begin to fly but our Musquetiers killing them by Hundreds they turned their backs many were killed in the pursuit and then our Men ordered to halt the Governor marches to the City Mongas and meets another multitude like the former which in
them all the Year some grow in the dead of Winter when the leaves are fallen off the Plants these are called Lamui and are more agreeable to the smell than sight being yellow like wax 11. Their Apparel Beds and other furniture is made of Wollen Linnen Silk and Cotton of which they have abundance and work it curiously China supplies strangers with the richest commodities of the East as Gold in thread beaten anâ—… in bars Rubies Zasires Pearl Musk Silk raw and wrought Porcelane Quick-silver Copper Tinn Tortoise-shell Vermillion Salt Peter and Sulphur Sugar and other things of less value Their gilding either for use or curiosity is well known the vilest things are not lost among them The Kingdom is rich but not private Persons there are not so many rich Men as in Europe nor so many Poor few possess very much many have plenty and scarce any want 12. Money is scarce as may appear by the price of all things Servants wages hire of Work-men and allowances to Ministers of State A pound of Mutton is worth a half penny a Pidgeon not a farthing a Man's wages not above a Crown a Year some things alter the Prizes but all are reasonable and much about these rates CHAP. XIII Of the Provinces into which China is divided 1. THis vast Empire is divided into two parts the Northern and the Southern and they into 15 Provinces To the Southern part belong 9 which are Quantung Quansi Yunnan Fokien Kiangsi Suchuen Huquang Chekiang and Nanking Quantung is the most Southerly and lies between 20 and 25 deg of lat it is large and Rich and abounds in Wheat and Rice of the latter though differing in kind the Earth gives two crops a Year Here is much Sugar Iron Copper and Tiâ—… all which are wrought with great perfection as also the works of Charam and gildings brought to us The People are very ingenious at handicrafts easily imitate what they see but are not good at invention Our Merchants repair twice a Year to the Capital City Quangcheu 75 Leagues distant from Macao and Macao is 18 from the Islands and is about 5 Leagues in circumference This is the most frequented Port of the whole Kingdom The Portugues alone export hence Yearly 53000 Chests of Silks 22000 bars of Gold each weighing 12 Ounces 7 Picos of Musk which is 8 Hundred and three quarters Pearl Sugar Porcelane China wood Reubarb and other lesser commodities in vast quantity The Island Haynan belongs to this Province about it is a great Fishery of Pearl it is well Peopled on the Northern Coast on the Southern is a Town that owns no subjection to any body It produces several sorts of precious Wood. 2. On the N. E. side of Quantung lies the Province of Quangâ—… between 23 and 27 deg of lat it differs not from the other in any thing considerable That of Yunnan to the Eastward in the same lat is the farthest from the Center of China 't is large but not rich its principal Commodity being Amber for Beads and such uses Here contrary to the custom of all the rest of the Kingdom the Women go abroad to buy and sell. On the other side of Quantung to the E. N. E. is the Province of Fokien between 24 and 28 deg of lat it is for the most part Mountanous the Natives contrary to the general Law travel and trade abroad It yields Gold Sugar Hemp and Paper of several soâ—…ts the goodness plenty and cheapness of it very remarkable Printing here is very â—…eap and as Ancient as shalâ—… be mentioned hereafter it is not done with loose letters as among us but cut in Wood so that the Original remains there are an infinite number of Printing Houses every one may Print what he pleases without a Licence and notwithstanding this liberty they never publish any scandalous or immodest Book This Province lies on the Sea and thence are exported infinite quantities of Merchandize for Manila Iapan and the Island Formosa which is in sight the Dutch trade here 3. The Province of Kiangsi lies North of Quantung between 25 and 30 deg of lat It is hemm'd in with great Mountains from which fall two Rivers one running to the Southward all the way Navigable another to the Northward which after running through great part of this Province receives another great one coming from the Province of Huquang and is the famous Kiang The feet of these Mountains are adorn'd with good Cities at convenient distances for travellers and carrying of goods which are generally on Men's backs and the concourse is incredible the Innkeepers give an account of all that comes in to their Houses and are obliged to give two Meals to all such Passengers having other ways to be payed every Man