Commander having advice that there was expected to be put into the Army a great Caravan of Provisions which were to be Laden on the Coast betwixt Balsar and Damaon upon it sent forth the Sea-Commander Iacome Leyte with three Ships to lye about the Island Dos Mortos who by Night getting over the Barr and Sailing along the Shore took by it a great many Vessels which came to furnish the Army he put the Moors to the Sword except some he kept to hang at the Yards Arms when he came over the Barr which he did presenting the Army with a Lamentable sight who had too the Confirmation of what had past by the Fire they saw burning the Vessels the Provisions were brought into the Fortress which were what they then most wanted 46. Coge-Sofar had already lost a great many men without seeing the Fortress or minds of the Besieged shaken to flatter his hopes of getting it Out men walk't upon the VVall with wanton Ornaments and Feathers to shew their pleasure in or contempt of the VVarr they were engag'd in Coge-Sofar seeing us with so inconsiderable a strength Masters at Sea and that the Provisions his Army had came by stealth or in danger ordered the setting out Fleet from Surrate which met with three Ships of ours coming from Bacaim and Chaul to furnish the Fortress the Portuguese fought very desperately but by the Odds of their strength most of them Dy'd who sold their Life at such a rate that the Moors had no cause to rejoyce in either the Prize or Victory Dom Fernando de Castro ask't leave of the Commander in Chief to go with some Ships to their help which he did not grant knowing 't would be labour lost for the Enemy stole out and presently retir'd 47. Dom Iohn Mascarenhas thought of advising the King by Land how things were with him there was fit for that purpose an Armenian skillâ—d in the Language and Customs of the Moors he was sent away in a light Brigantine which was to set him on shore on the Coast of Por thence in a Iogues cloaths which is amongst them a Religious and poor Habit he was to go to Cinde and from thence to Ormus with Letters to the Captain He travellâ—d in the company of some Basora Merchants who by the River Euphrates carry'd him to Babylon where he was to stay for the Caravans to go over the deserts of Arabia 48. Coge-Sofar carry'd on his works with no less danger then toil and with so Cruel and Barbarous a resoluteness that he us'd the Bodies of those Pioneers our men Kill'd for filling up the Ditch using so inhuman a Discipline to cover perhaps the loss which novv began to be knovvn in the Army though made up by daily Reliefs vvhich continually fill'd the Camp Coge-Sofar vvhere the advantage vvas most planted sixty great Pieces of which there vvere Basilisks Salvages Eagles and Camells besides less Gunns vvhich exceeded that number He secur'd the five vvorks he had rais'd vvith nevv VValls and covered the Pioneers vvith crooked Traveses of so many vvindings that our Guns could not come at 'em The Moors by this means commanded the Fossee of the Fort where they had planted eighteen Basilisks which plaid for a fortnight together with so much Dammage as our men for their last remedy defended themselves with the very ruins making Forts retrenchments and reparations of the stones which had been thrown down 49. We had now lost fourscore men and had more then an hundred VVounded besides the scarcity and badness of the Provisions had made many sick most of the Ammunition was spent and by it our men brought into a great deal of danger which Coge-Sofar having notice of by some Slaves who run away from the Fortress ordered the Batteries should be re-inforc't believing the hearts of such shattered Forces could not hold out and as one who would divide with his Prince the smiles of Fortune sent to the Sultan who was at Champanel to come to the Camp to put the Fortress on the first assault into his hands upon the credit of that promise the Sultan came with ten thousand Horse and most of his Court he was receiv'd with a Vollee Royal seconded with diverse Instruments of Warr and Mirth Musick which ours heard as abating their Courage and grating their Ears 50. Our men believ'd that the Mirth in the Camp so Solemniz'd with repeated Vollees was to welcome those Turks they look't for Dom Iohn Mascarenhas presently commanded Fernaon Cavalho Commander of the Fort next the Sea to set out a little Boat to know what past amongst the Enemy the Spies he had in the Camp being either Treacherous or Discovered which was done that very Night and a Moor brought us who told us of the Sultanâ—s â—s coming Coge-Sofar's promises and the confidence they had of their design The Commander freed the Moor and bid him from him desire the King of Cambaya to stay in the Army for he hop't to come and Visit him in his quarters The Moor rejoyc't at his Liberty and wondred at the Captains answer being brought before Mahumud and repeating the Captains words he told him the Portuguese had their Fort thrown down and their Hearts whole 51. Coge-Sofar commanded they should continue Battering and bid Simaon Feo one of ours whom he had against the Law of Arms detain'd Prisoner tell Dom Iohn Mascarenhas that he wondred to see him so pent up without Sallying out to Fight in the Field as did the brave Cavallier Antonio da Sylveira that his actions very much disagreed with his words our men answered the message with Bullets from the Wall the Battery lasted five hours not without doing a great deal of Dammage to the Buildings which were tottering before yet our Shot return'd it with more loss and better fortune for a Bullet at randome kill'd a Moor in the Sultan's Tent as he was discoursing with him and the Eastern Moors credulously addicted to Omens the King looking upon what had hapned as a warning of some mischief which was coming perhaps dissembling his fear by his Superstition immediately went out of the Field leaving behind him Iuzarcaon a stout Abessine who in the Mogull's Warrs serv'd against Sultan Mahumed and now as a Souldier of fortune was by some advantages perswaded to take pay in this Warr. 52. The King having left the Tents stouter in Peace then Fight and retiring to his pleasure House of Melique on the same Island did hasten relief which daily recruited the Camp Dom Iohn Mascarenhas who in so close Siege knew no certainty of the Enemies designs was talking vvith the Cavalliers and Gentlemen how much it concern'd 'em to get some advice Diogo de Anaya Coutinho a Gentleman vvho Liv'd upon his Pay yet of bravery becoming his Birth hearing this discourse offer'd himself to the Captain and let down by a Cord from the top of the Wall protected by the darkness of the Night went to
the Enemies quarters he had not gone farr but he spy'd two Moors talking hard by him he scrupled to set upon 'em because to carry off two was impossible to fight with 'em inconvenient but advising with the occasion he Knock't down one of 'em with his Lance and closing with the other who by Crying out biting and strugling defended himself carry'd him to the Gates of the Fortress where he found the Corps of Guard who with Praises and Envy brought him and his Prisoner to the Captain I will now relate a Circumstance greater then the action Diogo de Anaya had borrow'd a Head-piece of a Souldier and missing it when he was in the Fortress thinking he had lost it in striving and closing with the Moor went by the same Cord down the VVall and looking it in the sight of an incenst Army found it and brought it back not less rash then fortunate 53. By the News the Moor brought the Captain knew that Coge-Sofar and Iuzarcaon this stout the other desperate had both mutually Vow'd to Mahomet to take Dio or perish in the design that if they could not brook us when vve vvere Friends they should not endure us when Conquerours By their continual Battering many of their great Guns burst instead of which they sitted others shooting impetuously against Saint Iohns Saint Thomas and Saint Iames's Bastions Commanded by Dom Iohn de Almeyda Lovis de Sousa and Gil Coutinho who slept always in their Armour in danger constant unwearied in duty 54. Saint Iames's Bastion was the weakest and most battered and the Turks in that fought with our men upon very little disadvantage There was not in the Portress Parapet or Battlement which was not thrown down and from Saint Iohns to Saint Iames's Bastion all the Curtain was open which made the duty of the Day be seconded by the labour of the Night it being not possible yet necessary for so few Defendants so broken to repair in a few hours the ruins of a Fortress so every where Battered yet did they unanimously betake themselves to that Labour they could neither master or excuse 55. The Women of the Fortress help't to bring Materials for the making up the Breaches going without any fear upon the Wall stumbling at Lances Swords and Bullets mastring their Nature and Sex as if they wore men's hearts in a disguise some there were who put on Arms and brav'd the Enemy running from their Needle to a Lance from their Couch to the VVall of all the rest Isabell Fernandez deserv'd the greatest glory whom instead of Praises to honour her Memory our VVriters call the Old woman of Dio famous by this name in the Annals and Memorials of the East This great Matron spent part of her Estate in Junkets and Regallos with vvhich in the heat of the dispute she fed the Souldiers animating 'em with Arguments above the courage and judgment of a VVoman to defend themselves by Fighting This diligence of the Matrons which readily and seasonably put 'em upon any thing were it servile or hazardous was in fine a lightning their Labour and an example in Dangers 56. Coge-Sofar seeing that the mischief his Arms did by Day our industry repair'd by Night contriv'd a design more subtil in the laying of it then usefull by the success Against Saint Thomas's work vvhich by its make and place lay most obnoxious he resolv'd to cast up an other which should equal or command it that by Battering it from above he might throw down the Battlements so hindring the Defendants from Fighting and from making up their Breaches by night his Guns being so Levell'd by day as to be sure of their aim He presently ordered vvhole mountains of Earth and brush Fagotts to be brought to fill up the Ditch and strengthned the Counterscarp vvith bodies of great Trees to keep up the Earth The multitude of Pioneers vvho vvere in the Camp made up an other Army vvho without fear or time carry'd on the vvork In the interim the Guns from our work plaid to the great loss of the Enemy for the Work-men being so thick and expos'd not one Shot from the Fortress was lost 57. Coge-Sofar considering the greatness of the loss gave order they should work by Night when our shootting being without aim and at Rovers the Execution would be less commanding them to make the most Noise where they Work't least that our Canoneers led by their Ear might point their Ordnance as the Sounds and Ecchos reach't them This was known to Dom Iohn Mascarenhas who fill'd the Fortress with Lights that the Pioneers who work't on the security of the Night might be expos'd to the same danger as by day but Coge-Sofar who had learn't Experience in the Warrs of Europe gave order for the making of crooked and cover'd Trenches by which the Moors more securely went on with the raising their Fort and we vainly to our loss spent store of our Bullets 58. The Captain was not a little troubled at it for if that work went forward there would not be any secure place in the Fortress the Enemies Canon commanding our Fortifications so that between the Besiegers and Besieg'd there would be no advantage of place and that of numbers the Moors had eminently above us Upon debate of the matter in Counsel every one knew the danger none the remedy Some with more Courage the Prudence were for our mens Sallying forth with apparent danger to interrupt their work not considering the hazard they run upon to be greater then that they freed themselves from but few consented to this advice yet none could give other Some Sallies ours made but to little purpose for the Numbers and Vigilancy of the Enemy secur'd with a great Guard the Posts of the Work-men But in great Straights danger being usually the best Counsellour Dom Iohn Mascarenhas bethought himself of an eminency in the Fortress which was higher then Saint Thomas's Fort from whence our Guns might play here he made some Pieces be planted which did so lucky Execution as in a few days they beat down that Machine which in its raising and falling cost the Blood of those who Built it But this Hydra being of so many Heads with the same ruins Coge-Sofar set upon the filling up the Ditch which was easier for him being a Work that needed neither measure design or fore-cast 59. Two thousand Pioneers began with the materials of the Fort to fill up the Ditch and whilst 't was doing a great body from the Army with Darts Arrows and Musquet-shot kept our men from coming to the Wall The work increast as did the danger of the Besieged for the Fortress being ruin'd above the plain ground with but little raising would be equal to the Wall The Captain laid about to frustrate his design and being irresolv'd how some Old men brought up in the Fortress told him that by their quarters there was a Sally-port in the VVall which length of time had covered with
Lady-wife and Daughters Dated in Goa at my Daughter Maria's House this Eleventh of Iuly I would were there need of it for your Honour's Service pawn my Daughter Katherine I know not whether their love to their Country or their aâ—fection to the Governour produc't these extreams We have seen as much necessity for it but not so great Bravery as in Castro's time Many Gentlemen after having been Generals and now Old men leaning upon Staffs came and offer'd themselves for Souldiers there not being any one grown stiff by his Years or Command 92. After both Reliefs were gone the Governour was uniting the strengths which remain'd and disposing the Government of the City in his absence All the Exigencies of the State found him ready with one hand in Peace the other in Warr. And the Fortress wanting Ammunition and Provision besides what was already sent he Laded a great Carvell which being a heavy Vessel would have much ado to endure the Sea Some Souldiers had refus'd to go upon her counting it danger without reputation to strive with the Elements The importance of the business made him desire to entrust the Carvell with some Person of Quality whose honour would lessen the danger He imparted the business to Manoel de Sousa de Sepulveda a Gentleman for his Courage and Judgment very much indear'd to him who told him Antonio Moniz Baretto had Gallantry and Industry enough for greater things that though for some sleight Quarrel against him as Governour he would not sue for yet would he not deny the King's Service in so great an urgency that he would feel him and bring the answer of his Resolution So it was that Antonio Moniz understanding the Governours pleasure and that he put him on a Voyage whose difficulty only made others refuse it presently embrac't it We will in its proper place tell the success and danger he met with 93. There was by the Vigilancy of the Governour entred some Relief into the Fortress by which the Danger and Duty lay upon more Shoulders yet were they not in any proportion to the Enemy because the last Recruit which came to the Army consisted of thirteen thousand Foot under the Conduct of an other Iuzarcaon in Valour not Inferiour nor in Fortune â—ove the first He brought express Orders from the Sultan to streighten the Siege and Letters from him to Rumecaon that he could not stand by and see four contemptible Fellows from the Worlds end affront the Kings of Cambaya at home that they should all Dye in the design that he had rather have a desolate then a subjected Empire that half the Portuguese being already Buried in the ruins of the Fortress if they could not force 'em to yield as Men they should as Lyons kill 'em in their Dens Rumecaon gave no other answer then by shewing sometimes for his glory sometimes for his excuse our Walls and Works every where thrown down being very much transported that the Sultan was not satisfy'd with what he had done and more provok't with despair then reward he promis'd to satisfie him by Death or Victory and being more obey'd for his Cruelty then Command he ordered the making of a Bastion before Saint Iames's work which was with incredible haste perform'd and furnish't with Men and Ordnance and commanding our Works our men could not appear without being fech't off by the Enemies Bullets 94. The Commander in Chief was not a