Religion brought out of another world might not be diuulged in that Royall Citty To whome the Bonzy being now taught by the late disgrace he had suffred to vse more temper answered calmely that the reason was easy to be giuen because there was nothing more hurtfull then that to their ancient Religion to the Common-wealth and to the whole order of the Bonzies who both had alwayes did serue the Gods after a holy pure maÌ„ner wherof there were extant most certayne approbations and testimonies of the Kings of Iaponia so that it were impiety in they Iaponeses to seeke to saue their â—oules by other meanes then had byn vsed by their â—orefathers predecessours for so many ages Then Francis being by the King willed to answere â—nto this desired that there might be some order â—ethod obserued in this disputation Wherfore he reâ—uested the King that seeing the Bonzies were come â—f their owne accord to oppugne him he would be â—leased to command Ficarondono to declare in particular whatsoeuer either he or the other Bonzies miâ—â—â—ked of that which he taught that so he might anâ—were vnto them all And moreouer he intreated for â—he auoiding of contention that that might be ratified and held for good which his Maiesty with the greater part of the arbitratours should agree vpon touching matters in the present coÌ„trouersy The King granted Francis his request and commanded that all matters should be so carryed To which the Bonzy also agreed Then Ficarondono demaundes of him why he being a Priest of a strange CouÌ„try inueighed against the Iaponians most sacred Gods Because quoth he I iudge them vnworthy of so glorious and diuine a Title which the rule of right reason hath made proper only to him who by nature is Eternall and Immortall and being the Author of all things made both heauen and earth wherof he is sole Lord and gouernour For such is the infinite power maiesty of God that hardly can the wit of man by imaginatioÌ„ or thought coÌ„prehend it Wherfore these few things which heere we see with our eyes the motions of the celestiall globes and starres the certaine and fixed courses of times corne fruite and other things proclaime him to be the only true and proper God who gouerneth ruleth this world which himself made As for Xacas Amidas Giron and others whome you hold for Gods looke but into your owne Chronicles and Monuments and you will find them to haue bin men very rich and potent indeed but yet mortall as we are This answere which Xauerius gaue caused in the Iudges a soft whispering among themselues wherby they declared that it pleased them well Wherupon when the Bonzy was ready to oppose him the King bad him go to something else for that was already iudged for good by the Arbitrators whose sentence they were to stand vnto He therfore demandeth of Francis Why he disallowed of the Bonzies bills of Exchange wherby the dead were prouided of mony in heauen specially seeing by that meanes they who departed out of this lyfe became rich in heauen on a suddaine who otherwise would haue remained poore and beggarly To this Xauerius replyed that their riches who went to heauen consisted not in the Bonzies Bils but in the Merit of good workes And those workes were good which proceeded from right reason and true Religion being without question gratefull and acceptable to that Eternall God who giueth rewards to euery one according to their merit As for Religion there was none true pure but that of the Christians whereby sincerely and piously the true God is worshipshed the which is also called Christian beâ—â—use Christ the sonne of God deliuered it vnto men â—or Christ quoth he being made Man for mans sake â—â—ought downe that excellent doctrine from heauen â—ho being also glorious in miracles replenished the â—rts of men with heauenly precepts and lastly for â—ans saluation suffred death washing away their sinâ—es with his owne bloud Whosoeuer therfore being â—aptized according to the Christian rites do truly â—â—ncerely obserue the coÌ„mandments of Christ in this â—ortal life shall at last be admitted into heauen to an â—uerlasting life abounding with all happines Neither is the Christian Religion so niggard and â—inching as the Bonzies is it shutting out neyther â—oore people nor women from heauen so that they â—iue and dye as Christians ought to do and yet the Bonzies either out of niggardnesse or superstitioÌ„ will not affoard them any entrance into blisse wherby it is easily seene that the Bonzies course of life aymeth rather at their owne profit and commodity then at truth of Religion and that they respect their owne â—gaine more then the honour of God or saluation of â—oules For seeing God who is Lord of Heauen and earth hath created women as well as men poore as well as rich he will without partiality haue them also to be saued and blessed if they leade a good and vertuous life Heere now the King and the other arbitratours approued the discourse of Francis for very good whereat the Bonzies were extremely grieued and ashamed it galling them to the hart to depart the field with the losse of the victory by the iudgement both of King and his Nobility For with this the disputation ended notwithstanding that their obstinacy in defending what they had once sayd was not yet ouercome After this other Bonzies gallant fellowes both for learning and eloquence that they might not seeme wholly vanquished set againe a fresh vpon Xauerius As he was therfore speaking to the people they beganne to presse him with very many and different questions This businesse lasted for aboue fiue dayes all which time the King was neuer absent either to benefit himselfe by the disputations or else by his authority to defend Francis of whome he had vndertaken the protection hauing not the patience to see the Bonzies with more obstinacy then truth impugne his answeres which were very cleare and according to reason so as when the Bonzies ran crying out and rushing togeather in throngs vpon Xauerius he caused them to be kept backe telling them aloud that if any one would try whether a Religion were according to reason he should not himselfe be void of reason as they all seemed to be And with this rising vp he tooke Francis by the hand and with his Nobles following him led him to his lodging which was not indeed more gracefull and glorious for Xauerius and the Christian Religion then disgracefull ignominious for the BoÌ„zies who vpon this their new ignominy heaped vp also new rage in their spitefull minds Wherfore like men out of their wits with fury they fell openly a roaring out and with lowd voices to wish that Thunder from heauen would consume 〈◊〉 King to ashes seeing he made lesse account of his â—ncestours Religion confirmed by authority of so â—any Kings then of a strange and infamous â—ect â—ad a more sleight esteeme of the
Iland fit for a sick person except a few almonds which were sent vnto him by a Portughese Mayster of a ship and that also too late For he did now so much loath al kind of food that he could not take any thing at all In the meane time perceauing that his last day was neere at hand he caused all such things as he had brought with him vnto the cottage to be carryed backe agayne into the ship to the end they might noâ— be lost Hauing now passed two whole dayes without receauing any sustenance at all as his sicknesse morâ— and more increased so also did his patience vertue more and more shew it selfe He had now layne fifteene daies in that poore shelâ—â—er of Cottage exposed to the wind and weather and in the cold of winter not only destitute of all humane help and assistance but tormented also with the veâ—hemency of his burning and mortall feuer yet bare he all these discommodityes and the violence of his sicknesse also with such a quietnes of mynd and admirable patience as cannot be expressed He was neuer â—eard to speake so much as one word either by way of complaint for the payne of his infirmity or to aske â—ny thing of any that were about him as men are wont to do in tyme of great sicknesse Nay contraâ—â—wise all his speaches and gestures were such that 〈◊〉 sufficiently appeared he accounted his infirmity 〈◊〉 be a very great benefit bestowed vpon him from God as a subiect wherupon to exercise himself in solid â—ertue to deserue an euerlasting crowne of glory One thing only there was which did a litle grieue â—im to wit that he should dye a naturall and ordiâ—ary death in his bed and be depriued of the crowne â—f Martyrdome which