carries his own Bed for the lodgings find nothing but bedsteads In the Custom-house which is here very great they do not visit the goods but take everyMans word and the Duties are very easy a traveller that is no Merchant is Custom-free the strangers that come to Macao pay according to the Tunnage of their Vessels without searching 4. This Province is so populous they miscal it Laocha that is little Mice because they spread all over the Kingdom serving all sorts of Trades particularly Taylors they are very Poor the Province has abundance of Rice and Fish it is famous for large Soles but more for Porcelane The Clay 't is made of is only found in one Village and in another place the Water to work it for if they use any other it proves not so good In this work there is none of the mystery generally represented to us it is meer Clay but of a most rare quality it is wrought after the same manner as ours in the same time and of all colours This Province Fokien and Quantung meet in an Angle formed of many Mountains among which is a small Kingdom the King whereof owes no obedience to him of China they allow the use of Phisitians in sickness but of no Lawyers in their suits If any scarcity happen they go a Robbing in the nature of open War 5. The Province of Suchuen is much in the same Latitude and has nothing singular that of Huquang is in the same lat more plentiful of Rice than any has much Oyl and Fish in its great Rivers and Lakes like Seas The Province Chekiang lies between 27 and 32 deg upon the Sea is plain and fruitful and watered with many Rivers some whereof run through the Towns it is much Richer than the others particularly in Silk which is exported only from thence Hangcheu is the Metropolis the most populous of China so delicious and pleasant that it is a Proverb Glory in Heaven and Hangcheu on Earth Three things make it most famous the Lake called the rarest in the World about two Leagues in compass beset round with curious Pallaces and they with delightful Hills the Water runs in at one end and out at the other across it
of others for the Gentry He received them standing and returned their Courtesie with great Civility 4. From the Key to the City which was a considerable distance was a Lane in nature of an Arbour of Chesnut Pine and Laurel Trees the Ground strewed with Flowers at distances many Perfumes several Companies of Dancers and multitudes of People all the way At the Entrance of the Town was a Castle built for this Occasion On the Front of it the Arms of the Faria's which are Sanguin a Tower Argent in Base a Man torn to pieces Faria being come hither was received by a Reverend Old man attended by four Mace-Bearers who after some Ceremonies made a long Speech in praise of his Family and concluded extolling his own Actions and welcoming him to that place 5. The Speech ended the old Orator in the Name of the City offered him five Chests full of Silver Bars to the Value of Twenty thousand pieces of Eight which he could not be prevailed with to accept of but returned his Thanks and promised to endeavour in part to deserve the Honours they did him Then he went on foot through many sightly Arches to our Ladies Church where under a Canopy he heard Mass and a Sermon of his own Praises 6. Hence he was conducted by above a Thousand Portugueses to a large place that was before the House provided for his Entertainment This place was shaded with variety of Trees set as if they had grown there the Ground strewed with Flowers and sweet Herbs In the middle were three long Tables richly covered and Side-boards Faria being seated all departed but about 80 who were to Dine there and 50 Souldiers At a distance stood the Halberdeers to keep off the People As soon as seated the Musick began to play 7. Presently eight beautiful Maids appeared playing on Instruments and Dancing eight others stood by him singing The Dishes were brought by fine Women and set on by Men. The Plenty and Costliness was great After Dinner they went to another place where there was a Bull-Feast and some wild Horses among them at the death of every one followed Dancing Musick and other Divertisements CHAP. VIII Concludes with the Actions of Antony de Faria 1. HEre Faria continued five Months always entertained with great splendour and had Dogs and Horses to go a Hunting that place being stored with all sorts of Game The time being come to set out for the Mines of Quamgiparu the Chinese Quiay Panjau who was to accompany him in that Voyage was snatched away by a violent Sickness All things were in forwardness when the Chinese Similau dissuaded Faria from that Enterprize representing the great Difficulties and proposing other Undertakings much more easie and no less beneficial Among the rest he said Great things of the Island