little troubled at it for if Rumecaon should as his design was Storm on that side our Defendants would not be able to resist him without lying open to the Enemies shot Resolv'd therefore to throw down the Work he recommends the Execution of it to two Brothers Dom Pedro and Dom Iohn de Almeyda who Sallying out about Mid-night with an hundred Souldiers found the Moors some sleeping others careless on confidence of the place and hour Charging them on a suddain in a little time they made a great Slaughter for forgetting themselves they run upon our Lances and Swords not aware of Death or Enemy Those who by flying could provide for themselves with Groans and Crys gave the Allarum to the Camp without being able to affirm any thinâ—â— for certain In the same confusion came the news to Rumecaon who as dangers by Night appear bigger concluded this Exploit of ours was grounded on some great Recruit arriv'd by stealth which escap'd his Sentinels He call'd the Officers to Counsel whilst the Army betook themselves to their Arms and resolv'd with all his strength to relieve the Bastion He wasted the time of Action in Orders and Preparations and coming to the place found the Work on the ground the Guards kill'd and our men Retir'd an Action of no less fortune then concernment There Dy'd of the Enemy three hundred of our not one 95. Rumecaon presently ordered the raising thick Walls of Earth against Saint Iohn's work to be Guarded by a Troop of Moors who by turns took the Watch and on the top of 'em he planted some Canon to Batter the VVork at a more convenient distance Dom Iohn Mascarenhas Vigilant in preventing the designs of the Enemy put out through a Skit-gate fourteen Souldiers in a stormy and dark Night who charging on a suddain the Moors drove them from their Posts whilst the Labourers with Pick-axes and other Instruments threw down the Work which being told Rumecaon he resolv'd with open force to storm the Fortress ordering for the next day a general Assault on which he made a Speech to his Souldiers encouraging 'em by the affronts they had receiv'd from so few Enemies brought Low by Duty Hunger and VVounds that those who fell there were more honourable then those who surviv'd to be to the VVorld an infamous testimony of an ignominious VVarr that it was in them to save their King's Honour to revenge their Companions and to leave a glorious Fame of themselves in the East that they ought to be confident of the Sultan's thanks for he would not fail to reward 'em and take a particular account of all their VVounds that if any would venture to govern the Generals staff he promis'd as a private Souldier to be the first should Scale the Wall 96. Thus he left 'em fir'd with glory and revenge Next morning by break of Day at the Noise of warlick Instruments and with their Colours flying the Displaying of which was observ'd by ours the Army march't and coming to the Walls began to plant Scaling Ladders round about the Fortress with the advantage of innumerable and different Shots of Arrows Bullets and other Arms which came from the Body of the Army The horrour too of the Fight was increas'd by confus'd and repeated Noises which Violently raising their Spirits and confounding their Judgments hindred both Command and Obedience The Moors boldly Scal'd the Walls as did the Turks on the other side as if they envy'd each others danger all strove to be the first at hazards
Mascarenhas he discreetly began his Speech cursing the desperateness of his condition that being Born of Christian Parents he had like an abortive fruit of Catholick Plants abjur'd the Faith of his Fathers in vvhich he vvas bred that now vvith his Eyes opened he came to Knock at the Door of the Church that the Latin Priests might bring back to the Sheep-fold of Christ so lost a Sheep that this vvas the miserable relation of an uncompos'd Life that about the affairs of Cambaya he could assure him the Sultan had news that the Mogull vvith a great Army vvas entred the Confines of his Kingdome putting all to the Sword that Iuzarcaon who had lately brought thirteen thousand Foot to the Camp had orders to joyn vvith Rumecaon and both together go against the Enemy that vvith the resolution he commanded the drawing off the Canon but that he should be provided the next day to look for a general assault because the Turks would not without some Noise end that Warr. Dom Iohn Mascarenhas commended and confirm'd his resolutions of turning Catholick besides the taking kindly his intelligence and again let him down the Wall to acquaint him with any new thing that hapned in the Camp 112. The news of raising the Siege with the certainty of the assault which was to be given was Nois'd about the Fortress and the Souldiers for joy put on that day their Bravery some rejoycing at the approach of the Enemy others at the end of the Warr. The Commander in chief found a great forwardness in all the Souldiers to expect the assault for all thinking 't would be the last of so long a Siege every one coveted to give the latest memory of his Actions 113. Dom Fernando de Castro kept his Bed of a Feaver and hearing of the intended assault rose his Gallantry offering violence to Nature Dom Iohn Mascarenhas sometimes as his Commander others as his Friend went about to hinder it but Disobedience here passing for Virtue he rather offended against Health then against Honour putting on his Armour and coming to the Works 114. The day of the glorious Saint Laurence broke Dedicated by his happy Martyrdome to Fiery trials The Gentlemen with so much transport of joy came to their Posts as if already in possession of Reward and Victory They presently saw at a distance the Enemies Army marching Orderly and dispersing it self round about the Fortress Our Canon plaid with no little Execution the Enemy Souldier like enduring the Charge rather then discompose the Order he march't in till he had gain'd his Post and planted Ladders to begin the assault they fell on the Works with great resolution hoping by Fighting to amuse us that the confusion of the Conflict might cover the Stratagem of the Fire they had laid Our men shew'd great Bravery as if in haste to rest themselves in Victory promis'd in the issue of that Day 115. The fury of the Sword without any fear of that of the Fire was kept off in Saint Iohn's Work the Enemy fought carelesly till the sign of springing the Mine arriving 'em they all at the same time retir'd the same fear equal and suddain in 'em all discovered us the Plot. The Commander in chief cry'd out immediately for 'em to leave the Work that the Mine now known by the suddain retiring of the Enemy might without any hurt take Fire Every one by leaving his Post obey'd their Commander only Diogo de Reynoso with disorderly Courage kept the place calling them Cowards who quitted it At those words all return'd to their Posts rather following example then reason The Mine immediately with a most hideous report took Fire and those stout Defendants lay Dead in that place they had kept alive Here Dy'd Dom Fernando de Castro at the age of Nineteen rais'd from a sickness Nature might have past over but Courage made it mortal Dom Francisco de Almeyda lost his Life keeping up the courage and misfortune of his Family Here lay Buried Gil Coutinho Ruy de Sousa and Diogo de Reynoso who with his Life paid for so many Deaths he so generously but fatally was instrumental to Dom Diogo de Sottomajor flying with a Lance in his hand fell upon his Feet in the Fortress without any hurt by the Fire or his fall some lighted in the Enemies Camp about sixty men were lost by this mischance thirteen who came off which their Lives were wounded or deform'd by the Fire Others more largely write the accidents of this Fire We had rather then grieve the attention of those who read the History amongst the chances of this so famous Siege silently pass over this unfortunate Day Our men wondered to see the Execution of smothered Powder should be so great that the stones of the Fortress blown up by the violence of the blow should Kill a great many in the Enemies Camp the Fire rather following the impulse of Nature then the prescrib'd Limits of the Engineer 116. After some time when the Fortress was clear'd from smoak Rumecoan commanded five hundred Turks to enter at the ruins of the fir'd Work the rest of the Camp in whole Companies seconding ' em Yet met they with five stout Souldiers who resisted 'em for a good while sustaining the weight of so strange a Combate so unheard of a truth as there goes as much Courage to the Writing as Action though qualify'd by the confession of our Enemies themselves and by the reverence of so many Years Dom Iohn Mascarenhas with fifteen more came to that quarter to their Relief where he beheld two Spectacles one challenging Compassion the other Amasement and relieving the five all together made so stubborn a Resistance as to stop the fury of a Victorius Army such a thing as related only with the bare truth out-does all the Greeks or Romans have in their Histories or Fables 117. 'T was given out in the Fortress that the Turks were Masters of the fir'd Work upon which some Souldiers who fought in the other Posts came thither as where the danger was greatest The false report happily sav'd the Fortress for they made a Body capable of resisting thirteen thousand Foot so many as our Histories reckon were they who went on upon the Min'd work The Women taught not to value their Lives brought Lances Bullets and Pots of Powder and the Magnanimous Isabel Fernandez with only a Bill in her hand did by her Actions animate the Souldiers though much more by her example and words crying aloud Fight for your God Fight for your King Cavalliers of Christ for he is on your side The Enemies by the success of the Mine having so fair a Door open to Victory resolv'd that day to conclude the business encourag'd by their General and the opportunity now Fighting as own'd by fortune Those who were on the Work out of ambition to be the first in so eminent an Action behav'd themselves the more resolutely and being Ianizaries and
without asking any employment or reward counting that Honour more his own he went to winn than that he might carry with him 16 In that expedition Dom Garcia de Noronha his Brother-in-law went Governour to the Indies who look'd upon Dom Iohn de Castro as one fit to succeed him though he then past but for a private Souldier as soon as the King knew Iohn's resolution he ordered him a Thousand Crusades yearly all the time he serv'd in the Indies and by his Letters Patents the Government of the Fortress of Ormus which he I know not if with greater ambition or temper refus'd the Memory of rewards rejected being rarer than of those accepted an Action more easily prais'd than imitated 17. Dom Iohn de Castro took Shipping with his Son Dom Alvaro then about thirteen giving him for the pass-time of that Age the Dangers and Tempests of so long a Voyage Garcia's Fleet arriv'd prosperously at the Indies where he found the Governour Nuno de Cunha going with a Fleet to the relief of Dio and to Fight the Turks Galleys which lay before it in that famous siege Antonio de Sylveira held out Dom Garcia at once with the possession of the Government took on him the Obligation of succouring the place in which service Dom Iohn de Castro offer'd himself and as a Souldier of fortune earnest upon 't put himself on the first Ship as if he fore-saw those future Triumphs Dio call'd him to but the retreat of the Turks lost Dom Garcia the Victory or rather gave it him without Blood-shed if less glorious more secure 18. Dom Garcia Dy'd in a little time to whom succeeded Dom Estevaon da Goma one who had in the Indies the Reputation of his Family and was likely to have had the Fortune had not his Government been so short He engag'd in an Action great in the danger and the glory of it which was to pass the streight of the Red-Sea and burn the Turks Galleys which were Building at Sues with intent as 't was given out to drive the Portugues out of India a design the Turk thought worthy his Power 19. When all the Fleet was under Sail there was not any Souldier of Courage not inspirited by the hazard of so extraordinary an action of as much Fame in the undertaking as Victory Dom Estevaon de Gama set Sail with twelve great Ships and sixty small Boats the first of Ianuary 1541. here Dom Iohn de Castro had the Command of a Gallione and pursuing their Voyage with Easterly winds they all though scattered saw the Coast of Arabia The Governour Dom Estevaon da Gama made it about Monte Felix and arriv'd at the mouth of the Streight expected the other Ships of his Convoy here they had notice that the Enemies Galleys were drawn on shore and so watch'd that there was no Burning 'em without open force which for the Flats and Shelves of that Port would be impossible to our Round-bottom'd Ships Yet Dom Estevaon da Gama slighting the advice and danger went forward with some small Barks one of which Dom Iohn de Castro leaving his Ship Commanded They past by the Primero Islands which lye in twelve degrees and ½ and by the Bay of Velha which is in almost thirteen they Anchord in the Bay of Fortune which is in the same heighth In all the Creeks and Bays from the mouth of the Streight to Sues was Dom Iohn taking the height of the Sun and making a Journal discoursing sometimes like a Natural Philosopher sometimes like a Sea-man showing how blind the bare Experience of Pilots is without the rules of Art here with as much Judgment as he had Courage he Learnedly canvas'd the Reasons why the Red-Sea was call'd so and the Natural causes of the over-flow of Nile in the Summer a Theme which hath kept many Wits awake yet hath Nature for so many years kept her own secret but we reckon as the least part of this Mans greatness that which the Romans with so swelling Rhetorick write of their Cesar that he manag'd a Pen as Judiciously as he did a Sword Couragiously This and other Tracts of which we promise you more Light writ at Sea in Storms and Winds he Dedicated to the Infant Dom Lewis presenting him with the Fruits of that Learning they suck'd in together 20. From this Harbour they had a sight of Mount Sinai where the Angels laid the Reliques of St. Katherine in a famous Repository of their own Building at the sight Dom Estevaon da Gama Knighted Dom Alvaro de Castro who in memory of so great a Sanctuary took for his Crest the Katherine-wheel which his Family doth Religiously give to this day we will give no particular account of that design because the Vigilancy of the Turks hindered it from taking effect 21. Dom Iohn returning to the Kingdome as if designedly giving the Palms of the East time to grow which were afterwards to Crown his Victories brought no other Riches on shore but the Fame of his Actions and being yet in his Sea-cloaths those too scarce dry was by the King chosen to be Admiral of the Navy of the Coast putting him on new Employment in recompence of his former Services Dom Iohn immediately put to Sea in the year 1543. to Convoy those Ships which were expected from the Indies and plying too and again in his Station spy'd a French Corsaire who had with seven Ships infested those Seas and had made Prize of some of ours which had Emboldâ—ed and Enrich'd him as soon as Dom Iohn saw him with his Fleet before the Wind he made up to him and setting on the Enemies Admiral Boarded him and after a brave Defence made him yield two Ships he sunk the rest by the advantage of the Night sav'd themselves the Circumstances of this Fight are not to be found in Writing the Carelesness of other excusing our silence 22. Dom Iohn in a few days saw our Ships when by Saluting one the other they rejoyc'd for the overthrow of the Corsaire they came together over the Barr of Lisbone the applause of his reception being so general that he seem'd to have already weathered the storms of Hatred or Envy an Happiness or Misery which Great men in their Graves only purchase or avoid In this success Dom Iohn had no other reward than that of the Victory for when the Debt is great Kings not to be thought Niggards chuse rather to appear Ungratefull being more willing to confess the Vices of their Person than their Majesty 23. 'T was but a little time Dom Iohn had to rest in the content of his Victory being forc'd for a business of greater moment to put on his Arms again as I will though against my Custom more largely relate taking it higher not to Disjoynt the History That famous Pirat Haradin Barba-Rossa found himself almost quite broken with the loss of Tunis and