he had so vehemently desired â—specially seeing that he was at that time as it were vâ—on the point to obtaine the same But being not ignoâ—nt that the Glory of Martyrdom was a free guift of God the which was oftentymes denyed to those who â—esired it giuen to others that thought least on it â—e conformed his will to the disposition of the diuine â—rouidence quietting his mind by thinking himselfe â—â—worthy of so great an honour Now the violence of his infirmity growing more 〈◊〉 more vehement fully declared the sanctity which was so deeply ingrafted in him For as we see most commonly in others when they are tormented with payne then their corrupt nature most of all manifesteth it selfe but in Francis contrarywise there appeared at this tyme a true and solid piety For that he vsed the selfe same actions almost when he lay euen a dying that he was wont to do wheÌ„ he was in health sometymes casting his eyes to heauen and speaking to Christ our Sauiour with a ioyfull cheerful countenance as though he had byn visibly present at other times reciting certaine Verses out of the Psalmes with great feeling of deuotion repeating very often these words the like Iesu Sonne of Dauid haue mercy on me And Thou O God take pitty on my sinnes Mary Mother of God remember me c. Wherein he spent two whole dayes The last houre of his lyfe was now come Wherfore holding a Crucifix in his hands and fixing hiâ— eyes stedfastly thereupon he fetcheth many a feeble sigh and often cryeth out O Iesu God of my hart perpetually mingling his prayers with his teares vntil both voice and lyfe did fayle him And thus combatting most valiantly both with his infirmity anâ— with death it selfe vntill the last gaspe vpon the second day of December being the Feast of S. Bibia the Virgin calling incessantly vpon the sweet Name of Iesus and Maria with all content and quietnes oâ— spirit he rested in our Lord and rendred vp his souâ— to heauen there to accompany those whome in hâ—â— life he alwayes bare in hart and at his death were nâ—uer absent from his mouth After he was departed there still appeared such â—heerfulnes sweetnes in his couÌ„tenance that the beâ—uty of his body was an euident demonstration of the â—eatitude of his soule He died about the 55. yeare of â—is age ten yeares after his arriuall in India in the â—eare of our Lord 1552. A man without all question â—dmirable both for true vertue incredible courage â—f mind and aboue all for the feruent desire he had â—o conuert Ethinckes to the Ghospell of Christ He â—euer refused any labour or danger whatsoeuer for Gods cause yea not contenting himself with the salâ—ation of all India other Nations bordering theron â—e comprehended the whole East within the bosome â—f that Charity which esteemed the whole world to â—tle for him to do good in Wherfore hauing planted â—he Ghospell of Christ and the Society also throughâ—ut the whole East almost at the very tyme when he â—as thinking how to get into the hauen of Cantona he â—anscended the waues of this mortality arriued at â—he hauen of eternal blisse there to set vpon the Chineâ—es by his forcible praiers in the sight of God And there â—s no doubt but that he who is now Blessed in heauen â—ath by his contiuual praiers vnto God opened a way â—nto China not only for the Society of IESVS but â—lso for the Portughese merchants and the Christian Religion For a litle after Francis his death there was generall leaue graunted to the Portugheses to resort â—nto the Port of Cantona and there to make their aâ—oad for traffique sake it being the generall opinion that Xauerius had by his prayers opened that way inâ—o China which was before so straitly barred vp on euery side And about 30. yeares after this agayne when as the Chineses kept not so narrow a watch vpon their coastes as before they were wont to do some Fathers of the Society of Iesus emulating therin Xauerius his vertue got entrance at last into China there by Gods fauourable assistance layd the foundations of Christian Religion CHAP. XII His body is buried in quicke Lime AS soone as it was knowen that Francis waâ— departed this lyfe for his feuer being morâ— dangerous then it seemed had deceyued aâ— men but himself the Portugeses that werâ— left in the IlaÌ„d being as it were strockeÌ„ dead with thâ— doleful newes came running presently to his Body aâ— if they had hastned to their Fathers funerall Al place about the cottage were filled with cryes lamentatâ—ons then followed a dismall silence with an earneâ— longing to see his body Which assoone as they beheâ—â— to be as it were the picture of his soule to represeâ— to them the eternal felicity which he inioyed they fâ— agayne vnto their former weeping since they couâ—â— neyther satisfy their harts nor eyes with so louiâ—â— and most amiable a spectacle Xauerius was of a well set and strong body tall 〈◊〉 stature though not much aboue the ordinary pitcâ— fayre of complexion and of a gracefull aspect Hâ— countenance was exceeding cheerfull and
the Iaponians he conuerteth many of them pag. 320. Chap. 9. Going to the King of Bungo at his inuitement he is honourably receiued by the Portugheses pag. 331. Chap. 10. He is conducted to the Kings Court in great pompe by the Portugheses pag. 336. Chap. 11. The King of Bungo vseth Francis with honourable respect although the Bonzies were agaynst it pag. 339. Chap. 12. Xauerius instructeth the King and people in the misteries of the Christian faith and curbeth the audacity of the Bonzies pag. 346. Chap. 13. In a disputation before the King he ouercommeth the most learned of the Bonzies pag. 351. Chap. 14. Francis his constancy whilst the Bonzies be vp in tumult pag. 357. Chap. 15. Xauerius getteth a new victory ouer the Chiefe of the Bonzies pag. 361. Chap. 16. He procureth the Kings of Amangucium and Bungo to fauour Christianity pag. 367. THE FIFTH BOOKE CHAP. 1. Intending to passe into China he determineth first to returne into India pag. 373. Chap. 2. Going into China he recouereth by his prayers a Cocke-boate which was carryed away by the violence of a tempest pag. 376. Chap. 3. He maketh the Port of the Chineses and his voyage to Malaca very famous by his Prophesies pag. 383. Chap. 4. At Goa he cureth one that was ready to dye taketh account of what the Society had done since his departure pag. 389. Chap. 5. Hauing procured the Embassage before spoken of he goeth himselfe to China pag. 397. Chap. 6. He Excommunicateth the Gouernour of Malaca pag. 403. Chap. 7. The designe of going with the Embassadour into China being broken of Xauerius notwithstanding setteth forward thither pag. 413. Chap. 8. He endeauoureth though all in vaine to open a passage into China pag. 417. Chap. 9. He agreeth with a Chinese to carry him priuately to Cantona pag. 423. Chap. 10. His transporting into China being differed he â—ortelleth his owne death pag. 429. Chap. 11 He endeth his life in most holy maÌ„ner pag. 434. Chap. 12. His body is buried in quicke Lime pag 440. Chap. 13. His body being found whole and incorrupt is carryed to Malaca and there agayne interred pag. 443. Chap. 14. His Body is translated from Malaca into India pag. 449. Chap. 15. His Funerall is kept at Goa with all solemnity pag. 457. Chap. 16. The great Concourse of people to behould his Holy Body pag. 462. THE SIXT BOOKE CHAP. 1. By the King of Portugall his command Francis his deeds and miracles are committed to writing pag. 468. Chap. 2. How Xauerius fortelleth things future and absent and seeth mens inward Thoughts pag. 472. Chap. 3. In his life time he worketh miracles of all kinds pag. 479. Chap. 4. Miracles wrought by him after his death pag. 486. Chap. 5. Xauerius his feruent loue to Prayer pag. 498. Chap. 6. His purity of Hart and Chastity pag. 508. Chap. 7. His Loue of the Crosse and Euangelicall Poâ—erty pag. 511. Chap. 8. His Obedience and Humility pag. 518. Chap. 9. His magnanimity of Mind and Confidence in God pag. 527. Chap. 10. His charity to God and his Neighbours pag. 534. Chap. 11. His sweetnesse of Behauiour and ConuersatioÌ„ ioyned with Grauity pag. 546. Chap. 12. His Prudence and the Precepts he gaue to the Rectour of the Colledge of Goa and to Gaspar the Low-countryman pag. 550. Chap. 13. Precepts giuen by Xauerius to Iohn Brauius and others of the Society pag. 565. Chap. 14. What kind of Gouernours and Superiours he required in the Society pag. 572. Chap. 15. What kind of men Xauerius wished should be in the Society pag. 580. Chap. 16. What