anchor 8 Leagues below it in a Bay whence spreading his Fleet that no Ship might escape him he took several but was most severe with those of Calicut A Ship of great bulk called Meri belonging to the Sultan of Cayre most richly laden and full of many Moors of Quality who went Pilgrims to Meca fell so unexpectedly into our hands that she was taken without the least resistance and all the Goods shifted into our Ships But when 260 Moors perceived we were going to force the Vessel in which besides them were above 50 Women and Children laying hold of what Weapons were at hand they beat the Boats from the sides a Ship coming to her assistance was almost taken till another relieved it and the Admiral coming up the Enemies Vessel was boarded and after a couragious resistance taken and burnt with all that were in her except twenty Children who were afterwards baptized 4. The Admiral sailed to Cananor and had a meeting with the King upon the Shoar and Persons were appointed to confer about the business of Trade Then he sent a Letter to the King of Calicut signifying to him that the 260 Moors burnt in the Ship were upon account for the Portugueses killed by his People and the twenty Children made Christians for one Portugues turned Mahometan That this was but the earnest of revenge he would soon take upon his City Mean while they differed at Cananor about the Price of Spice and at last some few men were left there to agree the matter and many Threats sent the King for this usage Then he set forward to perform what he had promised at Calicut 5. As he coasted along there met him a Boat and in it four Noblemen sent by Zamori with offers extorted by fear Don Vasco thought they might be advantagious but resenting that the Proposal was to rest content with the dustruction of almost 300 Moors and a rich Ship in satisfaction for the loss of the Portugueses he returned answer that at his arrival he would burn and destroy the City The Fleet spread and took one Ship at anchor and some Boats The King prepared himself but to no purpose for the Cannon playing there was great distraction and confusion He hanged thirty Moors at the Yard Arms then cutting off their Heads Hands and Feet threw them into the Sea to be cast upon the Shoar by the Tide warning them it was but a merciful death to what he designed for the Murderers of the Portugueses Next the Ship taken was fired and then he sailed leaving that Prince and City in a Consternation 6. The King of Cananor through fear granted all he had denied to Entreaties And the Admiral arriving at Cochin and having seen the King perceived it was true as he had been informed that those three Kings had combined to make him winter there by fraud hoping thereby to destroy him finding a Fleet of 200 Sail they had fitted out for that purpose was utterly lost by Storms At length Peace and Amity was concluded with the King of Cochin which proved not only advantagious then but afterwards durable Don Vasco among other Presents gave him a Crown of Gold and he besides many other things of value sent the King a Stone of great worth as being a Sovereign Antidote against all Poyson This Stone of the bigness of a Hazle Nut is found in the Head of that Creature the Indians call Bulgodalf The King of Cananor understanding the good Correspondence there was between Vasco de Gama and him of Cochin and fearing our Fleet would not return to his Port declared he was as ready to comply with the Admiral as the other and received a satisfactory answer Here Don Vasco received Embassadors who said they came from some Christian Inhabitants of that Neighbouring Country the Metropolis whereof was Cranganor and they to the number of 30000 That St. Thomas had preached to their Forefathers that they were subject to the Patriarch of Armenia that they were infested by the Pagans that they knew he was an Officer of the most Catholick King of Europe to whom they submitted themselves delivering into his hands the Rod of Justice This Rod was Red about the length of a Scepter the ends tipt with Silver with three Bells at the top They were dispatched with hopes of a powerful assistance 7. Whilst the Ships were lading at Cochin a Bramen of Note with his Son and Nephew offered himself to Don Vasco signifying a desire of coming to Portugal to be instructed in the Faith and proposing methods of reconciliation with the King of Calicut He found credit because his Son and Nephew were to remain as Hostages and the Admiral sailed for Calicut in a great Ship accompanied by only one Caravel hoping to meet Vincent Sodre who was gon to set the Embassadors ashore But he being attacked by the Moors though he worsted them was gone to Cananor The Bremen was landed and carrying several Messages back and forward gave time for fitting 100 Paros or great Boats which suddenly one morning hemmed in the Admiral so boldly that many offered to board him with Fireworks to burn the Ship It began to take fire when cutting the Cable she put off the Fireship and the Boats to avoid it were discovered but much more by our Cannon which being at good distance took effect Sodre receiving advice by the Caravel the Admiral had sent when first he missed him came in good season and all together charged the Enemy in such manner they were put to flight with great loss The Hostages were hanged at the Yard Arms in sight of the City and then put into a Boat with a Letter for the King desiring him to accept of that Present in return for his Messengers contrivance The Admiral returned to Cochin and being dispatched left there in a wooden House built for that purpose with the King's leave a Factor and 32 Portugueses Then sailed with his ten Ships for Cananor not far from Pandarane there met him twenty nine of the King of Calicut He sent out three Vessels to engage the two foremost of the Enemies which was performed with such vigour that when the Admiral came up the two were taken the rest fled 300 Moors killed The Booty was considerable the chief thing an Idol of Gold weighing 30 pound of monstrous shape his Eyes were two Emrauds on his Breast was a very large Ruby and part of him covered with a Cloak of Gold set with Jewels Sodre was left there to guard the Coast and Factories the Admiral continued his Voyage He arrived at Lisbon with nine Ships richly laden and with publick pomp carried the Tribute he with much honour had received of Quiloa whereof the King ordered to be made a Custodium of Gold for the Church of our Lady of Bethlehem and gave all his share of such Prizes as should be taken to the use of that Structure CHAP. VII Conquests under King Emanuel from the Year 1503 till the Year 1505. 1.
all speed and they submitting he took the Pepper at their own rate without doing them any harm He hindred others from coming into that Harbour and returned to Cochin with the Glory of having struck a general terror through all that Coast. 9. King Emanuel being informed by D. Vasco de Gama how necessary it was to appear with a greater Force in India fitted out a Fleet of 13 Ships the biggest had yet been built in Portugal and gave the Command of them to Lope Soarez and in them 1200 men The first Land of India he touched at was Anchediva where Antony de Saldanna and Ruy Lorenco were refitting in order to cruise on the Coast of Cambaya upon the Moors of Meca But Lope Soarez took them along with him to Cananor where he staid to give the necessary Orders and then appearing before Calicut had some Prisoners who were taken in the late War delivered to him but because they did not give up all he battered the City two days wherein he ruined great part of it and killed 300 Inhabitants and then sailed to Cochin at the time that Pacheco was upon his return from Coulam The King informed him of the damage he received from Cranganor a Town but 4 Leagues distant and fortified by Zamori 10. Lope Soarez with great secrecy provided 20 Vessels and sailed with them up the River where he found 5 Ships and 80 Paraos well manned which two Ships of ours who had the Vanguard burnt after a sharp engagement Then he sailed on the Prince of Cochin was to join him but came late A multitude of Indians and Moors covered the Shoar who with Showers of Arrows endeavoured to hinder our landing but our Musquetiers made way and having reached the Town it was burnt down to the ground and the Prince of Calicut who was to have guarded it fled This Victory and another obtained by the King of Tanor against that Prince wherein Lope Soarez was to assist him though the Succour came late produced a friendly Peace with that King 11. Lope Soarez left Manuel Tellez Barreto with four Sail to secure the Fort of Cochin and set sail in order to return home with design first to fall upon Banane a Town subject to Calicut He was met by twenty Paraos who freely bestowed their Shot drawing him into a Bay where were seventeen great Ships well-stored with Cannon and with 4000 men The Ships were all burnt with their lading which was very rich and 700 Turks drowned besides what perished by Fire and Sword this Victory cost twenty three men It was the beginning of Ianuary when Lope Soarez sailed hence and he arrived at Lisbon on the 22d of Iuly with thirteen Victorious Ships laden with Riches three were of the foregoing years Fleet of his own he lost Peter Mendoza who being stâ—…nded 14 Leagues from Aguada de S. Bras was never more heard of One of the other three was that of Diego Fernandez Peteyra who after taking several Prizes on the Coast of Melinde discovered the Island Zocotora The King placed Duarte Pacheco who had so bravely defended Cochin by his side under a Canopy and went with him in that manner to Church to honour his great Valour But soon after imprisoned and suffered him to die miserably A terrible example of the uncertainty of Royal Favours and the little regard that is had to True Merit CHAP. VIII Conquests under King Emanuel from the Year 1505 and beginning of the Government of Don Francisco de Almeyda first Governour and Viceroy of India till the Year 1509. 1. BEfore these Discoveries the Spice was brought to Europe with vast trouble and charge The Clove of Malucco the Nutmeg and Mace of Banda the Sandal of Timor the Camfir of Borneo the Gold and Silver of Luconia and all the other Riches Spices Gums Perfumes and Curiosities of China Iava Siam and other Kingdoms were carried to the Market of the City Malaca seated in the Golden Chersonesus whence the Inhabitants of all the Western Countries as far as the Red Sea brought them dealing by way of barter for no Mony was used Silver and Gold being of less value there than with them that traded thither This Trade it was enriched the Cities of Calicut Cambaya Ormuz and Aden adding to what they brought from Malaca the Rubies of Pegu the Stuffs of Bengala the Pearls of Calicare the Diamonds of Narsinga the Cinnamon and richer Rubies of Ceylon the Pepper Ginger and other Spice of the Coast of Malabar and other places Nature had enriched therewith From Ormuz they were brought to Europe up the Persian Gulph to Bacora at the Mouth of Euphrates and thence distributed in Caravans through Armenia Trebisond Tartary Aleppo and Damascus and then at the Port of Barut upon the Mediterranean the Venetians Genoese and Catalonians laded with them to their respective Countries Such as came up the Red Sea were landed at Toro or Sues Towns at the bottom of that Streight thence went in Caravans to Grand Cayre so down the Nile to Alexandria and thence shipped off Many Princes and particularly the Soldan of Cayre being great losers by this new way found by the Portugueses they endeavoured to drive them out of India 2. The Soldan endeavoured to work his ends by a Wile and therefore gave out that he was going to destroy the Temple and Holy Places of Ierusalem Father Maurus of Mount Sinai fearing the execution offered to go to Rome to the Pope to procure an accommodation The Soldan who desired nothing more gave him a Letter to the Pope signifying that his Reasons for destroying those Places were in revenge of the damage done to his Trade The Pope sent the same Father Maurus to Portugal But the Purport of his Message being already known before his arrival the King made such Preparations that he returned with admiration carrying more from Portugal to relate at Cayre than he brought thence to recount here However the King gave considerable Alms for the Convent and answered the Pope shewing that his Intentions in those Eastern Discoveries tended to the Propagation of the Faith and extending the Jurisdiction of the See of Rome 3. On the 25th of March sailed from Lisbon a Fleet of twenty two Ships eleven of them were to return with Merchandise and eleven to remain in India they carried 1500 fighting men and were commanded by Don Franciso de Almeyda who went to govern in India with the Title of Viceroy and gave great demonstrations of his Prudence and Courage The second of Iuly hapned a terrible Storm which tearing to pieces the Sails of Diego Correas Ship carried three men overboard two were lost the third cried from the Water they should have an Eye after him for he would keep above water till the next morning and the next morning the Storm ceasing they took him up his name was Fernando Lorenço Don Francisco de Almeyda arrived at Quiloa with only eight Vessels the others were separated by stress of
Estate so that some have above 1000 this sacrifice is to obtain Riches for themselves revenge and destruction of their Enemies Many have in their Houses familiar Devils which they call Cutichates every Day they offer something to them they get by them and some have 300 of them They make them enter into the bodies of those they would be revenged of whereof they make great advantage for many pay to be delivered from them By the help of them converted into the shapes of Beasts they hurt People and infest whole Towns There are those living who have seen the Town of Cranganor burnt by this means At Pudiangale near Calicut a Woman had one of these and saw it in the shape of a Cock a Monkey and a little black Boy with a Truncheon in his Hand these are not punished in Malabar but their Kings make use of them in danger The very Heathens observe that all those who follow that course live and die miserably 3. In sickness they consult Wizards not Doctors they say a Devil causes the Disease and bringing him into the Sick Man make him tell the Reason of molesting him then they promise him something to go out again and he does it They think the Small-pox is Cured with an offering to Patracale who they affirm causes them The Gout they believe is caused by â—…ive she Devils like Sows tothem they offer Food fit for such Beasts that they may transfer the Disease to their Enemies 4. They adore and offer Sacrifice to venemous Snakes that they may not hurt with their Poyson The Lawyers on the first Day of September do the same to their Books 5. Their Baths are used rather to cleanse the Soul than the Body they know the ten Commandments but think not themselves bound by them It is a great Sin if a Nobleman is touched by one that is not such though he be never so great by learning by the Sword or by Virtue And even Riches there cannot prevail to gain this point The King of Travancoâ—… being resolved to become a Bramene though not of that descent was told he must first be bore of a Cow be made one of Gold so big that going into it he was born out of it he offered it to the Bramenes with a great Snm of Gold and obtained the dignity but not Hereditary 6. They purge themselves from venial Sins by putting their Heads under Water one of these is a Nobleman touching a Plebean and to prevent it the latter cries as he goes Po po po that is have a care another is touchâ—…ng the Dead or their Friends within fifteen Days another to touch Meat with the right Hand when they Eat another to touch them so touched or their Houses or Wells to touch another with the right â—…and whilst Eating to touch a grain of Rice fallen as it is taken up to touch a drop of Water disturbed by one not so noble Mortal Sins are not forgiven so he who commits them remains subject to Death and the Lord of the Earth as long as he lives The mortal are these To use Pots touched by Men deâ—…led to Eat Rice before Purification to Eat it boyled by a Man of base race to have to do with a Woman of that sort to Eat Rice into which is fallen the least grain out of another Man's plate 7. Their bathing is thus They believe the stone of the bath is the God Brama the lips of it Vistnu and all together Ixora When they go in their nakedness is covered with a rag or leafe in the Water they write Om with one Finger and throw Water over it with three believing the three Gods bathed there Then dividing the Water dip their Heads and after cast up some towards eight parts of the World offering Water to the eight Guardians thereof They call upon Siri Pagod and wash their Faces three times they also cast Water up towards Heaven offering it to the Sun then wash their Hands and Feet On the Palm of their left Hand they put Ashes of Cows-dung and sprinkle it and believe the left Hand is the Earth the right Heaven and and the Palm the place of Generation laying one Hand upon the other and shutting them close they say Let the end of the World come 8. This they do in imitation of Ixoras's Egg and think the upper Hand when opened represents Heaven the lower the Earth with the right Thumb they write upon the Ashes Iara that is the Fight that was in the Egg between Fire and Water Then that all their limbs may be sanctified they touch with their Hand the principal parts of the Body from the privy parts to the crown of the Head and the Ears Elbows Knees and great Toes They hold their hands as if they gave something to two Spirits who they say attend on us writing our good works on the right Hand and the bad on the left the same they do to the eight Guards of the World turning about The last ceremony is to rub the Forehead Shoulders and Breast with Ashes taken with two Fingers and the Thumb of the right Hand in honour of the three Gods 9. The bathing called Titan performed in the Sea is very solemn before it they perform a ceremony in which they offer 〈◊〉 a sort of flowers prostrating themselves three times on the ground once in reverence to the Pagod once to the Sun and once to the Sea The chief places they resort to for this bathing are three on the Coast of Travancor viz. Baçora Rettorâ—… and 〈◊〉 the Days appointed are the first of each Moon chiefly those of Iuly and Ianuary but if the New-Moon fall on a Wednesday it adds so much to this devotion that the Mountains and Valleys can scarce contain the multitude of Pilgrims that resort from above Five hundred Leagues distance of all Sexes Ages and conditions and all a foot Above all others the Ganga of Bengala is held in veneration for this washing 10. Ashes of Cows dung is their chief Purgation powdering their Forehead Shoulders and Breast with it the more of it their Iogues or Religious Men have upon them the more Holy they are reputed they carry it in purses to recompence the Alms that are given them The Reason they esteem this Powder is this Ixora was sanctified by the Ashes of Gevelinga Vistnu desiring to partake of this blessing and impart it to Mankind carryed a Cow to 〈◊〉 where she got a mouthful of that dust Vistnu took her dung in which was that Ashes she had Eaten and burning it made more Ashes which he shared with Man 11. They also dissolve the same dung and sprinkle their Houses and Highways with it to purify them with this is the way dayly sprinkled through which Zamâ—…ri goes from his Pallace to the Pagod and his Table cloth and a Gold dish on which the Meat is brought As soon as they see a Cow piss they run and catch it in their hands drink part and sprinkle
