¶ The first book OF THE history of the discovery and Conquest of the East India's, enterprised by the Portugese's, in their dangerous navigations, in the time of King Don John, the second of that name.  
Which history containeth much variety of matter, very profitable for all navigators, and not unpleasant to the Readers.  
Set forth in the Portugal language, by Hernan Lopes de Castaneda.  
AND NOW TRANSlated into English, by N. L. Gentleman.  
¶ Imprinted at London, by Thomas East. 1582.   

❧ To the right worshipful Sir France's Drake, Knight, N. L. G. wisheth all prosperity.  
THey have an ancient custom in Persia (the which is also observed throughout all Asia) that none will enterprise to visit the king, noble man, or particularly any other person of countenance, but he carrieth with him some thing to present him with all worthy of thanks, the which is not only done in token of great humility & obedience, but also of a zealous love & friendly affection to their superiors & well willers. So I (Right worshipful following this Persian precedent) having taken upon me this simple translation out of the Portingale tongue, into our English language, am bold to present & dedicate the same unto you as a signification of my entire good will. The history containeth the discovery and Conquest of the East India's, made by sundry worthy captains of the Portugese's, in the time of king Don Manuel, & of the king Don John the second of that name, with the description, not only of the country, but also of every harbour appertaining to every place whereunto they came, & of the great resistance they found in the same, by reason whereof there was sundry great battles many times fought, & likewise of the commodities & riches that every of these places doth yield. And for that I know your worship, with great peril & danger have past those monstrous & bottomless seas, am therefore the more encouraged to desire & pray your worship's patronage & defence thereof, requesting you with all to pardon those imperfections, which I acknowledge to be very many, & so much the more by reason of my long & many years continuance in foreign countries. Howbeit I hope to have truly observed the literal sense & full effect of the history, as the Author setteth it forth, which if it may please you to peruse & accept in good part, I shallbe greatly emboldened to proceed & publish also the second & third book, which I am assured will neither be unpleasant nor unprofitable to the readers. Thus always wishing your good worship such prosperous continuance and like fortunate success as God hath hitherto sent you in your dangerous travail & affairs, and as may every way content your own hearts desire, do even so take my leave.  
From London the fift of March. 1582. ¶ Your worships always to command, Nicholas Lichefield, Gentleman.   

¶ TO THE MOST HIGH and mighty Prince our King and sovereign, Don John, the third of that name, king of Portugal, and of the Algarues, etc.  
IT hath seemed to me so strange and weighty a thing (most high & mighty Prince our king and sovereign) to undertake to write of the most worthy and valiant acts which the Portugese's have enterprised in the discovery and conquest of the India's, that oftentimes I thought to give over and relinquish the same, but as the attempt and doing thereof was principally taken in hand for the glory of almighty God, and to convert those barbarous Nations to the Christian Faith, and the great honour of your highness, wherein God gave them (by his Omnipotent power, favour and mercy (such fortunate success in the achieving of those famous acts, without whose great providence it could never have been performed or brought to pass. And therefore do hope and altogether comfort myself with the aid and assistance of his divine goodness in publishing the same by writing, yielding the glory thereof only to his celestial Godhead, and the praise terrestrial unto your excellent highness, and to that famous and most happy king, Don Manuel your Father. And although the same be well known and spread abroad over all the world, yet it cannot be so perfectly published unless it be set forth in writing. For by this means the memory thereof will endure for ever, because that the writings will always show the same to be present. Like as it doth continue those acts of the Greeks, and of the Romans, the which long since is passed so many years. And therefore they like wise men, perceiving the same to be true, did travail all that was possible to leave the memory thereof by writing, and noting that the worthiness of the same did consist much in the eloquence of the writer, did therefore choose such excellent learned men as those were that wrote the same, being thereto aided with much favour and help, of others that were nothing inferior unto their own, & possible were far greater, but for that the same did not remain in writing, there is no memory thereof, even as those of the Assyrians, of the Medes, of the Persians, of the Africans against the Romans, of the swevians against julius Caesar, of the Spaniards against the moors in the recovery of their country of Spain. Principally of those invincible and holy Kings of Portugal your ancestors, the King Don Alonso Henriques, the King Don Sancho his son, the King Don Alonso, the which did gettte the kingdom of Portugal, and of the Algarues, in the which conquest there was wonderful great acts done, and that by force of arms. Of all the which almost there hath remained no memory of that there should have been, yea, those matters of the Indyas, the which was done but yesterday, there is no man that hath the same in memory more than four persons, so that if they had died, all the same had ended with them, the which would have been imputed to their great shame and rebuke.  
And I having a regard, and partly a remorse to see this loss, did therefore determine myself to note of those notable acts, the which your subjects hath done in the discovery and Conquest of the India's, of whose valiantness there is none of their progenitors of any age or antiquity that ever did exceed them, no, nor yet were equal with them. For leaving a side the Conquest of the Semyrian of Cyro, Pyrrhus, and of other barbarous, all (the which was nothing in comparison of this) and take amongst them also that great Alexander the which was so feared and wondered at throughout all the world, since that the India's is frequented by the Portugese's: their doings are no more marveled at, than a dead lion in respect of one alive, for the Conquest of Alexander was all by land, and against people that were smally accustomed or trained in the feats of wars, he always going in his royal person, but this of the India's was done by sea, and that by your captains, being upon the same a whole year, and eight months, and at the least six months, not along or near any coast, but by the bottomless and great Ocean Sea, and departing from the limits of the Occident, and bearing sail always toward the Cape De las Playas, or such like, without discovering or seeing any other thing, but only the heavens and water, going round about all the sphere, a matter never before attempted by any mortal man, nor yet almost imagined by any, to put the same in practice, and they having passed great hunger, thirst and other infirmities, besides that every day with those furious storms and rains, in danger a thousand times of their lives. And as I say, they having past those fears and dangerous troubles by sea, yet after their arrival into the India's, found themselves in great and cruel battles, (not with men that did sight only with their bows, arrows, and spears,) as they did in Alexander's time, but with such as were stout & of a haughty stomach, and with men that were experienced in the wars, of the which kind of people there is not only in the India's, but as far as we can understand, there is of the like in Asia, and besides their accustomed weapons (the which are many and good) yet they have ordinance, calivers, and many fireworks more plenty than the Portugese's had, so that the power of these men was always so great, that the force of king Poro with whom Alexander did fight, was not comparable, yet notwithstanding the Portugese's did give them continually the overthrow, although their strength was but small, yet they never left the wars, as Alexander did. And leaving off to declare of the Greeks and of their acts, and now to come to the Romans, who with their huge army, and with their great fleet, the which seemed to cover the whole Sea, thought to conquest the whole world, yet they never durst adventure by Sea further than the red Sea, neither yet the greatest of their famous victories, did or was ever like unto the least of those battles that was done by our men in the Indyas, in the which it is so well known, most invincible Prince, the great prosperity of the King your Father and you, so that without moving of yourself out of your palace, was discovered and conquered by your captains, the which never Princess could by themselves conquer or discover, so that there was never Conquest of the Barbarous, nor of the Grecians, nor of the latinists, the which was of like difficulty as this hath been, neither yet Kings nor captains, of none of all these Nations, was so equal in force nor yet in valiantness as those of your Father, and of yours, the which is manifestly declared by the discourse of the history following.  
And touching their great acts which they did worthily fulfil and bring to pass, we must verily believe that it was Gods good will and pleasure, that those Barbarous, being discovered with their vain idols, and with the false sect of Mahomet, should join themselves with the Catholic faith, and to be as it were in one coral, and under one pastor or shepherd, as at this present the great multitude that hereby are increased to the Christian Religion, is a manifest testimony and witness thereof. After which great exploits, your highness gave commandment that the Christian doctrine of the Brotherhood of the company of Jesus should be there instructed & taught them, of the which your highness hath had so special a care like a most godly and Christian Prince, that not only you were the first that commanded the same to be brought from Rome, for that they might be the better instructed in all their kingdoms, but also doth maintain upon your own charges in this holy company the multitudes that doth daily submit themselves to the same. As we do see in the sumptuous college of Coimbro, where to ennoble and augment the honour of your kingdoms, you have erected and founded an university: where, with the charges that is daily done there, and with your countenance together, it is hoped, that the same may be accounted amongst the flourishing universities of all Europe: whereas there is maintained also upon your charges many colleges of the order of poor begging friars, and others of like profession, for like as the reformation that was there made was profitable to them all: so he commanded, that there should be many divines for to declare the evangelical law, which your highness is not only at this charges with religious men, but also with temporal men, for as there is many of your subjects that doth defend the state republic or Common wealth, and doth enlarge the same with their armour, so there are others that doth beautify the same with learning. These heroical virtues of your highness being so well known unto me, forsomuch as this book, besides others that I have made, hath some taste or kindred of learning, doth encourage me the more to set them forth, for that as I say, there may remain a perpetual memory of so notable acts as so many Gentlemen and Knights of the Portugese's your subjects hath done, the which hath benefited me very much, my being in the India's, where I travailed with my Father, who by your highness commandment was sent thither to serve as a judge. And for that I spent all my youth in learning, and gave myself greatly in reading of ancient Histories, and having seen and read a great part thereof, did then immediately procure to know and with all diligence did my best endeavour to understand what had been done in the discovery of the India's, and in the Conquest of the same, by the Portugese's, with the intent as aforesaid, which was to make the same known, and common to all men: by means whereof, and through the instructions of sundry Gentlemen and captains, many things came to my knowledge, by such persons as were then and there present, as well in the counsel for the provision for that which should be done, as also in the execution thereof, and otherwise by many letters and pamphlets, the which were written by men of great credit, and likewise examined as sufficient witnesses for better credit of the work. Moreover, I did not only use this diligence in the India's, but after my coming to Portugal did the like. For as those matters the which I meant to write of, were many and of sundry orders, so it was necessary to inform myself of the same by many: and beside that those that gave me this instructions were sworn, yet I was licenced to present them as witnesses. There were of them that I sought in the most part of Portugal: for what with the great travel of my person, and expenses of my goods, for that they were separated in sundry parts, and in this I have spent the most part of my life, forsomuch as this was my only recreation, having joined together all these informations, since my being in the university of Coimbro, in your highness service, at such time as I found myself not occupied with the executing of my office, with great trouble (not only of the body, but also of the spirit) made an end of this book with others, the which I do humbly offer unto your highness, whom God (after many and most fortunate years, remaining in your place the Prince) take and receive you from the senurie of the earth, unto the joys of heaven.  
Your highness most humble Orator, Hernan Lopes de Castaneda.   


❧ How the King Don Joan the second of that name, did send to seek out by sea and by land the East India, and of the news that was brought him of the same. Cap. 1.  
THIS King Don Joan the second of that name, & of the Kings of Portugal, the thirteenth, perceiving that all the Spices, Drugs, Stones, and other riches, which came to Venice, were brought out of a certain province of the East part: And as he was a parsonage of an haughty stomach and valiant mind, so was he desirous to enlarge his kingdom, and increase the Christian faith, and therefore he determined to discover by Sea, the Country, from whence so great plenty of riches came, that thereby his subjects might be enriched, and his kingdom of Portugal enjoy all such commodities as came from thence to Venice. Moreover, to discover the same country, he was the rather animated and inclined, for that he was given to understand, that in the East India, where Christians, which were governed by a King of great power called Praesbiter Joan, with whom Don Joan thought good to have acquaintance, and to know him by his Ambassadors, and the rather for that he was reported to be a Christian Prince: And therefore consulting with the Cosmographers of that time, he gave them in charge to proceed and go forward by example of others, which had sailed along the Coast of Guynee, which Coast was before that time discovered by commandment of the Prince his uncle, 
The order of Christ in Portugal given unto Noble men & Gentlemen & to some that are made knights.  Master of the Order of Christ, who had sent for that purpose, one Bartholome Dyas, one of the Officers of his Storehouse in Lyshborne, who did discover that great & monstrous Cape, not known of our ancestors, which is now called the Cape of Buena esperansa: And finding there matter of great terror and dangers, he passed beyond the same, one hundred and forty leagues, where, coming to a river, which he named Rio del infant, from thence he returned to Portugal. In this voyage, he gave to the Ports, Herbours, and rivers, where he took in fresh water, their names, which at this present they do retain. Likewise, he erected there certain marks with Crosses, and with the royal arms of Portugal, and the last that he erected, was in a rock, the which they named, El pennol de la crus, which standeth fifteen leagues on this side the foresaid river. And from thence he returned without hearing any news, or yet having any further intelligence of that India, by reason all the inhabitants along those Coasts be almost a savage and a wild kind of people, and of colour black.  
This voyage and intelligence, being intimated and revealed to the King Don Joan, he forthwith minded to 〈◊〉 cover that India by land, albeit before that time he 〈…〉 and sent for the same discovery intended, 〈…〉 of the order of Saint Frances, called Friar 〈…〉 Lixbona, by land, in the company of a 〈…〉 two persons, for want of the Arabian 〈…〉 travail those parts, so that they went 〈…〉 Jerusalem, from whence without 〈…〉 of that journey, they returned into Portugal.  
The King nevertheless continuing to prosecute to effect his determination for discovery of that India by land, 
Another journey by land attempted.  did thereupon choose two of his own servants, men of good knowledge, and diligent in whatsoever they were to be employed, the one called Pedro de Couillian, borne in the said Village, and the other called Alonso de Payva, borne in the town of Castil Blanco, which did very well understand the language of Arabia, to whom he told how that he had made choice of them, as of persons apt to execute his pretence, which was to discover by land as well the country of Presbyter Joan, as also that, from whence the drugs and Spices come to Venice: giving them in charge, and that earnestly to make diligent inquiry; and gather certain knowledge whether that from the Cape of Buena Esperansa forward there were any navigation to the East India, and that they should set down all things they found necessary to be known, or that they could by any possible mean learn or gather of the same for certainty: commanding also a Sea card to be given them, which was taken out of a Map of the whole world, by a master of art, called Calsadilla, Bishop of Vyseu, who was a good Astronomer.  
Moreover, he gave them a Letter of credit, whereby they might be succoured and protected from, and in, dangers of death, and in cases of necessity and want of money, in whatsoever kingdoms and countries their hap should be to travail. And for their charges, he commanded to give them four hundredth crowns out of the Chest of the Orcherd of Almeryn: Of which sum, they took as much as they deemed would suffice for their expense, until they came to Valencia in Arragon, putting the residue in the bank of Bartelme Florentine to be delivered them there: and so he gave them the blessing of God and his, in the presence of the King Don Manuel, who at that time was Duke of Vesa.  
After this they departed from the Village of Santaren the seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord, a thousand four hundred four score and seven, and came to Naples upon Saint john's day the same year, from whence they were set forward on their way, by Cosmo de Medicis sons, and so went they from thence to the Rhoodes, of which Religion, were then none other but Portugese's. And from the Rhoodes they went to Alexandria, from thence to the Cayro, as merchants, and from thence in the company of certain moors of feezes, and Tremencen, they came to Toro, which is a place that hath his harbour in the straits of the red Sea in the Coast of Arabia, at the foot of the mountain Sinai, where they understood mainie matters of the India's, and of the trade those places had out of the straights to Calicut: and thereupon they travailed to another place in the self same Sraightes of the red Sea, over the coast of Aethiopia, from whence they went to Edin: And for that it was out of the way to the Indies, they parted company and severed themselves: Alonso de Payva remained to go over by land to the Emperor of Aethiopia, 
Presbyter Joan by error, is the very Emperor of Aethiopia.  which is he, whom we before have named upon error Presbyter Joan: for the certainty is, this is he of whom Marco Paulo maketh mention in his book, who governeth all the Indies, and whose country joineth unto the great Cam of Catayo, where in a battle between them fought, the said Prester Joan was vanquished and died. And so thenceforth finally ended his kingdom, so that in these days, there is in truth none of that name or race that reigneth or governeth. It is to be understood, that Alonso de payva did verily believe, that this Emperor of Aethiopia, was this supposed Presbyter Joan, by reason he was informed and had intelligence that the same Emperor was a Christian, and the People of his kingdom were also Christians, as hereafter I shall declare, when occasion shall serve.  
For which cause, I am in opinion, that Alonso did departed towards his Court, taking order and determining with Pedro de Couillian, that at a time appointed they should meet in the great Cayro: This conference and determination between them so had and accorded upon, Pedro de Couillian went towards the Indies in a ship of the moors of Cananor, and being come to the Indies, he went to the town of Calicut, and to the islands of Goa, where he gathered perfect information & intelligence of the spices which they have in the Indies, and of the commodities which come from other places, and of the like sort of towns which were there in the Indies, of all which he set down the names in the Card he carried with him, albeit ill written. And after he had seen those places, he went to Sofala, where he gathered knowledge of the great island of San Laurenso, which the moors do call La ysla de la Luna: And seeing the people of Sofala, to be black as those of Guynee are, he thereupon surmised that all that coast was subdued, and that they might go by Sea to the India's, and therefore returning thence, he went to Ormuse, and so to Cayro, where he understood that Alonso de Payva was dead: And being desirous to return to Portugal, by chance he met with two Jews of Spain, the one called Raby Abraham, borne in Vesa, the other Joseph, borne in Lamego: These after the departure of Pedro Covillian and Alonso de Payva, from Portugal, told the King Don Joan, that they had been in the Cayro, & understood there much news of Ormuse, and of their tract had with and into the Indies: whereupon the King sent letters by Raby Abraham to Pedro Covillian, and to Alonso de Payva, declaring that his pleasure was, they should return in the company of those Jews, if they had seen all those things, whereof he gave them charge and commandment, at their departure: if not, that then they should send by those Jews a declaration, and true report what they had seen, and had intelligence of: And moreover that they should procure to attain to the sight of Presbyter Joan, and also show and inform what they could concerning Ormuse to Raby Abraham for that he had sworn by his law never to return to Portugal, unless he first saw the same: upon receit of which letters and message, Pedro de Covillian his purpose of returning to Portugal was then stayed: And therefore he forthwith dispatched Joseph with letters to the King, his Lord and Master, wherein he related and fully declared in every respect what he had seen in the India's, and of Sofala: and likewise he sent the card in which all the towns names were put down, that he had seen: Informing also the King Don Joan, that the Emperor of Aethiopia is he who is supposed to be the Presbyter Joan: But I am of opinion, that in Portugal remaineth this name of Emperor of Aethiopia, for that in his kingdom he is not called by the name of Prester Joan, as I will hereafter declare: When Joseph was departed, Pedro de Couillian, with Raby Abraham, went towards Ormuse, and thence to the straits of the red sea, and having showed to the same Raby those places and situation thereof, Pedro Covillian then sent him to Portugal, with letters to the king, importing what he showed him, and how that he himself was determined to make his voyage to Presbyter Joan, and after this pursuing that his intent accordingly, he came to the presence of the Emperor, that then there reigned and governed, whose name was Alexander, of whom he was very well received, 
The king of Portugese's letters delivered to the Emperor of Aethiopia  and when he had presented unto him the letters of the king Don Joan, he accepted the same very joyfully, in that they came from a Christian Prince so far distant from his country: Howbeit he gave to the same little credit, and yet nevertheless he gave unto Pedro de Couillian, great honour and gifts: and when he was in readiness to depart thence, and expected licence for the same, which he had requested, and should have been granted him, the Emperor then deceased: after whom succeeded in the Empire another named Nahu, he could not by him be licensed to departed thence, neither yet of his son David, who was Emperor also, and succeeded Nahu: so that Pedro de Couillian, remained in that country, and never after returned into Portugal, neither yet the King Don Joan ever heard or understood more of him, and therefore supposed him to be dead. Only there remaineth the information of his travails, which he had set down and written in the letters which the Jews carried: After this came to Lisbon a friar out of the country of Presbyter Joan, to whom the king showed great courtesy, and upon whose report, and great relation made of that country, the king then determined to proceed in, and follow the discovering of the India's by Sea, and therefore he commanded two little ships to be made, committing the charge of that preparation, and appointing for overseer or surveyor of the Timber then cut for that purpose, one joan de Braganca his servant borne in the woods, in a village called Daluor, and was brought to Lisbon to the house of the Myna, in the year of our Lord a thousand four hundred ninety five, the five and twenty day of October in the same year: and afterward did succeed in that kingdom, the most high king of glorious memory Don Manuel, by whom also it appeared that he was there elected by divine providence for discovery of those Countries and provinces, whereby the Christian faith is so greatly increased and enlarged, & the róyall house of Portugal so mightily honoured, and the subjects of the same so plenteously enriched.   

¶ How King Don Manuel the first of that name, prepared after the decease of King Don Joan, to discover the India's by one Vasco de la Gama, and by other captains, and how they departed from Lyshborne. Chap. 2.  
THE King Don Joan being dead, Don Manuel then succeeded him, in whom appeared a higher stomach, and more valiantness of mind (for attaining of things impreagnable & making trial, and executing matters that passed common capacity of man, and above the reach of natural knowledge) then was in Alexander the great. Don Manuel now come to the crown, and earnestly minded & bend to prosecute that which his predecessor Don Joan had begun, for discovering of the India's, and being therein greatly furthered by such matter, order, and intelligence, as he found, and were left by the late king for navigation to those far countries: he than commanded that Fernan Lorenzo, Treasurer of the house of the Myna, should cause to be made and prepared of the timber which was bought in king john's time, two ships, whereunto after they were finished, he gave the names, to the one, the Angel Gabriel, being of an hundred and twenty tun: and to the other Saint Raphael, a ship of one hundred tun. And to go in the company of these ships, the King then bought of a Pilot that was borne in Lagus, called Berrio, a carvel of fifty tun, which had and bore the self name of the Pilot: moreover he bought a ship of two hundred tun, of one Airs Correa. These ships thus made ready and prepared, and the king then being in Monte mayor the new, with his first wife the Queen, Donna Izabel, in the year a thousand four hundredth ninety seven, he then gave the chief captain ship of this voyage unto the India's to Vasco de la Gama his servant, who also before was servant to Don Joan, & borne in the town of Synis, a harbour town in the fields of Dorricke. The same was a man experimented in matters of the Sea, and of navigation, wherein he had done to this kingdom great service. And forasmuch as he was a man of great courage and valour, and therefore very apt and likely to attain and achieve the end, that was by the king desired, the king then accordingly in presence of many noble personages, to his great praise, and no less encouragement, commanded him, when he gave him the charge of that journey, earnestly also requiring him, to answer and satisfy the expectation and credit he had conceived of him and reposed in him, which if he did, he would then very largely reward that his endeavour, and travel, and so liberally deal towards him, as he should find himself satisfied for that his diligence and service employed: and for some proof of those princely and loving speeches, he then began to make performance of part thereof, at that very instant, giving him an Encommenda, with money to put himself in a readiness for that voyage: And for to go with him, the king also dispatched one Paulo de la Gama, brother to the captain general, and one Nicholas coelo, both of them the King's servants, and men meet and apt for whatsoever matter of enterprise or cause of valiantness: moreover he appointed one Bartholome Dyas, to go with them in a carvel to the Myna: And for that in the ships of war, sufficient victuals for the people in the same, could not be carried further than to a place called Saint Blaze, where they must of course take in fresh water, the king gave commandment that the ship of airs Correa should go loaden with victuals unto that place in the company of the fleet, and there to take out the same, and then to burn the said Ship. The captain general thus informed, and dispatched, departed with the other captains from the King's court, towards Lisbon, 
The number of people in this voyage.  where the ships being in a readiness, he embarked his company, being one hundred forty and eight persons, in Belen, one league from Lisbon, upon the Saturday being the eight day of july, in the year of our Lord God, a thousand four hundred ninety and seven. At which embarking all the religious men of our Lady Church in Belen, which is a Monestrarie of Saint Jerome, went in Procession bore footed, and in their cowls with wax Candles in their hands praying, and the most part of the people of Lisbon with them, all of them weeping and pitying those that so embarked themselves, supposing they should all die in that so adventurous and dangerous voyage, as in deed the p resumption and common opinion thereof was great, and no less to be adjudged of The general and other his captains with their people so embarked; and by the multitude and company then present, commended to God and good fortune, they forthwith made sail and departed: The captain general went in the Ship called Saint Gabriel, having Pilot for the same, one Pedro de Alanquer, which was Pilot with Bartholome Dyas, when he went to discover the river called El ryo del ynfante: The brother of the captain general, went in the ship called S. Raphael: Nicholas coelo went in the carvel Berrio, & one Gonsalo Gomes, servant to the captain general, went for captain of the ship that carried their victuals. Thus being set forward and under sail, the captain general commanded, that if by any hap whatsoever, they should be severed and lose each other, they should every one make, and keep, their root or course to Cabo Verde, where they would join themselves together again. And so following their voyage, they came within eight days after to the sight of the islands of the Canaries, from whence going over against the river called Ryo de Oro, the night did grow so dark, and such great tempest and storm rose as they lost each other, and therefore they returned their course towards Cabo Verde, and Paulo de la Gama, Nicholas coelo, Bartholome Dyas, and Gonsalo Gomes, having met, and after eight days failing together, they came to sight of their captain general, upon the wednesday in the evening, and saluting him with many shot of ordinance, and with sound of Trumpets, they spoke unto him, each of them heartily rejoicing, and thanking God for their safe meeting, and good fortune in this their first brunt of danger and peril: The next day being the twentieth day of July, the captain general with all his fleet, attained unto the islands of Sancty Ago: where coming to anchor in that play de Santa Maria, they remained there seven days, taking in such water as they had need of, & repairing the yards of their ships and other harms they had received in the storm past. Tuesday being the third day of August, the captain general departed thence, following his course to the East, but first before his departure he took his leave of Bartholome Dyas, 
Bartholome Dyas returneth into Portugal  who returned into Portugal: And going toward the Cape of Buena Esperansa, with all the ships of his company, he entered the gulf into the Sea, and from thence sailed all August, September, and October, in which time they sustained many and great tempests, or rather torments of outrageous winds and rain, so that they expected nothing but present death, which still was represented before them by view of the manifold dangers and perils, they presently then saw, and whereof they were forced to abide the eventure: being thus perplexed, God of his divine goodness recomforted them, for upon the saturday, being the fourth day of November at nine of the clock in the forenoon, they saw land, whereat they greatly rejoiced, and all the captains being together, they then saluted the general, all of them appareled in their best array, and having decked and garnished their ships with flags accordingly, they drew near the land as the general had commanded, who was desirous to have landed: Howbeit for that they did not know the land, he commanded them to cast about a sea board, and so they passed along by the same until Tuesday following, at what time they came to perfect view and sight of the land, perceiving the same to lie low, and that there was a great bay, which as it was a convenient place for the ships, so he commanded them to fall to an anchor there, of purpose to take in water: And afterward they named it the island of Sancta Haelena. 
Description of the people & manners of Saint Helen's island.  The people of the country within the said island, as our men afterward found the same: be little men, ill favoured in the face, and of colour black: and when they did speak, it was in such manner as though they did always sigh, their apparel is of beasts skins made after the manner of the French cloaks, they trust up and hide their members in certain Cases made of wood very well wrought.  
They have for arms or weapons certain staves of an oak tree bathed or toasted with fire, at the ends whereof are horns of beasts, somewhat burnt or hardened with fire, also serving them for swords, and wherewith they do hurt their enemy. These people do maintain themselves with roots of herbs, with Sea wolves, and Whale fish, of which the country there hath great plenty, and likewise of sea crows, and sea mews: Also they do eat of beasts, which they call Gazelas, and of doves, and other beasts and birds which they have in the land: They keep also dogs as those ben of Portugal, barking after the same manner: The general thus lying at anchor, commanded to go round about the island, to see if there were any river of sweet water, and finding none, he then sent Nicholas coelo in his boat along the coast to seek out water, which he found four leagues of from thence, the which he named Sancty Ago, from whence the whole fleet provided themselves of fresh water. The next day the general and the other captains, and some of their company went a shore, intending to see and view what manner of people they were, that inhabited that country or land, and whether they could inform him how far from thence the Cape of Buena Esperansa was, which he knew not, neither was the head or chief Pilot of that voyage of any certainty which it was, for that in the voyage, wherein he went before with Bartholome Dyas, he departed in the morning from the Cape into the Sea, and past the same in the night, with a fore-wind, and at his first going, came not near the Shore: By reason whereof he did not know the land, notwithstanding, he conjectured and deemed it not above thirty leagues distant from thence at the uttermost: The general being disimbarked and come to land, and walking there he overtook a man, one of the inhabitants of the same, who was going to gather honey at the foot of a bush, where the bees made the same without any hive, with this man, the general returned unto his ship, right well contented, thinking he had gotten by him an interpreter, but it happened not so for Theridamas was not any of that company could understand him: The general commanded to give him meat, and he did both eat and drink of all that was given him, and when they saw he understood none of their languages, nor any of them had any understanding of his, he was the next day set upon the shore well appareled, from whence he went as it appeared, amongst others his country men, for that the next day then following, (upon show of himself to them) there came about the number of fifteen of his country men, where our ships were: At sight of which the captain general went to land, caring with him Spice, gold, and pearl, to make trial, whether those people had any knowledge of the same, or of any part thereof: but by the little estimation they seemed to make of those things, it appeared they had no knowledge of the same. Then they gave them bells, little rings of tin, and counters, and of these things they were very glad, and from thence forward unto the next Saturday following, very many of them repaired to our fleet, and those people so returning to their towns, one of our men desirous to see the same, and to view the order and manner of their lives, craved then licence of the general to go with them, whose petition, albeit he was very unwilling to condescend unto, yet vanquished by importunity, he granted the same. Fernan Veloso (for so was his name that was licenced) then going in their company, they took a Sea wolf, which they roasted at the foot of a hill, and supped altogethers: 
Treason by these men imagined against ours.  after which it then appeared, that they of that country had armed themselves, and practised treason against our men: for so soon as they had supped, they caused Fernan Veloso, to return to our fleet again, which was hard by, and when he was departed from them, they followed and came after him a little and a little, the manner whereof, Fernan espying & fearing, he therefore hasted to the water side, and hailed to our ships: The general then being at supper, and hearing that call, and looking out to landward, saw those savage people coming after him, and presently imagined they meant him harm, and therefore forthwith he commanded the whole fleet to put themselves in battle array, and he himself with certain others, went to landward without any weapons, deeming verily that those black men meant him no harm, nor would offer any force: and indeed when they saw our boats coming to the shoreward, they began to run away, with a great clamour and outcry, and so did many others also which lay secretly hidden amongst certain bushes there, which policy they used to train our men the rather to land, for when ours were disimbarked and landed, they then returned and furiously set upon them, shooting their darts, and using their other weapons in such sort, as they enforced our men to retire to their boats and embark themselves, and that in haste, taking with them Fernan Veloso, which being done, the Negroes returned to their towns, having hurt the captain general & three others, who afterward remaining in that road four days, could not see any more of those people, and therefore could not use any revenge, for the damage they had done them.   

¶ How the captain general doubled the Cape of Buena esperansa, and what happened until they passed the river called El Ryo del infant. Cap. 3.  
THE fleet having taken in fresh water and flesh which they needed, the general and the rest then departed thence upon the Thursday being the sixtéenth day of November, in the forenoon of the same day, making their way into the Sea, with a South south-west wind, and upon the saturday than next following in the evening, he came within sight of the Cape of Buena esperansa, and for that the wind was contrary, as being then south-west, and the Cape lying North-east Southeast, he made his return into the Seawarde, whilst the day did endure, and when the night came, he cast about towards the shore, and so in that order he sailed until the Wensdaye following, which was the twentieth day of November in which time he doubled the Cape: And going along the Coast with afore wind, he passed with great pleasure of sundry pastimes, and in sounding of the trumpets in all their ships, chief having their whole confidence in God, by whose divine furtherance, they hoped to find out, and attain to that which they sought for: So passing in this sort along that Coast, they saw upon the land great store of cattle, whereof some were large, some small, but all of them were grown and fat: Howbeit there appeared to them no towns within this land, by reason that along those Coasts there are none situated: but further within the same, there be towns and Villages inhabited, the houses whereof are all of earth covered with straw. The people are of colour somewhat black, and be appareled as those of the country of Sancta Helena, speaking the self same language, and using the self same sort of darts, with some other weapons also for their defence, and annoyance of their enemy. This country is very pleasant with trees and Waters, and joining to this Cape on the South side, there is a great Harbour, which reacheth into the land six leagues, and at the entering it containeth well as much more. The Cape of Buena esperansa being thus doubled, the captain general forthwith upon the sunday after, 
The watering of S. Blaze  which was Saint Katherins day, came to the Watering of saint Blaze, which is three score leagues beyond the Cape, being a very great bay, and passing good for all winds, except only the North wind. The people here are somewhat black of colour, they cover themselves with skins, they fight with darts of wood toasted or hardened in the fire, and use for swords, horns and Bones of beasts, and also they use Stones to defend themselves against their enemies. In this land be many elephants and great, also Oxen many both large of stature, and very fat, whereof some have no horns: and upon the fattest and fairest of the same, the people do use to ride, sadling them with pannells stuffed with the straw of Rye, as the manner is in Spain, and upon the same they put a certain frame of wood, and so use it as a saddle to ride upon, putting through the noses of such of them as they will sell, a piece of wood, of that kind whereof they make their arrows. In this Harbour three crossbow shot from the shore, 
Sea wolves most fierce & terrible beasts  within the Sea, lieth a rock, in the which there be many Sea wolves, which are as large in bigness as great bears, they be terrible, having great and long teeth, also so wild and fierce, that they do forcible set upon men: their skins be so hard that no spear can pierce the same, albeit it be forced upon it with great strength and valour: they are like unto Lions, and their little ones cry like young goats, there be so many of them in the rock, that when our men went thither of pleasure one day, they saw of them at that instant, the number of three thousand little and great. In this rock also be many stars, which are as great as ducks, but they do not fly, by reason they have no feathers in their wings, and they bray like unto an ass. The captain general being come to this Port or bay, and lying at anchor there, caused the ships which carried their victuals, to be discharged thereof, and bestowed the same in the others, commanding those vessels to be then burned, as it was ordained and commanded by the King in that behalf. In doing whereof, & other things also which were necessary and needful to be looked unto, and foreseen, for their more safety in the rest of their voyage, they remained ten days in that place, where, upon the Friday next after the captain general and the rest had arrived, there appeared unto them, about the number of four score and ten men of that country, some along upon the lands, and some upon the top of their mountains, which when the general saw, he and other the captains went to the shore ward, and all the company of the ships went armed in their boats, caring ordinance with them, as fearing the like chance that happened to them in the island of Sancta Helena, the boats then drawing near to the shore, the general threw on land little bells, which the Negroes took up, and some of them came so near unto him, that he gave them the bells into their own hands, whereat he wonderfully marveled, for that Bartholome Dyas had informed before, that when he was there, they did run away, and would not be alured to come so near view. The general therefore finding & perceiving contrary to his expectation, the gentleness of those black people, he then leapt out on land with his men, making exchange of certain red night caps with the Negroes for Bracelets of ivory which they had, and so for that time departed. The Saturday next after came to the number of two hundredth black men: and more, some little, some great, bringing with them twelve Oxen and four sheep, and as our men went on shore, they began to play upon four Flutes accordingly with four sundry voices, the music whereof sounded very well, which the general hearing, commanded the trumpets to sound, and so they danced with our men. In this pastime and feasting, and in buying their Oxen and sheep, that day passed over, and in the self same sort, upon the Sunday following, sundry of the same, and many more with them as well men as women, came again bringing with them many Kine, and having sold one ox, our men saw certain little Nigroes, which were hidden in certain bushes, who had with them the weapons of the greater sort of men: wherein our men conjectured, that some treason was meant to them, and therefore the general commanded our people to retire to another place, which was of more security, and those black men went all along the shore directly against our boats, until they came to the place where ours disimbarked themselves, and went upon the land in armour. The Nigroes then joined themselves as though they intended to fight, which the general perceiving, and not wilyng to do them any harm, did then retire, embarking himself, and for to fear them, commanded two brass pieces of ordinance to be shot off, whereat they were amazed, 
The little Nigroes made more afeard than hurt  and ran away without any order, leaving their weapons behind them. After this, the captain general, caused to be carried on the shore, a certain mark or pillar, with the King of Portugese's arms, and a cross, which being there set and erected, the Nigroes pulled down the same our men yet being there. These days thus passed over, the captain general with the rest of the fleet departed thence towards the river called, Ryo del infant, upon the Friday being the eight day of November, which was the Feast day of the conception of our Lady, and in sailing forward on their voyage, there arose so great a storm with a forewind, upon the day of Saint Luke, that our whole fleet did run with there small sails, and that also very low. In this course they lost the company of Nicholas coelo, howbeit the next night after they all met, and joined together again. Now having past and sailed through this great storm, or rather torment of wind, which then was ceased, the captain general, upon the sixteenth day of December did discover land, which were certain small rocks, being distant from the Harbour of Saint Blaze threescore leagues, and five leagues also from the other part of the rock called De la cruse, where Bartholome Dyas did erect his last mark: from which place to the river Del infant are fifteen leagues. This country is very pleasant and sightly in view, and in the same is great store of cattle, and the further our fleet sailed on that Coast, the better and higher the trees were, all which things our men might well perceive and discern, by reason they went so near the shore with their ships. And upon the Saturday they passed hard by, and within sight of the rock De la cruse, and for that they were then come so far forward as the river Del infant, they were loath to pass the same, and thereof taking counsel all the next night, they went somewhat wide from the Coast, with a fore-wind, until evensong time, and then the wind came to the East, which was right against them, wherefore the captain general made to Seawarde, going in such sort, as sometime he kept the Sea, and sometime drove towards the land, until the Tuesday being the twentieth of December, at the setting of the sun, the wind then coming to the West, which was a forewind, and whether to attain to have knowledge of the land they consulted all that night, which were best to do. The next day at ten of the clock in the fore noon, they came to the rock aforesaid, which is three score leagues a stern the place, whereunto they minded to go.  
This rock, is the cause of the great Currents that are there, and the self same day the fleet through passed the same Course, with a great forewind, which had also endured them three or four days, and wherewith they ran through those Currents, which greatly they feared, 
They safely passed the dangerous currents  and were in doubt to have done. These dangerous Currents, thus safely and happily passed without loss or damage, they all were very glad and joyful, that their good Fortune was to have passed the same in manner as Bartholome Dyas before that time had accordingly done. Wherefore the captain general, being animated and encouraged with this his great good luck and Fortune, and after thanks given to God for the same, did then say, that he verily believed, that it was Gods good will and pleasure that the India's should be found.   

¶ How the captain general came to the land, called, La terra de la buena gente, and after went to the river, called, Ryo de las buenas sennales: how he brought their ships on ground, and of the great sickness our people had after they arrived there. Chap. 4.  
THus following their voyage, they perceived that upon Christmas day, they had discovered along the Coast, three score and ten leagues to the Eastward, which was the way he carried with him in his Register, and wherein the India's are: And here the fleet went along upon the Sea, without taking land, so far, that they began to want, and have lack of water for to drink, and were enforced to dress their meat with salt water, so that no man of that fleet had then allowance of water to drink, more than one pint a day. Howbeit upon the Friday being the eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord God. 1498. drawing near the land, they went out in their boats along the Coast to take view thereof, and so passing by the same, they saw many Nigroes with a great company of women, all of them of great stature, which went along the Sea side, and when the Captain general saw and perceived, that they showed themselves to be a people, flexible to civility, and of a quiet disposition, he commanded one of our men called Martin Alonso, who could speak many languages of the Nigroes, and one other with him, to leap out on land, and to go to them, which immediately those two persons did: and at their coming to the same black People, they were of them very well received, and especially of the chief person or governor of the same, to whom, our general viewing his and their manner of courtesy, 
A reward sent by the general to a Nigro.  forthwith sent a jacket, a pair of Hose, and a cap, being all red, and a Bracelet of Copper, of which things he was very glad, and rendered great thanks to the general for the same, saying: that with a very good will, he should have of gift, any thing he would desire or had need off, that was to be had in his country. All which, Martin Alonso, understanding their language told to the general, who was very joyful that by his interpretation, those people and ours might of each other have understanding, giving also at that instant licence to the same Alonso & one more of our men to go with those people for one night to their town, at the request of the same governor, who very earnestly required the same. The governor then appareled himself with those Garments which the general gave him, and with great pleasure gave commandment to many of his chief men to go before and receive him when he came to their town: The people as they went viewed and beheld with great pleasure and admiration those vestures which our General had given him, clapping their hands for joy thereof, which manner of gladsome rejoicing, they used three or four times, before they came to their town: And after their entrance therein, they went round about the same, to the end all the people and inhabitants thereof, might see and behold those given garments and strange array: Which being done, the governor entered into his house where he commanded Alonso and his companion to be well lodged, and gave to them for their supper a Hen even such as ours be, and Pap made of Mylyo, which is a kind of grain of a yellow colour, whereof also they make bread: This night repaired many Nigroes to their lodging to see them: And the next day after the governor sent them to their ships with certain Nigroes of his laden with hens, for the captain general, who rendered thanks for the same, and required by his interpreter, those Nigroes, to say unto their governor, that he now saw and perceived him to be a noble man, or king of that country, & forasmuch as the general, and the rest of our men in those five days wherein they had hovered upon and viewed that Coast had no manner damage done or offered them: and saw both many quiet and gentle people there, & also many noble men, he gave to this land an apt name, calling it, The Land of good people, in the town where Martin Alonso was, their houses be made all of straw, and very well furnished within: The owmen be more in number, than the men: for in the company of forty women there are no more but twenty men: They carry with them long bows with arrows and darts of iron, and upon their arms and legs they wear many braceléets of Copper, and some pieces of them in their hairs. Also they carry daggars, the hafts or handles of Pewter, and the sheaths of ivory, so that it is manifest, that they have in that country plenty of copper and tin: moreover they have great store of Salt, which they make of Salt water, caring the same from the Sea side in gourds, and putting it into certain caves where they make the Salt: These kind of people were so glad of the linen that our men carried with them, and brought with them thither, that they gave for one shirt much Copper. They also were so quiet amongst our men, that they brought them water to their boats from a river which was two crossbow shot from the place where our men took in the same, which river they call Ryo de Cobio: From this place our fleet departed the fifteenth day of Januarie, 
A new land discovered of courteous Moors  and going under sail, did discover land of an other country which lieth very low, wherein were trees very high and thick, and so proceeding forward they discovered or found a river which was very open at the entering of the same: And for that the general thought it necessary to reknowledge or have notice of that country, & there to learn whether they might hear any news or intelligence of the India's, he commanded to come to an anchor, which was upon the Thursday, being seven days before the end of Januarie, and the same night he with his brother Nicholas coelo entered the river, and at the dawning of the day, did well perceive the land to be low and covered with water, having trees of great height, and thick loaden with sundry sorts of fruits: Our men then beholding the land, which was very pleasant, they saw also certain boats, at that present coming towards them, with men in the same, whereof the general was very glad, supposing upon sight of those people and view of their country, in that manner, which argued they had some knowledge and experience of the Sea, that therefore they were not far of from the India's, or at leastwise could not then go far, but they should hear news of the same: when the people with their boats came near to our fleet, our men perceived they were all black people, of good stature, howbeit all naked, saving their privy members, which were covered, with little pieces of linen made of Bomebast or Cotten, they came near and entered into our ships without any fear, and in such sort used themselves towards our men, as though they had been of long acquaintance and familiarity with them: They were very well received of our people of the fleet, the captain general commanded the same, and also that there should be given unto them certain little bells & other things, & he talked with them by signs, for they did not understand any of Martin Alonso his languages, nor any other interpreter that our men than had: After this their good entertainment they departed, and as it seemed well liking of the same, they and many others with them afterward returned in their boats to our ships, bringing unto them such victuals as their country yieldeth: They in appearance showed themselves very well contented with our men, & as they came by water, so also did many others of those people repair thither by land, & amongst them women of indifferent good beauty, especially the young maids, which go after the same sort, that the men do: They have in their lips three holes, and in every hole a piece of tin, which they esteem as a thing very gallant and gay: They took with them certain of our men to make merry at a country town there near hand, and where they fet water for our ships. And after the three days space that our general was in that river, 
Tke courtesy & apparel of the noble men of this country.  there came of courtesy two noble men of that country to visit him in their boats, whose apparel was none other, then of the rest, saving the pieces of linen wherewith they covered their members, were far greater, than those the common sort used, and one of them ware upon his head a tuck or kerchief wrought with silk, and the other had a night cap of green satin. The captain general seeing those men somewhat addicted to cleanliness was very glad thereof, received them in courteous manner, and commanded to give them meat, and moreover he gave them apparel and certain other things, but it appeared by their countinaunces they smallly or nothing at all esteemed thereof: Howbeit while they remained in our ships, the general perceived by tokens and signs which a young man that came with them then showed, that their country was far of thence, and that they had seen as great ships as ours were, whereof he greatly rejoiced, and all our people in like manner as then verily hoping and thereby conjecturing, that the India's were near to that place: which their hope and conjecture, was also far the more augmented and confirmed, for that after those noble men were gone to shore, they sent to the fleet, certain linen cloth to sell, which was made of Cotten, upon which also were certain marks of Okar, in respect of which good news, and intelligence here found, and likely to ensue, the captain general gave to this river a name, calling it, The river of the good tokens or marks, and caused there a mark to be erected, calling the same San Raphael, according with the name of the ship wherein he was, and went that voyage. And forasmuch as he perceived by the signs of the young man, that those noble men inhabited a country far thence, and that they had seen ships as great as ours, he thereby and upon other conjectures gathered, that their country was near to the India's, and so consequently that the India's was far of from that river where our ships then lay: wherefore consulting hereof, it was by him and the other captains then determined upon, that all the ships should be brought on ground, which determination was executed accordingly, & the same ships repaired, dressed, and trimmed in all points needful and necessary: In doing whereof they spent and passed over two and thirty days, 
This sickness is called the scurf  in which time our men sustained and passed over great troubles and torments of mind, by occasion of a sickness there happened amongst them, which was thought to grow by means of the air of that country, for that the hands and feet of so many of them, and also their gums in such sort did swell, that they could not eat, and the same so rotten, that the stink which came out of their mouths was so great and pestiferous, that none could abide the savour thereof, with this pestilent infection & sickness our men were greatly discomfited, & many of them died thereof, which also put the rest of the company in great fear and perplexity of mind: Yea, and further would have increased and aggravated their griefs of body and sorrows of mind, were it not that one De Gama a man of good nature and condition had taken special care and used great diligence, for the recovery of their healths, and putting them in comfort: who continually visited the sick, and liberally departed unto them such wholesome and medicinable things, as for his own body he had provided, and carried with him, through whose good counsel given, great pains taken, and frank distribution of that he had, many of our men were recovered, which would otherwise have died, and all the rest thereby were greatly recomforted.   

¶ How the captain general with all his fleet, came to the island of Monsambicke. Chap. 5.  
THe fleet being furnished and provided of all things necessary, the captain general then mindful of his voyage, departed thence, upon the Saturday, being the 24. day of February, 
three small islands discovered not worth the entering.  and the same day, and all the night following, for that he was incalmed and to avoid the shore, made way into the sea: and upon Sunday by evensong time, our men descried three islands a Seaboord, all of them being but little or small, they were distant one from another four leagues: Two of them were replenished with great words, & the third was plain, to arrive to these islands the general was not willing, for that he saw or conjectured no cause to occasion the same, & therefore he still kept the sea, staying & coming to an anchor always as the night approached, which manner of course & order he used and continued the space of six days: And upon the thursday being the first day of March towards evening, our men came within sight of four islands, whereof two were near the shore, and the other two a Seaboord, & for that they would not that night fall with them, they still kept the Sea, minding to pass between them, as indeed they did: whereupon the captain general determined & commanded that Nicholas coelo, by reason his ship was less than the others, should go first, & so going upon the friday within a certain harbour, which was between the main land & one of the islands, the said Nicholas miss the channel, and ran on ground, which danger when our other ships saw coming after, they did cast then about, & went back, and as they were returned, they perceived coming out of that island, seven or eight little boats under sail, being distant from Nicholas coelo a good league: At sight of those boats coming towards them, Nicholas coelo and those which were with him took great pleasure, & for joy gave a great cry, and at their repair to them coelo and they went to the General and saluted him, to whom the same coelo said: How say you sir, here is an other kind of people: whereunto the general answered, that he was very glad of that good Fortune, and therewith commanded to let them go a Seaboord with their boats, for that his meaning was to bear with them to that island from whence they came, and there to come to an anchor, of purpose to understand what land that was, & whether amongst those people, he might hear or have any news or certain intelligence of the India's: yet notwithstanding the generals commandment, they in their boats followed our ships, always making signs and calling to our men, therein to stay and tarry for them, wherefore the captain general, with the other captains came to an anchor, and so they in their boats approached near, and came to our fleet: And then by view of their persons it appeared they were men of a good stature and somewhat black. They were appareled in linen cloth of Cotten, welted with sundry colours, some girdeled unto their knees, and others carried the same upon their shoulders as cloaks, and upon their heads they wear a certain kind of tucks or kerchief somewhat wrought with silk and gold third. They have swords and daggers as the moors do use them, in their boats they brought with them their instruments called Sagbuts. These men being thus come to our ships, they forthwith came a board the same with great opinion of assurance, even as though they had known our men a long time, and immediately began to be conversant, and very familiar with them, using their speeches which they uttered in the language of Algaravia, and would not be known they were moors: The general commanded to give them meat, & they did both eat and drink with a good will, of whatsoever was given them: And being asked at commandment of the General by one Fernan Aluares (who could speak that language) what land that was, they answered that it appertained to a great king which was before, 
The island of Monsambick, with the town of Merchandise.  & how that island was called Monsambicke, and the town there full of merchants, which have traffic with the moors of the India's, who bring thither silver, linen cloth, pepper, ginger, silver rings, many pearls, and ruby stones, and that out of another country, which remained behind, they do bring them gold: Declaring further that if our men would enter into the Harbour there, they would bring them thither, and they should perceive and see the truth, and more at large, touching those things they then gave information of: The general hearing this, entered into counsel with the other captains, debating the matter thereof, and argued whether it were good to enter the Harbour, and see if those things were of truth, which those moors had imparted to them, and also there to take some pilots to carry them further, since they were now destitute of such: upon which consultation, it was there determined, that Nicholas coelo should first make an assay & proof for entrance and sounding of the bar, by reason his ship was the least of the fleet: which accordingly he forthwith did. And so going to enter he went and touched the point of the island, and therewith broke his helm, howbeit through God his goodness, he perished not there although he was in great danger and hazard thereof, for as he went upon the point unwares, so with quick speed and good fortune he got of the same: nevertheless he perceived and found that the bar was good to enter, and therefore he came to an anchor, two crossbow shot from the town situated in that island, which is in fifteen degrees towards the South, it hath a very good harbour, and also great plenty of the victuals of that country, the houses of that town be made of straw, and the dwellers therein are moors, which trade to Sofala in great ships, 
Cayro is the cask orrind of a nut they have in the India called Caco, and with the same these ropes are made  that have no decks nor nails, but are sowed with Cayro, and their sails are of mats made of the leaf of a palm tree: some of them do carry with them compasses of Geane by which they do govern, & they be square, they have also Seacards: with these moors, the moors of India's have traffic, and with those from the red sea, by reason of the gold they have there.  
When they saw our men, they supposed them to be Turks, by reason of the knowledge they had of the Turks country, through intelligence of the moors which dwell in the red sea, they which were first in our ships went & told their Xeque (for so they call him always that is governor of the town) which was there for the king of Quiloa, under whose obeisance this island was.   

¶ How the captain general entered into the harbour of Monsambicke, and how the governor there, came to visit him at his ships, making peace with him, and gave him two pilots to carry him to Calicut, verily supposing our people to be Turks. Chap. 6.  
THe Xeque or governor having knowledge of our coming, and that Nicholas coelo was come to an anchor in the Harbour, he verily believed that they were Turks or moors of some other place, and therefore forthwith he came and visited him in his ships, accompanied with many appareled in silk, whom Nicholas coelo received with great courtesy: but forasmuch as he nor any of his ship could speak their language, the governor tarried not long, howbeit coelo understood very well, that the governor deemed them to be moors, and therefore he gave him a red cap, whereof he made no account, he gave him also certain black beads, which he carried away in his hands, both which were given and taken for token of assurance between them: and when he should departed from our ship, he required by signs of Nicholas coelo to have his boat to carry him to land, who gladly granted the same, and sent therewith certain of our men, which the governor at his return to land, carried with him to his house, feasting and banqueting them with Dates and other things, and sent by them to Nicholas coelo: a pot of Dates preserved, wherewith he feasted the captain general and his brother, after they had entered the Harbour.  
The governor now perceiving the rest of our ships arrived in the Harbour, 
Our men taken for Turks, by the Mores of Monsambicke  immediately sent to visit them, believing they were Turks, and presented them with many pleasant & delicate meats, demanding also licence to come and visit them himself. The captain general returned for presents to him again, certain red hats, short gowns, coral, basins of brass, little hawks bells, and many other things, all which (as the messenger reported, that carried the same) he nothing esteemed, ask for what purpose those things were good, and demanding why the captain sent him not Scarlet, as the thing which he chief desired. Notwithstanding he came and visited the captain general who having knowledge of his coming, commanded the ships to put out their flags, and to toll the same. Likewise he ordered, that all our sick and diseased men, should be hid and not come in sight, and that to his ship should be sent from the rest of the ships, all those that were not sick, whom he caused secretly to be put in armour, of purpose to be in a readiness if the moors offered any force, or sought to betray them. 
The governor cometh abootd, & the description of his person and attire  This preparation made, the governor came accompanied with many men, all very well appareled in silk, bringing with them many trumpets of ivory, and also other instruments, still playing upon the same: he was a man of a good stature and lean, he brought upon him as it were a shirt of linen cloth, which came down to his heels, and upon the same, the like of velvet of Mecca, having upon his head a cap of silk of many colours, and trimmed with gold, at his girdle, he ware a sword and dagger, and upon his feet shoes of silk. The captain general received him at the entrance of the ship, caring him from thence, in that part of the ship, where the same was covered over and trimmed in the best manner it might then be, and many of his people with him, the rest remaining that came with him in their beats. The governor thus being received into the ship, the general desired him to take no offence in that he sent to him no Scarlet, since in truth he brought none with him: only he declared that he had in his ships, but such merchandise, as he would give and bestow for victuals, when his men should want the same: and that he went in this order, only of intent to find out & discover the India's, by commandment of a great & mighty King whose servant he was. All which things the general told him by the mouth of Fernan Martin, who was the interpreter between them: and then commanded to give them such banqueting meats, and wine as were carried in the ship, whereof he did both eat and drink very well, and so in like manner did the other, who came with him, all which were likewise feasted. And as the governor remained after this, a very friend to the general, so also did his people make much, and extend great friendship to our men. He asked of our general, whether they came from the Turks country, for that as he had heard say, the people of the same are white as ours were, requesting also to have a sight of their country bows, and of the books of their laws: whereunto our general answered, that he and his company were not of the Turks country, but that they were of a great kingdom, which confined upon the same, and as touching their bows and weaponnes, he should with very good will see them: But as for the books of their laws, they had none there with them, for to carry the same, were to no purpose, since upon the Sea, they needed not the use thereof. Then were brought before him certain crossbows, which also in his presence were bend and shot off, whereat he greatly marveled. They also produced to sight and view of him certain harnesses or armours, whereat he also marveled much.  
By occasion of this meeting and feasting, the captain general had notice and intelligence, that from thence to calicut were nine hundred leagues, and that it was very needful and necessary for him to take a Pilot of this country, to conduct him and his company, by reason they should find many shoells in their Course thither: and also that along the Coast there are many Cities: moreover he understood then, that Presbyter Joan was far from thence within the country.  
Now since it was so expedient to have a Pilot, the general than requested to have two such of the governor, who granted and made promise of the same, upon condition that our men should well use and content them: Of these Pilots so promised, our men were glad, for that if one of them should hap to die, the other yet might remain and serve their purpose, and for that consideration, our general required a couple. After this time, the governor once more came to visit the General, bringing with him both the pilots he had made promise of, to each of which was given thirty crowns and a coat, every crown worth in money, five shillings, with this condition, and from that day forward, that when the one of them would go to shore, the other should remain in ship, for that our men would always have one of them on shipboard, whilst they remained in Harbour.   