Colour of which 't was found 58. The same Miracle hath successively for many years been seen on the same day and we know by good Authors and faithfull Relations that it yet happens sometimes by which means those Christians with a stronger Faith receive our Doctrine This Miracle after much arguing on both sides was clear'd before the Bishop of Cochim in open Court the proceedings came to this Kingdome in the time of the King Dom Henry the Cardinal who by the consent of Pope Gregory 13 th confirm'd the Miracle which is now divulg'd in our own Chronicles and forein Authors Dom Iohn de Castro receiv'd the news of this Miracle with no ordinary shew of Piety protecting Saint Thomas's Christians opprest with the slavery of Pagan Princes who had taken from 'em certain Grants and Priviledges which by the intercession of the Holy Apostle had by the Kings their Predecessors been indulg'd 'em but by the hatred of the Infidels and corruption of the times were only remembred 59. Hidalcaon gave not over infesting us on the main Land with his usual incursions which kept us on continual Duty and hindered the Husbandmen from Tilling upon which the Governour resolv'd to strike where the Blow might be most felt He presently Commanded his Son Dom Alvaro to go out with the Fleet he had provided with Orders to do all the hurt he could in Hidalcaon's Ports giving the Souldiers all free Pillage that the hopes of Plunder might make 'em not mention some Arrerages the State ow'd 'em and put by others from playing the Merchants a Corruption which stole upon a great many by the foul example of their Superiours 60. Dom Alvaro put to Sea with 900. Portuguese and 400. Indians on six Ships and some long Boats with Oars and after a few days Sailing spy'd four of Hidalcaon's Ships going with Stuffs and other Commodities to Cambaya Dom Alvaro presently commanded his Captains to come on Head him and the Boats to keep close to the shore for fear the Enemy should out of Desperatness run a ground the Ships were Merchant men and but few Souldiers in 'em who seeing they could neither fly nor defend themselves sent aboard the Admiral two Moor Merchants who with reasons and tears shew'd themselves not concern'd in the difference 'twixt Hidalcaon and the State and profer'd a reasonable present toward the expence of the Fleet but neither the covetousness of the Souldiers or the policy of Warr would let them be heard but the Ships were Boarded and sent to Goa that the Prize might be divided according to the Governours Proclamation Upon the arrival of those Ships at Goa the people was stangely transported seeing Victories so got one upon the neck of an other in the first they prais'd the Courage of the Father in the second the Fortune of the Son 61. Dom Alvaro seeing opportunity and weather on his side and that the Souldiers were contented because they had in hand the fruit of their late Enterprize commanded his Pilot to steer to the Port of Cambre where since the breaking out of the Warr Hidalcaon kept double Garrison there were two Forts with Ordinance planted at the entrance of the Barr and the Chanel was so narrow that without eminent danger our Ships could neither pass through or ride there The General Dom Alvaro put to the Captains of the Fleet the apparent difficulties which every one concluded of moment enough to be considered of alleging that voluntary undertakings ought not to be set upon with so certain danger that they should more to purpose carry on the Warr against Hidalcaon by Lording it in his Seas and in his sight taking away his commerce that there was more hazard then profit in what could be done by Land that as they saw the Chanel was so begirt with those Forts our Ships must pass by the mouth of the Canon that the first Ship they should shatter would hinder the rest from passing But Dom Alvaro urging that he was resolv'd to execute his Orders which were to get on shore and burn the Enemies Ports the Councel replied by proposing that he as General should stay to Command at Sea and that most of the Commanders of the Ships would strive to pass the Barr because if any thing should happen amiss to the Admiral of that Fleet Son and Heir to the Governour of India what greater Dammage could the State receive then the necessity of engaging in so just a Vengeance On which Dom Alvaro in a great deal of passion brake off the consult saying that he car'd for no Victories where his danger was not as great as the least common Souldiers that out of obedience he was their General and in danger their Companion that he had instructions from the Governour to venture his own Person on every occasion his Souldiers but upon necessity that he look'd upon the Dangers they represented to be less then those he came in chase of because Honour was not to be purchas'd without hazarding that he came from Portugall to find out this Day which he hop't would be glorious for them all and that in this Resolution he ask't not their advice only that they would consult about the manner of the falling on The Generals Gallantry and Youth did then excuse his Rashness afterwards the Success 't was agreed that the men should go into the long Boats and that at the beginning of the Dawning when Day-light was not well broke and so the Enemy not sure of his aim they should get on shore they all that Night provided themselves seeing in the Generals looks hopes of Victory The General having left sufficient Guard on the Ships got on shore with 800. Choise men and with Fortune so declaring for him that of a great many Shot that lighted on the Boats not one either kill'd or wounded a Souldier this accident being a Disposition to or beginning of the Victory 62. The City which ran along a great Plain contain'd five thousand Families the Houses by themselves and not leaning on one an other without any other policy union or share of ground then what every one took for his pleasure or ability and yet the Turrets and Balconies of every House did altogether present a rude Stateliness as if Built with more Pride then Art it had on the North-side a little Mountain whence ran some small Rivulets with no name which contributed both to the pleasantness and fertility of the Soil The City was antiently Inhabited by the Bramenes now by Merchant Moors a place amongst the Eastern people always famous then for Superstition now for Wealth it was not defended by either Walls or Works the Inhabitants being secure by the Power of their Lords or the Peace they preserv'd with the Neighbouring Princes but at present the Warr we had with Hidalcaon beginning Victoriously the Moors saw the danger they were in by example and had drawn two thousand paid Souldiers to Guard the City
to be Treasurer of Cairo a place of very great trust which he manag'd with prudence and fidelity Vertues so pris'd by the Soldan as if not till then known amongst the Infidels At the Councels of Warr his Vote weigh'd most sometimes for his experience sometimes for the reason of it in all designs against the Christians particularly in those which were to be carry'd on by others He declar'd his sence with a great deal of confidence and by this means grew so great that he could not bear his own Fortune till not minding the preserving himself by the same Arts he was advanc't his Ambition and Pride burst forth He possest what places he could and more sollicitously look't after Preferments then Friends whose help or company he now Valew'd not he desir'd to be known only for the Soldan's Slave and for Master of the rest He plotted the Destruction of the great Ones on publick pretensions as if he aim'd that two only were to Govern till the Moors wearied of so base a patience began publickly to complain and disturb the Soldan's inclinations to favour Coge-Sofar they very feelingly acquainted him with their grievances saying they might now be very well excus'd from setting out Galleys against the Christians if their Slaves were to be made their Master when Turks of the best quality were by the Christians so cruelly us'd as to go up and down Italy and Spain dragging their Chains after 'em and had their Faces stigmatis'd with infamous Letters in token of their Captivity that 't was not to be born for so many great Bashaws to receive Laws from a despicable Slave that though every day they with their eyes saw their own Outrages they could not disgest those which were offered to their Prophet by a vile irreverent and haughty Christian not so much as going into their Mosques that now nothing more was to be done then the setting up Crosses in the streets of Cairo and commanding 'em to be ador'd 5. These things were said with so much freedome as they look't more like conspiracy then complaint and with particular grievances involving the cause of Religion which ordinarily carries with it it s own Justification and the affections of the People were willingly listned to by the Soldan who put Coge Sofar out of his Office with command to change his Religion so frail do even the greatest Favourites find their Princes favour 6. Coge-Sofar seeing himself falln put on again his first Humility and those Artifices the necessity of the times taught him and having now only the name and memory of a Christian easily chang'd for the Poyson of the Alcoran Evangelical Salvation quitting the name given him in Baptism for that of Coge-Sofar by which we before hand call'd him not knowing the first he had Coge-Sofar being a Mahomitan began to winn upon the Moors in their confidence in him healing by gifts the hatred of those who envy'd him by his new Apostacy by which he Cancel'd the suspition of his fidelity the malice of the people carrying on his designs with a more sly ambition which made him more affable to his Enemies then to Strangers but knowing the Soldan's Fickleness fearing too a second complaint not reckoning on reconcil'd favour as secure He treacherously one night Kill'd his mortal enemy Rox Solyman and his Son and putting together all the Jewels and Money he could went away secretly for the Service of the King of Cambaya of whose Grandeur and Liberality he had had full information and how he valew'd Strangers those especially who had any experience in the Warrs and Policy of Europe the success answered his forecast for in a little time either by his Fortune or Indudustry he came almost to engross Badur's favour being his Companion in his Victories and Losses being in the last which befell him at his Death So that now grown by the King's bounty to be in Power and Authority the greatest Subject holding also with Mahumed Heir of the Crown the same repute for the reasons we have already related and to deserve the favour of the new Prince by the love and fidelity he shew'd to the Ashes of him who was Dead he urg'd him to revenge Badur's Death 't is reported that he spoke to this purpose before the King and Nobility of Cambaya 7. The favours which for ten years I receiv'd of Sultan Badur for which those abroad admired his Grandeur those at home envy'd my Fortune are known to every one He cast his Eyes upon me and like a Vapour rais'd me from the ground preferring me a Stranger and a Vagabond before those who were born in his Palace of a Subject he treated me like a Friend and lov'd me as a Son From this most Gracious Prince whose Ashes I reverence as my Lords and weep o're as my Fathers have the Portuguese under the sacred shew of peace ta'ne away his Life to the great Scandal of all other Kings and no less Outrage of his Subjects unworthy to have been so to so mighty a Prince since we so insensibly and ungratefully behave our selves Feeding at our own home the Murderers of our Monarck who enjoy as Inheritance a place which by so hainous an offence they made their own lately Strangers now Patrons You Oh Prince Heir and Lord of this Empire see your Subjects every day receive Laws from these Insulters 't is for you to decide whom we are first to Obey our King or our Enemies their boldness will grow greater by our patience after committing the foulest fault what will they count little where no Vengeance is ta'ne on injuries who will stick to be the Offendor Le ts at last awake out of this so mortal a Lethargy Le ts put our Arms up to the Elbows in the Blood of these so unhuman Usurpers Le ts bathe our Semitars in this Poison that with their Lives they may lose the glory of their so great boastings The Portugall Arms by the Blood of Badur receiv'd the greatest repute by the foulest crime and we suffer that Sword in their hands still which cut off our King that with the same they may usurp his Kingdme Le ts cast from amongst us those Vipers bred furthest West for the infecting all Asia as will be evident by running over their Outrages by them callâ—d Victories And to begin with the first of them Gama to whom for the disturbing the peace of the East the Seas gave so fatal a passage the Samorim of Calecut was the first his Sword cut off the Fleet of Meca which under the protection of our Prophet and the peace they enjoy'd by Sea Sail'd securely was by this successfull Rover set upon and made to yield who for so many years like a Sea-Monster had for his House the Waters and for his shelter the Winds and Tempests After him came Dom Francisco de Almeyda who in one day and with the same stroke shatter'd the Fleets of Egypt and Cambaya who so behav'd himself as if
seventy Souldiers He and thirty more were Supernumerary to help upon occasions Dom Iohn with so few men expected so great an Army as came against him providing with so much security for his Defence as if the danger was neither feard or unexpected He ordered the Ammunition and Provision to be kept very strictly because the hindrance of the Weather and the Enemy made the receipt of any more uncertain He set the Slaves and those who were not fit to bear Arms to bring Lances Powder Stones and Provision to the Works that the Souldiers might not be taken up in any thing but Fighting in this Work he employ'd too the Children the Old men and the Women so that there was not in the Fortress Person or Sex idle or unserviceable and calling them together upon the Parade of the Fortress he smilingly spake to 'em 33. Those Turks and Ianizaries you see from hence are come to winn of us the Honour they lost in the first Siege yet are they not more considerable then those who were beaten nor we less then those who overcame I confess to you I envy the meanest Souldier who kept this place because the memory of his Valour doth yet honour his Posterity whom we know not so well by their Name Country or Birth as by being the Sons or Grand-children of those who so gloriously fell or triumph'd in Dio. The greatest honour'd their Families the meanest begun theirs Fortune hath brought us upon such an other action those stout Portuguese had not Buried with 'em all the glory of Fighting they have left us what will make us famous Let not the inequality of our Forces fright us for Renown is not to be purchas'd by ordinary dangers we have Sail'd five thousand Leagues only to find out this Day and in it to gain that honour neither Kings or Countries can give us for Kings give Rewards not Deserts we want not Provision or Ammunition to hold out the Siege till Relief arrives and though in this Season the Seas are high yet have we a Iohn de Castro who with his Sword in his mouth will come under the Waves to help us and so many other Gentlemen and Persons of Quality who will think themselves injur'd if without them we gain the honour which is before us after which we are not to look for any thing more from Fortune being to be put on their List who have memorably serv'd their King and Country for the keeping up of whose Honour we are come from farthest West-ward thus remote and what 's above all we Fight against the Enemies of our Faith and in so just a cause cannot want owning since we serve the God of Victories 34. When the Speech was ended there was in the Turks Camp heard a great Shooting by which Coge-Sofar welcom'd a Relief of two thousand Foot which were come to him from Cambaya all old Souldiers who made the succour more considerable by its quality then number there came with these two of the Mogull's Commanders Persons very much Cry'd up by their own men The same day there came in a great part of the Nobility from the Court which at some distance from the Leaguere Lodg'd themselves in Rich Tents with such Order as wanted nothing of the Discipline of Europe Our men by not valuing their Lives put off the Terrour of such great preparations encouraging one the other by Discourses suitable to the occasion taking Counsel of their necessity how to behave themselves 35. The next day which was Maunday Thursday in the year 1546. there appear'd betimes in the Morning near our Fortress a solid work of Earth with its