manner of Preachers he required in the Society pag. 586. Chap. 17. What manner of Confessours Xauerius required in the Society pag. 599. Chap. 18. What kind of persons Xauerius required for the instruction of soules pag. 608. THE PREFACE COVRTEOVS READER I purpose heere to set downe the admirable renowned Lyfe of S. Francis Xauier a man specially borne for the saluation of India and the furthest Easterne world Of all the nine first Disciples of our Holy Father S. Ignatius of Loyola he most resembled his Mayster and of the Society was the first who laboured in India Iaponia those barbarous Countries opening the way both for the Indians vnto heauen for the Society into India wherby he brought no lesse renowne then left example to his Order For which cause the whole Society not without good reason desired long since to haue so fayre a Pourtraicte beautified with such admirable vertue liuely drawne in colours for Ours to behold seeing the glorious exploits of Predecessours do coÌ„monly inflame the harts of generous spirits with a certaine kind of heauenly fire which hardly can be quenched vntill by imitation they become true patternes of their noble Vertues Now as on the one â—ide I perceaued that other Authors in their Histories had with great honour touched Xauerius chiefest acts so was I on the other â—ide not a little grieued that for the space of aboue 35. yeares there had bin none who thought vpon the setting forth his life then shining with so many and so illustrious vertues in a proper volume by it selfe either by giuing that charge to some other or by vndertaking it themselues VVherfore being moued of late as well through perswasion of some dearest friends as which is more by the command of Superiours to vndertake the same I was put in some hope to performe what others had conceaued of my ability therin for my deuotion to Xauerius I was not only not vnwilling but very willing also as tyme should afford to set vpon this taske to th' end the memory of a man so worthy yea euen of immortality it self who triumpheth now in heauen might be renewed not only to the minds of our owne Religious but to Posterity also Moreouer it seemeth vnto me this falleth out not so much by humane as diuine prouidence that euen at this tyme his most industrious and laborious manner of life should be layd open to the view of Ours when as we behould such a glorious haruest of soules brought in from those far countries which by him were first cultiuated manured For now the newes is brought vnto vs of the conuersion of many great Princes Kings of Iaponia with almost all their people to the Christian faith and of a passage also through Gods assistance made into China for the preaching of the Ghospell there which was hertofore by the Diuels craft wholy stopped euen raÌ„pier'd vp aswel with walles as lawes Both which certainly next after God we must attribute to holy Xauerius who not only lead the way to our Society for the coÌ„uersion of those Nations but left that enterprize also fully ready and easy to be compassed VVherfore my intention is to set downe heere in writing the life of this most Blessed man being full of all variety of matter And though my VVill and Desire be more ready to obey then either Ability or Hope
vnite and tye themselues more â—irmely to God they resolue to consecrate their liues wholy to Christ as they had long since done their â—oods Therfore hauing for that end prepared themâ—elues by interiour recollection at a solemne Masse â—hey vow perpetuall Pouerty and Chastity in the haÌ„ds â—f Hierome Verallus who was then Legate for the Sea 〈◊〉 postolique Francis was neuer before seene to be â—ore replenished with heauenly ioy then at this time â—or being very cheerfull as might be discerned by â—is lookes he gaue his whole hart to God being euen â—uer whelned in his soule with his diuine grace and â—alling to mind his former practise he froÌ„ that time â—ll his life euery day renewed the vowes which once â—e had made But whilst he expecteth an opportunity for his â—ntended nauigation he againe applieth himselfe with â—reater feruour then before to his exercises of Charity which he neuer forgot although they had been intermitted by reason of his iorney And the Venetians so much the more admired esteemed this great charity of Francis towards the sicke by how much longer this his labour continued with them then before For it fell so out that the Turkes and Venetians beginning that yeare to make warre vpon one another the passage into Palestine was stopt which before was alwayes open for Pilgrims And the seas were so beset with the Turkish ships that none could passe out of Italy to the Easterne coasts without manifest daunger of death or captiuity Which accident as it first delayed the good Fathers iorney to Hierusalem so it afterwards brake it cleane of God reseruing their labours for better vses For he sent these his hyred seruants in such sort into his vineyard that leauing the Turkish soyle as barren and euen past bearing fruite they might employ theÌ„selues some in pruning the ouergrowne vineyardes of Christians others in cultiuating the desertes of India Iaponia which before that were neuer so much as touched So whilst Francis not knowing Gods designement betweene hope and feare expected euery day some opportunity for his long desired nauigation many monthes passed away in his foresayd labours of the Hospitall in all which time he neuer became slacke in his indeauours nor any whit remisse in his charitable exercises But seing at last all hope of going to HierusaleÌ„ vtterly to fayle he tooke it very heauily and was much grieued that he was so depriued of all meanes to see those holy places of Palestine and also of the occasion of suffering martyrdome for Christ notwithstanding beholding therein the prouideÌ„ce of God the only coÌ„fort of all humane accidents he bare the same with courage and constancy although it gaue him otherwise no small resentment Then they consulted among theÌ„selues what was best to be done turning all their cares another way it seemed good vnto them that they should all take holy Orders that so they might attend with more profit to their owne perfection and saluation of others In the moneth of Iune therfore vpon the Natiuity of S. Iohn Baptist hauing vsed great preparatioÌ„ therunto they were made Priests by the Bishop of Arbe for the other holy Orders they had receyued a litle before And it is reported of them that al the time of consecration they were so ouercome with ioy that the good Bishop himselfe participated thereof For he afâ—â—rmed afterwards that whilst he did the ceremonies â—e felt a new kind of heauenly ioy and delight the like whereof he neuer had before experienced By this 〈◊〉 all hope of passing into Palestine was so wholy taken away that they seemed almost freed froÌ„ their â—ow yet that there might not remayne the least â—â—ruple in their mynds they thought good still to â—atch if there might be any occasion offered of perâ—â—rming the same vntill the yeare were fully come aâ—out for so it was expressed in their vow In this meane space being forthwith to offer to â—od the first fruites of their Priesthood they withâ—â—ew themselues out of the great concourse of that â—ost populous Citty the better to attend to recollection they separated themselues into diuers places neere by some one way some another Francis together with Alphonsus Salmeron betooke himselfe to Mont Celsus a village distant some fifteene miles from Padua there desirous to be solitary he withdrew himselfe farre from all men that he might vnite himselfe neerer to God And hauing found in a priuate place a desolate and ruinated cottage he thatched the roofe therof with straw and so made himselfe a litle sorry habitation wherein he tooke so much the more delight because it represented to him the manger of Christ his Sauiour and his great pouerty Then that experieÌ„ce might make a deeper impressioÌ„ in his mind of the pouerty of IESVS whilst he was a child and of his solitude when he was a man he taskeâ— himselfe to this kind of life he eate very sparingly of such meate only as he got by begging he lay vpon the bareâ—grouÌ„d with straw vnder him in the forsayd houell exposed to rayne wind and weather and to stirre vp his mynd with more then ordinary feruour to the conteÌ„plation of heauenly things he euery day imposed vpon himselfe certaine voluntary pennances and remembring that God leadeth a soule into solitude