¶ How the governor of Monsambicke, understanding that our fleet was neither of the Turks nor yet Moors, would have taken and killed them, and how the captain general understood thereof: and what further than followed. Cap. 7.  
THese meetings and speeches thus had, for assurance of friendship between them, & the concourse of them being ended, and the governor departed, yet then immediately after appeared, that those moors having had such company and long talk with our men had gathered and come to knowledge that they were Christians, 
The moors withdraw there good wills knowing that we were Chtistians  whereupon all former good will and friendship of the moors, was now converted into wrath and fury, for they practised means to kill our men, and so to take the ships. The governor had thereof consulted and made provision, for execution of their mischievous enterprise, which had been likely to have taken place, and sorted to a sorrowful hap and event, had not the almighty of his divine goodness, moved the heart of one of the moors, which was received for Pilot to discover the same to the captain general, who fearing lest those infidels should suddenly endanger him and his, for that they were many in number, and with him were but a small company, did therefore determine to remain no longer in that harbour. And so upon the Saturday, being the tenth day of March, & seven days after his arrival there, he departed thence, and went with his ships into the Sea, and came to an anchor hard by an island in the same, which was one league from that of Monsambicke, and this was done, to purpose, that upon Sunday, they would hear mass on land, confess themselves, and receive the Sacrament, which since their coming from Lixborne they had not done. After our ships were thus at an anchor, the Captain general then perceiving the same to be in place of assurance so as the moors should not burn them, (whereof before he was greatly afraid) which now by their remove was prevented and put out of doubt, he then determined to return to Monsambicke in his boat, to demand the other Pilot that remained on land at their coming thence: and so leaving his brother with the fleet in order and readiness to come and secure him, if he should see him in danger, he departed towards Monsambicke caring with him Nicholas coelo in his boat and the other Pilot Moor. Going in this sort, they saw how there came bearing right with his boat, six boats with many armed moors, having long bows & arrows, and also shields and spears, who when they saw our men, began then to call unto them, willing them to come to the harbour of their town. The Pilot Moor told the general what they meant by their signs and tokens they made, and gave him counsel to return thither, for that otherwise the governor would not deliver the other Pilot which remained on the shore, at which his speech, the General was very angry, supposing he gave that counsel, to the end at their coming near the shore, he might escape and run away, and therefore commanded him to prison, and caused forthwith to shoot at their boats with their ordinance, which shot when Paulo de la Gama heard, and believing it had been some further matter of dangers to the General, than the cause thereof was indeed, he immediately came forward with the ship called Berrio under sail, which when the Nigroes perceived, they fled, & made away with great haste, and so fast that the captain general could not overtake them, & therefore he returned with his brother to the other ships where they lay at anchor. The next day the general, with all his men went on land, heard mass, and received the Sacrament very devoutly, being the night before confessed: which being done, they all went aboard their ships, and made sail the same day. The general perceiving no hope to remain for recovery of the other Pilot, which was on shore in Monsambicke, gave them commandment to release him that was in the ship committed to prison, (as before you have heard, whom they carried with them on their voyage. 
The other Moor Pilot in revenge practiseth treason against the fleet  This Pilot minded to be revenged upon the general, in stomach of his imprisonment, determined to carry them to the island Quiloa, which was peopled all with moors, and as it seemed, meant to inform the King of that place, that our ships were of the Christians, of purpose thereby to occasion him to kill and destroy them all: and therefore subtly to shadow his wicked intent, he willed and persuaded the captain general, not to trouble himself with the want of the other Pilot, for that he would carry him to a great island, which was from thence one hundredth leagues, and inhabited as it were the one half by the moors, and the other by Christians, which always were at wars the one with the other, from whence also he might furnish himself with Pilots to carry him to calicut: But as the captain general had good liking of those speeches, so yet gave he no great credit to the man, nevertheless he did promise him great gifts, if he did carry him to that country: and so went forward on his voyage with a small wind. The tuesday after, being within sight of land from whence he departed, he was incalmed, which did endure tuesday and Wensdaye, the next night after with an Easterly wind being but small, he made way, and went into the Sea, and upon Thursday in the morning, found himself and all the fleet, four leagues back behind Monsambicke, & so going until the evening the same day, came then to an anchor hard to that island, where the Sunday next following he heard mass. The wind thus being contrary to his purpose of navigation, he therefore remained in that place eight days to wait for such gale thereof as would serve to put him forward on his journey: In which time repaired to our ships a white Moor which was a Minister of the moors of Monsambicke, 
A white Moor repaireth to our ships.  who coming on board the ship of the general, declared that the governor of the same town greatly did repent him of the breach of peace & friendship he had made with him, & that he would gladly renew the same again & confirm it, & so remain a friend. To whom the general returned answer by that messenger to this effect, that he would make no peace with the governor, neither would he be his friend, until such time as he did send to him his Pilot whom he had hired and paid, with this answer, the Minister departed, and never came again. The captain general thus staying still there, and expecting the wind, there came to him after the Minster was gone, a certain Moor, who brought his son with him being a boy, and asked the general whether he would carry them in his ships with him to the city of Mylind, which he should find in the course he should keep towards calicut: Declaring that he would gladly go with him, and return to his country which was near to Mecca, from whence he came as a Pilot, in a ship to Monsambicke, and therewith advertised the general, not to tarry upon any answer, from the governor, who he was assured would make no peace with him, for that he was a Christian. The captain was very glad of the coming of this Moor, for by him he deemed, to gather sufficient matter of information and intelligence of the straights of the red Sea, and also of the towns that lie and be situated along the Coast, by the which he must sail to Mylind, and therefore he commanded to receive the same Moor and his son into his ship, and by reason it was then somewhat late, and that they had no store of water, the general with the other captains determined to enter into the Harbour of Monsambicke, to take in there so much as they needed, appointing also there should be great watch, for prevention of the moors, least that they should by any device set on fire the ships. Upon this determination and being prepared accordingly, they proceeded and entered the harbour on thursday, and when the night was come, they launched out their boats to go with them for water, for the Pilot of Monsambicke informed the general, that it was within the firm land, offering to bring him to the same. Whereupon taking the Pilot with him, he departed about midnight to go thither, having Nicholas coelo in his company, and leaving Paulo de la gama in charge of the ships. Being come to the place where the Pilot informed the water to be, it could not so be found, for he no doubt, went more to make escape and run away, then to perform what before he promised, but whether that he was amazed with imagination of escape, and so could not find it, or that of malice (since he could not run away) he would not find it, he caused them to spend that night without attaining the purpose of their repair thither, wherefore the day light appearing, and seeing they could not find the water, the general would remain no longer, having but a small company of men with him there, and fearing least the moors would set upon him, did therefore determine to go to his ships, of purpose to fetch more men, and so if need were to fight with his enemies, knowing also he should far better find the water by day then by night. So having been at his ships, and there furnished his boats with more force of men and armour, he returned to shore ward again, caring with him the Pilot of Monsambicke, and having also Nicholas coelo in his company as before to take in water. And when they drew near to the same, the Pilot seeing that he by no mean or device could run away, did then forthwith show them the water, which was hard by the shore side, where also then were in sight the number of twenty moors skirmishing with their darts, and showing as though they were appointed there for the purpose and would defend the water against such as would enterprise to fetch or take any thereof. The manner whereof when our general saw, he caused to be shot off, three guns to force them to avoid & give place in that ground, 
The moors run away at the crack of the ordinance  so as our men might leap forth of their boats and land without resistance: The moors amazed & affrighted with crack and shot of the Ordinance, ran away and hid themselves in certain bushes, and so our men quietly landed and took in fresh water, and a little before the sun set arrived at their ships, where they found the company there disquieted in mind, for that a Nigroe of john Cambrayes, Pilot to Paulo de la Gama, was that day run away to the moors, whereof when the General understood, he was very sad and sorrowful for the same, since he was a Christian: upon the grief and sorrow hereof he remained there friday following: upon the Saturday, being the xxiiii day of March, and the even of the Annunciation of our Lady, early in the morning appeared upon the shore side a Moor right over against the fleet, who cried out with aloud and shrill voice, saying, that if our men would have wait, they should now come for the same thither, where they should find such as would enforce them to return. The captain general perceiving how small account they made of him, remembering also the injury done him in not delivering the Pilot, and therewith having fresh in memory the loss and running away of the Nigoe, his Pilots servant, did thereupon grow into some choler, and so determined to shoot of the ordinance of his ships, into the town of his enemies, thereby to be revenged upon the same for the injuries done him, by the inhabitants thereof, and this his determination, he imparted to his captains, who having like of the same, yielded thereunto, and immediately embarked themselves in their boats, arming the same with such men as they had, and so coming before the town, and against the same, there were moors along the shore, which had made a pale of boards so thick, that our men could not perceive who was behind the same. And between that pale or defence and the sea, upon the shore there was one hundredth Moors, armed with Targets, shields, darts, bows, arrows, & slings, who so soon as our boats came within compass or reach of their slings, began to send forth of the same stones at our men, who immediately answered them again with shot of Ordinance, through means whereof they left the water's side, retiring within their impaled defence, which was presently after beaten down with our ordinance, & the enemies running to their town, left behind them two of their company slain in that place: the defence thus broken down, and the same all carried away, the captain general with his men returned to dinner, in which time it was strange to see how the moors ran away by land from that town to another, with the fear they had of our men, and from thence they went by water to another place, which was on the other side. After dinner our men went with their Captains to see whether they could take any moors, verily believing that by taking of some, they should for the same have restitution of Cambraies Nigro that was run away as you have heard before: And moreover they thought to recover two Indians which the Pilot Moor told the General were captives in Monsambicke. In this journey only Paulo de la Gama did take four moors in a boat. And although there were other boats wherein many moors were, yet could not they be taken, for making haste to the shore, & attaining the same, they ran away, leaving their boats as a pray to our men, who found in the same much linen cloth made of cotton, & also books of their laws of Mahoma, which the general commanded to be safely kept: And albeit he went that day along and before the town in his boat, as other his captains did in like manner in theirs, yet could not they procure any talk or speech with any of the moors of the town, and to go on shore he durst not, for that he had but few men in number with him, wherefore for that time he departed thence: and the next day returned to shore to take in water, which without any resistance was done. Now being without all hope to recover the Nigro and the two Indians, the general then determined to departed without them, howbeit before his departure, he meant to visit the town of Monsambick, & the dwellers therein, with some sufficient revenge, by sending to the same such messengers, as thereby they might deem him their mortal enemy, through the offence they had given him, 
the town of Monsambick battered from the fleet  wherefore upon the Monday following he went before the town of the moors with his ordinance, and shooting into the same, destroyed it in such sort as the people thereof were enforced to abandon the same, and fly into an island within the country. And so upon the Tuesday being the xxvii. Day of March, our Fleet weighed anchor & departed from the town of Monsambicke, & so in going forward came to an anchor hard by two little rocks of Saint George, for so they named it after they came thither, where they remained, for that the wind was contrary to their purpose: nevertheless having, after a small wind they departed, howbeit the same was so small, and the currents there so great that they were cast backward.   

How the captain general after his departure from Monsambicke, went towards the city of Quiola, how he lost himself going to the island of Mombassa, & how the ship called S. Raphael stroke upon the Flats, the which now have the same name. Cap. 8.  
THe captain general following his voyage, and being very glad, that they had found, that one of the four Moors which Paulo de la Gama took in the boat was a Pilolt, & could carry them to Calicut, upon the Sunday being the first day of April, came to certain islands which were very near to the shore, to the first whereof they gave a name, calling it the island of the Asotado, 
The island of asotado & why so called  which they so named, for that they there did whip the Pilot Moor of Monsambicke, by commandment of the general, as well for that he had told them those islands were firm land, as also before that he would not show the general the water at Monsambick in the night when they fought for the same as before is declared: and therefore now taking him with the lie, as informed of those islands, the general was very angry with this Pilot, supposing as it was likely, that he did carry them thither, of intent the ships should be cast away amongst the same: The Moor being cruelly whipped confessed that indeed he did carry & train them thither of purpose they should there have perished, and been cast upon the dangers and rocks of the islands: These islands were so many and so near together situated, that they could hardly be discerned one from another, which when the general perceived, he made into the Seaward, and upon the friday which was the fourth day of April, made his way to the Northwest, & before the noon tied of the same, had sight of a great land, and of two islands near to the same, about which, were many shoals: now being come near to the shore, the pilots moors did recknowledge the same, howbeit they said that the island of the christians is that of Quiloa, which was behind or a stern us 3. leagues, wherewith the general was much grieved, believing that certainly they were Christians as the Pilots had informed him, and that they had willingly lost their course, for that the ships should not arrive at that place. The pilots shadowing their treason made show of a reasonable excuse, saying, that as the wind was great, so were the currents swift, by reason whereof the ships had further made sail than they thought for: But the truth was indeed, that they more sorrowed their missing and passing by the island where they informed to be Christians, than did our captain general: For they were verily in hope to have been revenged there, upon our men by death of them all: But GOD beholding the danger and peril meant towards them, of his divine goodness and mercy delivered them from the same, and that by a great miracle: For if our men had gone thither, not one of them had escaped with life, since the general having such a belief & opinion, that there were Christians in that island (as the Pilot had told him) would no doubt have gone presently on land at his arrival there, and so thereby run headlong into a place where he and his people should have been put to slaughter: The general thus sorrowing the miss of that island, for that he supposed there to have found Christians, and the Pilots Moors in chafe with themselves for that they had miss their course thither for purpose afore said, it was then on each part determined, to go back and assay to find the same: nevertheless although they earnestly bend themselves to attain unto that desired island, and spent that day in travel to win their purpose therein, yet could they not prevail thereto: For still the wind was so contrary, and the currents so great, as do what they could, they failed of their wills, and were put off from arrival there, which no doubt was done by God's providence, and of his mere favour and goodness towards our men: as not willing they should receive any danger, or sustain cruelty, or loss of life, amongst those Infidels, and therefore miraculously he preserved our people from the effect and sequel of the malice of those two Pilots of the moors of Monsambicke, which had imagined in their minds, and travailed to bring to final and execution their devilish intent: The captain general and the other captains thus tossing up and down, to and fro, as well with their ships, as also in their minds, determined to bear towards the island of Mombassa, 
Another devise of the Mores to destroy our men withal  in which as those two Pilots gave information, were two towns, peopled and inhabited as well with moors as Christians: (which instructions these Pilots gave, to the intent to deceive our men, and to train them thither, of purpose there to kill them, for that in deed that island was altogether and wholly inhabited by moors, as in like manner all that coast is,) and therefore understanding that from thence to Mombassa are seventy seven leagues, they made way to go thither, and being then towards evening, they saw a great island situated towards the North, in which the moors Pilots said there were two towns, one of Christians, and the other of moors, as aforesaid. Thus they said and invented to the intent to bring our men in opinion, and make them believe that there were in that Land, and those Coasts many Christians. In this sort our ships going under sail, certain days, the ship called Saint Raphael by fortune one morning two hours before day light, came on ground upon certain shoells, two leagues from the firm land, and as she struck on ground, they within made signs to the other ships to take heed and beware, whereupon they shot by the shoells and came to an anchor, launching out their boats to give succour to Paulo de la Gama captain in the Raphael, and perceiving when they came to the same, that the water did ebb, the general was marvelous glad thereof, for than he well knew, that at the next flood the ship would be afloat again, so that now he lost the fear and jealousy he had conceived, upon the doubt he had that she was lost. Thus recomforted with the certainty they saw of the safety of the ship, they forthwith laid into the sea many anchors. By this time it was day light, and after that it was a low water, she then remained dry upon the shore being a Sandie ground, which was the cause she took no harm, by striking upon the same. Our men placed their Ankers which were laid forth right over against themselves, and walked upon the sands whilst the ebb endured. So staying for the flood, and beholding and viewing that island, 
The shoels of S. Raphael.  so far as they could see, they gave for name to those sands, the Shoells of Saint Raphael, in respect of the name, the ship there so hazarded did bear. And to certain great islands and hills which were within the firm Land, directly over against those shoells or sands, they gave the name of The Hills and islands of Saint Raphael, upon the same consideration.  
The ship thus being dry, our men saw two boats, and moors of that Country in the same coming towards them, to see our ships, bringing many sweet oranges, far better than those of Portugal, and gave the same to our men, saying also to the general, that in no wise he should fear any damage that could ensue to the ship on ground, for that when it were full Sea, she would then be on float again, so as at will and pleasure the same might pass on the intended voyage thereof, with which speeches the general was very glad not only for the good comfort they gave him, but also in that they came in so good season and time opportune, and therefore he gave them certain gifts, which they accepted with many thanks, and certain of them understanding that our fleet intended their Course to Mombassa, they desired the general to carry them with him thither, who granted their requests, permitted them to abide and remain with him, the others returning from our fleet to their country. And when it was a full Sea, the ship before on ground was afloat, and so came off from the sands, whereupon the captain general returned, and proceeded on his way, with all his fleet.   

¶ The description of the island and city of Mombassa, and how the captain general arrived there, and what was the sequel that happened him after he came thither. Chap. 9  
THe general following this voyage, did upon the Saturday being the seventh day of April, about the going down of the sun the same day come to an anchor without the bar of the island of Mombassa, which is hard by the firm land, and is very plenty of victuals, that is to say, Millyo, Rice, and cattle, as well great as little, but all well grown and fat, chief their sheep, which be all without fails. Also they have many hens: moreover, the island is very pleasant, having many Orchards, wherein are planted and are growing, great store of herbs, & many sorts of fruits: that is to say, pomegranates, figs of the India's, oranges both sweet and sour, lemons, and Cidrons, and in the same are many excellent good waters. In this island there is a city, bearing the self same name of the island, being in four degrees on the South side, it is a very great city, placed and situated upon an Hill, which also is a rock, whereupon the Sea doth beat, so that it cannot be undermined.  
At the entering into the Protes or heaven there is a mark: and at the entrance upon the bar, there is planted or builded a little Fort, low and near to the water. The most part of the houses in this city, are builded with lime and stone, with the lofts thereof wrought with fine knots of plaster of Paris, the streets therein are very fair. They have a King of themselves, and the dwellers or inhabitants of the same are moors, whereof some be white, and some brown of colour, both men and women: it appeareth they are good men on horseback. They go gallantly arrayed, especially the women, which go appareled in gowns of silk, and be decked and garnished with jewels of gold and precious stones. In this city is great trade of all kinds of merchandise. There is also a good Harbour, where always are many ships lying at Road, and from the firm land cometh thither great plenty of honey, wax and ivory, the captain general thus come to the bar of this city, did not then enter forthwith, for that it was almost night when he came to an anchor. But he commanded to put forth the flags, and to toll their ships, rejoicing and making great mirth, for that their good fortune, and hope they conceived, that in that island there dwelled many Christians, and that the next day they should hear mass on the shore. Moreover they were greatly comforted, as having such confidence, that in this place they might and would cure and heal all such as were then sick amongst them, as in truth were, almost all that were there present, albeit in number but few, for all the others were dead. Yet such as remained and had escaped the sickness and diseases past, and were not dead of the great infirmities and troubles before in this voyage chanced unto them. Being thus at an anchor, and the night almost approached, our men saw about an hundred men in a great bark, every one of them having a sword and a Target, who at their coming to our ships, would have entered therein with all their weapons: howbeit the general would not consent thereto, neither permitted he any more to enter then four of them, and those also without weapon, declaring to them in their language that they should pardon him since he was a stranger, 
Certain of the inhabitants of this city came aboard the ship.  and therefore could not tell whom he might trust, and unto those whom he gave licence to enter aboard his ship, he gave good and gentle entertainment, banqueting the same with such conserves as they had, (whereof those moors did well eat) willing them not to deem evil of him, for his denial of their entrance in manner aforesaid, whereunto they answered, that their coming then was to see him as a rare and new thing in that their country, and that he should not marvel to see them bring their weapons, since it was the custom & use of the same to carry them as well in peace as in the time of war: also they further declared unto the general, that the king of Mombassa did understand of his coming, and for that it was so near night, he had not then sent to visit him, howbeit the next day he would, and that as he was glad of his arrival there, so also would he be more glad to see him, yea, and to give him spices to load his ships, furthermore, they informed him that there were many Christians, which lived by themselves in that island: whereupon the General was not only joyful, but also fully persuaded that their report thereof was true and unfeigned, since the same was agreeable, and accorded with the information and talk of the two pilots, nevertheless he carried some spark of jealousy in his head and for all their fair speeches and sugured talk, he wisely imagined that those moors, came to see whether they might, by any train take one of our ships, wherein he guessed upon the truth, for certainly their coming then was only for that purpose, as afterward it was made apparent. For most true it was that the king of Mombassa did know and had perfect intelligence that we were Christians, and also what we had done in Monsambicke, & therefore he practised means to be revenged of us, 
Sweet practices of sour treason.  by taking our ships and killing of us, wherefore prosecuting his wicked intent therein, the next day following, which was palm sunday, he sent to our general certain white moors, which declared to him that their king was very glad of his coming thither, and that if he would come into his harbour, he would liberally give him all things he stood in need off, and for assurance of the same he sent him a ring, a sheep, and many sweet oranges, Cidrons, and Sugar canes, giving also these moors instructions to tell him further, that they were Christians, and that in the island were many christened people: All which they did in such sort counterfeit, and with so great and deep dissimulation, that our men thought verily they were Christians: wherefore the general received them very well, and gave them certain gifts, sending to the King great thanks for his gentle and liberal offer, saying further, that the next day he would come nearer in: he sent also to the King a branch of coral very fine, and for more assurance to confirm the same, he sent with those moors two of our men, which were banished persons, and were carried of purpose to be adventured in such like respect of danger, or to be left and put on shore in such places, where it should be thought good to understand somewhat, and then to return and be taken in again, when our men and the two moors were gone: and come to the shore, there met them a multitude of people to see them, all which went with them and viewed them, even to the King's palace, where our men being entered, they passed through three doors before they came where the king was, at each of which there was a Porter attending, having every one of them a sword in his hand. They found the King but in small estate, nevertheless he received them very well, and commanded that in the self same company of the moors with whom they came, they should be showed the city, and carried about the same in going and viewing whereof, they saw in the streets many men Prisoners & in irons, but because our men understood not their language, nor they had any understanding of ours, there was no question demanded by our two messengers, what Prisoners those were, howbeit they believed the same to be Christians, for that our general was informed by the two pilots, and the kings messengers, (as you have before heard) that there were in that island such Christians, which also had wars with the moors.  
Moreover they carried our men to the merchants house of the India's, 
Merchants of the India's which are Christians  which were Christians, who having information that ours also were people Christened, showed themselves to be joyful thereof, both embracing and banqueting them, showing them painted in a Paper, the figure of the holy Ghost, the which they did worship, and before them made their Prayers upon their knees, and that with such a countenance, and show of great devotion, as though they were such men inwardly indeed, as in appearance outwardly they then pretended, and made show off: Furthermore, the moors than told our men by signs, that many other Christians as those were, did dwell in another place far from thence, and therefore they would not carry them thither: howbeit they said, that after our captain general were come into the port or Harbour, they should go and see them. All these things those wily people, showed and imparted to our men, of purpose to deceive them and to allure them to come within that port, where they were determined to destroy and kill them all.  
After they had seen the city, they were then brought to the presence of the King, who commanded to show them Pepper, Ginger, Cloaves, and wheat, giving them of every sort thereof some portion to be carried and showed the general, and sent him word by his messenger, that of all those commodities he had great store, and would give him his loading if that he would. Also that he had gold, and silver, Amber, wax, ivory, and other riches, in so great plenty, that he should have and find there when he would for less valour and prizes, then in any other place.  
This Message was brought to our captain general upon monday, who having seen the Spices, and hearing of the kings promise, to furnish him the same, and to lad him therewith, was marvelous glad of that offer, and so much the rather, was he confirmed in opinion of good luck, for that our two banished men, had gathered such intelligence, and made him so full and good declaration of the People, city, and land there, and chiefly of the two Christians, they found in the House of the merchants of the India's.  
Wherefore he & his captains immediately advised themselves thereof, and so entering into counsel for the same, it was by them thought good, to come within the port, and to accept the offer of Spices, and afterward to go on their voyage to Calicut, where if they could not have the like, they would remain content, with that they should have in this place, and thus having concluded upon these points, they determined to enter into the harbour the next day: in this mean while came certain moors to our ships with so great quietness, and humility, and with such show and appearance of friendliness and love, as though they had been of long acquaintance and familiarity with our men: The next day following in the morning, the flood being come, the general commanded to take up their anchors, minding to enter the harbour, but God not willing that he and the rest should enter into that present mischief, 
God sent them fatherly checks to keep them from utter destruction  nor to end their lives in that place (as the moors had determined they should have done,) did therefore cause and provide the mean that prevented that peril, and wrought their safety: For when the generals ship had weighed her anchor, and was going to enter the port, she struck upon a shoel that was asterne the same, which hap when he perceived, and fearing he should cast himself away, he then forthwith commanded, to let fall his anchor, & in like sort did the other captains also: which chance when the moors that were in the ships saw, & that the general was come to an anchor, they then imagined that during that day, they should not get the fleet into the harbour, and therefore they ran to their boat, which they had on the ships side to go to the city, at which instant also the Pilots of Monsambicke, falling a stern the admiral, took the water, and those of the boat took them in and carried them away with them, although the general called unto them, requiring them to bring back, and deliver them to him again: But when he saw they would not so do, than he apparently perceived that there was an evil meaning in their King and them, towards him and his, and that it was his great goodness and favour to give him cause of stay, by happening upon that shoell, thereby to preserve him from their treason imagined, and put in practice: Thus having declared to all his company, the opinion he conceived of that which then before their eyes was done, and appeared to be devised and wrought against them, he then commanded the night being come, to give some torments or torture, to two of the moors, which he brought captives with them from Monsambicke, thereby to see whether they had practised any treason, and to enforce them to open and disclose the same: which commandment being observed, and put in execution, by heating and dropping of bacon upon their flesh, they immediately confessed, they had conspired treason, and that the Pilots took the Sea, as fearing the same had been disclosed: whereupon the general, altogether altered his mind and purpose of going into that Harbour. Nevertheless being unquiet and greatly grieved at their falsehood, he was desirous to use like torture to another Moor captive also: to make trial whether he were of counsel and in consort with the rest.  
But this Moor perceiving preparation made for that purpose, did cast himself his hands being bound, into the sea, as in like manner another of them did, before it was day light. The secrecy of the mischief prepared, being thus come to apparent view, and so discovered, the general gave great thanks to God, by whose only goodness, he and his company were delivered from imminent death and slaughter amongst those infidels, and therefore in contemplation and thanks giving for the same, he and his company being aboard the admiral, said the Salue Regina. After this being mindful of their safety, and fearing least the moors would attempt some matter against them in the night time, they therefore ordained strong and diligent watch, commanding every man to watch armed: And here by the way is to be noted one thing, and that to be marveled at, which is this: That when our men came first before the town of Mombassa, all such amongst them as then were sick, (which indeed were many) began then presently to be whole: so that in this time of their great necessity, and danger, they felt and found themselves sound and strong, which as it was passed all hope and expectation of man, and far above the common course of Nature, and operation of the same, so the more lively it appeared to be the marvelous and supernatural work of God, and therefore miraculously done at this instant time of necessity, when his divine power was to be seen and extended, for the preservation of that poor distressed number, which then had their only affiance in him. The watch thus prepared and set for that night, it fortuned that those which watched in the ship Berrio, felt the gabelle of the same wagging, whereat an anchor lay into the Sea, and at the first they adjudged that the gabelle had been wagged or shaken by a kind of Fish called a tunny whereof many were there about which be very great and good meat, 
tunny good meat & plentiful in the coast of Mombassa.  but giving better and more attentive ear thereto, they then perceived that their enemies were at the same, who in truth did swim about the gabelle, and were cutting of it with their woodknives or fawching, and hoping or rather verily knowing, that performing their enterprise thereof the ship would run a shore, and so both she and our men in the same be cast away and taken: For by any other devise they could not accomplish their wills, and therefore they practised this mean. Howbeit our men having descried whereabout they were, prevented them, by crying out and calling to the other ships, showing what was in doing, and willing them also to beware and look to the same, whereupon they of the ship Raphael, came presently to their succour and rescue, finding some of their enemies amongst the chains of the tacklings of their formast, who perceiving how they were discovered, suddenly cast themselves under water, and with the others that were cutting the gabelle of the ship Berrio, fled away swimming to certain boats, which they had lying somewhat far off, wherein (as our men afterward understood) were many moors, who taking them in, rowed fast away, and so returned to the city. The Wednesday and Thursday following, our fleet still remained there, about which in the night time came the enemies in boats, which always lay hard by the shore, from which some of them did swim of purpose to espy, if by any mean they could cut a sunder the gabells of the anchors, but our men observed and kept such diligent and wary watch, that they could not prevail, nevertheless our men were greatly troubled, and put in fear of burning their ships. For truly it was to be marveled at, that the moors came not about the same in such ships as they had, which if they had done, it had been then likely by all conjecture of man, that they should have destroyed and killed us all. It was conjectured that they being in fear of the ordinance in our ships, durst not give attempt to set upon the same by force, but whatsoever cause appeared in our sights to be a let in that respect to them: It was most certain in deed, that it was God his good will and favour, to put their hearts in fear to deal with us in any forcible manner, whereby we might be preserved from the cruelty intended towards us.   

¶ herein is contained matter of the city of Mylinde, and how the captain general came thither. Chap. 10.  
THe captain general did willingly tarry & remain before Mombassa, the two days as before is declared, of purpose to see if he could have from thence two Pilots to carry him to Calicut, for that without them it was very hard for him to go thither, since our Pilots had no knowledge of that country. But when he saw he could not have any there, he departed thence upon Friday in the morning with a small wind, and at the coming over the bar, he left behind him one of his anchors, for his men were so wearied with bringing and hailing up the rest, that they could not way up the same, which afterward being found there by the Mores, was carried to the city, and placed hard by the King's palace, and remained there at what time Don Franco de Almeyda was the first Lord precedent of the India's: who when he took the same town from the moors, found this anchor there, as I shall declare in the second book of this present Treatise. Being thus departed from Mom. bassa and passing on their voyage, eight leagues beyond the same, the general and his fleet, through lack of wind, came to an anchor hard by the land in the night, and in the dawning of the day, they discovered two Sambucos (which are little Pinnacies) under the lie, three leagues from the fleet a Sea board, which when the general saw, and being desirous to have some Pilots to carry him to calicut, he supposed he might be sped of such to serve his turn, if he could take those small boats or Pinnacies, and therefore weighing his anchors, he and the other captains went towards them, and pursued the same until evensong time, at which instant the general took one of them, but the other ran aland, from whence before it came. In this Pinnace which was so taken, were seventeen moors, amongst which was one old Moor, who seemed to be Master of the rest, having with him a young woman that was his wife: 
Among the Mores also old men use to marry young women.  In the same also was found great store of silver and gold, and some victuals. The captain not staying upon this occasion, forthwith went forward, and in the self same day with his whole fleet came hard by Mylind, which is eighteen leagues from Mombassa, and in three degrees to the southward it hath no good Harbour, for that it is almost an open road, but there is a certain Pier or recife whereon the sea doth beat, which is the cause why the ships do ride far from the shore: This city standeth in a broad field along the Sea side, & round about the same are many palm trees, with many other sorts of trees, which all the year grow green: Also many Gardens and Orchards, 
The beautiful situation of Mylind, with the pleasantness of the soil, and fruits.  replenished with all kind of herbs and fruits, and very fair fountains of good waters in the same: But principally their oranges excel, which are not only very great, but also very sweet and pleasant in taste: They have also great store and plenty of victuals, as Mylyo and rise, cattle both great and small, also great store of hens, which be very fat and good cheap. The city is great, having in the same fair streets, & many fair houses of lime and stone, builded with many lofts, with their windows and tarrisis made of Lime & earth: The natural people of that country are black, and of good proportion of body, with curled hair, the strangers which resort thither & make their abode there, are moors of Arabia which do govern themselves very well & commendably, especially the Gentlemen, who from the girdle upward go naked, and from the same downward do cover themselves with silk, and with very fine cotton cloth, and others with short cloaks made of Cotten after the old fashion, the which they do wear to cover their arms pits: and upon their heads, they wear a certain manner of Cloth wrought with silk and gold. They wear also rich Daggers with great tassels of silk, of many colours, and swords very well garnished: They be all left handed, and carry with them always bows and arrows, for they use the pastime of shooting, & be great good Archers. Moreover, they account themselves to be good horsemen, although there be a common saying or speech used by the inhabitants in the coasts thereabouts: The men on horseback of Mombassa: and the women of Mylind: for as in Mombassa be very good horsemen, so in Mylind are very fair women, which go richly appareled: In this city also dwell many Gentiles of the kingdom of Cambaya, which is in the India's: and those are great merchants using tract or traffic for gold, whereof there is some in that country, as in like manner there is Amber grease, ivory, Pitch, and wax, all which they give in exchange to such as come from Cambaya for Copper, quicksilver, and Cloth of Cotten, and that the one and the other hath gains thereof: The king of this city is a Moor, and is served with far greater estate than the other kings which remain behind▪ 
Mylind like a city of Portugal  The general being come over against this city did rejoice in his heart very much, and so likewise did all the rest of the fleet, for that they now saw, a city like unto those of Portugal, and therefore they rendered most hearty and humble thanks to God, for their good and safe arrival there: And being desirous to have some pilots to carry them to Calicut, the general commanded to come to an anchor, minding to assay if he could by any means obtain such there as might serve for that purpose: For until this time, he could not know of the moors he had taken, whether amongst them were any Pilots, who albeit they were offered torments, still answered and said, there were none of them skilful in that respect.   

¶ How the captain general sent a Moor in message to Mylind, and what answer the King made him. Cap. 11.  
THE next day after being Easter even, the old Moor which was taken captive, with the rest in the Pinnace, told the general that in Mylind were four ships of the Christian India's, promising also that if he would licence him, and the other moors to go to land, he would give him for his resgat, Christian Pilots, and moreover would furnish him with all things he had need off. The general being well pleased with the speeches, and offer of this old Moor, commanded to weigh their anchors, and so removed and came to an anchor within in half a league of the city. But from thence there came no body to our fleet, for they feared and were in doubt that our men would take them captive, and besides they knew by the Pinnace which the general took, that we were Christians, believing also that our ships were ships of war: All which the general supposing they conjectured: he therefore upon the monday in the morning commanded the old Moor to a certain shelf lying over against the city, and there to leave him, from whence he deemed they would fetch him, as indeed they did, for when our boat was gone from thence, there came from the shore a boat for the Moor, & so carried him away presently to the King, to whom the Moor declared on the behalf of the general what he requested to have, and further that he desired to be at peace with him, in respect of his noble parsonage, whereof he had heard great good report, hoping also that it was God his great good will & pleasure that the India's should be discovered, which the rather by his aid & furtherance might be accomplished. The king hearing and receiving in favourable part the message, and messenger, was also very glad thereof, and forthwith returned the Moor in a boat, sending with him one of his own servants, and a Priest by whom he sent the captain general word, that he was very willing to conclude a peace between them, and that he would give him such pilots, 
A present sent to the captain general from the king of Mylind  as he would desire, with whatsoever besides he had need of, and by these messengers were presented to the general, from the King three sheep, many oranges, and Sugar Canes, which he received in thankful wise, & by the self same messenger, returned answer to the king their Master, that he granted unto, and accepted of the peace moved and offered between them, and was and would be ready to confirm the same. Moreover he said unto them, that the next day, he would enter into their Harbour, and that the King should understand that he came from, and is subject to a great King, upon the Cape of the Occident, who was desirous to know where the city of Calicut stood, & had sent him to find out and discover the same, commanding him also, to make peace with all kings and Princes, upon whose territories in his way, he should hap to come and arrive, which would be willing to have the same with him: and further told them that it was now two years since he came from his country, and that the king his master was such a worthy and puissant Prince, as the king their master would be glad to know him for his friend: Thus having talked and discoursed with them to effect aforesaid, he then dismissing them, sending by the same for a Present a Hat, (which in that time was used) and two branches of coral, three basins of brass, certain little Bells, and two scarves to the king. The next day after, being the second after Easter day, the captain general came near to the city, whereof the king having knowledge, did immediately send to visit him, in more honourable sort: for hearing how far of he was come, and what he sought, he adjudged the king of Portugal to be a Prince of a great stomach, and the General to be a worthy subject in obeying to hazard himself, in so dangerous and long a journey Also he conceived great pleasure in his heart that he should see such people, as had so long time travailed upon the sea, and so desirous to see our men, he sent word to the general, that the next day following, he would in his own person visit him, and that their meeting should be upon the water, and therewith sent him six sheep, and store of cloves, Ginger, Pepper, and Nutmegs. This message thus declared, the captain general yielded to the King's determination, and thereupon did enter nearer, and came to an anchor, hard to the four ships of the India's, (whereof the old Moor told him before.) The Owners then having knowledge that our ships came from a Christian country, and that we were Christians, did immediately come to visit our general, who at that instant was in the ship of Paulo de la Gama: These men are brown of colour, but they are of good stature & well proportioned: 
The description of their persons and attire that inhabit this country and city.  They go appareled in long white gowns made of cotton, they have great beards, & the hair of their heads is long like unto women's, and pleated under their toockes, which they wear on their heads. The general at their repair to him, received them very well, ask them first whether they were Christians, by an interpreter he had that could speak the Algaravia tongue, whereof they had some understanding, saying that it was not their proper language, howbeit they yet had some knowledge thereof, by occasion of the trade and talk they usually have with the Moors, of whom they advised him to beware, and not have over far trust and confidence in those of Mylind, lest that the sequel of their inward meaning, were far contrary to their outward show. The general determining of himself to make trial, whether they were Christians or not, or had any knowledge of God, commanded to bring forth a Table, wherein was painted the picture of our Lady at what time she wept, in which also were the pictures of some of the Apostles, and showed the same to the Indians, not telling them what it was: which they saw, they fell presently down upon the ground, worshipping that Representation, and prayed a while, whereof our general was very joyful, and then demanded whether they were of the city of calicut, whereunto they answered, No: howbeit they said they were of another city, further off called Grangalor, but of Calicut they could not say or inform any thing. And from this time, so long as our fleet remained there, they daily came to the ship of Paulo de la gama, to make their prayers before that Table, and did offer to the Images in the same, Pepper, and other things. These Indians did eat no beef, as we were informed of them.   

¶ How the King of Mylind visited the captain general, and made peace with him, giving him a Pilot to carry him to calicut. Cap. 12.  
THe last day of the eight after Easter, dinner being done, the King of Mylind came in a great boat hard to our fleet, appareled in a cassock of Crimson damask, lined with green satin, having upon his head a rich towel. He was sitting in a chair, such as was used in old time, very well made and wrought with wire, being in sight very fair, and in the same was a cushion of silk, and another like unto that hard by him, which was covered with a hat of Crimson satin. There stood hard by him as his Page, an old man, who carried a very rich sword, the scabered whereof was silver: he brought with him many Shagbuts, and two Flutes of ivory, which were eight spans of length each of them, they were very well wrought, and upon the same they played by a little hole that is in the midst thereof, agreeing and according well with the shagbuts. There came with the King, about the number of twenty moors Gentlemen all richly appareled. The King now being come near to the ships, the captain general came forth to meet him in his boat well trimmed and set out with all his flags, and he himself comely arrayed, withal his best apparel, caring with him twelve of the most principal men of his ships, his brother only except, whom he left with charge of the same. The boats of each part being come near together, 
The meeting of the king of Mylind and the captain general.  and the one making countenance of friendly salutation & entertainment to the other, the King then said to the general, that he would speak with him in his own boat, of purpose to see & view him the better, whereupon forthwith he received him into his boat, the King then giving to the general as great honour & courtesy as though he had also been a King: he very earnestly noted & beheld him & his men, as a strange sight and matter to him and his people: he required the general to tell him the name of his King, and being told, he commanded the same to be then presently written: he also inquired matter particularly of him, & of his power, whereunto the general answered, and in every point satisfied his demand, declaring also for what cause the king his master had sent him to discover Calicut, which was to have from thence spices, whereof in his dominion & country was none. And after he had thus talked with the King & informed him somewhat of the same & of the straits of the red Sea, the King then promised to him a Pilot to carry him to Calicut, & also very earnestly desired him to go with him into his city, there to take his pleasure, & solace himself in his palace, saying it was needful & necessary, after so many troubles, in so long a voyage sustained, to use some recreation, and take some rest: further than promising, that if he would so do, that afterward he in like manner would go with him to see his ships, & make merry in the same, whereunto the general answered, that he had no licence of the King his Master to go a shore, & therefore if he should vary from his Princes will & commandment therein, he should then give an evil account of himself, to which excuse the King replied, saying, that if he should go to see his ships, what account should he then make to those of his city, or what might they deem & adjudge of him therein: yet notwithstanding he said, that it was a grief to him that he refused to go with him to his city, which was & should be at the commandment of him & of the king his master, to whom he would send his ambassador or else write, if he would come that way at his return from Calicut. The General yielding thanks to the King, promised him to return that way, & whilst they were thus talking there, did send for those moors, which he had taken captives, and gave them to the King, saying that if he could do him any further pleasure, he would gladly do the same: with which gift the King was so content, that he said, he did more esteem of the same, then if he had given him such another city as that of Mylind was. Now having ended their talk and confirmed the friendship between them, the King then rowing amongst our ships, and beheld the same, with great pleasure and admiration▪ out of which great store of shot of ordinance passed, wherewith they were greatly delighted, all which time our general went with him, to whom he declared, that he never saw any men of whom he took so great pleasure, as he did of those of Portugal, whereof he would gladye have some with him, to help him in his wars, which he hath sometime with his enemies: for it well appeared they were men apt to offend their enemy, and to abide and suffer any travel or pain, that should happen unto them. To which his speeches the general answered, that if he had experience of their doings, he would then a great deal better like of them, and further that they would help him, if the King his Master would send his ships of war to Calicut, as he doubted not but he would, if it were Gods good pleasure to permit the same to be discovered. After the King had in this sort solaced himself, he then desired the General, that since he would not go with him to his city, he should then let him have two of his men to go and see his palace, and for pledge of the same, he would give him his son, and one of his chief chaplains, the which they call Cacis, whereunto the general yielded and appointed two of our men to go with the King, who at his departure, requested the general that the next day he would go along in his boat hard by the shore, where he should see his horsemen running, & so they departed for that time, the next day being Thursday, the captain general & Nicholas coelo, went in their boats armed along the shore, the one somewhat distant from the other, between whom upon the shore were many men on horseback skirmishing, & as our boats approached near the shore, there came certain footmen down certain stairs of stone from the King's house, which was in sight, where they took the King up in a chair, and carried him very near to the boat of the general, to whom he spoke very loving words, and once more requested him to enter upon land, and go to his city, for that his father being a lame man, was desirous to see him, and that whilst he should remain on shore, 
The general would not consent to go on land at Mylind  both he and his children would enter and abide in his ships. But our general, fearing least under such sugared speech some bitter bait might lie covered, did therefore still excuse himself for going on land, alleging he must obey his Prince, who gave him no licence or commission so to do at any time. And so taking his leave of the king, he went a while hard by the ships of the India's, shooting off much ordinance, who when they saw us pass by lifted up their hands, saying: Christ, Christ, and that night with the kings licence our men made them a great feast, with much pastime also of Squibs, gun shot, and great and loud cries. The fleet thus lying in the harbour, there came upon the sunday being the. 21. day of April, from the king, a man that was in great credit with him, to visit the captain general, who at that instant was very sad and heavy: for that it was then two days since any man came to the fleet from the city, by reason whereof he feared lest that the king were offended with him, as taking occasion of offence, for that he refused to go on shore, supposing also that he would thereupon, break the peace and league made between them, for which he was sorrowful, especially since as yet he had no Pilots. And when he saw, that he which was so great with the king, did bring him no Pilots, he then began to have some jealousy, and suspicion of the king, who being informed thereof, and knowing the general remained there for that cause, did therefore forthwith send him a Pilot, a Gentile (called in their language Gosarate) whose name was Canaca, making excuse that he had not sent him sooner, and so the king and the general remained friends, and continued the peace before concluded upon between them.   

¶ How the captain general departed from Mylind, came to Calicut, and of what greatness and nobleness that city is. Cap. 13.  
THE captain general being thus provided of all things necessary for his voyage, departed from Mylind towards Calicut upon the Tuesday, being the 22. day of April, and from thence he began to cut over a gulf, which is of seven hundredth and fifty leagues, for the land there doth make a certain great valley, which doth run along the coast from the North to the South, and our voyage in demanding of Calicut, lay to the Eastward, in following whereof the next Sunday our men saw the North, which a long time before they had not seen, and also they saw the South, of which good fortune they thanked God, in that it represented as then to them winter of the India's, & where always in that gulf are great storms, they now found none, but rather fair weather: The friday being the xvii day of May, and xxiii. days next after their departing from Mylind (in which time they had seen no land) they then discovered & came to sight of land. 
They were 23. days, & saw no land after their departure from Mylinde.  And the fleet being viii. leagues of seaboord from the shore: the land seemed high: their Pilot whose name was Canaca, did as then let fall the plummet, & found forty five fathom, whereupon to avoid and apart himself from that coast, he made his way to the Southeast, & upon the Saturday he made to landward, howbeit he ran not so near the same as he might certainly know it, but he perceived by small showers of rain, which fell as they made towards land, that they were on the coast of the India's, for that at the present time of the year, the winter is ever in those India's. The sunday, being the xx. day of May the Pilot saw certain high hills, which were over the city of Calicut, and came so near to land, that he did reknowledge the same, and with great joy and pleasure, demanded of the general Albrycias, saying that this was the land, which he and his company so greatly desired to see, and come to. The General replenished with joy of that good fortune▪ gave Canaca his demand, & forthwith went to prayer, saying the salve, wherein they gave God great thanks, for this their happy and safe arrival upon that coast, and in sight of the place, which they so earnestly longed for to see, when prayer was done they made great joy, and feasted on shipboard, and the self same day in the evening, the general came to an anchor two leagues from Calicut, 
The Fleet arriveth at Calicut & the manner of the people there  and immediately came certain people of that land in four boats called Almaydyas, to our fleet, to understand what ships these were, having never before seen any of that making, come to that cost: These people came all naked, saving that their members were covered, with little pieces of linen cloth: they are brown people. At their coming to us some of them entered into the generals ship, and albeit the Pilot Goserate, told him that they were Fishermen, a poor kind of people (for so they call all such as be poor men in the India's) yet he received them all well, and commanded his men to buy of their Fish, which they brought with them: And having some talk with them, he did understand that, that town was not Calicut, for it was they said further off, & offered to carry our fleet thither: whereupon the general required them so to do, and therewith departed thence, and were brought by those Fishermen to Calicut, which is a city situated on the Coast of Malabar, which is a province of the second India's, that hath his beginning in the Mount Dely, and endeth at the end of Comory, which is in lentgh threescore leagues and one, and fifteen in breadth: All the country lieth low, and is apt to be covered with water: there be many islands in the same, & it doth enter into the Sea indigo: There is a very high hill which divideth the limits between them, and a great kingdom called Narsinga: The Indians do report that this land of Malabar in old time was main Sea, and ran as far as the hill where now the islands of Maldiua are, which were then firm land, & did cover & discover the other of Malabar, in which are many and pleasant Cities, & those also very rich, by reason of the trade they have principally with them of Calicut, which in riches & vice doth excel all in our time, whose foundation was on this sort: This province of Malabar was in the old time governed altogether by one king, who made his abode in the city of Conlan, and in the last King's days of this land (whose name was Saranaperimal, and died six hundredth years agone) the moors of Mecca discovered the India's, and came to the province of Malabar, the inhabitants whereof then were Gentiles, and the king himself was a Gentile: From the time of the coming of these moors, they began to account, the years as we account, from the birth of our Lord God: And after they came thither, they grew into such familiarity with this king, and he entered into such conference & good opinion of their laws, that he renounced the manner of religion of his own country, and minded thence forth to embrace theirs, and the love and liking he had of this sect of Mahomet so deeply took root, and entered into his heart, that he determined to go and end his life, in the house of Mecca: Thus being resolved, for the love he bore to that sect, to abandon and leave his kingdom for ever, and go with them, before his departure he imparted to his kindred, 
The first & strange institution of the kingdom of Calicut.  and divided amongst them all his Lordships, and territories, and having distributed and given the same so far forth, that there remained to him no more but xii. leagues of his country, which lay near to the shore, where he meant to embark himself, the which was never before inhabited, & therefore he then gave the same to a cousin of his, which then served him as his Page: commanding that the same circuit should be inhabited in perpetual memory, of his embarking there: To the same his kinsman he also gave, his sword, & a towel after the Morisco sort, as things appertaining and incident to the estate, & gave commandment to all the Gentlemen to whom he had given all the rest of his lands, that they should be obedient & true subjects unto him, and to take him for their Emperor, (the kings of Conlan and Canamor only except) whom also he commanded and charged, & likewise all the others, that they nor no other Lords should coin money in the province of Malabar, but only the King of calicut. So having thus bestowed and given his lands, possessions and dignities, as he thought good, and set every necessary thing in order, for establishing his determinate will and pleasure, he then embarked himself there, where now Calicut is builded and situated, and for that the King did there embark himself to go towards the house of Mecca, the Moors than took such devotion towards that place, that they and all their posterity ever since that time hitherto would not, nor yet will take any lading but out of that Port. And from that time afterward, they came no more to the Port of Coulan, as usually they did before, by mean and occasion whereof, the same grew to ruin, and was destroyed, especially when Calicut was once builded, and that many moors came and inhabited the same. For as they were merchants of great dealings, so came they thither, and made there the greatest and richest fair or mart of all the India's, finding there all the Spices, Drugs, Nutmegs, and all other things that could be wished, as all kinds of precious stones, pearls, & seed of pearl, 
Laker is a kind of gum that proceedeth of the Ant.  musk, Saunders, Aguila, fine Dishes of earth, Laker, gilted Coffers, and all the fine things of the Chyna, Gold, Amber, wax, ivory, fine and course cotton, as well white as died in colours, much raw silk, & silk twisted, and all kind of linen cloth of silk, and gold, and cloth of gold, and cloth of tissue, chamlets, grain, scarlets, carpets of silk, Copper, quicksilver, Vermilion, Allome, corals, Rose waters, and all kind of conserves, so that there is no kind of Merchandise of all the world, which could be demanded, but it should be found there. Moreover, it was very quiet, for that it was situated along the Coast, the which lieth almost open, and very dangerous: it is environed & set round about with many Orchards, in which are many sorts of fruits of that land, and many herbs, and excellent waters. Also they have many palm trees, and other sorts of trees. In this land there is but small store of Rice, which is there a principal victual, as amongst us our wheat is, but there cometh from other places great abundance thereof, as in like manner there doth of other victuals. The city is great, and all the houses be of straw, (only the houses of their idols, chapels, and the King's houses except) which are of lime and stone, and covered with tile, for none but they are permitted by their laws to have any other manner of building then with straw. It was inhabited by Gentiles of sundry sects, and by Moors which were great merchants, and so rich, that some of them had fifty ships. There is no such season of Winter, but that there may lie in that Harbour six hundred ships. They have there a shore whether they do carry them with small travail, for that they be made without nails, sowed with ropes of Cayro, and pitched upon, they have no quiell, but are flat bottomed.   