Skit-gates and in them some great Pieces and on top of the work a great many Sacks of Cotton cover'd with Raw hides to resist the Fire a thing which for the little noise and time it was contriv'd in much startled our men and did not look like the design of a Confus'd and Barbarous multitude who whilst the Siege lasted shew'd as much Valour as Discipline they presently began with a great deal of success to batter our Fort dismounting four of our Gunns which did the greatest Dammage to their Battery 36. That days good fortune Counsell'd 'em for the rest making in five Nights as many Forts at a proportionable distance to give by the several Breaches a general assault which so few Defendants so divided would not be able to withstand the success might have answer'd the design had not our Fort which lay on the Sea and commanded theirs done 'em so much harm that they thought fit to look to their own Reparations before our Offence the great Gunns were silent for two days in which they contriv'd a second Fabrick to secure their first They put to Sea a Tall Ship full of Powder Stone-pitch and other Combustible matter this they laid on the first Deck as a Stratagem prepar'd for a second design over this they made a false Deck capable of two hundred Fighting men as if with them designing to Scale The Ship so lay as to command that part of the Fort whether they concluded our men upon their advantage of place to Fight on and numbers would probably come when in the heat of the Conflict quitting the Ship they would set her on Fire which lighting on the Fort might burn it without any Dammage or Danger to their own men and that presently entring on the ruins the Fire had left they would on them cast up an other whence they might batter our Fortress and by this new work secure their former and so their Gunns play securely A Stratagem grounded on Soldier-like conclusions 37. Dom Iohn Mascarenhas had by some Spies he had in the Camp notice of the Machine and design and calling to him Iacome Leyte Commander at Sea a Souldier of great trust told him he would not Rob him of the honour belong'd to his employment that he thought the first Atchievement of this Siege ought to be his and acquainting him with the advice he had gave him Orders to be ready in the second VVatch. Iacome Leyte put to Sea at the hour appointed in two Boats with thirty Souldiers and Rowing quietly till he came up with the Ship began to cast in her a great many Pots of Powder The Moors at once saw their danger and the Fire burning 'em and running to their Arms distracted by fear and sleep did faintly and confusedly defend themselves hindring one an other by the Noise and Tumult so unexpected an Onset had caus'd some began to throw themselves into the Sea who shew'd the way and example to the rest at last with Complaints and Clamors they left the Ship giving the Alarum to the whole Camp Iacome Leyte had time enough to make fast a Cable to the Ship and tow her after his The Captain receiv'd him with Praises and Embraces making more of this success because it so happily began the Warr. The Moors though with eminent danger
that he hop't with Heads of Turks to make up the ruins of the Fortress that if he vvanted Provisions he vvould go look for 'em as Booty in his Camp that as long as his Souldiers were Arm'd they could want nothing in the possession of their Enemies that he hop'd shortly through his arm'd Squadrons with Sword in hand to cut out the happy passage he offered him he told Simaon Feo that though he was oblig'd to repeat an others words he should not return with an other message for he would make him be Shot from the Wall 67. Rumecaon seeing we fed upon Dangers hard Duty and Hunger affronted too by so slight an answer resolv'd to give the first assault There broke upon us a Dismall day which was the nineteenth of Iuly in the year 1546. the Enemies Army at the Dawning being seen round the Fortress Iuzarcaon with fifteen hundred choise men fell upon Saint Iohns work Commanded by Luis de Sousa with whom were Dom Fernando de Castro Sebastion de Sa Diogo de Reynoso Pero Lopez de Sousa Diogo da Sylva Antonio da Cunba and other Gentlemen and Souldiers not passing thirty These with so much Bravery expected the first shock of the Enemy that they beat back the first fourscore who began to Scale who by their Out-crys Blood and Fall shew'd the loss they had receiv'd Others presently came after them finding the dead Bodies had made their Scaling easier Iuzarcaon encouraged them by minding 'em of their honour their reward and their vengeance The striking on the Air by the Guns and Clamours of men made an hideous impression on the Walls of the Fortress The Battery was continued against the other works the assault against Saint Iohn's and Saint Thomas's that those who in themselves were but few might being divided sooner yield 68. Rumecaon with his Turks assaulted Saint Thomas's work kept by Dom Iohn de Almeyda and Gil Coutinho his men pick't out for their Valour and of a proud Nation fell on so furiously as though run through with our Lances they gave not over Scaling seeking for Victory in their Death they had the advantage of numbers we of place and those who had bestrid the Wall must either Enter Victoriously or Dye wounded Retiring being more dangerous then Fighting The Enemy with fresh men continually re-inforced the Assault Ours always the same were too hard for the first Assailants and match for the last The Women came to their help with Arms and Powder putting on that Courage which was rather seasonable then natural some of 'em with Regallos and Drinks put Life into the Souldiers and not able to show their own strength did encrease it in others there were of them who animated 'em with Speeches deserving to have had in so great hearts the force of men and amongst the actions of this Siege we shall relate theirs as most unusual if not as the greatest There was seen at the foot of the work a Mountain of Dead bodies some with their Wounds bleeding others burnt with the Fire some at their last Gasp 'twixt anger and grief cry'd for Vengeance sometimes too it hapned that those who went to Vindicate 'em Dy'd first Our men that day did wonders which were more easily seen by their success then they can be by Writing for in particularizing accidents the truth is uncertain most of all in the chances of Warr where anger fear and other passions so captivate the judgment that each particular man can hardly be a faithfull Historian of his own Actions 69. Dom Fernando de Castro that day gave proof of a Courage befitting his Birth and above his Years Sebastian de Sa left us a famous memory of his Valour till having his Knee shot through with a poyson'd Arrow and falling down for Dead not being able to maintain the Fight he would not forsake it He was at last by his Camrades full of grief and envy carry'd off having before sufficiently reveng'd his Blood on the Enemy Every one in fine behav'd himself so Stoutly as that one day was enough to make 'em Souldiers After Fighting two hours they seem'd but to begin the assault Rumecaon carrying himself as if in one day he intended to make an end of the VVarr He commanded every Nation to Fight by themselves either the more to Spurr 'em on by Emulation or that they might better observe Orders he himself Commanding and Fighting by his Voice and Example made 'em stand to 't and not glutted with the Blood he saw spilt Prais'd the forwardest and Vilify'd the backward'st carrying out ' midst the horrour of Arms his anger with prudence Dom Iohn Maescarenhas behav'd himself not only as a Commander but a Companion where the greatest danger was Fighting and Commanding so prudently that he came off owing nothing to Courage less to Conduct 70. Rumecaon seeing the great numbers of Dead which were about the VVorks and that his men kept back when commanded to come on commanded the sounding of a Retreat carrying off in great haste the Dead and VVounded so to keep from his own their Loss and from us our Victory yet we had it from themselves that they lost in this assault five hundred men the VVounded were many more there Dy'd of ours but one Souldier the VVounded were less then twenty By this disproportion 't is seen that the Victory was not only obtain'd by Human force but that God maintain'd the cause as his own our Arms being the happy Instruments of his Power of which the History will yet give us greater proofs 71. Upon the Enemies retiring the Commander in Chief summon'd our men to a second Labour which the Necessity or Victory made them easily digest The Breaches of the Fortress were of force to be made up the Stones and Mortar being the soft Beds which our Souldiers had to recover their so decaid strength with they all went willingly and chearfully on the Service led on by the example of the Commander who after the Enemies Conquer'd his own Nature The Fortress in the morning appear'd in part repair'd our men by their working recovering themselves as if they had been at rest the weight of their Arms not permitting them to make any difference 'twixt Day and Night The Enemy was by this assault so broken as he durst not in many days come to Blows with us his experience making him more Cautious or Cowardly He now and then fac't the Fortress vvith some inconsiderable Piqueering to shake us with continual Alarums or by our taking our Posts to observe the inclinations of our minds yet did he not leave off Battering intending by a long Siege to vveaken us but the Camp daily encreasing vvith new Recruits and the Sultan declaring his concernment for this Warr Rumecaon resolv'd to give the Fortress the second assault 72. And considering the loss he had receiv'd though Fighting vvith so much advantage of numbers he look't upon the slaughter of his men as having higher
Causes for vvhich 't was fit to appease the Prophet He immediately commanded the bringing forth of a Banner vvhich had in it the Picture of Mahomet and that the Army vvith that should go so many times in Procession about the Mosque and vvith other barbarous and ridiculous Expiation should appease and reconcile Mahomed whose displeasure retarded their Victory Fernaon Carvalho Commander of the vvork toward the Sea saw the Army that night go in Procession vvith great store of Lights and by times heard Noise and Clamours which presently ended in a suddain silence again bursting forth into Groans of a confus'd multitude their Sighs and Out-crys were seconded by Instruments of VVarr and in this Superstitious vanity vvere many hours of the Night entertained Fernaon Carvalho was troubled at the strangeness and could not guess for what it was but acquainted Dom Iohn Mascarenhas with what he saw who guest it a preparation for an assault abetted by some Barbarous ceremony and Superstitious rite with vvhich they hop't to reconcile the anger of their false Prophet 73. The Commander in Chief made ready for this second storm of the Enemy finding in such shattered Forces all his Souldiers heart-whole the Wounded and Sick quitted their Beds and Cures more eager to go upon Dangers then recover their Health Dom Iohn Mascarenhas with Courage and Judgment ordered and dispos'd what was necessary for their defence Day-light was hardly broke when the Enemy appear'd before the Fortress with Clamours and dolefull Noises which by the sounding of Warlike instruments were in the silence of the Night made more Dreadfull The Army came up divided into three Squadrons and had carry'd before 'em amongst the rest a Baâ—ner in which was the Image of their Prophet that both Religion and their King's honour might animate them at the same time they fell upon Saint Iohns and Saint Thomas's work and Pecanha's Guard with so much sury as they neither saw or fear'd danger but were by ours so receiv'd as they were with more haste forc't back then they came in to the Onset many falling down Dead most of 'em Wounded and others burnt by Fire Iuzarcaon and Rumecaon were heard to incite others to Scale the Works who under shelter of the Vollees of Musquets infinite Arrows and other Shouting did go on afresh 'T was here the assault was Kindled in a great deal of heat the Turks earnest to recover their lost Credit were by rage and shame put upon Fighting obstinately getting up through Fire and Sword like men who less valued their Lives then the Victory so as they got to be on the same ground with ours Fighting man to man upon the Work 74. Louis de Sousa Dom Fernando de Castro with the other Gentlemen and Souldiers of their Company did that day give new repute to our Arms so behaving themselves as Rumecaon represented 'em to his men sometimes for their example others as their shame the Turks were continually reliev'd Ours always the same shew'd themselves as stout against the last as first the Fight grew hot every where of the Enemies a great many were Kill'd and VVounded yet did their rage or anger either hide or slight the loss for on the Body of him who fell did an other plant himself to fling his Lance or Fight more firmly the heat and impatience of Victory inventing new Subtilties or never heard of Cruelties 75. They at last entred Saint Thomas's work which for a good while they kept as some fell others coming in their place 'T was here the fury of the Enemy was great as well as their Slaughter Dom Francisco and Dom Pedro de Almeydo shew'd themselves Brothers as well by their Soutness as Blood withstanding the shock of so many Enemies all the time of the assault 76. The Turks of Rumecaon's Division fought with ours Body to Body upon equality of ground and advantage of numbers the danger heightning our Courage Few of those who entred the work got off Alive but having this Door open towards Victory they endeavour'd though with eminent danger to keep it so This being the first honour the chance of Arms had in the Warr conferr'd on Rumecan he with praises and promises rais'd the pride of the Turks 'T was nois'd amongst ours the work was lost which Alarum whether 't was craft or chance might have lost the Fortress for those who fought in other places almost all forsook their Posts to relieve the work they gave for gone those chiefly who Guarded the Houses toward the Rock came so furiously to the Relief as the rest had time to Breathe who by their Duty and VVounds were now wearied and broken 77. Dom Iohn Mascarenhas went about the Posts assuring them all that the work was yet ours and how Couragiously 't was maintain'd that Rumecaon stood looking on the Slaughter of his men who cast themselves weltring in their Blood from the VVall and by their fall made sure of their Deaths The Storming continu'd and on both sides Death and Wounds seem'd to add to their Courage and Bravery which Iuzarcaon observing and believing those few Defendants the Fortress had were employ'd in those Bastions vvhich vvere attaqu'd leaving the Battail vvith some Souldiers surrounded the Wall and coming to the Fause-bray vvhich vvithout art Nature had made defensable by the height and cragginess of the Rock on vvhich too the Sea beat seeing it unguarded vvithout either Souldiers or Watch guest that the situation made us secure of it and sending for a Senjack with a hundred Turks and scaling Ladders they begun to Scale there without being either seen or resisted for the Souldiers who had the Guard there upon the news Saint Thomas's vvork vvas lost quitting the Post they kept vvith more Courage then Discipline vvent to relieve it 78. The Turks boldly clim'd the Rock making their way to some Houses joyning to Saint Iames's Church which gave them passage to a Gallery where they planted Ladders for others to come up by Iuzarcaon stood without encouraging 'em believing he had stole both the Honour and Victory from Rumecaon The Turks won those Houses and were going down into the Fortress and one of 'em more resolute or diligent than the rest went into a Marry'd womans House and asking Money of her to save her Life the poor Woman surpriz'd with fear made as if she went forth to procure it and going into her Neighbours told her in a fright the danger they were in this startled at the News acquainted an other who with Manly prudence and courage took up a Sphear and going to the House where the Turks where saw one of 'em at Door watching how things went abroad and coming up to him laying on with her Sphear forc't him to retire within the Doors with so much Mastery of her judgment in the danger she was in as she had the Caution to lock the Door and the Courage to wait on the Turks and hinder their coming forth