them and that in that of Coulam was the burying place of Sibila Indica by whose advice King Perimal of Ceylon went to the Coast of Mascate to meet the other two Kings that were going to adore Christ newly born at Bethlehem That the same King at the Intreaty of the Sibil brought her the Picture of the Blessed Virgin which was kept in the same Tomb. This was the Invention of the Relicts of that Heavenly Messenger in India And gave occasion to build the City at this time called S. Thomas a Portugues Colony in the Port of Paleacate seven Leagues from the Ruins of the most ancient Meliapor CHAP. VIII Continues the Government of D. Duarte de Meneses from the Year 1522 till the Year 1524 King John then reigning 1. ANtony de Miranda de Azevedo was this year Commander of the Fort of Pacem in the Island Sumatra On the Western Coast of this Island are six Moorish Kingdoms The chief was that of Pedir to which were subject those of Achem and Daga But falling to War that of Achem gained the Superiority He of Pedir took the protection of our Fort against his ill Fortune D. Andres Enriquez then commanded it sent to that Post from Portugal with D. Duarte de Meneses 2. The Tyrant of Achem scoured the Sea and Land with a great Power till coming to the City Pedir he endeavoured to draw to his snare the King who had taken the Portugues Protection To compass his Design he prevailed with the Men of that City to write a Letter to the King telling him he might safely come thither his Enemy being already expelled and that he might easily destroy him with the assistance of the Portuguses He gave credit to the letter desired the assistance of the Commander who gave him eighty Portugueses and two hundred Moors commanded by his Brother D. Emanuel in small Vessels of Oars The King marched along the Shore with above a thousand armed Elephants He was received at Pedir with feigned Joy and a Design to take him Prisoner that night which was deferred to secure the Portugueses The King being informed of the danger next day fled with two Elephants and some Men. The Portugueses were left on the Shore exposed to the Enemies Darts and Arrows D. Emanuel and thirty five of them were killed the rest fled With this loss D. Andres lost also the hopes of maintaining the Fort. He asked Provisions of Raphael Perestello who was at Charigam the chief Port of Bengala Dominick Seixas was immediately sent with a Ship who was stopped by thirty Portugueses who were turned Pirates in that Sea commanded by Games Iago Seixas landed at Tenacari to get Provisions and one Brito making himself Captain of the Pyrats Gago being dead and flying with a Vessel that was laden in the Port left Seixas and seventeen Portugueses ashore who were afterwards Slaves in the Kingdom of Siam Such is the Fate of those who trust them that have violated all human and divine Laws 3. D. Andres advertised the Governor of the Condition he was in desiring a Successor to command the Fort Lope de Azevedo was sent to whom he would not deliver the Post through Covetousness of acquiring more having already gained much there Azevedo returned to India The King of Achem over-runs all that Country with Fire and Sword enters the City Pacem with fifteen thousand Men and summons D. Andres to quit the Fort. He after sustaining three Assaults to save the Riches he had there withdraws leaving the Command to his Brother-in law Ayres Coello who couragiously took upon him this danger he saw the other shun But the Sea forced back D. Andres to the danger he avoided 4. D. Andres sailing for India met Sebastian de Sousa and Martin Correa with two Ships bound for the Island Banda to load Spices Sousa came from Madagascar whither he was sent by King Emanuel to build a Fort in Port Matatane which was not executed because the Ship wherein were the Materials for the Work was cast away These two Captains hearing by D. Andres the Condition of Pacem went directly to that Port. Ayres Coello had then stood a furious Assault with loss of a Post. The Enemy seeing this Relief abated of their heat and D. Andres after eight days resisting was forced back by the Weather Above eight thousand Enemies one night encompassed the Fort in which were three hundred and fifty Portugueses some sick some wounded and all spent with labour and watching With great silence they applied above seven hundred scaling Ladders and mounted with great Shouts The Dispute was hotly maintained on both sides till some Ships being fired gave light to each other and to level our Cannon which killed many of the Enemy and two Elephants The morning discovered two thousand Men slain about the Fort on our side only one Woman killed by an Arrow in her Chamber The remaining six thousand retired leaving half their scaling Ladders and Fire-works Nevertheless the Difficulties of maintaining the place considered it was resolved in counsel to abandon the Fort shipping all the Men and Goods and then giving fire to the rest The great Cannon were left full of Powder that when the Fire reached them they might burst Most of the Fort was destroyed but the Enemy coming in saved some Cannon which afterwards did us great harm The Portugueses lost some Goods in shipping and embarqued up to the Necks in Water with the Fright losing more Reputation by this Action than they had gained by the former This they were more sensible of when they met at Sea a more powerful Relief sent by our Friend the King of Aru who marched by Land with four thousand Men and Lope de Azevedo from whom D. Andres ill deserved it embarqued at Malaca with Ammunition to come to his Succour Sebastian Sousa prosecuted his Voyage to Banda and the Tyrant Achem followed the Fortune which had raised him above his own Hopes 5. At this time Martin Alfonso de Melo Coutino was gone for China not knowing what had been done by the Portugueses at Quantung He had four Ships and two joined them by the way They sent ashore for fresh Water and returned with Blood the Chineses being in Arms to receive them This drew them to a Battel in which most of the Portugueses perished some drowned some torn by the Cannon and some taken part whereof died miserably in the Prison at Quantung and twenty three were cut in peices as Spies and Robbers the last part of the Accusation being the truest Martin Alphonso and Duarte Coello returned to India 6. All things cannot be exactly related in order as they happened Malaca was streightned by the King of Bintam who sent a greater power against it and George de Albuquerque what he could against him under the Command of D. Sancho Enriquez whilst they prepared for a Sea-Fight there arose a violent storm which destroyed seventy Portugueses the whole being two hundred the Remainder escaped Let us
was the Reward those who deserved best found in Portugal where Heroick Actions were looked upon as Crimes and Crimes as Heroick Actions But his Fame will live for ever CHAP. X. Which ends the Government of Nuno de Cuna this same Year 1538 in the Reign of King John the Third and concludes the First Tome 1. THE Present sent by the King of Cambaya to the great Turk to obtain Succour from him was delivered together with the News of his Death The great Value of this Present demonstrated to that Prince the vast Riches of India and stirred up in him a desire of becoming Master of it He thought he might expel the Portugueses in the East and one of them a Renegado then at Constantinople promoted the Design by making it easie 2. The Turk ordered a Fleet to be fitted and gave the Command of it to the Eunuch Solyman Bassa Governor of Caire Solyman was a Greek Janisary born in the Morea of stature short his Face ugly and Belly so big he was more like a Beast than Man his Age eighty years he could not rise up without the help of four Men. His Purse purschased him this Command offering the Turk to furnish the Shipping at his own Cost The better to perform this he put to death many rich Men to seize their Estates Among others he hanged Mir Daud King of Theâ—…ayda after taking from him a great Sum of Mony So it might well be said this Fleet was rather built by the Dead than by the Living It contained seventy Sail most large Gallies well stored with Cannon Ammunition and Provisions seven thousand Land-Men Janizaries Turks and Mamalucs the Seamen and Slaves of the best many of the latter taken out of the Venetian Gallies then at Alexandria which were seized upon the Peace made by Bajazet in the year 1503 being now broke 3. Solyman having set out committed Villanies natural to a Tyrant and Coward as he was He caused four hundred Soldiers to be put to the Oars and because they complained put to death two hundred He thought to have taken the King at Gidda but he who well knew him escaped At Zebet after receiving a rich Present he beheaded the King In like manner after receiving a Present and Relief from the King of Aden counterfeiting he had many sick Men aboard they were set ashore privately armed and seized the City while he murdered the King aboard About the beginning of September he came before Diu having lost six Vessels by the way 4. When King Badur was killed upon the Sea with some of his Reâ—…inue one Coje Zofar swam to shore and was well received by the Portugueses who put all others to the Sword He upon several occasions shewed himself so grateful that Nuno de Cuna much favoured and recommended him earnestly to Antony de Silveyra At last without any provocation he fled from Diu to the new King of Cambaya offering his Service and persuading him to war upon the Portugueses and drive them from that Coast affirming it might be easily done with the assistance of the Turkish Fleet which he knew would soon be there The King with this Encouragement forms a Body of five thousand Horse and ten thousand Foot at Champanel The first that appeared was Coje Zofar with three thousand Horse and four thousand Foot maintained by himself knowing it is suspicious to advise dangerous Enterprizes and not have part in them Antony de Silveyra having notice hereof provided for a long and dangerous Siege 5. Coje Zofar made the first Breach falling upon the Town of the Rumes near Diu where he did much harm Francis Pacheco defended himself bravely in a Bulwark with fourteen Portugueses till relieved by Antony de Silveyra and Zofar was obliged to draw off being wounded in the Arm. At the same time appears Alu Cham the King's General with all the Army and he and Zofar set down before the Passes Antony de Silveyra orders the Officers commanding them to quit those Posts the better to maintain the City and Fort. In the Execution of these Orders they lost some Ships and Guns 6 By reason of this Loss and because there were many private Enemies who only waited an opportunity of shewing their malice Silveyra could not maintain the City Some he hanged and retired to the Fort always taking the Advice of his Captains Alu Cham and Coje Zofar presently possessed themselves of the City and Island abandoned by us and began to play their Shot vigorously Lope de Sousa who guarded the Wood and Water whereof the Fort stood in need had several Rencounters and slew many of the Enemy without losing one Man but was himself much wounded Antony de Silveyra hearing of the approach of the Turkish Fleet with speed sent advice thereof to Nuno de Cuna the Answer was the Diligence wherewith he prepared to relieve him in person 7. Michael Vaz a resolute Man sent by Silveyra to discover saw the Enemies Fleet and the better to view it came up so near that their Shot reached his Vessel He got off and carried the News to the Governor at Goa The Fleet came to an Anchor in the Harbour and was now formidable not only to those few Portugueses but even to the Moors who had expected it Next day Solyman landed six hundred Janizaries well accoutred and armed with Bows and Musquets to terrifie the Beholders They entered the City and there acted all the Insolencies used among Soldiers Then drawing near the Fort they killed six Portugueses but three hundred of our Musqueteers advancing killed fifty of them and forced the rest to retire 8. A storm obliged Solyman to remove to Madrefavat a safer Harbour There he continued twenty days in which time Silveyra bettered the Fortifications planted his Artillery and assigned every Man his Post. The same was done by the Turks assisted by Coje Zofar Some of their Cannon played upon a Bulwark to burn which they built a wooden Castle on a great Barque filled with combustible Matbut Francis de Goveâ—… who had his Command by Sea went out by night and with great difficulty got to and burnt it At this time came some relief sent by Nuno de Cuna yet the greatest Comfort they brought was the hopes of his coming after in person 9. Solyman returns from Madrefavat and fires his Cannon upon the Bulwark where Francis de Gouvea commanded from whence and from S. Thomas his Tower he was so well answered that one of his Gallies sunk with most of the Men. The greatest harm the Portugueses received was from their own Cannon which burst and killed some for the Enemy only killed two Brothers whose Mother took them in her Arms and carried off the Bodies without shedding a tear Zofar now furiously battered Francis Pachecho's Bulwark which he rendered not tenable seven hundred Janizaries assaulted it and set up their Colours but some of the scattered Portugueses advancing fell on dislodged them and killed one hundred and fifty The Dispute lasted
repaid the Courtesie so fortunately that a Ball falling among the Enemies Powder did great harm and they quitted the Work The like success was against two lesser Works so that our Fleet entred without further resistance Don Francisco was told the King was prepared and had hired 1500 Archers of the Cafres besides his own men He sent a message to him but was not hearkned to and only answered that the Moors of Mombaça were not to be frighted with the noise of Cannon like those of Quiloa Don Francisco enraged that some men had been wounded attempting to burn the Ships of Cambaya in the Port without succeeding landed his men and marched to the City 8. He entred the Town the 15th of August and drove the Enemy out at the other end and among them the King whose Pallace he had possessed himself of and planted thereon a Cross and here received the News of the Victory at Sea the Ships having been burnt as he ordered In this Action were lost five Portugueses of the Moors 1513 killed and 1200 taken whereof he kept but 200 discharging the rest the Ships being heavy with Plunder after which the City was burnt to the ground Some of the Ships which had been separated by the Storm joyned the Fleet here Don Francisco dispatched two before him to carry the News of what he had done and the necessary Orders till he came He set out for India with 14 Ships and anchored in the Bay called Angra de Santa Elena where he found Iohn Homem Captain of a Caravel who having been distressed by Weather had discovered some Islands and met some of the Ships that had lost the Fleet. Sailing thence the first Port of India where he touched was Anchediva 9. Anchediva as was said before is the chiefest of five Islands where the King had ordered a Fort to be built which was now put in execution Hither the King of Onor sent Embassadors to Don Francisco with Presents Hither came to meet him Considerable Men though Merchants assuring him of the Good Affection of their Prince to the Portugueses Hither the Neighbouring Moors of Cincatora brought Gifts to him All was the effects of Fear produced by the Fame of his Actions He was informed there was not far from him a Fort strong by Nature as well as Art built by the Prince Sabago and garrisoned with 800 men being seated on the Banks of the River Aliga and Borders of Onor he sent his Son Don Lorenço on pretence of a Friendly Visit to take a view of it which he effected remaining there some days 10. The Fort being finished he put a Captain and 80 men into it leaving a Galeon and two Brigantines to cruise there and then sailed to the Port of Onor He was ill received and resolved to shew himself as terrible there as he had done at Mombaça and Quiloa The Inhabitants perceiving it amused him with excuses till they had secured their Wives Children and Goods in a neighbouring Mountain and then appeared with shouts and motions endeavouring to terrifie rather than seem fearful Don Francisco marched by land and sent his Son with 150 men in Boats to burn some Ships and though innumerable Arrows flew and Don Francisco was wounded with one the Town and Ships were fired at the same time The Wind being in our mens Faces the Smoak of the Fire did them much harm but Don Lorenço taking a compass avoided it and fell upon 1500 of the Enemy The confusion was great on both sides but more on ours our men beginning to give ground till Don Francisco coming up they took heart and drove the Enemy to the Mountain Timoja Governour of the City and Owner of some of the Ships that were burnt and a man of Graceful Presence with discreet words appeased Don Francisco and stopt the ensuing ruin He excused his King and in his Name offered Vassalage to Portugal This done Don Francisco sailed to Cananor CHAP. IX Conquests under King Emanuel in the Year 1506 and Government of the Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeyda 1. BEcause the Government of Don Francisco de Almeyda was the Foundation of our Security and Conquests in India it will be necessary here to say some things of its Ports and Chief Places along the Sea Coasts Asia is divided from Europe by the River Don or Tanais and the Euxine or Black Sea and Streights of the Dardanels From Africk by the Red Sea and a Line drawn from Suez the utmost Port thereof to the Mediterranean cross that narrow Neck of Land which joyns these two parts of the World and is 24 Leagues in length The different Religions there practised may be reduced to four principal ones the Christian the Mahometan the Pagan and the Jewish That part of Asia which makes most to our purpose may be divided into nine parts as it runs along the Coast. The first beginning to the Westward commences at the Mouth of the Red Sea in 12 d. 40 m. of North Latitude and reaches to the Gulf of Persia. From the Mouth of the Red Sea to the City Aden is 44 Leagues thence to Cape Fortaque in 14 d. 30 m. Latitude 100 Leagues with these Towns Abian Ax Canacan Brun Argel Zehel the Metropolis Herit Cayem Fartach Hence to Curia Muria 70 Leagues in which are the City Dolfor famous for Frankincense and 20 Leagues beyond it Norbate From Curia Muria to Cape Raâ—… Alegate in 22 d. 30 Latitude 120 Leagues all barren and desert Here begins the Kingdom of Ormus and hence to Cape Mozandan are 90 Leagues with these Cities Colagate Curiate Mascate Soar Calata Orfacam Doba and Lima 8 Leagues from Monbazam which Ptolomy calls Cape Assaborum in 26 degrees of North Latitude All this tract the Arabs call Ayaman and we Arabia Felix because the most fruitful and best inhabited of all Arabia The second division contains 200 Leagues from Cape Iaques to the Mouth of Indus is called Chirman divided into the two Kingdoms Macran and Madel with these Towns Guadel Calara Tibique Calamate Goadel and Diul this Coast is barren and much of it desert because of the shoal Water The third contains 150 Leagues 38 from Diul to Cape Iaquete thence to Dio in the Kingdom Guzarata 50 with these Towns Cotinna Mangalor Chervar Patan and Corinar from Dio to Cambaya 50 Leagues and these Towns Madrafavat Moha Talica Goda and Gundin Between Cambaya and Iaquete is included a part of the Kingdom of Guzarata and the Mountain Country of the Resboutos The fourth contains 290 Leagues and is the most pretious part of India and most frequented by the Portugueses This division is subdivided into three parts by two Rivers that run from East to West The first separates the Kingdom of Decan from that of Guzarat which lies North of it the second parts Decan from Canara on the South There are other Rivers which all have their Springs in the Mountain Gate The chief of all those Rivers is called Ganga or