Calempluy where were the ancient Monuments of the Kings of China and in them great Treasures To this he soon gave Ear for Covetousness is of great force to perswade even in a Man so generous and understanding as he was Happy if he had returned to India satisfied with his past Victories and Triumph 2. About the middle of May he set Sail with Similau in two Galliots in which were 146 Men 52 of them Portugueses and among them the Priest Iames Lobato Next day they discovered the Islands of Nanguitur and then entred Seas till then unknown to Portugueses Crossing a Gulph of 40 Leagues they discovered the high Mountain Nangalaci and held on their Course Northward At the end of Ten days they Anchored in a River where they saw White People like the Chineses but differing in Language and could never prevail to have any commerce with them After Eight days sailing they entred the Streight of Silcapaquim in which they spent five days in sight of many populous Towns But this Course appearing dangerous they steered another by the advice of Similau This was up the River Humhepadam which they entred and to the West saw the Mountain Fangus and thirteen days after the Bay Buxipalem in the Latitude of 30 Degrees which produces Fish Serpents and Crocodils of wonderful sorts and greatness and many Sea-Horses Farther on they came into the Bay of Calindam girt with high Mountains covered with Trees from them four great Rivers fall into the Sea 3. Next they sailed under Botinasora a Mountain abounding in Lions Abada's Tygers Ounces and other wild Beasts then Gangitann the habitation of the Gigahui a wild Gigantick People some ten some eleven Spans high of which they saw fourteen of both Sexes They have good Complexions being white and red but ill Features Faria gave them some Porcelane Dishes and Silk for which they appeared thankful but could not be understood and brought some Cows and a Deer At length they came into the Bay of Nanking and within six days to the great City Pamor whose Bay was almost hid under Three thousand Vessels Fearing Danger here they stood off and came to Tanquilem where Similau and Thirty six Chinese Seamen run away for fear because our Captain weary of the Voyage and finding he could give no good Account where they were had threatned to kill him He was not so ignorant but terrified with the ill Usage of the Portugueses he knew not what he said and they feared either he knew not the Coast or designed to betray them It was a great Error to believe him at Liampo and use him ill at Nanking where they had most need of him In fine They gave themselves for lost not knowing where they were till some of the Natives informed them they were but Ten Leagues from the Island Calempluy which made them repent the wrong they had done Similau 4. Turning Cape Guinaytarau after a tedious Voyage of two Months and a half they discovered in the middle of the River the Island It is plain and to appearance four Miles in compass It was then Night Next Morning Faria went about it with his Galliots and saw it was enclosed with a Wall of Jasper Stone which were joyned so close it appeared all of a piece It rose about 19 Foot above the superficies of the Water and was terrassed within The Top of the Wall was a massy Twist Upon it were Brass Rails and at distances little Columns on which were the Statues of Women with Balls in their Hands all of the same Metal At some distance from these appeared several Figures of Iron of Monstrous shape that seemed to give one another their Hands Farther yet were several curious Arches of Stone of many Colours Within was seen afterwards a delightful variety of small Woods of Orange Trees among which were 366 Chappels dedicated to the Gods of the Year On one side a great Building not all of a piece but divided into seven parts all over glittering with Gold 5. In the Evening the Captain entred the Island at one of its eight Gates with sixty Men four of them Portugueses Entring one of the Chappels they saw an Old Man in
takes the Field he has in a readiness almost 300000 Men 10000 Elephants and other Beasts of burthen 6. About this time Fernan Perez de Andrade sent by the King to several discoveries sailing towards the Bay of Bengala arrived at Pacem the Metropolis of one of the Kingdoms of Sumatra where he found Portugueses trading and was well received of that King Here he lost his biggest Ship burnt by a Candle carelessly set up and was thereby obliged to return to Malaca sending away Iohn Coello in a Ship of Bengala to expect him there with what Intelligence he could get till he returned from Malaca Hence Coello set out with fresh Instructions for China and met with furious Storms and other Dangers On the Coast of Champa taking in fresh Water had like to cost him his Life At Patane he