those so honourable Matrons who despising danger and labour came seasonably through Lances and Bullets to their help with unheard of example and with encouragements to the Souldiers full of great judgment and courage whilst others animated them with Regallos and sweet-meats as if they coveted or deserv'd equal fame with them We had the wind in our faces which raising clouds of Dust from the loose ground the Enemy stood upon almost blinded our men who only by that accident run the hazard of being lost yet Fighting with their Eyes shut they received the Moors more intent upon offending the Enemy then providing for themselves The Enemies fought desperately Rumecaon every moment minding them of their Kings and their own honour 104. Iuzarcaon with the Souldiers he commanded with so great a resolution fell upon St. Iohn's work that our men were in no little danger for after throwing down the first who came up others with so much fury got upon the Walls that for many hours they maintain'd the Fight equal till wounded with our Swords some Dead others faltring in their Courage lost the place and their Lives Here was the resistance and danger greatest for upon our men whose force was already wearied and shaken came other fresh Moors yet as if they had kept their strength and courage for the greatest pinch they repuls't the last as the first 105. In Pecanha's Post the Fight was not less stout or fortunate and without particularizing accidents we may by the success judge the fortune of the Day for the Enemy left sixteen hundred Dead besides the innumerable number of the VVounded an incredible thing of a few more then two hundred Souldiers as were ours so we find it writ in the Relations and Histories of that Siege which being ours do with a more wary Pen write their own praises VVe came off with the loss of three Souldiers and thirty Wounded 106. The Fortress by the Battery which preceded this assault was every where Ruin'd and Open and we to repair it wanted Time Materials and Men yet did Ours steal the hours of their rest working by Night and throwing down the Houses of the Fortress made use of their Stones and Timber making a kind of suddain and stoln Defence more becoming the time then the necessity 107. Ammunition and Provision was wanting there was no more Powder then what was every day made a little and ill Dry'd a want which the Moors began to know and had thereby the hearts to continue the Siege they had likewise advice that the scarceness of other necessaries was answerable for Wheat was at three Crusades an Alquiere and yet the want of it greater then the price the Sick instead of Hens eat Crows which coming to feed on the Dead bodies the Souldiers kill'd and at an exorbitant rate Sold the Famine came at last to that height as they spar'd not Doggs Cats and other such Food unwholsome and unclean Yet did they with such miserable Dyet recover their strength undervaluing dangers and duty by the greatness of their minds over-coming the passions and affections of Nature 108. Pans for Powder which the Militia of India use by Sea and Land and in this Siege were of no little Execution were as well as other offensive VVeapons wanting which was supply'd by putting together two Gutter-tiles the Concave inward and Pitch't without at which hung lighted match and being thrown amongst the Enemy divers were burnt by 'em by this easie invention did ours hasten the Victory 109. The Commander in chief desir'd to get some intelligence concerning the practices of the Enemy who slye and designing did yet with strange reserv'dness keep from us his designs Besides it was advis'd from the Fort next the Sea that most Nights some Moors came as farr as the Bridge of the Fortress where they stop't as men who for some end came to survey and be acquainted with the situation their silence the time of Night and the continuance of it evinc't their diligence not to be casual Upon which Dom Iohn Mascarenhas perswaded Martim Botelho a Souldiers of trust with ten Camerades to go one Night upon the Bridge and endeavour by Force or Craft to bring off one of those Moors Martim Botelho with the others about Mid-night went out at the Skit-gates of the Courtain carrying only Swords and Bucklers and being arriv'd at the set place not to be discovered by the Moors they lay vvith their Faces on the ground and listning a while heard some coming toward the Bridge rising they suddainly set upon the Moors vvho vvere eighteen and seeing themselves so unawares attaqu'd did at the first Onset turn their backs leaving only on the place a Nobite vvho vvith a Lance stoutly defended himself Martim Botelho seeing it greater concernment to take then to Kill him put by vvith his Sword a thrust of his Lance and closing vvith him brought him fast in his Arms to the Fortress vvhere his Reception vvas vvith that honour the Action merited 110. The Commander by the Prisoner knew the Enemies intentions and made use of the advice to prevent some Stratagems the Turks vvere contriving besides he told him there were missing in the Army five thousand men cut off by us not to name Officers of note that the Souldiers of the greatest Authority despair'd of the design hearing vve should as soon as the Sea vvas down be Reliev'd but that Rumecaon vvas by the losses he had sustain'd more obstinate in carrying on the Siege as one engag'd by his honour and by his promise given to the Sultan that by the advice of a Turkish Engineer of Dalmatia he had commanded the undermining Saint Thomas's work vvhere vvas Dom Fernando with Diogo de Reynoso and other Commanders and Cavalliers vvhich vvas done in so great silence as our men could not make out the design because perhaps they believ'd that Fire-works vvere not as much us'd in Asia as Europe but the Chief Officers of the Army being Turks they brought as well Discipline as Courage 111. Whilst they vvere vvorking in the Mine Rumecaon commanded 'em to seem to sap divers places of the Wall that vve being intent upon the common danger might not guess at the secret one And by an other Plot to divert our attention he ordered the making some wooden Horses to be plac't before Saint Thomas's work as if by them he intended to take it by Scaling and resolving to fall on the tenth of August on the Ninth he commanded the drawing off some Guns vvhich he had Planted And that vve might not by vvondring at that find him out He endeavour'd by an other design to make us more secure He that night sent an Absessine subtilly instructed to the Fortress who coming to the Wall counterfeiting a Panick fear cry'd to the VVatch to take him in that he might discourse things of great concernment with the Commander being let in and listned to by Dom Iohn
particular and I present at the dispatches 't were I think too precise to write 'em to you over again for by his Letters you 'l see his satisfaction in the way you design in those parts for his Service and in the good opinion the Country hath of you which he particularly commends to your care in all businesses what in that I have more to tell you is that I 'me very much satisfy'd with your management of affairs in that place and with your words as well as actions for by those 't is seen the crossing so many Climates hath not altered you from your self or my constant opinion which you are not content in shewing by your actions but your words are a pledge you will continue doing the same of which I 'me very well assur'd that what by humane power can be compast you will truly perform His Majesty is not less satisfy'd with your manner of writing for your Letters came well digested they contain'd nothing superfluous and by 'em is sufficiently seen what I said before that you both know what you are to do and have a desire and earnestness to do it without any temporary respect of interest or affection which I not a little rejoyce at to hear from you for though I am sure of your actions 't is yet a sign of the great abundance of your heart and virtue your coveting to say so which makes me confident God will perfect all your good desires and bring you out of that Country to your great satisfaction and honour for he cannot be unsuccessfull who designs nothing but the service of God and his King and though that is to be purchas'd with no ordinary difficulty let me mind you that 't is there resides merit and that Our Saviour Christ was by that to enter into his Glory and if things appear to you above your Mastery remember 't is there God puts in his helping hand and seconds those who serve him with your attention and that men of themselves can furnish nothing but will and diligence which made Saint Paul attribute to himself nothing but the planting because God is to give the increase as he will give it to all those undertakings you plant with that zeal I 'me secure you have in all your actions therefore be not frighted at great things or slight little poise equally and remit the end to God Almighty and though some things succeed not as you desire be not transported by despair while you act with a just zeal and clear intention because God often permits his servants to commit errors thereby to merit by their patience and trust in him and for the increase of their experience and perfection do justice according to your Conviction always taking as you use counsel and advice in business preserve your self in that clearness you practice in the temporal injoyments and advantages of that Country then happen what will all will tend to a good end Be very exact in what relates to Divine worship for the Conversion of the Infidels for that 's the Armory must chiefly defend India Endeavour to Banish thence men's extravagant expences the Effeminateness and Luxury they Live in and the excess of Cloaths and Furniture disposing them to 't mildly and winningly by your own and your Sons example and by Countenancing and Favouring those whose practice is contrary and if those things be above your reforming let it not trouble you because the corruptions of time must by time have their amendment and cannot be remedy'd on a suddain continue therefore your good intention managing things according to the disposition of the time and persons you have to do with so I hope in God he will as you desire direct all things to his and my Lord the King's service and your honour For your request of my solliciting your stay there may be short I perceive you have no little reason for your desire but my opinion is it cannot be set upon till seeing your Letters which God willing we shall receive this year I therefore deferr answering that point till the next year I have spoke to the King in the business you writ me about your Son Dom Alvaro his Majesty knows him well and is well inform'd of the qualities of his Person and desires to honour and favour him yet for some reasons his Majesty hath commanded to be writ you and as himself writes that this year he signs no Grants he hath thought fit not to answer that till the next in the mean time he hath sent Commands for conferring on him that honour you ' l find in his Letters Patent I' me very carefull of putting him in mind of all that concerns your Sons and hope in God 't will be so ordered that you shall receive from his Majesty honour and reward as also your Sons whom he desires to use according to your Deservings and you may be confident his Majesty very well knows your will to serve him and is very much satisfy'd with your way of doing it hitherto I spoke to his Majesty about Affonso de Rojas and on your consideration he immediately granted what I ask't him but as I said because he tells those who go to the Indies that this year he signs no Grants he hath diferr'd Affonso de Rojas business till the next and saith he will then reward him I 'le take care by the grace of God to send you the Letters Patent and am very glad of the good News you tell me of Affonso de Rojas and am apt to believe that being Mr. Olmedo's Brother and in our Company he must prove an honest man What you sent me on the Ships which came was delivered me I was very glad of it and value it as coming from your hands Almeirim the twenty sixth of March 1547. The Infante Dom Lewis 6. Dom Manoel de Lima setting Sail from Bacaim went by Night into the River of Surat and getting up with the Tide came in sight of a great Village which though not Inhabited by the Abissines had its name from 'em the Village was on the East side of the River spread on a great Plain and though in an open place had two thousand Families defended without any other Fortification only by some Trenches on confidence perhaps of their first beginning the VVarr and the strength of that Army they had in the Field Dom Manoel went on shore and our men in the same order they Landed fell upon the Enemy with more Courage then Discipline The Moors were stout enough to expect not to resist less scar'd by their apprehension of our men then the horrour of their own who first fell whose Blood so frighted 'em as they turn'd their backs Many were cut off in the Flight few in Resistance the Slaughter was great the Souldiers Sword sparing neither Sex or Age. Dom Manoel commanded his men to Fire the Houses burning together Town and Estates Covetousness was below their fury only one Moor had his Hands
give the Story of a strange Challenge which I should pass over were it not as Famous as Compassionate Dom Iohn Manoel and Iohn Falcaon Gentlemen of a great expectance were for some sleight Jealousies which in the Worlds opinion are heavy as they are taken fall'n out and resolv'd to justifie their Pique in the Field making Valour or Chance judge of their quarrel The seconds who engag'd with less pre-occupy'd judgments endeavour'd to decide the quarrel by a more honourable Duel alledging the Governour was ready to engage that a Challenge always a Crime would be now a Scandal that by the Edict they would forfeit their Lives that Dom Iohn de Castro was not though thought so so indulgent a Father he bore with faults but not with insolences that they might salve their Honours where they ventured their Lives by agreeing that he who first and with most Courage scal'd the Enemies Wall should have in the particular and common Fight the clearest Reputation so by their Witty courage inventing how to Dye with Rewards and how to Fight Duels without a Crime both the Enemies accepted the proposal desiring their Kindred and Friends to hold their Ladders as to men who were to Fight for the States and their own honour at the same time both began to climbe Dom Iohn Manoel laying one hand on the Wall had it cut off relieving himself with the other that too by a stroak was ta'ne away and putting his Elbows to 't to secure his hold his Head was cut off by a Semitar Iohn Falcaon at the same instant seis'd on the Wall and having mastered it while he stoutly defended himself was cut in pieces The Braves in the Army were of different opinions who of these gave greatest marks of their Courage in favour of both wee 'l say he who gives all for it owes no more to honour 17. Dom Iohn Mascarenhas began with his men to plant Ladders many getting up with as much Resolution as Fortune for though receiv'd with Lances they o'recome the resistance these had the honour to be the first in the Danger of being alone in the Camp sustaining the weight of the Moors till their Companions came to 'em how those who first scal'd the Walls behav'd themselves may be guest by their posture of Fighting the Moors fought on firm ground Ours suspended in the Air. Dom Alvaro de Castro and Dom Manoel de Lima got over the Wall in several places receiving most hurt in the stoutest Resistance while they fought scattered they lost some men closing they made more room for the getting up of their Souldiers 18. The Governour in the plain Field met with greater Danger then there was in Scaling for he march't toward the Bridge defended by a great Body of men and great Pieces planted on it the importance of gaining it equal'd the danger The Governour eminently hazarded himself in falling on his Courage was singular his Fortune miraculous for the Moors often put their match to the prim'd Guns and not one took Fire a success by the Miracle opportune by the Accident unusual yet would not Heaven have the whole Victory for the coming of the Turks in greater numbers to the defence of the Bridge with Musquets Granados and Pikes stop't the fury of our Souldiers some turn'd their backs to the Bullets God perhaps by that shewing us what we are when left to our selves the Cowards fled the Valiant stood to 't Dom Iohn de Castro below none in Courage above all in Prudence with some who follow'd him clos'd with the Enemy crying aloud Victory the Turks run away This noise was spread with so happy Ecchos as our men once more Rally'd and came to their Colours the Turks fearfull or