observed that many were wounded with their own Arrows there being none used among the Portugueses 4. Coje Atar considering the damage received and what might ensue called a Council where it was agreed to submit to what was demanded by Albuquerque The Articles were drawn and sworn to by both Parties their substance was that the King of Ormuz did submit himself to King Emanuel with the Tribute of 15000 Xeraphines yearly a Xeraphin is worth about half a Crown and should assign the Portugueses place to build a Fort. The Fort was imdiately begun and much advanced in few days but Coje Atar could not bear with it He feigned Embassadors were come to receive the Tribute they used to pay the King of Persia and therefore desired Albuquerque to give them an Answer since his King was now subject to the Crown of Portugal He guessed at the design and bid Coje Atar send somebody to him who might carry the Answer the Messengers being come he put into their Hands Bullets and Spears telling them that was the Coin the Tribute should be paid in Coje Atar finding his Plot fail endeavoured to corrupt our Men with Mony He prevailed with five Seamen one of them a Founder who cast some Cannon there and another who informed him that our men were not compleat 460 whereby animated he studied to break the Peace refusing to deliver up those men and pretending at the same time it was Albuquerque that broke it 5. Albuquerque began to revenge this affront but with little success because the Captains employed opposed it Coje Atar perceiving this at Night fired a Boat we were building on the Shoar and one of the Portugues Deserters cried from the Wall Alfonso de Albuquerque defend the Boat with your 400 men and you shall meet 700 Archers Nor was it to be admired those vile Wretches should offer these and other Reproaches since some of the Captains gave intelligence to the Enemy and persuaded those five to desert Albuquerque burning with Rage attempted to fire some Ships in the Arsenal and failed He resolved to besiege the City and having taken some that carried in Provisions cut off their Hands Ears and Noses and sent them in to the great terror of all There was a hot dispute about filling up some Wells that supplied the Besieged in so much that they were filled with Carcasses of Men and Horses the Captain and Guard that maintained them being all slain The King and Coje Atar came to second this Action and Albuquerque was in great danger his retreat being cut off but a fortunate Cannon Ball opened a way putting the Enemies Horse into confusion Albuquerque in these Actions found his men ill disposed to obey among the rest three Captains resolving to leave him and sail for India drew up a Paper of Reasons why he ought to desist from that Enterprize which he gave to one of the Masons to lay under a Stone in the Work saying he had answered and would be glad to see who durst remove the Stone to read his Answer None replied But offended with this and each fearing he should not have the Command of the Fort when built the three put in execution their design of quitting him This troubled Albuquerque yet he resolved not to desist though two Captains that staid with him opposed him desirous to accompany the others but he used them with such severity that they were forced to obey him From Baharem to Queixome sailed a Fleet with relief of Men and Provisions Albuquerque having pursued and missing of it fell upon a Country House of the Kings guarded by 300 Foot and 60 Horse and beat them out killing 80 with the loss of one man He returned to Queixome and fell upon 500 Archers sent to the King of Ormuz by him of Lara under the Command of his two Nephews and slew them and most of their men having but 80 with him the Brothers he sent to Coje Atar as a Present The Town was burnt and there being taken among the Plunder a Carpet so big the Souldiers were about cutting it for conveniency of carriage Albuquerque bought and sent it after to Santiago in Galicia Finding he had but few men left wherewith to continue his enterprize and those harrased and Winter coming on he resolved to go to Zocotora and gave leave to Iohn de Nova to sail for India 6. Whilst this hapned at Ormuz the Soldan of Cayre set out a Fleet of 12 Sail and 1500 men Commanded by Mir Hozem to oppose the Portugueses in India By the way he attacked Imbo and killed the Xeque the same he did at Ioda and got great Plunder then sailed to Diu where Melique Az Commanded for the King of Cambaya whom he was to joyn and treat with in order to oppose the Portugueses The Timber whereof these Ships were built was cut in the Mountains of Dalmatia by procurement of the Venetians as was said because the Soldan and Turk were at variance A Nephew of the Soldan carried it in 25 Ships with 800 Mamalukes besides Seamen Andrew de Amarall a Portugues commanded then the Galleys of Malta he knowing that Timber was designed against us in India attacked the 25 Ships of the Enemy with 600 men in four Galleys and six Ships and after a sharp engagement that lasted three hours took seven and sunk five the rest fled to Alexandria whence the Timber was carried up the Nile to Cayr and thence on Camels to Suez 7. At this time the Viceroy Don Francisco de Almeyda was upon the Coast of Malabar and had sent his Son Don Lorenço to guard those of Cananor and Cochin and ran as far as Chaul with 8 Ships On his way he took some Ships of the Moors Chaul is seated on the Bank of a River 2 Leagues from the Sea one of the chief of that Coast for Greatness and Trade subject to the Nizamaluco by whose Order Don Lorenço was well received They had some intelligence of this Fleet of the Soldan but gave no credit to it till it appeared in sight as Don Lorenço was diverting himself ashoar with his Officers They hasted to the Ships giving such Orders as the shortness of the time permitted and were scarce aboard when the Enemy entred the Harbour with many demonstrations of Joy for Mir Hozem thought himself secure of Victory by surprizing our Ships He designed to board the Portugues Admiral and tâ—… rest of his Ships to board the others Ours were so placed that the Enemy passed between them and Mir Hozem coming up with Don Lorenço poured in Ball Arrows Granadoes and other Fire-works but was so well answered that he gave over the resolution of boarding though the Portugues Vessel was much less than his The others had the like success and so passed on and Night approaching they prepared themselves for the next Morning 8. Day appearing Don Lorenço gave the signal of Battle and endeavoured to board Mir Hozem the like was done by the others but only
not given him and he came away for Portugal where that was his Justification for not taking upon him that Command but was not esteemed an Offence to deprive Moniz of the Government as it was with less reason in the Case of D. Antony whereby it appears the Will of Ministers of State makes the Crimes or Merit of such as depend on them 3. This Year passed without any thing remarkable and about the end of it arriv'd six Ships from Portugal They carried an Order for Trying and Executing D. George do Castro for delivering up the Fort of 〈◊〉 to Zamori He was taken into Custody and with him his Wife Donna Felipa who tho' really guilty of the Crime was not liable to undergo the Punishment He suffer'd for her and all that were in fault having his Head cut off upon a Scaffold in the Market Place of Goa and it was observ'd that others who were as much to blame as he did not only escape unpunish'd but were rewarded and it is yet more remarkable that a Year after a Commission was sent from Portugal for D. George de Castro to serve in another Post. 4. Scarce did India begin to breath after so many Troubles and particularly Malaca when the Queen of Iapara sent to Besiege it her General Quiaidaman with 15000 chosen Natives of Iava in almost 80 great Galleons and above 220 smaller Vessels Tristan Vaz de Vega was come back thither from Sunda after the late Victory By common Consent and with much Justice he was chose Commander of that Place D. Francis Enriquez his Predecessor being dead He gave Advice of the danger to the Governor Antony Moniz and he to all the neighbouring Places promising to requite whatever they should do in order to relieve the Besieged whereby such Succours came into them on a sudden as put them into a good posture of Defence 5. Mean while Moniz demanded of the Chamber of Goa to lend him 20000 Pardaos to fit out a Fleet and finding them backward offer'd his Son Duarte Moniz a Boy of eight Years of age as a Pledge the Chamber gave the Money and took the Pledge 6. Whilst this Fleet was fitting out the General of Iava began to act in the same manner the Ring of 〈◊〉 had done attacking Iller and D. Antony de Castro coming with only ten Men to defend it was killed as Bandara had been the last Siege The whole Army landed and lodged themselves â—…ound the Town Vega sent Iohn Pereyra and Martin Ferreyra with 150 men to beat the Enemy from a Post they killed 70 of them levelled their Works and brought off seven Pieces of Cannon Pereyra afterwards burnt above 30 of their Galleons and some great Engines they had framed to attack a Bastion Ferdinand Perez de Andrade a dâ—… Bernardin de Silva burnt their Palisades In all these Actions we lost 15 or 20 meâ—… The River being thus cleared Pereyra with our Vessels besieges the Besiegers and at In takes the Provisions that were coming to them whereupon in great Consternation they Imbarqued and went off by night Pâ—…reyra pursues and cuts off their Rear Almost half the 15000 perished by Fire Sword and Sickness during the Siege which lasted three months and the pursuit of three hours 7. The King of Achem and Queen of Iâ—…para took it by turns for when he left the Port she came in and he now comes in 〈◊〉 she goes out He came now with 40 Gallies some Ships Galliots and other Vessels to the number of 100 with a great Train of Artillery Tristan Vaz order'd Iohn Pereyâ—… in a Galley Bernardin de Silvâ—… in a Caravel and Ferdinand de Pallâ—…res in a Ship with each 40 Men to go out to guard the Provisions that were coming and whereof the City was in great want the Enemy falls upon them and in an instant beat all three to pieces 75 Men perish'd by Fire Sword and Water 40 were taken and only five sav'd themselves by swimming the three Captains fought to their last breath Iohn Pereyra promised sâ—… to do to one who seeing all lost offered hiâ—… a Boat in which he might have escaped Only 150 men remained in Malaca to defend it and of these 100 were sick and aged Want of Men and Ammunition caused them to be very still in the City The Enemy not knowing the Cause imagined they had some cunning Stratagem in hand and in a panick Fear raised the Siege when they might have carried the Town contenting themselves with their success against the three Captains They came into the Port in the beginning of Ianuary and went out about the latter end 8. The Priests Women and Children had cried loud with sighs and tears imploring the Mercy of God which at length they obtain'd Next to God the City was saved by Tristan Vaz de Vega's Courage being ready upon all Occasions and by his liberality having spent above 20000 Ducats wherewith he has purchased a never-dying Honour The Succours the Governour sent came too late 9. D. Iohn de Costa Admiral of the Malabar Seas cruized there victorious with two Gallies and 24 other Vessels He fell upon the Town of Gaipar near Braçalor then in Rebellion kill'd 1500 of the Inhabitants burnt the Town and cut down the Woods Thus the King of Tolar grown haughty was humbled In the River of Chale he destroyed an Island belonging to Zamori Above that his City of Parapangulem could not escape its Ruin The Heir of the Crown coming to the Relief of it was killed with 200 Moors At Capâ—…cate 300 were â—…ain with the loss of two on our side At Mount Delii the Town of Nilachiram was consumed to Ashes Between these Actions several Vessels were taken which supplied the Galleys with Slaves and the Fleet with Provisions 10. Let us now see our Dominion in the Molucos drawing to an end New Commanders were still sent to ruin all by their Avarice with strength to maintain the Fort D. Alvaro de Ataide was now there and Nanno Pereyra under Sail to succeed him The King of Ternate continued the Seige and the place was almost famished It looked as if God had undertaken the Revenge of his Father's Death and assisted him to starve that Garrison for no Succor was sent thither but perished Of all Marramaque his Squâ—…dron not the least Vessel return'd to Goa four Ships that went with Antony de Valadares and Lacerda were cast away in several places and he got thither alone and after him Francis de Lima with a Galliot These were comforts to the Besieged but no perfect Cure The King of Ujantana our Friend supplied the Enemy with Arms. Sancho de Vasconcelos coming from Amboina to succor the Besieged to small effect found a Galleon of his loaded with them in the Port and a Portugues Ship at Banda in danger of falling into the hands of those People For seeing the decay of ouâ—… Affairs on that side every one strove to hasten our Ruin Belchior Botello going
pass but Ixora commanding her to give it way the Wind flying the more impetuous for having been detained tore up a Mountain which falling into the Sea formed the Island Ceylon Other Islands are encompassed with Seas they call of Sugar Milk Butter and Sweet-Water Happy the Sailers that could find such pleasant Seas 6. The Bases or Grounds of the Elements are of several matters that of the Earth of Copper that of the Water of Silver that of the Fire of Gold that of the Air of a Pretious Stone that of Heaven of another Stone of more value They are Gods and move on the first waits the Bird Anam on the second Guereram on the third a Cart on the fourth an Ox on the fifth a Horse 7. There are seven large Subterranean dwellings called Padalas where live People who have no other light but that of certain bright Stones which Snakes have in their Foreheads One Day of ours is a Year in Heaven and one of our Years Three hundred and sixty five there The Days of the Week as among us take their names from the Planets and one of them is a Festival They believe the transmigration of Souls 8. The God Givem or Ixora is of the colour of Milk besides the usual two he has one Eye in the Forehead which being of Fire consumes all things his Body of such a length that Brama though he endeavoured it could never find the beginning or end of it The other Brother Vistnu who is God of the Transmutations converted himself into a Hog and turned up the Earth with his snout but could never find his Feet He is so thick that the Snake that girts the World cannot encompass one of his Arms â—…e has Sixteen Hands all employed with Deer Chairs a Guitar a Bell a Bason a Trident a Rope a Hook an Ax Fire a Drum Beads a Staff a Wheel a Snake on his Forehead a horned Moon his Apparel skins of Beasts laid down with Snakes he has two Wifes the Goddess of the Water and Chati who has already dyed One and twenty times and because every time she dies he puts one of her Bones upon his Neck he now wears One and twenty Bones there Having shared his Body with his Wife and she hers with him he is halfe Man halfe Woman his care is to finish all things Bramâ—… to Create and Vistnu's to govern them 9. The God Ixora lives in Calaya a most delicious Mountain for Woods Gardens Fountains Birds and Nymphs among them there is nothing but Harmony The desert parts of it are inhabited by Riâ—…is Hermits much esteemed for sanctity in a private and most pretious Tabernacle is the Silver Rose with two Musical white Nymphs and among them the Linga or Eternal God placed on a Lion of inestimable value and invisible 10. Brama and Vistnu envying Ixoras's greatness set themselves against him he said if they could find his beginning or end they should be his Superiors Vistnu looked for his Feet and Brama and for his Head the first was deterred by a Snake the second disswaded by Roses he brib'd them to testifie he had seen his Head which they did Vistnu sensible of the fraud turn'd them into Beasts and cut off one of his Heads of his Blood sprang a Man with Five hundred Heads and One thousand Hands Ixora did penance for this crime and travelling came to a place where they threw several Beasts at him he catched â—…ead them and cloathed himself with their Skins being over-powered Vistnu came to his Aid in the shape of a beautiful Maid and his Enemies were astonished at her form Ixora having to do with her a Son was born Ixora and Vistnu differed about whom it should belong too and a Heavenly Spirit reconciled them taking it to himself He bred him an expert Archer and kept him as his guard against Sagatracavaxem the Giant of Five hundred Heads and One thousand Hands sprung from Bramas Head cut off by Ixora This pilgrimage of Ixora gave the Original to the Pilgrims called Iogues who wander about living upon Charity wearing Periwigs and strewed with Ashes 11. Ixora has four Children the first has the Face of an Elephant the second of a Monkey the third is Superbenia with six Faces and twelve Arms the fourth a young Woman called Patracali The Father and his Wife Chati converted into Elephants begot a Son with an Elephant's Head and four Arms he is wonderful big and rides on a Mouse The first fruits of all that is sowed are offered to him 12. The Bramones who are the Masters of their Ceremonies abstain from Fish Flesh Eggs and Wine of other things they Eat and Drink without measure they celebrate the Aniversaries of their Dead with great Banquets they are so much afraid of the Moon on the fourth Day after the full that they shun seeing even the reflection of her in the Water 13. Chati washing her self in the time of her courses produced a Man Her Husband cut of his Head which rowling to the foot of his Mountain Calaya brought forth the Tree on which grow the Coco's which therefore have the resemblance of Eyes Nose and Mouth But the Wife complaining Ixora cut of an Elephants Head and put it to the Body which remained Man and Elephant Then both converting themselves into Monkeys begot one but she ashamed to bring it forth desired the Wind to translate it to another Womb and it was removed to that of the Wife of the Heavenly Spirits She was delivered of and Ixora gave him great power calling him Anuman This is the Reason the Indians adore Monkeys 14. Patracali Ixoras's Daughter is black she has eight Faces and sixteen Arms great round Eyes Hogs Teeth two Elephants for pendants she is cloathed with Snakes her Hair like the Peacocks Tails has several things in her hands particularly Arms the Devil Medala waits on her she seeing her Father could not overcome the Giant Daridabaxada Conquered him by Policy Ixora to deliver her from Enemies sent her to live invisible among Men. At Sea she overcame some Fishermen and landed at Coulam and marryed the Prince of Coulett who being falsly accused of stealing the Queen of Pande's Bracelets was impaled Patracali brought him to Life caused Sacrifice to he offered to him and thus freed from the bands of wedlock remained a Virgin 15. Ixora in a passion threw his Wig on the ground which became an Armed fierce Man who cut off the Head of Lecxaprazava King of the Peringales and the Hand of the God of Fire and the Sun's Teeth Ixora put on a Goats-head upon Lecxaprazava's Shouldiers instead of his own CHAP. II. The Metamorphoses or Transformations 1. THE God Vistnu is black he has four Hands and always lies sleeping on his back in the Sea of Milk yet so he governs the whole World his Bed is the Snake Ananta which has five Heads on four he lays his Hands on the other his Head the Snake asked him in case she had