established Peace and Commerce with the Governour the same at other places and thus spent the Winter without reaching China He returned to Malaca and refitted himselâ—… for his Voyage to which he now sets out with eight Ships 7. The Empire of China is the most Eastern part of Asia as Spain the most Western of Europe Opposite to it is the Island Hainan as that of Cadiz to Spain It is almost as big as all Europe Divided from Tartary by a wonderful Wall running from East to West above 200 Leagues and ends at a vast Mountain that like a Promontory is washed by the Eastern Sea This large Empire is divided into fifteen Provinces or Governments Along the Coast Quantung Fokien Chekiang Nanking Xantung Leaotung The inland Queicheu Iunnan Quangsi Suchuen Huquang Xensi Kiangsi Honan and Xansi in which are 244 Cities Its Riches are prodigious its Government to be admired above all others They say they have two Eyes Europe one and all the rest of the World is blind They had Printing and Cannon long before us The City Quantung which is the Chief on the Coast is remarkable for its Greatness Strength of its Wall and resort of Strangers most Merchants 8. Fernan Perez arriving here after some dangers and difficulties had a conference with the thâ—…ee Governours of this City and sent to them one Thomas Perez with an Embassy and Present from our King to theirs to be sent forward to him He setled a Peace with that City and traded in it and the neighbouring Parts and then sailed for Malaca having received advice of the dangerous condition it was in by reason of the War with the King of Bintam and the Discord between the Portugueses 9. Fernan Perez loaded with Riches Ammunition and good Success in China was no less welcome at Malaca than D. Alexius de Meneses had been not long before What followed shall be seen hereafter Now let us turn to behold Iames Lopez de Sequeyra newly possess'd of the Government Lope Soarez de Albergaria was the third Governour He was a comly Man very red hair he is pictured with crimson Breeches and Doublet and black Coat lined with the same his Armour white adorned with Gold CHAP. III. From the Year 1518 tell the Year 1520 ending the Government of Lope Soarez de Albergaria and beginning that of James Lopez de Sequeira King Emanuel still reigning 1. ABout the end of March sailed from Lisbâ—… 〈◊〉 Ships bound for India with 1500 fighting Men all under the command of Iames Lopez de Sequeyra to whom the King gave the Government of India as a reward of his good Service in Africk his discovery of Malaca and worthy Qualities At the Cape of Good Hope one Ship was in danger of perishing by means of a great Fish which running against her stuck the length of two spans of a long Beak it has into her side this was afterwards found to be the Fish called the Needle Lope Soarez presently resigned the Government to Iames Lopez and set Sail for Portugal with nine Ships Sequeyra began to act D. Alonso de Meneses was sent against Baticala because it refused to pay Iohn Gomez went for Maldivia where he was to command and build a Fort. These things dispatched at Cochin Iames Lopez went away to Goa whence he dispatched others Anthony de Saldana to the Coast of Arabia and Simon de Andrade to China 2. The King of Bintam who had treacherously concluded a Peace only that D. Alexius Meneses and Fernan Perez might depart for Cochin as soon as they were gone attacked Malaca with 1500 Men and many Elephants and with 60 Vessels by Sea In the City were only 200 many sick and most unprovided But this surprize cured many of their Feavers and all Men running to oppose the danger on both sides there was a sharp engagement for the space of three hours with great loss to the Enemy and some on our side Twenty days the King lay before the Town and then retired having lost 330 Men of ours 18 were killed Then he lay to hinder the bringing of Provisions till the Governour sent relief and the Portugueses perceiving the damage they received from the Fort of Muar whence Sansotea Raja made inroads they resolved to gain it and accordingly gave the assault and after a vigorous resistance entered having killed most of the Defendants which were 800 Moors and then burnt it after securing the spoil in which were 300 Cannons some of Brass Thus Malaca was for a long time delivered of a dangerous Enemy 3. The King of Bintam still persisting in his resolution of taking Malaca the Inhabitants were reduced to great extremity having but few Men many of them sick and their Commander Alfonso Lopez ready to die He delivered the City from this last danger by resigning his command to Garcia de Sa who was newly arrived with 60 Men. Nothing of note happened at this time only that Iames Pacheco going with two Ships in search of the Island of Gold was