Credulous left the Field this shout of the Generals being the gate of Victory Our men did here the Execution of Conquerours and now that past for truth what was before stratagem The Governour pursuing his Fortune went up and down the Field and as Victory is exempt from Rashness and Fear without Counscel Dom Iohn surrounded almost with the Enemies whole Army cry'd out Victory and the Moors run away without loss but out of order In fine we had by him before the Battail the Victory Those who engag'd with the Governour unanimously affirm that he was the first got upon the Wall and none but himself contradicted this testimony who freely said Lourenco Pirez de Tavora clim'd first slighting repute so weakly proud and desiring to be excus'd from stealing honour he knew so well how to purchase 19. Rumecaon upon advice of his mens disorderly Flight came in with a Body of Turks to stop or interrupt the Victory and retarding the fury of our Souldiers by the advantage of his Numbers pois'd the Battail The obstinacy of the dispute lasted some time The Standard Royal was twice shot down at which sight the Governour impatiently cry'd out what means this Portuguese shall they take out of your hands the Victory shall they carry off the Standard and charging the Enemy under cover of a Buckler which had sticking in it two Arrows with words and actions so encourag'd the Souldiers as with their fury to make the Moors give ground and the last fly by the fright of the first 20. Dom Alvaro de Castro and Dom Manoel de Lima being joyn'd rais'd the envy of their Souldiers and Enemies they charg'd Alucaon and Mojatecaon Valiant Turks and the Chief Commanders of the Army who for no little time made the Victory doubtfull The blood Dy'd the Arms Dy'd the ground the rude noise of the Moors did like a fresh danger fright the Camp the horrour and confusion so mastered the Senses as many before feeling their Wounds felt themselves Dying Number at last yielded to Courage and the Turks with infinite loss quitted their ground Dom Iohn Mascarenhas charg'd Iuzarcaon whose Post he gain'd not with less Valour or worse Fortune Rumecaon without losing his Courage or Judgment by the first loss expected the second forming his Squadrons in the open Field out of necessity or confidence for in so numerous an Army the fright was more predominant then the loss and as in extremities 't is usual to accuse Fortune Rumecaon in the hearing of our men with superstitious Crys and Noises made his Atonements as if so to appease the indignation of the Heavens 21. Dom Iohn de Castro unwilling to lose one moment of so glorious a Day joyn'd his small Army and giving the Van-guard to his Son Dom Alvaro fac't the Enemy who resolutely expected him and putting out the Horns of the Half-moon in which he was form'd came begirting our Infantry yet Dom Alvaro as if he would have to himself the glory of that Day fell upon the Enemy with so much Gallantry as he was the first of his men who Wounded the Moors charging or opening with his Sword and Buckler a close Squadron The Enemy in the first
charge maintain'd the Field afterwards unable to endure the weight of the Battail retir'd in Disorder our men Routing the disordered Ranks rather chas'd then Destroy'd the flying Enemy Here the Victory began to be notorious but Rumecaon with a great Batallion of Moors and Ianizaries made Head against our men who spread upon the pursute neglected or not minded Discipline 22. Here was Dom Alvaro given for lost for his scattered Souldiers unable to make any Resistance march't off leaving the Enemy the Camp and Victory nor were his Perswasions or resolute Fighting of force enough to Retain some or Rally others on so sleight accidents depends the fortune of Warr. Antonio Casal a Friar whose Religious courage is by Authors recorded with a Crucifix lifted up by pious and moving Arguments began to rebuke and animate our men shewing 'em the Image of Christ expos'd again on the Cross to second injuries it hapned that a Stone cast at randome so unnail'd an arm of the Crucifix as to leave it hanging the holy Figure shewing it self in the same prospective inclin'd to the Believers falln to the Infidels Our men more animated by Heavens then the States injuries shew'd in a different cause different Courage more engag'd by the Outrages offer'd their Creator then by the fevere Commands of their Monarck On a suddain they all Rally'd and recovering strength were rather Instruments then Authors of the Victory Rumecaon upon the Routing of his men retir'd and Dom Alvaro engag'd with him at the same time entred the City more hindered by those who fell then by the resistance of the Living who did not now defend themselves 23. At that time came up Dom Manoel de Lima as Couragious by Land as Sea who where he was plac't broke the Enemy till joyning with Dom Alvaro and both entring the City did bloody Execution on the Moors who Routed and Scattered strove to save themselves more by Flight then Resistance and the face of Warr look't more like Plunder then Fight our men found Moors not Enemies many of 'em creeping into their Houses hid their own Estates as stoll'n from the Victory others cast away their Arms to fly nimbler Dom Iohn Mascarenhas at an other place entred the City ending that day so glorious a Siege 24. The Governour fought still in the Camp sollicitous for his mens Victory secure in his own when News came to him that the Town was delivered but Rumecaon like a Mine plaid again retarding the Victory with eight thousand Souldiers so disposing himself as to give or expect Battail so great were their Numbers as with the leavings of the Field to manage a new Warr. About that time Sally'd out of the City Dom Alvaro de Castro Dom Iohn Mascarenhas and Dom Manoel de Lima to joy with the Governour for the Victory when they saw Rumecaon in the Field with an other Army The Governour that his suspence might not be mistook for fear with the same Courage of the first ingag'd in the second Battail putting his men into three Squadrons two fell upon the Enemy in the Flank he himself in the Front this was the order of his charging the Enemy who more Desperate then Resolute receiv'd our first shock afterwards fought without Courage or Confidence and being seconded by his men with a faint and forc't Obedience left us on sleight resistance the Field though in all the Actions of Siege and Fight Rnmecaon shew'd himself no less Souldier then Valiant but in adversity Fame is sooner deserv'd then purchast 25. The Moors opened their Front the Governour like an impetuous River carrying all before it fell upon them undefended now was the Execution without Fighting the Moors look't like Enemies by their Flying not by their Defence and our men falling upon some Companies not yet broken they as for their advantage Disordered themselves flying from one another with as much rather more apparent Danger then from us others not to pass for Enemies threw away their Arms as Instruments which might mind us of their Offence and our Vengeance there were in fine in that Tragedy acted all those affections fear puts on Rumecaon seeing all lost put himself in a poor Garment amongst the Dead exempting himself from Rage and Victory but a Stone from an unknown hand by his Death sav'd his waiting on the Triumph Many stood to be the Authors of his Death as formerly of Galba's who had more Murderers then Wounds and in our own Age and Kingdome have we seen the like accident 26. I purposely omit the particular accidents of this Battail because none can be prais'd without injury to others wee 'l only give a short relation of the Officers and most eminent Personages out of reverence to their Place and Quality besides in the confusion of a Battail 't is difficult with the exact Rigour of truth to particularize accidents and 't is certain those whose Pen finds out the Atoms of the most occult Carriages endeavour to help out the History or are very sharp sighted in finding out Events 'T is enough for knowledge that so famous an Action credited then our Arms now our Memory and I believe that of all the designs in Asia no Siege out-went or Battail equal'd this 27. The numbers of the Enemies Army cannot with certainty be affirm'd because with different Calculation some raise 'em above sixty thousand others say less neither could the Moors who were ta'ne Prisoners make any exact judgment of those they lost but by all accounts the disproportion of the Armies was so notorious as was sufficient to amase the World with the report and in forein Histories we find the Victory writ with more applause then in our own Memorials and if our Country imitated the Roman Empires gratitude towards her Sons of desert she would in proud Statues let the World read Castro's actions which like Annals of Brass should be publick Volumes to all Ages we find not that his Reward was suitable to his Merit perhaps to raise it he here met with the usual misfortune of Heroes yet enjoy'd he as a more durable recompence the glory of his Name The Princes of Asia by ambitious Embassies gave him the joy of the Victory The Chamber of Goa call'd him Duke either to mind him of it or to seem to desire it The King Dom Iohn honour'd him with the Title of Vice-King of India the Fourth the State had there The same Earth which covers his Ashes Buries his other Rewards his Posterity only Inheriting the glory of so great an Ascendent 28. The Governour laid aside the King's share of the Booty many Colours and forty Pieces of great Canon amongst which was that we now have in Saint Gillians Fort which keeps the name of the place whence 't was taken He delivered up the City to Plunder not reserving for himself the point of a Lance a constant despiser of the Riches of the East 't was for
Excellent Prince our Lord the King Diogo Rodriguez de Azevedo arriv'd at this City on Monday the sixth of December and the next day delivered a Letter to the Chamber from your Illustrious Lordship which was read with no little pleasure and satisfaction because by it we were assur'd of your Health which good news we always covet to know and desire encrease of and for it this City and People in general and by themselves give God many thanks and are confident in our Lady the Virgin Mary the Mother of God and our Advocate that as long as the people of India hath your Illustrious Lordship for their Captain and Governour we shall never want the Divine assistance in our affronts and troubles in recompence of your most Catholick and modest Life your Carriage and Actions of most commendable Virtue on which hope we now enjoy our present quiet for the late and glorious Victory atchiev'd by your prudent Conduct great Courage and Magnanimity the raising the Siege of Dio the routing and defeating the King of Cambaya's whole Army besides above twenty thousand others Moors Turks Rumes Coracos and Renegade Christians Germans Venetians Genuese and French and diverse other Nations considerable numbers of whom were Kill'd by our Lances and Swords as this City is assur'd by honest men and eye-witnesses these good Services are certain signs that for the future by God's grace and protection we need not fear any other troubles which shall appear from a fresh Army of the King of Cambaya or other Neighhouring Kings and Potentates or whole India who are certainly our implacable Enemies besides being Infidels and haters of our holy Catholick Faith from neither of whom can we have any secure or firm Peace though some shew of a double and cousening Friendship As for the Loan which in the name of our Lord the King you ask of us the Cities answer is That we the Inhabitants will now and always do our duty in serving his Majesty with our Estates Lives and Souls and because the Cities and every particular man's design is to serve your Illustrious Lordship with an Eye that such a Loan is very much for the service of our Lord the King whose the City is and we are all with a great deal of diligence and care from the day that Diogo Rodriguez de Azevedo delivered his message to the present which is the seven and twentieth of December have we rais'd twenty thousand one hundred and forty six Pardaos and one Tanga at five Tangas the Pardao which the City lends that is Citizens and People as also the Bramens Merchants Traders and Goldsmiths and by our Letters we assure your Lordship that this City and its honourable Inhabitants are bound for your service to lay down our Lives more chearfully then for our own honour and interest As for the Pawns your Lordship sent us the City and Inhabitants think our selves injur'd by your Lordship to rely so little on us and our Loyalâ—ies for in a business that so concern'd the service of our Lord the King and his Royal State such honourable and glorious Pawns were not necessary our Loyalty obliging us to serve the King and present necessity after that your Obligations on us and your Lordship great affection and love to this City and Inhabitants for which and what besides we confess owing to you we kiss your hands and begg of God Almighty your enjoying perfect health and prosperity in much honour and great Victories over the Enemies of our most holy Faith My Lord Diogo Rodriguez de Azevedo returns to carry you back your Pawns and he and Bertholamew Bispo Procurator of this City bring you the Money which the City and People lend you of their good and free will they carry too the order you sent hither to the Treasurer for the payment of the Money and our desires you would accept all as from Loyal Subjects we profess to be to our Lord the King and men oblig'd to your Lordship Dated at the Chamber the twenty seventh of December 1547. and I Lewis Tremessaon Clerk of the Chamber gave order for the writing it and sign'd it by the authority I have so to do Pero Godinho Iohn Rodriguez Paez Ruy Goncalvez Ruy Dioz Iorge Ribeiro Bertholamew Bispo 31. The works at the Fortress went on with so great satisfaction to the Officers and Labourers as it advanc't without time and the pay of Work-men and Souldiers was so punctual as the State was only poor for the Governour besides what the City lent the Ladies and Gentlewomen sent him in a Cabinet their Diamonds and Jewels by which Female impotency sacrifis'd both to Glory and Vanity an offer which expected neither interest or recompence whence is seen how much better the People supply the Virtues then Tyrannies of Regents 32. He commanded Dom Manoel de Lima with thirty Ships to go along the Coast of Cambaya and Burn all the Villages to shew the Sultan his Revenge was not satisfy'd by the Victory but not to put in at the City of Goga because the intelligence said that there were imbody'd all those who scap't from the Battail Dom Manoel who again look't for good fortune in that Bay went Sailing along the Coast and in a few days of being out was surpris'd by so violent a Tempest as to be forc't by the necessity of the Storm to put into the Port forbidden by his instructions The Citizens having their imaginations fill'd with the late dangers at the sight of the same Arms which wounded 'em quitted the City the Souldiers as well as the unserviceable Rabble in the same distemper flying to the Mountain There was at Anchor in the Port a Moorish Vessel belonging to the Qamalake one who was in good correspondence with the State which observing the flight of the Moors hal'd to our men to fall upon the City Dom Manoel not understanding the sign concluded that in defiance they bid him Battail and 'twixt anger and impatience making ready perceiv'd the City emptying and the poor people running in confus'd multitudes towards a small Mountain which was in sight believing the distance and cragginess of its situation would secure 'em from being fall'n upon by our Souldiers Dom Manoel found out the design of the Ships hawling and put to 't 'twixt the opportunity and his obedience brought the business to Council and amongst Valiant Souldiers Gallantry being the best interpreter of Orders 't was voted they should enter the City because the Governours instructions could not take in all accidents who if there would be the first should leap on shore the Counsel was immediately follow'd by Execution Dom Manoel almost without any resistance entred the City the pillage of the Souldiers was great and what was below the coveting was committed to the Fire which burnt Estates and Houses the Dammage was greater then the Victory Dom Manoel took three Baneans Prisoners by whom he was told that all the Inhabitants had sav'd