more Heads what he would lay on them Then One thousand Heads sprung out from her and as many Hands from him to lay on them He has two Wives Laexemi and Pumedevi the first scraches his Head the other his Feet 2. Vistnu was born or transformed nine times into a Fish a Tortoise a Hog half-a Man half a Lion a Bramen Siriparexi Rama Siri Rama Belapader and Siri Christna and is to be born the Tenth time In the first shape he overcame Breniacxem in the bottom of the Sea taking from him the Law he had stole from the heavenly Spirits In the second he reconciled the Difference between the celestial and infernal Spirits about parting the Ambrosia from Poison and giving this to the latter and that to the former With Ambrosia he cured King Devaindra who being Cursed by Rixi for lying with his Wife was cover'd all over with Privy-Members which were converted into Eyes 3. The Sea is salt because the great Raxi Agâ—…ssia having drunk it all up at the request of Vistnu pissed it out That there might be no Thieves in the World he appointed Guards these were Indra King of the higher Spirits Vani God of Fire Pidarpati King of the Devils Varuna God of the Water Maril God of the Wind Cabera God of Riches and other Persons of Note The Malabars in their Poems make a Jest of this because they are all Theives 4. Maveâ—… Lord of the World kept Mankind in such plenty that none remembred God Vistnu in one of his Changes remedied this and then from the Water which washed one of his Feet came the River Ganga which therefore is the Purgatory of such as when they die are washed therein Venus endeavouring to hinder the Reformation of Mankind lost an Eye 5. The Bramenes are the Masters of the Indian Religion and proceed from Fishermen because the Malabar Churches were delivered to Fishermen upon condition they should always wear some mark of their Trade This is the cause they wear abouâ—… their Necks some threads of their Nets This is the Original of those Threads they wear never before mentioned by another Writer 6. Vistnu turned himself into Siri Rama and his Snake Ananta Chocra and Buzio into Men. Siri Rama killed Tarbâ—…ga Wife to Râ—…jada that was a Man-eater and had the Face of a Lioness and wore two Elephants as Pendants her Cloathing Snakes her Weapon a Trident she lived in a Mountain of Bones of the People she had eaten Siri married the Daughter of King Genega and went to do Penance for killing Tarâ—…ega His Wife went with him and he obtained of Rixi Anisoya that he should be always Victorious and his Wife appear Beautiful to him They went to Ceylon where Churpâ—…naga Sister to Ravena King of that Island being a Widow asked Siri Rama to get her a Husband he bid her chuse among the Heavenly Gods and she liked none of them but Lacxena Brother to Siri Rama who despised and cut off one of her Breasts of the Blood whereof sprung the Leeches 7. Her Brother Ravena for Revenge â—…ole Siri Rama's Wife Sida The manner of looking for finding and recovering her is so tedious preposterous and foolish as well as the foregoing part it is not worth the strickest Curiosity to read it What follows is little better but something of this monstrous Medley is fit to be related to show the prodigious stupidity of these Opinions 8. Siri Rama having found his Wife and seeing she was very Beautiful said she had wronged him and lain with his Enemy He threatned to kill her and she offered to Purge her self by Fire and kindled one so fierce the heavenly Spirits could not endure it she stripped her self naked and walked seven times round it then turning to the East said When Ravena stole and would have taken me by the hand I doubt whether his Shadow touched me Afterwards in the Island Ceylon setiâ—…â—…e under the Tree Axogani he fell at my feet to overcome me and I doubt whether the Crown he had on his head touched them There was nothing more that I know of between me and him Then she threw her self into the Fire and could not be seen for some time then the God of Fire came out and bidding Siri Rama hold out his Hands dropt Sida upon them assuring him her Honour was unstained 9. This done Siri Rama placed Bixivem on the Throne of Ceylon and went himself to possess that of Aioddia after he had spent Fourteen Years in these Affairs The Princes People Celestial Spirits and Dancing Women received him The Queens prevailed with Sida to show them the Figure of Ravena she drew him with Chalk on a Board which shook as Siri Rama sate on it not knowing his Enemy's Picture was thereon The Queens told him Sida had painted him and he again jealous though she was with Child ordered Lecxena to carry her to a Mountain and there kill her He carried but left her there alive She was delivered of two Sons very like Siri Rama who seeing them and knowing she was not dead was satisfied He went to fetch her but could not for Pumi Goddess of the Earth opened it and swallowed her up His Sons succeeded him in the Crown of Ajodda CHAP. III. Other Metamorphoses and the Consequences of them of the God Brama and the Foundation of Pagods an Account of the famousest of them 1. VIstnu turned himself into his younger Brother Siri Christna who was born very beautiful At the hour of his Birth the Palace was filled with Brightness though it was Mid-night the Doors flew open and the Fetters fell off that held Bassudever He arose and took the Child to carry it to Amparhi and by the way the Waters of two Rivers divided themselves that he might pass dry Camusem consulting Diviners about the Birth of this Child which was the first Quarter of the Moon on a Thursday in August the Sun being in Leo and the Moon in Taurus in the time of Minabixam they answer'd Siri Christna would govern the whole World and would kill him in the Sixteenth Year of his Age. They advised him to send a Woman that had venomous Milk that sucking her might be his Death but the Child instead of her Milk sucked out her Soul and she died to the astonishment of his Mother Axoda who was present Thus he escaped other Dangers from his Enemies and at Seven Years of Age was skilled in all Sciences and among other Extravagancies defloured the Maids he played with 2. His Mother whipped and causing him to open his Mouth to discover whether he smelt of some Butter 't was said he had eaten she saw within Heaven and Earth and her self She frighted bid him shut his Mouth but he would not till she promised him Figs or Sugar and other things and that she would carry him to the River to make Pipes to play upon He to be revenged on the Women watched a Bath where they came and
Family who spent above 15000 Ducats at the Wedding of a Bull and a Heifer There was also a Baneane who making a Well in the Village Calegam for the use of Passengers and resolving to Marry this Water with some other despised all that was near and Marryed it to the River of Suratt above 30 Leagues distant and spent above 5000 Crowns in the Wedding 6. The Chatines Marry as the Bramenes but their Widdows cannot throw off the Tale because they must not Marry again nor keep a Gallant When they want Heirs they adopt one by drinking to the adopted who pledges in Coco-milk dyed with Safran If he is a Man they give him one of the names of the Sun if a Woman of the names of Gods Wife 7. The cause the families do not mix is because the Bramenes descended from the God Bramasface those of Chatrier that is Kings from the right Hand those of Vaixer from the Belly those of Chadrer they are the Nayres from the Foot At first they used to mix but afterwards the Bramenes obtained a priviledge of King Cheraman Perimal to the conrrary hence they are so much superior to others that they are polluted by coming near as well as touching them they must not Eat with those of a lower race nor any thing drest by them nor out of any Vessel of theirs if any of them Marries or has to do with inferiors they burn on his Forehead a mark like a daws soot and his kindred making a statue like him of straw and the Herb Dorpe burn it with ceremonies as if it were a dead Man The Bramenos loose their birthright of their Family by Eating Fish Flesh or Eggs and by Drinking Sura or Orraca by stealing or killing another Bramen provided it is not in Warâ—… among the other Families there are divers customs about being defiled 8. Saniade or Saniassi is a dignity greater then a King of which only the Bramenes are capable the elect is installed by another Saniassi in this manner The Image of the elect is made in Straw and burnt to show he is dead to the World then the Master leads him to a Bath cuts of his Corombi and dips him 72 times then takes off his piece of Net the mark of a Bramene cloaths him in red and he can never after wear white only on his back a Fota He delivers him a rod with a piece of the same cloath and a straw Hat for three or four Days he is under the Masters tuition must not Eat Fish Flesh chew Betle nor so much as look upon a Woman and if accidently he meets one he puts his Hat over his Eyes and goes on till she is out of sight He is to take what is given him without complaining lives in or near the Pagod succeeds and is Heir to his Master He bows only to the Idol and even the King and Bramenes do to him all his defence is in curses so much dreaded that every one endeavours to appease him he is not to handle Money none can carry his Hat when he goes a foot If he does any thing contrary to his institution the Bramenes accuse him before the King if convicted they stain him with Safran and depose him but he buys it off with bribes 9. They use no ceremony with those that die under the Age of 7 Years those that are above this Age are burnt towards the South from their Houses where lives Iemen King of the Devils that he may the sooner carry away the Soul For mourning they shave their Heads and Beards which they do not cut for a whole Year after nor have to do with Women Lye 15 Days on a mat and enter not into the Pagods the 15 Days expired they cast the Ashes into the Sea if near if not into some bye place and plant a Fig-tree where the funeral pile was then they wash and put on clean cloaths cast out all Earthen Vessels and one comes to purify the House sprinkling it with Cows piss and Milk 10. Every Day of the Fast he that purifies the House puts a little Rice upon a Fig leafe which the Rooks Eat or if they fail which is looked upon as a great misfortune 't is cast into the Water for the Fish The Anniversary is a Feast at which there must be no Poor On the Coast of Coromandel Goa and Cambaya the Women burn themselves with their Husbands unless such as have sucking Children Iâ—… any refuse the relations hold it as an affront to them and force her 300 burnt themselves with the Naique of Madure The manner of it is thus The Woman is carryed on Mens shoulders to the Pagod in her best attire and anointed with Sandal after praying to the Idol she dances all the way to the place where her Husband was burnt and casts her self into the Fire the relations standing round with forks to keep her in and making a noise with several iustruments that her cryes may not be heard and move compassion 11. The Original of this Custom was from King Pandues Wife who voluntarily burnt her self with him and it is upheld to secure the lives of the Husbands it having been observed that more died by means of the Wifes then by Sickness The Saniade or Saniassi is not burnt but buryed whole in the Pagod where he serves they make a hole and seat him in it upon the bench he used before he is quite Dead with a little Rice and some without for the Idol then cover him with Clay without any farther ceremonies believing he is suddenly gone to Heaven CHAP. VII Of the Empire of Aethiopia and first of the Kingdoms and Provinces into which it is divided of the Progress of Christianity therein and of the Product of the Land 1. EThiopia was the Second of our Three great Discoveries which were India Ethiopia and China and therefore shall be the Second described The Reader may be assured of its Truth as being delivered by an unbiassed and learned Person that spent a considerable time there travelling and examining into the Truth of things and being an Eye witness of the greatest part 2. The City Danoas was the Metropolis of this Empire seated on the top of a Mountain The Country about it is divided into Districts some mountainous but all fruitful Three Miles to the Northward is Ogara so fertile that the green and ripe Fruit hangs at once upon the Trees Westward is Dambia not inferior to the other then Amfras where our Patriarch resided and had Lands Next follows Dara and others till you come to the Nile 3. In all these Divisions are many Monasteries and Churches with Priests and Friars Ethiopia knâ—…w not the Sacrament of Confirmation The Country Tacussa was best disposed to receive Christianity because many Portugueses lived there and that of Gorgorro by the Labours of the Jesuits who had a Church there So the Heathen Agoâ—…s gave ear to our Doctrine these are a warlike People and possess a plentiful Country
are set Dogs of Stone for People to go over upon many Vessels ply about it some very large being built for pleasure and feasting with Kitchins fore and aft in the Midship rooms with Tables above floors for Women the windows covered with close nets that they may not be seen all painted and gilded the abundance of Meat in them is wonderful in these many spend what they have The second thing famous is the Silk and man ner of working it the third the worship of their Idols and magnificence of their Temples 6. The last of these 9 Southern Provinces is Nanking between 29 and 36 deg of lat the best in the whole Kingdom It permits no Foreign Trade the Merchants to enhance the value of their goods say they are of Nanking in only the Town of Xanham 't is said there are 200000 loomes for Cotton which yearly yield the King 450000 Ducats The Court long resided here and all the tribunals and priviledges of a Court still remain in the capital City called as my Author will have it Ymthienfu but I find it is by all others named Kiangning This City is the best in the Kingdom for sumptuous buildings spacious streets trade and abundance of all things it has twelve stately Gates well defended with Canon without the walls runs another at a great distance much ruined the outward circumference will take up a Horseman two Days journey travelling a good pace the inward is 6 Leagues between the two walls are buildings and tillage the crop whereof is appropriate to the Souldiery that reside within to the number of 40000 In one quarter of the Town is a Mount and thereon a sphear of a vast bigness of curious workmanship but stands not on a frame there is also a rare Tower 7 stories high with all appurtenances made of Porcelane a most wonderful work The River runs by the foot of it called according to my Author Yamcuquiam by all others I find it named Kiang but Yamcuquiam signifies Son of the Sea because it is one of the greatest in the World and may perhaps for brevity generally be called Quiam or Kiang it has great store of Fish 7. The Northern Provinces are 6 their names Honan Xensi Xansi Xantung Peking and Leavâ—…ung The first lies between 33 and 37 deg of lat and produces the most delicious fruit which is prodigiously cheap so that One hundred of Apricocks is worth about half a Farthing A Prince lives here in as great state as the King 8. The Province Xensi lies to the Eastward of the last in near the same Latitude it is large but dry as the three next to it bears little Rice much Barley common and Indian Wheat Their Sheep are shorn three times a Year Spring Summer and Autum but the first shearing is the best The Wool serves for Hats and such like work but is not fit to spin The Goat's Hair is spun and of it they weave Stuffs richer than of Silk but it is only of a sort of Down that grows next the Skin under the long Hair This Province yields Musk which grows in the Navel of a Beast like a little Deer the Flesh whereof is eaten The Purses brought hither are not all the same in which it grows because the Musk mixed with other Drugs is too much to be contained by them only and so Purses are made for it of the Skin Scarce any Musk comes over pure Here is also some Gold gathered but in Rivers for the Mines of it and Silver are not open Most of the Rhubarb in the World seems to come from hence for that which is brought from Persia cannot be of the Prodâ—…ct of that Country because none that have travelled there relate they ever saw this Herb grow there It grows high and bears Leaves bigger than those of Cabbage requires much care and grows not wild as some would have it 9. This is a Province of great Trade for the numerous Caravans some of above One thousand Men which repair to its two Western Cities Socheu and Xancheu In them come Ambassadors from the Mahometan Princes to the King of China every three Years is an ordinary Embassy and every fifth one extraordinary they always bring Presents The Princes are the Turk the Arabs Camul Samarâ—…an and Tarsan but none of them except the last know any thing of these Embassies or Presents the Merchants do it at their own cost for the more security of their Trade The Present consists of a quantity of precious Stones Three hundred and forty Horses Three hundred small Sparks of Diamonds some sine Blew Six hundred Knives and as many Files The King returns for each Horse two pieces of Cloath of Gold Thirty of yellow Silk Thirty Pounds of Cha Ten of Musk Fifty of a Medicine called Tienyo and Fifty of Silver 10. Cha which I suppose to be our Tea is the Leaf of a Tree like Myrtle in some places bigger than others they dry it in Iron Pots over the Fire and so it runs up together There is of it from a Ducat the Pound to less than a Halfpenny such is its variety It is their common drink steeped in hot Water with it they treat Strangers and relate many Virtues of it 11. The Province of Xansi lies between 36 and 42 deg of Lat. the many Mountains make it barren therefore bears little Wheat less Rice and most of Indian Wheat it supplies the Kingdom with Resins Here are Wells of Fire for the use of Houses like those of Water in other Parts They make small Mouths and over them boil any thing They have Coal-Pits as in England The Province of Xantung lies between 35 and 38 deg of Lat. it is poor subject to Locusts and often to Famine It bears a sort of Apples which is carried over most of the Kingdom 12. The Province of Peking between 36 and 42 degrees of Latitude is now honoured with the Court in the City of the same name but more properly Xuntâ—…ienfu or Xuntien the Moors call it Cambalud The People as all those of the North are not so ingenious but more laborious and warlike The Land dry and healthy but barren yields Indian Corn but little Rice or Wheat The Rice used at Court comes from Nanking it is pleasant only boiled in Water without any other Addition The King keeps One thousand Sail that trade to the South for Provisions This Province sends abroad no Commodities but Pensils and Persumes The City is not so large as Nanking but far exceeds it in populousness The Walls are so thick twelve Horsemen ride abreast on them they are guarded with as much care in Peace as War At the Gates are Officers to receive the Duty of all things brought in and that belongs to the Queen 13. The Magistrates of this City have but very little State in their Persons and Houses only the chief of them can go in Chairs the others on Horseback All People have their Faces covered along the
somewhat in general of India whereof much relates to the greatest Part of Asia Those Heathens have a Book they believe in and esteem as we do the Holy Scripture It is writ in Verse as they say that understand it pleasing and ingenious but it seems strange to us there should be any Harmony in Verses composed of Seventy-five Syllables for so many an Author say they contain 10. They believe in one God Creator of all Things yet allow other increated Gods that there is Heaven and Hell and that the Souls of such as die in Sin go into Beasts and stay there till being purged they go to Eternal Rest. They esteem Cows as properest for this Transmigration When one is dying they bring one to him and put the Tail into his Hand that when his Soul departs it may be near the Door it is to enter at 11. They allow no Free Will and some are of Opinion That the Souls return from Hell into other Bodies till they merit Heaven and that there is an indifferent Place without Reward or Punishment for such as live indifferently The Sins they esteem most hainous are Murder Theft Drinking of Wine taking away another Man's Wife The First is wiped off with Pilgrimages the second with Alms the third with Fasting and the fourth with Sacrifices some are of Men the greatest of Cows Some will lie down under the Wheels of the heavy Carts of their Idols which crush them to peices Others wear irons with Spikes that run into them Others hang themselves on a Hook and there sing Verses to their Idols 12. They maintain Hospitals where they look after sick Birds and Beasts and send Men abroad to bring them in but have no Comâ—…assion for Men saying Those Afflictions are sent them for their Sins There are Men employed to buy Birds or other Creatures only to restore them to their Liberty They believe God has five Regents that govern the World and every one of them a Wife those are called Xadaxivam Rudra Maescura Visnu and Brabema the Wives Humani Parvadi Maenomadi Lacami and Exarasvadi The first governs the first Heaven where are all the Planets the second the Fire the third the Air the fourth the Water the fifth the Earth Brahema Visnu and Rudra are the Chief and form a Body with three Heads called Mahamurte signifying the three Chiefs Hence it is inferred the Indians had some knowledge though imperfect of the Blessed Trinity 13. They are much addicted to Witchcraft and Superstition and believe there are Fourteen Worlds and that this we live in is an Image of that in Heaven Their several Families touch not one another not eat together Tradesmen cannot marry out of their own Trade The most renowned Families among them are the Raja's an ingenuous People that rather lose their Lives than their Arms in Battle The Bramenes who contend for Precedence with the Raja's The Chatines which are the richest Merchants The Bâ—…lalas or Country People held in such esteem that Kings marry their Daughters to them saying They are the Publick Substance From these four Roots â—…pring One hundred ninety-six Branches divided into Valangas that is of the Right-hand and Elanges of the Left but none of these are honoured as the other four 14. Let us say somewhat of the Christians of St. Thomas Four Leagues from Cochim on the Malabar Coast is the City Cranganor almost encompassed by a River inhabited by Christians Gentiles Mahometans and Iews The whole Kingdom takes Name from the City it has a great Trade is frequented by Merchants from Siria Egypt Persia and Arabia by reason of the plenty of Pepper brought thither At the arrival of the Portugueses in India it was governed in the form of a Commonwealth but subject to Zamori whom they cast off seeing him weakned by our Arms. 15. Their Heathen Rites are the same with those of the other Malabars The Christians called of St. Thomas who inhabit from this Câ—…ty to Coromandel and Meliapor the place where that Apostle was buried have Churches like ours in Europe on the Altars and Walls Crosses painted but no other Images no Bells the People meet on Sundays to hear Sermons and other Service Their head Bishop resides in Chaldea has twelve Cardinals two Patriarchs Archbishops Bishops and other Prelates and Fathers 16. The Priests are shorn in the form of a Cross they consecrate leavened Bread and Wine made of Rasins for want of other Baptize after Forty Days unless there be danger of Death instead of extream Unction the Priests bless the Sick use Holy Water bury after our manner the Relations and Friends eat together eight Days while the Ceremonies last If there be no Will the next of Kin inherits the Widows recover their Portion but forfeit it if they Marry within a Year 17. They have all our Holy Scripture in Hebrew and Caldaick with Expositions which they Read in Schools their Divines interpret it well chiefly the Prophets which they study most They observe the same Lent and Advent as we do Oâ—… the Eve of the Resurrection they neither eat nor drink and keep that Day with great Solemnity as also the Sunday of Pastor Bonus in remembrance that on that Day St. Thomas felt our Saviour's side they observe our very Festivals as Sundays the Feasts of our Lord Lady and Apostles and have the same Bissextile or Leap Year as the Latines Both they and the Gentiles keep the Feast of the Apostle on the first Day of Iune There are Monasteries of Monks and Nuns cloathed in black and religiously observe their Rules The Priests observe conjugal Chastity and marry not a second time There is no Divorce allowed beween Man and Wife 18. In the Year 1544 came to Cochim Iacob a Caldean Bishop of Cranganor where being dangerously sick he sent for the Treasurer Peter de Sequeyra and told him Necessity had obliged him to pawn two Copper-Plates with Characters engraven on them which were Original Grants and Privileges bestowed on the Apostle St. Thomas by the Sovereigns of those Countries when he Preached there that he desired him to release them least they should be lost if he died for if he lived he would take them out himself This Prelate found the only way to lose them in trusting the Portugueses for Sequeyra paid the Two hundred Royals they were pawned for put them into the Treasury and they were never more heard of 19. The Governor Martin Alfonso de Sousa after long search for some Body that could understand them had found a retired Jew on the Mountain who said they were writ in the Caldean Malabar and Arabian Languages and the Substance of them was That the Prince then Reigning of his free Gift granted to Thomas at Cranganor such a Parcel of Ground to build a Church for the Maintenance whereof he assigned the Fifths of Merchandize 20. Very much might be said of the Island Ceylon but I will only add a little to what is already said About five hundred Years