and there speaketh to her hart he gaue more attentiue eare to what his Lord God should speak within him He prayed therefore very much often whatsoeuer spare tyme he had he imployed it in reading of holy bookes and deuout meditation of heauenly things What discommodities and paynfull labours he endured in that place and what true and perfect consolation he receiued through conuersation with the heauenâ—y spouse we may easier imagine then by words expresse This is certaine that the litle which he begged would hardly find him bread to which if perchance he got a litle oyle or other meate he thought he had then made a dainty meale indeed In this solitary kind of life he passed fourty dayes with exceeding great comfort according to the exaÌ„ple of his heauenly Maister who remained so many dayes in the wildernes And no doubt but by his conuersation with God through his exceeding feruour of spirit and inflamed loue to his Creatour he receiued as many heaueÌ„ly graces as he did ioyes Somtimes therfore going forth into publicke he began according to Christ his example to teach the people and to make them partakers of that which he had receiued â—â—om heauen This was his manner of preaching reâ—eÌ„bâ—ing that Christ was wont to preach in the fields vpon mountaines and by the sâ—a shores whersoeuer 〈◊〉 saw any hope of doing good there would he put â—â—mselfe amongst assembles of people to preach and especially would he teach those who most of all wanted instruction and such as neuer vsed to come â—â—sermons that so God might also be found of them â—â—at did not seeke him Therfore gathering togeather â—â—e people in crosse wayes and
men of God and louers of the Crosse to whome it would be Christ to liue and gaine to dye Therfore when it was knowne that two were to go into India they being all in good hope and euery one wishing it might be himselfe did with sileÌ„ce expect the euent of that great businesse At that time Ignatius a man venerable both for his admirable sanctity and institution of the Society gouerned his companions more by authority then by any command he had ouer them He therfore at the first allotted out for India Simon Rodrigues Nicolas Bobadilla not without the pious emulation of their other companions but indeed God reserued it for Francis Rodrigues was already passed into Portugal although he were there sick of a quartan ague Boâ—adilla was still so sicke at Rome that he could not go with the kings Embassadour who then made hast away Wherfore Ignatius hauing very seriously consulted with God by prayer calleth vnto him Francis who had now some little suspicion of the matter Then with a cheerfull countenance as his ordinary â—ustome was Francis quoth he God himselfe hath certainly assigned India for you Bâ—badilla whome I had appointed for it being as you see detained with a long sicknes cannot vndertake it The rest of our Companions for the most part by command of his Holines are employed heere in Italy in charitable exercises You I thought to haue kept with my selfe for other occasions but God who hath chosen you out for his Ghospell hath otherwise ordained Shew your selfe therfore a man follow God your Capitaine who by infallible signes calleth you into India let that heauenly flame wherwith we haue alwayes seene you set on fire stirre you vp now to this worthy enterprize Take courage answerable to your nobility of mynd to the greatnes of the employment which you are to vndertake and to the expectation which both heauen and earth hath of you Your knowne vertue and especially that prompt obedience of yours which is wont to be ready not only at euery command but also at the least becke maketh me say no more to you about this matter seeing what I haue sayd may seeme more then inough to him whome this had byn sufficient Go follow God who calleth you into India At these words Francis with a virginall blush in his countenance after he had sayd that he was ready to vndertake all things for Christ his sake with teares of ioy trickling from his eyes gaue Ignatius next vnto God great thankes because he had accomplished his desire For he had felt himselfe indeed long since moâ—â—d by God to procure the saluation of the Indians and now by diuine instinct he saw the same approued by his authority whome he tooke to be the Interpreter of Gods will Therfore he would without fayle vndertake it how paynefull or dangerous soeuer it were For although all other both humane and diuine helps should fayle him for Gods seruice yet certaynly his promptitude of will to obey him should neuer be waÌ„ting his obedience life should end both together There appeared hereby in Francis not only an admirable promptitude in obedience but also a singular courage For the Society at that tyme had not any other place but only at Rome where he might haue entertaynement or lodging And in Portugall and India he was to find such condition as he could best procure for himselfe Moreouer his iorney into India and trauailing there among those barbarous people carried with it no lesse danger then misery But he thirsting after martyrdome began to hope for that in India which Hierusalem had denied him Wherfore through courage of mynd and confidence in God contemning all difficulties and dangers he as readily resigned himselfe to Ignatius with as great obedience as though God himselfe had commaunded him And so departing from his chamber he prepared himself for his iorney reioycing much that the employment which he desired was thus now put into his hands euen by God himselfe There was not any one of the whole howse who did not affirme for certayne that it was Gods particular prouidence that Xauier should be chosen before all others to take the essay of that new Prouince of India For they then called to mind his frequent speaches wherein he was accustomed to extoll the great fruite and haruest in India and to bewayle the misery of so many Indians who perished through ignorance Therfore they thought him most fit to remedy their calamity who had greatest feeling and compassion of â—t They also remembred a certayne vision which Iaâ—es Laynes affirmed was tould him in tymes past by Francis himselfe when they were chamber-fellowes For Xauier oftentymes in his sleep thought he carryed for a good while an Indian vpoÌ„ his shoulder who seemed so heauy that being weary with the weight he was awaked out of his sleepe which at last the euent shewed to haue byn rather a presage of a future verity then only a dream Francis therfore carying with him these hopes cogitations into India and being ready the next day to set forward on so long a iourney was an argument how little he affected worldly things who depended wholly vpon God CHAP. IX Hauing byn vvith his Holynesse he goeth into Portugal and giueth arguments of of great vertue in the vvay BVT before he began his iorney thinking aâ— all things would succeed prosperously and happily with him if by the authority of Christs Vicar he vndertooke so hard an enterprize he went vnto the Pope who then was Paul the third and hauing as the custome is kissed his feete he demaunded his benediction and graunt of certayne Indulgences being ready to go into India without making any mention of his command Wherevpon the Pope reioycing for this expedition receyued him courteously and giuing him his benediction with most cordiall affection spake vnto him almost in manner following I truly render infinite thankes vnto the diuine Goodnes that in my Popedome the fayth is agayne to be brought into India which hauing byn first planted there by the Apostles was by litle and litle extinguished by the barbarous carriage of those Nations As for your selfe do you being raysed therunto not only by our authority but also by the impulse of God himselfe whose person we beare vndertake this so great charge with like greatnes of mynd remembring that God by men calleth you into India Thinke with your selfe who calleth not who you are Remember that you are called by him who calleth aswell those things which be not as those things which be Nor doeth he so much seeke men that are fit for his worke as that he maketh men fit by choosing them Whomesouer he choseth to him he giueth sufficient courage strength For who knoweth not that the Apostles were of themselues vnprouided of all things and yet they being poore fishermen without eyther learning or experience in other affaires what did not they do being sent and guided by