¶ Of what great power the King of Calicut is, and of his use and custom: likewise of the other Kings of Malabar, and how the Nayres do live. Chapter. 14.  
FOr that this city was of so great a trade, and also the country round about, so inhabited, which increased so largely the King's rents, it came to pass, that he grew to be so rich of money, and so mighty in power by multitude of people, that in one day he was able to levy and make in a readiness thirty thousand fight men, and in three days space, one hundred thousand. They called him Samoryn, which in their tongue is Emperor, for so he was among the Kings of Malabar, and there were no more but two beside him: that is to say the King of Coulan and the King of canavor: For albeit the others were called Kings, yet were they not so.  
This King of calicut was a Bramene, 
The election and suce●isiō of the kings of Calicut.  as others his predecessors also were, which amongst the Malabars are Priests, and for that it is a custom and ancient order observed, that all the Kings do die in one Pagode, which is the house of prayers to their idols, he is elected for that cause, for always in the same house there must be and is, a King to serve those idols, and when he that serveth there doth die, then must the King that than reigneth and governeth, leave his Empire, and go serve in that place as the other did, and into his place and kingdom, they elect and put an other, that shall so succeed him.  
And if any of them that is in possession of the kingdom, refuse to go into the Pagode, (the King that than serveth in the same being dead) they will then enforce him thereto which so refuseth, although it be against his will. These Kings of Malabar be brown men, and go naked from the girdle upward, and from thence downward, they be covered with cloth of silk and of Cotten: sometime they put upon them short gowns, which they do call Basus of silk or clothe of gold, and of scarlet with very rich stones: and especially the King of calicut excelleth in those attires and jewels. They be shaven, leaving upon the upper lip as the Turks use, the hair unshaven. They be served but with small estate, especially at their meat, whereof they have but little: But the King of calicut is served, with greater Estate.  
These Kings do not marry, nor observe the law of marriage, 
the King's leman with her state and allowance  but yet they may have a leman of the house of the Nayres, which amongst the Malabars are Gentlemen, and she hath her house by herself, near to the palace. They do allow her so liberally for her charges and maintenance, that she may have plentifully of all things to her contentation, upon that Stypende assigned her.  
And when any disliking is had of her by them, they may always leave her and such children as they have by her, be not taken or accounted for theirs, neither do they inherit the kingdom, nor any thing of theirs.  
After they be men, they are had in no more estimation, then that is incident unto them from the mother's blood and parentage. Their brothers do inherit if they have any, if not, than their sister's children shall, who do not marry, neither yet have any certainty of their husbands. They be very free and at liberty, to choose those of whom they like, and be such as are best esteemed of. They have very great rents allowed them: and when any of them come to the age of ten years, (for at that time they are to be known of men) their kindred then do send forth out of this kingdom, for a young man Nayre, and presenting him with gifts, earnestly request the same to take her virginity, who then receiveth her with great joy, and after she is thus used, doth tie about her neck a jewel, which she doth carry and wear always during her life, as a thing in great estimation, & for a token of the liberty given her by that act, to do with her body afterward for ever, what she will: for without this manner of ceremony, they may not know any man. These Kings sometimes have wars one with another, & they in their own persons go into the fields, yea, and if need so require, they also fight: when they die, they be carried out from their palace into a plain field, where they be burned with great quantity of wood of sanders & a sweet wood called Aguila. At this burning are always present all his brothers, & nearest kindred, and all the noble men of the country. And they make stay of him from burning after his death three days, that they all may repair thither & come together, to see and view whether he came to his death naturally, or whether he were killed: for if he died by force of any man's hand, then are they bound to take revenge thereof.  
After he is burned, and all the ashes buried, they do all shave themselves without leaving any hair, yea, even of the least child that is a Gentile. All of them in general do then cease from eating of Betele, during the space of thirteen days, and he that doth eat the same infringeth their law, and therefore they will cut his lips, and that by justice: In all this time, the prince which shall succeed doth not command nor govern, which is done of purpose, to see whether in that time any man will come to say or object any thing against him. These things and days, thus done and passed, the noble men of the country do cause him to be sworn, to all those laws & customs, which were made by his predecessor, and to pay all his debts: Also that he shall travail to recover whatsoever things of his kingdom before were lost: This oath he taketh having his sword in his left hand, and in the right hand a Candle burning, which hath a ring of gold upon it, which he toucheth with two of his fingers, and so taketh his oath. This being done, they throw or power upon him a few grains of Rice, with many such other ceremonies, in doing whereof they say many prayers, and he worshippeth then the sun, three times, which so done, the Caymayles, that be Lords by parentage do immediately holding the self same Candle, swear to be true subjects unto him.  
The thirteen days being ended, they all then do eat Betele again, and flesh and fish as before, the king only except, who then taketh thought and sorroweth for the death of his predecessor: whose manner of mourning is thus: He must not by the space of one whole year, eat any flesh or fish, or yet Betele, neither must he shave his beard, nor cut his nails, nor eat but once in a day, and must wash himself all his body over, before he do eat, and pray certain hours in the day: After the year is past and ended, he than useth a certain ceremony for the soul of the king his predecessor, which is much like to our Dirge, whereat are assembled an hundredth thousand persons, at which time he giveth great alms, when this ceremony is finished, they then confirm the Prince for inheritor of the kingdom, and so all the people do departed. The king of Calicut and all the other kings of Malabar, have one especial man that hath the charge for administration of justice, and doth command & is obeyed in all other matters of government as amply as the king himself. 
Naires, & what their degree, office, & calling is.  The men of war which the king of Calicut & the other kings have, are Nayres, which be all Gentlemen, and are appointed to no other office or affairs, but to fight when need requireth. They be all Gentiles, and carry their armour wherewith they fight themselves, which is bows, arrows, spears, daggers made like a hook, and targets, and march with them very honourably and gallantly, but they go naked, caring only certain linen cloth of cotton painted, with the which they cover themselves from the girdle to the knee, they are bare footed: and wear upon their heads certain towels. They all live by the king, and by the noblemen of the country, of whom they have ordinary stipends and allowance for their maintenance: They do so greatly esteem and make account of their gentry, and of their cleanliness, that they will not touch any husbandman, neither permit any of them to come into their houses. The husbandmen are bound when they go in the streets to cry with a loud voice, and say, Hoo they go, for if these Gentlemen do come, and bid them go out of the way, and they do not obey their commandment therein: then may they kill them: The king cannot make Gentlemen, except they be of the stock of Gentlemen. They serve very well and faithfully, with them of whom they have their entertainment, and under whose obeisance they live, not sparing by night nor day, any opportunity of time for show of their best endeavour in service of the same, nor making any account of meat or of their person or of sleep, whensoever their travel or diligence, may take effect or purpose of well doing. They have so small charge and occasion of expense, that with half a crown a piece (which is their ordinary allowance for one month) they may very well and sufficiently, maintain themselves, and each of them a boy to serve him. The Nayres by the law of the country, cannot marry, and for that cause they have no children certain, but those which they have are begotten of lemans, with which three or four of them do lie, by accord & agreement had and determined amongst themselves, having one woman only to serve that purpose, unless any cause or quarrel grow amongst them, and every one of them shall be with her a whole day, accounting from the one half of the day present wherein he cometh, to the other half of the day next following, at which time he departeth from hers, and then cometh another, who continueth the like time: Thus they pass over and spend their life time without care and trouble of wife and children: They maintain their lemans very well according to their degrees and birth. And if any of them will at any time leave and forsake her, they may at their pleasure do it, and likewise she may refuse any of them at her will. These women are all Gentlewomen, for the nayres' amye not take any country women, and they also do not marry: And for that there be so many men to one women, they take not them for their children which be begotten of her, although the same be like unto them: and therefore their brother's children, do inherit their lands, and have their goods: This law that these Gentlemen should not marry, the king ordained and made, for that they having no wives nor children, on whom they should have care and fix their love, might the better endure the wars, and live at more liberty to serve in the same.  
And because they are Gentlemen, and that they should be the more animated and encouraged to live in that order, 
The Calicutians kill no kine for they worship them.  and to serve well, they be so privileged, that none of them can be imprisoned for any cause, nor be put to death by any mean of ordinary justice: Howbeit when one of them doth▪ kill another, or else doth kill a cow, (which amongst them is taken for a great sin, for that they worship them) or sleep or eat with a country woman, or speak evil of the king. Then will the king, having true information of any of these offences, give out his warrant in writing under his own hand, directed to one Nayre, commanding him thereby, that he with two or three other, do forthwith kill the Nayre, that hath so offended and sinned contrary to the Law: By virtue of which warrant, they hue and cut him with their swords, wheresoever they do find him, and when he is dead, they hang upon him the King's writing, to the end that all men may know and understand wherefore they killed him: These Nayres cannot take their weapons, nor enter into any combat, before they be armed knights: when they attain to the age of seven years, they be forthwith set to learn to play at all weapons; & to the end they should be very perfect, their masters do hale and wrest the joints of their arms, and afterward they teach them their fence such as be apt for the same: The weaponnes that are most used amongst them be swords and Targets. The masters which teach them, be graduates in the weapons which they teach, and they be called in their language Panycaes. They be reverenced amongst the Nayres, & every scholar of theirs whatsoever, although he be old, or if he be a great noble man, shall at all times when he seeth him, do to him reverence and worship, and this by law is ordained: and further all of them are bound to take at their hands a lesson two months in every year, during their lives: By reason whereof they be very perfect and skilful in their weapons, and for that cause they greatly esteem of themselves.  
When any of them will be an armed knight, he than goeth well accompanied with all his kindred and friends, & presenteth himself before the king, to whom he first offereth threescore Fannons of gold, which is a certain kind of money amounting to the value of three crowns. Whereupon the king doth immediately ask him, whether he will keep and observe the order and custom of the Nayres? Whereunto he answereth and saith, yea. Then he commandeth to put about him a sword, and laying his right hand upon his head, saith certain words as though he would pray over him, which he uttereth so softly as none can hear the same. Afterward he embraceth him, saying in his language these words following, which in our tongue, doth signify or mean: Have a regard to keep these Brahmins and their Kine. This being done, the Nayre doth fall down and worship the King, and from thence forth he remaineth made Knight. These Nayres when they yield themselves to live and serve any King or Noble man, they bind themselves to die with him, and for him: which bond they do so well observe and inviolably keep, that if their Master in any war or otherwise be slain, they will fight until they are killed, which hath done the same act, and if at that instant they cannot accomplish their wills, for that they were not present at the deed doing, then will they go afterward and seek them out, and never leave them till they be killed by some manner of devise. They be great soothsayers, they have good days and bad days, they worship the Sun, the moon, the fire, and the Kine, and the first that they do meet in going forth of their house in the morning: they do easily believe whatsoever vanity. The devil is oftentimes in them, 
their god or the devil is many times in them.  but they say it is one of their Gods or Pagodes, for so they call him: but whosoever or whatsoever it be, it enforceth them to utter terrible words & speeches, which the King doth believe. And the Nayre in whom the devil is so entered, goeth with a naked sword before the King, altogether quaking & trembling, giving himself cuts & wounds saying, I am such a God, and I am come to tell thee such a thing, & in this manner he useth himself, crying out like a mad man: and if the King make any doubt of that he saith & doth not presently give credit to his speech, then doth he roar & send forth greater cries & give himself greater cuts, until such time the King do believe him. There be other lineages of people of the Malabars, which are of divers sects & customs, whereof to speak were over tedious, & too long to declare: all which do obey those Kings, (the moors only except) which by reason of the great customs they pay for their Merchandise, are in great estimation among them.   

¶ How the captain general sent one of his banished men to calicut, and how a Moor of Tunis came and spoke with him, by whose means he sent a messenger to the King of calicut, and how he returned answer to the general. cap. 15.  
THe captain general being come to an anchor without the bar or Recife of calicut, he sent one of his banished men in the self same Almaydes or boats which they brought thither, for two respects: the one to see what country it was: the other to make trial how we should be received, because we were Christians, believing also that the people there were christened: & when this banished man was landed, there came immediately a great number of people to see him as a stranger: they asked of the Malabars which went with him, what he was? Who answered, that they deemed him to be a Moor, and that he came with those which are in the three ships they do see without the bar at anchor. Whereof they of calicut greatly marveled, for that his apparel was far different from that which the moors that come from the straits, do use to wear. Thus flocked about him much people, & some that had the Algaravia tongue, spoke unto him, but he having no understanding thereof could not nor did make any answer or speeches unto them, at which also they in like manner greatly marveled, for that being a Moor (as they deemed) he did not understand the Algaravia language: nevertheless going with him in this manner, and verily yet believing he was a Moor, they carried him to the house of two moors, 
Bontaybo a More of Barbary, dwelling in Calicut  which were naturally borne in Tunis in Barbary, and were then come to dwell in Calicut. To whom being brought, one of them whose name was Bontaybo could speak the Spanish tongue, & did well know the Portugeses as he said afterward, having seen them in Tunis in the time of the King Don Joan in the ship called Lareyna which the same King sent thither many times to seek for such things as he and his subjects had need of. And as soon as the banished man was entered into their house, the Moor spoke unto him and said: I give thee to the devil, who brought thee hither, which words was uttered in the Spanish tongue. And after he asked him what way he had gone and travailed, that he was come to this place: whereunto the banished man answered & told him, showing also, how many ships the general had there, whereat Bontaybo marveled, and wondered how they could come by Sea thither. Then he asked him what they sought so far off? And he answered that they came to seek Christians and spices. Moreover Bontaibo asked why the Kings of France and Spain, & the Duke of Venice did not also send thither? Whereto the banished man made answer, thate the King of Portugal would not give his consent they should so do: Bontaybo replying thereto, said, that he did well & wisely therein. Thus having talked a while, he gave him very good entertainment, and commanded to give him certain Cakes, made of the flower of wheat, which the Malabars do call Apes, and with the same honey. After be had well eaten, Bontaybo advised him to go to the ships, & said he would go with him, (as indeed he did) to see the captain general. And being come to the admiral which was then entered, Bontaybo then began to say to the General in Spanish: Good luck, good luck, many Rubies, many emeralds: thou art bound to give great thanks to God, for that he hath brought thee where there is all kind and sorts of spices, stones, and all the riches of the world.  
When they heard him so say, they all marveled greatly thereat, for they before would not have believed, that there had been any man so far off from Portugal, that could understand their language.  
Wherefore with weeping tears which they then plentifully shed for joy and pleasure they had conceived, as well for the same, as also for their safe and happy arrival there, they then gave to God most humble and hearty thanks through whose only favour, good will, and pleasure, that good luck and great good benefit, had happened to them. And then the general embraced Bontaybo, and caused him to sit down by him, ask him if he were a Christian, and how he came to Calicut? For answer whereto the Moor told him of whence he was, and what he was, and how he came to Calicut by the way of Cayro, also he showed him by what means he came to knowledge of Portugeses, and that always he had been a friend to them, for that in all respects & at all times, their doings & manners appeared to him to be good and worthy of friendship. Finally he said, that as he had in time passed been a friend to them, so would he now at this present continue his good will, and was ready and would be to do all that in him was to pleasure & further them, and the effect of their purpose in coming thither. The captain general gave him great thanks, and promised to recompense him very liberally in respect of that his good will, and for any pleasure or friendship he should thenceforth show to him and his company, he should be well assured to be thankfully considered of. Declaring also that he was the most joyful man of all the world to find him there, and to have him for a friend and an aid, verily believing that God had sent him thither, to give an end to the enterprise of the voyage, which he so desired in discovering of those India's, and had entered into, and passed through so many dangers by long tract of time to attain unto the same, and now notwithstanding his arrival there, he thought to have but small fruit of his travail, without his help & friendly furtherance.  
Then he requested him to declare, what manner of man the King of calicut was, and whether he thought he would receive him with good will as an ambassador from the King of Portugal.  
〈◊〉 Bontaybo answered, that the King of calicut, was a very good man and of an honourable disposition, 
The king of Calicuts greatest revenue riseth by custom of Merchandise.  and that he no doubt would receive him gladly, for ambassador, from a strange king, especially if his coming were to settle and entreat for establishment of tract or trade of merchandise in Calicut, and had brought with him any kind of merchandise for that purpose: For (said Bontaibo) as there doth grow great advantage and profit by custom thereof to the king, so is the same indeed the very principal rents or revenues he hath for his maintenance: moreover he informed the general that the king at that instant was in a certain village five leagues from Calicut, situated along the coast, named Panane, whether he advised him to send unto him, & to declare of his arrival and coming thither. The general very well liking of the speeches and advise of Bontaybo, did therefore give unto him certain gifts, and sent with him two of his men in message to the king of Calicut, 
Certain messengers sent by the captain general to the king of Calicut  requesting Bontaybo to direct them on their way to Panane, which he accordingly did. These messengers being now come before the king, one of them whose name was Fernan Martin, by an interpreter which he had, declared unto him, that he came from his captain who is arrived in the port of Calicut with certain ships, and is come thither from the king of Portugal, of purpose to bring him letters, which the same captain is ready to come and present unto him, if it so stood with his good liking and pleasure, whereof to understand he then had sent him, and his fellow there present. The king hearing this message, commanded before he would make answer thereto, to give to each of them a certain piece of linen cloth made of Cotten, and two of silk which were very good, and even such wherewith he was accustomed to girdle himself: And after these pieces were so given them, he then demanded of Fernan Martin, what king that was which had sent him those letters, and how far from thence his kingdom was, whereunto Fernan answered and fully informed him touching that demand, declaring also that he was a Christian prince, & that all those whom he had sent were christians, having past many troubles and dangers upon the sea, before their arrival there at Calicut. The king hearing all the discourse of their voyage (whereof Fernan Martynes somewhat at large informed him) did greatly marvel at the same, & showed himself to be right glad, that a Prince of so great a power as the king of Portugal was, & being also a christian, would send an ambassador to him: And therefore he sent word to the general that he and his company were heartily welcome into his country, requiring him to bring his ships to an anchor near, to a village named Padarane (which is somewhat beneath the place where they first came to an anchor) being a far better harbour than that of Calicut, which is an open road & very dangerous for the ships: And appointed that from thence, the General should go by land to Calicut, where he would be to speak with him: And therewith he sent a Pilot, who conveyed the ships to the port of the same village, howbeit when he had conducted them to the bar thereof, the general would not enter so far within the same, as the Pilot would gladly have had him to have done, fearing indeed that some thing might afterward happen to his prejudice, if he should give over far credit to those people, & came within the compass of any their forces, wherein he dealt very advisedly and wisely, prevented such injury as was offered him.   

How the king of Calicut sent for the captain general and after what sort he was carried to Calicut. Cap. 16.  
THe captain being come near to this harbour, his dispatch was sent him from the Catuall of Calicut, in the which there was signified that he was come to Pandarane, by the King's commandment, with other noble men, for to bear him company unto Calicut, and therefore he might at all times when that it should please him, disembark himself: But for that the day was passed the captain General excused himself as at the present, & also that he would first take counsel of his captains, & other the principal of his fleet, touching his landing, who being all joined together, said unto them, that he minded to go to see the king of Calicut, & to settle there a trade, and perpetual friendship. Against the which his going, his brother repugned, alleging that it was not convenient that he should so do. For albeit that they were christians, 
moors mortal enemies to christians.  yet the ther were amongst them many moors, which were to be feared lest thy would procure his destruction, since that they were his mortal enemies. For when that they do remember how those of Monsambicke and Mombassa, for only passing by their ports, would have killed them all: What should they look for, of those of Calicut, knowing that they will mixture themselves with you & yours: quoth he, you seeking to have the trade where they have the same, & so to diminish this their profit and gain? He told him therefore that it is the sooner to be believed, that they would procure with all their force possible to destroy him, yea, although they knew that the beginning and end of the same did depend upon his death, and that therefore there would not lack ways to put the same device in execution, who being once dead, for all the grief the king should take therewith, yet he could not raise him again to life. And that so much the more they being as it were natural inhabitants there, and he a mere stranger.  
Moreover who doth know what the king doth pass for his death, and what shall become of them all after the same is procured. 
Princes & generals ought to be eareful of their persons in respect of their place and charge.  And if so be that they should be cast away altogether, then were all their travail lost. To excuse all this, and that they might remain upon this good assurance, it were very good said he, that he did not go a shore, but that he did send one of them, or some other, who might do that which he should do, for those that are captains in especially generals should not adventure themselves in such dangers, but where there were such great necessity, that they could not otherwise excuse themselves. Of this mind were all the rest of the company, unto whom the captain general answered, that although he knew or did understand that by his coming it were present death unto him, yet he would not let but go and visit the King of Calicut, and the rather to see whether he would settle a friendship and trade there, and to have out of his city, Spices and other commodities, for that the same (at our arrival in Portugal) might represent as a witness the discovery of Calicut. For if so be that at the end of so long a time God did return us thither without: then said he, it would be hard to be believed that we had discovered Calicut: And our credit and honour would stand in suspense or balance, until such time there should come persons of credit from thence, that should declare that to be true which we had affirmed. Therefore do you not think but that I had rather die then suffer so long time, as we have spent, and are like to spend, and others shall come to discover the truth of our service: so that in the mean while, those that are envious, should judge our travail as it should please them, certainly I had rather die then to tarry upon the same: Much more friends I do not adventure myself to so great a danger of death as you do surmise, neither yet that they should remain in so great danger, as you do presuppose, for I go to a country where there are Christians and to talk with a king, which is desirous that unto his city should come many Merchants, for the profit that doth arise thereby unto him: for the more Merchants that do resort unto it, the more will be his profit. I do not go thither to stay there many days that the moors shall have any such time to use any treason against me. And for so much as I do mind to talk with the king it shall have an end, and that within three days▪ and in this time you may be in a readiness: And as touching the honour and credit that I shall get by making or establishing this trade, if it please God that he do accept the same I will not give it for any treasure. And the king can settle the same with no other better than with me, for that he will esteem me, and bear some reverence towards me, being once known unto him that I am the captain general of this fleet, and the King of Portugese's ambassador, rather than with any other person whatsoever. Furthermore whosoever he be that shall go in my steed, the King will think himself to be mocked, or that I do not esteem him, as one that is worthy that I should go to speak with him, or else that I do not trust him on his word. Besides all this, I cannot give so large instructions to him that I should send thither, that he might do in all things which is needful as much as I myself: and if so be that for my sins he should kill me, or take me as a prisoner, it were a great deal better for me that there should chance to me all this for doing of my duty, then to remain alive, and not to do the same. And you my friends remaining in the Sea and in good ships, 
The general determined to go to Calicut  as soon as you shall hear that any of these things shall chance unto me, get you hence, and carry news of this our discovery, and as touching this, let there be no farther talk, for that I by the grace of God will go to Calicut to see the King. When that his determination was perceived, they all assented that they were contented with his going: and thereupon they appointed him twelve of his men to go with him, that is to say, Diego Dias his secretary and Fernan Martin's the interpreter, john de Sala, which was afterward Treasurer of the house of the India's. etc. So that with him in all they were thirteen. They appointed also that in his absence there should remain for captain general his brother. Also he gave commandment that he should not suffer any man to come aboard his ship, and all those that were desirous to go aboard to command them to remain in their boat or Almadias. Moreover he left order with Nicholas coelo, that he should come every day with his boat as near unto the shore as he could. These things being settled, the next day after being monday, the xxviij. of May, the captain general did embark himself with those twelve before rehearsed, they all being appareled in the best attire that they had, & their boats furnished with much ordinance, flags, and trumpets, which went always sounding, until such time that the captain general came to land, whereas the Catual was tarrying for him, being accompanied with 200 Nayres, which attended there continually: besides many others that were not of that company, & besides many also, that were of that town. The captain general being disimbarked, 
The captain general goeth a land.  was joyfully received of y Catuall, & of the others that did accompany him, as though they were very glad of his coming, & after that he was thus received, he was taken into an Andor, which the King of Calicut had sent to bring him upon, for that in this country they are not accustomed to go a horseback, but in these Andors, which are like unto a horselitter, saving that they are without any cover over them, & almost plain, the sides thereof are also very low. Each of these Andors, when they will occupy the same, are carried with 4. men upon their shoulders, which also doth run post with them, at such time as the king & noble men do make any great journey, or if so be that they will go a great ground in a small time: for they may travel in the same either sitting or lying, as they will themselves. Also there go with these certain footmen, which carry with them hats, wherewith to cover those that go in these Andors, which they do call Bueys, so that by this means, they are kept from the sun & the rain, there are also other Andors, the which have over them a cane bowed like unto a hoop, which for that they are made very slight, may easily carry those 2. men. The captain general being mounted in this Andor, departed with the Catuall, who was carried in another Andor, to a town called Capocate, but all the rest of the company went afoot, the people of the country was commanded by the Catuall to carry all such apparel as our men had brought up with them, which was there redelivered unto them, & being in Capocate, they stayed to refresh themselves: where the captain general being in one house & the Catuall in another they did eat, 
the fruits of Calicut  & to all our men was given to eat sodden fish, with rice & butter, besides fruits of the country, which differ from ours very much, yet they are very good. The one sort of these is called Lacas, and the other Mangas, howbeit they have figs also. The water that they did drink, was very excellent, as good as any in Portugal. Thus after they had eaten, they went again to embark themselves, for that they should go up a river, which from thence runneth into the sea: the captain general did embark himself with his company into 2. Almadias, lying the one close to the other, which in the country they did call Ensangada. The Catuall with his train were embarked in many others, and the people that came to the rivers side to see and view our men were without number, for so much as that country is well inhabited. And after that they had gone in this river about a league, and that along the shores side, they saw lying a ground many great ships, the captain general with the Catuall being disimbarked, did return to their Andors, and following their way, there resorted always about them thousands of people to see them, wherein they took such a felicity that the very women also with their children hanging at their backs, did not feel the way they went in, following to feed their eyes. From this place which I have made mention of, the Catuall did carry him unto a certain Pagode of their idols, into which when they were entered, he told him that the same was a Church of great devotion, which the captain general believed to be true, & to be some church of the Christians, & therefore he gave the more credit thereunto, the rather for that he saw that over the principal door thereof, there hanged seven little bells, & afore the same there was a pillar made of wire, the which was as high as the mast of a ship, upon the top thereof there stood a wether cock, made likewise of wire. This church was as great as a good Monestary, and was made all of free stone, and covered or vaunted over with brick, which gave an outward show, as though within side it should be of very fair workmanship. Our captain was very glad to see the same, for that he thought himself to be among Christians, and entering within this Church with the Catuall, they were received by certain men, naked from the girdle upward, and from thence down to the knee, covered with certain linen cloth made of cotton, with the which their arm holes were covered also, without any thing upon their heads, and upon their left shoulders they had certain number of thirds, which came under their right shoulders, much like as the Priests were wont to wear their stoles here amongst us, when they went to mass. These men are called Cafres' and are Gentiles, which serve in Malabar in their Pagodes, who with a sprinkle took water out of a certain fountain & threw the same upon the captain general & upon the Catuall and on the rest of the company. 
Holy water of Calicut  After all this they gave them Saunders in powder to cast the same upon their heads as they did here their Ashes, 
Holy ashes.  & as also they should do the like upon the brawns of their arms, but they could not do so, by reason of their apparel which they had on, but yet they did not let to do it on their heads: so going about this Church, they saw many Images painted upon the wall, whereof some there were that had great teeth, which appeared to be so monstrous that they were of an inch of length without their mouth. Others there were that had four arms, & therewith were so ill favoured, that they seemed to be very devils, that which sight made our men stand in doubt, whether the same were a Church of Christians or no. Being come afore the chapel which stood in the midst of their Church, they perceived that the same had a certain little roof, made much after the manner of a tower, the which was also builded of free stone, & in a part of this roof there was a door made of wire, by the which a man might enter into it: the going up to the same tower, was by a stair of stone: within this tower, which indeed was somewhat dark, was enclosed in that wall a certain Image the which our men beheld a far off, for that they would not suffer them to go near the same, 
The general decerued, committeth Idolatry with the devil.  saying that there was none the could go thither, but those that were Cafres', howbeit they made a sign to the Image, naming the same our Lady, giving thereby to understand that it was her Image. The Captain general supposing the same to be true, fell upon his knees, with the rest of the company making their prayers: but one whose name was john de Sala, being in doubt whether the same church were of christians or not, for that he saw so monstrous Images painted on the walls, as he fell on his knees said, If this be the devil, I worship god. The captain general that heard him say so, looking upon him laughing. The Catuall and his company as they came before this chapel, did fall down flat upon the ground with their hands before them, and this they did three times, and afterward they arose and made their prayers standing.   

¶ How and after what sort the captain general was received in Calicut, & how he told the king his message which he carried. Cap. 17.  
FRom this place he went forward on his way, until such time he came to Calicut, and at the entering of the same, they carried him with the rest of his company to another Pagode, like unto that which he had seen before, and when that he would have entered into the city, the people were so many, as well of those that came forth of the same for to see our men, as also of those that went with him, that for the multitude of them, he could not go in the streets, insomuch that the general marveled to see so many people: and when as he saw himself to be there, he gave God great thanks, for bringing him unto that city, most humbly desiring him, so to guide him, that he might return to Portugal, with his whole request & desire. After that he had gone awhile in that street, into which he entered, for that the people were so many that he could not pass through it, insomuch that those that did carry him upon his Andor, were driven to go with the Catuall into a house. Thither came to bear the captain general company, the Catualls brother who was a noble man, and sent by the King's commandment to accompany him to the King's palace, who also brought with him many Nayers, and before them went many Trumpets and Sagbuts, upon the which they went all sounding. And also there was one Nayre which carried a caliver which he shot of, now & then. After that the captain general & this noble man was thus joyfully received, they took their way strait to the palace, with a great noise, the which those instruments & the people together made, which after that the Catuals brother was come, gave place & followed after them, with as great obedience as if the king had been there in his own person. There went along with them fully three thousand men with their weapons, besides those that stood upon the penthouses, & at their doors, which were without number. The captain general was very glad to see how well he was received, & said unto those that he carried with him, with a merry countenance, how little do they think in Portugal of this our great receiving, & with this they came to the kings palace an hour before the Sun set. The King's palace (leaving aside that the same was made of earth) was very great, 
The description of the King's palace,  which seemed to be of a goodly building, for the great multitude of trees which did appear between the houses, & these were standing in goodly gardens, in the which were pleasant flowers, sweet herbs, & fountains of water to recreate the king withal, for that he never goeth from this palace till that he departeth from Calicut. Out of this palace there came sundry Caimales, & other noble men to receive the captain general, which brought him to a certain great court that was right before the gates, & from thence they went into 4. other several yards or courts. At the gate of each of which, there were ten porters, which gates they passed with giving the people many & sundry blows, which the porters bestowed upon them to make room, that we might go in: & being come to the last gate which was in the house where the king himself was, there came forth an old little man, which was Bramene mayor of the kings house, who embraced the captain general, & carried him in with those that were with him. Bramene Maior is the kings high Priest, & the chiefest of the religious men of his gentility. At this entering the people wonderfully pressed themselves to go in, for that they see the king but by great chance, as going but few times abroad out of his palace, & would therefore have entered with our men to see him. The multitude was so great that there were some of them stifled, as also there had been two of our men so used, if so be that they had not gone before, & it had smally profited to lay on the people with their staves to the end to make more room, if so be there had not been many of them hurt, wherewith they gave place the our men might enter. Moreover those noble men which did accompany the captain general, at this third gate entered into the house where the king was, the which was very great: all the same was compassed about with seats made of timber, 
The description of the King's presence chamber.  one above that other as the Theatres are: the floor of the same was all covered over with green velvet, & the hangings about the walls were of silk of sundry colours. The king himself was of colour brown, & of a great stature & of good years, he was lying upon his Estrado the which was covered over with a cloth of white silk & gold & a rich estate over him, Estrado is a seat made of boards. On his head he had a night cap, made much like unto a salet, after the old sort which was covered over with stone & pearl, & in his ears he beware jewels of the same sort. He had upon him a jacket of fine cotton, the buttons whereof were of great pearl, & the button holes were of gold thread, he had about his middle a white cloth made of the foresaid cotton, the which wretched down unto his knees, the fingers of his hands & toes were full of rings of gold, in the which were set very fine stone, & on his arms & legs many bracelets of gold: hard to this Estrado, there was a certain ewer the which had a high foot wrought all of gold, & is of the making of the Flanders cups, & that plain, albeit they are greater & not so deep: 
the King's Vitele.  in this was the Vitele which the king doth chaw in his mouth, with salt & Areca, which is an apple no bigger than a nut in Conserua. This is eaten in all the India's, for that the same doth make a good breath, drieth the stomach & killeth that thirst, which being chawed in pieces he throweth the same out of his mouth, & taketh another. And for that the king should not swallow the same down, there is prepared a vessel of gold for him to spit in, which is as big or little bigger than a dish, having a foot also of gold. Also he hath a fountain of gold which is full of water wherewith he washeth his mouth, when he had made an end of chawing this Vitele which he is accustomed to take.  
This Vitele is ministered unto him by an old man which standeth hard by the Estrado, all the others that are in this place hold their left hands afore their mouths, to the end their breath should not come where the king is, who taketh the same for great discourtesy, to spit or to s●niese, & therefore there is none that breatheth afore the king. The captain General being come into this house, made reverence to the king, after the use of the country, which is to stoop or bow down three times, lifting up his hands as one that praiseth God. The king immediately made signs unto him as willing him to draw near unto him, and commanded him to sit down in one of those seats which I have spoken of, who being thus set, the rest of his men did enter and made him the like reverence, whom the king commanded likewise to sit down right over against him, and that there should be given them water for their hands, that they might with the same refresh themselves since they were very hot, for although it was winter yet it was hot. After that they had washed their hands, he commanded to be given them figs and jacas to eat, and that forthwith, which they did receive with a good will. The king was very glad to see them eat, who was very earnest in looking upon them, and did laugh thereat. Afterward he took occasion to talk with the old man that ministered unto him this Vitele, 
The custom in drinking.  and in the mean time our men did call for water, for that they were a thirst, the which was given them to drink by an ewer of gold, and when our men did understand the order of their drinking was to hold their cup of height over their mouths, for that the Malabars do take the same for an injury to touch the cup with their lips, they did therefore hold the same over their mouth, in that order that part of the water fell into their throats & made some of them to cough, & unto others it fell besides their mouths, and upon their faces, which did run down upon their breasts. All this the king was very glad to see, who looking towards the captain general, spoke unto him by an interpreter, willing him to speak unto those that were there, & to tell them his pleasure, & likewise to report unto him of theirs, with this the captain General was nothing contented, for that he thought the same a disgracing unto him, & answered by the interpreter that he was the king of Portugese's ambassador, which was a mighty king, & that the christian princes did not use to receive their embassage by a third person, but by themselves, & that before very few, & those that were of great credit. And for that he did accustom the same order in the other countries from whence he came, he would not therefore utter his embassage but only unto the king himself, unto which the king answered that he liked well thereof, & that it should be so observed, & immediately he commanded the captain general & Fernan Martin's to be carried unto another chamber which was adorned with the like estate as the other was, & as well hanged, & after that the captain general was there, the king came thither also, but our men remained where they were first, & this was about the Sun set. The king as soon as he was come into this chamber went to his Estrado, there came no more with him but his interpreter & the Bramene Mayor, & the old man which doth always give this Vitele unto the king, 
The message that was sent to the king of Calicut from the king of Portugal  & controller of his house. The king & they being there together, he asked of the captain general of what part of the world he was & what he would have: whereunto he answered, that he was an ambassador of a christian king of the Occident part, & of a kingdom called Portugal, besides many others, insomuch that he is of a great power both in possessions & people, & much more in riches, & all other things necessary, more than any other king of those parts, & hath so been for the space of these lx. Years, so that those that have been kings his predecessors, having the fame brought unto them, how that in the India's there, were christian kings & great noble men, in especial the king of Calicut, they were moved the rather to send to discover the same by their captains, & to make friendship with the king of the country, & to take them for brothers as reason doth bind the king his master now to do, & to visit them by his Ambassadors, not that he hath any need of their riches, for that in his own countries of gold & silver and other things of great value, he hath more thereof then need did require. And as for those captains whom he did send unto this discovery, they have gone in the same a year or two, until such time as they have consumed their victuals and without finding of that which they sought for, have returned to Portugal, & have in vain spent great sums of money. But the king Don Manuel which reigneth as now, & is desirous to make an end of this enterprise, which was begun so long time agone, for that to them there should not lack sufficient victuals, as there did unto the others before, did therefore give him three ships that were laden therewith, commanding him not to return to Portugal without the discovery of that king of the christians which is Lord of Calicut. And if so be that he should return without bringing him relation thereof, he would then command his head to be cut off. And further he willed him that if so be that he should chance to arrive at the place where the king was, to deliver him two letters, which he would present unto him the next day, for that it was then somewhat late. And also that he should tell him that he was his friend & brother, requesting him that since that he doth send so far of to seek him out, that in recompense thereof he would accept of his kindred, and friendship, and also that he would send him his ambassador for the better confirmation of the same, and that from thence forth they would visit one the other with their ambassadors, as it is accustomed amongst christian kings. The king showed himself to be well pleased with this Embassage, 
An ambassador promised from Calicut.  for he told the captain general that he was very well welcome. And since that the king of Portugal would be his friend & brother, he would be the like unto him, and upon the same would send him his ambassador, which thing the captain general did desire most earnestly, for that he durst not show himself afore the king his Master without him. The king did therefore promise him so to do, & that forthwith, he would dispatch him thither. After that he was desirous to know the whole estate of the king of Portugal particularly, & how far of that country lay from Calicut, & how long he had been upon that voyage. And for that part of the night was well spent, the king willed him to retire, demanding of him first, whether he would go lie amongst the moors or amongst the Christians, who answered that he would lie with neither of them, but alone, & by himself. The king upon his answer commanded a certain Moor which was his factor to go & accompany the captain general, & commanded to give him all things that were necessary.   

How the captain general was minded to send a present to the king, but his company would not consent to the same, & how the moors began to bring the captain general out of credit with the king. cap. 18.  
THe captain general being dispatched to go toward his lodging (although that four hours of the night were past) the Catual & the others that had accompanied him before, did now the like, & they all going afoot, there fell such rain, that the streets ran full thereof, & therefore he was driven to command some of his men to carry him upon their backs, (not for the water only) but for that it would be late or ever that he could come to his lodging, with this the captain general was so angry, that he complained upon the kings Factor, demanding whether he meant to carry him about the city all the night or not, who answered that he could do no otherwise, for that the city was great & scattered, & so he carried him to his own house, to rest himself a while. And afterward he gave him a horse, upon the which he might ride. And for that this horse was without a saddle, the captain would not accept the offer, saying, the yet rather he would go a foot, & so he went until such time he came to his lodging, where those that did accompany him, left him in a good lodging. And before his coming, his men had brought thither his stuff, where the captain general having rested himself, & being in great joy to see so good beginning of his business, determined on the next day being Tewsdaie, to send a present to the king. And for that he knew he could not send the same, but that the Factor and the Catuall should have the oversight thereof, did therefore send for them that they might have the view thereof, 
A present for the king of Calicut.  who being come, he showed the same unto them, which was four Capi●sis of grain, and six hats, four branches of Gorall, twelve Almasares, a farthel of brass, in the which there were seven pieces, a Chest of Sugar, two Barrels of oil, & two of honey. The Factor and the Catuall having seen these parcels, began to laugh thereat, saying, that the same was nothing to present the king withal, for that the poorest Merchant that cometh to his port doth give him much more than the same, wishing him that since he would needs give him a present, to send him some gold, for that the king would not accept any other thing. At this their answer the captain general was offended, & so he showed himself to be, saying, that if so be he were a merchant or that his coming thither were to trade, he would then have brought him gold: But he was no merchant but an ambassador, which was the cause he brought none with him, & that this which he doth now send to the king of Calicut, is his own goods, & not the king his Masters, who for that he did not certainly know that he should have met with the king of Calicut, did therefore give him nothing to present him withal: but at his next return knowing for certainty that he shall find him, the king his master will send him gold, silver, & other rich things. To this they answered and said that it might be so, howbeit it was accustomed in that country, the whatsoever stranger he be that doth come & speak with the king, he sendeth him a present, which is according to the greatness of his estate. Unto which the captain general did reply, saying that it was good that their custom should be kept, & that for the preservation of the same, he did make him this present, which is of no greater value, for the cause above said: And therefore he desired them to suffer him to carry the same to the king, which if so be that they would not let him do that, than he would send the same back to his ships again. They answered him that immediately he might so do, as he last determined, for that they would not consent that the same should be carried to the King. With this answer the captain general was very angry, and said unto them, that since they would not consent that he should send that present to the King, he would therefore go himself & speak with him, and would now return to his ships. This was his meaning, to inform the King what had passed about this present. They said that it was well done so to do, but for so much as they should remain with him in the Court a good while, it were for them very necessary to go about a little business in the mean space, which they will go to do, and immediately return to go with him, since that the King would not be pleased that he should go without them: for so much as he was a stranger, and for that there were many moors in the city. The captain general giving credit to their words concerning their return, immediately answered them that he would tarry for their coming: 
Treason conspired against the fleet  but they did not return all that day, for that they were enemies to the captain general, by reason of the moors, who were his enemies also, and had received news what he had done in Monsambicke, and of the taking of the Sambuco in Mylind, and that we were Christians, and that our coming was to discover Calicut. Bontaybo also told the moors, that Spices were esteemed in Portugal very much, and that as he judged they were not come to discover calicut, but to settle there a trade, and to carry Spices into their country, in the which there is of all sorts of merchants that come to calicut by the way of the straits, and great store of gold and silver, and having the Trade settled there, would redound unto the King great profit thereby. To the which words the moors gave great ear, and made their reckoning upon Bontaybos' speech, and allowed the same: That we being Christians and once come to settle a Trade in calicut, their commodity then would fall of the price they were at, and so would abate the most part of their gain. About this they laid their heads together, to work all means they could possible with the king, to take the captain general prisoner, and to command his ships to be taken also, and to kill all our men, and this the rather, for that in no wise they should return to Portugal, to carry news of Calicut. And hereupon they joined those that were in credit with the King, and went unto him, and one in the name of them all, said unto the king: That he should not deceive himself with our men, 
the Mores oration to the king  for that the captain general was no ambassador but a thief, that went to rob, which they knew for most certain by their Factors, which had certified them, that assoon as we were come to Monsambicke, where the Xeque went to visit the captain general aboard his ship, and sent him presents, and established with him friendship, and also giving him a Pilot to carry him to Calicut, whether he said that he would go. He after this shot his ordinance at the town, with the which he killed of his subjects, and took certain Sambucos laden with merchants, and handled both him and his like unto enemies. And being departed from thence to Mombassa, likewise under the colour of friendship, saying that he was bound toward Calicut, the King thereupon took occasion to send to visit the captain general aboard his ship, requesting him to enter into his harbour, who being determined so to do, whether that it was for that he saw within the same many ships, or that he thought he could not make his party good, did fly away so fast, that he left one of his anchors behind him: and from thence also the Pilot ran away, which he carried from Monsambicle, for the ill life which he lead with him, with whipping of him, and putting of him unto other punishment. And being departed from Mombassa, and come near unto Mylind, did take perforce a Sambuco laden with moors, of the which there were some that died in the battle, & others that are yet alive remaining captives. And for that those that were captives willed him to carry them to Mylind, saying, that there they would give him a new Pilot to carry him to calicut, by that means only he came thither. And having there by the King of Mylind been received very well, yet the captain general would no more come a land, fearing the hurts which he had done, and taking the Moor prisoner which the King had sent to visit him, and would not deliver him, until such time that he had a Pilot sent him. Where by it might well be considered, that if so be that he were an ambassador and were come to maintain peace, he would never have used those disorders, but would have brought the King a present with him. Of this his demeanour, we give thee to understand, as our duty bindeth us, that now thou Mayst do as thou shalt think good therein. 
The king remaineth doubt full what to do.  With this news the king remained amazed, and told the moors that he would determine himself what shall be thought most convenient: they seeing this, thought the same not to be the way to cause the King to do as they would have him, and did afterward tell the Catuall thereof, who was in great credit with the King, requesting him to persuade with the King, not to receive any such Embassage as that was, and the cause thereof the rather was, that he took this present for so small a value. With this the Catuall went immediately to the King, who told him what the moors had said, to whom the Catuall gave counsel, to do as the moors had requested him: immediately the King began to change his countenance against the captain general, but not so much as the same might be perceived. But as soon as the moors had knowledge by the Catuall concerning the present that the captain general would have sent to the King, and that he would not consent thereunto, the moors took occasion to go to the generals lodging with a feigned friendship offering themselves to instruct him what he should best do, 
The feigned friendship of the Mores  and talking with him they said, that in that Country it was accustomed that those the which came from other places about business with the King, should bring him a Present, and therefore it were good that he did send him one. The captain general being offended with that injury they had offered him, and that the Catuall and the King's factor would not consent thereunto, did upon the same take occasion to show them those pieces, the which he was minded for to send, who having seen the same, they said to the general, that the Catuall and the Factor had great reason to be offended thereat, for that the same was not a present for to be sent to a King, neither would they wish him to send it, for that it would be judged that by the sending thereof he did mock the King: All this they told him, and as they said as friends, in showing him their mind. Bontaybo told him also in the same manner, marveling what was the cause he brought no other things, since there was plenty of all things in Portingale? But the captain general excused himself, saying: that he was not certain that he should come to calicut.   

¶ How the captain general returning spoke with the King of calicut, & how he gave him licence to return unto his ships. Chap. 19  
ALL this day the captain general was greatly offended, for that the Catuall & the Factor were not returned, so that he was once determined to go to the Court with out them, yet he thought best to tarry till the next day, on which in the afternoon they came, with whom he showed himself to be offended for their long tarrying. But they did answer him touching that matter nothing at all, but talked of other things, and so went with him to the Court. And for that the King was somewhat changed, as I have said, against the captain general, he did not command him to come into his presence in three hours after his coming to the curtsy, and then commandment was given there should come no more in with the ambassador but two of his own men, with the which he was offended, for that he thought the same separating from his men, was not meant well, did therefore carry with him Fernan Martin's, and one Diego Dias, she which was his Secretary. Being come where the King was, he did not receive him so well as at the first time, but said unto him with a severe countenance, that he had tarried for him all the day before, and he came not. The captain general answered, that he did defer his coming, for that he found himself weary by reason of the long way, for he was very loath to tell him the cause why he stayed, for that he would not give the King occasion to talk of the present that he would have sent him: But it did well appear that the Catuall and the Factor would not have hindered the sending of the same unto the King, but for that they well knew, he would have made small account thereof. And also they must of force have told him that they had seen the same. Nevertheless it could not be excused, but that the King spoke unto the captain general thereof immediately saying: 
The king quarreleth with the captain general.  how that he had told him that he was belonging to a great and rich King, and yet he brought no present from him, but an Embassage of friendship only, and therefore he could not tell what friendship he would have with him, since that he did send him nothing. Unto this the captain general did answer, that there was no marvel that he did bring him nothing, for that he came not in assurance that he should meet with him. But now since that he hath seen him he should well perceive what his King & Master will hereafter send him, if so be that God will give him leave to carry news of this his discovery. And if so be that he will give credit to his Letters which he did bring with him, he shall then see what the King doth send him word of. The King in steed of demanding his Letters, asked him whether the King his Master did send him to discover stones or men, and if so be that he did send him to discover men, how doth it chance then that he sent him no present. And since that it is manifest that he had brought him nothing, he said as than that it was told him that he had a Sancta Maria in gold, requesting of him the same.  
The captain general was partly ashamed to see the King so altered, for that he had not brought him a present. And now moreover to demand without all honesty that Image. To whom he answered, that the Sancta Maria, which they told him of, was made of wood, and gilded over and not of massy gold. And although that it were (yet would he not departed therewith) forsomuch as the same had preserved him in the Sea, and had brought the same from his country. The King did not reply upon this answer, but demanded those Letters the which the King had sent him: whereof the one was in the Portugal tongue, the other in the Arabian language. These he told him were sent in this order, for that the King his Master did not know whether of these two languages was understood in his country. Wherefore he desired that since the Portugal language was not understood in his country but the Arabian, and that there were Christians of the India's that did understand the same, one of those might read his Letter, and the rather for that the moors are enemies to the Christians, of whom he was afeard, lest that they should change the sense thereof. The King commanded them so to be read: howbeit there could be found no Indian that could read the same, or at the least would show himself that he could read them. The captain general seeing that there was no other remedy, but that the moors must needs read the same, was driven then to request the King, that Bontaybo might be one of them. This was done, for that as he thought he would speak and use more truth than the others, for the acquaintance they had with him. The King commanded the same to be read by other three, who having read the same first of all to themselves, 
The effect of the king of Portugese's Letters to the king of calicut  & afterward with a loud voice declared to the King the effect thereof, the which was, That as soon as the King of Portugal had knowledge, that he was one of the mightiest Princes of all the India's, & a Christian, he was desirous to have a trade & a friendship with him, for that he might have out of his country, Spices, the which he hath in great plenty, for which there cometh divers from many places of the world thither to buy the same. And therefore if so be he will give him licence to send for the same, that then he will send unto him from his kingdom many things which he hath not in his, as his captain general and ambassador will tell him. And if so be that with those things he were not pleased, he will send him money both of gold and silver to buy them withal, & how that as well of his merchandise as of the money, that captain general could show him part. The King hearing this, as he was desirous that for the increase of his rents there should come many merchants unto calicut, showed himself to be well pleased with this letter, & also made unto the captain general a better countenance than he did before, & asked him what merchandise there were in Portugal. He named many, showing how that of all he had brought with him part, and also of their money, requesting him licence to go aboard for the same, and in the mean while he would leave in his lodging four or five of his men. The King giving more credit to that which he spoke, then to that the moors had told him, said unto him, that he might go in a good hour, & carry his men with him, for there was no necessity that they should remain a land, & that he should bring his merchandise, & sell them as well as he could. With this license he remained well content, for (as he saw the King make him at the first an ill countenance) so he thought that he would not have given him the same, & with this licence he went first to his lodging, being by the Kings commandment accompanied with the Catuall: and forsomuch as that day was all spent, he would, not go aboard that night.   

¶ How the captain general having licence of the King to go to his ships, was stayed by the Catuall in Pandarane. Chap. 20.  
THe next day after, which was the last day of may, the Catuall sent to the captain general a Horse, howbeit without any furniture to the same, upon which he might go to Pandarane: And for that the Horse came after that order, he would not accept his offer, but rather requested him for one of his Andors, the which he sent him immediately, and on the same he went to Pandarane, and all his men came after him on foot. There went to bear him company many Nayres, the Catuall did remain in Calicut, and when the moors had notice that he should there stay, and that the captain general was gone towards his ships, supposing that he went for altogether, were sore amazed therewith, whereupon the moors took occasion to go to the Catuall, 
the Mores make a new conspiracy.  with large offers of money to pursue the captain general, and under a feigned pretence to lay hands upon him and to take him prisoner, for that they would find occasion to kill him: and he by this means should remain in no fault thereof at all. And albeit that the King would punish him forsomuch as he did keep him prisoner, yet they would not fear but to get him his pardon. With this bribe and promise he did departed immediately, and went in such haste after him, that he passed by our men which did remain behind the captain general, for that they were not able to go much, by reason of the heat. The Catuall having overtaken the captain general, asked him why he did make so much haste, or where he were now running away: this was spoken by signs, the which the captain general did understand, who answered him also by signs that he did run away to fly the heat. And being come to Pandarane, for that his men as yet did not appear, the captain general told the Catuall that he would not go into the village, until his men were come, and there he tarried for them in a house, wherein he rested himself from the rain: howbeit they came not until it was almost sun set, for so long he did tarry for them because they had lost their way. But after that they were come, the captain general told them, that then it was not time to leave him, whereas if so be that they had come sooner, he had been as then in his ship.  
Whereupon, immediately he did demand of the Catuall a boat or Pinnace for to go aboard in, who for that he pretended an other thing, answered him, that it was very late, and that the ships did ride far, and going in the night he might miss them, and therefore that it were a great deal better to tarry until the next day. To the which the captain general made him a plain answer, that if so be that he would not give him an Almadias or Pinnace, he would immediately return to the king & complain upon him, forsomuch as the king had sent him to his ships, and he would seem to stay him, which was very ill done, since that he was a Christian as they were. This was spoken with such a colour as if he would have returned to Calicut. 
Dissimulation in the Catuall  The Catuall for to dissemble with him the more, did make him a countenance as though he would give him thirty Almadias, if he would have so many. Howbeit he told him that he did counsel him for the best, and to remain. But if so be that he would go he was contented therewith. Thus on one part he sent to seek out Almadias or Pinnaces, and on the other part commanded the owners of the same to hide themselves out of the way because they should not deliver the same. In the mean season while they went to seek those Pinnaces, the captain general went along the water side, and for that he had an evil suspicion of their dealing, for that which they had done to him in Calicut, he commanded gonsalo Peres, a mariner, with other two of his men, to go before as fast as they could, & see if they could find Nicholas coelo with his boats to will him to keep himself out of the way, forsomuch as he was afeard lest that the Catual would send to take his boats, with all those that were with him in the same, gonsalo Peres with the other went about that business whilst the Catuall went in the mean season so leaserly to provide for this boat, that the night drew on, so that it was three hours within night ere he could hear of any thing what he had done, and what for that & also to tarry the coming of those that went to Nicholas coelo, the captain general was the willinger to stay there that night. After that the Catuall had placed the general in a moors house, told him that he would go to seek out gonsalo Peres, & the other two that went with him. Howbeit he came not back till it was the morning. And as soon as the captain general had fight of him, immediately he required a boat for to go in unto his ships. But as soon as the Catuall heard him, he then spoke unto his Nayres that were there present in his language, who afterward willed the captain general to command his ships to be brought near unto the shore, and that being done he should have licence to go his way, with this the captain general was somewhat afeard, howbeit he answered him with a stout stomach, that as long as he was on land, he would command no such matter to be done, forsomuch as then his brother would judge him to remain in prison, and that he did command the same to be done more for fear then any thing else, whereupon he would immediately departed toward Portugal, without him.  
To this the Catuall made answer with the others that were with him, 
The Catuals purpose opened.  speaking with a stoutness, that if so be that he would not do that which was willed him to do, that then they will not let him go a board. To the which showing himself to be therewith offended, he made answer that if so be that they would not let him go, that then he would return to the king of Calicut, and make his complaint, who if then he would stay him in his country's, that then he would be very glad to dwell in the same. The Catuall thereupon willed him so to do, & to go to the king to make his complaint, but yet for all his saying he would not consent thereunto, for that he had commanded the doors of his lodging to be kept shut, placing within the same sundry Nayres with their weapons. And if so that any of our men should go forth, there were appointed many of the enemies to withstand them. Nevertheless it was god's pleasure that the Catuall durst not venture to kill the captain general, nor yet any of his men for all that the moors had bribed him with a great sum of money, and for all that he was in great credit with the king, for he stood in such a fear thereof, that he durst not do it.  
though cause why he required the ships to be brought to the shore side was, for that they being there, the moors might the better lay the same a board, and so take them and kill all those that were within them, which thing for that it did so manifestly appear to the captain General, he would not command the ships to be brought any nearer. And also for that the same was so appareaunt unto the others of his men that were with him. They gave him counsel not to deal therein. The Catuall seeing that he would not command those ships to be brought near the shore, and for that there was no cause to stay him or offer him any wrong, and seeing that he could not kill him, did then begin to request him to bring his sails and the Rudder of the ships a land. With that the captain general began to laugh, saying, that he would neither do the one, nor yet the other, since that the king did give him free licence to go without any condition.  
And therefore he willed him to do what he would, and how that of all the injuries which he had offered him, the king should be made privy, who he knew would do him justice, but yet for all this, both he and his remained in some fear of suspect, although they did not outwardly show the same.  
At length the captain general with the rest feigning themselves to be an hungered, 
The general's uneffectual excuse.  and that they were unprovided of victuals, did request him that some of his men might go to provide the same, and he would remain alone, but for all that the Catuall would not agree thereunto. Now our men being in fear to see themselves in such a danger. Then came gonsalo Peres, supposing that the captain general had been at his liberty, and that they were tarrying for him and the others, who told him that he had met with Nicholas coelo, and with the others which tarried for him with their boats a land.  
This news being brought to the captain general, he was afeard lest the Catuall should know thereof, which if he had known indeed he would have sent Pinnaces and many men in them, 
gonsalo Peres sent back to the ships  for to have taken them. Therefore did he procure by all the means he could, that gonsalo Peres should secretly return, from thence unto their ships, and put themselves in good order. And also that he should go with them and inform them in what case he doth remain. Nicholas coelo having received this dispatch, did forthwith departed, and that in haste, and immediately after he was departed, the Catuall was advertised thereof, who sent after him sundry Pinnaces well appointed, but yet they could not overtake him, and therefore they returned again unto the Catuall. Then the Catuall after that they were come did once more request the captain general to write unto his brother to bring the ships near to the land, but he could not persuade the captain general so to do, saying that if he should do it, yet his brother would not consent thereunto, and although he would, yet he knew that the company would not. To this the Catuall did reply, that he should not make him believe that, forsomuch as he did well know that all things should be done as he would command. Howbeit the captain general would write no such letter; for that he was afeard of the bringing of the ships so near the shore, for the causes above mentioned.   

¶ How the Catuall was contented that the captain general should go to his ships, & after that what chanced. cap. 21.  
AFter this sort they spent that day, in the which our men remained in great fear, forsomuch as in the night they were put in a great yard that was underfoot laid with Brick, and compassed about with walls, & also had to keep them far more men than they had in the day. Then the captain general perceived by the countenance of his men that they feared lest they should be departed the one from the other that next day after, as he himself suspected the like, although he gave no outward show thereof, but rather had a confidence, that as soon as the king of Calicut had knowledge after what sort they were stayed, would command them to be released, for that he did never use with him double dealing, it was thought that the Catuall did stay the captain general after this order, 
The general's constancy marveled at by the Catuall  because he should give him some reward. And for that he would give as it were no outward show that he was offended, he would needs come to supper to him that night, at the which they had both Rice and Hens, which he commanded to be bought the day before. The Catuall did much marvel to see how little they did pass for their close keeping, after that sort, and of the great constancy of the captain general, that he would not command those ships to be brought near to the shore, nor yet condescended to any of the other his request. And for that he thought that it was but a folly to keep him prisoner, thereby the rather to constrain him to do it, it was god's pleasure to put him in the head to set him at liberty, for fear lest that the king should know thereof, for that he gave him free liberty to go to his ships. The next day which was Saturday the second of June, he then told him, that since he had certified the king that he would bring his Merchandise a land, he should command the same to be brought. For it was a custom that whatsoever Merchants did come to Calicut, he should immediately upon the same command his Merchandise to be brought a land and his men also, and they not to return unto their ships, until such time that they had sold the same, notwithstanding as soon as the Merchandise were come, he would then let him go aboard his ships. And although his words were with the captain general of small credit to send unto his brother a certain dispatch for them, yet he did not let to tell him, that immediately he would send for them, if so be that they would give him Almadias or pinnaces, in the which the same might be brought, for that his brother would not consent that his boats should come a land, until such time that he were there himself, with this the Catuall was content for that he thought to make himself possessor of the Merchandise, having a special hope that they were of a great value, as the captain general had told him.  
Then he dispatched two of his men with a letter unto his brother, 
The effect of the Generals letters unto his brother.  in the which he had made relation after what sort he did remain. And that he had no other injury offered him, but that he kept his lodging. And for any thing else he was very well, willing him that he should send him part of the merchandise to content the Catuall withal, that he might let him departed. And after that he had received the same, if then he would not let him go, he would then believe that he did keep him prisoner, by the King of calicut's commandment, who he knew would not command the same, except it were to take his ships, which he would not do, but having time to arm his own fleet, & so to set upon them, wherefore he advertised them that if so be were not set at liberty, immediately after that the Merchandise were landed, that then they should not remain there any longer, but go their ways toward Portugal, & inform the king his master what had chanced unto him, and also what he had done, that there might not be lost a country of so great a profit for Portugal as that was, and also to tell him after what sort that he did remain there, and what confidence he had in his highness that he would send him such a fleet of ships and men, that by the same he doth hope to be set at liberty, being assured that as now they would not kill him.  
He that carried these letters being come to Paulo de la Gama, did deliver them unto him, giving unto him large instructions of all that which they had passed, since they did depart. Now Paulo de la Gama having seen this Letter which was sent him from the captain General, 
His brother's apply  did send immediately the merchandise with an answer to this Letter, in the whsch he said, that GOD would not permit him to return to Portugal without his company. And if so be that their enemies would not set him at liberty, that then he did hope in GOD that he would strengthen those few that remained in the fleet, with whom and with the Ordinance that they have, he would come and set him at liberty, and of this he might make full account, and of no other thing.  
The merchandise being landed, the captain General did deliver the same unto the Catual, and also to Diego Dyas whom he left for▪ factor of the same, and to Aluora de Braga the scrivener, who remained in a house which the Catuall had sought out for them. In this space the captain general made himself in a readiness to go aboard his ships, but first the Catuall did reform, and make himself friends with him.  
After that he was a board, he would send no more merchandise a land, until such time he heard news the same were sold, neither yet would go any more a land, because he would run in no such danger, with this the moors were grievously offended, for that they thought that if so be that he would come a land, that there they might do him more hurt then a Seaboorde.  
And for that they would the rather so do, they began to make a mock at the merchandise which he had left a land. Also they wrought all the means they could to hinder their sales thereof, saying that they were little or nothing worth. Of all this the Captain general was informed, 
devices of the Mores to entice them aland.  & for that as he thought the king knew nothing of all these things, neither yet what discourtesy the Catuall had offered him, & for that he should understand the cause why the captain general did not return a land, neither yet would send any more merchandise, he did therefore send him word within five days after by his factor of all that they had done unto him, and also what injury the moors had showed him, touching their Merchants, promising notwithstanding, that he would not let to be at his commandment with all the whole fleet. Then the king seemed to be very greatly offended for that which they had done to the captain general, insomuch as he had sent him unto his ships. But for all that the Catuall went unpunished, although he sent the captain general word, that he would punish those that had so used him, which out of doubt were naughty christians, so that it did well appear that it grieved him very much to hear thereof. And as touching the merchandise he promised to send thither such as should buy the same, as he did indeed seven or eight merchants, which are Gentiles Gusarates, and with his factor he sent a Nayre, which was a principal honest man, to the intent he might remain in the Factorye with the factor, to whom he gave commandment diligently to beware that there should not come any moors to kill him.  
But for because that this was done but under colour that the moors should not seem to suborn the merchants, they bought nothing, but rather did abate the price, of the which the moors were very glad, and said, that now it did well appear that they were not alone that would not buy of their merchandise, yet for all that there durst come no Moor to the factory, they once having notice that there was placed a Nayre by the kings commandment. And if so be that before they did not abide or love us, they ten times worse loved us afterward, so that whensoever any of our men should come a land, they received the same as an injury done unto them, spitting on the ground, saying: Portugal, Portugal. But our men which understood their meaning did laugh thereat, to the end thereby they might see how little they did esteem their doings, for so the captain general commanded them to do. Now perceiving that there was none that would buy of the Merchants, he supposed the cause to be for that they lay in a place where there were no merchants.  
And therefore supposing that if so be that they were in Calicut, where other Merchants are, he should sell the better, did therefore move the King of Calicut by a messenger for licence to send the same, 
Their merchandise paid for by the king himself  which he gave immediately, and commanded the Catuall to see the same brought forthwith, & to such as should carry them, to see them paid at his own costs and charges, for that he would not that any thing of the king of Portugese's, should be at any charges in his Country, and so it was done: but for all this the captain general would never come more a land, for that which the Catuall had done unto him, and for that Bontaybo which came to see him many times, did give him counsel so to do, for that the King was movable, and therefore it was possible that the moors would alter his mind, for the great credit that they were of with him. But the captain general was very wary, and because that he was a Moor, 
Bontaybo used, but not trusted.  he would not much trust him, neither yet would give him account what he was minded to do: yet for that he would seem to have him in some reputation that he should bring him always news of that which did pass on shore, he departed with him both money and other rewards.   