lost and most of his Men. 4. Now arrived at Malaca Anthony Correa who came from the City Martavan where he had been concluding a Peace with the King of Pegu at the swearing of the Peace assisted with the King's Ministers the Priests of both Nations Catholick and Gentiles The Heathen was called the Great Raulim who after the Capitulations made in the Golden Mine as is the Custom of those People were publickly read began to read in a Book and then taking some yellow Paper a colour dedicated to their holy uses with some sweet Leaves of Trees whereon were certain Characters set Fire to it all and then taking the Hands of the King's Minister and holding them over the ashes said some words which rendred the Oath inviolable Anthony Correa to answer this Solemnity ordered his Priest to put on a Surplice and bring his Breviary which was so tottered and torn that it was scandalous those Heathens should see how little respect was paid to our sacred Books Correa observing this ordered to be brought instead of it a Book of Church-Musick which was more creditable being bigger and better bound and opening
three hours Fight took her Of the Enemy 8 were killed some burned others got ashore with the Captain and 40 were taken On our side 8 were slain whereof one was the Commander 16. The Hollanders took a Portugues Ship bound for Brasil and cast into the Sea 20 of the Men their Hands and Feet bound The rest they carried to Iacatra to serve that Place but they run away to the English who had a Factory 20 leagues off and sent them to Malaca They said one of the English had told them they had lost a Ship at Sunda that carried the Money given by D. Christopher de Noronna to save fighting and that they had several times fought the Dutch by Sea and Land always worsting them and lastly that the Dutch had taken the Governour sent from Portugal for Angola and carried him to Iavs 17. Augustin Lobato sailed from Malaca with two Ships and a Galliot At Ioatume he fought and worsted a Hollander then hearing the Dutch had a Factory at Bima 7 leagues distant assaulted it with 14 Men slew 4 took 3 whereof one was the Factor he distributed 600 Crowns among the Soldiers having done damage to the value of 20000. Having burnt the Factory he retired and burnt seven Towns about Ende 18. At Solor he landed with 40 Men and fought many thousand Enemies killing 200. but lost 10 or 12 to the great admiration of the Adversaries who thought them to be Sons of the Sun and consequently Immortal This encouraged them to press on and it was much the 30 escaped Lobato being ready to imbark was killed by a Iaponese 19. Malaca feared to be besieged by the King of Achem but he armed to defend himself against the Viceroy who 't was said would go thither in Person Fifteen English Ships at Sunda fought 20 Hollanders and defeated them killing 1500 Men. At Patane the Dutch had better success taking two of the Victors and killing a Captain who was a Portugues and was visiting the Factories of that Nation At Iava they took a Dutch Ship another was lost in a Storm It was reported the Governour of Manila took five in one Fight At this time there were in the South 35 Ducth Ships and above 20 English The French had Factories at Macassa and Iava 20. The Viceroy sent Gaspar de Melo with a Squadron to succour Mangalor and destroy a Fort built by the Canara's The little King coming on while he battered the Fort was twice defeated and many of his Men made Prisoners This Year sailed from Lisbon for India four Ships two Galleons and three Flyboats CHAP. XVII Several wonderful Accidents during the two Years Government of the Viceroy the Count De Redondo 1. IN May 1618 there was a general and doubtless Diabolical Storm whereof it is convenient to give some account On the 15th of that Month it began at Baçaim the Portugues Ninive so terrible that the People hid themselves in Cellars not doubting the Houses would be torn to pieces but an Earthquake beginning at two in the morning many Houses fell The Sea though remote from the Town was brought into it by the Wind. 2. The noise of the Waves overcame that of the Ruins notwithstanding the tops of Churches were blown off and vast Stones flew a great distance Two thousand were killed in the Town and adjacent Parts The Fish died in the Ponds and corrupted the Waters Most of the Churches were laid even with the ground as if God had shewed there was no need of them among such wicked People A Lamp remained burning before the Blessed Sacrament in the Church of St. Dominick when the Wind overthrew Buildings 3. Many Vessels were lost in the Port. Some Cattle was seen to fly and the Birds to fall The Woods were torn up by the Roots Men fled to the Mountains for shelter and the wild Beasts to the Town Nature seemed reversed the People rent the Skies with Cries for Mercy which at last obtained the Storm ceased 4. There were strange Prodigies before and during this Storm as Giants seen in the Air throwing great Globes of Fire one at the other A confusion of Human Voices was heard there trampling of Horses and the sound of Warlike Instruments A Troop of furious Horsemen was seen to attack the City and a Man cloathed in Skins to oppose them those were concluded to be Devils and he St. Iohn Baptist. 