his enemies but those that hindred Gods diuine seruice He was certainly determined and resolued to follow God who called him into Maurica neither was it want of shipping which should stay him for if he could not get a ship he would assuredly rely vpon God and swimme ouer When therfore his friends perceiued him to be secure of Gods assistance and to remayne immoueable in his determination not inuenting what more to do they came all weeping vnto him brought him all kind of preseruatiues agaynst poyson But Francis fearing least by conceauing through anxiety of mind some vaine imaginations of dangers he might cast vpon himselfe too much solicitude and care and out of hope of humane helpe diminish his confidence in Gods prouidence gaue them thankes for their good will and withall tould them that those things would be rather a burden then any help vnto him And therfore intreated them that they would not loade him with so much diffidence in God But if they desired to haue him preserued from all plagues and poisons they should dayly pray to God for him For that was the most infallible and most present remedy which could be found And so taking leaue of his friends he prepared himselfe for his iourney with all alacrity Whilest he was thus vpon the point to depart and venture vpon so great danger there came good newes out of India which added more flames to his zealous confidence which was that nine more of the Society of IESVS were come from Portugal to Goa fiue of them Priests to wit Francis Perez Alphonsus Cyprian Henry Henriquez Francis Henry and Nonnius Ribera the others who had not yet taken holy orders were Baltazar Nonnius Adam Francis Nicolas Nonnius and Emanuel Morales Xauerius therfore hauing vnderstood of their arriuall before his departure from Amboynum being very glad that such assistance was come so happily appointed to euery one of them their employment presently dispatched letters to Goa to those of the Society wherein be gaue order that Francis Perez should remaine in Goa to teach the schollers there and that Cyprian and Henry should go to Comorinum for the help of the Neophites in that place and the two Fathers who were already in Comorinum with the rest of the nyne he ordeined to repayre vnto the Moluca's intending with this smal supply to visit all those IlaÌ„ds assist euery one as farre as he was able Then with Gods speciall fauour he began his iourney towards Maurica taking ship at Ternate in the Month of May 1546. whither he soone after safely arriued CHAP. III. He bringeth the sauage people of Maurica to ciuill behauiour and instructeth them in the Christian Faith AAVRICA as we haue bin informed is diuided into two Prouinces the one is scituated in the Continent and is called Maurotia the other consisteth of two Ilands which they call Maurotides Of these two Ilands one of them is horrible to behould by reason of certayne burning rockes out of which there oftentimes burst forth mighty stones of fyre as bigge as trees and with such a noyle and violence as no peece of Ordinance though neuer so great sendeth forth its bullets with a greater report and sometimes also where the stone breaketh out in that vehemency aforesaid there is cast forth from the same place such an huge quantity of ashes that both men and women labouring a great way off in the fieldes are so besmered euen couered with the same that you would thinke them rather Deuils then men Many wild Bores also are stifled ouerwhelmed therwith in the woods yea and fishes found euery where cast vp dead vpon the shore The same Iland that no inconuenience may be wanting is so skaken with almost perpetuall earthquakes that they who sayling by chance in the sea neere vnto it are oftentymes greatly affrighted thinking they be cast vpon some rocke that lyeth in their way Moreouer the winds being at continuall warres with one another within the hollow caues of the earth make such a dismall noise strike such an incredible horrour into the eares that one would thinke he heard the roring of hel itself vpon which occasion Francis was often wont to put them in mynd of the paines of hell fire wherin Idolaters and bad Christians are tormented for al eternity There inhabit these places also a kind of people called Iauari who are without any knowledge of Christianity extremely wild and sauage and delight only in murder And when they haue no strangers to slaughter they turne their fury vpon their owne wiues and children and oftentimes do make no small hauocke amongst the Christians There be also some among them who account mans flesh for dainties especially when they are killed in battaile O eternall God! how strongely is he guarded who trusteth in his diuine assistance and is protected by him How secure is one in the midst of the greatest daÌ„gers where God standeth for him Nothing surely is to be feared nothing to be doubted when God as the Guide leadeth the way Among these people then more truely sauage then bruite beastes did Xauerius through help of the Highest remaine for the space of three monethes beyond all mens expectation with more profit to the inhabitants then danger to himselfe For in this tâ—me he brought those sauage people to milder dispositions and reclaimed them to that ciuill carriage which becommeth Christians They were at that time wholy ignorant all alike in matters of Christianity retayning only the meere Name of Christians Francis therfore presently went about to all the Christian villages being neere thirty in number baptizing infantes instructing the elder sort hindring sacrifices to Idols and helping the neophytes in their miseryes both spirituall and corporall In his publick and priuate exhortations he terrified that barbarous people with threatnings both from heauen earth shewing them that they were not far from Hell as they might well see by the fire and ashes which were oftentimes cast vp and vomited forth in such abundance that manylewd and wicked men among them were throwne downe headlong deuoured therein The same also was signified by those huge earthquakes wherwith the ground being ready to open threatned to swallow vp such as for their detestable wickednes were hatefull in the sight of almighty God Therfore they should by all meanes beware that they fell not heaâ—long into those euerlasting flames wherof they had a continuall representation before their eyes By these kind of exhortations and other precepts of Christian doctrine he wonderfully qualified their sauage natures so as within a short space all that Nation then the which as we sayd there had bin none worse or more inhumane vntill that day began from that tyme to be not only mild and tractable but willing to be instructed also in the mysteries of our faith such force hath Christian discipline to drawe men to humanity Here in this place the vndaunted courage of Francis
was bound to prouide for Francis his necessiâ—ies had without his knowledge receiued of the Porâ—ugheses some mony more freely then discreetly vnder the colour of Almes Which wheÌ„ Xauerius vnderstood as he was no lesse sharp in reprehending then diligeÌ„t in obseruing holy pouerty he presently banished him for a time into an Iland neere by lying right agaynst the hauen of Malaca which had in former times byn well stored with inhabitants but was now left desolate Durus therefore liuing there saw vpon a time in a certaine Church whether awake or asleep is vncertayne the mother of God sitting at the high Aultar vpon a cushion vnder a Canopy richly adorned with her he saw the child Iesus who endauoured to allure Durus being much ashamed of his fault by sweet meanes to come vnto his mother She at first as though she had byn angry turned from him put him away then when after he had humbly intreated and beseeched her to pardon him she at last receyued him and admonishing him of certayne faults she left him suddaynly and togeather with her child Iesus mounted vp to heauen This vision was altogether secret no mortall man knowing thereof but Durus himselfe nor had he spoken thereof to any Being therefore after a while called backe to Malaca and making his confession to Xauerius as his custome was he sayd nothing of the vision But Francis knowing it by diuine reuelation asketh him what that was which happened to him lately in a Church of the Iland where he was To me quoth he I remember nothing The Father gently vrged him to tell but Durus refused vtterly denied to haue seene any thing being in this maÌ„ner oftentymes asked so obstinate he was to haue concealed