¶ How the captain general being desirous to return toward Portugal, sent to demand license of the King to have a Factor and a scrivener, with such merchants as he thought good: & how the King caused the messenger with one other, that was found a shore to be craried to prison. Chap. 22.  
THe merchants being brought to Calicut, the captain general therewith gave all his men licence to go and see the city of calicut, & to buy there what they thought good, so that there went out of each ship every day a man, and those being returned, there went immediately others. And as they went on this order, they were carried to the Gentiles houses where they had good cheer, and also when occasion served might have among them good lodging. The like courtesy they did receive in Calicut, besides they did report unto our men of all such things as they had, and after the self same manner, our men did bestow amongst them part of that they carried, which were bracelets of brass & of Copper, Pewter, and apparel, which they carried to sell in Calicut, or any other place, where they might go as quiet as in Lisbon. From the land there went aboard both Fisher men & Gentiles to sell their Fish, Cocos and hens, which they gave in truck of biscuit and for ready money. Others there were that went thither with their children, who carried nothing with them to sell, but only their going was to see our ships. The captain general was very glad of their coming, & commanded to give them meat: this he did for to increase the friendship between the King of Calicut & them. After this order, the ships were never without some, & those that were there, remained till such time that night drew on, and then they were bid to go their way. After this sort they spent their time till it was the x. day of August, the which was the beginning of the season wherein they might departed from the Coast of the India's, 
The end of the winter in the India's.  and also for that as than their winter did make an end. The captain general perceiving the quietness of the people and country, and the familiarity they used with our men, and how quietly they went in Calicut, without receiving either hurt of the moors or of the Nayres, did credibly believe that this came to pass, for that the King of calicut would have peace and friendship with the King his Master, was the occasion that almost in three months that our men had trade in calicut they did receive no manner hurt, either of the moors or of the Nayres. He did therefore determine to establish the factory which was there, with all such merchandise as he had left at that present (although the least part thereof was sold) for that there was now laid a good foundation or ground work, for the next voyage when it should please the King his Master to send again, and if it might please God to give him life, that he might bring him news of this discovery, so that it should not be needful to make any new consent or agreement for the factory. And by the counsel of his captains and of the other principals of his ships, he sent unto the King of Calicut a present, of scarves of sundry colours, of silks, corals and other things, which was carried unto him by Diego Dias, desiring the King to pardon him, for that he was so bold as to send him that present, considedering he did the same for no other purpose, but only to show what servitor he was of his, who is and will be always at his commandment, which was the occasion that he sent it, and not for that he thought that things of so small value, were of sufficient dignity, for to represent a King withal of so great a power as he was. And if so be that he had in his custody, that which he might esteem or think to be of a more worthy price, he would send it with a better good will. And for that the time now drew near the he determined to departed, he ordained for the same, and also if so be that he did mind to send any ambassador to the King his Master to confirm the amity or friendship between them, he desired him to command him to be in a readiness, for that he had a confidence that as touching that which he had agreed upon with his highness, as also presuming on the gifts which he had received at his hands, that he might as he was desirous, leave in Calicut that Factor with his scrivener & the merchandise which he had left, not only for a witness of a perpetual peace & friendship settled there with his highness, but also for a testimony of the truth of his Embassage, & of that which the King his Master should send hereafter, as soon as he had news of him, & also for confirmation of his discovery & to get some credit in Portugal, he did therefore send to kiss his hands, requesting him to send to the king his master one Bahar of cinnamon, & another of cloves, & another of some other spices, & as soon as the factor did make any ready money of his wares, he should pay for the same, forsomuch as at the present he had not wherewith to pay. After that Diego Dias had received his message, there past four days afore the King would consent that he should come in his presence, although that he went every day unto his palace. After that he had commanded him to come into his presence, he viewed how and after what sort he came laden, and thereupon asked him with a frowning countenance, what it was that he would have: but Diego Dias at that time was afeard, that he would command him to be killed. But after that he had told him his message and would have delivered him the present, he would not see it, but commanded it to be delivered to his Factor. The answer that he gave touching the captain general was, that since he would needs go his way, 
The kings answer unto Diego Dias.  he might so do: but first or that he do departed, he must give him 600. Serasynes, for so it was the custom of the country. Diego Dias being returned with this present, was accompanied by many Nayres, which he seeing, thought it to be for the best: but as soon as he was come to the factory, 
Diego Dias kept in prison,  they remained at the door, and would not consent, that he or any other should come forth. And after this proclamation was made in all the city, that upon pain of death there should go aboard our fleet no boat or Almadias: but yet notwithstanding all this Bontaybo went, and gave warning to the captain general in secret, not to go a land, nor consent that any of his should go: for that he knew for most certain by the moors, that if so be that he or they should so do, the King would command their heads to be strooken off. And as touching all his fair words and good entertainment, which he had showed him unto that present, as also to give him a house in the which his merchandise might be laid, as also the good entertainment that our men had, was but mere dissimulation, and to the end, he might have taken him a land with them, & so have commanded them all to be killed, which was wrought by the industry of the moors only, which had made the King believe, that they were thieves and went a roving, and that he came not unto his Harbour, but to steal such merchandise as should be brought to the city, and also to espy the country, and after to come with a great fleet for to invade the same. In the self same order was the captain general informed by two Malabars, which are Gentiles, being therefore now in a study what was best to be done, having this advertisement for most certain, as soon as it was night, there came aboard the generals ship, a slave of the colour black, which was naturally borne in Guynee, & belonged unto Diego Dias and also was a Christian, and had the Portugal tongue very well, who told him that Diego Dias and Aluoro de Braga did remain in prison, & what answer the King of calicut had made to his message, & what he had commanded to be done with his present, and also what Proclamations there were made: Diego Dias, for that he thought good to give him knowledge of that which had passed, had bribed a Fisher man to carry this messenger, and that in the night season that he might not be known. After that the captain general had heard all this, he was much offended therewith: howbeit, for that he would see the end thereof, would not departed, but did let pass that day, to see whether that any would come aboard him. The next day which was wednesday, 
Boys sent for spies  being the xv. of August, there came one onlyPinnace or Almadia aboard the General, in the which were four boys, which brought fine precious stones to sell, and for that they came after such sort he took them to be spies, and that their coming was for no other purpose but to see what they did: and by this means he thought he might understand in what reputation they were with the King. This was the occasion the captain general did receive them with as good a countenance as he did before, giving them nothing to understand that he knew of the imprisonment of Diego Dias, and would not therefore lay hand upon those, but upon such as should come afterward (which as he thought should be of more credit) until such time as he had recovered those that were imprisoned.  
Unto those also he wrote a Letter by those boys, with feigned words, saying that he did understand of their imprisonment: this was done in such order, that if so be this letter should have come to any other men's hands, they could not have understood the same. These boys did deliver unto him this letter, who afterward told the king what great entertainment they had at the captain generals hands, which made him to believe that he knew nothing of the imprisonment of his men, whereof he was very glad & did return and send aboard others, and those that should go had warning given them not to disclose, 
The king of calicut's treason towards the captain general.  that the factor with the others did remain prisoners. This was done by policy, for that he made this reckoning to deceive the captain general on this sort, until such time that he was able to send a fleet of ships upon him, or till that the ships of Mecca, should come and take him. On this sort went the Malabars aboard, unto whom the captain general made a good countenance, and commanded them to be entertained very well: all this he did for that he saw none worth the staying. On the Sunday next, there came six principal Malabars, with other fifteen which waited upon them, in another pinnace. And for that the Captain general thought that for those the King would send him his Factor and his scrivenour, he laid hands upon them all, only he left two Mariners in a pinnace, by whom he sent a letter to the King's Factors, 
Certain Malabars stayed in exchange  written in the malabar's tongue, in the which he demanded for the Factor and his scrivener, & then he would send those which he had stayed. The King's factor having perused this letter, he informed the king of the which had passed, who commanded, the Factor & scrivener to be brought home to his house as prisoners, that he might from thence send for them, and to dissemble therewith as though he knew nothing of their imprisonment, & so cause them to be sent from thence to the captain general, for that he might send him those Malabars which he had detained, whose wives made exclamation for the imprisonment of their husbands. And therefore the King was the more willinger to set our men at liberty, who afterward remained a while in the King's Factors house.   

¶ How the captain general seeing the delays were made for that the Factor with the scrivener came not, did bring himself in a readiness as though he would departed immediately, whereupon without any further delay, the King sent them away, and what else happened. Chap. 23.  
THe captain general seeing that they came not, determined to prove whether that with showing himself as though he would departed immediately, they would then send them to him, did therefore on wednesday, being the xxiii. of August command to weigh his anchor, & to bring himself under sail. And for that the wind was contrary he was driven to come to an anchor four leagues from Calicut, riding in an open road, and there they remained till the next Saturday, to see whether they would send their prisoners. And perceiving no likelihood thereof, he went yet further into the Sea, so far, that he scarcely could descry any land, & being at an anchor for lack of wind, there came thither a boat with certain Malabars, which told the captain general that their coming was to seek him out, & to tell him that Diego Dias with the others, were in the kings palace, whom he minded to send aboard, 
Yet 〈◊〉 devices to slay the Portugeses from departing  which thing to be true they would bind themselves that as the next day they should be brought. And the cause why they brought them not as then, was for that they thought they should not overtake him. Now for that they saw not that Malabars that the general kept as prisoners, thought that they were all dead. This crafty dealing was for no other purpose, but to dally with the captain general, & to stay him with those words, that the King might in the mean while prepare in Calicut an army of ships to set upon him and to tarry for the ships of Mecca, to join with his fleet. After this the captain general commanded those of the town, to go their way and not to return without his men, or else their letters, for if so be they did he would sink them with his ordinance. And also if immediately they did not return with an answer, that then he would cut off the heads of those which he had taken. With this answer, those of the town did depart, and immediately as soon as they had wind, he made sail, and bearing along the Coast, came to anchor at the sun set over against calicut.  
The next day our men descried coming seven Almadias, which came aboard the captain generals ship, in the one whereof came Diego Dias and Aluoro de Braga, and in the others there came many others of the country, howbeit, there were none that durst enter within their ships, but did put Diego Dias and Aluoro de Braga in his own boat which they had at their stern, and afterward they themselves fell further off, tarrying for the captain generals answer. To whom Diego Dias said, That as soon as the King of Calicut knew that he was gone, he sent for him from his factor's house and showed himself joyful, as one that knew nothing of his imprisonment, and asked him what was the occasion that the captain general took those men which he doth keep as prisoners, who afterward told him the cause: whereupon the King made answer, that it was well done. He asked him also whether that his Factor had demanded at his hands any thing of gift, speaking against his own Factor which was there present, for that he knew well enough that it was not long ago, since he commanded one other to be killed, for taking certain bribes of merchant scraungers. After all this, he willed him to tell the captain general that he should send him the stone which he promised him to be set in the country, upon the which there is a cross and the royal arms of Portugal, and also to know of him whether he be content to leave Diego Dias for Factor in Calicut, and with the same he sent him a letter for the King of Portugal, which was confirmed and signed by the King, and written by Diego Dias and with this Letter, he sent Aluoro de Braga. The captain general took this Letter, which was written in a certain leaf of a palm tree, upon the which they do use to write matters, that shall endure a long time, the effect whereof was this.  
Vasco de la Gama, a Gentleman of thy house came to my country, 
The effect of the king of calicut's letters.  of whose coming I was very glad. In my country there is great store of cinnamon, cloves, and Pepper, and precious stones. That which I am desirous to have out of thy country, is silver, Gold, coral, & scarlet. The captain general for that he saw the king to use no truth, would not answer for all his offers, but therewith sent him all such as he had stayed that were Nayres, and for all the others, he sent him word, he would not send them, until such time that he sent him all such merchandise as he had taken of his. Notwithstanding he sent him the stone he sent for, & with this answer departed those that brought Diego Dyas aboard. The next day there came a board Bontaybo who told the captain general that he came so suddenly away from Calicut for that the Catuall by the King's commandment had taken from him all that he ever had, saying that he was a christian, and that his coming to Calicut over land was by the king of Portugese's commandment only to be his spy. Other matters there were which he told him of, and that the same came by the moors procurement, the which he knew well, that as they took his goods, so they meant to do him some shrewd turn in his person, if so be that they could have taken him, and therefore he came his way before. The captain general was very glad of his coming, and told him that he would carry him to Portugal, and that there he should recover all his goods with the double, 
Bontaibo willing to go to Portugal  besides other rewards that the king his master would give him. He commanded also that in his ship there should be prepared him a principal good cabin. After this about ten of the clock, there came a board the captain general three Pinnaces laden with men, and upon certain of their seats or benches, there was laid certain skarves, as who should say, there came part of their merchandise. And after these there came other four one after another. And as touching those three that brought those scarves, they told the captain general that there came all their Merchandise which they would put in his boat, and therefore they willed him to bring thither those Malabars which he had prisoners, and that there they would fetch them. The captain general perceiving that this was but a fetch, did will them to go their way, for that he would have none of their merchandise but those Malabars to carry to Portugal, as witnesses of his discovery.  
And if so be that God of his divine goodness do give him life, he would very shortly return to Calicut, and then they should well know whether that those Christians were thieves or not, as the moors had made the king of calicut believe, and therefore that was the cause why he did them so manifest wrong. This being done he commanded to shoot of many pieces of ordinance, with the fear thereof they ran their way.  
And if so he that the King's ships had been in a readiness and a float, they had sent them against the Captanie general, but they were haled up for because of the Winter, which was to be believed to have been the handy work of GOD, that our ships should be there at this season, for that they might escape and carry news of the discovery of this country, to restore in the same the holy Catholic Faith, otherwise if it had been Summer he would have had his fleet in a readiness, the which was great, and so have taken us all, and by this means there had been none left to have carried news to Portugal.   

Of the departure of the captain general from calicut toward Portugal, and what further happened unto him being in the island Ansandina. Cap. 22.  
ALthough that the captain general rejoiced very much for that he had discovered Calicut, yet he was not fully satisfied therewith altogether, for that the king had conceived against him great displeasure, & by this means as he judged the next fleet that the king his master, should send, would run in great danger. Howbeit perceiving that it lay not in his power to do any more, he was therefore contented only with the discovery, and to have known the India's, & of their navigation, & what was commodious for the country, and to have brought with him from thence examples of the spices, drugs, and precious stones, as also of all other things that were within the same city. And having there no more to do, he departed, caring with him those Malabars which he had taken, for that by them he hoped to have some agreement made with the king of Calicut at the return of any other fleet. The Thursday after his departure, being in ralme a league of from Calicut, there came toward him to the number of lx. Tonies full of soldiers, by the which the king of Calicut thought to have taken them, who seeing them coming commanded his ordinance to be shot of at them, & that oftentimes, and if he had not done so, they would have put him in great danger for that they followed him an hour and a half. And by reason of a shower of rain which came upon a sudden, the captain general was driven a sea board with all his fleet, & in the mean while the enemies fled their way, and bearing his course towards Mylinde in great calms, & that along the coast, thought good & convenient although the king of Calicut had abused him sundry ways, that for the necessity that those that should return to Calicut, should have of his friendship and favour to receive from thence their lading of Spices, to use as it were some friendship with them, since that the king would be glad thereof, in especial being exalted, did therefore write unto him a letter in the Arabian tongue, which was penned in that language by Bontaybo, in the which he did crave pardon for the caring away of those Malabars with him, which was done for no other intent then that they should be as witnesses of that the which he had discovered, as before he had sent him word. And for that he left no factory in calicut (the which he was sorry for) was for fear lest that the moors should kill him, which was also the occasion that he was not often times a land. Yet for all that he did not leave, but would be always at his commandment, since that the king, his master would be glad of his friendship, and also forthwith would send him in his fleet great abundance of all such merchandise as he doth demand for, by the trade, that from hence forth he should have with the Portugese's in his city, would redound unto him great profit. This letter was delivered unto one of the Malabars to carry the same a land to the place where it was commanded to be delivered. And afterward he knew that the same was delivered to the king of Calicut. Then the captain general going forward in his course, & that along the coast, on the next Thursday after, he fell amongst certain rocks, with all his fleet, and from one of them that was inhabited there came forth sundry Pinnaces with men, within the same to sell them Fish, and other victuals. The captain general did receive them very courteously, who commanded to give them both shirts and other things, of the which they were very glad, whereupon he took occasion to ask them whether they would be content that there should be erected a mark with a cross in the same, with the royal arms of Portugal, in token that the Portugeses are their friends. And they answered that they were contented, and thereby they well knew that we were christians, and so was the mark placed, and since that time it is called El Padron de Sancta Maria. Now to this day by the foresaid name the rock is called. From hence as soon as the night drew on and that the wind began to blow of the shore, the captain general made sail, and keeping always along the coast on the thursday after, being the 19 of September he fell with a goodly high land, and hard to the same there lay six little islands, and there he came to an anchor, and going a land to take in water did there find a young man, which did demand, concerning the captain general, whether he were a Moor or a Christian, they answered him that he was a christian. This he did as it was thought with fear, lest that they should have killed him, forsomuch as in that place there were no christians. This young man did carry our men within a certain river, & showed them most excellent water the which issued out between certain rocks, and so: his pains they gave him a red night cap. The next morning following there came from the land four others in a small boat a board the captain general, which brought with them to sell many gourds and Cowcombers, and they were demanded by the general whether there were in that country any cinnamon or Pepper. They answered that there was nothing but cinnamon, and for that he was desirous to see the same, 
Cinnamon growing.  he sent with them two of his men, the which at their return brought with them two green boughs of certain trees which they do take to be the same, reporting that thereof, there was a great grove, howbeit the same was wild. And at their return there came with them more than 20. of that country men, which brought to sell hens, gourds, & cows milk. Also they requested the captain general to send with them certain of his men, for that shortly after, they should return with great store of dry cinnamon, hogs, and hens, but for all their great offers, he would let none of his men go, for that he feared least the same was some treason. The next day after before dinner, our men going a land to cut wood somewhat far of, from the place where they were, fell on a soddeine upon two boats, the which lay hard by the shore side.  
The captain general would not immediately procure to know what they were, till it was after Dinner, for than he thought to know the same. And being in a readiness to departed, did first command one of his mariners to go up to the top, to see whether that he could descry any other vessels a sea board or not, who being there told him that he had sight of eight great ships which were incalmed, with this news he left his going to see the others, & put himself in a readiness, the wind was in such sort that it might serve them both, & as they came within two leagues of our fleet, the captain general made toward them. The enemies perceiving that, did immediately fly toward the shore▪ And they bearing after this sort, was broken the Rudder of one of the same, by reason whereof those that were within the ship were forced to go in their boats toward the land. Nicholas coelo who was next to this ship, went immediately and laid the same aboard, thinking indeed to find in it some great shore of riches, howbeit there was nothing else but Cocos and Melasus, which is a certain kind of Sugar made of palms or Date trees. Also he found therein many bows, arrows, swords, spears and targets, and the other seven ran themselves a ground, and for that our men could not come near unto them with their ships, they followed them in their boats, and from thence did beat them with their ordinance, so that their enemies were driven to leave their ships, and being yet the next day at an anchor, there came unto him seven men of the country in an Almadias, who told him that those eight ships were of Calicut, the which the king had sent for to take him, as by those that fled away they understood.   

How the captain general went to Ansandina to take in water, & also how he took there a Moor prisoner, which was servant to the Lord of the island of Goa called Sabayo, the which was taken for a spy. cap. 25.  
AFter that the captain general was thus informed, he would tarry there no longer, but immediately came to an anchor at the island of Ansandina, the which was distant from thence as it were two gun shot, where it was told him, there was excellent sweet water. This island is but little, and but a league of from the firm land. There are in the same many woods, and also two conduit heads, made of free stone of excellent sweet water, the which are springs and do rise there, whereof one is six foot deep. Also in the sea about the said island is great store of fish. Before that the moors did use to traffic to the India's, the same was inhabited by Gentiles, 
Ansandina forsaken of the inhabitants  in the which there were goodly buildings, in especial their Pagodes was a goodly thing. And after that the moors which came from the red sea began to sail that way, they resorted thither always to take in their water and wood, and did so abuse the inhabitants that they could not well abide the same, so that they left their dwellings there, but before their going away, they plucked down almost all their Pagods▪ so that they left nothing standing but the very chapel, the like they did to all other their buildings, yet for all that these Gentiles that were of the firm land, which belong to the king of Narsingas, had to this Pagode such devotion that from thence they would go sundry times to make in the same their prayers unto three black stones that were lying in the midst of the said chapel.  
The island is called Ansandina which in the malabar's language is called the five islands, for that round about the same there lie the other four. The captain general having come to an anchor, sent Nicholas coelo with his company to discover the same, who found it according as afore is declared, and a goodly place or ground, where they might new grave their ships. And for that the captain general had a great course to run, and also for that he knew not when to find so convenient a place, he consulted with the other captains to bring their ships there a ground. The first ship that they brought there a ground, 
They repair their ships.  was the ship the which they called Berrio. And whilst they were thus occupied, there came many people to sell them victuals. At which time there came two small Brickentines that had out their standards, and flags in the tops of their masts, and within them their trumpets and Drumnies, whereupon they came playing, at their pleasure. In these Brickentines there came many men, and they all at the oar, and along the shore side there were other five which came to secure them if they should have any need.  
The captain general after that he had fight of them, had warning given him by the Malabars to beware of them, for that they were rovers, and under a colour of peace, did rob all that they could take. And after that he was entered into his ship, he perceived that he might have taken them if so be that he would have consented to let them to come aboard him, but he would not agree to the same. And therefore as soon as they came within gun shot, commanded all their ordinance to be shot at them from those two ships that were a float. They fearing this shot, gave out a loud voice crying, Tambarane, Tambarane, for so they do call God, and with this often shooting they fled their way.  
Nicholas coelo being as then in his boat, went after them always shooting his ordinance, who pursued them so far that the captain general was driven to put up his flag for a sign he should return, and so he did.  
The next day after the captain general with all his men being a land, working upon the ship called Berrio, there came in two little Paraos to the number of twelve men of the country, the which in their apparel seemed to be of some countenance, 
Sugar Canes growing there.  who brought for a present a bundle of Sugar Canes, and immediately as soon as they had delivered the same, they asked licence to go aboard and to see the ships, for that they never saw any before. The captain general was greatly offended with this their request, for by that he feared lest that they were spies: and whilst they were in this talk, there came thither other two Paraos, with as many more men. Those that came first, seeing that the captain general was somewhat grown in choler, did will those that came afterward, not to come a land but to return again. The ship Berrio being made in a readiness, & afterward that the generals ship was brought a ground to be new rigged, and having a land about her, all the other captains, there came a man in a little Parao, who seemed to be of the age of forty years, and not of that country, for that he had upon him a Sabaco of fine Cotten, which reached down to his heels, and about his head a toocke or towel, which also covered part of his face, and at his girdle a Faw●●in or Skeyne. And assoon as he leapt a land, he went immediately to embrace the captain general as one that had seen him or known him before, and after the self same sort he used the other captains, telling them that he was a Christian, and borne in Italy, and that he was brought into that country of a child, and that his dwelling was with a Noble man that was a Moor, called Sabayo the which was Lord of a certain island called Goa, lying about twelve leagues from thence, and had forty thousand horsemen within the said island. And for that his habitation was amongst the moors, he observed their law, howbeit it was but for an outward show, but inwardly in his soul he was a Christian: and being in Sabayos house it was told him, that there was come by Sea to calicut certain men in ships, whereof there was never seen the like in the India's, and that there were none that understood their language, and also that their bodies were covered over with clothes. And when he had understanding of the same, he immediately judged them to be Frangnes, for so they do call those that are Christians in that country, and for that he was desirous to see them, had therefore asked license of Sabayo, saying that if so be that he would not give him licence to go and see them, that he knew very well that he should die with very thought and anger: by reason whereof he gave him licence, by whom he sent them word, that if so be that there were in his country any thing that they had need of, they should have the same, in especial ships and victuals. And moreover, if they would come and dwell in his country, he would be very glad thereof, and would give both them and theirs sufficient living, with the which they should live very honourably.  
After that he had ended thus his talk, the captain general asked him particularly for the country of Sabayo, and other things: whereupon he requested of the captain general a chief for to send to a companion of his, which remained in the firm land, for that it was agreed between them, that if so be that he were well entertained, that he would send unto him a token in sign thereof. This kind of dealing made the captain general suspect him, notwithstanding, he commanded a chief to be given him, and also two new loaves, the which he sent to his companion as aforesaid, and he remained always talking with the captain general: His talk was so much, that some time he discovered himself to be a spy.  
Paulo de la Gama, which noted the same, asked of certain country men what he was, and they up and told him, that he was a rover, and that he had laid aboard other ships, which had been there brought a ground before that time. The captain general being thereof informed, commanded him to be carried aboard his ship, which was then a ground, and there he commanded him to be well whipped to confess, whether that all or any part of the same was true that he had told him, and also what he meant by his coming thither, and whether he were a Moor or a Christian, who answered that he was a Christian as he had said before, all the rest he denied, & therefore the General sought one other more cruel torment then whipping, which was by hanging of him up by his members by a pulley, to hoist him up and down: and by the great pain which he suffered there, he requested to be let down, for that as their he would tell him the truth: 
A notable counterfeit discovered  and being come down, he declared that he was a spy, and was sent thither, to discover how many men the captain general had, and what weapons, forsomuch as he was ill beloved along all that Coast, because he was a Christian. 
A kind of boats so called  And that there were manyr Atalayas or foists placed in every bay or Kricke to set upon him: howbeit they durst not until such time as there came thither other forty great vessels, which were a making in a readiness for to join with those that are armed, and so to set upon him, and to take him: and therefore in the mean space he was sent to know what he said, he affirmed also, that he knew not certainly, when those forty sail would come. This much he declared after that he had received three or four torments: all the rest they understood by conjectures, forsomuch as he did not particularly declare the same.  
The captain general seeing that he would declare no more, was contented with the advice he had given him, and commanded him to prison under the hatches, for to carry with him unto Portugal: also to be cured very well, and to give him some refreshing of victuals. Afterward he told him that he did not mind to keep him prisoner to have him as his captive, but to carry him unto the King his Master, to the end he might tell him some news of the India's, knowing very well that he would reward him. Now the captain general having knowledge of the coming of his enemies, would therefore tarry no longer than whilst his ship was new dressing, the which was done in ten days.  
At this instant the captain general was offered for the ship, the which ship he had taken of the eight, that did set upon him a thousand Fanons, but he would not take it, saying that he would not sell any thing that was his enemies, but commanded the same to be burnt. The captain generals ship being ready and the water being taken in, he immediately departed upon the fifth day of October, and going a Sea board, about a two hundred leagues from thaf island, than the Moor which he carried with him as prisoner, seeing there was no other remedy, said, that now he would tell him the truth how that indeed he did dwell with the Sabayo, to whom word was brought that the Captain general went wandering upon the Seas, as one that knew not where he was, and therefore there was in preparing a great fleet for to take him. The Sabayo having notice thereof, commanded him to go thither to visit him, and to mark how they went, and also to see whether that he could bring them to Goa, which if so be that he could bring to pass, he would as then lay hand upon them, for that the fame went that they were valiant, and so meant to keep them to make wars against other Kings his next neighbours. These news the captain general was glad to hear of, and gave him from thenceforth better entertainment, & allowed him both apparel and also money, & afterward he was made a Christian, to whom he gave for name Gaspar, 
A Moor christened  in honour of one of the three Kings, called Magus of that name, and for that the captain general was his God father, he gave him the title of his surname, and so ever after he was called Gaspar de la Gamas.   

¶ How the captain general went forward on his Voyage toward Mylind, and of the great troubles he passed, until such time as he came thither. Chap. 26.  
FOllowing from hence his course towards Mylind, whether he was minded to return to take in there an ambassador, he went always in cruel storms, which the captain general continually endured, until such time he had entered the gulf, & having always the wind right against him, it was the occasion that the ships made but small way, and therefore it was the longer time before he entered the gulf. But after that he was entered within the same, he was again troubled with great calms, which on the Sea is very troublesome, not only for the governing of their ships, but also with the heat, which is more hurtful upon the sea, then upon the land, for that there is no covering to defend the sun, 
Men stifled with the sun only.  whereon with the same only men are stiffeled up, as hath been seen in the voyage toward the India's. And as I say the wind having coursing thus with the heats, the space of many days together, did afterward return and break up in contrary winds to go forward, and very good to go backward. But the captain general being loath to go backward, would yet rather tarry there where he was, as indeed he did. And when he perceived that the wind was so great and the Seas went so high, that there was no tarrying for him with his ships, than was he driven of force to keep the Seas, sometime on this board, and sometime that; so that both he and his men passed great troubles, by reason they all had enough to do to govern their ships. And hoping that after so great storms there would come fair weather, were driven once more to pray for those great calms which they had before. And when they saw that this weather was like to endure many days, and that their water began to fail them, was the occasion that the captain general commanded the same to be delivered by order.  
And going in this necessity, and also with fowl weather, the people began to fall sick a disease in their gums, as they did in the river, De buenas Sennal●s, when as they went to Calicut, 
The scurf.  & also their arms and legs did swell, besides other swellings which did rise in their bodies, by reason of a pestilent stinking humour, which did cast them into a lask, and of this new infirmity, there died to the number of thirty persons. And after that they began once to die, and had continued this kind of weather upon the Seas, there arose such a fear amongst those that did remain alive, that they fared in the same, as it were men amazed, and believed verily that they should never go from thence, for that as they thought this kind of weather was always durable there, and that the same was the cause that it endured so long. The Masters and Pilots of the fleet were of the like opinion, which made the rest believe it the sooner, that by this means the cry of all those that were there, as well of them that were sick as of the other, was great, saying that since the weather would not serve them to go from thence, yet they requested him not to be an occasion of their death, but rather consent to return unto calicut, or else to some other place in the India's, and being there, to receive what God should appoint them, rather than to die in those seas of to terrible diseases, for which there was no likelihood of any remedy, in especial having lack of all other things, as of victuals and water, which as then they began to want, by reason that by their long continuance in the said place was all spent. The captain general seeing the great fear that his men were in, and for to animate them the more, said unto them all on this sort, requesting them to be content, and not to believe that such weather as was there coursed by them on that sort, was always like to continue, for if so be that it were so, then there would be no navigation from the gulf to the Strayghtes of Mecca, nor to Mylind, nor yet from any other place, by the which they should pass: And that it was not unpossible, but that they might somewhat digress from their right course, and therefore they met with these calms and winds which they endured, yet those he said should have an end, and with the same, their troubles will likewise end.  
But for all this, the mariners would not believe him, for that in this trouble they had continued four months, and also that there were dead of their fellows, thirty persons: so that there were so few of them remaining, 
A woeful mortality  that there was not to every ship sixteen persons left to govern the same: and of them there were some, that were very sick of the disease above said. By this means they fell into such a desperation, by reason that they thought they should go no further, and as they do affirm, that Paulo de la Gama, and Nicholas coelo, being both of them captains made agreement each of them in their ships to the other, that if so be that there would come any wind, by the which they might return into the India's, that then they would surely do so.  
Being thus determined, upon a sudden there came a fresh gale of wind, with the which the fleet might go forward, and with the same in sixteen days they came within sight of land, being on a Wednesday the second of Februarye: at the which the mariners rejoiced in such sort that by means of the same, they had forgotten their troubles and dangers that they were passed, and gave unto God great thanks for all his gracious benefits.  
And when that they had sight of the land, they found themselves so near unto it, that the captain general gave commandment to cast about into the Sea, so much as might be thought sufficient for to stay until the morning, the which being come, they went forthwith for to reknowledge the land, and for to see where they were, for that as now there was none that knew the same, although that one of the moors said, that they had then taken their Course directly towards Monsanbique, which standeth between certain islands, standing over against them, three hundred leagues of the shore, whereas the people of the same country are continually sick of the same disease, that our men were. The morning being come he went to reknowledge the land, and came before a goodly great city, which was walled round about and within the same, very fair and high houses, and in the midst of the same there was a great palace, which stood very high, and seemed to be of a goodly building, all this they saw very well out of their ships. This city is called Magadoxo, 
The city of Magadoxo.  which standeth at the end of the said gulf in the Coast of Aethiopia, a hundred & thirteen leagues from Mylind, the situation whereof I shall declare hereafter. And for that the captain general knew the same to be a city of moors, when as he went along the Coast, he commanded to shoot of many pieces of ordinance, and also for that he could not tell how far he was from Mylind, from thence forward he stayed in the night, because he would not pass the same. Forthwith, on Saturday being the fifth of February, lying over against a village of the moors, which they call Pate, being a hundred and three leagues from Magadoxo, there came from thence eight Terradas which is a certain kind of boats of that country, being all full of soldiers, and made their way strait toward our fleet, from whence we shot so many pieces of ordinance, that they thought themselves happy to have escaped by running away. Howbeit our men did not follow them for lack of wind. The next monday following, the general arrived at Mylind, and being there, the King sent to visit the captain general with sundry fresh victuals, sending him word also, how glad he was of his coming. The general answered him again, by Fernan Martin's, by whom he sent him a Present: and for because of those that were sick, whom he was desirous to have cured, he tarried there five days, in the which time, there died of them many. At this present by the King's licence, he caused to be set a land a mark, in token of friendship. And after that he had provided himself of victuals, he departed on a wednesday in the morning, being the xvii. of February, with an ambassador whom the king did send, to the king of Portugal, for a perpetual confirmation of friendship between them.   

Of the death of the captain generals brother, and of the burning of one of the ships called Saint Raphael, & also how he arrived in Portugal, and of the honour the king gave him at their meeting. cap. 27.  
NOw for that the captain general had not men enough to govern the whole fleet, he thought good and that by the advise of the other captains, to burn one of those ships, and that the same should be Saint Raphael, which they determined to do the rather, forsomuch as the same was all open, and they had not brought him a ground as they did the others, and also determined to burn the same upon the shoels of Saint Raphael, 
The raphael burned.  unto which place they came on the Sunday following, where (what for taking in of her furniture, as also for burning the same) he spent five days, and during that time from a village the which is called Tangata, there were brought to sell many hens. This being done the captain general departed, having with him in his ship his brother called Paulo de la Gama, and on the twenty of February he found himself with only Nicholas coelo in the island of Zenziber, 
The I'll of Zenziber.  which standeth in the altitude of six degrees, lying but ten leagues from the firm land. This island is very great with the other two that standeth near unto it, whereof the one is called Pemba, and the other Mofya, and are very fertile, and have in them great store of victuals. Their groves are of Orange trees, which bringeth forth goodly oranges. They are inhabited by moors, which are but a weak kind of people, and they have but small store of weapons, howbeit they go very well appareled, in silk and fine cloth made of Cotten, the which they do buy in Mombassa, of Merchants of Cambayo. The women have store of jewels of gold from Sofala, and of silver from the island of Saint Larence. They are merchants & their trade is in the firm land, and thither they do carry victuals to sell in little boats. Each of these islands hath a king of himself, the which also do observe Mahomet's law as all the rest of the subjects do.  
As soon as the king of Zenziber heard that the captain general was there arrived, he sent to visit him and sent him great presents of the fruits of the country, requesting him of his friendship, to the which he agreed. After all this he departed on the first of March, and came to an anchor before the islands of Saint George in Monsanbique, and the next day after he sent a mark to be erected within that island, where at his going thither he heard mass, & without any conversation with those of Monsanbique he departed. And on the third of March he came to the island of Saint blaze, where he stayed to take in his water, and to victual himself of Sea wolves, and of Solitarius, which they salted to eat whilst they were on the sea, and for the same they gave God great thanks. After that they were departed from thence (being once before put back with westerly winds) which blew right against them, God of his goodness sent them so prosperous a wind, that on the twentieth of March, they had doubled the Cape of Buena Esperansa with great pleasure, forsomuch as all those that came thither were all in health and very strong, and as they thought were all in good liking to arrive at Lisbon.  
And finding here a cold wind which endured well twenty days, did set them in a good forwardness toward the island of Santiago, which by their Sea cards was by the Pilots we known not to be at the uttermost a hundred leagues from thence. Some there were that thought themselves to be with the same, but it was not so.  
Here that goodly and fair wind did fail them, and forsomuch as the captain general would needs know where that he was, (for that he could not tell) by reason there fell certain showers which came from the landward, he commanded to make as much way as they could possible. And going after this sort, on Thursday being the xxv. of April, he commanded the Pilot to let fall his plummet, who found that they were in xxv. Fathom.  
Yet in all that day, sailing and keeping the self same course, the least water that they came to, was at xx. Fathom, and therefore the pilots judged themselves to be upon the shoels Deal zio Grands. All the rest of this voyage particularly what adventures the captain general did pass, until such time as he came to the island of Santiago, I could not come to the knowledge thereof, but only how that as they went near to the same, Nicholas coelo to carry the king news of this discovery, did on a certain night a part himself from the captain general, and followed his course unto Portugal, where he arrived at a place called Cascais on the x. of July, in the year of our Lord God. 1499. who informed the king of all that the captain general had passed in the discovery of the India's, and of the commodities that he had brought with him from thence. Of whose discovery the king was so glad to hear of, and that they might trade into the India's by sea, as when he was proclaimed king of the kingdoms of Portugal. Now after that the captain general found missing Nicholas coelo he went forward on his course toward the island of Santiago, for because his Brother was very sick of a Tyssicke, and also for that his ship made but small way, for that she was all open, and therefore he did freight there a carvel which he found there for to carry him to Portugal before that he should die, who left there john de Sala for captain of his ship as I said before, who as soon as the ship was new rigged, had charge to bring the same to Portugal, from the which place the general departed, with his brother in the carvel, whose infirmity did daily increase, in such sort that the captain general was driven to bear with the island of the Terceras. And being there arrived, commanded that his brother might be brought a land, where he was so cruelly handled with his disease that he died thereof, who at his end showed himself to be a good and perfect christian, and a very honest Gentleman. After that he was dead and buried, the captain general departed toward Portugal, who came to Belen in the month of September, in the self same year. 1499. being two year & two months passed after his departure from Lisbon, with 108. men & of them came back but fifty alive, which considering their great travail and trouble that they had passed, was very much. After that the captain general had given God great thanks for that he had escaped so many great dangers, he sent word of his arrival unto the king of Portigale, who for the great pleasure that he received of his coming sent Don Diego de la silva de Menesis, Lord of Portugalete, with many other Gentlemen to receive him as they did, & brought him unto the court with an exceeding great number of people, that came thither to see so new & rare a matter, as that was of the captain General, not only for that he had done, but also for that they took him for dead: being come to the King's presence, his highness gave him so great an honour as such a one deserved, who by the discovery of the India's, did give so great a glory unto the eternal God, and honour and profit to the crown and kingdom of Portugal, and a perpetual fame to all the world. Afterward he made him knight, & to him and to his heirs for ever he gave for arms the royal arms of Portugal, & also to set at the foot of the scutcheon two Does the which they call Gamas. Also he gave him toward this his living three hundred thousand Ceis a year, the which may be worth of our money 200. pound a year, and this to be paid out of the tithes of the fish in the village of Sinis. Moreover he promised him to make him Lord of the said village, forsomuch as he was borne there. And until such time that he could give him the same, he allowed him a thousand crowns a year, the which he did well perform, from that time forward, and after that he had received the possession thereof, he did pass it over unto the house appointed, for the contraction of the India's. Moreover he granted him that after the trade of the India's was settled or established, that then he might lad for his own account to the sum of. 200. ducats in spices, & that without paying for the same any custom at all. Also he gave him other possessions & rents and a bill of remembrance to make him Lord. As for Nicholas coelo, he made him a Gentleman of his house, and gave him possessions, and did allow him some recompense toward his charges. The king himself with this new discovery did increase his titles with a new and a famous stile, of Lord of the conquest and navigation of Aethiopia, Arabia, Persia, and of the India's.   

How the king of Portugal did nominate A Pedro all Verez Cabral for captain general of a fleet toward Calicut, for to settle there a factory, and of his departure from Lisbon. Chap. 28.  
BEing certainly known to the king of Portugal, 
The preparation unto the second voyage.  that from his kingdom there is a navigation to the India's, and also of the innumerable riches, that there are in those parts among the Gentiles, sundry Christians, did therefore determine to prosecute and follow the discovery of the same, giving all praise and land unto the eternal God, for his great benefits that he hath bestowed upon him, to let him be the first that hath discovered this new world, the which hath always been so close upon the Sea, that there hath been none in all Europe that durst adventure that way. But he not remembering the trouble of his spirit, neither yet the spending of his treasure, nor the danger of his subjects, would nevertheless take this most famous enterprise in hand, for that there might be in the India's published the evangelical law, to the end that those kind of lost people, might receive the same, as also for the increasing, not only of his own treasure, but generally the benefit of all his subjects.  
And that the same might take the better effect, he determined to give the attempt (if it were possible) to settle a Factorye in calicut by gentleness, for as he once understood that the dwellers in the same were inclined to trade, he thought that after this sort there would grow between them and us conversation, and so a friendship, the which might be an occasion that they would incline themselves to hear the word of God preached. And being thus fully determined, he commanded to be in a readiness against the next year following, a fleet of ten ships and two carvels, which should go well laden with all such things as Vasco de la Gama should inform him to be spent in calicut. Also there went others toward Sofala and Quyloa, where also he commanded certain factories to be settled, not only for the gold which they have there, but also that their ships might always touch there. And concerning such as should be appointed for calicut, 
The names of the generals captains, & Factors.  he named for captain general of this fleet, a Gentleman called Pedro Aluares Cabral, who came of an honourable house of the Cabralls, and for his petty captain, a Gentleman called Sancho de Toar. The names of the other captains as many as I knew were these, Nicholas coelo, Don Luis continuo, Simon de Myseranda, Simon Leyton, Bartholome Dyas, who discovered the Cape Buena Esperansa, Dyego Dyas, his brother, that which went before for purser with Vasco de la Gama. Those that were captains of the caravels were one Pedro de Taide, and Vasco de la Siluera, and for Factor of the whole fleet, was one Aries Correa, who likewise should remain for Factor in calicut, and for his clerks there were appointed one named Gonsalo Gyl Barbasa, & Pedro vas Caninon. Of this fleet there should remain and stay with the Merchants and merchandise in Sofala two ships, and with the same should contineu for Factor one called Loriso Hurdato. In this fleet there went. 1500. men. The Articles which the captain general carried in his instructions, besides those of the settling of the Factory was, that if so he that the king of calicut would not quietly consent, or give sufficient lading, for those ships which he carried nor consent to have the factory settled there: That then he should make him most cruel war, for the injury which he showed unto Vasco de la Gama. And if so be that the factory might be quietly settled, than he should request the king in secret that he do not consent in calicut, or in any other of his harbours belonging to his kingdom, any of the moors of Mecca to remain there, forsomuch as he would send him from hence forth all such merchandise as they do bring, and that far better cheap than they do sell the same. Moreover, that in their way they do touch at Milinde to set there a land the ambassador, which Vasco de la Gama brought from thence, and to send the king a present. Also the king did send with the fleet five friars of the order of Saint Frances, of whom went for Vicar, a friar called Fraij Henrique, the which was afterward Bishop of Siebta, 
Friars sent to the Malabars.  and he to remain in the factory, to preach the Catholic faith unto the Malabars.  
The fleet being dispatched, the king in person on Sunday being the viii of March went to hear mass at the monastery of Belem, going thither in Procession, having the captain general, the which heard mass with him, within the curtain, for on that sort, he meant to give honour to such as did serve him in such dangerous affairs as this was.  
The mass was said after the Portugal order, and at the same there was a Sermon made by Don Diego Ortis, who was then Bishop of Vyse●, who gave great praise unto the captain general for accepting the said voyage at the King's hands, since that thereby he did not only serve the king, who is his temporal Lord, but also the eternal God, who is spiritual. And also that every one might well know that none of all the nobles, the which are so highly commended as well in the Grecian histories as in the Latin and barbarous, was equal unto the captain general in taking upon him this voyage. And further he gave him other great praises for the which he was envy at, the mass being ended, there was a Banner which had the royal arms of Portugal, upon the same delivered unto the Bishop, who after that he had blessed the same, the king with his own hand did deliver it unto the captain general, for to bestow it in his main top. And after that he had received the same, 
A jewel of great price.  he took at the Bishop's hands a bonnet or night cap the which the Pope had blest, and sent for a great jewel, and with his own hands did put the same on the captain generals head, saying that he did present unto him a jewel the which he did much esteem. And afterward that the Bishop had given him his blessing, the king with the same did accompany him to the water side, where the captain general with all the captains of the fleet took their leave of the king, and did kiss his hands, and the king gave them God's blessing & his, with the which they went all a board, from whence they shot off all the ordinance that was in the fleet, the which made a wonderful noise. The king being returned to Lisbon, for that the fleet could not that day departed, by reason of the weather. The next day which was the ninth of March, in the year of our Lord. 1500. having a sufficient good gale of wind, with the which the fleet might go out of the river. The captain general did then make a sign that the rest of the fleet should weigh their anchors, the which immediately they did begin with great diligence and triumph that the mariners made. And when it was eight of the clock in the morning the whole fleet having weighed, did then begin to cut and spread their sails with a great pleasure, and cry saying altogether, Buen voyage, that is to say, A lucky and prosperous voyage. After all this they began all to be joyful, every man to use his several office, the governor in the midst of the ship, haling the main sheeets, with the Capsteine. The Mariners and ship boys, some in the forecastell haling bollings, braces, and Martnets: other belying the sheeets both great and small, and also serving in trimming the sails, and others the nettings and foretop sails, other some vering the trusses and also beleying brases and top sails sheeets, and coiling every sort of ropes. It was wonderful to see such a number of diversities of offices, in so small a room, as is the breadth and length of a ship. All the fleet being under sail, departed that day without any stay by a quarter wind, and being with the same under sail, on the xiv. of March, they came within the sight of the Canarias, and on the xxij. of the same month, they passed by the island called Santiago, and on the xxiiii. of the same month, they lost the company of one of their ships, of the which went for captain one Vasco de Tayde, who was captain of the fleet also, although he never declared the same, the which never after was seen.   

¶ How the captain general came unto brasil, and afterward how there was lost four ships of the fleet. Chap. 29.  
THis ship being thus gone, the captain general tarried for the same two days, and on the xxiiii. of April they did descry land, of the which they were very glad, not only for that they had discovered the same, but because that the Pilots supposed the same to be some other land, that Vasco de la Gama had not discovered, for that it stood to the East, and immediately the captain general commanded his Master to go in his small boat and to see what kind of people were those that dwolt in the said country, who returned with an answer, saying, that the same land was a goodly fair and fertile country, in the which there were great store of words, and that there walked many men along the water sides with this news, the captain general came to an anchor, & sent once more his Master with great diligence to inform himself of the country and of their dwellings, and found that the people were of colour somewhat black, and men well proportioned, howbeit they went all naked, having both bows and arrows. But when night was come, there fell so great a storm that the captain general with all the rest of the fleet, were feign to weigh their anchors, and run along the Coast, until such time as they found a good Port, in the which they came to an anchor, unto the which the captain general did give for name, Puerto Seguro, forsomuch as the same served for all wethers. Here our men took two men of that country, the which went in an 〈◊〉 who were brought before the captain general, that he might inform himself what Country that was, which could not be known notwithstanding, forsomuch as there was none in all the fleet that could understand them, by any tokens or signs. The captain general seeing that Theridamas was no means for to inform himself by them, commanding to give them apparel, that the others might be desirous to bring them victuals to sell, with other things which they had in their country, & with this they went their way, with great joy of that Captain generals gift. And when they were come a land amongst their companions, & they perceived their good entertainment, did adventure to come to confer with our men. The captain general finding himself indifferently in this country, did determine to take in fresh water to comfort his men withal, for that he knew not when he should chance with like opportunity. And for that God might the rather and then, he commanded on the next day, which was on Easter week, a mass should be said a land, that which was so done with great solemnity & that under a pavilion, in which there was made a Sermon by Fraij Henrique, Doctor of divinity. And whilst ye divine service was a celebrating, there assembled many of the country people together, which showed themselves to be very merry with playing & leaping which they made, besides their sounding upon cornets, horns, & other instruments. After mass was ended, & that the captain general was going a ship board, these people went with him until he took his boat, singing & making a thousand manner of pastimes: this day after dinner, the captain general gave our men licence to go a land to buy & sell with them, which they did, & in truck of paper & cloth, they gave them parrots, & other sundry sort of birds, which were all very fair, whereof they have great abundance, 
Ornaments made of parrot's feathers.  with the which they make feathered hats & night caps, which are very gallant. Some of our men that went to see their towns do declare the the same is a goodly country & fertile of woods, with great store of goodly waters, & plenty of fruits, & that there is gathered in the same great quantity of cotton. 
The country of Brasil discovered  And for that this country is that which we call Brasil, which to all men is common, I will not speak of the same further, but only that in viii. Days that the captain general stayed there, was seen a fish which the sea did cast a land, that was greater than any Tonel, & of the breadth of two of them, howbeit he was round: the head & eyes were much like unto a hogs, his cares like unto an Elephants, he had no teeth, but under his belly he had two issues, his tail was three quarters of a yard in breadth, & as much in length, his skin, was like unto a hogs skin, which was a finger thick. In this island the captain general commanded to be erected a high cross of stone, and therefore he gave the same to name La tierra de Santa Crus. From hence he sent a carvel which he brought forth with him for the same purpose, with letters unto the King his Lord, of all that which had chanced him unto this place, and how that he had left there two banished men of those twenty, the which he carried with him, to the end they might better inform themselves what country that same was, and whether it were a firm land, as it did appear unto them, all, by the great distance of the Coast that they had found, and because of the great voyage which he had taken in hand to make, he could not send to know perfectly. With this carvel he sent a man of that country for a show, by what kind of people the same was inhabited. This carvel being departed, the next day after being the second day of May, the Captain general departed with all his fleet, bearing his course toward the Cape Buena esperansa, the which was from thence almost 1200. leagues, which is a great and fearful gulf to pass, by reason of the great winds which do course in those parts, most of the time. And being under sail in the same, on the xii. of may there appeared in the Element a great Comet with her beams, 
A Comet seen in the element  the which came out of the Orient, and for the space of x. days did always appear as well in the night as in the day, always enlarging his beams. On Saturday being the xxiii. of May, there came amongst all the fleet such a storm from the North-east, that all the fleet was feign to take in their sails, having the Seas very high mingled with pretty showers of rain And for that the same storm was afterward somewhat abated, they brought themselves under their forefailes again, and at night the wind being altogether calm, such ships as were left behind, did spread out also their spirit sail, to overtake those that went before. And going by after winds, & following their course by the South, the Sunday being the xxiiii. of May, the wind began to increase, which was the occasion that the captain general commanded their sails to be taken in, and to farthel up their spirits sails, the which being done, the like did all the other captains, and going on this sort on Sunday, between x. and xi. of the clock of the day, did begin to arrive in the Northwest a spout, with the which the wind calmed in such sort, that the sails did beat against the Mast, and the Pilots being (not as yet acquainted with the secret signification of a spout) for that they had not travailed those Seas, thought the same to be a sign of fair weather, and of great calms: by reason whereof, they never made any kind of alteration in any thing, appertaining to their sails. Upon this on a sunday, there came such a wind and so furious, that then they had no time to amain and take in their sails, by reason whereof, there were four ships sunk without escaping one person of them all, 
four ships sunk by tempest,  and of one of these was captain one Bartholomew Dias. The other seven remained half full of water, which they had taken in, which likewise had sunk, if so be that part of their sails had not been torn.  
And after that the wind verred to the south-west they bore with the same, the which was so great that they were driven to rove all that day and the next night following without sails, so that the one could not see the other, & howsoever as yet the return of any other wind was not come, they were driven to such danger that they thought thereby they should lose their lives, forsomuch as the rest of the fleet was so cast away before their eyes, wherewith they were strooken into a very great pensiveness. The next day the wind being somewhat incalmed, with the same the fleet did join themselves together again, and immediately after, the wind came to the East and north-east, which was so great that it made the Seas to go higher than ever they did before, 
A wonderful storm and great Seas.  and so the same endured the space of xx. Days: and all this time the ships lay a hull, although they proved five times to hoist up their sails, as aforesaid. Now the Seas went so high to all their judgements, they thought it unpossible for the ships to escape: for over and besides that, by the working of them it was thought, that sometime they did hoist up their ships above the Element, and other times when the ships began to descend, they fell as it were down a monstrous hill, that they feared they should be all swallowed up in the entrails of the Earth.  
In the day the water was of the colour of pitch, and in the night of fire. The tackling with the other furniture of the ships, with the great force of the wind, made such a terrible noise, and was so fearful to hear, that the same is incredible to be believed, but by those only that endured and passed the same, with the force of this, the fleet was separated into sundry places. The captain general bore up with Simon de Myranda, and Pedro de Tayde, whether the wind would carry them: all the others went at God's mercy.   