5. At Bombaim the Sea swallowed above 60 Sail some Men and much Riches At Agacaim a Boat flew out of the Sea into a House where it killed a Woman and her Child At Tana a Beast taken up by the Wind fell upon a Tree that was torn up by the Roots and a Branch struck through the Body of it A Woman seeing a Giant-like Man carrying a Pan of burning Coals asked him for one and he blowing it burnt her Face Much of this nature happened at Salsete and other Places 6. D. Luis de Gama coming from Ormuz where he had Commanded for Goa in a Ship full of Riches was cast away on the Coast of Bombaim A new married Couple being upon a Plank the Bridegroom fell off and the Bride for grief cast her self after him he came up again and was saved without Wife or Goods A Maid that went to be a Nun escaping was ravished by the Moors and then killed Thus several Ships belonging to Captains who came from their Commands perished perhaps a Judgment for their unjust heaping of Wealth 7. The City Goa seeing this destruction had recourse to Heaven All the Religious Orders made Processions and performed great Acts of Mortification The Women rent the Clouds with Cries of Mercy All lay down in the Churches to be trampled upon This lasted some days and nights the Churches were continually open the Streets full yet in all the Concourse the least noise was not heard 8. This Example was followed at Cochim The Bishop of this City had excommunicated any that should buy Timber of the Queen of Coulam A Portugues presumed to build a Ship there when it should be Launched no Force or Art could move it The Portugues confesses his Crime with Repentance and returning to the Ship it was Launched without the least difficulty 9. There reigned through all India a new Distemper which caused great Pains over all the Body and contraction of Sinews so that some lost the use of their Limbs Many with Anguish ran mad whole Families sickned at once The only Remedy was found to be Bleeding A Chirurgeon being no way able to stanch the Blood of a sick Man laid upon it a Cross he had in which was believed to be a piece of that of our Saviour and it stopped immediately 10. A Cafre fled from a Widow whose Slave he was to a Fidalgo or Nobleman's House and afterwards returned to his Mistress The Fidalgo sent to demand the Slave of her as if he had been his own She refusing he sent some Soldiers to take him by force but she received them with
no Towns but wander with their Cattle like the Hords of Arabs some carry Stakes and Mats to make a sort of Tents they use no Tillage and offered our Men a Cake that seemed to be made of Meal of Roots mixed with Cow-Dung they eat Flesh but almost raw just shewed to the Fire which is made by rubbing Sticks together their choicest Food is the Guts and Tripes the Filth only squeezed out their Weapons are Darts and Bows no sign of Religion was discovered among them But it was observed that on Midsummer or St. Iohn Baptist's Day they appeared crowned with Garlands of sweet Herbs and Flowers 12. The Soil is fruitful free from Stones produces all sorts of Herbs Plants sweet Flowers and variety of Trees It is watered by great Rivers and many Springs The Spring begins in November Summer and Winter in these Parts as also in India are not caused by the Sun coming near or going from the Zenith as in Europe but by the Winds It is Winter when it rains and then the Sun is in his greatest Altitude when in his greatest Declination it rains not and then it is Summer Winter begins about the end of May when the West Wind reigns which brings great Rain and lasts till September during which time all Navigation ceases From September till May the North East Winds blow which keep a serene Sky and this is the Summer when all put to Sea Let us return to the description of that Country and our Men there 13. There is an infinite number of wild Beasts and those very large as Deer Wolves Sea-Horses Bufaloes wild Boars Monkeys Tigers and Elephants and some Rabbets not unlike our Ferrets They have abundance of wild Turkeys Geese Pigeons Turtles and Partridges which last build their Nests hanging on Branches of Trees Thus much of the People and Country about the Cape of Good Hope There lived our Shipwreck'd Portugueses and had erected a sort of Church where Mass was said and there were frequent