the matter forgetfull both of obedience Religion he still answeared from the purpose Then Francis wheÌ„ he saw that he had to do with one of so obdurate a nature began himself to recount euery thing in particular as if he had byn present Whereat Durus stood like one amazed and being filled with an holy feare declareth all the matter in order as it hapned and so at last the good Father receiued him agayne into his friendship But this truth being wrunge out of Durus by diuine reuelation made him more obseruant heerafter vnto Xauerius easier in yelding to the truth Who after Francis his death declared all this vpon his oath with a notable testimony of his incomparable sanctity CHAP. VIII At Malaca he procureth a Nauy to be set forth agaynst the Acenians enemies of Christianity AFTER this there hapned another accideÌ„t which made Xauerius name much spoken of in Malaca The thing certainly is very remarkeable by reason of diuers prophesies which hapned in the passage thereof and therfore must be recounted at large lest the breuity of the narration should diminish the truth and euidency of the matter From the Iland of Somatra which as we haue said is scituated right ouer agaynst Malaca a strong nauy of the King of the Acenians arriued there in the dead of the night The Barbarians had in charge some to inuade the Castle others to set fyre on the Portughese shippes which lay in the hauen Therfore so soone as they were landed and with all speed they set vp ladders to the Castle to haue surprized the same at vnawares But they deceyued not the Portugheses For the garrison being instantly raysed by the watch armed themselues and with inuincible courage beat backe the enemy But now the businesse of their ships in the Hauen succeeded not so fortunately For the Barbarians fell fiercely vpon the same at vnawares and in the darke of the night set on fire their principall shippes striking there withall such a terrour into the Portughese marriners that they stood wholy amazed like men without sense not knowing what aduise or course to take to help themselues In the meane space the Barbarians being out of danger stood looking on and reioicing to see the Christians Nauy on a flaming fire And so at last with a most clamorous shout and outcry they departed insulting ouer the Portugheses and Christians as though they had gotten a notable victory The Barbarians not content with this hauing in their returne met with certayne Christian fisher-meÌ„ vpon the sea they manifested vpon them a most insoleÌ„t cruelty For after they had cut of their noses eares heeles they sent them to the Gouernour of Malaca with a letter written with their bloud wherein most proudely and insolently they prouoked him to battaile When the fisher-men had giuen this letter to the Gouernour he caused it to be publickly read before the Souldiers who were no lesse moued at the insolent brutishnes of their enemies then at the miserable spectacle of their friends who were thus mangled disfigured by their wounds and euery one had his hart full of pitty and indignation Whilst they were in this perplexity and trouble of mind Xauerius by chance commeth newly from saying masse in the Church of the Hospital in the suburbs where he lodged according to his former custome And euery one might see that the Barbarous Acenians had done this out of their naturall hatred to Christian Religion and in contempt of the Portugheses The Gouernour therfore named Simon Mello asked Francis his aduise what he iudged fit to be done vpon such an affront offered He by diuine instinct as afterwards appeared tould him that he thought it best to send out some shippes presently after the enemy who was yet in sight by setting vpon them of their owne accord to quit themselues of this disgrace to the end the Barbarians might be taught by their owne harme to abstaine from doing iniury to others And this he thought best to be done the rather because he saw that this publicke disgrace was not offred so much to the Portugheses and their King as to Christ himselfe to all Christians and that by no meanes it was to be indured that the Portugheses Christians so renowned for their fortitude should be now accounted cowards and made a laughing-stock to their enemies For who seeth not quoth he that Christianity wil be ouerthrowne if barbarous people be suffered not only to hate it but also to vse it contemptibly Wherfore he willed them to take courage worthy of Christian souldiars and with alacrity pursue the barbarous enemy with all hope confidence for although they were inferiour to them in forces yet their cause was better and had also God to fight for them whose cause they mantayned For certainly he would not faile to assist them whilst they behaued them selues manfully in that pious conflict and that through his fauourable conduct they should remayne victors Xauerius counsell was approued of all that were present but they wanted shippes to put the same in execution for there were but only seauen left which had escaped burning and these also much impayred through tempestuous weather at sea stood in need of reparation before
vtter Court thereof 600. Souldiars of the Guard all well appointed and by and by â—n a large Gallery he meeteth with many more of the Kings Attendance Heere those fiue Portughese yongmen whereof we spake before bowing downe â—heir knees offered to Xauerius with great reuerence that which euery one carryed wherat the Iaponiâ—ns were so stroke with admiration that presently they muttered out these and the like words Let the Bonzies now be gone with a mischiefe and neuer heerafter haue the face to appeare in the sight of men idle companions as they were For certainly this man is not such a one as they haue described vnto vs and the King but rather indeed one as we may thinke sent hither by God himselfe to curbe the slaunders of malicious tongues From this Gallery there opened a fayre spatious Hall ful of Noblemen where a Child of seauen yeares of age but of a rare wit as might easily be perceaued being led by a Venerable old man meeteth with Xauerius and saluteth him according to the Country fashion telling him that his fortunate arriuall at the Court would be as deare and pleasing to the King as a seasonable showre of rayne is to a thirsty field of corne in the summer tyme. Wherefore he willed him to enter with ioy to know that he was as welcome to the good as odious to the bad To whome when Francis had courteously saluted and kindly returned answere O Father quoth the Child agayne happy are you who are come out of another world into forrayne countryes desiring to carry hence no other merchandize but the ignominy of Pouerty O infinite goodnes of the God whome you serue O hidden wisedome of his who is comforted with the Want Pouerty of his Priests Behould our Bonzies do so abhorre the disgrace of Pouerty that conspiring all together they auouch openly that the way to heauen is stopped and rampierd vp agaynst poore people Heere Francis replyed that he was in good hope that God the most mercifull Lord of Heauen and Earth would at last driue away the cloude of errous which â—ad blinded the Bonzies vnderstandings and bestow vpon them the light of truth and that they would alâ—o when they saw that heauenly splendour once arise forsake their peruerse and ignorant opinions Then the Child discoursing a while vpon very weighty matters far beyond his age brought Francisâ—nd â—nd the Portugheses into a further Hall where the Noblemens sonnes sate all together Who as soone as â—hey saw Xauerius enter rose vp presently euery one â—nd bowing their heades thrice downe to the ground â—ccording to the Country fashion make reuerence â—nto him Then two of them made a speach in the â—ame of all the rest which I will heere set downe in â—riefe wherby it may appeare what kind of eloquence â—he Iaponians are delighted in Thus therefore they â—re sayd to haue spoken Your happy comming Saâ—red Priest will be as gratefull to the King as the smile of the sweetest infant is to the mother when she giueth it the pappe to suck And what woÌ„der seeing â—hat the very walles which heere you behold reioyâ—cing as it were at your presence command vs to celebrate your comming with great loue and affection this for the honour and glory of that God of whome as the report goeth you haue declared certayne strange things at Amangucium After this they passed into another spacious Gallery leading into an inward Hall where Ficharondono the