Of the meeting of the King of Quiloa & the captain general, at which time there was set down a Trade and factory, and how the King repented himself of the same afterward. Cap. 30.  
AFter that the captain general had passed with part of his fleet, these great storms did find himself to have doubled the Cape, without any sight of the same, having in his company no more than two ships, which bore always up with him. And the Lord having used always towards them his wonderful great mercy, he came within sight of the land the sixtéenth day of July, toward the which he commanded to bear, howbeit the Pilots did not know the same, notwithstanding they found that it stood in the altitude of xxvii. Degrees, they were so near unto land, that the ships lay with their beak heads close to the same. But the captain general would not consent that any of his men should go a land: yet from their ships they might easily perceive, that the same was well inhabited, for the great number of people they did see there, and yet of all those there came none to the water side, to see what we were.  
After that he saw that there was no hope to have any refreshing from thence, he did afterward procure the same from the Sea, where there was great plenty of fish, where our men was driven to fish for it. afterward the captain general commanded to weigh their anchors, and to follow his course, so near unto the shore, that he might well see great numbers and store of sundry beasts, which fed along the river, that entered into the Sea, and also they saw many people.  
Now going on that sort, 
They come to Sofala  the captain general did pass unto Sofala, with the which as yet the Pilot was not acquainted, and being near to the same, he saw two islands and right over against one of them there was riding at an anchor two ships, which as soon as they had discovered our fleet, did begin to fly away toward the shore. And for that the captain general saw that they fled, he commanded to follow them, which was done in such sort that our men did overtake them, and took some of them prisoners, for that they did not defend themselves, and concerning the chiefest person that was in these ships, the captain general was advertised that he was the King of Mylyndes near kinsman, and was going from Sofala laden with gold to Mylind. Who confessed, that when they had descried our Ships, they received such a fear, as though they should be taken, and that therefore they did throw the most part of their gold into the Sea, and they themselves ran a land.  
After that all this was done, the captain general told him that he was very sorry for their so great mischance & loss, in especially for so much as the King of Mylind was in so great a credit with the King of Portugal his Master, which is the occasion, that all Portugese's are and shall be always at his commandment. And having showed unto him great courtesy, he commanded the ships to be returned with all the gold they had found in the same.  
The Moor asked of him whether he had brought with him any Witches, that they might with words of enchantment fetch up such gold as was thrown into the Sea. To whom the captain general made answer, that the Christians do believe in the true God, who hath and doth defend them so, that they do not use nor believe in witchcraft, and therefore they do not use the same. Of this Moor the captain general was advertised, that he had somewhat over run Sofala, and for that he would not return back, he did at this time leave it, and having dispatched the Moor, followed his course, and on the xx. of July arrived at Monsanbique, where he took in his water, and a Pilot to carry him to the island of Quiloa, toward the which he directed his course, running along the Coast. In this his voyage he saw sundry profitable islands which were belonging to the King of Quiloa, 
The king of Quiloa a mighty Prince.  which as I have declared is a great Prince, and is Lord from the Cape De las correntes, almost unto Mombassa, the which is well-near four hundred leagues of Coast, in the which there do enter the two islands that I have spoken of before, over and besides Sofala, and other sundry towns unto Monsanbique, and from thence as many more unto Mombassa, with an infinite number of islands, that doth yield him great rents. Notwithstanding as touching his estate it is but small, for he is not able to make many men of war: his abode is always in Quiloa, in a certain island, which is a hundred leagues beyond. Monsanbique in the Coast of Aethiopia, near to the firm land, the which is very fertile of orchards, and woods, that bear sundry sorts of fruits, there are excellent good waters, and also they do ripe great store of Miso, and other seeds which they do sow, and there is bred up in the same great store of small cattle. In those Seas there is great plenty of Fish, and that very good. So that what with the victuals that they have in the land, and what there cometh from other places of the firm land, 
The description of the city of Quyloa.  the city is plentifully provided, which city is compassed about with fair gardens on the one side, & with the sea on the other, which causeth the same to show very pleasant, it standeth in ix. Degrees to the South, & is also great and full of people. Their houses are made of lime & stone, in the which there are goodly chambers. Their king is a Moor, and so are the inhabitants, the natural people of the country are a kind of black people, and those that are strangers are white, their common language is Algaravia. They do apparel themselves very richly, in especial the women, for they carry always upon them great store of jewels of gold. They are great Merchants, for their trade is of the gold that cometh from Sofala, and from this city it is dispersed to all the country of Arabia Felix, & other places, and therefore there resort thither many merchants from other places. There are always in this port many ships which lieth always a ground when they have no need of them. 
Ships without nails.  These ships have no nails, but are sowed together with ropes made of Cairo, & pitched over with wildincense, for because as in all that country there is no other kind of pitch. The winter in this country doth begin in April, & maketh an end in September. The captain general being come to the harbour of this city, and having obtained of the king a safe conduct that he might send him a messenger, did send unto him Alonso Hurtado, who went accompanied with seven of the principals of their ships, and that they might show themselves in more countenance & authority, they went in their best apparel. Being come before the king, he represented unto him the message which the captain general gave him, which was to signify unto him that he was come thither with the king of Portugal his masters fleet, to settle a trade in the city, & to the same end had brought with him great store of merchandise that were convenient to be spent in the country, & therefore he was desirous to talk with him therein, howbeit the king his master did countermand him that in any wise he should not leap a land, but make the agreement a sea board, forasmuch as that is the ancient custom which the captains do always observe in his country, because that if so be there should chance any misfortune to their general, which is their head, immediately are cast away the rest that are under his government. To this the king made answer with a good countenance, that he was also desirous to see the captain general, and to speak with him a sea board, since there was no other remedy, Alonso Hurtado having received this answer, made the captain general privy thereof, who the next day after tarried for the king in his boat, which was covered over & set out with flags. There did attend upon him all the rest of the captains in their boats, & at this present arrived there, Sancho de Toar with other two ships. The king thus being looked for, at the length he came in an Almadia, being well accompanied with sundry Gentlemen in other boats, likewise furnished, which also were set out with flags, and had in them those that sounded upon trumpets & cornets, & Sagbuts, which made a wonderful great noise. Now the king being come where the captain general was tarrying for him, all his ordinance went of in such sort & with such a force, that it made the sea to tremble, wherewith the king and all his train, forsomuch as they were not accustomed unto the same, 
The meeting of the king & the captain general.  were greatly afeard. As soon as the ordinance went of, the king & the captain General met, & that with great pleasure. And after that the king of Portugese's letter was read, which was for the settling of a trade in his city, he answered that he was contented therewith, & did agree that the next day he should send Alonso Hurtado a land, to tell him the sorts of the merchandise that he had brought with him, & he would give him gold for the same. Upon this agreement Alonso Hurtado was sent a land the next day following, howbeit he found the king far from the which was agreed upon with the captain general the day before, yielding therefore sundry excuses, 
A malicious & fearful More.  why he could not accomplish his promise, in especial for that he han no need of his merchandise, & also for that he believed that the captain general came thither to take his country from him. This sudden chance was for this cause, forsomuch as he was a Moor, and we were christians, it grieved him to have any conversation or trade with us. This being come to the captain generals knowledge, he did as yet tarry three or four days, to see whether that the king would change any thing of his determination or not, howbeit he did nothing alter his mind, but rather had our men in jealousy, fearing lest that he should be driven to do that by force, which he was loath to do, & therefore did fortify himself with many men in a readiness. As soon as the captain general heard of his dealing, he would spend no more time there, but departed toward Milinde, keeping always along the coast.   

How the king of Milinde and the captain general met together, and how he departed afterwards toward Calicut. Chap. 31.  
ON the second day of August, he came to an anchor in the port of Mylinde, where he found riding at an anchor three ships of the Moors the which were of that Merchannts of the kingdom of Cambaya, but he would not meddle with them, although they were laden with great riches, because of the king of Milinde. Being come with all his fleet to an anchor, he saluted the city with all his ordinance. The king with this sent to visit him, sending also unto him for a present, both sheep, ducks, & hens, without all number, besides sundry sorts of fruits. Then the Captain general sent likewise to kiss his hands, by one of his fleet, & also to signify unto him, that thither he was come by his Master the king of Portugese's commandment, to know whether he had any need of this fleet to do him service withal, & also to certify him, that he had to deliver unto him a rich present, with a letter, the which the King his master had likewise sent unto him, which he would send whensoever he would command the same, with this message the king showed himself to be well pleased, & commanded the messenger to remain with him that night, with whom he talked and spent most part thereof in matters of Portugal. And as soon as it was day the king sent by two principal moors word unto the captain general, 
The King's message to the captain general.  that he was very glad of his coming, and also to know whether he had need of any thing in his country which he might command as his own, and make as much account thereof, while he was there, as if he were in Portugal, considering the great good will which he doth owe unto the king of Portugal, and that in all his affairs he should make as much reckoning as of his own home. The captain general having well understood the King's message, upon the same determined to send him the King's letter, which he had brought, and also the present, which was all the furniture of a jennet horse, which was also both rich & gallant. And having taken his counsel upon the same, it was agreed upon to send it, and that Aries Correa should have the carriage thereof, forsomuch as he was the factor of the whole fleet, and also for that he went for Factor to the king of Calicut, and that he should so go accompanied with the principals of the fleet, besides the trumpeters, that should go always sounding before him, which was so done. The king being informed of the coming of Aries Correa, sent of the nobles of his Court to receive him, which might the more easily be done, for that the King's palace was hard by the water side, and going altogether, there were certain women which by the King's commandment were tarrying for their coming, with perfuming pans in their hands, out of the which there came so excellent a perfume, that it did replenish the whole earth therewith And passing after this sort by these women, he came to the King's palace, who was sitting in his chair of estate, and accompanied with many noble men & Gentlemen, who also received Aries Correa with great honour and pleasure, and also the present. Afterward he gave him the letter which was written on both sides, on the one side was Portugal, the other in the Arabian tongue, which the king commanded forthwith to be read, which both he and all the nobility were very glad to hear. And all they together with a loud voice gave God and Mahoma great thanks that they had permitted them to have friendship w' so great a Prince as the king of Portugal. And also being very well pleased with the furniture of the jennet, he requested Aries Correa to stay with him, whilst the fleet did there remain, which with the captain generals licence he did, & during the three days that he was with him, almost he spent his time in no other thing, but to know the use & custom of the king of Portugal, & of the order of his government, & also particularly as though that he did remember no other matter all the time, & being desirous to see the Captain general, did procure with as much diligence as he could to have him a land, & to bring him to his palace, notwithstanding he made his excuse, saying, that the king his master had commanded him not to come a land in any port, with this answer the king was driven to encounter with him upon the water, who would needs go as far as the water side on horseback, with the furniture of a jennet that the king of Portugal had sent him. And for that in his country he had none that could tell the order thereof, he requested one of our men to do so much. And when the king had all things in a readiness, there were tarrying for him certain of the principals, at the foot of a stair, & amongst them there was brought alive sheep, which whilst the king was coming down, they did open as he was alive, & after that they had taken out his guts & bowels, they laid the same under the horse feet. The king being now on horseback he went also with his horse upon the sheep, 
Paganish superstition  which is a kind of ceremony the the witches there do use. After that he had thus trodden upon the sheep, he went toward the water side, with all his company after him a foot, saying with a loud voice certain words of witchcraft. And after this sort he met with the captain general upon the water, where he delivered him a Pilot to carry him to calicut. here there were left with the king two of those banished men that they might inform themselves of the country, as far as in their strength, one of those was called afterward Machado, who after that he had gotten the Arabian language, went by land unto the straits, and from thence unto the kingdom of Cambaya, from whence he did pass to Balagarte, and did there settle himself, with the Sabayo, that was Lord of Goa, saying, that he was a Moor, and for the same, he was taken in all that country, this his travel was very profitable to Alonso de Alburquerque, as you shall perceive hereafter.   

How the captain general arrived at calicut, and how the king sent to visit him a board his ship, and also how afterward he came a land for to see him, and of his receiving there. Cap. 22.  
THe captain general being returned to his ships, departed toward calicut, being the 7. day of August, & on the 20. he came to Ansadina, where he stayed certain days for the coming of the ships of Mecca, with intent to set upon them if so be that they came thither. And whilst they were there, they did confess themselves, and afterward did receive the Sacrament, And they seeing that there came no ships, departed toward calicut, and on the 13. of September he came to an anchor within a league of the same. And immediately there came certain Almadias toward our fleet, 
The king of calicut's message to the captain general.  to sell victuals, & also there came certain Nayres of the most principal belonging to the king of Calicut, with a certain Guzarate merchant, by whom the king sent word unto the captain General, that there could not have happened a better thing unto him then to understand that he was come unto his port, & that he could not do him no better pleasure than to command him, if there were any thing in his city that he had need of, & he would accomplish the same with great good will: whereunto the captain general made answer with great thanks, & seeing with what good will the king sent to visit him, he brought himself to an anchor near unto the city, always shooting of his ordinance, with the which he did salute them, which was so great a wonder to the dwellers, that those that were Gentiles said, that against us there were no resistance. The next day following by the consent of the captains of the fleet, the captain general sent by one whose name was Gaspar, to demand a safe conduct of the king for to send a messenger unto him, sending also with the said Gaspar those four Malabars that Don Vasco de la gama had carried from Calicut. These went all appareled in a gallant sort, after the Portugese's order, whom all the city came forth to see, who marveled to behold them to return so well, which was the cause that they were so well pleased with our men, & that they were had in so great reputation. But forsomuch as these were but fisher men the king would not see them, although he was glad to understand after what sort they returned, & commanded that the said Gaspar should be brought before him, whom he received very well. And after that he knew wherefore he came, answered him, that whosoever of our men would come a land, might without any fear at all. This answer being come to the captain generals ears, he sent presently unto the king Alonso Hurtado, to signify unto him that the said fleet belonged to the king of Portugal, of the which he went for captain general, and that his coming thither was for no other purpose but only to settle with him a trade & friendship, for the which it was convenient for him, to talk with him. Howbeit he said, the king his master had commanded him, that he should not do it, without he might for the assurance of his person, receive some pledges to remain in the ships whilst he was a land with the king, and that the one of those pledges should be the Catuall of Calicut, 
The king of Calicut maketh excuses when he should deliver pledges  and Araxamenoca, the which is one of the principallest Nayres: And another there went with Alonso Hurtado, one that could speak the language, which should declare unto the king the effect of the message.  
The king being hereof informed marveled much to hear that the captain general did demand those pledges, which he did excuse to give, forsomuch as they were sickly & old, howbeit he said he would give others that could better abide the brannesse of the sea. But afterwards he did insist very much, not to give any pledges at all, forsomuch as those that were Moors were very sorry to see our men in calicut, and gave the king counsel to send none, for that in giving of any he might well judge therein that the captain general had but little confidence in him, and by this means he should remain dishonoured. Yet for all this Alonso Hurtado did still insist in his demand. In this encounter they spent three days. At the end the king having a desire to have a trade settled with ours, for the benefit that might redound unto him by the same, did consent to Alonso Hurtado his request, in giving the pledges that were demanded, which being come to the captain generals knowledge, he began to make himself in a readiness to go and speak with the king, and to remain a land three or four days, appointing in his place Sancho de Toar, to whom he gave commandment that there should be made for those pledges at their coming aboard good entertainment, and to look well unto them, and not to deliver them to any that should come to demand them, although they came in his name.  
On the xxviii. Day of December the captain general put himself in his best apparel, and carried with him thirty of the principal men of his fleet, which should remain with him a land, with others that were the King's servants, which should attend upon him as upon the kings own person. He commanded also to be carried with him all the furniture for his Chamber and kitchen, with his cupboard of Plate, in the which there were many rich pieces of silver gilted.  
Now being with all these things in a readiness to departed, there came from the city sundry principal Nayres, which were commanded by the king to attend upon the captain general, accompanied with many men, besides others that came sounding upon Trumpets, other upon Sackbuts and other instruments. The captain general being informed that the King was tarrying for him in a certain gallery, which only for to receive him in, he had commanded to be made hard by the water side, took his boat and went toward the shore, being accompanied with all the other boats of the fleet, which went all in good order, and set out with many flags and trumpets, which being joined together as well these as those that came from the city, made a wonderful noise. With this came those pledges aboard the generals ship, 
Pledges are sent aboard, which fear to be taken captive.  into the which they were loath to enter, until such time that the captain general did disembark himself a land, giving thereby to understand that they were afeard that they being once aboard, he would return again into the fleet, and so take them for captives. They did stand so much upon the same, that Aries Correa was feign to tell them, that without any suspicion they might enter into the ship, forsomuch as the captain general was not come thither for to deceive the King, but only for to get his good will, with this they were contented, to go aboard, yet it was with some fear, that he would take them captives. In the mean while that we were about this the captain general landed, where there was tarrying for him sundry Caymales and Pymacales, and other principal Nayres, being accompanied with many others. And before that the captain general could set his feet on the ground, he was taken up, and put in an Andor or chair, in the which he was carried to the Serame, accompanied with the multitude above said. Being come to this place, he entered into a certain house where the King was, whom he found in this order. The house was hanged over with Carpets, or as they call them Alcatifas, at the end whereof, there was a certain place where the King was sitting, 
The king of calicut's state & furniture.  made much like unto a little chapel, and over the King's head did hang the cloth of Estate, of unshorn Crimson velvet, and under him and about him, were twenty cushions of silk. The King himself was all naked, saving that about his middle he had a cloth made of Cotten, which was white as snow, and wrought over with gold. On his head he had a night cap of cloth of gold, which was made of the fashion of an head piece or skull. On his ears he had hanging certain jewels, of Diamonds, sapphires and pearls, of the which there was two bigger than Walnuts. On his arms from the elbow to the hand he had sundry bracelets of gold, in the which there were precious sons, and that without number, and of a wonderful value. Moreover on his legs from the knees downward, and on the fingers of his hands, and the toes of his feet, and especially on his great toe, there was a ring, in the which there was a ruby so great and fine, that it gave such a light as was wonderful: amongst all which stones, there was a Diamond bigger than a great bean. But all this was nothing in comparison of his girdle, which was made of gold and Stone that the same was above all price, and out of it there came such a resplendour or brightness, that it blinded men's eyes to look upon it.  
There stood hard by him a chair of Estate of gold and silver, wrought in the best manner, full of precious stone, and of the self same sort was the Andor in the which he was brought from his palace, which also stood there, Also there were twenty Trumpets, whereof seventeen were of silver, and the other three of gold, the mouths whereof, were finely wrought and set with stone. Also there was a basin of gold in the which he did spit, and certain perfuming pans of silver, out of the which, there came an excellent smell. And for estate sake there were lightened certain lamps of oil, which were after the moors order, the which were also made of silver. Six paces from the King, stood his two brethren, which were heirs unto the kingdom after him, and somewhat further off stood many Noble men, they all standing upright upon their feet.   

¶ Of the meeting of the captain general, and the King of calicut and how there was delivered unto him the Kings present which he brought, and afterward what happened. Chap. 23.  
THe captain general being entered into this place, and viewing the King's estate, would have gone to kiss the King's hands, as it is commonly used amongst us: but for that he was informed by those that stood by, that it was not the use and custom amongst them, he did it not. Howbeit there was a chair appointed him that was hard by the Prince's seat, in the which the captain general did sit, that from thence he might declare his mind to the King, which was the greatest honour that he could give him. 
The captain general delivereth his letters of credit to the king of Calicut  Being set down, he delivered his letter of credit, which he brought from the King of Portugal, written in the Arabian tongue which being read by the King, the captain general also told his message, the effect whereof was this, That the King of Portugal was desirous of his friendship, & to settle a factory in calicut, in the which there should be sufficient of all kind of merchandise that should be spent there, & in truck of the same, or for ready money, he requested that he would let him have sufficient lading of spices for those ships there. The King showed himself to be content with this Embassage, & answered the captain general that he would yield the King of Portugal out of his city, all that he should have need of. 
The present which the general brought with him.  While they two were in this talk, came thither the present which the captain general had brought, in the which were these pieces, a basin of silver and guilt wrought, a fountain to the same, a cup with his cover gilt, of the same work, two Masses of silver, four Cushions, two of them of cloth of gold, and other two of Crimson velvet unshorn, a cloth of Estate of gold, being welted and guarded with the self same gold, and of Crimson velvet a very fine Carpet, two clothes of Arras, the which were very rich, the one with figures, and the other with green works. Of this present, and of the Embassage which the captain general had done unto him, as it appeared, the King was very glad, and told the captain general that he might go to his lodging to rest himself, or else to his ships as he would himself, for that he thought necessary to send for his Pledges, which are Gentlemen and daintily brought up, and could not away with the Sea, to tarry there longer. And whilst they were there, he was assured, that they would neither eat nor drink for such was their custom. And if foe be that the captain general would go to his ships, and come the next day again, to make full agreement and consent about the order of the trade in Calicut, he would then send those Pledges again. The captain general having good confidence in those his words, went to his ships, leaving behind him with his stuff, Alonso Hurtado with other seven. And being at the water side ready to depart, a servant of one of those pledges, went before aboard in a small Pinnace, and told them that the captain general did return aboard, this messenger was sent by the commandment of the clerk and Controller of the King's house, as who should say, to give them counsel to come their way, which they did, as soon as they heard what the slave had told them in their language, and with that they leapt into the Sea, thinking to take that pinnace in the which the slave went. As soon as Aries Correa saw this, he leapt into his own boat, which was hard by the ships side with certain of his mariners and rowing with force took two of the Pledges, and also three or four of those that wore in the pinnace, the other fled and carried the Catuall with them, which was also one of the Pledges. This being concluded, the captain general came aboard, who after that he had known what had passed, because that those Pledges the which he had in his custody, should not return and 〈◊〉 their way, he commanded them to be put under the hatches of his ship, and afterward sent to complain to the King of that which they had done, laying all the fault upon the clerk Controller. Also he sent word after what sort they remained in his ship, promising, that if so be that he would send him his stuff, & such of his men as remained a land, he would immediately send those pledges which he had: and for that it was night, there was no more at that time done. The next day following, the King came to the water side, accompanied with xii. thousand men, and sent with the captain Generals stuff and men, to the number of thirty Almadias, for that they might return with those Pledges that did remain aboard, howbeit for all that they were so many, yet there durst none of them come near the ships, for the fear they stood in of our men, which remained in the fleet, lest they would take them, and so they returned with the same again to land. The captain general seeing the fear that they stood in of his fleet, sent the next day in certain of his own boats those Pledges that he had in custody, commanding that they should go and see them delivered somewhat aloof of from the fleet, that brought him his men and stuff. And while they were delivering the same, Araxamenoca which was the eldest of the Pledges, leapt into the water upon a sudden, with intent to run away, but for all that he could not escape, forsomuch as our men caught handefast of him. The other that remained, whilst our men were thus busied fled likewise. The like did Alonfo Hurtado practise with five of those that were with him. The captain general marveled to see how little honesty or truth they used, did therefore command Araxamenoca to be well looked unto. And being three days past, and yet the King not sending for him, he had pity to see him that in so many days he had eaten nothing, 
humane pity in the captain general toward faithless infidels.  and thereupon he sent him to the King, also he sent sundry weapons which were taken of his men's, and requested him to send the other two of his men that were yet a land, which the King did send, being moved thereunto, more for shame then otherwise, for that he had broken his word & promise. Now being three days past, and there came no kind of answer unto the captain general, thereby he had sufficient trial or understanding how variable he was, and therefore he would tarry no longer for his answer, but sent unto him to know whether he would make an end of the agreement that was begun between them, and for the conclusion of the same he would send Aries Correa which came with him for Factor. Howbeit for the better assurance thereof, he willed him to send him certain Pledges. This message was sent 〈◊〉 King by a certain Gentleman called Francisco Correa, which did offer himself to carry the same, when all the rest of the fleet was afeard, lest that the King would take him prisoner, or command him to be slain. To this message the king made answer that he was well pleased to agree to have the Trade settled, and that he should send unto him Aries Correa about the same or whom else he should think good. But first of all he told him that he would send two nephews of one Gosarate, 
The pledges sent aboard.  which is a great rich merchant, for pledges, which indeed was so done. After that those pledges were entered, immediately departed toward the land Aries Correa, to whom the King commanded to be given a fair house to lie and rest himself and to lay his merchandise in, which he brought with him, which house belonged to Gosarate, who was Grandfather to those two Pledges, that the king had sent. But he commanded that forasmuch as Aries Correa, was yet not well known in the country nor acquainted with their orders & prices how he might sell his merchandise, nor yet what the buyer should give, to instruct him therein. But he did not so, but rather clean contrary, forasmuch as he was a friend to the Moors of Mecca, which were great enemies unto our men, not only for that they were Christians, but for fear lest that for our cause they should lose part of their credit which they had in Calicut, by means whereof they took their merchandise for what price so ever they would themselves. And also for the fear they conceived of them many times, the Gentiles durst not come out of their doors.  
They knew also that having our Factory settled there, they should be great losers, not only in their merchandise, which would be in value less worth, as also in their Spices, Drugs & precious stones, which would be more worth & better esteemed. And that was the cause that always. Aries Correa was overthwarted in all things that he went about to buy, with offering more than he did for the same, after that the price was by any of ours made, then ever they did before, so that by this means always he was forced to pay the dearer for his drugs & spices. And if so be that at any time he would speak with the King, they did travel all that they could, that some of them might be always present to withstand & speak against him in all things. They did not this only themselves, but found means also by Samicide, which was admiral of the Sea of Calicut, & a natural Moor, that he should not consent that those that remained in the Factory with Aries Correa should go aboard the fleet, & moreover if any ship would presume to come near to that shore, not to consent that it should return, saying, 
The captain general had good came to fear and hate the Moors  that the King had given such commandment The captain general being advertised of all this, & supposing the same to be of a suspicion of treason, commanded to weigh and bring himself under sail to go out of that harbour, and there to enter into council with his captains what were best for him to do, for that he was afeard lest whilst that he remained in that harbour he might be set upon by the king of calicut's fleet, & so be troubled. The King after y the knew what the captain general had done, & that he minded to go his way, demanded of Aries Correa the cause why he went out of his harbour, who answered him that he did not know certainly, wherefore without it were for the injuries which the moors had done unto him, & so told him the whole order, for that he knew the same. The King upon this willed him to send again for the captain general, who immediately after that he knew, what the king had said, returned, & the King forthwith commanded that the moors should not from thenceforth use any such villainy. He also took away the Gosarate from the company of Aries Correa, unto whom he gave charge to instruct him in the order of the country, and did put in his place another which was a very honest man, and a friend of ours, (although he were a Moor) whose name was Cosebequin. This man was also in Calicut of good credit, and the head of all the moors of the country, that were naturally borne there, which were always in controversy with the moors of the Cayro, and of the straits of Mecca, of the which the admiral was head. Also the King gave commandment, that to the end our merchants which were in the factory might sell the better, and also buy their Spices at the better hand, and with quietness, they should remove their factory to a house of Cosebequin, 
A free house for the factory given to the king of Portugal by deed  the which stood hard by the water side. And of this house, a gift was given to the King of Protingale for ever by writing, the copy whereof, forsomuch as the captain general should carry it with him, was enclosed in a Tablet of gold, to the which the King did set to his firm and seal, also the King's pleasure was, that upon the top of the house there should be set a flag, with the royal arms of Portugal, that all men might know, that the same was his. Which after that the captain general had knowledge of, he sent unto the King great thanks for the same, and from that time forward they had indifferent good sales by the help of Cosebequm, who did aid them therein. As soon as those of the country had understanding that our Factorye was by the King so favoured, they likewise did the like. Afterward our men might go wheresoever they would without any molestation, and as sure as they might in Lisbon. So the friendship between them and our men, was afterward very good.   

¶ How at the request of the King of calicut, the captain general sent to take a ship of the moors, and also after what sort the same was taken. Cap. 24.  
Whilst this friendship continued between our men and the city, and they being in so great a friendship and concord one with another, on the next Saturday following there did appear to those of calicut, a great ship of the moors, which was far off, going from Coching toward Cambaya. And as soon as the same was descried, the king sent word to the captain general, requesting him that for his sake he would send to take the same ship, for over and besides that, there were in the same certain elephants, yet was there one which exceeded them all, the which he would have bought. And although he had offered for him more than he was worth, yet he would not sell him. Albeit the owner was a dweller in Coching, and therefore he most earnestly requested him to send to take the said ship, forsomuch as it did so highly touch his honour and credit: unto his request, the captain general made answer that he would do it with a good will, although that he was informed that the said ship was great, and that there were within it very many men both mariners and soldiers, and that the same could not be taken without some loss of men, and therefore it was requisite that he consented that his men might kill those that were in the ship, whereunto the king agreed. This being concluded, the captain general commanded that Pedro de Tayde with his carvel, should go take the foresaid ship, and that there should go with him a young Gentleman called Edwarte Pacheco, which was thought to be a valiant soldier, and with these there was a 60. men. The king also sent certain moors in the carvel, that they also might view the order of their fighting. The carvel being under sail gave chase unto the ship till it was night, which being come, they lost sight of the same, and going a long the coast all the quarter of the moon, they saw where he was riding at anchor, and then Edwarto Pacheco commanded to bear with him, and found those moors with their weapons in a readiness to defend themselves withal, howbeit as they were hoisting up their sails, they easily judged the same to be of 600. tun, 
This ship for one in those coasts very well appointed.  and that within it there were 300. fight men, the most part whereof were bow men, Edwarto Pacheco would not lay the same a board, for that he was commanded to the contrary, but to sink him if it were possible. And having brought him under his lie, he commanded to amain. The moors making as it were a mock of the same, gave a loud cry and played upon their Instruments, and after this they shot off certain ordinance which they had, and many arrows, making therewith a show of readiness that they were in. They were answered by our men with shot, of the which there chanced a Pellette to strike hard under the bosom of the ship between wind and water, where there was made a hole by the which there entered a great quantity of water. After this they shot again, with the which there were many of them slain & hurt, & the other trembled with the fear they had of our ordinance, with this they bore toward the bay of Canonor, the which was hard by, where there were riding at an anchor four ships of the moors, amongst them he came to an anchor. Now being within the said bay, arrived also with the carvel Edwarto Pacheco, who commanded his ordinance to be shot at them, and with the same had taken them all, if so be that there had not come certain Paraos of the moors to secure them, the which were in the port, and as they were fight the night came on, which was the cause that all those Paraos were not by him destroyed. In all these encounters there was no more than nine hurt of our men, which was done by their arrows.  
Night being come, Edwarto Pacheco brought himself forth of the bay and came to anchor hard by an island, for that he was there more surer than in the Bay, whereas they might have set his ship on fire. And although that it were contrary to his commission, yet for all that he returned in the morning, and joined himself with his enemies, who as soon as it was day, would have ran their way, and as they began to make sail, he entered upon them in the bay, shooting of his ordinance, with the which he struck the said ship, 
The moors yielded unto our men.  and by this means they yielded, with this those of Cananor that were standing at the water side, were very sore aggrieved and would have come to secure them, who after that Edwarto Pacheco began to dispend his ordinance amongst them; ran likewise their ways.  
This being done, he went toward calicut, to the which harbour he arrived the next day, where the King came to the water side to see the ship, for that they took the same for a miracle, and gave our men great praises. The captain general commanded the ship to be delivered unto the king with seven Elephaunts that were within the same, which were worth in calicut thirty thousand crowns, over and besides this, there was found in it great store of merchandise, besides those men whom he took captives. Also he sent the king word that he needed not to marvel that so small a carvel as that was could take such a great ship, for that in matters of greater weight he would be at his commandment, for the which he sent him great thanks, and prayed him to send unto him those men that had done so notable an act, whom he did receive very well, and with great honour, and gave them great gifts, in especial to Edwarto Pacheco. Some affirm that after that the king had seen this famous act that our men had done being so few, he had them from thence forth in some fear, & was desirous to see them dispatched out of his country, & therefore did consent unto that treason, of the which I will speak of hereafter.   

Of the Oration which the moors made to the king, concerning the entertaining of our men, and what answer there was made, & also policy used against them. Chap. 25.  
WIth the taking of this ship the moors of Calicut were greatly affrighted in mind, and sore offended with the king for that he made so great account of our men, which as they thought was done to revenge their injuries, and for the hatred or envy they had conceived against us, though indeed the king made more account of our men then he did of them. By this means as they thought, it was no other but to provoke them to leave his country, in especial for as much as our men brought them such great store of Merchandise, and as much as they did, and brought as great store of spices as they did: Therefore they determined to make unto the king an Oration concerning the same matter. And being joined together spoke in the name of them all, one on this sort.  
EMparather of all the Malabars, 
The moors Oration against our men.  nothing less mighty than the mightiest king of the India's, & most fearful amongst those that are feared of all the Princes of the same. We cannot but marvel much that thou having these two qualities, wouldst embase thyself to receive into thy country these that are enemies to thy law, & strangers to the customs of thy kingdom, & last of all, do rather appear to be rovers than merchants. If thou dost receive them for want of such as should bring unto the city those kinds of merchandise that they do bring, or else carry away those kind of Spices that they are desirous of, we would then allow thereof. But there are too many that doth the same, and men that thou hast known of a long time, and by the long continuance of them art acquainted with their fidelity, which have increased so much thy rents, that thereof we are a good witness. But thou having forgotten all this, wouldst receive those whom thou didst not know, and dost favour them so much, that amongst so many, and such a multitude of good subjects as thou hast, wouldst make choice of them, that they should revenge thy injuries, as though thine own subjects were not sufficient men to do the same. By which deed thou dost abase thy power so much, that we for very shame, & for that we are bound of duty to bring it into thy memory. For if so be that thou well consider what it is to make them revengers of thy injuries, & give them in respect thereof so great honour, it is as it were to show them plainly a certain kind of weakness which indeed is not in thy subjects, but rather dost bolden them to make small account of thee, & so afterward to do that which we do well know they will do, which is to rob from all merchants that cometh towards thy ports, to destroy thy country, & at length to take the city, which is the end of their coming into these parts, & not to look for spices, and this is most true, that from their country unto this is almost five thousand leagues by sea, with returns and storms that the same voyage hath, over and besides the great danger of the voyage, & the charges of the making of their great ships, and furnishing the same with ordinance, besides the strengthening of them with men, much more all this being well noted, it is plain that for all their great gains which they might have by their spices in Portugal, their losses would be greater, 
Proves that we were rather pirates than merchants.  in coming so far for them, which is a manifest proof that they are rather pirates than merchants, which come into the country to rob and take thy city, as they will do, if so be they do place themselves once within the same. And when they shall possess the same house which thou didst give them for a factory, they will make there a fort, from whence they will make thee wars, when thou shalt think least of it, which thing will come to pass, and now the rather, since that thou dost command the same to be made by thy subjects. But this as we say we do bring to thy memory more for the good will which we do owe to thee, then for any profit we do look for. And if it fortune that thou wilt not remember us, there are other cities in Malabar where we may make our habitation, whether for our sakes will be brought all store of spices. Over and besides all this, the loyalty which we do owe unto thee doth make us to fear more the loss of thy estate, then to 〈◊〉 for our own profit.  
As soon as the Moor had made an end of his Oration, the king did gratify them all very much, and told them that he would have a special care of all that which they had remembered him of, and how in the self same sort he supposed the matter indeed would come to pass. 
why he requested our men to take the ship of Mecca.  The occasion that the king took to request the general to send to take that ship▪ was to see the experience of their valiant minds, & also why he did consent to the lading of their ships, was to the end there might remain in the country their money which they brought to buy merchandise withal, according as he did to such merchants as come into his port. Also at the last he did promise that he would not forsake them for any stranger. Yet for all this, the moors did not remain fully satisfied, because the king did not command us to departed out of the city of calicut, and not suffer our men to trade there any longer, for that was the principallest thing that they did pretend. Howbeit they would not let but intermeddle in all our matters, especial in the buying of our Spices, which they did openly buy, and sent them secretly unto other places. This was done with a determination, for that they could not away with our men, but would resist them, our men being thus resisted might then have occasion the better to defend themselves, & so by this means they would revenge their quarrels openly by fight with our men. This they had great desire to do, thinking to destroy our men openly, for that they were many more in number then ours were, they hoped that when this matter was once begun, that then the king would take their parts. Also they wrought by all means possible to have the common sort of people on their side, inciting them against our men, with matters which they made them believe that our men had done against them.   

How the moors that dwelled in calicut by means of the Factor & countenance they had at the King's hand, did set upon the Factorye, where was slain in defence there of the Factor with other of his company. Cap. 36.  
BY means of this subtle dealing of the moors, there past three months before the Factor could get any spices more than he had, to lad two ships withal: which was a great grief to the captain general, forsomuch as thereby he perceived very well that the friendship of the king was not steadfast, but that he was a liar, and a man that used no truth at all. And if so be that he had not tarried there so long time as he did, fearing that in no other port he should find sufficient lading for his ships, he would have fallen out with him, and so have gone to some other place. But forasmuch as he had been there at so great charges, he dissimuled therewith only to see whether with his good will he might lad there or no. The captain general seeing that all things were but delays, sent unto the king, requesting him to remember those promises he had made unto the factor, that within twenty days he would deliver sufficient lading for the whole fleet, and that now there were three months past, and yet there was no more laden then two ships. 
The king accused plainly of doblenes.  The occasion whereof he did not know, and therefore he was the willinger to suffer the same, and that with great patience, hoping always that he would give order for the lading of the rest of the fleet. But now he saw how all things went, and knew that it was impossible to make an end thereof.  
For although he had promised that his fleet should be the first that should be laden before any other strangers, and that he was informed for most certain, that the moors had bought for a less price great store of Spices, and sent the same to other places, whether they would, he therefore requested him yet to have him in his remembrance, that now it was time for him to departed towards Portugal, desiring him to dispatch him as he had promised. The King as soon as he had heard what the messenger said, did show as in an outward appearance greatly marveling that our ships remained yet unladen, and answered that he was very sorry therefore, and that he could not believe that the moors contrary to his commandment had bought spices under a colour, and sent the same a board some other ship whether it pleased them, he having given commandment to the contrary, namely, that the moors should not buy any spices in hugger-mugger. Affirming that if it be so they had so deceived him, he would punish them therefore. Upon this immediately he gave commandment to take those ships that were laden with Spices, with condition that they should pay for the same the price that the moors had bought at. 
Nothing more acceptable to the Mores than to quarrel & fall out with our men,  The news was brought forthwith unto the moors, and as there was nothing more acceptable unto them, then to have occasion to fall out with our men, so therefore did one of the principal moors begin to lad his ship first, and that openly with all sorts of Spices and drugs. And for that choler might the more increase in our men, to take those spices, he found means that certain moors which the Factor took to be his very friends, and also certain Gentiles, should make him believe that if so be that he did not send to take that ship, that was a lading, that then he could not have lading sufficient for the fleet.  
The Factor gave credit unto this report, and thereupon sent word to the captain general, what the moors and Gentiles had told him, and that he thought their saying to be true. And therefore since the king of Calicut had given him licence to take all such Spices as the moors had laden, he might the better now take that ship. Howbeit the captain general was loath to deal therewith for all the King's licence, for he knew him to be an inconstant man, and weighing also the great credit, that the Mores were in with him, he was afeard lest that after they had taken the said ship, the moors through the King's favour would rise against them. And this was the answer that was sent to the Factor: yet for all that he did require him once more to take that ship, saying, that if he did not, that then the King should be in hazard to lose such merchandise as he had there: nevertheless the captain general would not meddle therewith, and yielding for that his determination sufficient reason to the contrary. But the Factor on the other part ceased not to make unto him sundry requests, and protestations, that he should pay all such losses and damages, as should hap upon the King of Portugese's merchandise, by his defaults, for that he would not deal with the said ship. Thus since he saw there was no other remedy, he consented thereunto, although it were against his will: & therefore the xvi. day of December, the captain general sent word to those that were aboard the ship, that was thus laden by the moors, by the order which was sent him from the King of Calicut, to command them to departed, and for as much as they made but little reckoning thereof he sent the next day all his boats to bring her within the harbour. After that this report came to the owner of the ships knowledge, they made the moors privy hereof, whereof they were very glad, for that by this means there was offered unto them occasion to fall out with our men. hereupon, they began in a furious outrage, 
The moors moved a tumult against our men.  running out of their doors like mad men, complaining upon us and our people, by means whereof, they were tumulteously moved, and framed great outcries and larums, and always against our men. And after that they had thus done, they ran to the King, with whom went the owner of the ship, complaining also upon our men for the detaining of his ship, saying that our men had bought and laden much more spices & drugs, then that the merchandise came unto which they had brought with them, howbeit their pride was such, that they were content with nothing; but as thieves and Pirates would have all. At this instant came the moors, which did before help him very much, declaring many things against our men, & how much the King was in fault, for suffering them within this city, requesting him most earnestly to give them licence to revenge their loss, which they had received. The King as he was inconstant and without any fidelity, did grant them the same. As soon as the moors had obtained their request, 
The savage fircenes of the moors against our men.  they came their way from the King, and took their weapons, and with a savage fierceness, like wild beasts, ran into the city in flocks toward the factory, which was compassed about like a Castle, with the wall of the height of a man on horseback, in the which were lxx. Portugese's amongst whom was friar Henrick with his company of friars. There were amongst our men no more weapons than 8. Crossbows, all the rest had nothing but swords & cloaks, as soon as they knew of the enemies coming, they ran to the gates of the Factory, & when the they saw they were so few, they judged them to be some quarrelers that came thither for the same purpose, & therefore were minded to defend their gates, with their cloaks & rapier's only: but afterward their power increased so much upon our men, that by reason of their arrows and spears, they could not endure there any longer: then the Factor commanded their gates to be shut up, supposing that from the wall they would drive their enemies from thence, & at the very shutting up of the gates, there were seven of the enemies slain, the which gates could not be shut without great danger, always fight valiantly. In this conflict, there were of our men many hurt, & four slain: howbeit as well those the were hurt as those that were in health, went up upon the wall of the Factory, for to defend their enemies from thence with their crossbows. Howbeit the multitude of them at that present was so great that they made show as if they had been in number four thousand. There came also to aid them sundry Nayres, which all of them together, began to set upon those that were in the factory, hoping thereby to enter. Aries Correa seeing the it was impossible for him to defend it any longer without some aid from the ships, and for to give them to understand of their troubles, there was displayed a flag in the top of the factory: and as soon as the same was descried by the captain general, he suspected it in himself to be that which indeed it was, for the which sudden chance he was very sorrowful, for that as than he was but newly let blood, 
Secure sent by the general captain to the factory.  and sick in his bed, and therefore he could not go himself to secure them: howbeit he sent Sancho de Toar, to supply his room, with all the fleets boats, which went with such men as they had, but to resist such a number as there was of their enemies, they were very few, which Sancho de Toar perceiving, durst not disembark himself, neither yet come too near the shore lest that the enemies should come in their Almadias and tonies, and so take them, also that they could not hurt them, they lay so far off from the shore: but they from thence could discern how valiantly our men did defend themselves and there entering, although the number of their enemies did always increase, for so it was needful for the great slaughter, that our men made of them, from over the wall. Notwithstanding by means thereof their fury did so increase, that they caused to be brought certain 〈◊〉 to overthrow part of the wall withal, which were so great, that our men could not by any means defend the same, being so few and so many hurt, with the enemies arrows and spears, which came from them as thick, as though it had reigned arrows. But perceiving once the enemy began to enter, they would not tarry there any longer, but went forth of the Factorye, by a door that opened toward the water side, where they made reckoning to save themselves with their boats. But the enemies followed them always so narrowly, hurting and killing them, that in this conflict Aries Correa was slain, so that there were lacking fifty of our men, between those that were dead and taken captives, twenty only escaped, which took the water, but those were sore hurt, amongst whom was a Frayer called friar Henrick, and a son of the said Aries Correa, which was but eleven years of age, who is yet alive and is called Antonio Correa, and since that time hath done in the India's, and in other places notable acts of arms, as in the fourth book I shall declare. Those that did escape, were taken into our boats, and carried to the fleet.   

¶ How the captain general slew the most part of those moors that were aboard the ten great ships, and then commanded them to be set a fire, & also of the great destruction which he brought upon the city in revenge of the death of those that were slain therein. Cap. 37.  
AFter that these news were brought to the captain general, he was not only very sorrowful for the death of those that were slain, but also to see how little prevailed the present which he gave unto the King of Calicut, as also the taking of the ship, in the which was the Elephant, & now three months were passed that he had been there, and yet had laden no more than two ships, nor yet could tell when to lad the rest, fearing also lest in Coching he should not be well accepted, for taking of the ship in the which was the Elephant. And further weighing with himself, how little or none occasion at all there was given to use such treason against our men, he did therefore determine to revenge himself upon the King of calicut, if so be that he did not use some excuse for that which was past, whereunto if he would willingly yield, than would he be content, 
The king of Calicut was far off from making a mends.  so that he might there have his lading. But the King of calicut was far off from the matter, for he was very glad of that which the Moors had done, and commanded all such merchandise to be taken, as were within the factory, the which were well worth four thousand ducats, & also take all such of ours as were found alive for captives, although they were hurt, of the which there were four that died. After all this, the captain general seeing that in all that day the King of Calicut sent no messenger to excuse himself of the fact, he put the matter in question, whereas it was determined that he forthwith should revenge those injuries that were passed, for fear leastif he should delay so to do, that then the King might have time to arm his fleet, which would not then be so easily done. This being determined our men put themselves in a readiness, to lay aboard x. great ships, which lay in the harbour full of moors: these at the first would have defended themselves, 
Just revenge wrought upon the injurious calicuttans  yet for all that our men did join with them, & fought with them so valiantly, that they broke their order, killing many of them, and of those that remained some leapt into the water and were drowned, others hid themselves in their ships, and other were taken alive, whom the captain general commanded to prison, that they might afterward serve for Mariners in the fleet. The ships being thus come into our men's possession, they found within the same some Spices and other merchandise which were hidden within them: also they found three Elephants, which the captain general commanded to be killed and salted for their victuals, he commanded also those moors that were slain to be told, and there was found of them 600. The ships being discharged of all that they had, they were set a fire before all the city, in the sight of many that came to the water side to succour them, whom being moors, as they were coming in their Almadias, our men encountered and fought with them, but they durst not go forward for fear of the ordinance. This was a wonder to those of the city, to see ten ships burnt together. The King also was sorry therefore for that he could not send to secure them. But if that which was done this day was a wonder to the enemies to behold, then the next day was much more to be marveled at, for the captain general not being contented with the burning of these ships commanded his ships in the night to be brought as near the shore as he could, the one somewhat separated from the other. They had also their boats before them, that they might reach the most part of the city. As soon as the morning began to appear, immediately all the great ordinance went off amongst their houses, which after that the enemies had seen, and how near our ships lay to the shore, they began to shoot at them with small pieces which they had without hurting any of our men, howbeit of our ordinance, for that the enemies came running in flocks, there was no piece that mist, and by that means there were many that fell, and the others that drew towards the city, where our ordinance also had made a great destruction, as well in the Temples of their Gods, as in their dwelling houses. The fear was so great amongst the Citizens, 
The fear that the King of Calicut and the citizens were in.  that the King of calicut himself was driven to leave his palace, and to go out of the city, for that our men went thither to seek him out with their pellets, so that hard at his heels they killed a Nayre, which was a noble man, and overthrew part of the King's palace. This destruction dured no more but this day: and whilst it was a doing, there appeared two ships that were coming to the harbour, which as soon as they had descried us, went their way, & therefore this fight ceased. The Captain general made after them with all his fleet to Panderane, which is a Port not far off, where there was other seven near to the land ready to secure them, in which there came a multitude of moors to defend them, and for that our ships could not come near unto the shore, they left them. And the captain general contenting himself with that which he had done in calicut, for that it was very late to make his voyage toward Portugal, went toward Coching, & there concluded a peace, to see whether he might lad there, for that he well knew it, that there was more Pepper then in Calicut.   

¶ How the captain general arrived at the harbour adjoining to the city of Coching, & there he concluded a peace between him & the King, & afterward began to lad his ships. Cap. 37.  
GOing under sail along by this city, the captain general took two ships of the moors, which after that they had descried our ships, bare as near the shore as they could, for fear of our ships, but our men took them and when they were discharged of certain Rice which they carried, the general caused them to be set a fire, and so following his course he arrived at Coching the xx. of December, which standeth in the province of Malabar, nineteen. leagues from that part of calicut, going into the South, 
Coching standeth in 9 degrees, and the situation thereof.  and being in ix. Degrees toward the North. The situation thereof is along the river, in the which the Sea doth enter, by means whereof the city standeth as it were in an island and that very strong, for that there is no coming to it, but by certain ways. It hath belonging unto it, a goodly great and a sure Port, which lieth before the mouth of this river. The land round about is watery and low, and made into islands: they have small store of victuals, but for all that those which they have is very fresh. This city is builded much after the manner of calicut, and is inhabited by Gentiles and sundry moors strangers, which are come thither from many places, and are great merchants, amongst whom there are two that have fifty ships a piece.  
In this country is great store of Pepper, and the most part that they have in calicut cometh from thence. But forasmuch as in calicut there are more store of merchants which come from other places, therefore the same is richer than Coching. The King is a Gentile, and is of the behaviour and property of the King of calicut: howbeit he is very poor, by reason his country is but small, neither can he command any money to be coined in his city.  
The Kings of Coching are in great subjection to the Kings of Calicut, for as often as there chanceth a new king to succeed in calicut, he immediately goeth to Coching, and dispossesseth him that hath the same, of the whole kingdom and taketh possession himself thereof, so that by this means it lieth in his hands, whether he will restore that King to the crown again or not. Also the King of Coching is bound to aid and accompany the King of calicut in battle against any other King, also he is bound to die in the religion of the King of Calicut. The captain general, being come to this harbour, did there let fall his anchor, for that he was afeard to send Gaspar with a message to the king, lest he would run away, he choosed rather to send one whose name was Michael jogue, which although he were a Gentile & a stranger, yet he came unto our fleet, with intent to turn Christian, saying that he would go for Portugal: whereupon the captain general took occasion to baptise him, 
A Moor baptized & called Michael.  and gave him the name of Michael, & for his surname as he was called before. By this man he sent to the king of Coching his message, certifying him of all that they had passed in Calicut, & also that the Captain general had brought with him great store of merchandise to give in truck for such commodities as there were in Coching, with the which if so be that the King were not contented, that then he would buy the same for ready money, whereof he had brought with him great store, and therefore his request was that in truck of his merchandise, or for his ready money he would give him lading for four ships. The answer that the king made to this messenger, was, That he was very glad of his coming to this his Port, for that he was well informed of his strength and valiantness, and therefore he esteemed them all the better, as hereafter he should well perceive. And as for such Spices as he had there, he would give him the same in truck of his merchandise that he had brought with him from Portugal, or else for money as he should think best. And also that without any fear he might send a land whom he should think good to provide the said lading, & for the assurance of such as should travel about the same he sent him 2. of the principal Naires in pledge, upon condition that every day he should change them and take others, for that all such as did feed a sea board, could not come any more in the King's presence. The captain general was well contented therewith, who had the sending of those pledges so quietly a board, for a good beginning, and therefore he sent immediately for Factor of this lading gonsalo Gilbarbosa, which was sent before with Aries Correa, and for his scrivener he sent Larenco Moreno, and for interpreter one called Maderade Alcusia. Also the captain general commanded to be delivered unto them and to serve them in all kind of affairs, four banished men.  
The king having notice of the coming of the Factor a land, sent to receive him the Rogedor of the city, who went accompanied with many noble men of the court, who brought them before the king. This king even as his rents did far differ in value from the king of Calycut's, so he did also differ very much in his estate, not only for the furniture of his person, but also of the place in the which he was in. For there appeared nothing else but the very bare walls. The king himself was sitting within certain grates, made much like a Theatre, with the which the whole house was compassed about, 
The king of Coching much inferior in wealth & state to the king of calicut.  and there was attending upon him very few men. The Factor being come before the king, did present unto him a present which the captain general sent him, which was a basin of silver to wash his hands in, full of Saforne, and a great Ewer of silver full of rose water, besides certain branches of coral, this present the king received very ioyfulfully, giving unto the captain general great thanks for the same, and after that he had talked a while with the factor, and with Larenco Moreno, he commanded them to be lodged, and so there remained those three a land, besides the other four banished men. But the captain general would not consent there should remain a land any more, for he judged that the fewer ther remained a land, the fewer would be lost if so be that there should chance the like misfortune to that which did in calicut. Howbeit that was far unlike, for that the king of Coching seemed to be a man inclined to virtue & all the loyalty in the world, which well appeared in his favour, & in the using of our men, & in the dispatch he made for the lading of our ships with spices, & in the commanding of help to be given by those of the country, which they did so willingly and with so great a zeal, that the same seemed to be ordained of God, that the trade might be brought from calicut to Coching, & that his holy Catholic faith might increase in the India's, as the same did, besides the estate of the king of Portugal, which might increase also in riches as the same hath done.   

How the captain General being at Coching, there came unto him a Priest which was an Indian and a christian, from the city of Grangalor, to go with him to Portugal, and also what else he told him of the christians of this city. Chap. 39  
THe captain general being in this city & laden, there came unto him two Indians which as they said were christians, & naturally borne in the city of Grangalor, which is hard by Coching, these were brothers, & were desirous to go to Portugal, & from thence to Rome to see the Pope, & afterward to Jerusalem to visit the holy sepulchre. And being demanded by the captain general what city that Grangalor was, & whether the same was only inhabited by christians, & also whether they do esteem the christian order of the Greeks, or of the church of Rome: one of them made answer, that Grangalor was a great city in the province of Malabar, standing within the country at the end of a river which compasseth the same, by some parts the inhabitants thereof, saith he, are both Gentiles & christians, also there dwell amongst them many Jews which are smally esteemed of, there are also many strangers amongst them, 
The description & state of Grangalor.  which are merchants of Surria, of Egypt, of Persia, & Arabia, by reason of the great store of pepper which is there gathered, this city hath a king amongst themselves, unto whom all such christians as dwell within this city do pay certain tribute, & these dwell by themselves, where they have their church made after our order, saving they have not in them any Images of saints, but only certain crosses: they do not use bells, but when the priests would have them come to divine service, them they do observe the order of the Greeks. The christians have their Popes which have 12. cardinals, & two patriaks, & many Bishops & Archbishops, all which do reside in Armenia, for thither go the bishops of Grangalor to receive their dignity, he himself had been their with a bishop which the pope did consecrate, & he himself received at his hands, orders of priesthood, & even so he is accustomed to do unto all others that are christians in the India's, & in Caitaio & also he is called Catholic, & their Tonsura is made with a cross. Of those two patriarchs which they have, that one remaineth in the India's, & the other in Caitaio, & as for the Bishop's they are reposed in cities, 
Why the christians of the India's hath a Pope.  as is thought convenient. The cause why they have a pope in those parts hath been as is thought by them, for that in S. Peter's time he being in Antioch, there arose a great schism of Simon Magus, which was the occasion ye he was called to Rome to overthrow the same, & to help the christians which were in great trouble: and seeing that he must departed from Antioch, & for that the church of the orient should not remain without a shepherd, he appointed a vicar to govern, who, S. Peter being dead, should remain for pope, & those that succeeded him should always assist him in Armenia, but after the Moors entered into Suria & Asia, & for the Armenia remained always in the christian faith: the Christians did therefore choose to govern it by 12. cardinals. Marco Paulo doth also make mention of this Catholic pope, where he writeth of this Armenia, in which he declareth there are two orders of Christians: the one of those are Nestorians, the other jacobites, 
The manner of shaving their priests differing from ours.  their pope is also named jacobite, & is he whom they call the Catholic Joseph. Moreover he told the captain general that in Grangalor are priests whose crowns are not shaven as ours are, but only in the midst of their heads they leave certain hairs, all the rest is shaven, & also they have deacons & subdeacons. They consecrate with leavened bread & with wine made of raisins, for they have no other in the country. Their children are not baptized until xl. Days after their birth, without they be sickly. Those that are christians do confess themselves as we do, they receive the sacrament & bury the dead as we do. They do not use the holy oil, but in steed of the same they do bless them, & when that any die, they gather many of themselves together, and for the space of viii. Days, they do eat abundantly, and afterward they celebrate the obsequies of the dead. They make their testament before they die, & those that do not so, the next heir shall inherit their lands and goods, & if so be that the husband die first, the wife shall have her dowry, on condition that she shall not marry in one whole year after, when that they enter in their churches, they take holy water. Their opinion is that there are sour evangelists, whose writings they have in great veneration. They fast the Lent and the advent with great solemnity, and take regard not to break the same, during this time they do exercise themselves in prayer, & on Easter even they neither do eat nor drink any thing till the next day. They do use to hear Sermons on holy Friday at night, they observe the day of the resurrection with great solemnity, with the two other days following, and also the sunday next following, for that Saint Thomas on that day did put his hands into Christ's side, they do keep it with great solemnity, acknowledging thereby that the same was no fantasy or dream. Also they keep holy with great devotion the ascension day & trinity Sunday, & the Assumption of our lady, her birth, & Candlemas day, & Christmas day, & all the Apostles & Sundays, as well the Christians as the Gentiles. And they with great devotion keep the first day of July in the honour of S. Thomas, they could yield no reason or cause why they do observe that day. They have friars of Negroes which do live very chastened. Also there are nuns of the same order. 
Negro friars professing chastity.  Their Priests do live very chastened, for if so be that they do not so, they are deprived from celebrating. There can be no separating of the man and woman, but well or ill they must live together till death do separate them. They receive the Sacrament three times in the year, they have amongst them great doctors, and open schools, in the which are read the Prophets: and also there were in times past old ancient doctor's doctors, which have left the Scriptures of the old & new Testament well expounded or interpreted. Their apparel is after the order of the Moors. They have their day which they do call I●tercalor, which is of 40. hours. They know how the day passeth away by the Sun, & the night by the stars, for they have no clocks. The captain general was very glad of the company of this Joseph & his brother to carry them to Portugal, for whom he commanded a good cabin should be given them in his ship.   