for want of another they called it The Law of Light That in the Year of Chinquon Kieiça there came from Iudea a Man of great Virtue called Olopuem with the true Doctrine That this was received throughout all the Kingdom and Churches erected that afterwards some change of Affairs happening it grew weak but in the Time of the Great Tam the Holy Gospel returned to China That in the Year of Ximbie the Priests Iohn and Paul redressed all and new Churches were erected That in the Reign of the Great Tam the second Year Kienchum on the seventh day of the Month of Autumn this Stone was set up Kinçin Governor of the Church of China being Bishop 13. By this venerable Piece of Antiquity it appears that the Christian Faith was planted in China about the Year Six hundred thirty-one From it also may be inferr'd that St. Thomas first Preached there but that Christianity being almost forgot those Priests of Iudea and Kings of China restored it as has been shown it happened in India So that what the Portugueses assisted by other European Religious Men now perform is a second Re-establishment of the Faith 14. About the Year 1543 Fernan Mendez Pinto had this following Information in China He was Travelling from the City Mindoo to that of Peking and seeing by the way the Ruins of another was informed that about Two hundred Years before it was a most flourishing Place That a Holy Man coming thither raised some dead to life and Preached of Jesus Christ and his Vicar upon Earth that the Heathen Priests designing to burn him he quenched the fire making the sign of the Cross over it that they stoned him to Death and being thrown into a River the Stream stood still five days the holy Body being born upon the Superficies all the time that this occasioned the Conversion of many People of which there was a great number in that Province Further upon a Mountain was a Stone Cross which this Writer saw some People Worship pronouncing these Words Christ Iesus Mary conceived him being a Virgin brought him forth a Virgin and remained a Virgin These were Disciples descended from a Weaver called Iohn in whose House that Holy Martyr was entertained They preserve a Book of his Life which says his Name was Matthew Escandel by Birth an Hungarian and had been an Heremite on Mount Sinai That History related that he being taken out of the River and buried nine days after the City was swallowed up with Four thousand Bonzos who only durst stay in it the People having abandoned it by reason of the Earthquakes that happened before 15. At the same time the same Writer found in the Cities Sampitay and Quiangsi of China many Christians who had been converted Twenty-five Years before which was Sixty Years before the Jesuits entered China which is now One hundred and fourteen Years since And this is the Reason those Fathers found some Monuments of Christianity but so obscure that little could be made out by them 16. The same Feruand Mendez relates That in the City Timplan the Court of the Emperor of Caminam a Borderer on China he found most ancient Monuments of the Christian Faith and some account of the Holy Scripture Those People said That the Creation of the World was the work of the Will of the Creator That he was not visible nor to be felt That there were Eighty-two thousand Moons since the Earth was separated from the Water That on Earth God had created a most delightful Garden and placed therein the first Man called Adda and his Wife Baragom That he forbid them the Fruit of the Tree Hisaforam and they transgressing this Command all Men became liable to the Punishment of that Guilt That the Man broke the Precept being deceived by the Woman and she by the Serpent Lupantoo That for this Disobedience they were cast out of that delightful Place That by reason of the Sinfulness of Man God had drowned the World That only one just Man with his Family escaped in a Wooden House and by them Mankind was restored That God would punish the Wicked and reward the Good That one Iohn a Disciple of Thomas Modeliar a Servant of God whom the Citizens of Digun killed because he preached that God became Man and suffered Death for the Sins of Men had Preached the same in that Country and lost his Life for so doing Thomas Modeliar is the Apostle St. Thomas The People of Calaminam own the Blessed Trinity when they Sneeze they say some Words that declare it and they make the sign of the Cross. 17. The last Testimony was discovered in the Year 1635 but the thing in it self is at least as antient as the Stone already spoken of Some Heathens passing through a Street in a Village near the City Civencheâ—… of the Province of Fokien by Night saw Lights on some Stones that lay there and turning them up found on that part which had lain next the Ground Crosses carved A Jesuit examining into it caused the Stone on which the greatest Light appeared to be fixed in a decent place as a Monument of the Miracle and of our Religion in those Parts 18. We shall speak of what was done by the Religious of the Society of Jesus in order to the Reparation of Christianity in this Empire in the proper place and Third Tome of this our Asia They entred upon this undertaking in the Year 1579 which was the the last under our Portugues Princes who yet expired not without this Glory In the Year 1583 they Founded the first Church at Xauking The rest of their Proceedings we refer to the Third Tome beginning under the Spanish Monarchs as this has ended with the Portugueses The End of the Second Tome The Portugues Asia OR THE HISTORY OF THE Discovery and Conquest OF INDIA BY THE PORTUGUES CONTAINING All their Discoveries from the Coast of Africk to the farthest Parts of China and Iapan all their Battels by Sea and Land Sieges and other Memorable Actions a Description of those Countries and many Particulars of the Religion Government and Customs of the Natives c. In Three Tomes Written in Spanish by Manuel de Faria y Sousa Knight Of the Order of Christ. Translated into English by Capt. Iohn Stevens Tome the Second LONDON Printed for C. Brome at the Sign of the Gun at the West-End of St. Pauls 1695. DEDICATED TO HER MOST SACRED MAJESTY CATHERINE QUEEN DOWAGER OF ENGLAND c. THE PREFACE WHen Almighty GOD the only Founder of Empires is so pleased with a People as to possess them of a New one He generally Endows the first Founders with a wonderful proportion of Heroick Virtues as Sincerity Magnanimity Valour Majesty and an almost more than Mortal Staidness The solid Foundations to support the greatest Monarchies Such Founders rarely exceeded Three in Number Let the Learned by the help of this not yet Vulgar Remark seek Foreign Examples it shall be my Care only to shew
from the Year 1545 till the Year 1548 in the Reign of King JOHN the Third 1. ABOUT the latter end of August or beginning of September Arrived at Goa six Ships from Portugal Commanded by Don Iohn de Castro who went to Ease Martin Alfonso of the Government Immediately as is Customary in India Complaints were carried to the New Governour against the Old The chief the Crying-down the Value of Money which was immediately restored to its former Value This gave occasion to Martin Alfonso to go away dissatisfied and the other to remain so upon the manner of his Discontent falling out after having very well agreed These Governours and their Governments seem to resemble the Soul and Body which never part without great struglings 2. Don Iohn began his Government as is usual sending Commanders and Officers to several Forts and Towns Bernardin de Sousa went to succeed Iurdan de Freytas at Ternate carrying with him the King Aeiro to hold that Crown till other Orders came from Portugal it being left to our King by the deceased Tabarija as was said before Ferdinand de Sousa Tavora who was sent against the Spaniards Commanded by Villalobos reduced him to a necessity of surrendring himself and continuing at Ternate till the Season of sailing for India where he and his Men might either remain in the Portugues Service or return in their Ships to Europe This Difficulty surmounted Sousa resolved to take Revenge of Catabruno King of Gilolo for the Injuries he did the Portugueses and New Converts since he Tyrannically usurped the Crown killing his Lawful Sovereign 3. Sousa consulted his own Men and the new Guests who approved of his Resolution and Villalobos offered to bear him Company They made up Four hundred Spaniards and Portugueses and Fifteen hundred Ternatenses Coming to an Anchor in the Port they found the Tyrant ready to receive them well fortified and provided with Cannon The Christians began to batter them but received more damage than they did Sousa perceiving there was no way but by giving an Assault gave the first of the Attack to Iohn Galvan and Bernard de la Torre the first a Portugues the other a Spaniard who sticking in the Thorns the Tyrant had designedly strewed about and scarce able to move stood as a Mark to the Enemies Bullets and Arrows Catabruno Charges them with Three thousand Men. Sousa comes to their Relief and the Fight was desperate for both Spaniards and Portugueses did Wonders Night parted and Morning brought them together the Dispute was hot till Galvan being killed his Men were put in disorder all our Body came to their Relief and brought them off forcing the Enemy to retire to their Works Our Captain seeing no likelyhood of prevailing returned to Ternate whence he went to India with the Spaniards as had been Agreed only Villalobos excepted who died in the Fort. 4. Coje Zofar at Cambaya now his Princes Favourite kept a fair Correspondence with the Portugueses but with the natural Perfidiousness of a Moor. He persuaded the King a second time to endeavour the shaking off the Yoak of the Fort of Diu and to this effect drew together a great Number of Men yet had more hopes to succeed by Policy than strength He agreed with an Infamous Portugues called Ruy Freâ—…re to poyson the Cistern fire the Magazine and upon a Sign given admit him into the Fort. An Ethiopian a Turk and a Woman Slave discovered the Treachery Coje Zofar was astonished to see his Design discovered and began to Complement D. Iohn Mascarenhas Commander of the Fort pleading That the Cause of breaking the Peace had been because they obstructed building that Wall which D. Garcia de Noronha had so weakly allowed and Emanuel de Sousa had couragiously beat down Coje Zofar dissembled while he gathered a great Power and D. Iohn perceiving the Danger that threatned him prepared to meet it and gave Advice thereof to the Governour and Neighbouring Commanders 5. A considerable number of Men was already drawn together in the City Diu and among them Five hundred Turks sent from Mecha by the King of Zibit D. Iohn assigned every Man his Post and placed an Officer with 30 Men in each of the four Bastions his Lieutenant over the Gate with Twenty another with the like Number in a small Work reserving Fifty for himself to be wherever the greatest Danger called This was the Number of Men he had and thus ordered when Coje Zofar came on with all his Power resolving to attack the Bastion of the Sea with three Castles built upon a Ship of prodigious bigness well stored with Cannon to batter the Wall Within the Castles were Two hundred Turks who were to distract the Desendants by pouring in continually all sorts of Artificial Fire-works This Design succeeded not for our Commander having notice of it sent Iacome Leite to burn that Ship He took twenty Men in two Vessels and though he set out by Night was discovered yet did not desist but couragiously went on and set fire to it then retiring saw a great part of it fly into the Air with most of the Turks the Remainder casting such a Flame as at a distance discovered the Enemies Army running in Batalions to quench the Fire Iacome seeing them in Clusters let fly his Cannon and killed many of them In this Action he had seven Men wounded He went on to the Mouth of the River and took from the Enemy some Vessels of Provision with which he returned to the Fort much admired of all 6. Coje Zofar began to build the Wall that had been before beat down which could not be hindred though our Cannon killed many of the Workmen but was brought to such perfection that he planted â—…hereon Sixty great Cannon besides many small and one of such extraordinary bigness that it shook the whole Island and made pieces of the Fort fly it was managed by an expert French Renegado At this time arrived D. Ferdinand de Castro Son to the Governour sent by him with some Relief of Men. Mascarenhas wanted some Intelligence from the Enemies Camp Iames de Anaya Coutino a Gentleman of Note and Man of great strength knowing of it at Night putting a Helmet on his Head with a Sword by his side and Spear in his Hand let himself down the Wall and lying close at some distance from the Fort discovered two Moors who being come up to him he killed the one with the Spear and taking up the other in his Arms run with him to the Gate of the Fort and calling threw him in to the great admiration of those that beheld it This was much but what follows is more He had borrowed the Helmet he carried and promised on the word of a Gentleman to restore it or dye In this Scuffle it fell off and he mist it not till the Owner asked for it He said nothing but letting himself off the Wall again went to look for found and restored it Nothing
could be more brave nothing more honourable 7. The King came from Champanel with Ten thousand Horse to see as Coje Zofar said that place taken This caused an extraordinary Motion in the Army and D. Iohn desired to know the cause of it Six of our Men sallied out at Night and fell among sixty Moors who were all asleep whereof they killed some and the rest waking at the Noise as also some that were not far off our Men were forced to retire leaving two dead the four brought a Prisoner with them who informed our Commander of what he desired This Action incensed the King and Coje Zofar so that they renewed the fury of their Batteries and did much harm The Renegado Frenchman was struck dead by a chance Dart and the Gunner who succeeded him being Ignorant did more harm to his own Party than to us which was some Revenge All the Neighbourhood resounded with the Noise of the Cannon and Cries of dying Men when a Bullet of ours falling in the Kings Tent sprinkled him with the Blood of one of his Favourites who was near him and beaten to pieces This so terrified the King that he instantly fled leaving the Command of the Horse to Iuzarcan a Valiant Ethiopian 8. Coje Zofar pressed the Besieged and there was great slaughter and destruction on both sides the more visible and dangerous in the Fort by reason of its little Compass and the small number of Men. Mascarenas appeared wherever there was danger as hoping to gain no less Honour than Antony de Silveyra had done there a few years before He was no less Fortunate in couragous Women for those that were in the Fort encouraged the Men assisted and relieved them at the work And when the Turks entred the Walls one of them hearing they were got into a House run in with a Spear and fought till Mascarenas came and put them all to the Sword 9. Coje Zofar omitted nothing that could be devised to fill the Ditches and lay open the Fort. All industry was used on our side to repair the Breaches The prime Gentry did the Duties of private Souldiers and Masons the Walls and Bastions were ruined at Night and repaired by Morning Coje Zofar was astonished to see all he destroyed restored Coming on in a Rage with fresh Men a Cannon Ball took off his Head and right Hand whereon he leaned it Thus he fulfilled his Mothers Prediction who being at Otranto still persuaded him to be reconciled to the Church and perceiving she prevailed not superscribed her Letters to him thus To Coje Zofar my Son at the Gates of Hell His Son Rumecan succeeded him as well in Wickedness as the ardent desire of taking that Fort. He took upon him his Father's Command and inherited his Fortune Our Commander was obliged to send fresh Advice to the Governour at Goa and the Captains of the Neighbouring places A Priest was the Messenger who run very great danger the Sea at that time being scarce Navigable But then Portugal had some Decij and some Reguli Now it has only the grief of wanting them CHAP. II. Continues the Government of D. John de Castro and Siege of Diu. 1. RUmecan now gives a General Assault he and Iuzarcan attack the Bastions of St. Iohn and St. Thomas where they found a most vigorous Resistance and so many were killed that the Defendants seemed rather a raging Plague than Men. Yet at length Valour was forced to give way to Numbers and the Enemy mounted St. Thomas's Bastion But Despair administring Fury rather than Valour the few Portugueses rush upon the multitude of Enemies and making a wonderful slaughter throw headlong from the Wall such as had escaped the Sword so that the Dead lay in heaps 2. Rumecan thinking Mahomets displeasure was the cause of this Misfortune spent this Night in Prayers and Processions In the Morning thinking he had attoned he renewed the Assault After mounting the two Bastions he was forced to retire having lost almost Two thousand Men and among them the Ethiopian Iuzarcan General of the Horse An Uncle of his of the same Name succeeded him In this Action seven Portugueses were lost Several other Assaults were given with like Success In one of these the Fire was so close and furious that several who were clad in Cotton which soon took flame ran and dipt themselves in the Water and so returned to their Posts Those who wore Skins escaped better Our Commander taking notice of this caused some gilt Leather wherewith his Rooms were hung to be made into Coats for the Souldiers Another time D. Iohn and D. Peter de Almeyda with One hundred Men sallied to destroy a Mount raised by the Enemy to over-look the Fort and effected it killing Three hundred Moors Martin Botello another time went out with Ten Men to take some Body to give Intelligence and falling upon Eighteen put them to flight all except a bold Nubij who standing all the Eleven wrestled with Botello and he finding it hard to overcome him whilst he could touch the ground with his Feet like another Hercules with Anseus ran with him in his Arms to the Fort. 3. The Attacks were still renewed the Defendants spent with Labour and above all with Hunger feeding even upon nauseous Vermin A Crow taken upon the dead Bodies was a Dâ—…nty for the Sick and sold for five Crowns the Ammunition was almost spent and now the Enemy gives a hot Assault with fresh Men Ten thousand having newly joyned them They entred St. Iohn's Bastion and retired Scarce had they left it when it blew up and in it 73 of our Men ten whereof came down alive Iames de Sotomayer fell into the Fort with a Spear in his hand a Souldier in the same manner fell among the Enemies and was killed by them It was no Fable that Armed Men were seen in the Air this bout Our Captain Mascarenas foreseeing the danger had ordered them to quit the Bastion but one Reynoso protested he would accuse them of Cowardize if they did The one Commanded prudently the other Advised couragiously yet was guilty of Disobedience 4. Thirteen thousand of the Enemy attack the Breach they had made only five Souldiers withstood them till Mascarenas came with fifteen more The Women assisted the Men and ran even to brave Death The Priest who was returned from carrying the Advice to the Neighbouring places appeared encouraging all with a Crucifix lifted on high The Actions done here were incredible but Night coming on the Enemy retired having lost Three hundred Men. Mascarenas spent all the Night in repairing the Damages received 5. The Enemy daily renewed their Attacks with the same success and held out by means of their vast Numbers Rumecan fell again to Mining and pierced the very Rocks that stood in his way but met not with such success as he had done the time before for D. Iohn perceiving his Work countermined it and it flew all back upon the Besiegers killing many