Kings Brother remayned with the chiefe of the Nobility As soone as he saw Francis he recâ—iued him courteously with the rest after mutuâ—ll 〈…〉 betweene ech other he tould him that the Court neuer saw a more ioyfull day and with good reason since the King accounted himself more happy by the arriual of so worthy a maÌ„ then if he were Lord of the 33. Treasuries of China for so many there are sayd to be At last Xauerius being brought by Ficharondono into the inmost Hall which for richenesse of furniture surpassed all the rest he there findeth the King himselfe who expected his comming The fame of his worthy actes had long before this caused in the King a great admiratioÌ„ but now vpon his meeting he conceyued a much greater esteeme of him so farre did Francis his presence surpasse the imagination how great soeuer it were which the King had conceyued of him in his owne vnderstanding For his maiesticall and venerable aspect which Nature and Age had now bestowed vpon him was also much graced by the splendour of his sanctity which euen dazeled the eyes almost of all that beheld it The King therefore seeing Xauerius came on a litle towards him and receyued him both in a respectfull and courteous manner And when Francis according to the custome was kneeling down he presently forbad him by lifting him vp by the hand And forthwith making himselfe reuerence vnto Xauerius by thrice inclining of his head as the couÌ„try fashion was caused him to sit downe on the same seate by him After these salutations gratulations past on both sides the King looking vpon Ficharondono his brother and the other Noblemen began with a lowd voyce that all might heare to speake in this manner O that â—â—ere lawfull for vs to demaund of God the maker â—â—d Lord of Heauen and earth his secret iudgments â—â—d to aske what the cause hath byn why he hath eyâ—â—er suffered vs to lye so long buried in such darknes â—else bestowed such light and wisedome vpon these â—â—en who come out of another world For we all maâ—festly see that whatsoeuer they say although it be â—aynst our Religion is confirmed which such solid â—asons that we are not able to contradict it if we â—ill follow the light of reason or vnlesse we be whoâ—â— voyd of all vnderstanding Contrariwise we see â—â—r Bonzies to keep a stammering when they are to â—â—plicate any difficultyes of our Religion and to be 〈◊〉 variable and inconstant as neuer to stand fast to â—hat they say in so much that if they be now of one â—â—ynd and opinion presently they wil be of another Wherby it sufficiently appeareth that their doctrine â—nd Religion is nothing els but a rabble of confusion â—nd vncertainties so that one cannot with any discretion hazard therein the euerlasting saluation of his â—oule At this speach of the Kings a certayne Bonzy nobly borne called Faciandono being by chance present and finding himselfe touched to the quicke rose vp answered the King very boldly and freely That the cause of Religion was not of that nature that it might be determined by him who was ignorant of the doctrine therein conteâ—ed Wherfore if he Maiesty had any doubt in his mind he had those present there who could easily resolue him And euen he himselfe would vndertake not only to ridde him of his scruple but also to make whatsoeuer he doubted of more cleare vnto him then the sunne that shines
whereby all might plainly see that those things which the Bonzies taught were both true and that they also well deserued the stipeÌ„d which was payd them for their learning Then the King smiling Goe to quoth he incomparable Doctour declare at last these secret and hidden mysteryes of your Religion we will with silence giue eare vnto you Faciandono then looking about him with great grauity First quâ—th he it is impiety to call the Bonzies sanctity into question for all do know well inough that they lead a lyfe which is holy gracious and acceptable in the sight of Heauen it selfe For they are men who do religiously obserue chastity abstayne from fresh-fish teach and instruct young youth giue Bills of Exchange to those that lye a dying for the taking vp of mony in heauen and ryse in the night to pray for the sinnes of the people And besides this they are great friends to the sunne starres and celestiall Gods with whome they haue often discouses in the night tyme and whome they do also many tymes imbrace after a most sweete and louely manner The Bonzy hauing stuft his Preface with these such like fooleries anger so boyled in his proud and passionate hart that he began without feare or shame to inueigh intemperatly agaynst the King himselfe Whereupon he gaue a signe twice or thrice to his brother to cause the Bonzy to hould his peace Who being commaunded so to do and the King firmely fixing his eye vpon him tould him that indeed â—e gathered by his manners a sufficient tryall of the Bonâ—zies sanctity and withall auerred that he was so well edifyed by the intemperancy temerity of his tongue that he durst sweare Hell had more right to his person then â—e to Heauen Heerupon the Bonzy adding intollerable pride to his former violent humour cryed out aloud That the tyme would come when Faciandonâ— should be exalted so farre aboue all mortals that neyther the King of Bungo nor any other should be able to aspire to his throne The King at these his wordes began to be moued yet withall laughed at his â—â—rrogancy looking vpon Xauerius who aduised his Maiesty not to trouble himselfe but to expect vntill the Bonzies fury were past But the King commanded Faciandono to be gone and warned him withall that henceforward when he spake of God he should not be so vaine glorious before men In the meane time he wished him to keep hand ouer his passions and come againe to himselfe before he returned to the Court The Bonzy therfore being set on fire with this disgrace in respect of the assembly of Nobles who were present cryeth out alowd Fyre from heauen consume the King who dares do these things against the Prelates of the Gods and so in a fretting and chasing manner flingeth vpoÌ„ a suddain out of the Presence leauing the King Nobles greatly moued with indignation at his vnciuill behauiour The King then ready to sit downe to table inuiteth Xauerius to dinner But he alledging that he was not acquainted with the Iaponian daynties courteâ—ously refuseth and withall making dâ—e reuerence to the King beseecheth God for whose sake he did him that honour to bestow vpon him sufficient diuine light grace that he might serue him in this life with sanctity and purity of hart and in the next enioy him for all eternity At last the King at Francis intreaâ—y giueth him leaue to depart and withall earnestly requesteth him that he would now and then visit him and teach him the mysteries of the Christian faith Xauerius promised he would And then the King presently with a cheerfull and friendly countenance offreth him with his owne hands a dish of meate which stood before him desiring him to take it who to comply with the King accepted of the same Then the Gouernour with the rest of the Portugheses who stood about Xauerius fell downe vpon their knees all togeather giuing the King humble thanks for the great honour he had done vnto the Father themselues euen against the Bonzies wills CHAP. XII Xauerius instructeth the King and people in the misteries of the Christian faith curbeth the audacity of the Bonzies FRANCIS remained 46. dayes in this royall Citty of Bungo imploying himselfe with al possible diligence in the instructioÌ„ of the Inhabitants Yet his principall caâ—â— â—as to make deep impression of the mysteries obâ—eruances of the Christian faith in the Kings mind â—or which cause he became so inward with the King â—hat there was then no comming for any Bonzy to â—is presence For that he beganne to be much ashaâ—ed of the foule enormities which he had commitâ—ed through the doctrine of the Bonzies Wherfore by Xauerius perswasion he first abandoned many vicious â—abits in his owne person rid his pallace of all vnâ—â—â—wfull loues and pleasures and began liberally to â—elieue susteine the necessities of the poore conâ—rary to the doctrine which the Bonzies taught Then â—urning his thoughts to the reformatioÌ„ of his people â—y little and litle he enacted many and seuere lawes agaynst the murdering of infants an vsuall practice in â—hose places and other haynous crimes and enormiâ—ies which hauing byn brought in by the BoÌ„zies were â—ow growne to a custome He reuerenced