Of the great Fleet of ships that was sent out of Calicut to fight with the captain general, and what was the cause that ours did not sight with them. And also of his departure from Coching toward Portugal, and how in his way he was driven to Cananor. Chap. 40.  
THe captain general being in this harbour, there came unto him a messenger from the king of Cananor, & also from the king of Coulan (they both being great princes) in the kingdom of Malabar, requesting him to come to their ports or harbours, for that they would give him sufficient lading for his ships, better cheap then in Coching, with very many other offers of friendship. To whom he made answer by a messenger that he sent, yielding unto them most hearty thanks, certifying them that at this present he could not go to lad at their ports, for that he had begun to take in the same already at Coching, 
A great fleet of enemies.  notwithstanding at his next return he would do so, immediately after that he had laden his ships, there was seen a sea board a fleet of 25. great ships, besides other small vessels. And the king of Coching having notice thereof, sent word forthwith to the captain general, that there was in that fleet xv. thousand fight men which came only to none other purpose, but to seek him out, and therefore if so be that he should have any need of men, to send him word, & he would provide him thereof. The captain general answered, that as yet he had no such need, for that with those few that he had with him, he trusted in God, to give them to understand, what ill council they had taken, to come & seek him out, for that he had well experimented their strength. Truth it was the general believed steadfastly, as he had spoken, in respect of that which he before had passed in the harbour or port of calicut. First with ten great ships which he found there, as also with certain that were there a ground. And although the enemies were scouring up and down in the Sea, yet thereby it was apparent that they durst not come to the place where he was, by a league, for all that they showed themselves to be set in order to fight. The captain general perceiving their intent, caused to weigh anchor, and having his sails spread abroad, departed with all his fleet toward his enemies, in the which there went those pledges Malabars, which the King of Coching had given unto him. Howbeit his determination was, to return again to Coching, and so to deliver them. And going after this sort, there fell upon them on a sudden such a great storm which came with a contrary wind, that he was feign to return and to come to an anchor again, so that he could not bear with his enemies.  
The next day following which was the tenth day of Ianuarye. 1501. the wind came about in such sort and so large, that the one fleet might lay the other aboard. The captain general being desirous thereof, found upon a sudden missing one of his great ships, in the which went Sancho de Toar, unto whom it did well appear, by reason it was night, that he had forgotten himself. And for because that next unto this ship, this was the principallest of all the fleet, in the which were placed the chiefest men, it was not thought good to fight without him, the tather for that in the others he had but few men, and of them the most part were sick, and of the enemies were so many as the king of Coching had sent him word.  
And as the wind was prosperous to go forward on his voyage toward Portugal, 
He maketh toward Portugal.  and very scant to return toward Coching, he departed, making his course into the Sea with his whole fleet. After whom the whole fleet of the enemies followed, all that day till it was night, and then they lost their company, and so returned. Thus going in his course, he began to comfort those Nayres which were delivered unto him for pledges, with many pleasant tales, the which was the cause that they fell to their meat, being three days there, & had eaten nothing of five days of their sailing, and upon the xv. of Januarie, he came within sight of Cananor, which lieth flat north from Coching, and is in the coast of Malabar, xxxi. leagues from Coching.  
Cananor is a great city, 
The description of the town of Cananor.  consisting of houses made of Earth, and covered over with broad stone or slate, there are in this city many moors that are great merchants, which trade in all kind of merchandise. There is adjoining unto this city a goodly bay, but there is in this Coast no great store of Pepper, no more than doth serve their own turns. Howbeit they have great store of Ginger, 
Drugs for the Pothecaries.  Cardamomon, Tamarindos, Mirabolanos, Canyfistola, and such like. There belong unto this city certain pools of water, wherein there do breed Lagartos, the which are like unto the Crocodiles that are in the river of Nilo, which are so great that they do eat men, if so be that they may come by them. Their heads are great, and they have two orders of teeth, their breath is as sweet as musk, and their bodies are covered over with shells. Also about this city there are in bushes great adders, which are very full of poison, so that with their breath only they do kill men: also there are Bats so great as kites, which in their heads do seem much like unto a fox, having such manner of teeth also.  
These the Gentiles do feed upon, for that they are pleasant and sweet. They have moreover in this city plenty both of fish, flesh, & fruits, & as for rice that cometh unto them from other places. The king is a Gentile, and a Bramene, he is counted to be one of the three of the province of Malabar, but he is not so rich nor of so great a power as is the king of calicut, nor yet as the king of Coulan. Unto this harbour arrived the captain General, and came to an anchor, (not only for that the king had requested him so to do) but also for that he minded to take in there some cinnamon, whereof he had none yet a board, so that there he took in 400. quintals, 
Every quintal is 100 weight.  and might have had much more, but he would not take it, wherefore it was thought that he wanted money: whereupon the king took occasion to send him word, that if so be the lack of money were the cause that he took no more thereof, or any other spices, he was then much to blame, for that he would trust him with much more if need so required, until he returned back again, he or any other. He was the willinger to send him this offer, for that he knew the true dealing of the Portugal, and how well they maintained their promise: and for that he did bear us so great good will, the captain general made him answer, giving him great good thanks for the liberal offers he had made him: promising that if he lived, he would inform the king his master of the great good will that he doth bear him. And once this, he may be assured to have him always for his friend. After this was delivered unto him an ambassador, whom the king of Cananor sent to the king of Portugal to increase a further friendship between them.   

¶ What had chanced to the captain general until such time that he arrived at Monsanbique. and from thence to Lisbon, and how Sancho de Toar, did discover the island of Sofala. Chap. 41.  
IN the mids of that gulf, and on the last day of January, he took a great ship, richly laden with Merchandise, and perceiving that it belonged to the King of Cambaya, he would not meddle therewith, but rather sent him word that his coming to the India's was not to make wars with any, but if so be that he minded so to do, it shall be with the King of calicut, for that he had broken the peace he had made with him: only out of that ship he took a Pilot, for to safeconduct him, till he had past the gulf. And he being in the same under sail, on a certain night, which was the xii. of February, they lost the ship of Sancho de Toar, which in a storm, that rose suddenly upon them, 
A ship of the fleet cast away  being hard by the shore side, violently they ran upon it, by means whereof, there was kindled in the same a great fire, so that nothing was saved, but only the men. Following their course in this tempest, they passed by Mylind, only for that they could not take harbour there, nor on any other land but only Monsanbique, which he took in his way, as well for the want they had of water, as also to new rig their ships, for that they went all open.  
In the mean while he sent Sancho de Toar, to discover Sofala, and from thence to return toward Portugal, with relation thereof. The ships being all in a readiness, they returned toward the Cape Buena esperansa, and there by reason of another great storm, that overtook them, there was shot out of a ship a great piece of ordinance, which ship was never seen after in all that voyage. After so many great and cruel storms, and other great dangers, which are innumerable to write of, he passed the foresaid Cape, the xxii. of May, which fell on Whitsundaye, and so following their course, came to an anchor at Cabo Verde, 
Diego Dias found at Capo Verde, & his voyage.  where he found Diego Dias (whose company he had lost before, when as he went toward the India's) who was driven into the red Sea, where he did winter, and lost his boat, and where also died the most part of his men, and for that his Pilot durst not venture to carry them to the India's, did return toward Portugal. And so after that he came out of the red Sea, what with hunger, thirst, and oath diseases, all his men were consumed saving seven persons: wherein God of his great goodness showed a miracle, forsomuch as in many days before, they were not able to govern their sails, for that they were so feeble and weak. The Captain general seeing that there came no more ships, departed towards Lisbon, whereunto he came the last day of July in the year of our Lord 1501. And after that he was arrived, in came the ship, which shot off the piece of ordinance in the storm, before that he doubled the Cape Buena esperansa, and after him came also Sancho de Toar, who went to discover Sofala, and made relation thereof to be a small island, 
The island of Sofala discovered.  standing hard to the firm land, and that it was inhabited by black men, which are called Cafres, and that out of the firm land there cometh much gold, where, as they say, there are mines thereof. And for that cause there go out of the India's thither many moors, that receive the same in truck of merchandise of small value. Moreover he brought with him a Moor, which was given him in pawn of one of his men, which he sent into the firm land for to view the same. This Moor gave large information thereof, as hereafter I shall declare. With this last ship there did return unto Portugal, of twelve that went for the India's, only six: the other six were lost.   

¶ How John de la Enotta went for captain general of the third Fleet that was sent to the India's, & what he did after his arrival there, & how from thence he returned toward Portugal. Chap. 42.  
IN this year of our Lord 1501. the King of Portugal supposing that all contention and strife in calicut was finished, 
The third Fleet that went from Portugal to the India's  & that the trade was settled as well there as in Quiloa and Sofala, and for that he had sent the self same year for that purpose one Pedro Aluares: therefore he thought best not to send any more than 3. ships & a carvel, of the which two carried merchandise to Sofala, & the other two to calicut. Of this fleet he made general one called joan de la Nueva, born in Galyzia, & this charge was given him, for that he was accounted to be a valiant Gentleman: moreover, Francisco de Navoys, Diego, Barboso, & Hernando de la pyna, war appointed for his captains. There went in this fleet no more than lxxx. men. That which the king had given him in commandment to do, was this, that in his way he should touch at the island of S. Blaze. 
The order that the king gave him concerning this voyage.  And being come thither, if it should to chance, that he should find missing any of his ships, that then he should there remain ten days, and from thence he should departed toward Sofala, and being there, if so be that there were settled a factory, to discharge the merchandise the which were appointed for that place. From the which he might have recourse unto the India's. And if so be that he found not all thing so, that then he should travel with all diligence, and as much as in him lay, to settle the same before he should go from thence: which being finished, that then he should leave for Factor of that place Aluoro de Braga, with all such merchandise as were appointed, which went in the carvel. From thence he should go for Quiloa, & after that he had been there, he should keep his right course toward Calicut. And if so be that he should find there as yet Pedro Aluares, to know whether he stand in any need of him, & that he should obey him as his general, & will him to settle a factory in Sofala, if it were not done already. This general being departed from Lishborn, he came safely to the island of S. Blaze, wherein a branch of a tree was found a shoe, & in the same was a letter which made mention, the Pedro de Tayde captain of the fleet of Pedro Aluares Cabral, which was hound to Portugal was passed by, and so making further relation what had chanced unto him in calicut, and of the good entertainment they had in Coching, where as then did remain some of our men, and also how the King of Cananor showed himself very courteous. This as it appeared, was written by Pedro de Tayde, to advertise all such captains as should pass by to calicut. The captain general with the other captains perusing this letter, did then determine, that it was not requisite, to leave the carvel in Sofala, for that they had but few men, which was not above four score. And with this they thought it convenient to go to Quiloa, where they found a banished man, whom Pedro Aluares had left there, who likewise informed the general, what Pedro Aluares had passed in Calicut, the which he had learned of certain moors, and also of the ships that he had lost. From thence he went to Mylinde, where he talked with the King, which told him as much more as the banished man had done. And having the same for certain, 
they take their voyage to the India's.  he went over to the Coast of the India's, to the which he came in November, and fell to an anchor in Ansadina, where he thought convenient to take in his water. And being there arrived, there came in upon a sudden, seven great ships of Cambaya, which were bound into the straits. The moors would have fought with our fleet, but our ordinance was the cause that they durst not lay us aboard, and so they went their way. After this, the captain general departed to Cananor: where he talked with the King, which certified him of that which had likewise past in calicut with Pedro Aluares, and what he had done, and how he offered him lading for those ships which he had brought with him. Also he certified him, how desirous he was to be at the King of Portugese's commandment: yet for all these fair words, the captain general would not take in there any lading, until such time he had been at Coching with the Factor, toward which place he departed, and in his way he took a ship which appertained unto the Moors of calicut, the which defended herself very valiantly, but afterward he commanded to set the same a fire. And being arrived at Coching, the Factor with the rest of his company went to visit the captain general aboard his ship, who told him that the King was greatly offended with Pedro Aluares, for that he went his way without speaking with him, & for caring away his pledges: yet this notwithstanding, both he & the rest of his company were always courteously entertained. In the night they were brought into his palace, that there they might remain: & if so be that in the day they were any thing desirous to walk abroad, than they were tended upon by certain of his Nayres, which were commanded to attend upon them, & keep them company for fear of the moors, 
The maliciousness of the moors.  for that they did not love them, but rather were desirous to kill them, insomuch, that before they went to the palace, they did one night set fire to the house, wherein they did lie: whereof the King having knowledge, from thence forth he had them to his palace, and so commanded from that time forward the Nayres to take a care of them. Moreover, he was told what ill sales he should find there of such merchandise as he had brought, for that the moors had persuaded the merchants of the country to give little for the same: and also advised those that sell the Pepper and other Spices, that they should not sell the same but for ready money, and not in truck of merchandise: & therefore they told him that if so be he had brought no money to buy their Spices withal, that then he should make no reckoning of the same. And therefore for that the general had brought none, he would tarry there no longer, but returned to Cananor, to take in there his lading, where the King was so great a friend to the King of Portugal, that when he understood, that he had brought no money, he remained his surety for a thousand quintal of Pepper, & for fifty of Ginger, 
Every quintal is a 100 weight.  & for four hundred & fifty quintal of cinnamon: besides some linen cloth, which is made of Algadon, until such time he had made sales of all such merchandise as he had brought with him, which he had left in Cananor, in the hands of a Factor & two scrivenors, and so from thence he should return with the first wind, the which as then did begin to blow, and therefore he would tarry no longer. To the intent therefore they should not departed without their lading, he showed the captain general this pleasure. The captain general seeing this his courteous dealing, did commend unto his custody certain of his men, the which he left with him, for that he had sent with Pedro Aluares Cabral ambassadors to Portugal. This lading being taken in, then on the xv. of December, there did appear in the Sea lxxx. Paraos, which were past the Mount Dely. Whereof the King having knowledge, he sent word immediately to the captain general, that those were the fleet of calicut, that came only to set upon him, and therefore it were good he should command his men to disimbark themselves & their ordinance: 
The king of Calicut sent lxxx. Paraos to fight with the captain general  unto which the captain general made answer, that he would not so do. For if so be that the enemies came with that intent, he had a hope in God that he should be able to defend himself: and with that he put himself in a readiness. The next day following, which was the xvi. day of December, before the dawning of the day, there was come into the Bay to the number of 100 ships and Paraos, which were all full of moors, being sent of purpose, for that the King of Calicut was informed, that they were there taking in of their lading, so that he thought by that means that neither ship nor man should escape, and therefore they lay as they did about the bay. As soon as the captain general had viewed them, he removed from the place where he was at an anchor, and brought himself into the mids of the bay, leaving order with his ships, that they should lay on loand with their ordinance which they had, with the which he commanded them forthwith to begin to shoot off: which was done in such sort, that they did never cease. And if so be that he had not done so, doubtless the enemies would have laid their ships aboard, by reason there were so many: So that it was unpossible for him to escape, if God of his goodness had not favoured him, and provided by his mercy, that the enemies brought no ordinance with them. Wherefore they were the bolder to dispend amongst them their shot, with the which there were many very sore hurt, over and besides great numbers that were slain, and their ships and Paraos sunk, for they durst not venture to lay our ships aboard, nor yet had killed or hurt any of our men. The fight dured until such time it was sun set, than the enemies held up a flag. But, for that he feared they meant thereby some deceit, he did not leave off shooting: for otherwise they might have thought he had so done, for that he was wearied, or else for fear. But it was nothing so, for they did it for the desire they had of peace, in respect of the hurt and loss of their men, 
This flag was a sign & request of peace.  which they had received at our men's hands, whereby they were driven to such necessity, that if so be that the wind had served, they had hoist up their sails and gone their way, and therefore they kept up their flag. The captain general perceiving their meaning, (and for that the most part of his ordinance was broken, with the continual shooting thereof, did answer them with another flag, which was done by the council and consent of the other captains: and immediately upon the same, they sent a Moor, which came in a small boat unto him, whose message was, to demand peace till the next day, which was by him granted, with this condition, that they should tarry no longer in the bay, but go into the open Sea, & so they did. The general (although the wind was partly against him) made likewise his course into the Sea, although it were troublesome unto him. The moors could not do the like, for their ships and Paraos can bear no sail but with a forewind. Yet for all the trouble that was past, the general came to an anchor hard by them, and for all that he used in the night a great and vigilant watch, by the which they heard the enemies rowing in their boats towards our fleet, yet before that they were known, they were almost upon him: their intent as it was presupposed, was to set our fleet a fire. The captain general fearing this, commanded to vyere more of the Cabells, that he might be the farther off from them.  
And perceiving that the enemies did yet follow them, he then commanded a piece to be shot of at them, with the which they were afeard, & so went their way: & as the wind came of the shore somewhat fair, they hoist up their sails, and followed their course toward Calicut. The captain general gave God great thanks, that he had so delivered him from his enemies, & so taking his leave of the King of Cananor, departed toward Portugal, 
they arrive safely at Portugal  where he arrived in safety with all his ships. After that he was departed, there came to Cananor one of his men, called gonsalo Pixoto, which was taken in Calicut for captive, whom the King sent with a messenger to the captain general. The effect thereof was, excusing himself of all that was done unto Pedro Aluares, and further also what hurt he had done unto his fleet in Cananor. Moreover, he offered him, if so be that he would come to calicut, to give him his full lading of Spices, and sufficient Pledges for the assurance of the same.   

¶ How Vasco de la Gama returned for captain general to the India's with a fleet of ships, and what he did till he came to Quiloa. Chap. 43.  
THe King of Portugal having great desire to revenge, 
The iiii. voyage to the India's 1502.  the injuries & treason that the king of Calicut had done unto his servants, did therefore cause to be made in a readiness a great fleet of ships, with the which he did determine to make wars against him. And having given the charge thereof to Pedro Aluares Cabral, did upon certain just considerations take the same from him again, and in his steed appointed for general, Don Vasco de la Gama, who departed from Lisbon, the third of March, in the year of our Lord 1502. and had the charge of thirteen great Ships and two carvels, of the which besides himself went for captains Pedro Alonso de Aquilar, Philipe de Castro, Don Lewis Cotinnuo, Franco de Conya, Pedro de Tayde, Vasco Caruallo, Vincente Sodre, and Blas Sodre, cousin germans to the captain general, Gil Hernand, cousin to Larenco de la Mina, ivan Lopes Perestrelo, Rodrigo de Casteneda, Rodrigo de Abreo and of the carvels, Pedro Raphael & Diego Peres. They carried also a carvel unwrought, which they should make an end of in Monsanbique, of the which there should go for captain one called Hernand Rodrignes Badarsas': besides this xv. Sail there remained making in a readiness other five ships, of the which there should go for captain general, one Steven de la Gama, who departed the fift day of May, next after following. After that the captain general had doubled the Cape of Buena Esperansa with his whole fleet, being at the furthest end of the currents, he sent the same to Monsanbique, to remain there whilst he went to Sofala, according as he was commanded by the king. He carried in his company four of the smallest ships of the whole fleet. His going thither was not only to see the situation of the same, 
He goeth first to Sofala to regrate their gold.  and to see whether there were any place convenient there for to make a fort, but also for to regrate their gold, and this was done in xxv. Days. The friendship between the king of Sofala and him, was agreed upon, and that he might from thence forth settle the factory there. After that this was ended, there passed between them sundry presents from the one to the other. And having concluded, the captain general departed from thence, and returned to Monsanbique, and in going out of the river there was lost one of the ships, but the men were all saved. Being arrived at Monsanbique he immediately renewed with the governor the old friendship which in times past had been between them, and by his condescent was left there a factor, which was delivered unto him with other more of our men, which remained in the factory for no other purpose but to provide always victuals for such fleets as should touch there, 
A house appointed for the Factory.  either going or coming from the India's. This being finished, & having made an end of the carvel with all his ordinance placed, he departed toward Quiloa, with intent to bring him to be tributary to the king of Portugal, the order whereof he carried with him in his Register, which he meant to put in execution, by reason of the evil entertainment he gave to Pedro de Aluares Cabrall. And being come to this harbour or port, the king went to visit him, a-seaboard, which he did only for the fear that he was in, for the injury which he had done to Pedro Aluares. After that he was come thither, there arrived also Steven de la Gama, that came with other five ships, which he departed withal out of Portugal. Now when the captain general esteemed the king but for a liar, and had got him a seaboorde, he would not trust him on his promise any further, but did immediately threaten him, that if so be that he would not pay tribute to the king of Portugal, he would command him to prison, under the hatches of his ship. With the fear hereof, he promised to give him yearly two thousand Miticaes of gold, and for the assurance of the payment thereof, he gave in pledge a principal Moor, whom they do call Mafamede Aleones, one whom he hated, for that he was a feared lest he would take the kingdom from him, for that he himself had usurped the same from the right king. After that he saw himself at liberty, and in the city, he would not according to his promise send his tribute, but rather hoped that the captain general would have caused the pledge to be killed, by reason whereof he should be rid of an enemy. But the Moor, seeing that the tribute came not, was feign to pay the same himself, and thereupon the captain general did deliver him.   

How the captain general did take a ship of the moors of Mecca, at the mount Dely, & what chanced unto him thereby. chap. 44.  
THis being done, the captain general, went forward on his voyage, toward Mylind, where he staid to take in his water, and to see the king: and from thence he kept his course toward the India's, and at the mount Dely, 
A ship of the Moors of Mecca taken.  he met with a ship of the moors of Mecca, that was bound to calicut, which was taken by our men, for that they did defend themselves very stoutly.  
The ship being rendered, the captain general went a board the same, where he commanded to come before him the owners thereof, and all the principallest Moors that were more there. He willed them also to bring with them all such kind of merchandise as they had, threatening them that if they did it not, he would cause them to be thrown into the sea. They answered him that they had nothing, for that all their goods were in calicut. The captain general showed himself to be offended with that answer, and did therefore command one of them to be thrown into the sea, bound hand and foot. The others with the fear they had conceived to see this punishment, did deliver all that they had, which was much, and that very good merchandise, which was immediately commanded to be delivered unto Diego Hernando Correa, that went for Factor to Coching, and so he gave order that the same should be carried a board another ship.  
All the children which were a board the said ship, were carried aboard the general, for that he had made promise to make them all friars, and to place them in our ladies Church of Belem, as afterward he did. The rest of the merchandise which were of the meaner sort, and of small value, he gave the spoil of them to his men. The ship being unladen of the goods, commandment was given to Steven de la Gama, to set the same a fire. This was done after that the moors were driven under the Hatches, to revenge the death of those that were slain in calicut.  
This ship being set a fire, by the foresaid Steven de la Gama, and other two, they leapt then into their boats, leaving the ship burning. The moors that were within the same, after that they perceived the ship to burn, did break open the hatches: by means whereof they were set at liberty: and with the water the ship had within it did quench the fire. The Captain general seeing this, forthwith commanded Steven de la Gama to go once more, and lay the same aboard, to the which he went with sundry of his men, with their weapons. Howbeit the moors did defend themselves as desperate men, 
Desperate minds in time of extremity.  not fearing death. Some there were of them that took firebrands and threw the same into one of the ships, with determination to set the same a fire. Others that threw the like at their heads. And for that the night drew on, they left them there, because the captain general was not of that mind, they should remain there in the dark, for fear lest the moors should kill some of our men. Howbeit he gave commandment, that the foresaid ship should be watched, that the moors should not run to land, which was hard by. The moors all that night did nothing else but cry out to Mahoma to secure and deliver them from us. The dawning of the day being come, the captain general commanded once more that Steven de la Gama with some of the mariners of his ship should go and lay the moors ship a board, and set the same a fire again, which was so done. Now after that he had made the moors to fly and to join themselves in the poop of their ship, fight always with them, notwithstanding the which, certain of his mariners and Gunners would not leave them until such time the ship was half burnt. When the moors saw the fire, some there were that leapt into the sea with hatchets in their hands, which they carried swimming, with determination to kill all those that did pursue them with boats, whom like wild men desperately bend they did set upon. Yet for all that there were many that were hurt, for that they came near to our boats side. howbeit the most part of them was slain, and those that remained in the ship were drowned, within the same, for that the ship did sink. There were of them in all three hundred, whereof there was not one that did escape: and of our men there were some that were hurt.   

How the captain general made peace and friendship with the king of Cananor, and afterward departed toward calicut. Chap. 45.  
FRom hence went the captain general to Cananor, 
An ambassador set to the king of Cananor.  and being come thither to an anchor, he sent the ambassador which he brought with him for the king, who told him that he was come, and that his desire was to speak with him. The king hereupon commanded to be made a bridge of Timber, which entered into the water as far as it was possible. The same was covered over with Carpets, and other rich clothes, and upon it toward the land side, was framed a house likewise made of timber, 
The meeting of the king and the captain general at Cananor 1502.  covered over as the bridge afore said, which was made for the meeting of the king and the captain general. The king being the first that was come, came accompanied with ten thousand Nayres, and with many Trumpets, and other instruments, which went sounding and playing before him. After that the king was entered into this house, there were placed the Nayres on the Bridge, those that were appointed to receive the captain general. Who standing there, anon came the general in his boat accompanied with all the boats of the fleet, being richly covered over and set out with their flags, besides that, they carried certain ordinance in the proer of their Boates. Also there were many drums and Trumpets with them, and with shooting of the Ordinance the captain general disimbarked himself, being accompanied with all his captains, and with sundry of his men, which went all armed. fleet in his port or harbour, by the which he feared to receive There were carried before him two great basins of silver and gilt, which were to wash his hands in, covered over with fine pieces of coral, and other fine things which they do greatly esteem in the India's. the Nayres viewing the same, did marvel to see the delicateness of our men.  
With this the king came as far forth to receive the captain general as the gate of his place, 
The present which the king of Portugal sent the king of Cananor.  where he embraced him, and afterward they returned together to the place from whence the king came forth, where the captain general had commanded to be set a couple of chairs, upon the which, although it was not the King's custom to sit, yet he did at that time for the captain generals sake. At this present was concluded the friendship between the king of Portugal and him, so that immediately after that the factory was settled in Coching, minding to do the like in Cananor, where as soon as the same was done, he would lad certain of his ships, and after all this the captain general departed toward calicut.   

How the captain general came to the port of calicut, and what he did there. Chap. 46.  
FRom hence the captain general being come to the harbour of calicut, afore they were known, did take certain Paraos in the which were to the number of fifty Malabars, that could not escape. The captain general would not at the first coming do the city any hurt with his ordinance, until such time he had seen whether the king would send him any messenger or not. And tarrying for the same, there came a board him, a boat with a Flag in the same, in the which there was a friar of the order of Saint Frances, whom after that our men had sight of him, they judged to be one of those that were in the company of Aries Correa, & remained captive. This friar being entered into the ship, said Deo gracias, by the same he was known to be a Moor, howbeit to excuse himself he said that he came after that sort, that they might the rather consent unto his coming a board, being sent with a message from the king to the captain general, about the setteling of a trade in Calicut. Unto this the captain general made answer, commanding him not to speak thereof, until such time the king had satisfied him for all that he had taken in the Factory, when he consented to the death of Aries Correa, and the others that were with him. In this matter they spent three days with messages to & fro, without any conclusion, for that the moors did withstand the same.  
The captain general perceiving that all these delays were but lies to spend the time, he sent him then word that he minded not to tarry for answer any longer than noon, & the same to be with effect, and to comply with him, or else he would make him most cruel war, with fire & sword, and that forthwith he would begin it upon such his subjects as he had taken prisoners. And because the king should not think them to be words only, he commanded to bring him a running glass of an hour, and thereupon he told the Moor that went with the message, that of those Glasses there should run so many, 
The moors make him keep no promise with the captain general, nor fear his power  and as soon as they were ended, without any further delay he would command all that to be done, which he had sent him word off. But all this could not move the king to perform any thing that he had promised, he was so inconstant and given to change, with every vain saying of the moors: and the outward show that he made of peace, was but feigned, by reason of the fear he had conceived in himself, to see so great a fleet in his port or harbour, by the which he feared to receive great loss, whereof the moors did assure him the contrary, which was the occasion that he kept no promise. Upon this the captain general as soon as the time was come, commanded to be shot off a piece, which was the sign he gave to the other captains, to command those Malabars to be hanged, which were departed amongst the fleet. After that they were executed, he commanded their feet and hands to be out off, which were thrown into a Parao and sent a shore with two boats well armed, and a Letter for the king of calicut written in the Arabian tongue, in the which he signified unto him that in such manner, he would pay him for all his feigned lies which he had spoken unto this present. And as for his kings goods, which he did detain in his hands, he would recover them a hundred fold. After all this, he gave commandment, that in the night there should be brought three ships as near to the shore as they could, that the next day without ceasing there should be shot all the great ordinance that they had at the city, with the which there was great hurt done, besides the King's house which was overthrown therewith, and sundry other houses of the principal inhabitants. This being done, he departed toward Coching, leaving to keep that Coast six ships which were well appointed, of the which was named for captain general one called Vincente Sodre, to remain with them in the India's, that therewith he might go and discover the straits of Mecca, and the coast of Cambaia.   

How the captain general came to Coching, and what he did there, & also how the king of calicut sent to train him thither, for that there he would traitorously have taken him, and last of all he wrote a Letter to the king of Coching. Chap. 47.  
THe captain general being come to the Port or Harbour of Coching, when the king had notice thereof, he sent him before he came a land, certain pledges to remain in the ship for his assurance. And afterward he came in person and met him. In this visitation the King did deliver unto him Steven Gyl, with all the others that remained in his country, and in recompense of that, the captain general delivered him a letter, which the King of Portugal had sent him, rendering unto him most hearty thanks, for the good will he always showed to Pedro Aluares Cabral: and that he was well pleased and contented, to have a Factory settled in Coching. Also there was delivered unto him a Present, 
The king of Portugese's present scent to the king of Coching.  which the King his Master had sent him: which was a rich crown of gold, full of jewels, a choler of gold all enameled, two fountains of silver wrought, two Arras clothes of Imagery work, a costly pavilion, a piece of crimson satin, and another of sendal, all which the King did receive with great pleasure. And for that he understood not wherefore every of these things served, he requested to be informed of the same. And therefore the captain general commanded the pavilion or Tent to be armed, in the which was concluded a further peace. Also he gave him a house to settle therein the factory. Moreover, the price was agreed upon, how he would deliver the Spices & Drugs that were gathered in his country: of all these things there was a contract made & set down, which was confirmed by the King. And for a further assurance thereof, the King of Coching, sent to the King of Portugal a Present, 
The king of Coching present set to the king of Portugal.  which was two Bracelets of gold, set with stones, a towel which the moors do use of cloth of silver, which was two yards & a half of length, two great pieces of linen Cloth, which they do call Bengala, made of Cotten wool, which was excellent fine, a stone of the bigness of a walnut, which they do take out of the head of a beast: they call the same in the India's, Bulgoldolf, of the which there are but few found, and these are good against all poison. The house in the which they determined to settle their factory being granted, possession thereof was immediately taken by Diego Hernandus, and other two which were Notaries: the one was called Lorenzo Moreno, & the other Aluoro vas with others. Whiles the captain generals ship was taking in of his lading, there came a messenger from the King of calicut unto him, saying: that if so be that he would return to calicut, he would restore unto him all that had been taken from him, and that he should settle a Trade there. The captain general, after that he had considered upon the message, 
This messenger was one of his chief chaplains.  commanded the messenger to prison, for this intent, to revenge himself on him, if so be that the King did lie, since he had so oftentimes deceived him. And being now determined to go toward calicut, which was more to see whether that he could recover the merchandise that were taken, then for any hope he had of the King's friendship, would for that cause go alone, leaving behind him for his lieutenant, Steven de la Gama. The captains that remained were sore against his going alone, and especially after that sort, for fear of mischance: yet he would not be persuaded but to go, saying that along that Coast there was Vincente Sodre with the other ships, that were appointed to remain in the India's: and if so be that he were driven to any necessity, he would join with them. As soon as the king was informed that he was come to calicut, he sent him immediately word, that the next day he would comply with him for all such goods, as had been taken from Pedro Aluares, and afterward he would renew the Trade, and settle the factory. But contrary to these his words, as soon as he had knowledge that the captain general was come alone, upon a sudden he commanded to be made in a readiness xxxiiii. Paraos, with intent to set upon him, & so to take him if it were possible. And indeed with such a sudden came upon him, that to escape them, he was fain to cut one of his Cables, which he had out, and so made sail. And as the wind was of the land, he went somewhat further off from those Paraos, yet for all that they did not give him over, but always followed him with such a vehemency, that had it not been for Vincente Sodre and the others which kept along that Coast, he had been taken, but yet at length they were fame to run their way. Being thus escaped, he returned to Coching, & as soon as he came thither he commanded the messenger to be hanged, whom the King of calicut had sent unto him: for the which deed he remained greatly affrighted, when the same came to his knowledge. But seeing now that by no means he could take him, he determined then to prove, whether he could persuade the King of Coching to give him no lading, and also not to consent to any Factory for him in his country.   

How the moors were the principal doers herein, that moved the King to write concerning that matter by one of his chaplains to the King of Coching after this manner.  
I do understand that thou favourest Christians, 
The king of calicut's letter to the king of Coching  and that thou hast received them into thy city, & there dost give them both lading & victuals. It is possible thou dost not foresee what danger may ensue thereof, & also how much thou dost displeasure me. I do request thee that thou remember what great friends we have been till this present, & now thou dost procure my displeasure, in especial for so small a matter, as is the maintaining of those Christians, which are thieves, that accustom to rob in other men's Countries. From henceforth my request is, that thou do not receive them, neither yet give them spices: in the which thou shalt not only show me pleasure, but also bind me to requited thy good will in what thou shalt command. I will not now further request the same, for I believe thou wilt do it with out further entreaty, as I would for thee in any matter of importance. This letter being perused by the king of Coching, who was honest & true in all his dealings, he was not moved therewith, but answered the King of calicut, after this sort.  
I Cannot well tell how it can be done, 
The answer of the king of Coching to the king of calicut's letter  being a matter of so great a weight, as is to put out of my city those Christians, having received them upon my word: and to do it so easily as thou dost write. I will never request thee of any such matter, at the desire of the moors of Mecca, neither yet upon the instance of no other merchants, that are Traders to calicut. In receiving these Christians, and giving them lading for their ships, I do believe that neither to thee nor any other, I do offence: since that it is a custom we have amongst us, to sell our merchandise to those that will buy them, and to favour those merchants, which do resort unto our country. These Christians came to seek me out far off, and for that cause I did receive them, & promised to defend them. They are no thieves as thou dost term them, for they bring great sums of money, in gold and silver, and merchandise, wherewith they do trade▪ Then friendship I do and will observe, doing therein but my duty, and so oughtest thou to do, and otherwise I will not take thee to be my friend: neither yet oughtest thou or any other be aggrieved or offended withal, for that which I do, is to enrich my city.  
With this answer the King of calicut was sore offended: whereby he took occasion to write this letter following.  
IT grieveth me very much, 
The reply to the king of Cochings letter.  the hatred or envy thou hast conceived against me, for that thereby I do perceive thou wilt leave my friendship for those Christians sake, which I take for my great enemies, & aught to be the cause that thou shouldest accept them after the same sort. Once more therefore I do return to desire thee, that thou wilt neither receive them, nor yet give them their lading for their ships. For if so be thou wilt not be persuaded, to the contrary, but rather meanest to prosecute thine intent, than I take God to my judge, and from henceforth I do protest, that I am not in fault of the damage that will grow unto thee thereof.  
The King of Coching having received this letter, laughed at it, saying to his chaplain that was the bringer thereof, that he would do nothing for fear, but that which he minded to do should be upon request, and so answered to this letter.  
I have seen thy message, 
The king of Cochings answer to the reply.  which soundeth as it were threatenings. God who always resisteth pride, doth favour him that hath justice & equity on his side. Since thou art my friend, do not request me so an abominable and unlawful a request, as is to use treason, especial amongst Kings, and if there be any other thing that grieveth thee, and is not hurtful to mine honour, I will do it, yea, although it were to my loss, which I do not esteem in comparison of mine honour. I do trust that thou wilt take this answer in good part, and prevent the death of men, and the destruction of thy country. But if so be notwithstanding, thou wilt maintain thine opinion, God doth well know & perceive that hereof I am in no fault.  
The King of calicut perceiving that the King of Coching, did stand so much upon his reputation, and would not do that which he had requested him, did then determine, (the Captain general being once departing) to set upon him by the way, and utterly to destroy him, against whom he commanded to be made in a readiness, a fleet of xxix. great ships, that they might encounter with him upon the Sea, at his departure toward Portugal, supposing, that forasmuch as they went laden, he should be the better able to do them the more harm.   

Of the battle that was fought between the Fleet of calicut and the captain general, as he was going toward Cananor: & how Vincente Sodre, Pedro Raphael, and Diego Pieres took two of those ships, & how the captain general departed toward Portugal. Chap. 49.  
OF all these letters and messages, the King of Coching would never make the captain general privy, until such time that he was ready to departed, and then he told him, which before he was loath to do. And for that he should not conceive and think him to be so vain as to alter his mind to do as the King of calicut would have him: 
Great friendship and constancy in an heathen Prince.  he did therefore show himself to be so constant, and such a friend of the king of Portugese's, that for his sake he would adventure to lose his city if it were need. For this the captain general gave him great thanks, saying, that the King his Master would never forget that good will: and in his name he promised to favour and secure him in such sort, that he should not only have his kingdom in great assurance, but also that he would aid him to conquer others. He willed him also not to fear those Letters that the King of Calicut had sent him, for that they were nothing else but to put him in fear, and bring him to be a traitor as he was, being therefore so destroyed, and that from henceforth there should be made such cruel wars against him, the he should have enough to do to defend himself, much less to make wars against others. All this he told him, for the succour of those ships which should remain in the India's.  
These words were spoken afore many of his Nayres, of the which the King was very glad that they heard them. And for that we had knowledge that in respect of the friendship that they had with the moors, they were very sorry that we had the Factory granted in Coching. Therefore the captain general promised unto the King that from Cananor he would forthwith send him thither a fleet of ships, from whence he was minded to depart.  
Now after that he had laden his ten ships, and was a Sea board, three leagues from Pandarane, he had knowledge of the nine and twenty great ships of the moors, that went to seek him out. And as soon as he had sight of them, he consulted with his captains to fight with them, upon whom with the wind that did begin to blow, they did bear.  
This being agreed upon, 
A battle by sea between our ships, and the kings of Calicut  the general began to bear toward the enemies. Vincente Sodre, Pedro Raphael, and Diego Pieres, for that their ships were great sailors, went before them all, and these were the first that did give the onset upon two of the chiefest ships. Vincente Sodre, fought with the one alone, and Pedro Raphael, and Diego peers with the other. Their meeting was with such a valiant mind, that out of both the enemies ships there leapt many into the Sea. The fight endured no longer, but until such time the captain general with the other ships drew near, who did always shoot off at them. In the mean while the rest of the enemies did bear all that they could toward the shore. The captain general for fear of the loss of some of his ships, would not follow, the rather for that they were all laden: Howbeit, our men leapt into their boats, and there fought with those that were swimming in the water, and slew them all: the which were near to the number of three hundred persons.  
After this the captain general commanded to discharge their ships, which were taken, in the which was found store of rich merchandise: 
A rich price taken from the enemy.  and amongst the same these pieces following: six great Tynages of fine Earth, which they do call Porcelanas, and the same is very costly, as by experience thereof we do see in Portugal: four great Guyndes of silver, with certain perfuming pans of silver: also they there found, certain basins of silver and guilt, in the which they do use to spit. But that which exceeded the rest, was an idol of gold, which weighed thirty pound weight, with a monstrous face and for his eyes he had two very fine emeralds: a vestment of beaten gold, wrought and set with fine stone, the which vestment belonged unto this idol, with a Carbuncle or ruby in his breast as big as a Crosado, which gave as great a light as it had been a fire. The ships being set a fire, the captain general departed toward Cananor, where he was with the King, who gave him a house for the factory, the possession whereof was taken by gonsalo Gill Barbosa, who was appointed for Factor, and by Sebastian Aluares, and Diego Godino, Notaries, and by the interpreter, called Edwarte Barboso, and sundry others, in all to the number of twenty, of all whom the King took charge upon him, with all that was in the factory: and bound himself to lad from thenceforth all the King of Portugese's ships of Spices, that they should at any time have need of, and this at a certain price which was immediately named. The captain general did enter into the like bonds in the name of the King of Portugal, to defend him from all those that should make him wars for this cause. Also the King of Cananor did the like, and to remain the King of Cochings friend, and not to help nor aid any that should come against him, upon pain that we should make him wars: and of all this, there were sufficient, 
The order that was given to Vincente Sodre, at the departure of the captain general from Cananor.  great and lawful writings made on all parts. After this, the Captain general sent Vincente Sodre to go along the Coast, and to keep the same until February. And if in the mean while there were any news or knowledge of any likelihood of wars, between the King of Coching & the King of calicut, that then he should Winter there in Coching: but if not, that then he should go to the straits of the red Sea, to take such ships of Mecca, as do pass to the India's.  
This being dispatched, and those three ships laden with that they should have, they departed toward Portugal with thirteen ships, the twentieth day of December, in the year of our Lord 1503. and so arrived with all their ships at Monsanbique.  
And for that the ship that Steven de la Gama went in had a great leak, he commanded the same to be unladen and brought a ground, and after that she was newly rigged, they departed. And within seven days after, there fell a great leak in the ship that Lewis Cotine was in, & for that it was in such a place that they could not come by it, they were therefore driven with all the fleet to return to Monsanbique, to new rig the same. Now the wind was scant, they were feign to remain in a certain creek, until she was finished, and afterward they returned to their voyage, 
They were dispersed by a tempest  and at the Cape of the Correntes they were so overtaken with storms which came suddenly, and with such a force upon them, and that against them, that they were forced to stay there with all the fleet. The ship that Steven de la Gama went in did bear up only with her foresail, and his spirit sail all to torn, by reason whereof he lost the company of the whole fleet, and was no more seen. And within six days after that the captain general arrived at Lisbon, she came in also with her Mast broken. This storm being passed from this Cape of the Currents, the captain general followed his course toward Lisbon, where he arrived the first day of September. All the noble men of the Court went as far as Casca's to receive and accompany him till he came to the king. He had going before him his Page, which carried a basin of silver, within the same was laid all the tribute which the king of Quiloa had paid. Being come where the king was, his grace honourably received him, according as he did deserve, who had done him so great service, as it was to discover the India's, and to leave settled factories in Coching, and in Cananor, which things must needs redound unto the king to most certain gain and profit, besides the great fame and honour which he got thereby, in being the first king that had sent to discover the East parts, whereof he might make conquest, if so be that it pleased him. So in satisfaction the king made him admiral of the India's, and also gave him the title of Lord of Vydeguero, which was his own.   

Of the news that were given out in Coching, how the king of calicut put himself in a readiness for the wars, and how Vincente Sodre would not secure him, but went to the cape of Quardafum. Chap. 50.  
AS soon as the king had knowledge that the captain general was departed toward Portugal, he immediately determined to put his wars in execution, which he had signified to the king of Coching before. And so he marched toward the village of Panane, where he began to join his power, which was immediately known unto all those of Coching, for that it was not far of. Wherefore the dwellers there were wonderfully afeard, saying, that they had cause so to be, for that the king of Coching did all things contrary to justice and equity. And since he did the same unto those that are of his sect, and all most naturally borne with him, why should he not do the like unto the christians which are our enemies? And for that God doth well perceive the just quarrel the king of calicut hath to make him wars, that he will therefore aid and secure him therein, 
Both commons & noble men repine against their king and our men.  upon the charges of those that are innocents thereof. This they did not only tell our men, but also in every place they railed at them, and endeavoured to procure as much hurt as they could against them.  
Some of them also that were in credit with the king, and ought us no great good will, did openly say, that if so be that the king of calicut did come with a greater power than they had, they would immediately deliver our men unto him, since the wars were begun in respect of us and for our sakes, they did put in hazard the loss of their kingdom. The king marveling much of the boldness of his subjects, answered them with loving words, saying that they had offended him very sore with their vain speech, assuring them, that if so be that the king of calicut would come and seek him out, yet he would notwithstanding defend himself, only for that he well knoweth, that God will favour him, for his just dealing in defending those christians, as he had taken upon him to do. But for all this his subjects could not be well pacified, whereof some were desirous to set upon our men, but yet they durst not, for that the king had allowed them a guard to attend upon them, and also appointed a strong place for their lodging. Upon this, there came news that Vincente Sodre was come to Coching, who had left great hurt done along the coast of Calicut, both by water and by land.  
Of whose coming all our men were very glad, for that they were before in great danger. But the Factor perceiving that they came not a land, sent the captain general word by Laurenco Moreno, the certainty they heard of the wars, which the king of calicut was minded to make upon the king of Coching, and where he was at that present in a readiness for the same. 
The Captain general excuseth himself for dealing on the land.  Requesting him on his behalf, and requiring him in the name of the king of Portugal, that he would forthwith disembark himself, for that with his being in Coching they were certain they should remain conquerors, yielding sufficient reason for the same, & otherwise that they were in great danger. The general answered, that he was appointed for captain general of the Sea, and not of the land, and did therefore remain in the India's, only to keep the seas.  
Nevertheless if so be that the king of calicut had prepared his wars against the king of Coching, by sea, he would have defended him, but since it was by land, he had nothing to do withal, but to suffer the king to defend himself, for that he would departed to discover the red Sea. The Factor upon this determinate answer, did once more send unto him, requiring him on God's behalf, and the king of Portugese's that he would not leave them so, for that the king of Cochings power was but small to defend himself withal, in these wars against the king of Calicut, who had begun the same only and for none other cause, but to destroy our factory. And therefore he as captain general of the king of Portugal, 
This general captain had other matters of more profit in hand.  was bound for to defend him, and that this was the principal cause why he remained in the India's. But for all this the General would not tarry, and so he departed with the rest of his fleet toward the Cape de Quardafum, where he did well know that he should take sundry rich prizes. This was that which he did better remember, then to stay and defend the king of Coching or the king of Portugese's factory.   

How the king of Calicut signified unto his noble men, & all such as did assist him, the causes why he made this war against the king of Coching. And how the Prince Nabeadarni was he, that only spoke against the same. chap. 50.  
AFter that the king of calicut was come to Panane, thither also came presently sundry noble men his subjects and others his friends whom he had sent for to aid and secure him in this enterprise. Others there were that came before they were sent for: For as soon they heard that the wars were begun, and that for our sakes that remained in Coching (of the which they were all glad) hoping thereby to hunt us out of the India's, & therefore they came with the better good will to seek the destruction of the king of Coching. There were also of his own subjects that arose against him, and some of his nobility, as the Caimall of Chirapipill, and he of Cambalane, and also he of the great island which is over against Coching, who carried with them all the power that they were able to make. And being come into the presence of the king of calicut, he spoke unto them all.  
IF that good works do engender friendship, 
The king of Calicut signifieth the cause why he beginneth to make these wars against the king of Coching.  amongst men, than I, and you for my sake, and generally all the Malabars ought to bear the same greatly unto the moors, for that it is well known, that it is six hundred year since they came into the province of Malabar, and in all this time, yea, to this day, there was never any that ever received at their hands any hurt or loss. But having no sooner received strangers newly come into any of our Countries, immediately we receive loss by them, wheresoever they do begin to settle their trade. But the moors do trade with the people with all friendship, and love, as aught to do one natural neighbour with an other, by whose means the country hath been always well provided of much victuals and merchandise, which hath been a cause to enrich our towns; and that our rents are greatly increased, in especial within this our city. For whilst the moors are here resident, they have made the same the greatest mart town that is in all the India's.  
For this cause I am bound in conscience, and have great reason to favour them, and to mislike of the christians which to my great hindrance, yea, and against my good will, settle in my land, more for to take the same, and to destroy me, then to bring me any profit or gains as the moors do, having given of themselves great shows and signs thereof within these few days, that they were here: as in taking of my captain general, and my ambassador prisoners, in making of new laws in my city, to lad their ships first, and before the moors should lad. And upon this they took an occasion to stay a certain ship of the moors, which was the cause, that the moors did as you do hear, and as I may judge by the sequel thereof, was so ordained of God for their pride, of the which he was in no fault. Yet this notwithstanding, they burned ten of my ships which lay within my harbour.  
After all this, they with their Ordinance destroyed my city, so that I was driven to run away out of my palace. Not contented with this, they burned me other two ships, which they would not have done if so be that they had come to settle a trade. But first of all since they found themselves aggrieved, they should have come and made their complaint to me of the moors, and tarried till I had punished them, and not to do as they have done, by which it was apparent, that they are thieves and no Merchants, as they name themselves to be, that under this colour, they might conquer the whole country. Which things the king of Coching would never understand nor give credit unto, although I sent him word. And being as he is, my subject, & well understanding what they had done unto me, yet he would not but receive them, & give them lading for their ships, and now he hath given them a factory, I sending him word and praying him many times that he would not consent thereunto. For this cause therefore I have sent for you, that you should join yourselves. And also to request you to tell me your opinions, whether I have reason to revenge myself or no?  
This determination to them all seemed very good, 
here this enterprise was well liked of by his noble men & others.  and they praised his purposed intent, but principally the Lord of Repelyn, forsomuch as he was a great enemy to the king of Coching, for that he had usurped an island of his called Arraul: also of the self same opinion were other principal moors. But against this his pretended journey spoke the King's brother called Nambeadarin, which was the only heir to the kingdom after the death of his brother: who immediately in the presence of them all said.  
THE kindred that is between thee and me, 
The answer which the prince made to the foresaid Oration.  beside sundry other things, may certify thee that I do desire more thine honour and profit, than any that be here present, and therefore my council ought to be of a more efficacy than any others. For as they are not so greatly bound to give thee the same as I am, so as it appeareth they do feed thy humour, and council thee according to thy will, since thou art desirous to accept it, and not according to good reason, which thou hast to leave it. But if so be that they without flattery, and thou without passion, wouldst judge or weigh the cause of these Christians, thou shouldest find, that unto this present time they have given thee no cause, but that they should be well received into thy country, and so into all the province of Malabar, and not to hunt them forth like thieves, which they cannot be called, although they were present. And forasmuch as from all the places of the world, men do resort hither, and assemble themselves to buy those merchandise which they have not in their countries, and bring those hither which we have not here.  
In the same sort come these Christians, and as the custom is of merchants, they brought thee in their King's behalf, the richest present that thou didst yet ever receive. And besides their merchandise they brought much gold and silver made in coin, which they do not use to bring which come to make wars. And if so be they had come in any such sort, they would not have dissimuled the running away that the pledges offered unto them whom thou dost call ambassadors, that were kept in Prison, for that their captain was a land.  
But they reconciling themselves unto thee, went and took the ship at thy request in the which was the great Elephant, and afterward did present thee therewith, and with all that the same ship carried: besides, those that are thieves do not use so to do, nor yet pay so well, nor use so much truth as they did, for all the time that they were in calicut, there was none that did complain of them, but only the moors, which they did, for that they are their enemies, and being moved with envy to see them partakers of their profit, did accuse them that they had taken great store of Pepper from the owners against their wills, they themselves being those that use the same, and for that the Christians should not benefit themselves by lading of their ships. And forasmuch as this was so apparent, thou gavest them licence to take their freight, by the which licence, the captain sent to the ship of the moors, which was laden, and they being in all the whole fault, did yet notwithstanding rise against them. These men than have done as it is well known to the world, and yet for all this as quiet men ought to do, they tarried all one day to see whether thou wouldest excuse thyself. But they seeing that there came none from thee, they did then put in execution the revenge, 
The execution of the pledges defended by the King's brother  not traitorously as the moors do, which went not to defend the ships, although now they speak with a stout stomach, and council thee to make these wars against the king of Coching, for that he did receive them into his city, where no just cause is at all. For his receiving of them, it is not to be judged that it is to hinder thee: but he received them as he would any other merchant that would have come to his harbour. After the self same sort did the king of Cananor, and the king of Goulan deal with them, who would not have admitted them if they had known them to be thieves. If thou be minded to banish them out of the India's, and for this cause art determined to make war against the king of Coching: it is requisite also thou make war against the king of Cananor, for from thence they may do that which thou fearest they will from Coching. But I will not let to tell thee, that thou dost adventure thyself against him. For that as thou thinkest he is of less power than the king of Cananor.  
These words were spoken by Nambeadarin, with such a stomach and so liberally to the King, that they were by him well taken: In one respect, for that he was a very valiant Gentleman, and in another, for that he was with him in great credit and authority. And for this cause they had him in great reputation: Insomuch, that if the moors and Caymayles had not showed themselves very stout against him, the King would not have gone forward with his enterprise to make wars against the King of Coching. 
The Mores overthrow the credit of the kings brothers Oration.  Howbeit, they stood upon their reputation so much, that they thought it would be a great embasing to their credit, in especially having assembled so great a power as the King had done, and not to go forward, or at the least to do some what afore they did return. By means whereof, it was possible, that the King of Coching hearing of their coming, would now do that for fear, which he would not otherwise do before, being prayed. After all this, the King of calicut would needs know of his Witches, what day was good to march forward in with his army, who appointed him a fortunate one, and promised him the victory against the King of Coching, and that as yet there would come unto him more men. With this certainty, which the Witches had comforted the King withal, which he much trusted upon, he departed toward the country of Repelyn, which is four leagues from Coching.   