themselves in a place of the Mountain not farr of he resolv'd to invest it that the fugitives and opposers might have the same Punishment at break of Day he went to the place taking with him for guides the Baneans forc't by miserable necessity to deliver up their Children and Kindred and those who thought themselves secure in the shelter of the Mountain saw over their Heads the Sword before the Enemy The slaughter differenc't not cause from cause person from person natives and strangers guilty and innocent with their Lives paid for their own or an others offence From Persons the affront past to Religion he caus'd many to be Hang'd up in the Temples of their Idols an outrage in the Superstition of their Religion inexpiable He cut the Throats of all the Cattel sprinkling the Mosques with Cows blood an Animal which as the depositary of Souls they adore with adominable worship 33. Dom Manoel de Lima return'd to his Ships and ventur'd to cross the Bay where without a Storm he fear'd Shipwrack for the Tide is there so unruly and impetuous as is sufficient to loosen the Vessels In Sailing he came in fight of the City Gandar peopled by Pagan Merchants rich by its Commerce weak by its Inhabitants This was in the first Onset yielded and burnt the Natives discovered their Estates as a ransome for their Lives which neither by opposing nor yielding could they save for the anger rather inhumanity of the Souldiers more coveted blood then booty He destroy'd many other places of the Bay whose ashes and ruins for many years kept up the memory of their Destruction Those Natives who surviv'd the miseries of their fellows retir'd to the Inland of the Kingdome where in secure poverty they preserv'd themselves 34. Dom Manoel return'd for Dio where he found the Governour employ'd about the new Fortifications in whose sight the Works advanc't diverse businesses re-demanding him at Goa he had a mind to leave the Fortress in a state of defence Dom Iohn Mascarenhas either wore out or satisfy'd with the difficulties of the Siege before his time was out resign'd his Government desiring that year to return for the Kingdome to enjoy that Fame of which he so well deserv'd The Governour endeavour'd to disswade him fearing none would accept it after him for by the late Victory and alteration of the Trade the Spurrs of honour and profit were Blunted the greatest incentives men Bow under But Mascarenhas's resolution to go for the Kingdome in Tavora's Fleet put the Governour upon finding out a Commander for the Garrison which some Gentlemen had refus'd to be out of Dislike to a place which had been the Seat of so many Victories perhaps out of the hazard there is to succeed Persons of extraordinary Eminency yet Dom Manoel de Lima offer'd to remain on the place out of either complacency to the Governour or confidence of himself 35. The Governour in the mean time provided for his passage to Goa and ordered Antonio Moniz Barretto with some Ships to look out for the Fleet of Cambaya which by his private intelligence he knew were to Visit the Coast of Por and Mangalor which Moniz meeting at Sea Boarded and carry'd into Dio their Lading help't to bear the States charges The King of Cambaya in his resentment of so many losses burst forth into a most barbarous Revenge commanding two of our innocent Prisoners taken during the Warr to be Kill'd taking his satisfaction for so great Outrages on so little shadows 36. The affairs of Dio being concluded fortune began to alarm the State with new accidents The Governour had from Ormus repeated intelligence that the Turks with a mighty Army had thrown out of Balsora Mahomet As-Cnam a Loyal friend to the State who summon'd our Arms as Auxiliary forces to resist the common Enemy The dangers and consequences of having so unruly a Neighbour were of no difficult discovery for whom and us the World much less the State would be too narrow The importancy of Balsora was weig'd as a Foundation laid for greater designs whose situation we will briefly acquaint you with Balsora is a Colony of four thousand Families seated in Arabia the Happy in twenty four degrees of Northern Latitude not farr distant from the River Euphrates 'T is from the Fortress of Ormus two hundred Leagues from Babylon a little above forty Ships go from Ormus thither along the Coast of Persia having on that side more convenient Ports and Watering 'T is inhabited by Moors Schismaticks from the Turks for though all Worshippers of Mahomed yet differ in their Belief these following the Rites and Ceremonies of the Persian whom the Divel in different Cups makes to drink of the abominations of Mahomed here the Turks fortify'd themselves and began to gain upon the Neighbouring Arabians on some by Arms on others by Benefits setting up a new Prince in Balsora who being of the Race of their antient Kings was lik't of by the Arabs and would be faithfull to the Turks whose Liberality under a shew of friendship Veyl'd their ambition of ruling This mans pretensions whom the Turks saluted for King others write at large I omit the relation as importune to the Reader and from the design of the History 37. The Governour resolv'd to send Dom Manoel de Lima for the Fortress of Ormus which came to him by the Death of Dom Manoel da Sylveita that as the Perquisits of the place he should take on him the obligation of managing the Warr against the Turks the Fortress of Dio being once more left as a Stone of offence rejected by the Builders for no Gentleman would remain there with only the care of the Fortifications Dom Iohn Mascarenhas carrying away with him the glory of the danger I know not if the affairs of India are now held in the same respect The Governour was troubled the Theater of so many Victories should be laid aside which Dom Iohn Mascarenhas hearing offer'd that Winter to continue in the place a thing taken very well by the Governour who told him whilst the Fortress was finishing 't would be Wall'd by his reputation and that it may be known how facil this so great Personage was in confirming other mens deserts I 'le set down a Letter he writ to his Son Dom Alvaro upon Dom Iohn Mascarenhas going to Goa to take passage for the Kingdome There comes by this occasion Dom Iohn Mascarenhas the same the Pagans and Moors take him for I who am a good Christian make the same confession of his Courage having in all the Fights found him always at my side He goes to embark for the Kingdome I ask it of you to entertain him as you would my own Person and not to consent he should Lodge any where but with you which yet is below his merits I hope in God he will in a little time return to these Parts to correct my Defects He
the sight of Iuzarcaon and other Commanders pinion'd who represented the Tragedy of their Fortune for them compassionate to us pleasant there were seen six hundred Prisoners dragging their Chains after them after them the Field-pieces with different and numerous Arms. The Ladies from their Windows sprinkled the Triumpher with distill'd waters of diverse Spices The Officers through whose hands past the Gold and other rich Commodities came and made him voluntary offerings the equal disposition of their affections being more Valuable then the Triumph The beautify'd and open Churches shew'd their acceptance and thanks In this order he went to Visit the Cathedral the Mother-Church of the East where the Bishop and Clergy receiv'd him with the Hymn Te Deum Laudamus being entred into the See with Religious offerings he acknowledg'd the Author of Victories and it being now late with little Ceremony retir'd to the Palace one days time being too narrow for the Majesty of the Triumph THE LIFE OF DOM IOHN DE CASTRO The Fourth BOOK THere were but few Kingdoms in the East which in the Government of Dom Iohn de Castro did not Alarme that State by diverse Rumours of Warr by either Arms against us or against one the other inviting our Forces to make Peace or forward the Victory the East also saw him often girt his Sword for the cause of Religion 1. King Iohn had sent to the Island of Zeilan some Franciscan Friars exemplary in their Lives and Doctrine that by Martyrdome and Preaching they might bear witness of the truth of the Gospel that being our Prince's greatest concernment whose Banners Asia saw oftner display'd in reverence to Religion then ambition of Empire These Friars on their Landing in the Island were by the King of Cotta civilly entertain'd the Sun of Righteousness beginning once more to rise in the East That Paganism began to Listen to the Voice of Heaven and that Barren ground to answer the pains by its Improvement by the coming in of infinite Sheep to the Sheep-fold of the Church 2. Those Embassadours of the Gospel went forward to give News of the Light to the King of Candea in the heart of the Island whom they found Courteous in the entertainment of their Persons flexible to the obedience of their Doctrine He was instructed in the mysteries of our Belief that with a stronger Faith he might wash in the waters of Baptism He gave the Friars ground Materials and Money for the Building a Church that being the first Fortress the Conquest of the Gospel rais'd in the Island against the delusions of Idolatry for of the Preaching of the Apostle Saint Thomas if it reach't so farr neither had their Understandings any light nor their Country memory 3. That Prince shew'd himself obedient to the precepts of our Religion but not constant for the fear of his Subjects revolting on his change of Doctrine made him not to lose what he Esteem'd forsake what he was Convicted of for as a Plant not yet Rooted the force of human perswasion enclin'd him either way The Religious men endeavour'd to take those Rubbs out of the way of Life by assuring him that under the protection of our Religion and Arms he might secure both Crowns for the State was at that time Govern'd by Dom Iohn de Castro who for the propagation of the Faith us'd to venture his Blood for his Friends the State 4. The King listned to the proposition saying if the Governour would send him Relief he would not only himself profess the Faith but preach it to his Subjects One of the Friars carry'd this resolution to Goa the Governour certify'd of the cause of his coming desir'd the Conversion of that Prince as his greatest business in the East not less zealous in giving Children to the Church then Victories to the State He immediately dispatch't Antonio Moniz Barretto with seven Fly-boats and Orders that if he found any of our Ships at Sea to carry 'em with him writ honourable Letters to the Prince which he accompany'd with several Presents but leaving Antonio Moniz at Sea we will to observe the order of time in the Relation of successes speak of the taking of Baroche 5. The Governour had dispatch't from Dio Dom Iorge de Menezes to commit all imaginable Hostilities in the Bay of Cambaya to show the Sultan the edge of our Arms was not Blunted by their former Execution Dom Iorge took some Vessels of Provision going to furnish the Enemies Ports that those the Sword had spar'd might be made an end of by Famine He came one Evening in sight of the City Baroche whose stately Buildings presented him with the Politeness of Europe 'T was situated on an Eminency surrounded with Brick-walls which were more for shew then defence yet were there diverse Bull-works to be seen made not without some in-sight in Fortification furnish't withstore of Ordnance which commanded the entrance into the Haven The height of the situation discovered the Gates to be of square Stone polish't and the correspondency of Turrets and Windows argued the wealth and policy of the Inhabitants The Trade of the place was in very fine Silks a Commodity exported thence to many Ports of the East Madre Maluco was Lord of the City and had Tributary the Neighbouring Villages which by their fertility and bigness made him up a moderate Seignory 6. Our men had by chance taken a little Boat of Fisher-men Natives of the place who upon enquiry told what we have related of the City and upon Iorge's desire to know what Garrison was in the place had said that Madre Maluco had carry'd all the Souldiery to Amadabat the Sultan's Court and at present were remaining only some Artisans and other Trades-men Dom Iorge thinking the occasion opportune for assaulting the City though his strength was not proportionable to such a design yet events depending on accidents resolv'd to run his Fortune and to amuse the Inhabitants in security steer'd an other course Sailing by a different Rumbe taking along with him the Fishermen to be his Pilots in the entrance At night the whole Fleet tacking about stood up with the Port and getting all on Shore the Enemies confidence or negligence being unprovided of any Defence or Sentinel fell upon the Unarm'd and weak Multitude when the Night Confusion and Sleep run 'em upon the danger they avoided miserably wandering they shun'd their own as Enemies flying from those who fled themselves The skreeks of the Children stirr'd not up in their Parents any Compassion less Vengeance for the suddain fear gave 'em over to the basest affections of Nature the Crys and Laments of the Women discovered them their Ah me being their greatest danger those who by flying into Houses scap't the Sword were in them consum'd by the Fire the poor people having no remedy against but choice of their Death the Invasion and Sack was at the same time the Slaughter as in a Fight
Abranchez Dom Iorge of ' Eca Dom Bernardo da Sylva Vasco da Cunha Francisco de Lima Francisco da Sylva de Menezes Dom Iorge de Menezes Baroche Manoel de Sousa de Sepulveda Cide de Sousa Duarte Pereira Diogo de Soufa Garcia Rodriguez de Tavora Dom Iohn de Attayde Dom Iohn Lobo Gaspar de Miranda Dom Bras de Almeyda Iorge da Sylva Dom Pedro de Almeyda Pedro de Attayde Inferno Antonio Moniz Barretto Cosme Eanes Secretary Melchior Correa Sebastion Lopez Lobatto Antonio de Sa Alvaro Serraon Dom Antonio de Noronha Diogo Alvarez Tellez Antonio Henriquez Aleixo de Abreu Antonio Diaz Balthasar Diaz Balthasar Lopez da Costa Damiaon de Sausa Manoel de Sa Fernaon de Lima Alonso de Bonifacio Antonio Rebello Antonio Rodriguez Pereira Melchior Cardoso Cosme Fernandez Nuno Fernandez Francisco Marquez Dâ—arte Diaz Diogo Goncalvez Francisco Alvarez Francisco Varella Luis de Almeyda Francisco de Britto Goncalo Gomez Gregorio de Vasconcellos Gomez Vidal Captain of the Governours Life-guard Antonio Pessoa Purveyor of the Navies Provision Goncalo Falcaon Goncalo de Valladarez Galaor de Barros Gaspar Pirez Iohn Fernandez de Vasconcellos Fernand ' Alvarez Iohn Soarez Ignacio Coutinho Ioaon Cardoso Ioaon Nunez Homem Ioaon Lopez Lopo de Faria Manoel Pinto Lopo Soarez Manoel Pinheiro Lopo Fernandez Manoel Affonso Marcos Fernandez Nuno Goncalvez de Leaon Pero de Caceres Pero de Moura Ruy Pirez Pero Affonso Pero Preto Luis Lobatto Simaon de Areda Francisco de Cunha Simaon Bernardez Thome Branco chief Pilot of the Coast Coge Percoli Interpreter the Ships also which came from Cochim were Commanded by our men there were in this Conserve some Ships of particulars who out of kindness to the Governour freely serv'd the State 44. The Governour with all the Fleet came to an Anchor at Bacaim whence he sent some Spies to Cambaya to observe the Enemies force and design whose strength was in all those Ports talk't of with fear and amasement and the Guzarats out of pride or credulity gave it out the Sultan might at that time bring the State under his Lash here the Governour had intelligence that Caracem Son-in-law to Coge-Sofar on presumption of the Neighbourhood of the Army was with a small Garrison in the Fortress of Surat Dom Iohn de Castro desiring to set on some of those places which took shelter under the Enemy sent his Son Dom Alvaro with sixty Sail to go up the River of Surat and to employ some Person of trust to observe the state of the Fortress or get intelligence with what Provisions or Garrison Caracem was there and if he thought he could by Scaling take the Fortress immediately to give an assault for by the print of his footsteps he would come to his Relief 45. Dom Alvaro arriv'd with his Fleet at the first Road lying in the mouth of the River and presently sent off Dom Iorge de Menezes Baroche with six Fly-boats to survey the Fortress Dom Iorge went up the River Rowing softly till coming in sight of the Fortress they Shot at him those in the Boats either out of fear or caution immediately went about though Dom Iorge hal'd 'em to stay Here was the greatest danger where none was apprehended for from a Colony of the Abessines which lies upon the River came repeated Shot which Dom Iorge observing went on Shore and entring the Village gain'd the Guns of the Redouts with so great courage and presence of mind as to carry 'em on Board maugre the resistance of those who came to the rescue this