Xauerius as one that came from Heauen sent vnto him by the fauour of celestiall powers Him only he admired sayâ—ing many tymes that he saw in his face as in a glasse â—o his great confusion all the hainous offences wherwith by the Bonzies incitemeÌ„t he had defiled his own soule so as he was now vpon the point to be made a Christian Yet Francis did not so imploy himselfe about the King as that he neglected thereby the people For being wholy vnmyndfull of himselfe he spent so much of the day in preaching to them in the market-place that the Portugheses could scarce get from him one houre after sun-set to â—onfer about pious matters and another before day 〈◊〉 heare their Confessions Wherefore when some of his familiar friends complayned that he came home late he earnestly requested them that they would neuer at any tyme expect for him at dinner noâ— in the day tyme euer thinke him aliue for if they did otherwise they would cause vnto him much trouble For the dainties whereon he fed with chiefest delight were the good of soules neyther did he esteeme any cheere better then the saluation of one only Iaponian by vniting him to the flocke of Christ And to this pious aâ—arice of his the diuine Prouidence was not a litle indulgent There came flocking to him an infinity of people not of the vulgar sorte only but also of the Nobility and many of the Bonzies themselues whereof one of a very Noble Family became ChristiaÌ„ with no small good vnto the Christian cause He was called Saquaygirano the chiefe of the Bonzies a man of great note both for his learning and Nobility of birth who entring into disputation with
Xauerius being ouercome by reasons inspired by the diuine goodnes yielded himselfe captiue to the truth Wherfore not thinking vpon any thing els then the truth which was offered him from Heauen he publikely in the midst of the market place before an infinite assembly of people falleth downe vpon his knees and lifting vp his hands and eyes to heauen with teares falling from his cheekes cryeth out with the lowdest voyce he could Behold O Iesu Christ eternall Sonne of Almighty God I yield and dedicate my selfe wholy vnto thee And what I haue conceyued in my hart I 〈◊〉 freely profâ—ssâ— with my mouth Do not thou I 〈◊〉 thee who of thyne own accord lâ—ast called me â—â—peâ—l me now when I come vnto thee Then with â—eeping eyes looking vpon the multitude who stood â—ound about him he added And yee O Cittizens I â—â—treate beseech you that you will both your selues â—ardon me and desire also others to do the like for my 〈◊〉 often setting to sale those things vnto you for true â—hich now I vnderstand to be false This Confession of that famous Bonzy wonderâ—ully moued the affections of that Country people â—as an example to many of imbracing the Christian Religion For it is well knowen that Xauerius himâ—elfe often affirmed to the Portug â—eseâ— with whome 〈◊〉 there liued that if he would he could haue baptiâ—ed more then 500. Iaponians one day But which â—as very rare in such feruour of spirit he was more prudent then forward in the making vp of the matâ—er and also very circumspect that nothing might 〈◊〉 done rashly or in passion which might giue aduanâ—age to the Bonzies fury beeing now ready to burst â—orth For that being mortall enemies to the Chriâ—tian cause they were long since incensed against Xauerius and his friends and had persuaded the people that seeing they would needs cast away themselâ—es they should damaund of Francis a great summe of â—mony in recompence for changing their Religion that they might not perish for nothing Which plot of the Bonzies had this drift that the vulgar sort taking notice of Xauerius pouerty might haue lesse esteeme of his sanctity so great a disgrace was pouerty amoÌ„gst the Iaponians Yet little or nothing did they preuaile by this calumniation against the knowne tryed truth but rather like water cast vpon hoat burning coales it made Xauerius zeale flame out with greater force vehemency Whereupon the enraged Bonzies being put to the plunge not knowing what to do left nothing vnattempted which might seeme for their purpose But wheÌ„ they perceaued their endeauours not to correspond to their desirs they resolued to try their very vttermost They had now oftentimes by entring into disputation with Francis byn so foyled euen driuen out of the field that they durst not open their mouth before him Therefore they falsly slaundred him behind his backe but in vayne For that the threats which they had denounced of the Heauens Wrath agaynst the people were now accounted idle Wherefore seeing their ancient authority to be worne out in the estimation of the Cittizens turning their passion into fury they began to waxe mad indeed And first they heaped vpon Xauerius all the reproaches and maledictions they could deuise calling him in scorne A foule stinking dogge the most beggarly fellow aliue and a deuoâ—rer of dead mens carkasses Then they cast forth threatning words against him and his company that they would make them repent it vnlesse they presently desisted from their enterprise At last their passion fury went so farre that they plotted to make a tumult in the market-place and therein vpon a suddain to kill both Francis and the Portugheses Yet were not these things kept so secret but that Xauerius and the â—ortugheses had notice thereof But he accounted it â—he greatest fauour which God had bestowed vpon â—im to be threatned by his enemies taking heed withâ—ll that he might not vnaduisedly prouoke those who â—ad no stay ouer their owne enraged passions As for â—e Portugheses they hauing the Kinges guard to seâ—re them contemned the vayne threats and plottes â—f such mad-brayne fellowes Wherupon the Bonziesâ—eing â—eing violence would not serue the turne they bent â—eir designes another way CHAP. XIII â—n a disputation before the King he ouercommeth the most learned of the Bonzies THERE was a certayne Bonzy called Ficarondono the only esteemed man for learning among them who carryed the bell away from al the rest For he had for thirty â—eares togeather taught their profoundest deepest â—ciences in the most famous Vniuersity of Iaponia He â—as at that time President of a Conuent of Bonziesâ—ome â—ome 40. miles distant The Bonzies therfore of Bungoâ—erswaded â—erswaded him without much difficulty to dispute with Francis thinking it would be a great honour if as to him it seemed easy he could in the presence of the King confute that strange Priest who as al knew â—ad already beaten downe the rest of the Bonzies He â—hasteth therfore with all speed to the Royall Citty with six or seauen other famous Doctours in his company It fell out very opportunely that at the same time Xauerius the Portugheses were gone to Court to take their leaue of the King being the next day to depart And whilst they were rendring his Maiesty thankes and requesting his passe-port for their iourney newes was suddainly brought vnto the King that Ficarondono was arriued with a coÌ„pany of choice Bonzies The King as might be noted by his countenance was not very ioyfull at this newes fearing least Xauerius the truth might be beaten downe by his great learning Xauerius therefore seeing the King troubled doubtful what to resolue vpon trusting in the goodnes of his Cause humbly intreated his Maiesty to let Ficarâ—dono that pillar of the Bonziâ—â— race be brought in knowing for certayne that although learning could do much yet Truth could do more Wherupon the King being at last content the Bonzy was admitted After he had made due reuerence according to the vsuall custome when the King demaunded the cause of his comming to Court he answered That he came to see a strange Priest who was sayd to be come out of another world and to know what manner of man he was and the newes he had brought thence This he thundred out with such boldnesse and arrogaÌ„cy that one might easily descry what a most proud and diuelish mayster he serued And presently fixing his eyes vpon Xauerius who courteously saluted him and making an end of his ceremonious complements whereof the Bonzies are very liberall with a â—ookeâ—â— â—â—n aboue the Bonzian strayne he demaundeth of 〈◊〉 if he knew him and when Xauerius told him No cause he had neuer seene him before he turned to 〈◊〉 companions and sayd I perceiue we shall haue 〈◊〉 great difficulty with this fellow who knowes not â—arondono by his lookes Fixing then his eye vpon â—ancis Dost thou quoth he remember what