¶ Of the great fear that our men were in, lest the King of Coching would have delivered them to the King of calicut. Cap. 52.  
OF all this, whatsoever had past, was the King of Coching advertised, by sundry espies which he had in the camp of the king of calicut: and therefore he stood somewhat in fear of him, for that he had not sufficient men to defend himself, forasmuch as all those that he hoped had favoured him, were turned against him: yea, even those that were his own subjects, whom if he had on his side, he had been sure to have given the King of calicut the overthrow. Therefore, for that he had but few men, he was greatly afeard thereof, and the rather, 
The very sight of our men abhorred in Coching  for that of those there, the most part served him against their will, in especially they that were dwellers in Coching, which did abhor the very sight of our men, where upon they openly spoke it, that it were good that the King of Coching should deliver our men to the king of calicut, or else that he put them out of Coching, and so he might acquit himself of these wars. Moreover, there were many of the inhabitants of Coching, that ran their ways, and left their houses, and all for fear of this war. Our men also on the other part were greatly afeard to see this tumult, which gave them occasion to way the danger that they were in, for all that the king did warrant them. Wherefore the Factor fearing the success thereof, procured license of the King to go to Cananor, hoping that there, they should be very quiet, until such time the fleet should come from Portugal, thinking that the King by this means, should break up those wars, that were pretended against him, and also his subjects be the better contented therewith.  
But at those words the King seemed to be in heaviness, 
The answer which the king of Coching made to the factor  & told the Factor, that now it appeared very well, that he had but small confidence in him, that he would ask him licence to departed, and therefore he told him he would give him none: but rather requested him earnestly not to have any such mistrust, for he there gave him his word, and it stood him so much upon his credit, in preserving them all alive, that he would rather lose his kingdom and life withal, then deliver them to the King of calicut, or to other that should do them any harm. And if so be that his evil Fortune were so great that he should lose Coching, yet there would not lack a place of sufficient strength to send them unto, until the coming of the next fleet from Portugal to the India's.  
And although said he, the king of calicut should come with a great power, yet for all that he is not assured of the victory: for it is seen many times that few with valiant hearts, 
Few having the right on their side, prevail most times against numbers that come in an evil cause.  do give the overthrow unto great numbers without strength: much more having as I have, justice & equity on my side. And therefore he willed them to be quiet, & to pray unto their God to give him the victory. With these words, knowing well that the King did speak them with a loving mind, our men remained somewhat eased of the fear wherein they were, and would have kissed his hands, but he would not suffer them so to do, nor yet would agree that they should help him in his wars, which they did offer him to do, but answered them, that he would not place them in any such dangerous place, for that it stood upon his credit so much to keep them alive. And for that they should remain as witnesses, how much he did travel to save their lives, therefore from thenceforth he committed the keeping of them unto certain Nayres, such as he had a confidence in.  
And that this mutiny might cease, and they from thence forth not have any occasion to murmur against our men, he commanded to be called afore him all his Noble men, such as were with him, and also certain of the principal Nayres, which were the occasion of all this trouble, & spoke unto them after this manner.  
I Cannot but be very heavy, 
The king of Cochings Oration to his noble men.  to see so little truth remain in you: For I marvel nothing at all at the rustical sort of men, whom oftentimes their poverty enforceth to use all kind of villainy. But of you, I do greatly marvel that are Nayres, that have been always true in your dealings, that you now would have me break my word and promise, that I have already given to the captain general, concerning these Christians, which was to keep his men to the uttermost of my power, and to look that no man should do them any harm or violence, but always for to have as good a regard unto them as unto mine own natural subjects. And therefore he left them in this my city, which was done also by your consents. And since you do perceive, that the King of calicut hath a few more men than I, ye would persuade me to do contarry to my promise: so that if I were of so ill a nature as you would have me to be, then ought you of all other to abhor me, and cry out upon me. Be ye herein your own judges, If you remained with any other King upon his word, would you allow that as well done in him, which you would have me do, by these Christians? In especial, counting him as we account of this man, for our enemy, having none occasion so to be, as the King of Calicut: and I your King, having no occasion to deliver you, as I have none to deliver these Christians? Which, since it is so, what is the council that ye mind to give me herein, that may not be reprhended in another? If it be for that you are afeard of the King of calicut, 
It is better to die with honour, then to live with the infamous name of a rude and lying Prince.  then know this, that it were better to die an honourable death then to live with dishonour, than which there cannot happen greater to me, then to break my word, nor yet more infamy unto you, then to be subjects to a rustical and a false King, in especial against these Christians, who have brought me so great profit as they have done. And as for the King of calicut, he well knoweth that if he would have consented that the factory might have been settled in his city, he might have kept them in his country. But now because they are gone he moveth these wars, the rather, for that he well knoweth my power is but small, and therefore mindeth to revenge on me the loss he hath received. If his meaning be none other, then to hunt these Christians out of the India's, and to fight with him, whosoever receiveth them into his country, why then doth he not begin his wars first with the King of Cananor? But that is not the occasion only, but the envy which he hath to see me benefited, and for that with his pride he supposeth, that I am not able to resist him. All this do I very well understand, and moreover I do receive comfort in preserving of these Christians, hoping in God, that he therefore will give me the victory against him. And as touching you that are my friends, I pray you therefore to stand to me.  
Now all that were present hereby, seeing this his determination, marveled greatly at his constancy, and craved pardon at his hands for the fear they found themselves to be in before, promising all of them to live and die in his service: for the which he gave them hearty thanks. Immediately after this, he commanded the Factor to be called with the rest of our men, unto whom he told all what he had done, and in their presence named for captain general, 
The King's brother made general of the field, and army.  the Prince Naramuhin his brother, and next inheritor to the crown, & commanded every man to obey him, in as ample manner, as his own person. His charge was set down, that he should march forward with five thousand five hundred Nayres, & entrench himself hard by the ford, by which way he knew for most certain, that the King of calicut was determined to enter into that island of Coching: whereas at an ebb, the water cometh up but to the knees.   

¶ How the Prince of calicut made offer sundry times to enter into the island of Coching, by this ford, and how he was resisted by the Prince of Coching. Chap. 53.  
NOw the King of calicut having notice, that Naramuhin had pitched his royal army hard by this ford, to resist thereby his entrance into Coching, he was somewhat feared therewith: in especial for that he knew the foresaid Prince, to be one of the valiantest Gentlemen, that was accounted off in all that province of Malabar, & the most fortunate in wars. Somewhat therefore for this fear, more than for any good will that he ought to the King of Coching, to use any kind of courtesy towards him, he sent him this letter.  
I have travailed as much as I could to excuse this war with thee, 
The king of calicut's letter to the king of Coching.  if so be that thou wouldest temper thy pride, & do that which I have requested thee, being as it is, so just, necessary and profitable unto us all. And for that this our falling out might go no further, I give thee to understand, that I am come to Repelyn with a great power for to enter thy Country, & there to take those Christians which are with thee, withal their merchandise: yet notwithstanding, I will first advertise thee, that my desire is, that thou do send them unto me, which if thou wilt do, then will I forget the envy and hatred I have conceived against thee for that which is past, whereas otherwise, I have promised to take thy country from thee, & put all those that are dwellers there, to the sword.  
Although now the King of Coching had very great lack of men, and did well perceive that it might come so to pass, as the King of calicut had written unto him. Nevertheless, he never meant to move his determination, but did answer after this manner.  
IF thou hadst demanded of me after a civil order, 
The answer which the king of Coching made to the foresaid letter.  & with loving words, that which thou dost command with so great a pride, I would not have judged thee of less valour, then that thou thinkest I might take thee to be off: For where there is wisdom or strength, there is no discourtesy showed by means of ill bringing up. These be things that God is not pleased withal: neither yet have I so offended him, that I should consent so much to my loss, or think that the victory should not be mine and these valiant men's that are with me. Thou shalt be welcome with all thy pride, and I verily believe, that with these few which I have, over and beside my just quarrel, shall suffice to defend me from thee, and other mine enemies. Thou shalt never find me so weak, that I will do any thing with such shame as thou demandest. And if so be, that thou hast used to accustom thyself to such deceipts, so it is: I did never use the same, nether yet will I accustom myself so to do. Touching the Christians, or any part of their goods, make thou no reckoning, for that I do mind to defend the same. Therefore to be short, send me no more messengers.  
With this answer was the King of calicut so offended, that he swore he would destroy all, and revenge himself upon the King of Coching. And therefore forthwith he departed from Repelyn the last day of March, and entered into the land of the King of Coching, in the which he did no hurt, for that the Lords of that soil were all in his favour. And on the second day of April, being come near unto this ford where Naramuhin was entrenched, 
The Calicutians repulsed from passing over the ford.  some of the King of calicut's captains had great hope through the multitude of their men which they had with them, to give the onset, with determination to pass the ford: but it was so manfully defended, that they retired with the loss of many.  
Whereupon the King of calicut took this for an ill beginning: but for all that, after that he had pitched his camp, he sent the next day the Lord of Repelyn with as many more men as there was the day before, and sundry Paraos by water, supposing that then he would pass over this ford. But it chanced far otherwise, and they missed at that time of their purpose, for that Naramuhin as yet did valiantly defend the same with a stout courage.  
At this present, were with him Laurenso Moreno, with other more our men, which showed themselves like valiant Gentlemen, as before time they had done in divers other battles, which the aforesaid Prince Naramuhin had with his enemies, in the which he had always the victory, 
Inconstancy in the king of calicut noted.  with the loss of many of their men. When the King of calicut perceived his loss, and being now, as he ever was, inconstant and fearful, he even repented himself, that ever he did begin these wars.  
For he thought that immediately upon his coming to this ford, he should have passed the same. Wherefore he sent again another messenger to the King of Coching, that he forthwith should send unto him those Christians: who answered, that since he would not deliver them before time, when as he had occasion somewhat to fear his power, what shall he think he would do now, when he hath the advantage? But he advertised him to look well unto himself, for that now he would not be contented only with defending his country, 
A stout stomach of a prince.  but hoped to give him the overthrow: which indeed had taken effect, if so be that his untrue subjects, had not forsaken him. With this answer the King of calicut remained in some fear, and indeed without any hope of victory, if so be that it had not been for his own soldiers, which gave him council to send to overun certain towns of Coching, which lay hard thereabouts, he would have left the wars. Which had the sooner been finished, if Naramuhin had not been driven to send to secure those towns, with some of his men. The king thought the by this means remaining there but with the fewer, his strength should be thereby diminished.  
But this policy was prevented by Naramuhin, who had a marvelous forecast to foresee such innovations. And for all this he furnished all places, where it was requisite, in such sort, as though himself had been there present. And notwithstanding all this, the King of calicut lost many of his men.   

How Naramuhin Prince of Coching, was slain by treason, which the King of calicut practised: and also how the King of Coching received the overthrow, and was driven to go to Vaypin for succour, and carried with him all our men. Chap. 54.  
THE king of Calicut seeing that his Captains could not pass through that ford to encounter with Naramuhyn, he forthwith practised how he might pass the same by some policy. 
Treason practised against the prince Naramuhim.  For the which intent he secretly used conference with the pay master of those Nayres which Naramuhyn had in his camp, and agreed upon this, that there should be no payment sent to the camp, as before he was wont to send daily, but that they should go to Coching to receive the same there. And for his reward that he should consent thereunto, he sent him a great present. By this means therefore Naramuhyn remaining alone and unfurnished, his enemies might pass the said ford the better. This being agreed upon, the payemaister according to his promise, sent word to the captain, that all such Nayres as were in wages with the king of Coching, should come and fetch their wages, for that he could not send it them as before time. The Nayres having licence of Naramuhym, he charged them to return afore day, who promised him so to do, howbeit they could not come, for that their payment was delayed, till it was broad day: and thus whilst they were in Coching, the king of Calicut entered the ford with his whole power both by land and by sea, and with much ordinance, and the whilst that Naramuhim remained thus alone, the king of calicut's power grew to be greater than ever it was before. Then gave he the onset, at the which Naramuhin was driven to retire unto certain palm trees, where joined unto him all his men that he had left, he cast them into one squadron, which being as they were but few, did oftentimes break the array of their enemies, with the which there were many slain. But as naramuhins' power was but small, 
Prince Naramuhim and his power overthrown.  so they were compassed round about. And after that he had done many notable acts, he was overthrown, both he and two cousins of his which there also very valiant gentlemen, with sundry others. Thus was he and all his slain which remained in the field. The king of calicut would not follow the chase of those that ran away, for that it was night, for so long the battle endured. There were many of the enemies slain also.  
This news being brought to the king of Coching, he was therewith a while as it were beside himself, and almost of every man taken for dead, in especial of our men that were present. Those Nayres that were our men's keepers made no account of them, for that they had enough to do to secure the king. When this overthrow was spread abroad, partly for the ill will which they ought our men, they said that they were the cause of naramuhins' death and the others, & that the king was not able to deliver them from death. With this, the king returned to himself, and began to weep, and spoke sundry words, which our men did not understand, 
Comfortable words of a prince.  for that his remembrance was as it were taken from him, so that being hard by him; he saw us not, but at length he asked for us, with that our men drew near toward him, who made us also to weep, only to see him in that agony. And being fully come unto himself, he willed them in any case not to fear, neither yet to doubt that this mischance should have any such power, as to make him change from that which he had always promised. For which words they would have kissed his hands, but he would not consent thereunto, and hearing the stir that his men made against ours, he said unto them.  
NOw that Fortune doth show herself froward against me, 
The King's Oration made unto his subjects about the loss of his kingdom.  I had thought that as true friends and loving subjects ye would have traveled to give me herein some comfort. But ye are desirous to follow and serve the king of calicut, which as often as I do remember, it doubleth my pain for the death of the Prince my brother, and my Cousins, and since you also are against the Christians, whom I have so oftentimes in commended unto you, you do well know, that it will be much more grief unto me, that they at your hands should receive any hurt (than I have already received for the death of my kinsmen, since they like true subjects died in my defence) and you are desirous to persecute those whom I have received under my protection, and such as remain with me for my comfort. It were a hard matter for me to persuade myself that this overthrow happened unto me, for doing unto these men as I ought to do. Do you not judge so, for I will not believe that they were the cause, neither yet for that I do favour them, therefore God doth favour the king of calicut against me. 
Overthrows in war sent of God unto princes for their of fences.  It is not so, but for that I have offended him otherwise: I am very glad that there hath been this occasion given, that I might receive condign punishment, and that the King of Calicut might be the only executor of his justice. And that also for all other offences that I have done, I might be punished by him in seeking my destruction, the rather for that I do keep my promise with these Christians, in especial being as we be, so much bound unto them. Therefore weigh well this cause, and let it not sink into your minds, that for usings clemency to these Christians, and for defending them I receive this punishment, neither yet that the King of calicut hath power to overthrow my power which I can make, and destroy me altogether, although that now he driveth me out of Coching.  
The fleet of the Christians will not tarry long, and then the general will restore unto me again my kingdom. In the mean space let us go to the island of Vaypin, which is strong, and for that the Winter is at hand, I trust in God we shall escape the King of Calicut. And since my loss is far more than yours, I comfort myself with this, requesting you to do the like, &: not to be an occasion to renew my troubles with this your mutiny.  
They seeing the great constancy of their King, marveled much thereat, and immediately did quiet themselves and promised him that they would do that which he had commanded, and so they did. The constancy of the king was so great, that whereas once more the king of calicut sent him word, that if so be that he would deliver our men unto him, he would presently leave the wars, yet he would not consent thereunto, but sent him word again, that since that he had gotten the victory more by treason, then by valiantness, for if so be that valour had been used, his brother and cousins had not died, but they were betrayed by those that feign would kill him also. He did not pass for Coching itself, but hoped that those Christians which he looked for every day, who restore him unto it again, & likewise revenge his quarrel. This answer being come to the king of calicut, he commanded to destroy the whole country with fire and sword, which commandment being once known, the fear was so great amongst the inhabitants of Coching that the most part of them ran away, 
The inhabitants of Coching fly for fear of the king of Calicut.  & with them went two Milanesis, which were Lapidaries, that remained with the Factor, which upon the King of Portugal commandment were brought thither by Vasco de la Gama: the one of these was called joan Maria, and the other Pedro Antonio. Those did discover unto the king of calicut the fear that the dwellers of Coching were in of him, & how that daily they came away. They also did offer the king to make him ordinance, and afterward they made him some as it shall appear in the sequel of the history. The king of calicut made very much of this Milanesis, & gave them great rewards, to the end thereby he might win them to make him more ordinance: and having certain knowledge, how few people were left in Coching, & what fear those that remained were in, and how few men the king had to defend himself, he put his men in a readiness to take the same. The king of Coching caring some of our men in his company, went to meet with the king of calicut, whereas that day he behaved himself that it was wonder to see. Nevertheless for all that the enemies being very many, and the king somewhat hurt, he was feign to retire, and for that he durst not tarry another battle, he therefore repaired unto another island called Vaypin, 
The king of Coching is feign to fly and leave his city.  which is right over against Coching, and is very strong, to the which he carried with him all our men, and all the factory, so that there was nothing lost. The city being thus disinhabited, the king of calicut commanded the same to be sets a fire. After this he sent his men to enter the island of Vaypin, which for that our men and others did defend it with great valour, and for that the Winter was at hand, and storms of foul weather did begin, the king of calicut was driven of force to give over, and to leave the wars, and so went to Grangalor, with determination to return upon the same island at the spring. For the which cause he commanded to be made many trenches about Coching, and left many of his men to keep the same.   

How Vincente Sodre and Blas Sodre were cast away at Curia Muria, and what the other captains did afterward. chap. 55.  
VIncente Sodre with his fleet being departed from the harbour of Coching, without having any respect to secure the king, or those that remained in the factory, but would needs go toward the kingdom of Cambaia, to take such rich ships of the moors as come from the red sea to calicut. Upon the same coast he took by the help of other Captains five ships, in the which only in ready money there was found two hundred thousand Perdaos. The most part of the moors were slain in the battle, and their ships burnt. From thence he kept his course toward certain islands called Curia Muria, which stood a-seaboard the Cape of Quardafum, where he thought good to bring his ships a ground, which were all open. He arrived there the twentéeth of April in the year of our Lord. 
1503 The familiarity & security of the inhabitants of the island of Curia Muria.  1503. And although all those islands were greatly inhabited by the moors, yet he would venture a land, the rather for that the dwellers in that island were no men of war, so that with the only fear they stood in of our men, they gave them good entertainment, selling unto them such victuals as they had, and did converse in their company.  
Vincente Sodre having brought a carvel a ground, thereupon the moors took occasion to tell him, that in the month of may, there came always such a torment or storm out of the North, that no ships do remain there, but are driven a land. And therefore such as know the same, do immediately avoid the danger, willing him likewise so to do, and to remove himself on the other side of the island, which will be a defence for them, and when the storm is past they may return without fear. But he not making account of their words, but rather judging that they meant to do him some displeasure, would not go from thence but answered them that their ships had anchors of wood, that they were driven so a shore, but his were of iron: and for all that the moors could persuade him, he would never be removed. Yet Pedro Raphael, Hernan Rodrigues Badarsas, 
The effect which the torment wrought amongst their ships in that coast.  and Diego Pierres would not tarry, but on the last day of April they went their way, and as for Vincente Sodre and his brother, they remained. And when the torment came and began to blow, their ships were driven on shore, for all their anchors, and were torn in pieces, in the which there were many men slain. Amongst these there died the two brethren, and of the ships was nothing saved, but only the captains that removed with the carvel that was brought a ground. The loss of the two brothers was judged to come by the handy work of God, for their sins, and for not favouring the king of Coching, & for leaving the factor with the factory of the king of Portugal in so great a danger. And therefore those that were saved returned toward Coching to secure our men, if happily they had any such need.  
Amongst themselves they appointed for captain general Pedro de Tayde, and so they made sail at the entering of May. And for that the Winter of the India's was come, they passed great storms, whereby they saw themselves sundry times in great danger. And for that they could not fall with Coching, therefore they were driven to winter in Ansadina. Three or four days after their coming thither, there came thither also a ship from Portugal, of the which was captain a gentleman called Antonio delcimpo, who departed alone after Don Vasco dela Gama: his tarrying was so long by reason that his pilot died, by means whereof he was driven to keep the coast, so that with great trouble & danger he arrived at Ansadina, where he was driven to winter, where also they sustained great necessity for lack of victuals.   

How Francisco de Alburquerque, and Alonso de Alburquerque departed to the India's, for two captains generals of two fleets: and how they arrived at Coching, & did after their coming restore the king of Coching to his kingdom. chap. 56.  
IN the year of our Lord. 
1503.  1503. the king of Portugal supposing that the Admiral had left settled the factory quietly in Coching & Cananor, 
The iiii. Voyage from Portugal to the India's.  & that he should have no such need as to send any great fleet. Therefore he determined to send but six ships, imparted unto two captains generals. Of the first there he named for captain general a gentleman called Alonso de Alburquerque, which afterward was governor of the India's, as hereafter I shall declare in the third book. These were his captains, one called Edwarto Pacheco, of whom I spoke before, & Hernan Martin's Mascarennas, who they said died in the voyage to Gordo. Of the other three he appointed for captain general one Francisco de Alburquerque, cousin to the other Alonso Alburquerque. These following were his captains, Nicholas coelo, one that was in the discovery of the India's, and Pedro Vas de la Vega. This fleet departed fifteen days after Alonso de Albuquerque, and so as well the one as the other, passed in their voyage great storms, in the which was lost Pedro vas de lavega, Francisco de Albuquerque, which departed last of all, came first, and before Alonso de Albuquerque, who brought with him Nicholas coelo to Ansadina, who came thither in the month of August, where as yet he found Pedro de Taide with their captains, which were forced to winter ther. And having certain knowledge of the wars that were published between the king of Calicut and the king of Coching, and all about our men, they went immediately with all the fleet, which was of six sails to Cananor, for that he would inform himself the better thereof, and what had passed in Coching. At their arrival in Cananor our men were very glad of their coming. The king of Cananor himself rejoiced so much, that he went to visit the captain general a sea board, and told him all what particularly had happened to the king of Coching, and where the king was.  
As soon as he knew all this, he immediately departed toward Coching, to the which place he came on saterday at night, being the second day of September in the self same year. As soon as his coming was known to the king of Coching, there was great rejoicing at the same, not only of the king & our men, 
The king of Coching rejoiceth at the coming of the Portugal fleet.  but of all the dwellers in Coching. There were sundry that at his coming did so rejoice, that they played upon sundry sorts of instruments, in token thereof. All those that were in their trenches by the king of calicut's commandment, viewing this great joy and mirth, and perceiving wherefore it was, as soon as the night came, ran their way to Grangalor, for so the king of calicut had commanded them to do, who also knew of their coming by the way of Cananor. Immediately on Sunday in the morning, Francisco de Albuquerque came to an anchor at the entering of the river of Coching. The king hearing of his arrival, also sent to visit him by the Factor.  
On the Monday morning, Francisco de Alburquerque having left his ships in good order, took his boats, being very well armed, and went in the same unto Vaypin, & carried with him also two carvels to secure him, if there should come any Paraos from calicut. As he went somewhat far off from the carvels, came after him Edwarte Pachece, who suspecting whereupon he went, leapt into his boat with some of his men, which came after him, with such haste, he made with his rowing, that he overtook him before he came to Vaypin, where the King of Coching was tarrying for him along the water side, with as many men as went with him to the island. 
The king of Coching joyfully be holdeth the return of the Portugal fleet.  The pleasure was so great of their meeting, that as soon as the King of Coching had sight of our boats, he began to cry out saying: Portugal, Portugal, and all those that were with him did the like. Our men also out of their boats did answer after the self same manner, saying: Coching, Coching, in despite of the King of calicut. As Francisco de Albuquerque did leap a land, the King of Coching was there ready, and took him in his arms, with the tears in his eyes, for exceeding joy, saying: that his desire was to live no longer, but to see himself restored to Coching, that his subjects might well perceive, how much he was bound to pass so great troubles as he had passed, & all for to serve the King of Portugal. In whose name, the captain general gave him great thanks, with promise to revenge his quarrel upon his enemies. And for his part he gave him ten thousand crowns to spend, during the time that he did not receive his rents, and this money was taken out of the Coffer he carried: which gift the king of Coching esteemed very much, for that he was very poor. Also his subjects judged this to be done right liberally as it was noted amongst them all: 
liberality winneth the hearts of the most barbarous & unfriendly people.  and from thenceforth they thought all to be well bestowed, that the King had done for our men. Forthwith they carried the King to Coching, where he entered with great glory, besides the rejoicing which his subjects made: and from thenceforth all our men, were amongst them well esteemed. Now it was not long after that the news how that the King was returned to Coching, was brought to the King of calicut's cares, and of the money that the captain general had given him: who seeing that there was likelihood of wars, sent certain Caymales into his country to defend the same, for that it joined unto the kingdom of Coching.   

How Francisco de Alburquerque began the wars against all those that were enemies to the king of Coching: and how the Caymall of the island of Charanaypin was slain. Chap. 57  
THe King of Coching being put in his possession, Francisco de Albuerquerque took his leave of him: His intent was, that yet afore night he would partly revenge himself upon his enemies. And so he went to the island which is over against Coching. Now as the inhabitants thereof were somewhat forgetful, and thought not that as that day he would return, so therefore did our men set upon them before they were aware, and that upon such a sudden, that there were slain of them a great number, and sundry of their towns set a fire, and afterward they embarked themselves without receiving any harm. And Francisco de Alburquerque going toward his fleet, met with the King, and told him what he had done. The next day after, he returned to the same island, to destroy it altogether. He carried with him to the number of six hundred men, for so many he had, with those that he found in the other two ships, and there went with him all his captains: The Caymall of that island was tarrying for him along the water side, with two thousand Nayres, whereof the most part were bow men, the others had spears, swords, and targets. They did all they could to keep our men from landing, which they did without receiving any hurt: and they being galled sore with our crossbows, were driven away.  
Our men followed them unto the other side of the island with so stout a stomach, 
The Caymal & his power, put to flight by the Portingales.  that they had no other remedy but to take the water, leaving behind them many of their company slain and hurt. And our men not having with whom to fight, did set fire to all the towns that were in the island, so that the whole island was destroyed. The next day following, Erancisco de Alburquerque went to another island called Charanaipin, which was belonging to a Caymall, subject to the king of Coching, who served in all these wars with the King of calicut. Concerning whom by certain spies that the King of Coching had in that island, he understood that he had made himself in a readiness, to defend himself against the captain general, having ready in arms three thousand Nayres of the which were seven hundred bow men, and forty with shot, besides all their houses well fortified with sundry trenches round about. Also he had by Sea certain Paraos with Ordinance in the same, which the king of calicut had given him▪ These were afloat in a certain harbour, where our men pretended to disembark themselves: which were there placed, that they should resist our coming into that place, if that it were possible. About this place there was great store of boats, all furnished with Ordinance: but the enemies at the length, were driven to run away, so that our men remained quietly in the harbour, where there stood in the water, yea, even up to their girdles a great number, always forfending our landing, 
The great valiencye of the moors, in resisting their enemies landing.  throwing at us both stones, and spears, and shooting off their arrows in great plenty. But as one as our ordinance began to go off, than they desperately began to run away and give place. Howbeit, they being aland, did so join themselves together, & that in such sort they gave our men enough to do to disembark themselves for that the same was so valiantly by them resisted.  
And for all that our men could do, they would river leave their old altogether, but by a little and a little they retired themselves to their palm tree or to have amongst them succour: and there what with the hindrance that our men found by those trees, they defended themselves a small time. But afterward they ran away, and that without order, so that our men followed them to the uttermost, in especial the Constable of Francisco de Alburquerque, whom they call Pedro de lares, who found himself alone with three Nayres which came toward him. The one of these shot an arrow, which struck him in the breast, and for that he wore a breast plate, it did him no harm. And as the Nayre loosed off his arrow, went off likewise his shot, and struck the Nayre in the breast, so that he overthrew him, and afterward shot off another piece upon one of the others that remained, and killed him also. By the third he himself was hurt in the leg with a certain weapon, which they do call a Gomya, and with the same he that hurt him would have run away, but at length this Pedro lares, killed him with his sword. Thus all the enemies being put to flight, Francisco de Alburquerque did then determine to march toward the Caymalls house, where he had gathered together all his force, which was somewhat strong by reason of certain trenches that he had made about the same. The captains were divided on both sides of the island, and each of them had their men with them, and in the mids of the island were placed those of Coching. In this order they went all burning and spoiling such towns as there were, and that without any resistance. Going in this order, there came certain Paraos from calicut on that side of the island which Edwarte Pachecho had the charge off, who for that they were many in number did leap a land, & encounter with the foresaid Edwarte Pachecho, & had given him the overthrow, (if Francisco de Alburquerque had not been) who came thither with those that he had in charge. And for that he found greater resistance in his enemies, than he looked for, and also being somewhat afeard lest the Caymall would have come thither to secure the rest, which if he had so done, would have put him in danger: he therefore commanded▪ Nicholas coelo to take with him Antonio del Campo and Pedro de Tayde, and to set upon the Caymals house, 
The Caymal slain in defending his house valiantly.  who was there slain in defending himself valiantly. At that time many more of his company were both slain and hurt, the house was likewise spoiled and ransakt: of our men were hurt eighteen, and one only slain. In the mean while that this was a doing, Francisco de Alburquerque and Edwarto Pacheco, did put to flight those of the fleet of calicut, many of them lying along the water side sorely hurt and slain, the others had enough to do to embark themselves in their Paraos, in the which afterward they fled away. And in remembrance of so great a victory as this was, 
Knights made after a valiant victory.  Francisco de Alburquerque made certain Knights, for that through their manhood the victory was obtained, for of three thousand Nayres the Caymall had, the least part escaped: and the island was all destroyed with fire and sword: and thus after this sort was the King of Coching well revenged over his enemies.   

¶ Of the wars which Francisco de Alburquerque began to make against the Lord of Repelyn: and how by the King of Cochings licence, a Castle was begun to be made called Manuel. Chap. 58.  
ALl this being ended, then determined Francisco de Alburquerque to make wars against the Lord of Repelyn. And to begin the same, he departed with his other captains in the night toward a town of his which is four leagues from Coching, whether he came the next day about eight of the clock. To receive him, there were placed along the water side wellnigh two thousand Nayres, of the which there were five hundred bowmen. Our men being come within a Base shot of the land, began to shoot off in such sort, that the enemies were driven to give place, and retire unto their palm trees, who being there, did tarry the coming of Francisco de Alburquerque. He being disimbarked, with the rest of his company did give the onset upon the enemies, having Nicholas coelo with his men in the forward, and after him marched the rest of the captains. At the first meeting were some of our men hurt with them 〈◊〉 which they shot standing behind their palm trees, which to them were a very good bulwark. Our men, seeing that as they were, and having those trees for their defence, they could not make them to remove, did then remove themselves, and got on the one side of them, shooting at them with their crossbows and calivers with the which there were some slain, and the rest fled away unto their towns, after whom our men followed so eagerly, that there was made a great slaughter, yea, far greater than in the fields, for that there they were sperpeled & here they took them altogether in their streets, where they might the better deal with them. The town being left alone, was immediately set a fire, the spoil thereof was given to those Nayres of Coching which went with him: this reward Francisco de Alburquerque gave unto them, that they should not think his coming into the India's, was to rob any man, but rather to revenge such injuries, as were showed to the King of Coching.  
Now at his return with this victory, he was joyfully received at the King's hands, 
The king of Coching thinketh himself sufficiently revenged of his enemies.  who requested him, not to trouble himself any farther, for that he judged himself to be well revenged. But he answered him, that although his highness was satisfied, yet he was not satisfied, but requested him to give him yet for her licence, for that he accounted it not any pains to fight in his service. Howbeit he seeing that the king was contented, did then ask him licence to build a Fort of timber, forasmuch as after that he were gone for Portugal, there might remain the kings Factor●esure and without fear, and all such as should be left in the same. And this he declared to be the greatest service he could do to the King his Master, to consent thereunto.  
To this request the King answered, that his desire was to serve the King of Portugal, 
here the king of Coching gave licence to Francisco Alburquerque to build a Fort in Coching.  with a greater matter than that was, for that he must needs confess, that by his means, he was restored unto his kingdom of Coching again. And therefore he willed him to make the same, and what else he would: and if that need were, he would command it for to be made at his own cost and charge.  
This licence being granted, with the consent of the other captains, it was thought good the same to be made hard by the river of Coching, right over against the city within the land, for that there it was thought most surest, and from thence they might best resist the coming of the King of calicut's fleet. And for that they had neither lime, stone, sand, nor any other necessaries thereunto, he was driven to make the Castle of timber, which the King commanded to be cut in great plenty, as well palm trees, as of other timber. He sent also many of his men for the furtherance of the work, saying, that he would not have any of our men to labour, for that as yet the troubles were sufficient that they had sustained in the wars past. But for all that, the captain general would not let, but cause them to work.  
The captains were divided with their men, and began their work the six and twentieth of September, in the self same year 150●. It was a great pleasure to see, with what diligence our men did labour: insomuch, that it was said there, that there were no such men in the world again, as ours were, for that they served for all assays.   

¶ How the Fort of Coching was made an end off: and how Francisco de Alburquerque and Alonso de Alburquerque returned again upon the Lord of Repelyn. Chap. 59  
Four days after that the fort was begun, came thither Alonso de Alburquerque, who by means of the great storms & other foul weather, could not come sooner: notwithstanding he brought all his men with him in health, of the which, Francisco de Alburquerque was very glad, and immediately departed a piece of the Fort to be made by his men, and by this his coming, the Fort was made an end off in a short time: 
A description and commendation of the fort of Coching.  which being as it was, made of timber, was as strong & fair as though it had been made of lime and stone. It was builded square, and within the walls from the one side to the other, it was square every way nine fathom. The walls were made of two orders of palm trees and other strong timber, firmly set into the ground, and yoked together with hoops of iron, and nailed with great nails. Between the two orders of trees, they were rampired up with much earth & sand, and at the end of each of these Corners, were builded bulwarks, which were replenished with ordinance. Also there was cast about the same a cave or Ditch, which always was full of water. The next day after that this Fort was ended, there was made a solemn Procession, in the which, went the Vicar of this fort, who carried in his hand a Crucifix under a canopy, which the captains carried over him, sounding before the same their Trumpets, with great joy. With this solemnity they entered into the Castle, which the Vicar did bless. And by commandment of the captains, they caused the same to be called Manuel, in perpetual memory of the King Don Manuel, unto whom all those that made the same were subjects. The Fort being blessed, there was a mass sang, at the which there was also a Sermon made by friar Gaston, wherein was made mention how much they were bound to give God great thanks, that would permit and condescend, that from so small a kingdom as that is of Portugal, and lying on the cape of the Occident, there should go Portugese's to a land so far of, as are the India's, and to make there a fort amongst such a multitude of enemies unto the Catholic faith. And that by the clemency of God, this should be but a beginning of many others. Also he made mention how greatly bond they were to the king of Coching, for the good service that héerin he had done to the king their sovereign: which words being brought to the king of Coching, 
They follow the wars farther for the king of Cochings revenge.  he rejoiced thereat very much, & gave the generals thanks for the same. After all this they returned & followed their wars against all such as were enemies to the king of Coching, and beset certain towns which were along the coast, five leagues from Coching, the rather for that they were advertised by their spies, that those Nayres that should keep the same, were but few in number. They carried with them for that place seven hundred men, and departed two hours before day, notwithstanding it was nine of the clock before they came thither, in the which towns there were more than six thousand souls, over & besides children, and such Naires as were there in garrison, which were three hundred, and those all bowmen, Alonso de Alburquerque, with other of the captains leapt a land hard by the first town: & Francisco de Alburquerque with the others into the other towns, which were a falcon shot off. In the first they took the enemies upon a sodeme, with the fear thereof they made them run away, for that immediately as soon as they landed, they set fire unto them all.  
Our men seeing the enemies to run away, went after them, 
At the alarum sounded, the force of the Moors increaseth.  and in overtaking them there were many slain of them, and after that they were weary of following them, they destroyed the country. In the mean while the larome was raised, and for that this island was well inhabited, there was assembled together well nigh six thousand Nayres, which did set upon our men at their embarking, so that they were in great danger, in especial Edwarto Pacheco, which found not his boat where he had left the same. They followed him so narrowly, that with their bows and arrows there were of his men hurt to the number of eight, although they defended themselves valiantly, and killed many of their enemies. But for that the enemies were so many in number, they had been worse handled, if so be those captains generals which were embarked, had not disimbarked themselves and succoured them. The enemies seeing this, and having lost their hope to revenge their injuries, more than that they had done, did run away, leaving behind them the ground well covered over▪ with dead men, which fell: with their bows and hand guns in their hands. The enemies being gone after this force, our men did set a fire fifteen, Paraos, which were a ground, and took other seven which were a float, and so departed, going their way always hallowing and crying, as who should say, they 〈◊〉 them, which thing grieved the Lord of Repelyn, whose island that was▪ considering how all they found the same provided. And they fearing lest our men would return upon another town, which stood a league from the same up the river, he sent certain Naires thither immediately.   

How the captains general returned to Repelyn, and afterward went to Cambalan, and what Edwarte Pacheco did in those two journeys. Chap. 60.  
THe captains general having knowledge of these towns, & to the end there should remain nothing of the Lords of Repelyn that were not destroyed▪ they determined so follow them victory. And therefore that self same night they departed, but before they would so do, they rested themselves till it was midnight▪ hard by the castle, that they might by the dawning of the day come to the town whether they minded to go. And for at that it was dark, yet they departed at the time, although the one of them could not see the other. And Alonso de Alburquerque being 〈◊〉 to remain behind▪ 
The readiness and forwardness of Alonso de Alburquerque.  he commanded his men row a apace, & by that means he was the first that came to the town, & that a great deal before day. And being weary with staying for the rest of his company, he commanded to set fire to the town, with intent to burn the same: & for that the enemies were unprovided for his coming, he supposed he might therefore do the same the better, and so he did. The enemies seeing the fire, arose forthwith to quench the same, which our men perceiving, did set upon them, & slew some, & the others ran their ways. Thus they did for that they were of a base kind of people and poor, and without weapons. The Naires knowing that it was our men that had set the fire, 
A base minded & cowardice kind of people.  came thither all such of them as were in garrison within the town, which were more than two thousand, who being together, did set upon our men very desperately, insomuch that Alonso de Alburquerque with his men, was driven to retire, for that they were no more than forty, of the which there was one slain, & of the others there were some hurt with their arrows They had all of them hardly escaped, if so be that they had not retired, which was done not without great trouble. And yet he could not have done so much if the boys of the ships which remained in their boats, had not set fire to a falcon, for fear of the which, as soon as the same was shot of the enemies aparted themselves. By this time it was day light, at the which came thither Francisco de Alburquerque, who when he had knowledge what had passed, commanded to be shot of all the ordinance that the boats carried, which made the enemies to fly from the shore. Whilst they were thus doing, Edwarte Pacheco did determine to leap a land, somewhat farther of from the others, & going forth to do so, he found there many Naires with their weapons, which had passed by a narrow way, to the intent to secure their fellows. As soon as he had sight of them, he commanded to bring his boat hard to the straight, where with his ordinance he did hinder and keep that passage. Then immediately came thither our men, which forthwith did, leap a land, & setting upon their enemies, enforced them to run away: and for that they knew not the country they followed them not, 
The enemies town set on fire.  but did set fire to the town. Then Edwarto Pacheco, & Pedro de Taide did part themselves with their men to go and burn another town which stood a little above the other, and in the way they met with eighteen Paraos, all armed, of the king of Calycut's, which they did put to flight, and the town being burnt, as they before had determined, they returned to their generals. And for that it was somewhat rath for to return, they went to the island of Cambalan▪ minding to destroy the same, for that the Caimall was enemy to the king of Coching, where they burned a great town. From thence Edwarto Pacheco, with six Paraos of Coching, went to burn another town, but before they could accomplish the same, they fought a good while with their enemies, of the which there were some slain. The town being set a fire, he returned with his men, of the which were seven hurt, and being retired, he fought with thirteen Paraos of Calicut, which he did overcome with the help of Pedro de Tayde, & Antonio del campo, which came thither at that instant. The enemies being retired into a certain creek, there went after them Edwarto Pacheco, and was the cause that one of those Paraos ran a ground; and so he took the same, and in the mean while the others went their way. And for that our men that rowed were wearied, they went not therefore after them, but returned unto their captains general, with whom they went to Coching. 
They return from pursuing their enemies.  And giving the king an account of that which they had done, he yielded himself sufficiently contented with revenge of his enemies, and prayed them to give over the wars.   

What the captain general had done going for a Tone laden with pepper, and how Edwarto Pacheco did put to flight 34. Paraos. chap. 61.  
NOw by reason of these foresaid wars, there was none that durst bring one grain of Pepper to sell at the factory. Neither yet durst the merchants go to seek the same out, and for all that they were able, they could not get more than three hundred Bahares. And so they sent word to the generals, willing them to send for it, being nine leagues of from Coching, the which they immediately did, being accompanied with all the other captains of the fleet, for that they should go for the same amongst all their enemies. And because they would not be known, they departed in the night, and in their way Edwarte Pacheco did destroy an whole▪ island, where he with only those of his own company fought with six thousand of his enemies, & the generals did in the mean while put to slight xxxiiii. Paraos. This being done, Edwarte Pacheco and Antonio del campo, went and destroyed a great town in the firm land, fighting with, & putting to slight two thousand Naires, of the which there were many slain and hurt, and of our men not one. With this victory they returned to their captains general, who sent immediately for the pepper, which was but a little way of, and being night, themselves did departed toward Coching, from whence they were minded to send the Tone which carried the pepper, laden with merchandise to give in truck of the same. And for that it might go the surer, Edwarte Pacheco was sent with other three captains, who carried each of them fifty men a piece, & of Coching therwent 500 Paraos▪ Edwarte Pacheco being departed, did pass the foresaid strait before it was day, & therefore he was not seens, & being broad day did pass by the mouth of a 〈◊〉, 
The valiant 〈◊〉 of Edwarte Pacheco.  where there were bow men without number, the which shot at our men with their arrows. And if so be the our boats had not been paueic●d or fenced with their shields a targets, our men had received great hurt, for that the river was but narrow, so the with their arrows they might reach them▪ Edwarte Pacheco seeing that they were joined all together, and judging that on that sort they might do them some harm, commanded immediately one of the captains to keep the Tone, and he with the other two, & also those of Coching did determinately come with the proers of their boats a land, where there were two thousand men of the enemies, amongst the which he commanded the Fawlkons to be shot off, the which did so enter amongst them all, that with the same there were many torn in pieces, so that it made the residue to retire from the water side, & there remained place enough for our men to disembark themselves without danger, & so they did. And as the most part of them carried handguns, so they did set upon them with the better stomach. The enemies for all that gave no place, but shot of their arrows, which were so many in number, that it was thought that one met in the air with another. The skirmish was valiantly handled of the one side, 
An hot & valiant skirmish.  and of the other, which in such sort endured a quarter of an hour, yet notwithstanding, the enemy at length did run away, and left of their company many slain, the cause whereof was, for that they brought no weapons to offend their enemies withal. Then our men pursued them to a village, out of the which there issued many Naires, which joining themselves with those that fled away, returned upon our men with such a stomach that they ran in great danger, for that there were of the enemies well near six thousand men. A great multitude of those that were there, did then as much as they could to go between the river and our men, but to resist them that they should not so do, and to kill them all, our men defended themselves, and repelled them with great difficulty. And as the river was thus defended, so they ran into the same, in the which they showed themselves to be valiant. And when they drew near to those that were in their boats, they separated themselves into two several places, leaving one broad way, that our men might the better embark themselves, standing without the danger of their ordinance, with the fear of the which the enemies did suffer our men to embark themselves, whereat there was none either slain or hurt, which seemed to be a miracle.   

¶ here is contained the situation of the city of Coulan, and how the Apostle Saint Thomas came thither, and there was martyred: and Alonso de Alburquerque went and laded there, and in what place did settle a Factorye. Chap. 62.  
Immediately after this was the king of Calicut advertised of the loss of those Paraos, and also of all the success that our men had in those wars, for the knowledge whereof he used all diligence, in respect of the great desire he had to turn us out of the India's, for that naturally they could not abide us. And fearing lest that we should take their country from them, 
Why the India's were most earnest to hunt our men out of their country.  they were so much the more desirous to hunt us away. This thing they procured with great instance, and also were the occasion that we should have no Pepper. Making this account, that if so be that we should go without the same unto Portugal, it would be the occasion, that we would not return again to the India's. By this means therefore we were driven to provide for the fleet in their rivers, and that with such a number of men, that we could never have above a 1200. quintal of Pepper, of 4000 Bahares, that the Merchants had promised, and yet this we got with great shot of ordinance, and hurt of our men, and with infinite shedding of blood of the enemies.  
In the end, the king of calicut found the means by merchants his friends to persuade with the merchants of Coching, to give to the captain general no more pepper, excusing themselves with the wars. Which thing was done in such sort, that neither with the request of the king of Coching, neither with any gift that was given them by Francisco de Alburquerque, he could move or persuade them to give them any more Pepper. Now the hope of our men for having the same any more in Coching being passed, Alonso de Alburquerque with Pedro de Tayde, and Antonio del Campo, were driven to seek for the same at the city of Coulan, which they did the sooner, for that they knew that the governors of the town were desirous of our factory, the which was offered to Pedro Aluares Cabrall, and the Lord admiral. Those that thus went thither, were fully bend to make wars against them, if so be that they would not give them lading for their ships. Alonso de Alburquerque being departed from Coching with certain captains, came into the port of the city of Coulan, the which standeth twelve leagues from Coching, and from Comarin xxiiii. the which is beyond the same, bearing toward the South.  
This city (as 〈◊〉 say) before that calicut was builded, 
The description of the city of Coulan.  was the principal of the province of Malabar, and the greatest and most principallest Port of all that Coast. Notwithstanding, as yet their houses be both great and fair, and so are also their Pagodes and chapels comparable to these of calicut. Their harbour or haven is very good, they are well provided of all sorts of victuals, the people are in condition like unto those of Calicut. The inhabitants are Malabars, Gentiles, and moors, and the moors are very rich and great merchants, in especially since the wars began between calicut and us, for many merchants of calicut left the same, and now dwell there. They do trade in Coromandyll, Ceilan, in the islands of Maldyva, Bengala, Pegu, Tartaria, and in Malaea.  
The king of this country is Lord of a great kingdom, wherein are many great Cities and rich, which have belonging unto them sundry goodly harbours, by reason whereof his customs are great, and for that cause they are rich of Treasure, and are able to make a great power of men of war▪ which are for the most part men but of little stature. He hath always in his guard, three hundred women, which do use bows, and are very perfect in the skill of shooting. 
A guard of women with bows & arrows.  They have about their breasts certain bands of linen & of silk, with the which they do bind them so hard, that they are no hindrance unto them in their shooting. This king hath for the most part of his time, war with the king of Narsinga, which is a great trouble unto him. He doth continually or for the most part remain in a city, the which they do call Calle. The governors of Coulan are as it were Aldermen, in the which, there is a certain Church, which the Apostle Saint Thomas builded▪ coming thither to preach the Catholic faith, by reason whereof, there were great numbers that turned Christians, as well of the Gentiles, as otherwise, so that of them there are proceeded from generation to generation the number of twelve thousand householders, that are scattered abroad in the Country where they have their Churches. The King of Coulan seeing how many were daily converted, and the danger thereof, did banish him out of his country, who being thus gone, went to a city called Malapur, lying along that Coast, and is parcel of the kingdom of Narsingas. And yet being there, for that he was so followed by the Gentiles and by the Christians of Coulan, did apart himself to the Mountains, 
S. Thomas banished the country.  where they affirm that he died, & from thence he was brought to be buried in Coulan, in a vaunt that was made in the foresaid Church. This Church is now overgrown, with bushes and woods, for that the city is disinhabited, only there remaineth a poor Moor, which doth keep the same, for that there are no Christians near unto it: and there he liveth upon the alms of all those that cometh thither in Pilgrimage, aswell of Christians as of the Gentiles, for the Moors doth not let to give their alms likewise unto him, for that he was buried in their country. Alonso de Alburquerque being come to the harbour of this city, & the governors having knowledge thereof, they came to visit him a board his ship, where within the same there was settled a peace, the which was made upon condition, that we should have our Factory in the city, & also should have as much lading of spices and other commodities, 
The conditions of the peace made with the inhabitants of this city.  as would lad presently those ships, the which immediately they went about to provide. In the mean while that our men were there, and whilst that the one ship took in his lading, the other two kept abroad in the sea, to watch all such as past by from other places and those that they could descry, were brought, some with their good wills, and others there were brought against their wills, to speak with Alonso de Alburquerque, and to show him obedience as to a captain general of the king of Portugese's. He offered no hurt to any, but only to the moors of the red sea: for all such of them as he took, he would cause their ships first to be ransacked, and afterward to be burnt, in revenge of that they had done to Pedro Aluares Cabrall, of the which those of Coulan were greatly afraid. The house for the factory being finished, and the ships laden, Alonso de Alburquerque left there for Factor, one Antonio de Sala, with two scriveners, the one called Rodrigo Aranso, and the other Loparabelo: and for interpreter one called Madera, and two friars for chaplains, with others, the which in all were xx. And so leaving them in peace, he departed toward Coching.   

How the captain general departed for Portugal, and how he left in the India's for captain general Edwarte Pacheco. Chap. 63.  
ALL these things remaining in this order, there was sent a messenger to Francisco de Alburquerque from Cosebiquin, a Moor of Calicut, which was a great friend of ours, as I have before declared, signifying that the king of Calicut was determined to set upon Coching, immediately after he was gone to Portugal, and so take the same, and to fortify it in such sort, that he might defend the entering into the harbour, whatsoever army should come. And for the furtherance of this enterprise, he had gotten the good will of all the nobility of Malabar, and that also for certainty it was bruited, that the king of Cananor and the king of Coulan would secretly aid him. Over and besides all this, that the merchants Moors did offer him great helps toward the same. After the self same sort, did Francisco Reynel writ unto him a few days after, and how that the king of calicut was preparing of soldiers, besides that he had commanded much ordinance to be made, and that the moors of Coching were greatly in his favour, and therefore he did advertise him not to trust much unto them: within two days after the receipt of these letteres, the king of Coching went to visit Francisco de Alburquerque, and after the same manner told him that which he had learned of certain Bramenes that came from calicut, and willed him to beware & to foresee what danger he was in to lose Coching, if so be that there did remain no army of defence for that purpose. Laying further before him, how many dangers he had been in for the maintenance of our friendship, and for that cause his own subjects had risen against him, and that now they minded to do the like. Yet notwithstanding he had such a hope in our men, and our help, that he desired none other succour for to defend him from his enemies, whereof he prayed him not to say him nay.  
Unto this, 
The generals comfortable answer unto the king of Coching.  Francisco de Alburquerque, answered him, that if so be that he did well know whether he had gotten, by such losses as he had received, for the favour which he had showed unto our men, he would receive other greater losses if it were possible. For setting a side the great renown and fame which he had gotten of a true and valiant Prince, he had also recovered for a friend the king of Portugal, which is Lord of such subjects as he hath seen, who also are his to obey and serve him in all thing, when need should require. And farther, that they would with small trouble make him Lord of greater cities then Coching, and that also he might believe, that even as they did restore him unto his estate, even so they would conserve him in the same. And although that there were made with the King of calicut the greatest peace that could be, yet he said he had so small a confidence in his doings, that he would not leave him without an army of ships, before that he departed from the India's, for that he did well know, how little truth that King used. And if so be, that until this time he had dissembled with him, it was only to see whether by this means he might lad his ships, for otherwise he could not do it, in especial the time being as it is so near spent.  
With this answer, the King was satisfied: and since that Francisco de Alburquerque could have no more Pepper then that he had, which was but a small quantity, he determined to departed toward Portugal, but first he would nominate him that should remain in the India's for captain general, that the King of Coching should understand the same. And for that he knew, that he that was appointed, would think it very dangerous to remain there, with so few men as he was able to leave him, he durst commit it to none of his captains. Howbeit after that he had offered the same to them all, and they were not willing to accept it, 
Edwarte Pacheco appointed captain general for the India's.  last of all he gave the government to Edwarte Pachecho, who did accept it with a great good will, more for to serve God and his king, then for any profit he knew that he should get in remaining in the India's.  
And when it was once spread abroad & known to the king of Coching, that Edwarte Pacheco was he that was appointed, he was well pleased therewith, for that he had heard before of his valour. This being concluded upon, Francisco de Alburquerque made sail, caring with him all the rest of the fleet. But first he gave the king to understand that he did carry the same no further than to Cananor, for because of the fleet of calicut, which might encounter with him, and so work him some displeasure in his Port, where he minded to stay (as he did) procuring the liberty of Rodrigo Reynel and the others that were there. This determination being known to the King of calicut, he sent him word, that it were not requisite that he should have him away, but rather offered him, if so be that he would tarry, to give him the Pepper that he had promised to deliver. But hearing this, he supposed that he gave the same out, that Rodrigo Reynel with the others, should be the more desirous to remain in the India's. At this instant came in Alonso de Alburquerque which returned from Coulan, and the time being spent, he would not tarry there any longer, but with the rest went toward Cananor. And being there arrived, there came a letter from Rodrigo Reynel, in the which he wrote unto him, that the King of calicut was certainly bend to set upon Coching, immediately after that he were gone. And that all those dissimulations which he did use in offering to give him Pepper, was but for fear he had conceived that he would have burnt his ships, which were as then in his harbour. This news the captain general kept close to himself, that the same should not come to the ears of Edwarte Pacheco, unto whom was left the ship in the which he went, and two carvels, of the which were captains Pedro Raphael and Diego Pieres, besides a ship boat.  
Also they left him four score and ten men, and those whole, that were needful, for all the rest were sick. Also, there was left him, the most part of the ordinance, with the most part of the munition that they were able to spare. Now being known to them all, of the great power that the King of calicut had in a readiness, they did then marvel, that Edwarte Pacheco would accept the same, in especially, for that he remained with so small a fleet. Some therefore there were that gave out and said, God have mercy upon Edwarte Pacheco, and those that do remain with him: supposing that in very deed, he should not escape.  
And although these words were spoken within his hearing, hearing, yet for all that he would not but tarry. The captain general being dispatched, did departed towards Portugal, the last of Ianuarye, in the year of our Lord 1504 
1504   
The first that made sail was Alonso de Alburquerque, 
They depart from the India's and sail towards Portugal  Francisco de Alburquerque, and Nicholas coelo that departed afterward, were cast away, Pedro de Taide was driven to Quyloa, and entering upon the bar, his ship was there cast away, with the most part of his men, by means whereof he went to Monsanbique in a Zanbuco, where afterward he died. He left there a Letter written of all his success, and also declaring in what estate the India's did remain, which he commanded to be delivered to any captain that should come thither from Portugal.  
Alonso de Alburquerque, and Antonio del Campo came to Lisbon the three and twentéeth of August, in the year above said, and told the King of the estate of the India's, who also presented him with four hundred weight of the great seed of pearls, which is called Alhofer or rags, and with 144. pound weight of great pearl, of great estimation, and eight Oysters, in the which the same do grow: and also a Diamond Tablet, the which was as big as a great bean, besides many other jewels, and also two horses out of Persia, the which were great runners.   