security heightned the opinion of our strength the Enemy perhaps measuring our force by our daring 46. Dom Alvaro having sent Dom Iorge before with the Fly-boats sent after him two more Commanded by Francisco da Sylva de Menezes and Iohn Fernandez de Vasconcellos who desiring some intelligence from the Shore came to Anchor at a Road a little short of the Colony of the Abessines whence they sent off some Mariners to water who getting on Shore walk't about a Canon-shot Caracem at the report of the Guns which as we now said were Shot from the Abessines Colony sent five hundred Turks to their Relief who found the Posts lost and the Guns on Board and Marching on were discovered by the Mariners who were getting water and gave the Alarm to Francisco da Sylva that the Enemy appear'd Francisco da Sylva seconded by Iohn Fernandez de Vasconcellos went to their Relief and forming a close Body invested the Turks and Routed 'em some remaining Dead on the place by the Shot of our Musquetteers Dom Iorge in his return seeing the Boats at an Anchor and our men Fighting on shore turn'd his Ships head to the Land and came seasonably to charge the Enemy who retir'd flying leaving some of their Companions dead on the place This Victory cost us one Souldier 47. Our men got on Board and in Company of Dom Iorge went toward the Fleet who reporting his success and observations to Dom Alvaro 't was thought by the Officers the atchievement was not seasonable the Fleet being discovered and the Coast alarm'd only Dom Iorge obstinately insisted that they ought to fall upon the Fortress his height of mind being the best argument but the contrary opinion was so strongly urg'd that the most happy success could not have been faultless 48. While Dom Alvaro was in the River of Surat the Governour at Bacaim dispatch't diverse affairs and being Facetious as well as Valiant gave out He was going to surprise the Sultan in Amadabat where in sight of the Turks who guarded him he would roast him Alive and this report being by so great Victories credited 't was current amongst these timerous and credulous Moors The Governour to advance their fear or his own gallantry bespoke some great Spits as one who in the interval of more weighty business delighted in Witty diversion The Souldiers of those times us'd to wear at their Girdles little bright Axes which serv'd to cut the Rigging and Tackling of their Prizes as also to break open Chests and Bundels this was the true use the first a pretence The Governour not liking Arms design'd for so mean service and seeing by chance Fausto Serraon de Calvos a spruce Souldier pass by with an Ax told him that only a Sword became men of honour Sir answer'd the Souldier without this Ax your honours Spits will be of little use because we shall not be able to Roast the King of Cambaya whole 49. The Governour went to joyn his Son at the Barr of Surat where he had intelligence the Fortress was Reliev'd from thence with all his Fleet together he went to Baroche from that Port dispatch't Francisco de Sequeins Commander of the Naires of Cochim to sound the River and see what was to be done informing himself by his sight of the conditions of the Fortress This Captain went up the River till he came in sight of
of Europe He without any opposition subjected the Country forcing some few of our Souldiers to retreat to the Fortress of Rachol who advis'd Goa of the strength of the Enemy 58. Upon this advice Dom Diogo de Almeyda by Counsel of the Bishop then Governour and of some Gentlemen and Souldiers resolv'd to dislodge the Moors with the standing Militia before they Encamp't themselves and increasing in strength and boldness fac't the Walls of Goa the Metrâ—politan City The men who were to go with him being appointed and ready to March the Magistracy and Government of this City came expostulating and protesting against their going that the Head of the State was not to be ventured on so disproportionable Forces that the Governour was at Bacaim with a Fleet full of Victorious Souldiers able to chastise the Enemy against whom he would bring as a second Army his Fame and Fortune 59. The dispute continued so hot betwixt the Souldiers and Citizens as to come near Sedition and Mutiny these standing for the preservation of the City the other on the reputation of our Armies the difference was at last decided and compos'd that the Governour being so near should be acquainted with the business who understanding the Civil Government intermedled in ordering the Warr chid sharply their animosity allow'd and confirm'd Almeyda's resolution of finding out the Enemy sending him orders to stay with his men at Pangim where he would in few days joyn him 60. Dom Iohn de Castro had scarce laid down his Pen with which he writ for the Kingdome when he again took in hand his Sword the same day he receiv'd the advice he commanded a great Gun to be Shot off to warn the Fleet to be in readiness to weigh and the next set Sail with the whole Armado and Coasting went in sight of the City Dabul famous for the marks our Arms had before left there and now the chief Scale of Hidalcaon's Ports at a distance were seen a great many Gardens Orchards and proud Buildings which shew'd the Luxury and Grandeur of the Inhabitants the City contains about four thousand Families hath two Forts and some Redouts which defend the entrance into the Harbour and though the Action requir'd much Deliberation the Governour resolv'd on the undertaking 61. The Fleet that Evening went Coasting in sight of the City observing its Anchorage and Defence the next Morning by break of day the Governour commanded his Son Dom Alvaro with two thousand men to go into Boats and get on Shore he being one of the first who amongst many repeated Shot got footing here was the Enemies resistance in hindering or retarding our passage the Battail was for some time without inclining the place and cause heightning their Bravery in Fighting the Crys of Women and Children in their Ears made them receive Wounds without pain or fear the Dead who fell were not an example for their Fear but Vengeance The Blood ran down on both sides and the resoluteness of both parties made the success Contingent when the Governour with the rest of his men came in and charg'd the Enemy so home as he began to abate in his Defence they were by degrees giving ground till by a declar'd flying they left us the Victory The Governour mingled with the Moors entred the City where many Dy'd in sight of their Wives they could neither forsake nor defend The slaughter was succeeded by Covetousness the Booty was not inferiour to the Victory the Vessels of the Fleet could scarce take in the pillage The City in a few hours was Consum'd by a Lamentable fire its deplorable Ruins once more preserving the memory of this and a former Destruction We lost in this Action five Souldiers the Enemy two hundred the number of the Wounded was greater 62. The Governour leaving the City in Flames re-imbark'd and steer'd for Agacaim where he expected Dom Diogo de Almeyda with one hundred and fifty Horse and the standing Militia and with store of Barks to pass the men the Governour staid here one day to inform himself of the Enemies force and design and on the next the Apostle Saint Thomas's Eve resolv'd to fall on the Moors and in the Battail invoke the name of the Saint not to deprive him of the honour of the Protection of India purchas'd by his Preaching and shedding his Blood on the Cross of his Martyrdome 63. The Enemy was quartered at a Town call'd Morgaon not farr from Agacaim the Governour having notice of it form'd his men into two Battallions he gave the first to his Son Dom Alvaro de Castro the Companion of his Victories with him were the Naires of Cochim and Citizens of Goa the second which he kept for himself was made up of all the Gentlemen and Souldiers of the Fleet who in their Wings had the City-horse in this order did he March sending some Horse before to discover the Camp 64. The Moors were spread without Order or Discipline as men who neither fear'd nor expected an Enemy some of their Souldiers who went up and down the Camp spy'd our Colours and by their sight or intelligence knowing the Governour look't out for 'em went in a fright to advise Cala Batecaon aggravating our strength which their fear and the distance made greater The Turk alarm'd at the approach of so Victorious Arms was not Master of more consideration then by his Flight to be an example to his men they left in their quarters Tents Provision and Baggage and what meat was for Supper then almost ready for the difficulty of our March a most necessary and pleasant Booty The Governour by this Flight began to be in possession of the Land and Victory 65. The Moors went over a deep River only to be past by some Loggs of Wood laid across instead of a Bridge which the Enemy to hinder our persute cut in pieces yet in so much haste as the Earth which fell down left open a passage not without difficulty though without danger Dom Alvaro in this place set upon passing the River beginning to wade by few at a time as the straightness of the ground permitted 66. The Enemy was not so out of himself as to lose the occasion of Fighting on so eminent advantages He turn'd with his men to the River shewing us that so cautious fear was Stratagem The Moors charg'd our men as they were passing and so were timorous few and disordered The Governour with his Voice command and presence encourag'd them to go over but fear o'recame their Obedience the first turn'd back not without loss of Blood and with worse marks then their Wounds At this time the Governour 's impatience attempted the River in different places Dom Diogo de Almeyda waded it with a Troop of Horse finding where he went better Foording and Fortune for he fell in with the Moors General who was on Horse-back ordering and encouraging his men whom he set upon with
ceremonies protesting they would hold out the City as a Member of the State to which they were by obedience Vassals by affection Children but Dom Payo so carry'd himself as to forfeit the reputation of our Arms in the East in favour to so great a Family we will omit the particulars of the Story though by an other Pen written with more Liberty in ordinary History 80. The Citizens of Adem though ill protected by Dom Payo lost not their devotion to the State holding out the City with only the name of Portugal in their mouths and either not having or not desiring other protection resolv'd to send one of the Blood-Royal to the Governour to advise him of their condition on whose extremities he might raise a new Name by not sleighting the glory of helping the afflicted that the Prince of Adem would receive Laws and his Crown from the State to whom he would turn Feudatary with a gratefull and honourable Tribute 81. Dom Iohn de Castro was over-joy'd to hear the report of his Name and Victories reach't the Ears of Princes so remote heightning not only their Reverence but Subjection the message gave extraordinary content to Goa seeing their Governours fortune bring the State the felicity of the first discovery of India since where other Arms were scarce heard of his were Obey'd 82. The Governour gave the expedition to his Son Dom Alvaro who had so well deserv'd in all he undertook as it look't not like the election of a Father but of a publick Minister diverse old Cavalliers desir'd to accompany him whom the Governour by a modest decree took off commanding their stay in Goa because he should want 'em for more important business yet such was their eagerness on the expedition as they look't on the decree as a common grievance the fault of those times seem'd to be the ambition of dangers the Governour satisfy'd 'em and was content to see such Emulation begot under his Discipline He presently gave order for the Equipping and Victualling thirty Galleys and made Commanders of 'em Dom Antonio de Noronha Son of the Vice-King Dom Garcia Antonio Moniz Barretto who went Governour of the Fortress to be made in Adem Doâ— Pedro d' Eca Dom Fernando Coutinho Pero de Attayde Inferno Dom Ioan de Attayde Alvaro Paez de Sottomajor Fernaon Perez de Andrade Pero Lopez de Sousa Ruy Diaz Pereira Pero Botelho Porca Brother to Diogo Botelho one of the Infante Lewis's Family Alvaro Serraon Luis Homem Melchior Botelho Over-seer of the Revenue Gomez da Sylva Antonio da Veiga Luis Alvarez de Sousa Ioaon Rodriguez Correa Diogo Correa who came with the Embassadour of Adem Diogo Banho Pero Preto Alvaro da Gama and others 83. But few days before the Fleet weigh'd came to Goa an Embassadour from the King of Caxem from whom his Neighbours the Fartaques had usurp't a considerable part of his Kingdome He reigning on the Southern Shore of Arabia and knowing Adem was to be reliev'd by our Armado concluding that with the same Fleet we might restore him writ to the Governour that the Restitution of Caxem would not be less Laudable in the World then the defence of Adem Represented what secure entertainment our Fleet had found in his Ports reckon'd up those which at several times had Anchor'd there on which he was suspitious to the Turk offer'd also besides his Loyalty a reasonable Tribute The Governour considering that by those succours our Arms came into repute and got friends to the State ordered the same Fleet should countenance Caxem the atchieving both the one and other design being but the same Voyage and expence and because the Siege of Adem stood in need of speedy supplies the Governour fore-seeing the main Body of the Fleet would arrive too late and so frustrate the aim and design sent away Dom Iohn de Attayde with four Vessels to make his way into Adem and hold out the Siege till Alvaro's arrival Dom Iohn de Attayde set Sail the fresh North-west Winds endammag'd one of the Ships which arriv'd shattered the rest persu'd their Voyage 84. The Besiegers and Besieg'd in the mean time fought resolutely in Adem drawing Blood on both sides The weight of the Warr light upon some Portuguese of Payo's Fleet who shew'd from a mean Origine glorious Courage so engag'd in the resistance as if they had defended their own Country not a strangers Dominion these suffis'd to retard for many days the Turks Victory and being Souldiers of Fortune our Chronicles in ungratefull silence obscure their Names as if Virtue of necessity were to have noble Progenitors and these were for their own Actions less honourable then others for other men's I believe the great Ones have with injuring Nature set up new Laws not making only Estates but Deserts hereditary 85. Things in Adem being as we have said in that Contingency there appear'd a Fleet of Turks of nine Galleys Royal and some small Vessels which fac't the City and coming to Anchor out of the Bay got to Shore where they Pitch't their Tents and Fortify'd their Encamping advising the Bashaw to joyn 'em with his Army The Arabs on sight of so great numbers come against 'em came remissly to the Defence some Pusillanimous others out of Heart thought the Courage and Strength of the Enemy insuperable and at private meetings blam'd the King's amâ—ition of dilating his Crown with the Blood of his innocent Subjects not content with the fortune of his Predecessours but the Portuguese amongst 'em observing the brightest Fame work't out of difficulties forc't on the Arabs convincing the Resistance to be necessary and possible offering themselves afresh to be the voluntary Companions of their Fortune enough to put new Courage in 'em upon which they vow'd to Dye in their defence not so much out of Obligation as Example 86. The Turks Besieg'd the City by raising two Batteries with pieces on 'em of an extravagant bigness two amongst the rest by them call'd Quartaos carry'd a Bullet of four Palmes circumference which made more Ruins then Breaches in the Walls and from the danger taught the Besieged discipline who made their Retrenchments and Traverses within by which they entertain'd and blunted their assaults and made the Turk's Victory doubtfull and costly But Dom Payo de Noronha carry'd away by some resolute fatality depriv'd the Arabs of the Victory ours of the Honour sending private Orders to all the Portuguese to come and joyn him thus forsaking the defence of a Prince a Friend and Feudatory not complying with the obligation of either his Birth oâ— Office Most of the Portuguese obey'd only Manoel Pereira and Francisco Vieira two Souldiers of Fortune said the City was the Kings of Portugal and they would lose their Lives in the defence it appears the Warrs of those times seem'd to require first Courage then Discipline these two held out the City till the last day and gain'd more repute