against him the twenty sixth of December It is not much that Lope Vaz should rejoice but strange that Mascarenas should not be at all concerned He embarqued in one of the Ships that came this year for Portugal was well received by the King who gave him the Command of Azamor in Africk on his return from thence he was lost at Sea 7. As soon as Lope Vaz was quietly settled in his Government he dispatched Commanders to some Forts and among them Peter de Faria to Malaca Antony de Miranda de Azevedo was sent with a Fleet to burn the Turkish Gallies that were left at Camaran after the death of Raez Soliman Martin Alfonso de Melo Iusarte went to build a Fort at Sunda with eight large Ships and four hundred Men. He touched at Columbo in the Island Ceylon where Pate Marcar of Calicut oppressed the King of Cota our Ally but hearing of these Ships he fled up the Rivers and Madune Pandar the King's Brother who joined with his Enemy and pretended to the greatest part of the Kingdom raised his Siege Martin Alfonso went thence rich having taken some Ships of the Moors and agreed at Calecare with the Lord about the price of Pearls whereof there is a Fishery Further on he destroyed the Town of Core because the Inhabitants had killed Iohn de Flores who guarded that Fishery 8. Going on his Voyage a sudden and fierce storm drove all his company out of sight and set him upon a Bank of Sand near the Island Nagamale opposite to the City Sodoe He went into the Long-boat with fifty Men and with great difficulty came to the City Chacuria in the Kingdom of Bengala the Lord whereof after making use of them against his Enemy made them all Slaves Hence they were carried to Sore where two of his Captains arriving thought to have stoln them away by night but were discovered and disappointed The Indians had made a Vow to sacrifice to their Idols the handsomest Portuguese they should take they judged one Gonzalo Vaz de Melo to be such and accordingly sacrificed him notwithstanding his Uncle Martin Alfonso promised a great ransom for him The others were afterwards redeemed by a Moor for three thousand Ducats 9. One of the Captains Lope Vaz had sent out was D. Iohn Deca to scour the Sea of Calicut He behaved himself bravely in several Rencounters and took this year fifty Prizes laden with all sorts of Goods He burnt the Town of Mangalor and meeting afterwards the Fleet of Calicut consisting of seventy Paraos well equipped under the Command of the Chinese Captain Cutiale he fought them took Cutiale and most of the Vessels killed fifteen hundred Moors and had almost as many Prisoners In these Rencounters he lost twenty Portugueses 10. Antony de Miranda de Azevedo sailed the latter end of Ianuary for the Red Sea with twenty Ships and above a thousand Men. After taking some Prizes he met in the Mouth of that Sea Henry de Macedo engaged with a great Turkish Gallion They boarded him and the Turks threw a burning Dart which stuck in the main Sheet and began to fire it but a strong Gust of Wind shaking the Sail cast it back into the Turkish Gallion where falling among the Powder it blew all up so that only eight Men escaped and those escaped only the Fire not the Sword being killed as they swam Antony de Sylva took a great Ship of Diu and killed all the Men. D. Antony de Miranda fought another two days and she got off Several Captains had other Rencounters The chief Design which was fighting the Turks in the Red Sea at the Island Camaran took no effect the Winds being contrary They burnt the City Zeylan the Inhabitants having saved themselves and Goods by flight 11. They went thence to Ormuz and next to Diu and were dispersed by a storm Lâ—…pe de Mesquita met a great Ship wherein were 200 resolute Moors and boarded her with thirty Men no sooner were they in her but his Gallion fell off Being left thus they furiously fell upon the two hundred kill most of them and take the Ship which being much battered by the Gallion was sinking Mesquita with all speed sends his Brother Iames with sixteen Men in the Long-boat to save the Mony taken in the Ship and return for those that were behind Those who thought to escape fell into the greatest danger for not reaching the Gallion they were taken by the Fleet of Diu and carried to the King of Cambaya who would force them to turn Moors but they remained constant The King in a rage caused Iames de Mesquita to be put into a Cannon in order to be blown in pieces but admiring the resolution with which he entred was appeased and spared him They were all put into Prison and afterwards released Lope de Mesquita the Gallion and Antony de Miranda met at Chaul Antony de Macedo came with his Ship so battered it was almost a miracle he escaped and his Face so monstrous no body knew him that caused by the Cannon the latter by Fire having been beset by fifty Barks and three Galliots off of Diu. He fought them a whole day and was reduced to only six Men and a Woman who supplied them with Powder till accidentally Antony de Silva came up with him and the Enemies Commander being killed they fled 12. The Moors had improved our Divisions to do us much harm Lope Vaz prepared to be revenged He left Antony de Miranda to command at Goa and went to Cochin where he fitted out eighteen Ships At Cananor met him one hundred and thirty Paraos of Malabars He could not attack them with the great Ships by reason of the contrary Wind. But resolving not to slip the opportunity advanced with thirteen Paraos against the hundred and thirty He came up with and did them much harm with his Cannon and they spared not theirs but seeing two Paraos come out of Cananor to the relief of the thirteen and the great Ships spread their Sails to come up they fled eighteen of them were sunk twenty two taken and in them fifty pieces of Cannon eight hundred killed and many Prisoners made Those that fled and others who joined them fell into the snare near Cochin 13. Lope Vaz set out again with the same Fleet in search of Arel Lord of Porca who was seeking revenge for what had happened between him and D. Enrique at the destruction of Coulete Lope Vaz scoured the Coast as he went Simon de Melo who commanded the Brigantines burnt twenty six Ships and razed the Town of Chatua The Fire ran 〈◊〉 far as Cranganor He ordered the Fleet that was there to follow him that all might share in the plunder of Porca which he thought secure He had a thousand Men with him and with them he assaulted the City Arel was not within it and the Moors fought couragiously in defence of their Wives Children and Goods But the greatest part being
slain the rest fled and the Town was plundered The Wife of Arel and other persons of Note were taken with much Gold Silver Jewels Silks and other Stuffs good Cannon and thirteen considerable Vessels all was put to the Sword first and then delivered up to the Flames without the loss of one Man The Governor returning to Cochin found there two Ships that came from Portugal with Nuno de Cuna who came to take upon him that Government and was behind with most of the Fleet. Lope Vaz desired to deliver up India to him cleansed of Pyrats and so prosecuted his Undertakings He went to Cananor and sent his Nephew Simon de Melo against Marabia a Town not far distant who burnt twelve of the Paraos that guarded the Port and landing fired the Town The same he did at mount Delii Antony de Silva de Meneses acted in the same nature at other places There was nothing every where but Fire and Sword Ruin and Destruction 14. The King of Cambaya at this time had fitted out eighty Barques against Nizamaluco Lord of Chaul and did harm to the Portugueses Alexiath a valiant â—…oor commanded that Fleet and our Commander at Chaul and Nizamaluco both demanded aid of Lopâ—… Vaz He set out with forty Sail in which were above a thousand Portugueses besides the Natives who bore Arms. Hector de Silveyra had the Command of the Vessels that rowed Lope Vaz being arrived at Chaul sent eighty Portugueses under the Command of Iohn de Avelar to Nizamaluco then sailed towards Diu understanding the eighty Barques steered that way Off of Bombaim he had sight of them Some Vessels run to secure the mouth of the River Bandora left the Enemy might escape that way Hector de Silveyra with his Brigantines fetched up Aleixiath The Cannon began a furious Charge and the Smoak being dispersed there appeared in the Air showers of Bullets and Arrows Then they boarded and after a vigorous Engagement Alixiath fled with only seven of his eighty Barques Thirty three of them were of use the rest burnt the Prisoners were many much Artillery taken and abundance of Ammunition Hector lost not one Man in this glorious Action to which Lope Vaz was a joyful Spectator tho envious of Silveyra's Glory Iohn de Avelar acted no less for scaling an almost impregnable Fort of the King of Cambaya he was the first that entered and having slain all the Defendants delivered it up to Nizamaluco Here three Portugueses were lost They were all assisted by a thousand of Nizamaluco's â—…ubjects That Prince honored and rewarded the Bravery of the Portugueses 15. Lope Vaz overjoyed with this success thought Diu now weakened would surrender if he appeared before it and he judged right as afterwards appeared But all the Captains except Hector de Silveyra being of a contrary opinion he was forced to desist and went back to Goa leaving the famous Hector with twenty two Vessels that rowed to scour that Coast of Pirats Antony de Miranda on that of Malabar drove all that came in his way He had destroyed twelve Paraos when Christopher de Melo the Governor's Nephew joined him with a hundred choice Men in six Brigantines and a Gally Then they took in the River Chale a mighty Ship of Calicut laden with Pepper and bravely defended by much Artillery and eight hundred Men. Near Monte Hermoso or Mount Beautiful they defeated fifty Sail of Calicut and took much Cannon and many Men in three Paraos But the Winter coming on they retired 16. Hector de Silveyra who was left with his Brigantines on the Coast of Cambaya did much execution He run up the River Nagotana of Baçaim and landed the Natives with the Terror of his Actions deserting the Towns whereof he burnt six At the last the Commander of Nagotana appeared in the Field with five hundred Horse and a great number of Foot Hector knowing it was a raâ—…ness to encounter him retired towards his Brigantines but the Horse coming on hindered any from embarquing Hector faced them and killing three made some room Francis Godino dismounting one of the Enemy got upon his Horse and killing another brought that Horse to his Captain who encouraging his Men made the Enemy give back and so gained time to imbarque Hector went hence to Bacaim seated on the Banks of the River of the same name found it well fortified and stored with Cannon through whose Mouths he must force his landing Behind the Town lay Alixiath with five hundred Horse and three thousand Foot Hector entered the River by night and in the morning in despight of their Cannon forced the Works killing many of the Defendants As he marched to the Town on a sudden Alixiath fell on him with his three thousand five hundred Men. Silveyra drew his Men into one Body and bravely put all that number to flight killing many Whilst they fled Baâ—…aim was plundered and burnt The Lord of Tana a great City not far distant terrified at this success submitted himself as Tributary to Portugal and was received by Hector who now retired to Chaul 17. Let us now see what was done during this time at Maluco Simon de Sousa Galvam was going in a Galley with seventy Men to take the Command of that Fort of D. George a most violent storm brought him in a miserable condition to the Port of Achem. Immediately flocked about them several Vessels upon pretence of assistance but being come aboard they fell upon the seventy Portugueses with all manner of weapons but they recovering the Fright bravely drove them all from their Ships sides but not above twenty of them were left that could stand upon their Feet The King in a rage that the Ship was not taken ordered his Admiral to attack her in the morning He came and Simon de Sousa encouraging those Men that could scarce support themselves did Feats like to those related in Fables and repelled with great slaughter that Inundation that came upon them But a Moor who was in the Galley leaping overboard gave the Enemy an account of her miserable condition With a fresh supply they came on again and boarded her killing most of our Men Simon de Sousa was cut in pieces Only such as had not life enough to seek their death remained alive and were carried to the King with the Galley and afterwards served in the execution of his wicked Designs as shall appear in its proper place 18. Thus Simon de Sousa sailing by the way D. George de Meneses continued his Command at Maluco He sent some Portugueses against Tidore and the Spaniards that were there but they being put to the rout D. George gathered the Ternatenses they their Allies the chief whereof were Cachil de Aroez the King of Bacham and the Sangages They fell upon Tidore in the morning those of of Tidore and the Spaniards fought couragiously but were obliged to give ground and retire the Spaniards to their Fort having lost six Men two killed and
great a Force was not requisite and dismissed half the Fleet. But there had been use for all when he met Pati Marcar a Commander of Calicut sailing for Mangalor with sixty Paraos The Weather prevented fighting then so he waited their Return and gave Battel at Mount Delii where six Paraos were sunk then went to Cochin 8. Antony de Silveyra to whom the Coast of Cambaya was allotted had now under his Command fifty one Sail whereof three were Gallies and two Galliots and in them nine hundred Portugueses He went up the River Taptii on whose Banks are two Cities the chiefest of that Coast. On the one side Surat containing ten thousand Families most Handycrafts and all of no Courage called Bancanes On the other side Reyner of six thousand Houses but warlike Men and well fortified The River being sounded it was found there was not Water enough for the greater Vessels which were left at the Barr under Francis de Vasconcellos With the rest Antony de Silveyra returning to the Mouth of the River and having sailed four Leagues discovered Surat Three hundred Horse and almost ten thousand Foot opposed the Landing armed with Bows and Musquets they spent their-Shot and fled without expecting an Answer The City was entred without any farther resistance and nothing left in it that had life or was of Value Then the City and some Ships that lay in the Arsenal were burnt A little higher on the other side was the City Reyner inhabited by the Nayteas Moors of more Courage and Policy who nevertheless scarce essayed our Fire when they fled leaving all in the Hands of the Portugueses who had all been rich could they have carried away all the Plunder They carried what they could the rest was all burnt with twenty Ships and many lesser Vessels that were in that Port. Emanuel de Sousa was in both Actions the foremost at landing not without great danger especially in the latter the Enemy playing much great Cannon at him 9. Antony de Silveyra returning to the Mouth of the River found that whilst he burnt those Cities Francis de Vasconcellos had not been idle but taken six Vessels laden with Provisions bound for Diu. Now they sailed together to Damam a Town great and strong yet terrified by the Disaster of the others quitted by the Inhabitants and burnt by our Men. On the contrary the Town of Agaçaim fourteen Leagues from Chaul dared the Portugues Fury with four hundred Horse and five thousand Foot At first shock they killed five Portugueses and the rest began to flie but being rallied by the Captains the Town was taken and in it much Cannon and Riches Many were killed above two hundred taken The Fire of the Town took hold of the Vessels which were three hundred 10 Whilst Antony de Silveyra was thus employed Francis Pereyra de Berredo Commander at Chaul overcome by the Intreaties of the Inhabitants oppressed by Badur King of Cambaya who was Master of the Field marched with fifty Horse and one hundred and fifty Foot till he met Popaterao with five thousand of the former and twelve thousand of the latter The multitude weariness and heat so disordered the Portugueses that most of them were slain Francis Pereyra seeing the Fort in danger called Antony de Silveyra who instantly with care relieved it in person which preserved it from falling into the Hands of King Badur which it must have done if assaulted at that time Francis Pereyra was punished for that loss and rashness by being deprived of his Command and imprisoned by the Governor who gave that Post to Antony Silveyra whose Diligence had saved it 11. Hector de Silveyra who sailed from Goa on the twenty first of Ianuary with ten Sail and six hundred Men for the Red Sea spread his Ships cross the Mouth of it from Cape Guardafu on the Coast of Asia to Xael in Arabia that no Enemy might escape him Most of them had some Success chiefly Hector and Martin de Castro who took two great and rich Ships killing the Defendants who made a brave resistance A Brigantine of twelve Men that accompanied the Ship taken by Hector to Mascate made up to a great Barque supposing her a Portuguese and discovered not the mistake till it was not possible to avoid fighting thirty valiant Turks that were in her They fought till both parties tired were forced to rest and having recovered Breath all the Turks were slain Of the Portugueses three died the nine carrying off the Barque as a Trophy of this brave Exploit The Fleet being joined appeared before Aden where Hector managed that King with such Dexterity that he consented to pay a Tribute of twelve thousand Xeraphins yearly to the Crown of Portugal offering him immediately a Crown of Gold The Agreement was solemnly signed on both sides and Antony Botello left in that Port with a Brigantine and thirty Men. In the same manner the King of Xael submitted who not long before had accompanied Mustapha a Turkish Captain with twenty thousand Men to make war upon Aden In the Month of September arrived at Goa six Ships from Portugal 12. Let us look upon the Indian Sea now covered with a Wood of Ships the product of the Governor 's great care now full of his Design upon Diu. This Fleet consisted of above four hundred Sail many large more indifferent and the greatest number small several of them were only Sutlers fitted out by the Natives for private Gain In the Island Bombaim was made a general Review of the Fleet and found to contain three thousand six hundred Soldiers and one thousand four hundred and fifty Seamen all Portugueses above two thousand Malabars and Canaras eight thousand Slaves fit for Service and almost five thousand Seamen The Governor landed at Damam a Fort of Cambaya which was immediately quitted by the Moors Mass was said there and the general absolution given Then three Rewards were proposed to the three first that should mount the Walls of Diu at the scaling of it Hither came the News that the Arabs Turks and others to the number of two thousand fortified themselves in the Island Beth seven Leagues from Diu. It was by Nature and Art so begirt with Rocks and Walls and stored with Cannon that Nuno de Cuna gave no Credit to the Relation till he saw it 13. On the seventh of February he came to the Island and having in person viewed all Difficulties besieged it He summoned the Barbarians to surrender but they were so resolute that many of them shaved their Heads a Token that they fear not death but are devoted which they call making themselves Amoucos Their Commander gave them a brutal Example of Resolution making a great Fire and throwing into it his Wife Son Goods and Family that if the Portugueses overcame they might find nothing but a heap of Ashes Others followed the Example Nuno ordered the Island to be attacked at once in six several places At Break of Day each