Sermons five Priests being in that Company 14. The Ships being built in stead of Tar they made use of Benjamin and Frankincense and wanting Oyl to dissolve them supplied it with that of Sea-Wolves Before their departure they erected a Cross on the top of a Mountain with an Inscription signifying their Misfortune The Vessels were launched the Men and Goods shipped one Party designing for Portugal the other for India The former after some days fruitless labour were almost in the same place they set out from and in that condition were taken up by Antony de Sousa Carvallo in that Ship which as was before said afterwards perished 15. D. Nunno Alvarez Pereyra was Commander of Moçambique and died this Year D. Philipa Christian was Emperor of Monomotapa with whom we were in league A Cafre called Capranzirle rebelled against him who falling upon a Body of our Men as they marched to Tete slew 300 Portugueses the chief cause whereof was a Dispute between our Captains about Superiority All had been lost but for Christopher de Brito Vasconelos who put a stop to the Current of the Victorious Enemy Iames de Sousa Meneses commanded Moçambique at that time in the Place of Pereyra Soon after it was known the Cafre died of a Musket Shot he had received and a Brother of the Emperor but 13 Years of Age and a Christian baptized by the Dominicans by the Name of Dominick was proclaimed King 16. About the end of this Year a great Danish Ship entred the Port of Coulam Emanuel de Camara Noronna Admiral of the Canara Coast went to meet her with a Galley and eight other Vessels she fled he gave her chace and coming up after a sharp Dispute fired and then took her what remained of her was carried to Coulam 17. In April 1631 D. Blas de Castro who commanded 12 Sail at Negapatam took a Dutch Ship and soon after in a Storm lost half his Ships and about 100 Portugueses who got ashore were left in slavery The excessive Covetousness of the Portugueses keeping the Prices of Spice so high moved our European Enemies to seek it at a cheaper Rate in India and their Insolencies inclined the Indians to receive those Holland Rebels into their Ports Covetousness couched under the Pretence of Religion carried the Portugueses to conquer those remote Countries and the insatiable Avarice of some expels and makes them esteemed less than Rebels and Pyrats 18. Two Ships that sailed from Lisbon for India after five Months Voyage were put back into the same River having lost many Men by sickness In November sailed two Pinks The Viceroy desiring to recover Ormuz sent Dominick de Toral and Valdez a a Spaniard to view the Place and confer with Ruy Freyre then at Mascate about it but it came to nothing However a Fort was built at Iulfar a Fishery of Pearl 50 Leagues distant from Mascate 19. This Year our European Enemies ranging the Seas without any opposition took many of our Ships and ruined our Trade Besides they incensed the Indian Princes against us we having no body at those Courts to disappoint their Designs The Ruine of our Affairs proceeds from the little regard the great ones have for the lesser sort and the covetousness of the small ones which made them forget their Country and their Honour 20. The Portugueses dispersed in Ceylon since the defeat of D. Constantine gathering again considerably annoyed the Enemy Hence it appears our own Disorders are our Ruine The Portugueses can recover what is lost but know not how to preserve what they gain which is the most glorious part it being the Work of Fortune to gain and that of Prudence to preserve CHAP. IX Of the Affairs of Ethiopia during the Government of the Viceroy D. Michael de Noronna Count de Linnares 1. THis being the last time we shall treat of Ethiopia it will not be amiss to relate some farther Particulars of the Reception of the Patriarch D. Alfonso Mendez though somewhat has been already said concerning it He sailed from Goa on the 17th of November 1624 and at Chaul received a Letter from the Emperor Congratulating his arrival in India 2. All the way he travelled in Ethiopia he was entertained by the Governors and principal Men was met by the Sons of those Portugueses who went thither with D. Christopher de Gama to the assistance of the Emperor then Reigning and came to Fremona the chief Residence of Catholicks on the 21th of Iune 1625. The Emperor much rejoyced at the News of his arrival and sent two Men of great Quality to Conduct him but could not then see him being in the Field with his Army against certain Rebels On the 6th of February 1626 he was sent for by the Emperor to the Army The Prince accompanied by the Viceroys and Nobility went out to meet and conduct him through a Lane of 18000 Men to a Tent provided for his reception There he put on his Pontifical Robes and