Officer couragiously fell on the place appointed him The Enemy received them with desperate fury Many were killed and among them the brave Hector de Silveyra who in so many Occasions had notably signalized himself This to us was a great loss Our dead in all were twelve A Portuguese ran through an Islander with his Lance and he pressing forward upon it with his Cymiter cut off the Portuguese his Leg and they both fell down dead One stood upon a Rock with four Women and seeing our Men comeon killed two of the Women by their free consent but a Bullet preventing him from killing the other two they both leap'd into the Sea to prevent being made Slaves but to no effect for they were taken in the Sea Eighteen hundred of the Enemy were killed and sixty Cannons taken 14. Nuno de Cuna parting from Beth appeared no less formidable to Diu than that City did to him The City considered the Sea covered with that Fleet. The Fleet a City built upon Rocks and encompassed by them and Water the Mouth of the River crossed with massy Chains sustained upon Vessels and eighty filled with Archers and Musqueteers to defend them within ten thousand armed Men and an infinite number of great Artillery The tops of Houses Walls and Rocks covered with multitudes of People of both Sexes and all Ages rending the Air with Shouts Our Governor viewed the danger consulted the Captains and ordered the Assault 15. On the sixteenth of February the signal being given the Sea and Land were covered with Clouds of Smoak and Dust of the Destruction our Guns made in the City Nuno standing in a Boat cloathed in red to be the better seen flew to all parts where there was occasion and being known was all the Mark the Enemies Shot was directed to Which Sebastian de Sa who by favour was taken out of another Boat into his perceiving with some concern said to him Alas Sir was it for this you brought me hither And he pleasantly as if no danger had been near replyed to him and others Humilitate capita vestra D. Vasco de Lima had not lowered his Head for a Ball took it off his shoulders Our Cannon began to burst with the continual Fire Cuna perceiving this loss and that twelve Men were killed without doing any considerable Execution upon the Enemy the day being spent consulted with the principal Men and it was agreed the Enterprize was not practical He desisted leaving Antony de Saldana with sixty Vessels in the Bay of Cambaya to do what damage he could to the Enemy It was agreed on all Hands that had not the Governor stayed to take Beth he had carried Diu for the Moor Mustapha was the only cause of its holding out who entered but three days before with considerable Relief We lost never a Vessel and that part of the Fleet which went with Nuno de Cuna arrived at Goa the fifteenth of March where it stayed till two Ships came in of six that sailed this year from Lisbon Of the other four one returned to Portugal another perished in a storm at Cape Comori the Captain Manuel de Macedo and all the Men being saved ashore where they defended themselves against a great number of Moors till relieved from Cochin A third was never heard of And the fourth came afterwards but returning home with another it was never known of what became of both 16. Mustapha as soon as the Portugues Fleet was gone went to offer himself to King Badur carrying great Presents and was received with Honor and rewarded He gave him the Command of Baroche in the Bay of Cambaya and other considerable Revenues with the Title of Rume because he was a Grecian for the Indian Moors being ignorant of the Division of the Provinces of Europe called all Thracia Greece Sclavonia and the adjacent Countries Rum and the Natives thereof Rumii this Name being proper only to those of Thracia called Romania Therefore the Turks and Rumes are different Nations those being originally of Turchestan and these of Greece and Thrace and the Rumes esteem themselves more honorable than the Turks He also gave him the Title of Cham a Dignity among the Tartars like a Duke with us and among the Eastern People is given to Persons of great Merit So Mustapha from hence forward was called Rume Cham. 17. Antony de Saldana who was left in the Sea of Diu with sixty Sail and fifteen hundred Men went to the City Madrefabat five Leagues distant towards the Island Beth and burnt it with small opposition Then he went to Goga twenty four Leagues distant from the last a place of great Trade formerly populous and strong In the Port were fifteen of the best Paraos of Calicut laden with Spice who fled up a Creek and were followed by Saldana with eight hundred Men in the smaller Vessels It was found necessary to land and three hundred Horse and eight hundred Foot coming down to the Relief of the Malabars there was a sharp Engagement till above two hundred of the Enemy being killed they quitted the Field and Vessels which were all burnt as was the Town and eight Ships in the Port. We lost some Men. The chiefest Booty was much good Cannon The same happened to the Towns Belsa Tarapor Maii Quelme and Agacim and lastly Surat then rising after the last Fire and some Vessels in that River Saldana having thus terrified all that Coast retired to Goa About this time came into Nuno de Cuna's power a Brother of the King of Cambaya who was the rightful Heir of that Crown and through him our Governor hoped to compass some considerable advantage D. Antony de Silveyra who parted from Chaul with six Ships arrived at Aden and found that King who not long before submitted to the Portugueses had killed such as had stayed there for Covetousness of a Ship laden with Spice that came to his Port. Silveyra being too weak to revenge this sailed to Ormuz where he died George de Lima succeeded in his Command and took two rich Ships in the Bay of Cambaya 18. Our Cruisers had about this time taken twenty seven Ships of the King of Calicut richly laden He being preplexed with these Losses and fearing greater proposed an Accommodation Iames Pereyra was sent to treat and obtained what he desired which was leave to build a Fort at Chale Chale is an Island in a River that falls into the Sea three Leagues from Calicut navigable in Boats up to the Mountain Gate Urinama a Heathen was a King of it and next to him he of Tanor both Subjects of Calicut Both coveted the Friendship of the Portugueses as well to cast of that Yoke as in hopes to grow rich with our Trade As soon as Nuno had obtained consent to raise the Fort he set out from Goa with one hundred and fifty Sail three thousand Portugueses and one thousand Lascarines of the Country Such diligence was used in the Work the Gentlemen not
and one piece of Cannon and wounded many of his Men and himself so that he was forced to be sent to Damans to be cured Afterwards burning another Village he came off with Loss 7. The Vice-Roy being informed that the Turkish Gallies which the Year before plundred Mascate were again at Sea â—…ared they would make some attempt upon Moçambique and therefore sent thither two Ships to relieve that Place Mean while an Army of Mogols with Elephants and other Necessaries for a Siege entred the Country of Damam burnt Villages and encamped not far from the City Our Commander there Martin Alfonso de Melo having but few Men and being ill fortified sent Advice to the neighbouring Commanders and to the Vice-Roy and in few Days so many Gentlemen resorted to him that they valued not the Enemy 8. The Mogol thinking nothing was to be got by Men who so freely offered themselves to Danger forbore the Siege and with fresh Fury over-ran the whole Country He took a view of the Fort where Ferdinand de Miranda had Commanded and was well known to him he called Miranda loud and rid out from the Front of his Army Ferdinand knowing he that called was Calichan General of those Troops went out and pointed his Lance so well that hitting on his Breast it pierced the Armour wounded him and flew in pieces but he fell not being tied to the Saddle Calichan retired to his Men decamped and marched away but left a Garrison to keep Possession of one Village But the Portugueses had like to have done themselves the Damage they might have feared from the Mogol being drawn up in order to fight among themselves on account of some Disputes about Superiority and about opposing Alfonso de Melo for imprisoning a Soldier A fortunate alarm prevented this Mischief 10. â—…mana da Rama King of Sarceta five Leâ—…ues Northward of Damam a Friend to the Portugueses being upon this occasion entruâ—…ed to secure the Women and Children covetous of the Riches they carried with them refused to restore them Martin Alfonso de Melo and Ferdinand de Miranda marched towards him with Eight hundred Portugueses whereof 140 Horse and 400 Musqueteers and 1000 of the Natives Being come in sight of the City Raumalaje the King sent to offer he would restore all provided they would proceed â—…o farther They thinking it was only to amuse them marched on The King with his Wife and Jewels getting on Elephants and being followed by the Inhabitants fled to a Mountain whence he could see the City plundered and burnt and all the Country about destroyed 11. The Enemy made some attempts upon our Quarters and at last the King â—…me in Person with a good number of Men for some time put our Men very hard to it but in the end was forced to fly and from his retreat sent to make entire restitution of all that had been demanded 12. In Ceylon Raju was preparing to fall upon Columbo The Vice-Roy sent five Sail to its Relief and Raju understanding it stirred not Iohn Correa de â—…to Commander of Columbo eased of that care sent back three of the Ships retaining only two 13. D. Hierome de Mascarennas who was with a Squadron in the Red Sea met with no Enemy but one Night the Sky being serene and clear they all saw a great opening in the Region of the Air with such brightness as enlightned all the Sea then there fell abundance of Flames like flashes of Powder This lasted not long the Night after it continued clear as before and they sailed to Ormuz 14. The Kings of Lara always aspired to raise themselves above those of Ormuz as formerly they had been He that now reigned resolving to possess himself of all Mogostan and leading a powerful Army had taken several Towns and kept the Fort of Ormuz in a manner besieged by hindring the resort of the neighbouring Country People who supply it with Provisions The King of Ormuz who was equally apprehensive of this danger had a Conference with D. Gonzalo de Meneses Commander of the Fort and having adjusted Matters they both set out in August when the heat of the Sun is intollerable to meet the Enemy The King led 3000 Men D. Gonzalo 800 choice Portugueses with a train equal to the greatest Princes These 800 were divided into three Bodies They marched to the Fort of Xamel which they judged impregnable not so much 〈◊〉 Art as its natural Situation in it were Fire hundred Lâ—…ines the flower of that 〈◊〉 15. In â—…ing our Cannon we lost one Man and had many Wounded The Fort was battâ—…d Twenty Days without any Effect The Battery was removed against a Bastion â—…ar the Gate where it soon made a consâ—…able impression The Bastion was assaulâ—…d and gained with the loss of six Men. 16. The Battery was removed thither and continued playing till the King of Lara dying and his two Sons falling at variance about the Succession instead of relieving the Besieged they were forced to surrender upon Condition to march out with their Baggage As they marched the Amadises of the Army of Ormuz who had feigned themselves 〈◊〉 Friends only to get the opportunity of revenging the Affronts received from them in the Persons of their Wives and Daughters now suddenly fell upon them killed 150 and had destroyed the rest had not the King and D. Gonzalo interposed Milascar one of their Officers was killed by our Men whom he assaulted believing them the Breakers of the Articles 17. Xascambar another of their Officers more discreet put himself into the Protection of D. Gonzalo who found much difficulty to save him The Amadises begged of him since he would not suffer them to kill him he would at least permit them to lay their Mouths to his Wounds to suck his Blood in revenge of their Affronts with great trouble he appealed them The King put Coiecenadam with Five hundred Men into the Fort and returned to â—…z Immediately after Provisions â—…w grown scarce in the City were plentifully brought to it 18. At the same time the King of Achem came to Malaca with 150 Sail and finding two Ships in that River batter'd them the space of fifteen days D. Iohn de Gaâ—… who commanded there and whose time was now expiring was most vigilant till Rocque de Melo succeeded him The Enemy weary with battering the Ships resolved to burn them and had compassed it had not Bartholomew Fernandez a Mulato with two Souldiers turned off from them a flaming Vessel designed to set them on Fire 19. Nunno Monteyro coming from the Sreight of Singapura in a Galliot with sixty Portugueses most of them born at Malaca had the boldness to attack all that Fleet. Though it seem fabulous at the first onset he made all those 150 Sail give way then the greatest of them boarded him and he had visibly the better of them when some spark of Fire falling into his Powder blew up him his Vessel and all the Men Yet this
Hollanders out of Tidore and cut off their hopes of ever settling in those Islands which from that time forward remained subject to Spain 12. Though the Hollanders lost Tidore yet they aspired to greater Conquests To this purpose they made a League with seven of the Neighbouring Kings about Malaca thinking to gain that Place They gathered a Fleet of One hundred and fifty Sail in which were 16000 Men. There were but few above One hundred Portugueses in a condition to oppose this Power but they were Commanded by the Great Andrew Furtado de Mendoça He sent out several Parties to discover the Enemy's Designs The first was but of four Soldiers with Gaspar de Fonseca the Enemy thinking they Deserted gave them free Passage but were undeceived receiving considerable damage from only those five Men. Next Captain Ferdinand de Costa de Andria with Forty Men some of them Iaponeses cut off a good Party of them and retired without any loss 13. The Enemy having taken their Ground began to batter the City and those within to feel the Miseries of a Siege being in want of all Necessaries To this was added that the Master-Gunner was a Hollander who designedly burst many pieces of Cannon having under-hand Intelligence with the Enemy A Moor who commanded some Men acted no less treacherously but being discovered they were both hanged over the Wall Many of our Men signalized themselves by brave Actions and particularly Iohn Rodriguez Camelo who with great danger brought a number of Men and did good Service with them The Enemy lost so many Men during four Months the Siege lasted in which time they spent above Fifty thousand Cannon Balls that despairing of success they raised the Siege the Kings returning home and the Hollanders to their Ships 14. The News that D. Martin Alfonso de Castro our Viceroy was coming with twelve Galleons four Galleys and seventy other Vessels caused the Siege to be sooner raised He set out of Goa in May on St. Antony's Day in Iune came to Anchor at Achem where he took three of the Enemy's Ships loaden with Provisions and resolved to take Revenge on that King for receiving the Hollanders into his Ports contrary to a former Agreement On the 29th the Men landed the Enemy's opposed them in great numbers with many Elephants but after a brave resistance were forced to their Works Our Men mounted and planted their Colours and had they followed their Victory the City had been that day destroyed Yet the fight lasted all that and next day when the Viceroy perceiving no Benefit accrued shipped his Men much afflicted that he had slipped such an Opportunity 15. After suffering much for want of Water and loosing some Vessels by bad Weather the Fleet came before Malaca where Andrew Furtado acquainted the Viceroy the Siege was carried on by Sea and Land on the Sea were eleven Ships and seven Galliots of the Hollanders and Three hundred small Vessels of the Natives by Land eleven neighbouring Kings in their Persons with 14000 Men. Both of them during those four Months the Siege lasted had destroyed many Buildings and committed great Outrages against Images and other holy Things On the 17th of August the 〈◊〉 Ships went out to receive our Fleet playing their Cannon furiosly and were answer'd in like manner with equal loss till Night parted them 16. Morning appearing the Fight was renewed with great Fury but the Damage was greater on our side because the Enemies Ships exceeded us in strength swiftness number of Cannons and goodness of Gunners Sebastian Suarez boarded one and burnt it after having killed many Hollanders Alvaro de Carvallo would have done the like to another and Duarte de Guerra coming up to second him they all three were consumed by fire and none of the Men saved 17. D. Henry de Noronna boarded the Admiral Cornelius Madclif and being both in danger of being burnt they parted by consent promising if they met again they would not encounter Whereupon Noronna quitted his Command telling the Viceroy He had rather serve as a private Man than be obliged to perform the Promise he had made to the Enemy D. Peter Mascarennas succeeded him in the Command who did Wonders for the Dutch Admiral coming up to salute him supposing it had been Noronna they engaged furiously and after the fight Four hundred Cannon shot were found in the Galleon which had done no other harm than the killing one Cafâ—…e The Fleets were engaged eight Days and our Vessels very much disabled On the 24th of August the Viceroy again offered the Enemy Battel but they all fled 18. The Viceroy entred Malaca which had been ruined during the Siege Andrew Furtado was of Opinion the Fleet should be kept together lest the Enemy might destroy it being separated Others advised it should divide the worst Advice was followed D. Alvaro de Meneses had a Squadron of seven Galleons to go meet the Ships that were expected from Portugal at the Islands of Nicobar Nunno Alvarez Pereyra another of five to secure the Ships of Iava that brought Provisions to Malaca through the Streight of Singapura but having met the Enemy he returned into the Port. 19. The Hollanders having refitted and hearing our Fleet was divided came again before Malaca and finding there the five Galleons they began a desperate fight on the twenty-second of October Many Men of Note of our side were killed one of our Vessels blew up and only seven Men were saved In fine the whole Squadron was destroyed Of the Hollanders about Five hundred were killed The Viceroy soon after died at Malaca it was believed that of Grief for this Loss 20. The Hollanders met not with the like Success in the Bay of Polobutum where D. Alvaro de Meneses was with his Squadron of seven Galleons for after a bloody Fight they were forced to give way having lost three Ships But since the Viceroy is dead and we must enter upon a new Government it will be fit to mention what Ships sailed from Lisbon for India during his Life In the Year 1605 7 Ships Before them three Galleons which were with the Fleet at Malaca After the 7 Ships set out Belchior Rodriguez in a Caravel with some fresh Advice who overtaking them under the Line returned to Lisbon 21. In the Year 1606 3 Ships were to have gone but were prevented by a Dutch Squadron that lay at the mouth of the River till the Season was past Thus much of the Government of D. Martin Alfonso de Castro who was Viceroy two Years and a half the 19th of that Number and 37th Governour the second both of Name and Sirname Of Stature somewhat tall of Complexion sallow a good Christian a good Gentleman well beloved in India and Zealous of the Kings's Service a Thing now rare in the World CHAP. VII The Government of the Archbishop D. F. Alexius de Meneses who was Governour from the Year 1607 till 1609. 1. DOn Martin Alfonso de Castra the Viceroy being
dead D. F. Alexius de Meneses Archbishop of Goa succeeded him in the Government but not in the Title About the beginning of his Government failed from Lisbon the three Ships which were to have set out the Year before After them followed two Galleons and two small Ships the two former were to remain in India 2. The Hollanders now aimed at the Conquest of the Island of Moçambique Our Fort there was commanded by D. Stephen de Ataide who not long before had obtained of the Emperor of Monomotapa a Grant of all the Silver Mines in his Dominions which are much richer than those of Asia to the Crown of Portugal The Motive of this Donation was that we might assist him to subdue his Rebellious Subjects which D. Stephen performed securing him in his Throne and to us that great Gift if we had known how to make use of it 3. About the end of May Paul Vercaden the Dutch Admiral anchored in the great Port of Moçambique with 8 Ships well stored and carrying 1500 Men. In the Fort there were but 80 Men a few and but indifferent Pieces of Cannon and that scarce fit for Service Nevertheless D. Stephen lost no Courage but posted his Men whilst the Enemy invested the Place 4. The Enemies Cannon-Balls flying very thick kept the Walls bare of Men so that a Colonel of theirs boldly rode about viewing our Works till he was struck down dead with a Bullet The Enemy carrying on their Approaches under the shelter of their Batteries that continually played our Men were forced to appear upon the Walls to oppose that Danger and the Hollanders being tired offered a Truce which was accepted While it lasted they reproached the Portuguâ—…ses that they had degenerated from their ancient Valour who to convince them of the contrary offered to fight 50 of them with only 25 which they refusing it gave new Courage to the Besieged 5. The Truce expiring the Cannon on both sides began to play The Enemy thought to take off the use of ours by bringing up to the Walls great Wooden Towers equal with our Paâ—…apets It was a dark stormy night when they began to advance but our watchful Centinels perceiving it so many Fireworks were heaped on them they were forced to retire with some loss Next night notwithstanding all opposition they were laid close to the Walls Twenty five Portugueses sallied with a Resolution to burn or break them but succeeded not 6. Being disappointed of that Design they fall upon the Hollanders who increased to 500 and killing many those 25 retired without losing one only some were wounded This Action seemed to have astonished the Enemy for the next day they stirred not nor after that for a whole week thô they saw their Castles burnt At last the Admiral sent Ataide a Letter threatning to spoil all the Country about unless he redeemed it from Ruin with a Sum of Money 7. Our Commander refused and the Hollander burnt down all that the Fire could lay hold of so the Town and other Buildings perished Next they cut down all the Woods and then raised the Siege which had lasted two months during which time 13 of our Men were killed and of theirs above 300. As they went over the Bar one of their Ships was sunk by our Cannon Scarce were they gone in the beginning of Iune when three of our Ships from Portugal under the command of D. Hierome Coutino entred the Port. Not long after came in Peter Blens about the end of Iuly with 3 Holland Ships and 2000 Men which might have been our Ruin had they come sooner 8. D. Hierome having the best he could relieved the Place was under Sail for India when Blens came in imagining Vercaden was by that time possess'd of the Fort. The Portugueses undeceived him with some Cannon Shot to which he answered by landing his Men and besieging the Fort as the other had done The first day the Batteries played they spent above 300 great Shot which laid one side open and they might have entred had they been as resolute to Assaulâ—… as furious in making the Breach The Damage received by Day was repaired by night Next morning 25 Men sallying killed 30 and returned without losing one bringing in Arms Drums and Colours One of these engaged with three of the Enemy well Armed killed two and put the other to flight 9. A Frenchman and 4 Hollanders came to the Wall begging to be protected as being Caâ—…olicks Blens in a fury demands them of oâ—… Commander who refused to deliver them and he in revenge ties 6 Portugueses taken at his entrance into the Harbour and shoots them to Death One hundred and fifty more were in the same danger who were taken out of a Galleon which coming from Portugal and knowing nothing of what had happened there run into the midst of the Enemies Ships and was burnt by them D. Stephen chose rather to expose those Men to danger than break Faith with those five he had taken into Protection But Blens his Passion being over he recalled the Sentence raised the Siege and setting Sail put all the Portugueses he had taken ashore in the Island of St. George The loss on both sides now was much the same as had been given and received before by Vercaden Blens sailed out of the Port about the end of August 10. While the Archbishop was Governour two Squadrons sailed from Portugal for India That of the Year 1608 shall be spoke of in the next Chapter because it carried D. Iohn Pereyra Frojas Count de Feyra who went Viceroy of India but died by the way The other of the same Year which arrived there in 1609 and carried Ruy Lorenço de Tavora to the same Command shall be spoken of in the Chapter of Andrew Furtado de Mendoca who succeeded the Archbishop This Religious Man governed two Years and a half and was the 38th Governour the first of the Name and sixth of the Sirname and first Church-man that had that Post. He was of a middle Stature white of Complexion grey with Years of a serene Countenance which moved Respect and took such care of his Servants that many got Estates CHAP. VIII Of the Viceroy D. John Pereyra Frojas Count de Feyra in the Year 1608. 1. AT the beginning of this Year sailed from the Port of Lisbon for India D. Iohn Pereyra Frojas Count de Feyra with the Title of Viceroy He raised in all Men great expectation as well for his Personal Merit as the greatness of his Quality and the Preparations for his Voyage were suitable being the greatest that till then had been His Squadron consisted of 6 Ships and 8 Galleons 2. The Viceroy set out on the 29th of March died on the 15th of May his Body was sent back and brought to Lisbon the 24th of Iuly The Admiral Noronna succeeded in the Command of the Fleet. The Count was the second that died by the way going to govern India and may be accounted 3d of
Peter de Zuniga and F. Luis Flores of Saint Dominick were burnt alive by the Emperor's Command together with Captain Ioachim a Iaponese who carried them in his Ship from Manila and twelve Seamen beheaded 3. At Mamgasaqui 25 were burnt alive and 25 beheaded Of the first number was Father Charles Spinola a Genoese and Father Sebastian Quimura born at Firando the first Iaponese Priest and six Iaponese Lay-Brothers all Jesuits Five Franciscans and nine Dominicans Also a Woman and twelve Children were executed and after that a Dominican and others 4. At Omura a Dominican a Franciscan and twelve more were burnt alive Ten suffer'd Martyrdom at Iquinosima Another was burnt at Firando fourteen at Namgasaqui and others in other Places all which made up the number of 118 whereof 46 burnt alive 5. In the Year 1624 another Persecution was raised at the Court by means of a Bonzo who becoming a Christian in hopes to grow rich and being disappointed became an Informer against Christians The Emperor gave him the Charge of Discovering them The first apprehended were two Jesuits and a Franciscan who being committed to Prison where Faramandondono the Emperor's Cousin was Baptized there forty Persons Fifty in all were taken out of the Prison and burnt alive Two Gentlemen who were Christians but not known being present leaped from their Horses and cast themselves into the Fire crying They died for the Faith At Night Three hundred Christians assembled and stole the Relicks of the Martyrs This gave occasion to a new Search and almost Five hundred suffered To prevent the concealing of any Religious Men all the Spaniards were expelled Nangasaqui and some married to Iaponese Women were parted from them Many Natives who would not renounce the Faith were banished and many more especially at Ozaqua had a Cross burnt deep on their Foreheads that they might be known to be Christians and they joyfully said Now we shall be known to be Slaves of Iesus They were turned off with that mark and almost naked in the dead of Winter with their Children and many of them died 6. In the Year 1637 Father Marcelas Francis Mastrili of the Society of Jesus was apprehended with his Companion Lazarus and carried to Namgasaqui where he endured many Tortures On the fourteenth of October he was brought out in sight of all the People with a Paper on his Back whereon were these Words Iogan Sama Emperor of Iapan Orders this mad Man to be Executed for Preaching in these Kingdoms a Law contrary to that of Xaxa and Amida and of the Fâ—…toques Come all to see him for he is to die hanging in the Cave for an Example At the Market-place of Tenâ—… where the Portugues Merchants resort he saluted them three times with his head having a Gag in his mouth 7. He was hanged up by the Feet in the Cave of the Mountain where generally Martyrs suffer and is therefore called Holy He hung four days uttering wonderful Doctrine and the Blood never fell into his Head as is usual in such Cases Seeing he did not die they took him out to be beheaded and he expected the stroke on his Knees saying twice My Father Saint Francis Xaverius It is believed he saw that Saint and that was the occasion of naming him The first stroke took no Effect the second made an impression and the third his Head fell to the Ground having called upon Jesus and Mary There followed an Earthquake all the Country about Being dead he had many Wounds given him then was burnt and the Ashes cast into the Sea Thus much of Iapan let us say somewhat of Ethiopia 8. In the Year 1521 Sultan Sagued being Emperor the Society of Jesus had a Residence at Gorgora in the Kingdom of Dambia and a stately Church Another Residence at Colela in the Kingdom of Gogan to which was subordinate the Mission of the Agaos a large Province Another at Fremona in the Kingdom of Tigre 9. The first Patriarch of Ethiopia was D. Iohn Bermudez chosen by the Emperor and confirmed by the Pope of whom we spoke in the Sixth Chapter of the Fourth Part of the Second Tome The second Patriarch was D. Iohn Nunnez Barreto a Jesuit of whose Sanctity it is a sufficient Testimony that he being at Tetuan serving the Slaves the Bassa of that Place said The Works of the Holiest Moor were not to compare with his He died at Goa without reaching Ethiopia The third was D. Andrew de Oviedo of a very Religious and Austere Life He suffered much Persecution for Preaching and Converting many Ethiopians The fourth Patriarch was D. Belchior Carnero a Jesuit who died at Goa The fifth D. Alfonso Mendez of whom we shall speak hereafter The sixth D. Apollinarius de Almeyda of whose Banishment also a further Account shall be given in its Place The End of the Third Part. THE PORTUGUES ASIA TOM III. PART IV. CHAP. I. The Second Government of the Viceroy D. Francis de Gama Count De Vidigueyra from the Year 1622 till 1627. 1. DON Francis de Gama Count De Vidigueyra having lest the Government of India much hated and affronted always endeavoured to obtain that Command again not to be revenged as some said but to satisfie the World he had not deserved that ill Usage Twenty Years passed before he could obtain his Desire which was upon the Accession to the Crown of Philip the Fourth of Spain and Third of Portugal 2. He sailed from Lisbon on the 18th of March with 4 Ships Not long before him parted thence Sancho de Tovar Silva with 2 Galleons and 2 Pinks On the Coast of Tierra de Natal a flash of Lightning falling upon the Count's Ship burnt the Colours and did some harm but killed no body Under the Line two of his Ships left him and arrived at Goa at the end of August The third stayed behind him it was thought they shunned his Company designedly 3. About this time 6 Dutch Ships plied near the Islands of Angoxa one of them perished in pursuit of a Portugues The Viceroy standing for Moçambique met the other five on the 22d of Iune His other Ships had now joyned him and there ensued a terrible Fight which fell heaviest upon the Vice-Admiral who was entirely disabled The Viceroy and D. Francis Lobo rescued and brought him off But the Ship being so much battered sunk some Men and Money were saved and some fell into the Enemies hands Night coming on the Viceroy and Lobo were drove upon the Sands and their Ships lost they saved what Goods Rigging Ammunition and Cannon they could and fired the rest that the Enemy might make no Advantage os it The Viceroy shipped all the Goods and what Men he could aboard some Galliots and arrived at Cochim Gonzalo de Sequeyra was gone before with his Galleon to relieve Ormuz but came too late 4. From Cochim he went to Goa and arrived there in September His Enemies seeing him in that Post were all terrified fearing he now
offered to Capitulate but no Conditions were allowed by the Besieger and therefore resolved to make use of the Portugueses to whom he had always been very just and serviceable But Man never remembers Favours received in Prosperity of those he sees in Adversity 6. The disconsolate King sent one Seixas to Cayero to offer if he would receive him his Family and Treasure into the four Ships under his Command he would give half the Treasure to the King of Portugal become his Vassal and pay such Tribute as should be agreed upon not doubting with the assistance of 2000 Portugueses who should be maintained at his own Expence to recover his Kingdom Caeyro consulted the principal Portugueses and in their presence asked of Seixas what the Treasure of Martavans was who affirmed he had not seen all but that of what he had two of our Ships might be loaded with Jewels and Gold and 4 or 5 of Silver The Portugueses envious of the great Fortune Cayero might make by accepting that Offer threatned to discover him to the King of Brama if he consented 7. The King of Martavam surprized at this refusal and seeing Seixas took his leave to fly the Danger that threatned the City gave him a pair of Bracelets excusing the smallness of the Gift and they were afterwards sold to the Governour of Narsinga for 80000 Ducats Then he resolved to fire the City and sallying with those few Men he had left die honourably among his Enemies But that night an Officer with 4000 Men dedeserted to the Enemy and discovered the Design The King thus betrayed Capitulated with the Enemy for his own and the Lives of his Wife and Children and leave to end his Days in Retirement This and more was granted easily because the Conquerour designed to perform no part of the Promise 8. From the City Gate to the King of Brama's Tent was a league distance all which way was a Lane of many thousand Musketiers of sundry Nations and next the Gate were posted the Portugueses The first came out was the Queen in a Chair her two Daughters and two Sons in two others About them 40 beautiful Ladies led by as many ancient ones encompassed with Talegrepos a sort of Religious Men among them habited like our Capuchins who prayed and comforted them Then came the King guarded by his Enemies seated on a small She-Elephant cloathed in black Velvet his Head Beard and Eye-brows shaved and a Rope about his Neck which moved even the Enemy to compassion 9. The unfortunate King seeing the Portugueses would not stir one foot till they were removed from that Post and that done went on Being come before the King of Brama he cast himself at his Feet but not being able to speak for Grief the Raolim of Mounay Talaypor Chief Priest of those Gentiles and esteemed a Saint made an Harangue in his behalf of force to have moved to Compassion any other but that obdurate King The miserable King his Queen Children and Ladies were secured The two following days were spent in removing the Treasure at which 1000 Men laboured and it amounted to 100 Millions of Gold The third day the Army had liberty to plunder which lasted four days and was valued 12 Millions Next the City was burnt wherein perished by Fire and Sword above 60000 Souls besides as many made Slaves 2000 Temples and 40000 Houses were laid even with the Ground There were in the Town 6000 Pieces of Cannon 100000 Quintals of Pepper and as much of other Spices 10. The morning that followed this Destruction there appeared on a Hill called Beydao 21 Gibbets with a strong Guard of Horse Thither was led the Queen with her Children and Ladies in all making 140 and were all hanged up by the Feet The King and 50 Men of great Quality were cast into the Sea with Stones about their Necks The Army seeing this Barbarity mutinied and the King was in great danger 11. He leaving People to Rebuild the ruined City returned to Pegu with the rest of his Army and among them Iohn Caeyro and his 700 Portugueses Of these four stayed at Martavam one of them was Iohn Falcam who in stead of assisting Fernan Mendez Pinto sent by Peter de Faria Commander of Malaca to confirm the Peace with the murdered King accused him to the Governour of the Town as an Enemy to the King of Brama The Governour seized Pinto's Vessel and in it Goods to the value of 100000 Ducats killed the Master and some others and sent the rest Prisoners to Pegu. This false Dealing was not new in Falcam for he had before forsaken the murdered King after being much honoured by him 12. The King of Brama who thought now to reap the Fruit of his Victories in Peace was alarmed by him of Siam who attempted to recover the Kingdom of Tangu which had been wrested from him In March 1546 he embarked 900000 Men on 12000 Vessels upon the River Ansedaa and passing out of it into that called Pichau Malacon in April came before the City Proâ—… The King hereof was dead and had left a Son to inherit but 13 Years of Age married to the King of Avaa's Daughter from whom he expected 60000 Men would come to his Assistance This moved the King to press the Siege hoping to gain the City before that Succour could come After 6 days the Queen offered to hold the Crown of him and pay what Tribute he should impose provided he would draw off from the City 13. The King insisted that the Queen should put herself into his hands with all her Treasure but she knowing how perfidious he was resolved to defend herself He gave several Assaults and by the Sword in them and a Plague that raged in the Army lost 80000 Men among which were 500 Portugueses 14. This way of Assault proving so pernicious he raised a Mount which overlooking the Town and being full of Cannon left no place of safety to the besieged but 5000 of them sallying destroyed the Mount killed 15000 of their Enemies carried off 80 Cannons and wounded the King who in a rage slew 2000 Portugueses that were upon the Guard as negligent of their Duty 15. About the end of August Xemin Melatay one of the four principal Men that commanded in the City treacherously gave him entrance and the Place was utterly subverted with Fire and Sword Two thousand Children cut in pieces were served as Food for the Elephants The Queen was publickly whipped and delivered up to the Lust of the Soldiers till she died The young King was tied to her dead Body and cast into the River the same was done with 300 Gentlemen after Stakes were drove through their Bodies 16. The Prince of Avaa marching to the relief of his Sister understood what had happened and meeting the Traytor Xemin that had betrayed her leading a great Power they came to a Battel in which all the Avaa's were slain to 800 having made an incredible slaughter of their Enemies The King