¶ How Edwarte Pacheco behaved himself in Cananor, and in his course toward Coching: and what else he passed with the king at his arrival. chap. 64.  
FRancisco de Alburquerque being departed towards Portugal, Edwarte Pacheco which remained for captain general in the India's, having a while stayed in Cananor to take in there his victuals, brought himself under sail, and came to an anchor without the point of Cananor, and from thence he sent Pedro raphael to go a long the Coast, and to cause all such ships as he could descry to bear with the captain, and to reknowledge him for their general. At this instant was Diego Pieres a new rigging of his carvel in Coching. And all these ships that were brought before the general, gave an account whether they were bound, and what they carried, and also of whence they were. And if so be that he found any Pepper, he would take the same, as he did from some other ships that were bound to calicut, in the which order he used such rigour, that afterward he was feared of all men.  
Whilst he was thus at an anchor, there came upon him in the night a fleet of twenty and five sail of ships, which upon a sudden made him to conjecture that they were of calicut. And seeing himself in such danger, he commanded to let slip their Gabells by their Halsis, for that upon such a sudden they could not weigh their anchors with their Capsteines, and with the same he cut and made his course into the Sea, to bring himself in the wind of those sails, upon whom he commanded to shoot off all his ordinance. And as they were ships laden with Rice, so ran they their way as fast as they could. Some there were that ran a ground, and more hurt had been done, had it not been for a great ship of the moors that came in their company, 
A valiant skirmish with an hot ship of the moors.  in the which were well near to the number of 400. moors, that were of the kingdom of Cananor. These thinking that they might take our ship, came suddenly upon them, always shooting of their arrows, and we answering them likewise with our ordinance. This skirmish continued till it was almost day, and then they told what they were. After that Edwarte Pacheco had thus well beaten him with his ordinance, with the which were nine of his men slain, besides many that were hurt, they told what they were.  
And for that there durst not pass any Ship by for fear that they should be taken, the captain general departed towards Coching, and in the way he fought with certain ships of the moors, some he burned, and others he took, beside those that were sunk. Thus with great victory he arrived at Coching, and landed at the Castle, where he unsterstoode by the factor, that the news of the preparation that the king of calicut had made for the wars was most true, and that the king of Coching stood in great fear thereof, for that the moors that were inhabitants of Coching, were against their king for the maintaining of these wars against the king of calicut. The next day following the captain general went to visit the king of Coching, caring his boats with him well armed and fenced, with certain pavises made of boards, and set with flags, besides certain ordinance which they had in the same, with the which he showed himself to be very joyful, the rather that the king might take occasion to be merry: who after that he understood how small a fleet there was left to defend his country withal, he could not be but very pensative, 
What great fear the king of Coching was put into by his traitorous subjects.  and said unto the captain general, that the moors of Coching had told him that he did not remain in the India's to defend him from the king of calicut's power, but to gather together the merchandise that were in the Factorye in Coching, and in the factor's custody, with all those that were there, and so to carry them all to Cananor and Coulan.  
And therefore he earnestly requested him to tell him if it were so or not, for he did think the same to be true, by reason that there was left so small a fleet. Which the rather also made him to doubt that he would not tarry to fight with the king of calicut's power, but would do as the moors had told him, wherefore he prayed him to advertise him of the truth thereof, for that if it were so, he might in time seek his revenge, although as then he should hardly find the same, since he had no further help. The captain general perceiving the distrust that the king had, was offended therewith, and answered him, saying.  
I do much marvel of thee (considering that thou hast so great experience of the fidelity of the Portugese's) that thou dost ask me whether I do remain for so traitorous an act, 
The answer which the captain general made to the king of Coching.  as this is, that in such a time I should do as the moors have told thee, & thou wilt believe them, knowing that they are so greatly our enemies. Thinking that thou understanding of this, shouldest not bring in question such a matter out of all reason. And if so be that Francisco de Alburquerque would have done any such thing, it had been a great deal better that he with all his Captains had done it, and not have left me alone to do the same, & to run in danger, and to meet on the seas with so great a fleet of the kings of Calicut, for them to set upon me only. And if it were so that I should have remained for to have done so foul a deed, yet I would have told thee thereof, that I had so meant to do, for that I was afeard of the king of calicut's power. But for that I do take thee to be a man endued with reason, I did suppose that thou wouldst not have thought ill thereof. For otherwise those being warned thereof, it might have been very profitable unto thee, to have remained free from the envy and malice of the king of Calicut. Which thing if so be that the moors had considered of, they would not have told thee so great a fable. Believe me, if they could have done thee a greater injury, they would have done it, for the good will thou dost bear unto us. This I do know very well, but let not that trouble thee. For although thou dost lose them, and all the rest of thy subjects, yet thou dost recover me, and as many Portugese's as here remain, who all will die in thy service if it were need, for that is the only cause we did remain in the India's, and in especially: for there was no man that bond me thereunto, if so be that I would not, but only the fidelity & truth which thou hast always used towards our men until such time as thou didst lose Coching, and didst see the same burnt. For the which cause thou oughtest to esteem the better of thyself, for thereby thou hast exalted thy fame through all the country, and therefore thy name will remain for ever, which is the greatest treasure that kings can leave behind them, and the only thing that all men do seek for. And believe me, when the king of calicut did first set fire to Coching, the same was his destruction, which was afterward well revenged upon thine enemies by the Portugese's, & so thou shalt now be as well defended by them. And although thou dost think us to be few and a small fleet, yet I do promise thee, that very shortly we will seem to be very many by our valiantness. And I hope in God that we shall so defend whatsoever strait or passage the king of calicut shall enter into, 
A few valiant men are better than many more naked and cowardly.  where assuredly we will tarry and not remove ourselves from thence, neither night nor day, and for the passages that are strait, our army is enough, and therefore it skilleth not, there remain no more for the rivers, for that these are sufficient. And since that they chose me to remain, believe certainly that they did well know they left him that shall excuse thee of thy travail, and of the wearying of thy men. And therefore be thou merry and resolve thyself (that by God's grace) it shall not happen now unto thee as heretofore it did, when thou didst lose Coching: for I and these that do remain with me shall take upon us the whole charge and danger of the wars.   

How the moors of Coching prepared to go from thence: and how the captain general stayed certain of them that they should not depart, and what more he did. chap. 65.  
THe king being with this, somewhat eased & recomforted, touching that the moors had told him, the captain general went to see the straits, & to fortify them, which had great need thereof. But they all were well furnished, saving only the ford, which he commanded to be fortified with stakes, that there might enter no vessels of the enemies. In the mean time he was advertised by a Letter from Rodrigo Reynel, that a principal Moor of Coching, and besides diverse others, did procure all that they could to leave the city, that the king might remain alone, & that thereupon this Moor hath come twice to speak with the king of calicut in his own behalf, and in the name of the others. This news troubled the captain general a while, howbeit to disappoint them of their subtle dealing, and that the same should take no effect, he thought it necessary to execute this principal Moor, that the others might conceive some fear thereof. This being known to the king of Coching, he would not consent thereunto, thinking that if so be that he were executed, the others would make a mutiny immediately, and then there should be no victuals brought into the city, for that those did provide the city therewith in truck of their merchandise, and therefore he thought best to dissemble with them all. The captain general seeing that the king would not consent thereunto, told him that he would talk with the moors himself, and that he had thought to use some policy that none of them should departed out of the city. But first he commanded all his own men to obey him in all such occasions as should be needful or requisite, which commandment the king also gave out amongst his subject: this being done, the captain general went with forty of his men to Coching, to the house of this principal Moor called Belinamacar, who dwelled hard by the river side, requesting him to send for certain moors which he did name, for that he would consult with them upon a certain matter which did concern them all.  
To whom the moors came immediately, for that they were afeard of him, and when he saw them all, he said unto them.  
I Did send for you all, 
The general's Oration to the Mores concerning his abode in the India's.  honest Merchants, that you should understand, wherefore and for what cause I remained in the India's, for that it is possible that all you do not know. Some there be that do report that I do remain to gather together the factory, and so to carry the same to Coulan, and to Cananor: but that you may understand it is not so, I will therefore tell you the truth. I do remain for no other purpose but only to keep Coching, and if so be that it were needful or requisite, to die myself, and all those that do remain with me, in your defence, in preserving you from the king of calicut. And this shall be manifest unto him, if so be that he do come, for I promise you all, that I will meet with him in the way of Cambalan, whereas it is told me he will enter, and if so be there he dare fight with me, I will not doubt but to take him prisoner, and carry him with me into Portugal. Wherefore until such time, as you do not see any thing to the contrary, I earnestly request you that you do not go from Coching, for that I hear that you are minded to go from thence, & that you do allure the residue of the inhabitants with you, for as you are the chiefest and principals, so all the common sort of people doth follow you. Now I marvel much that being men of so great wisdom as you are, you will leave your houses in the which you were borne, & the country wherein you have dwelled so many years, not for fear of any thing that you have seen, but only of that which you hear, which thing for women to do were very ill, much more for you that are men. 
How few Portugeses have vanquished thousands of therr enemies.  But if so be that you would go, when you shall seem in danger, or else run away, I would not blame you, but to go away before you have seen any of these dangers, or any battle fought, I account the same, either cowardice, or else malice. You do well know, that in a manner yesterday, how few Portugese's did give the overthrow to thousands of our enemies, which now also come to seek us out. And if so be that you will allege, that we were more in number than we are now, indeed it is so, for than we fought in open field, where it was necessary there should be many: and now in a narrow way, where a few shall do as much as though were many more. And since that I can fight, as you have well heard of the same, for that I have been he that have done most hurt to our enemies (as the king of Coching is a good witness thereof) I never mean to yield, who shall lose more than you all, if I be overcome. Have ye therefore a sure hope in me, and in those that remain with me, and tarry until such time you may see the success of all things that we do look for, and since that your king doth tarry, why will ye go your way? Remember that I and the others that do remain with me, do sojourn in the India's so far from our country, to defend the king of Coching, and you that are his subjects and naturally borne in the country. Will you then forsake him and your country? It were great shame for women so to do, much more for honest men as you are. I do desire you that you do not dishonour yourselves, nor yet do to me so great an injury, in having no confidence that I will defend you: for I do give unto you all my word, that I will defend you from a greater power than any the king of calicut can make. For therefore and for this cause was I chosen, and those that did appoint me to remain in the India's, did know of the wars that the king of calicut intended, and what power he had, in respect whereof I do once again request you, 
An hard threatening but politic and necessary.  to believe that the king of calicut shall never set his foot in Coching. Wherefore I desire you that none of you do remove, for whosoever doth otherwise shall well understand, that if so be I may take him I will hang him, and so I swear by my law. And moreover I give you to understand, that none of you all shall escape, for here in this port I do mind to tarry, watching both day & night. Now therefore let every one of you look to that which shall behove him, and if so be you do perform that which I have requested you, do you then assure yourselves to have me for your friend, and if not, for your mortal enemy, and more cruel than you would wish me to be to the king of calicut. And therefore each of you, speak plainly your mind what you will do herein.  
This being spoken, it gave him occasion to increase his choler, that without any consideration thereof, he did speak so loud, that the moors with the same did double their fear, that they had conceived of him, fearing indeed that immediately he would have hanged them all. Wherefore presently they began to excuse themselves, touching that he charged them with all, but he would not tarry the hearing of the same, to the intent to put them in greater fear, but sent immediately for his Ship, causing it to be brought to an anchor, hard over against Coching, besides one of the carvels, and two of the boats, which he appointed forthwith to be set in such order, that there could none go out of Coching by water, but must needs be seen.  
He had also many Paraos, which he had caused too be newly rigged, with the which in the night, he watched in the rivers, which run round about the city. Also at sunsetting he would take all the boats that could carry men or stuff, and command the same to be brought a board his ship, and to keep the watch, and in the morning he returned them to their owners. With this diligence they of Coching were so feared, that there was none that durst go forth without his licence, & by means of those extremities used, the moors and Gentiles were quiet, yet for all these troubles that the captain general had, the most part of the night he would venture a land into Repelyn, in the which he burned towns, killed men, and took great store of cattle and Paraos, and also did them sundry other injuries, at the which the moors of Coching much marveled, 
they call the captain general a devil.  namely, how he could suffer so great travail, and therefore they gave out, that he was the devil.   

How the captain general made an entry into Repelyn, and also how he departed towards the straits of Cambalan, there to tarry the king of Calicut's coming. Chap. 66.  
AT this instant was the king of Coching advertised that the king of Calicut was come to Repelin, to gather his power together, and so to go from thence to Coching by the straits of Cambalan. After the self same manner did Rodrigo Reinel, writ unto him, who lay as then very sick, and afterward died, which the king of calicut hearing, commanded to be taken all that he had. This being known to the moors of Coching that the king of calicut was in Repelyn, they would have given occasion to the towns men to have run away, but there was none that durst venture to do it, for fear of the captain general. Who after that he knew for certeintye of his being in Repelyn, and that all men might understand how little he did esteem the king of calicut and his power, and army of ships, did one night set upon a town of the country of Repelyn, at such hours when all were a sleep, and did set fire to the same. And after that it was well kindled, our men were known, and immediately there came many Naires, 
The captain general & his men enforced to retire unto their boats.  as well of the town, as also from other places thereabouts adjoining. The captain general was forced to retire, & that with great danger, unto his boats, with five of his men hurt, and of his enemies there were many slain and hurt, & yet for all that, those enemies that remained alive, followed him a good while. And as our men returned toward Coching, there were shot by them so many arrows which fell upon their boats, that their targets were all covered with the same.  
This being known to the king of Coching, that he was come to the Castle, he went to visit him, for that he accounted that enterprise for a great matter, in especially the king of calicut being there present, who had in a readiness so great and mighty a power, and so he said. At the which the captain general laughed, and therewithal he told him that he would desire no more but that the King of Calicut would once come, for that he would fight with him a battle, and then would be apparent the valiantness of his men. They of Coching being now all quiet, as also the captain general having made unto the principals an Oration, he prepared his men in a readiness for that he minded to departed to the straits of Cambalan. And in the mean while he left in the ship xxv. men with the master, which was called Diego Perrera, whom he left for captain in his absence, and also as well furnished with Ordinance and shot, that they might defend themselves the better. The names of those that tarried with him I do omit, as also those that remained in the Castle. Those that the captain general carried with him, were to the number of xxiiii. men: and in one of the boats he appointed for captain, him that went for captain in the carvel Santa Maria, whiles she was a rigging, with xxii. men. The captain general went in another boat, in the which with himself there were one and twenty men. Amongst them all their number was lxxiii. men, who all both those that were in the carvel, and those that were in the boats, being all confessed, and having received the Sacrament, the captain general departed to the straits of Cambalan, 
1504.  on the Friday before palms Sunday, being the xvi. of April. 1504 
These words the captain general speak unto the king at his departure to wards the passage.  Thus departing with great pleasure, and with shooting of their ordinance, leaping, and dancing, when they came over against Coching, the general landed to talk with the king, which was tarrying for his coming by the water side, so heavy and so sad, that he could not hide the same. The captain general making as though he understood nothing of it, said unto him: that thee they were all ready with great pleasure and good will, to departed toward the passage, to defend him from the king of Calicut, whom they went to seek out, that he should understand that they had no fear of him. The king smiled at these words, as it were suspecting his good success. Notwithstanding, he appointed him 500 Naires (of five thousand which he had in arms) of the which he named for captains, Gandagora, and Frangera, which were overseers of his household, and Caymal de Palurta, to whom he gave commandment that they should obey the captain general as his own person. This being done, the king stood and viewed all our fleet, who at that time showed himself to be very heavy, to see how few we were in comparison of the great power of the king of Calicut, and upon the same took occasion to speak unto the captain general, saying.  
THere was represent unto him the great danger which he feared might happen unto him, 
the words of the king of Coching to the captain general.  and that which chanced to himself this last year. And therefore do I desire thee, quoth he, to encourage thyself to do that which thou art able, and not to suffer thy heart to deceive thee, but to remember how much the king of Portugal shall lose in losing thee: and with those words his eyes stood full of water, which to see, the captain general was very sorry, and said unto him. 
The annswere the captain general made to the king of Coching.   
That better are a few and valiant, than a great multitude and cowards. And whether (said he) our men be valiant or not, yourself have well seen, & also how contrariwise it fareth with the enemies, yourself likewise have had experience. He inferred also how in that place where he minded to tarry for his coming, there needed but a few to defend him. And therefore he prayed him for to be content, and therewith he departed, and came to the passage of Cambalan, two hours before day, where finding no sign of the coming of the king of calicut, he went in the mean while, and did set upon a town of the self same island of the Caimalls, where in the dawning of the day he arrived in the Harbour, a long the which there was appointed. 800. Nayres to keep the same, which were Archers, and a few with their calivers, which were there tarrying for him. And although those with their calivers, and the residue with their arrows, shot of at our men, in such manner that they seemed to shadow the Element, yet with the paveices of our boats, the which were made of boards of two fingers thick, much like unto Targets or shields, we did so defend them of, that they were driven to row toward the land, which was done for that those that were there should give place, that our men might leap a land. Then the captain general commanded his ordinance to be shot of, with the which they leapt a land: howbeit, the enemies returned upon them, & therein showed themselves to be valiant, for the space of an hour. But afterward they fled apace, & many of them in the conflict, at that present were both slain and hurt at our men's hands. But after that our men had set fire to the town, and the same was well kindled, the captain general did retire, & going toward the passage, in their way they took and killed much cattle which they carried with them: and although the people of the country did defend themselves very well, yet our men being come to the passage of Cambalan, the Caymall sent to make peace with the captain general, with a certain present, which he would not receive, neither yet make peace with him, for that he was an enemy unto the king of Coching. Whereupon the next day after, the king of calicut sent him word that he would give him the battle, 
here the battle was offered by the king of Calicut unto the captain general.  and also that he was greatly offended that he had placed himself where he did mind to enter. And moreover, it was told him that they did all affirm, that the King of calicut was like to give him the overthrow and to take him prisoner, or else to kill him in the battle.  
To the which the captain general answered, that the self same hope he had to do by the king, the rather in honour of the day, which was a solemn feast amongst the Christians, adding moreover that his wytchies had disappointed & deceived him much, to promise him the victory in such a day. Then a certain Nayre which came with this Messenger, hearing the captain general say so, answered him, and that with a smiling countenance, as though he had mocked him, that there were very few men to do the which he spoke of: & also that the king of calicut's men were so many, that they were sufficient to cover the whole earth & the water. Which if it be so, how (said he) can they be overcome. With this answer the captain general was greatly offended, & for that he was thought to be one of the king of calicut's Nayres, he boxed him well, willing him to bid the kings of Calicut revenge the same. With the which the others that came with the message, were so greatly afraid, that they never durst afterward avouch the king of Calicut.  
That same evening the King of Coching sent to aid the captain general with five hundred Nayres, of the which he made no account, nor of the others before, for that he knew they would all run away. In our men, next under God, he had his confidence and whole trust, who all that night made great feast, that the King of Calicut might understand that they did not fear him, but rather showed great forwardness to give him the battle, of the which the captain general was very glad. And therefore before it was day, 
The captain generals words spoken unto his men.  he spoke unto all his men in this manner. Masters and my friends, for the great content that I do find in you. I do for most certain prognosticate the great gift that God in his service will give unto us this day. And I do believe for most certain, that as God hath given us stomach (being so few as we are) to dare tarry & abide so many thousands of men as there are of our enemies: so he will give us force and strength to resist them, & herein will show his great power, & as it were a miracle so great as this is, in the exalting of his holy faith: and in his holy name I do desire you, that you will so believe, for that without this hope, although we were as many as the enemies are, and they as few as we be, yet all our strength were nothing, and being in this hope, all the multitude of the enemies will seem unto us but few to over come: for they do judge us to be many more than we are, their fear is such. And this also you may believe, that if their coming as at this day with their great presumption be, for that they are many, having most assured hope to take us, yet they will have a fear from hence forth, so that their spirits will be broken, to set upon us any more, which thing if they did, it would be more for fear of the king of calicut, then for any good zeal they have unto him. And therefore I pray you remember, that with this confidence you must fight, and God shall give you the victory, and that with honour of all the Portugese's, and a perpetual fame amongst the strangers, and deserts before our king, that he may reward you for the same, whereby you shall the better maintain yourselves all the days of your life.  
Unto these words they all answered, that in the battle he should well see how well they did remember his speech. And immedialy they fell upon their knees and sung the Salue regina in tune, & afterward an ave Maria with a loud voice. At this present came Larenco Moreno from the Castle, who brought with him four of his caliver men, for they would needs exercise themselves in this battle. The captain general was very glad of their coming, for that they were very valiant.   

How the king of calicut gave battle unto the captain general in the straits of Cambalan, and how he had the overthrow. chap. 67.  
THis night by the persuasion of the Italian runagates, the king of calicut commanded to be made a platform or sconce, on the which there might be placed five pieces of ordinance, the which might stand right over against where the captain general was, that from thence they might shoot off their ordinance, at what time they meant to give the onset, and for that the straightness of the passage was a danger unto him. So on palms sunday the king of calicut marched forward, with xlvii. thousand men, the which were as well of the Naires as of the moors: besides that he went accompanied with the king & Caimalls, which were come unto him, to aid and secure him, not only with their own persons, but also with their men. That is to say, the king of Tanor with four thousand Nayres: 
The kings and Caimals that assist the king of Calicut against the Portugese's.  the king of Bybar, and of Curran, which is hard by the mountains of Narsinga, with twelve thousand Nayres: the king of Cotogataco, which standeth between Cananor and Calicut, hard by the mountains, with eighteen thousand Naires: The king of Curia, which is between Panane and Grangalor, with three thousand Naires: Also Nabeadarin, which was Prince of calicut and Namboa his brother, and the king of calicut himself, who had a great number, which for that they were many, I do not rehearse. The sorts of instruments that they had for the wars were so many and diverse, that when they began to play upon the same, it was thought that heaven and earth would join together. Over & besides the great multitude of the people, the which did cover the whole earth. Those that went in the vanguard, as soon as they came to their settling, did give fire to their ordinance, which as they lay near to the carvel, so it appeared partly a miracle, that there was no piece that did hurt it. Howbeit our Ordinance being shot off, did all light full amongst the enemies, and killed many of them, although it was before day, the which until sun did rise, were in discharging out of the carvel, above thirty. Pieces.  
After all this, the whole fleet of the enemies began to come out of the rivers of Repelyn, which were 169. foists, that is to say, three score and six Paraos, the which had their defence of sacks of Cotten, which devise was given them by the Italians, that our ordinance should not hurt their men.  
Each of their boats or Paraos had two pieces of ordinance in them, and five and twenty men, of the which there were five in every Parao that had their calivers, and all the rest were bow men.  
Also there were twenty of these foists, all chained together, for to set upon the carvel. Also there were liii. Catures, beside thirty great Barks, each of these had his piece of ordinance, and sixteen men, which served in him with sundry kinds of weapons.  
Besides all these armed vessels, there went other furnished with men, which being all together, it seemed that the whole river was covered over, in the which fleet were well near x. thousand men, and of this fleet was admiral Nabeadarin, and for Vice admiral the Lord of Repelyn. Certainly to see them altogether upon the water and land, was a great terror, all of them being half naked, some of colour black, and others of a dark Tawnye. And upon their weapons the sun did so glister, that they appeared as though they had been swords, and newly ground, and so likewise did their targets, the which were of sundry colours, and showed very gallant. And for that our men should stand in the more fear of them, they gave out great cries and laroms. After this they began to sound upon their instruments of war, which noise continued always, now after one sort, and then after another.  
Our men bearing amongst such a multitude, and being in their carvel and their boats, could scarcely be discerned, for with the fleet, they occupied almost all the passage, by means of ropes they gave the one the other, which ropes were wound about with chains, that they should not cut them a sunder. And after that they had done this, commandment was given, to give fire to the ordinance, with the which the enemies were received. 
The Naires of Coching do all run away.   
At this instant those Nayres that were of Coching did all run away, only Grandagora and Frangora remained for that they were in the carvel: otherwise they would have gone as the others did, which had been no matter, but that they should see how valiantly our men defended themselves in the battle, into the which they went in a great heat.  
The ordinance went off so often, and likewise the small shot, that there was none that could see one another, for the smoke of the same. The carvel and the boats did so flame in fire, and did so cruelly handle the enemies at the first entering, that there were torn in pieces some of their Paraos, and many of their men slain and hurt, without any of ours hurt, or standing in any danger thereof at all. By this time, the enemies were come, within the throw of a Dart. Howbeit, as they were many, and that without order, the one did hurt and hinder the other, so that they could not fight. Yet notwithstanding, the xxv. Paraos that went before, did trouble our men very much with their ordinance which they had, for that they went chained together.  
Our men being wearied and hurt, and the battle having endured a good while, the captain general commanded a Saker to be shot at them, 
The enemies utterly discomfited, do run their way.  the which till that time had not been shot at the enemies. And after that the same was twice discharged, they all fled, and for that they lay very thick together, it did immediately sink four of them, and with that they were all overcome, and so they ran their way. The residue of the Paraos which did continue in the battle, were eighteen sunk, and thirteen fled away, the residue gave place, in the which there were of the enemies great numbers slain and hurt.  
After all this came the vice admiral called the Lord of Repelyn, with another squadron, and gave a proud onset, so did the king of calicut give the like upon the land. This battle was far more vehement than the first, in the which were many more of the enemies slain, then before, as appeared by the water which was of the colour of blood. Yet for all this, the Lord of Repelyn made loud outeryes, commanding them to lay the carvel aboard, but for all that they durst not venture to do it, but rather were desirous to go their way, as they also that were a land did the like.  
It was now at this present past evensong, from the time the battle did first begin, in the which were of the enemies slain, not only by land, but also by water. 350. men, which were known, besides others, the which were above a thousand: and of our men there were some hurt, but none slain. And although their pellets were made of cast iron, yet they did no more hurt, than a stone being thrown. Howbeit, our defences were all torn in pieces, and one of our boats also, nevertheless, not in such sort, but that it might be new rigged before that it was night.   

How the king of Calicut seeing the ill success that he had in the wars, did enter into council to leave the same. Chap. 68  
THose kings and noble men which came to secure and aid the king of Calicut, perceiving that he was thus overthrown, and that with great loss both of his men & vessels, although his power were great, and ours but very small, & that the captain general never made any reckoning of the king of Calicut nor of his force, but for all that did overrun the country, & destroyed it, some there were of them that made a great wonder thereat, & said that our God did fight for us, whereupon they lost all the hope they had for ever to give us the overthrow, and from thence forth they had themselves in no reputation, but rather were very sorry that it was their evil hap to come in the aid of the king of calicut. Those that did most repent themselves of their coming, were subjects to the king of Coching, for that their countries were situated along the rivers, which did put them in the more fear of the captain general, that he would set fire to their towns & houses, or otherwise destroy them. And for that cause, they determined to leave the king of calicut, & would make no more wars against our men, more than that which was passed already.  
And upon this condition, they returned to the king of Coching, with whom they reconciled themselves, and those that did thus were, one called Marugata, Muta Caymal, and his brother, and Cousins, who immediately after the battle, did so secretly departed from the King of calicut's camp, from whence they went to the island of Vaypin, to stay there, till they might see their time, as I have said. But when the king of Calicut had knowledge that they were gone, 
The king of Calicut much blameth his captains for being overthrown by so few.  and also understood where they were become, he was very sorry therefore, which also was the occasion that he renewed all his grief, that he had conceived for his overthrow, which he had received at our men's hands, that were so few. Whereupon he took occasion to rebuke his captains, saying, that they were good for nothing, and that through their default our men continued and kept these passages. And if so he, that they had had any shame, they would or this time have driven them from thence, in especially having given so often the enterprise to pass the same. Then those two Italians that were present, did reply unto the king, that although our men had done most valiantly, yet that which they did was like unto the deeds of desperate men. Notwithstanding, that they were not able to defend themselves long, from such a power as his was, in especially, not hoping to have any succour. And therefore they willed him to set upon them often times, for by that means it was possible to take them. Some also of those Kings and noble men that came to succour the king, and that were desirous of wars, did confirm that which the Italians had said before, adding moreover, that God doth permit his enemies sometime to have the victory, for a more greater loss unto them, and therefore it were good said they, that he followed his friend's counsel, and proved their steadfastness. And although it were so, that he had not the victory immediately, yet he should not therefore despair. The king finding himself somewhat vexed in mind with those words, answered them saying. Although that each of you is so valiant, that it appeareth unto you, 
the kings answer unto this advice.  a small matter to overcome those Christians, yet I am not so obstinate to think the same. Howbeit I suppose yet, that you do see in me no such a fear, that thereby you might judge it needful, to strengthen me with those words. For what can you tell me in this case, that you may satisfy me withal? For if so be, that you will consider as much as I do, you would soon know, how great an act this is, that you do make so little account off. I do not take it in us for so great a victory in overcoming these Christians, but rather in them, in defending themselves from us, as they have done. Where in it hath well appeared, 
No doubt but God doth fight for his servants.  that their God did fight for them.  
And will you see how it is so? You may well consider, that our men are many, and that they have been valiant in the wars past, it hath well appeared in many and great battles, wherein I have overcome mine enemies, as you do all well know. But since they have fought with these Christians, they seem to be (not as they were) nor durst give the onset upon them, for the fear they have conceived. And certainly, as far as I can learn, and also all those that are of a good judgement, we ought to believe, that those works are rather of God, then of man. For who is he that would not be afeard of them, well perceiving that all others are? I mean not only the King of Cochings subjects which came to secure us, who have repent themselves thereof, but also many other of our friends, which in the beginning of these wars did also aid us.  
And farther, I am informed by some, that they have now offered their friendship unto the King of Coching. Which thing, if it be true, it is for that they have lost the hope they had of any victory on our part, as well for that which is past, as also reputing how little time there is now left of the Summer, and also for that in the Winter they cannot remain any time to continue in the fields, because of the great storms and rain, which would then be.  
And in the end of the winter, then will there come the fleet from Portugal, which will do us as much harm as the fleet did the last year, and so I shall never be out of unfortunate mischiefs, but thus in the end I shall be utterly destroyed.  
All this shall be that I shall get, with the loss of the friendship of the Christians. And it is possible that for their causes the Pagodes will not aid nor help me as they have done before time. For although you tell me, that they do permit sometime their friends to suffer persecution for their profit, 
God chasticeth men sometime for their trial sometime for their offences.  do you not think the same also to happen for their offences, as it is well known this doth for mine. What then shall need any further exhortations, to cause me to do as you would have me, and to suffer persecution for my wealth, since I do understand what the same meaneth: and for the preserving of mine estate, it is requisite and needful to have friendship with the Christians, if so be that you be also of the same mind, for that we are all equal in the loss, and also in the gains.  
For this talk of the kings, they were all sorry that had given him counsel to go forward in these wars, since that they perceived that his intent was to leave the same, and have friendship with the captain general. These therefore would forthwith have answered, but the Prince Nabeadarin did prevent them, who was sorry for these wars commenced, and spoke thus looking upon them all.  
SInce the king doth ask us counsel what is best to be done in this matter, 
The Prince's Oration unto the King & Nobles assembled.  which standeth him so much upon, I as one that most of all am grieved with this loss, and most desirous of his profit, will therefore be the first that shall show herein my mind, and what I do think thereof. In that which you say, that oftentimes the Pagodes in the time of the persecutions that we do receive will command us to do that which they will have us, so we ought to understand them, although therefore in these wars it appeareth that it goeth very evil with us, and in this they do show how much they are our friends, truly I do believe the same, the rather for that we ought not to believe them that would have a matter done without reason, as it were to give us the victory against those Christians, and power to destroy the king of Coching, unto whom we have done very much hurt, killing the last year his Princes and almost all his men, setting of Coching a fire, and destroying his country, from whence we hunted him away, with his great discredit, dispossed him of his kingdom & subjects, so that all they for the fear they had of us did leave him, yea his own friends forsook him, & went against him, & all for our sake. And above all these evils the which he did not deserve, for that he was not in any fault, we would yet proceed further, utterly to destroy him. What hath he done? Did he procure to take any man's country from him? No. In friendship did he use himself traitorously? Neither. Did he command the merchants that they should not come to Calicut? Neither, Did he then some worse thing since he did nothing of these? Nothing at all. What then? forsooth for that he did receive into his country the Christians which being driven out of Calicut, went to seek him out, as he was desirous to increase and enpeople his city, and to augment his estate and riches: Shall we therefore destroy him being our friend, as an enemy? With this right do the Pagodes help us to take the honour, riches and credit from the right owner? It cannot be so, for that they be righteous and just, and therefore they will not help us against those Christians which were slain, rob, and thrust out of Calicut, and were there received under safeconduct from the king, coming to his port before any others, and not giving cause wherefore they should receive so many injuries. If we do it for that they laid hand upon a ship of the moors, there is no reason why, for that the King commanded them to stay the same: And if he had been advised by all men as he was by me, the moors should have paid for that they ha' done & that very well, for & if they had been punished, it would well have appeared, that the king had been in no fault of that which they had done. And this had been sufficient to have confirmed the friendship of the Christians with him, & this also would have been a cause sufficient, to have kept them in Calicut from going to Coching, to have there settled a trade, whom the King through evil council hath travailed so much to take them, as though they were thieves that had rob him of his own, they being so good, so gentle, so valiant as we see, 
Amongst other virtues grate fullness commended.  and besides so grateful of the benefit they do receive. For the receiving of them as the King of Mylinde did, they gave over two ships laden with gold, the which they had taken from a Cousin of his. If these men were thieves, as the moors do say they are, those were prices not to be left. You know how rich a Present they brought to the King, and what rich merchandise they brought, and how much gold and silver. Those fishermen which they did carry away naked, did return again all appareled. If then we were friends, how surely should we live: & what profit should the King have, if we had amity with them. I do not speak of the ship that carried the Elephants which was given him: when all the prizes did pass by these thieves hands, the which they left. These were services to be thankfully received, giving occasion to us to gratify them in like sort, and to be glad to have them for our friends, & since we did put them away when they had need of us, now that we have need of them, let it not be thought evil, to conclude a peace with them, for that the wars we make against them, we make the same against ourselves. They are upon the Sea of more power than we are, as you may well see the same by the long time they have defended this passage, and with what power of men, and also what destruction they have brought upon us, and are like to do, since that our country lieth near to the water side, and that with our own loss, we have well seen the truth. therefore let it go no further, but let us seek some remedy to have a peace concluded amongst us: for if we have not, the port or harbour of Calicut will be utterly undone, & the king will be like to lose all his rents. This doth concern him more than all the friendship of the Moors, which have no other respect but only to their own profit, & not to the kings, & these be they that go give council to make these wars.   

How the council of the prince Nabeadarin was gainsaid, & how a certain Moor of Calicut did invent the making of certain castles of timber, with the which they might lay the carvels aboard. Ca 69▪  
THe king of Calicut all this while gave great ear to the which the prince his brother had said, & immediately answered that he was in the fault, as touching the which was past, & had repent himself to have taken the enterprise in hand. And therefore he desired them all, to enter into council with his brother, & to take some good order for the concluding of peace with us: which was not well thought of by the Lord of Repelin, for that he was confederate with the Moors to hinder the same, 
The Lord of Repelin's answer to the prince in the council house.  & after that the king had ended his talk, he spoke in this manner following According as the malabar's are constant, so I do well believe, that from hence forth they will not have thee in any reputation, if thou shouldest do as thou sayst, for that they would impute the same rather to cowardness, then to any revelation or forewarning of the Pagodes. This is a matter not well to be thought of, much less than to be spoken of amongst persons of honour as here are, & with so great a power, with hope of many more if there were need: for all the noble men of the malabars' are ready for the same, having great confidence in thy valiantness, & therefore did choose thee to be head of this war. And now, wilt thou leave the same without receiving any hurt in thy person, with that which thou mightest excuse the same, not to die in thy demand. But returning whole, & with many of thine whole, what will they say but that for the fear of so few strangers thou givest over that thou hast begun with so great a heat, & that thou runnest away not being overcome? With this thou shalt lose thy credit that thou hadst with all men, which since it is so, were thou not better die, then to live dishonoured? I marvel much that the prince did not consider this, which is the principal matter that he should make reckoning of, as one that doth esteem thine honour, I that do also esteem the same, do not council the king to give over the wars, although I should see the Pagodes command thee, for rather death is to be wished, than such obedience. Go forwards therefore in these wars, for so the Pagodes would have thee do, & do not contrary unto this advise. 
The dissimuling worfs of the Moors to the King.  The moors that were present hearing all this talk, which was to their content, did further the same as much as in them lay, setting forward the king, praising him to be invincible, laying before him the infamy he should incur, if he did leave the wars: they offered him moreover their persons & goods towards the same, alleging the increasing of his rents with their trade, plenty of victuals in his city with their being there, declaring also the old friendship they have had with him, & how they were become natural inhabitants of his country, with many other things, unto the which the king would not answer, neither yet his brother, for that all those kings & Lords did help the Moors advise, & so it was concluded that the wars should go forward. And for that it had gone with the king so evil in the ford, they found a new invention to lay the carvels a board, which a certain Moor of Repelin made called 〈◊〉, who had been a travailer, & seen sundry inventions devised. And for the cause having a pregnant wit, he invented a castle to be made of timber, built upon two boats or lighters, placing two beams crosswise over the forepart of the said boats, & the stern or poop of the boats to be as broad as the castle long, that which castle was made square, & upon those beams were other placed, so high as as a chamber from a hall, & in every square were quarters of timber thick set together, of the height of a lance, or little less, mortased in the said beams, & nailed with great iron nails, & in the bodies of the quarters of timber were holes made, through the which went bars of iron. so the to sight the castle seemed a strong thing. In this castle might. 40. men be well placed, besides certain pieces of ordinance, so that in this wise this castle might pass the rivers, & with grapuls join with the carvels, which being done the king desired the sight thereof, & when he had seen the same, did not only praise his wit, but also rewarded him very largely, and by the same pattern commanded other seven to be made, that upon them the carvels might dispend their times, & occupy themselves, thinking that even so it would be.   

Of the great alteration there was in Coching, about these Castles, and what policy the captain found to defend the carvel from them. Chap. 70.  
Immediately after, was the captain general advertised by espies that he had sent of these castles, and that the enemies were also making in readiness certain fireworks, that therewith they might burn the carvels', & if they could not burn the same, that then with these castles, they might lay the said Caruel aboard: As soon as the dwellers & inhabitants of Coching heard of these castles, they were therewith grealy afeard, least that the enemies would take Coching, & with that did make themselves in a readiness to fly from thence, for the which the king of Coching was very sad, supposing that indeed with these Castles, his enemies would take his country from him. After this, certain of the inhabitants of Coching went to the captain general, to ask him whether he was able with his carvels to defend himself from these castles. whereupon the captain answered & asked of them, wherefore they demanded the question, seeing that they did well know, that from a greater power than this, he had made them fly with broken heads, & so he doubted not, but he would do again. With this answer, the inhabitants of Coching were fully satisfied, & so minded not to remove themselves from thence, until such time the battle were fought. The captain general for to encourage them the more, 
A Caluete, and what the meaning thereof is.  commanded before them all to pitch a long staff in the ground, the which was made sharp at the one end. The same amongst the Malabars is called Caluete, upon the which they do execute justice of death: unto the poorest or vilest people of the country: insomuch that if they say to a Naire, Naire Caluete, they take the same for a greater reproach than any other. This Caluete being pitched on this sort, the captain general did then swear, to spit upon the same the king of Calicut, if so be that he did fight with him, & so forthwith he commanded in dispraise of the king of Calicut, that all his men should say with a loud voice, Samurin Caluete. At this sight the inhabitants marveled to see the stoutness of the captain, & so minded to remain & keep the town. But for all this, the captain general was inwardly moved in spirit, for fear that indeed they would lay his carvels a board, & that for lack of men. Howbeit the better to defend them from the same, he commanded to be made a certain Caniso, the which was made with certain masts of ships, joined the one to the other, & bound with great bolts and hoops of iron These masts were of eight fathom of length, & as many of breadth, & were placed from the caravels a good stones throw. And for that the ebb nor yet the flood should carry the same away, there were laid out six great anchors, three of them upon the flood, & the other upon the ebb, that made the same the surer. And for that the caravels should remain so high as the castles, one Peter Raf●l considering these devices, devised also to encounter with the height of those castles, to make certain turrets of half masts, which were set upright, and made fast a board the carvel, in the which turrets seven or eight men might fight at pleasure in each of them. This being done, one morning before day there came to visit the Captain general the king of Coching, of whose coming the captain was very glad, for that he had heard how fearful he was, & therefore he gave him a good countenance, yet for all this, the king could dissemble no longer, but presently his eyes did run down with water, & with that he embraced the captain general, & commanded those noble men that came with him to do the like, which was done with so sorrowful a countenance, as though it were the last time that they should meet. Afterward the king did apart himself with that captain & some of our men, & as a man out of his wits, said unto him. The King of calicut hath a great power, 
The king of Cochings words to the captain general.  and we are but few, and that without any hope that I have to defend Coching, or any of my people, who besides are ready to run away if thou be overcome. And since that I am undone, I request thee, that thou do provide for thine own safety, whilst thou hast time, for that afterwards, I doubt thou shalt not have the same: and therewith, as though he were stopped in the throat, he spoke no more.  
The captain general showing himself to be angry with this speech, 
The answer that the captain general made to the King of Coching.  answered him somewhat with choler, ask him what weakness or cowardness he had seen in him, that he should will him to provide for his safety? And further said, that there or in what place soever he was, he was most assured to defend himself from the King of Calicut, and also doubted not but to give him the overthrow, notwithstanding the great power he brought. And didst not thou tell me (quoth he) all these times past, that God did fight for the Portugese's, but now how dost thou doubt of the same? I have a hope in God, that to morrow thou shalt see the King of calicut put in that Caluete, and of this I do not doubt, if he do tarry me, neither yet thou oughtest to have any doubt, if thou wouldst think upon the victories that God hath given me so oftentimes, the King of calicut having the same advantage that now he hath. This thou oughtest to believe, and not that which the moors of Coching do tell thee, for that they all do not love us, neither yet the alteration of the Nayres should make thee appalled, which are afeard of every puff of wind. Repent thyself therefore of that thou hast told me, and despair not, but return with good courage to Coching, and there also to comfort and hearten thy people, show thyself strengthened, & stay thy subjects from going away, and let me alone with this Passage, for I will give thee a good account thereof.  
The King minding not to increase his choler, did show himself recomforted with his words and comfortable answer, trusting that we would defend the Passage, according to the valiant minds he had found in us, and in our captain general: which he did affirm without any doubt of the defence thereof. The Nayre, and all the people of Coching, upon their alteration and determination, they made for their departing, believing yet that our men should be overthrown, did thereupon provoke the moors to run away, but yet nevertheless they would not.   

¶ How the King of calicut did give the battle unto the captain general with his castles, & owe they were all overthrown. cap. 71.  
THe King of Coching being departed, the captain general went to his carvel, showing himself grieved greatly, to see the King so faint hearted, the which might be the occasion that Coching might be disinhabited, which he feared very much: and being desirous to sup with his men, thither came Lorenzo Moreno, with those of the factory, with whom he was accustomed to come, for (as I have said) there was never any found in the battle of our men, that the enemies could overcome: The Supper being done, they went to rest themselves till midnight, and being confessed and absolved by the Vicar, the captain general said unto them.  
Master's and my friends, 
The Captain generals Oration to his company.  I am very merry & glad that you do remember the principal thing, which is your souls, for that I do well know, that with this remembrance God will have us in his high & glorious memory, to give us the victory against our enemies, not only for the satisfaction of our troubles, but also for the increasing of his holy and Catholic faith and that the King of Coching and his people might understand, that our God is a true God, and mighty above all mighties, and that he doth not fail those which do put their confidence and trust in his name. As for the King of Coching, you did well see him yesterday how sad and heavy and without hope he went away 〈◊〉 in the victory, which God I doubt not hath promised us, making sure account, that we were all lost, and utterly cast away, persuading me withal▪ that I should in time provide for mine own safety. Surely I did never find in him so much fear, nor yet so great cowardness, the occasion thereof was, that they heard that the power of the king of Calicut was much greater than it was before. And although it were so great as they do think, yet far greater without all comparison is our God, and that have you well seen in the helps past that he hath sent us, and even so now do I hope that he will likewise help us and send us the victory. And with this hope let us assuredly trust to overcome the enemies, for he will maintain the honour that we have gotten, and from hence forth will so increase the same, that we should remain in this world for lights of valiant men, and for the same be so feared in the India's, that neither the king of Calicut nor any else will dare set upon us: and the honour being gotten, we shall be assured of rest for the troubles we have had.  
As he had ended they said all, that without the victory they would not live. 
Men make wars to the intent to live in peace.  And at this time which was two hours after midnight, some of the ordinance of the fleet of the king of calicut began to discharge, making their way towards the captain general: and the king himself went by land, being accompanied with more than thirty thousand men, with his field pieces, as his use was, and with great hope the he should give us the overthrow, & with this double pride, much more than he ever had, he came forward. The Lord of Repelyn marched before with certain men that should make rampires of earth in the point of Arr●●l, for a defence for our enemies in the battle. He brought with him great noises & cries, with great pleasure and dancing, the which the captain general did hear, and went very secretly a land, and placed himself in the very point where the enemies should come, the which he did defend that the enemies should not make there any rampires, about the which our men killed some of them. This being known to the king of Calicut, that the captain general came thither to meet with him, he commanded his soldiers with a stout stomach to set upon him and take him alive, the better to revenge himself on him at his pleasure. About this there was a great skirmish and many of the enemies were slain without taking of the captain general, neither yet could they make their rampires. As the morning came on which was the ascension day, the other fleet did appear, the which was not far off, and by this, the captain general was retired unto his boats, but it was with great trouble, because of the great multitude of the enemies which came upon him: howbeit he embarked both himself and his men without lacking any of them, but there were of the enemies many slain and hurt. The point being now clear & unfurnished, the enemies came and placed themselves there, and then they began to shoot off their ordinance at us, to the which we did answer with ours, doing them great hurt therewith, for that all our shot went amongst the enemies, where they lay open, and our men were well fenced, therefore their ordinance could do us no hurt. 
The king of Calicut being in danger sendeth for succour to the rest of his fleet.  The king of Calicut seeing this, sent word to his fleet that they should row a pace, and come to help and deliver him from the danger and fear that our men did put him in. The fleet being come, it was a fearful sight to behold them, for that there was driven before them certain rafts, the which went always burning, with intent to set the carvels on fire, and after them an hundred and ten Paraos full of men & ordinance, & many of them chained together, and after them a hundred Catures in the same manner, and four score Tonis de coxia ancha, and in each of them thirty men, besides their ordinance, and the eight castles in keeping of these, the which stood hard by the point, for that the ebb was not as yet altogether entered. The enemies came with great clamour, making great laromes and cries, and playing upon instruments, accounting us as overcome already, and with this, they shot off so many pieces of Ordinance as it was wonderful to see, and with their faggots which they brought before them burning, they drew very near to the Canizo, which was placed before the carvels, and therefore they could not come to set the caravels a fire, neither any other of all the fleet. Wherefore, all those that went before, did join with the Caniz●, and therewith did give us battle, & without all doubt they had closed with us at this time, if this defence had not been. In this sudden fight which was very great, the battle endured a good while, until such time the ebb came on, and at this time the enemies received great hurt, not only in their frigates that were torn in pieces and sunk, but also many of their men that were slain and hurt. The ebb being come, the Paraos with their Castles did put off from the point, and to the end they should go the swifter, they were rowed with boats. These came right towards the carvels, and in the greatest of them all went forty fight men, and in the other of the middle sort in each of them fine and thirty, and in the lesser sort thirty men. All these were bowmen & shot, and besides that they did carry ordinance, and stood all abroad, which did show so terrible and monstrous a front, as was fearful to be seen, the rather being so great a fleet, in comparison of our small power to defend them, we having but two carvels & two boats▪ But this was the day wherein God did well show, the great regard he had to preserve us, for that neither the sight of so many men, and so many sorts of ways whereby they had compassed and beset us, neither yet such a fleet, that was so great and mighty, with the fearful cries that the enemies did make, nor the terrible thundering of the Ordinance, could any ways discourage or make us afeard. The greater of the Castles being come hard to this defence, did then shoot off all his ordinance at the caravels, & the captain general commanded to shoot at the same with a Saker, the which caused the said Castle to stand wavering, but yet did them little harm, neither yet with another piece that they shot off forthwith, with the which captain general was so sad, 
The prayer of a distressed mind in the bitterness of heart.  that he lifted up his eyes unto heaven, saying: Lord, do not return my sins to my face at this time, and this he said with such a loud voice, that some there were that heard the same. In the mean while came the other Paraos, which did set themselves right equal with the first, & with the coming of these, the battle did increase more and more very stoutly on all parts. Their arrows came so thick, which made so great a shadow, that sometimes there appeared neither heaven nor earth, with the great smoke of their ordinance. The captain general did turn, and command to shoot at the great Castle the Saker again, & as with the other shot passed, they had somewhat shaken their iron works which were not very strong, so with the same shot they presently broke, & after that the iron works were thus broken, some of their beams being likewise carried away, with certain of their men slain, with the same our men gave a great cry, & the captain general falling down on his knees, gave God great thanks, & returning to shoot the Saker again, did carry away another row of beams, with many more slain and hurt, and the ordinance being shot off again, it was all torn in pieces in a small space, and so the enemies went with their Castle further of, but the others remained there fight very stoutly. And after this, both parts endured more trouble all the day following, then in all the battles that were passed: but in the end, we did so much hurt unto their Castles, and sunk and rend so many of their Paraos in pieces, that the enemies could not abide the same, & therefore they shrank thence. The fight did endure till evensong time, & began in the morning: of the enemies were many slain, as afterward was seen in the water, & of us none, nor any hurt, but only bruised with a shot which went through the Admiral, the bullet went among many that were there, but they received no harm.  
The captain general seeing the enemies went their way, followed them in their boats, and such Paraos as he had, shooting always at those that were upon the point Ar●aul, with the king, and with the force of their ordinance made them run away, leaving behind them slain three hundred and thirty men. This being done, he then returned to his carvels, where that evening came to visit him the Prince of Coching in the behalf of the king, who sent to excuse himself that he could not come to visit him in his own person. But he sent him again word, that he would receive no discharge, until such time he knew his heaviness was past, but prayed him from hence forth to believe better in God, for that the dangerous day of the Castles was past, and he remained in the passage as he did before, all safe, and in readiness to serve him. The self same day came to visit him certain noble men, of those that were of the king of Cochings side, with whom there was made great triumph for this victory: and likewise there went to see him many moors Merchants which brought him great presents, supposing to get of him thereby great friendship. He received them very gently, praying them to be true subjects to the king of Coching, for thereby they should find him assured at any time whensoever he might stand them in any steed, whereupon they faithfully promised so to do, & to bind them the more, he made them very great cheer. Also the next day in the morning the king of Coching came to visit him, who embraced him with as great gladness as could be devised, saying that he did well perform the which he had promised, in giving the king of calicut the overthrow. But unto this he answered, that he had not performed all his promise, since that he did not put him on the Caluete, but he was not in fault thereof, for that the king kept himself always far from him. He declared also to the king diverse other matters of pleasure, which the king answered in like manner, praising very much his valiantness, & that he had well seen the God did fight for us, ask of him forgiveness for the distrust he had in him, & how greatly he was bound to secure him, declaring also that the affairs of Portugal were very great, and confessing likewise that he through his worthiness had made him king. After this victory the inhabitants of Coching did cast off the fear they had of the king of calicut, in such sort, that never from thence forth they stood in any dread of him, neither yet made account of his ability.   

Of the counsel which the king of calicut took of his brother, and how he was gainsaid: and also by what policy & means the king of calicut sought to kill the captain general. chap. 72.  
THE king remained greatly ashamed and very sad, for that at the same time he could not overthrow the captain general, the rather because he never accounted any thing more certain, then to over come him in that conflict, because of the Castles which he had prepared for his confusion. And now leaving a side all hope ever to have the victory, he desired to have with us no more wars, and therefore he called before him into his tents, all those kings and noble men that came to help him, and said thus unto them.  
YOU do well see how little our power profiteth us against these men, 
The king of calicut's oration unto his noble men.  and how little our policies prevaileth since they do not regard us, and would never give over the passage, notwithstanding the great power we had against them. The like account also they make of us in their feasts, and pastimes when we go against them, as though we were the fewer, and they the more, and as though the land which they are in were theirs, & we were the Christians, whereby it appeareth, they always make account of the victory for certain, which either they obtain by witchcrafts, or else their God doth fight for them, which cannot be otherwise, considering the great victories they have had against us, and the great hurt that we have received of them. Wherefore I suppose that God would it should be so, for the little justice that is observed in these wars, as hath well appeared in the beginning of the same. And if I had been well advised, it should not have gone so far forward, but in the end I am in the fault, and not they, and since it is so, we have therein no right cause, neither can get any thing by our strength. Let us therefore give it over, & desire no more to have Coching, for that God doth favour these men, since well you see, there is no power in the India's that can offend us so long, we being so strong, but these dogs, of whom I am afraid, that they will subdue the India's, according to the acts that they have done, and the credit that they have gotten, especially in Malabar. And that this mishap may go no further, I think it should be convenient to procure their friendship, & also it is time to get us away, for the the winter cometh on, & the rivers do increase, & these men do overrun all: and this is certain, the if the wars endure, they will come hither & enforce us to departed with our loss & dishonour. Now that first that he asked council of what was necessary to be done, was his brother Nabeadarin, who being angry with the king that he would never follow his council, & leave the wars, said: that now he knew to his cost what he had told him of us: & since in time he would not know it, he asked him what it should now profit him for his honour and credit, since that then when opportunity served he refused his council, but now he willed him to do what he should think good, for he could not do amiss. The king being somewhat broken of his pride, (calling him brother) said that now there was no time to answer him after such sort, but to tell him his opinion what he thought best. The prince answered that we were venturous, 
The counsel that the king of calicut's brother gave him touching the making of peace with the captain general.  & always remained so assured of the victory, upon our experienced strength and good fortune, albeit our power were much less, so the he greatly doubted we would none of his friendship. And for thee to offer the same, said he to the king, & they to refuse it, would be no less dishonour unto thee, than the often overthrows that thou hast received. And since by thy proffered friendship, we cannot get so much as we should lose if they refuse the same, it were best therefore not to procure it, but to defer it, & make peace with the captain general that cometh the next year from Portugal, who considering how little the wars will profit him, & not being assured of good success therein, will be the gladder to make peace with thee, & therefore that it may not be thought that we run away for fear, let us stay & not departed, until such time it should be thought, that the necessity of the winter did enforce us hence, & then may we well talk of peace, when possible the captain general will willingly accept the same, doubting that his good fortune may change. And to provoke & give occasion the rather to have his friendship, let us give him no more battles in the mean time, since it serveth to no purpose, but to the great loss and confusion of our men.  
This council of Nabeadarin was reproved by the kings and noble men which were there then assembled, & especially of the Lord of Repelyn, which said that the king ought not to go away, neither for the greatness of the winter that should come, nor yet for the iosse of his men, but rather to continue, giving us many battles, until such time he did take us, and not only procured the destruction of us in Coching, but also of those that were in Cananor and Coulan. And that immediately it were expedient they sent men of credit with letters to affirm, that they had boarded our carvels with their Castles, 
A subtle device by means of a lie to have brought our men to destruction but it took no effect.  and had also slain us all, and taken our said carvels, and therefore that they should kill all those that were there, as they had promised. To the same effect therefore the king did write immediately and the moors also, but there was no credit given to the same, for that there was other news sent before, and therefore the last was taken for false. Nevertheless for all that, by the industry of the moors the which did dwell in those two towns, our men were in great danger, and durst not come out of their factories, and in Coulan there was one slain, but in the other places none, for afterward messengers were sent from calicut to the Gentiles, that our men were alive, and what we had done. For which cause the king of calicut was answered that they would not kill our men, until such time the captain general was taken, and that he had first given him the overthrow, which being done, they would conclude with him. This being come to the knowledge of the Lord of Repelyn, both he and the moors did persuade the king to fight another battle with the captain general, the which he would willingly not have done, for that he was wearied in his spirit, but he could not withstand them, and therefore commanded the same to be given both by Sea and land. But in it he had like success as before, so that more through the importunate desire of the moors then of his own will, he gave in his own person another battle with his Castles, with many more men and vessels then in the other before. This battle endured longer than the other, in which also the enemies were overcome, and received far greater loss than ever they did before. With this victory that we had gotten, the inhabitants of Coching remained sure from all their enemies, and so likewise did the king, whom afterward came to visit the captain general, being brought in a chair, with far greater estate than ever he came before, since the first beginning of all the wars. This being known in the camp of the enemies, the kings and noble men that were with the king of Calicut, took occasion to say unto him that he should not consent, in especially having such a great power as he had there present, 
An answer which the king of Calicut made unto certain noble men.  that the king of Coching should have him in so small reputation, as thereby to judge himself free from him, & out of his danger. To the which the king of Calicut made answer, the the king of Coching had great reason to do that which he had done, in especially knowing his great power and camp, and yet perceiving that he could not give him the overthrow. And since that his evil fortune was such, he desired them not to wish him to go forward in these wars, for that he knew well and was fully persuaded, that continuing the same, he should always receive the loss, and run daily into greater danger, as by the fear thereof it was apparent. And therefore he requested them all to let him alone by himself, who so being, did imagine again what course he might best take to revenge himself.  
And after that he came aboard, he called for certain of his Nayres, in whom he had reposed all his trust, commanding them to go to Coching with some dissimulation, and there to travail all that they could to kill the captain general, and all such of our men as they could meet withal. And as the Naires are men inconstant, and cannot keep counsel longer than they are bethinking themselves thereof, therefore immediately their intent was known to the captain general, who from thence forward had a better regard to himself, and unto the rest of his company than he had before. And the better to take those Naires which came as spies thither, he appointed thereunto two companies of the Naires of Coching, commanding the one to keep diligently a long the ford, and the other a long the river, who watched by quarters both by day and night. Whilst this diligence was used, the captain general had knowledge that this spy was a Naire of Coching, and of the house or stock of the leeroes, who had attendant upon him certain Nayres that were strangers, which appeared to be like those of Calicut.  
Now having certain knowledge hereof, he so hand the matter, and in such order, that forthwith he took them all prisoners, and being brought before him, he commanded them to be cruelly whipped in the presence of those Naires of Coching, and afterward to be hanged. The inhabitants of Coching seeing this, requested the captain general to give them some other punishment since that they were Nayres, and not to show them so great extremity, but notwithstanding he would not grant unto any other punishment, for that they had deserved the same.  
Then all his captains said unto him, 
The Oration of certain captains unto their general for his better advise in administration of justice.  that first and before all he should call to remembrance, the great troubles that the King of Coching had sustained for the only maintaining of them, and also how much it would grieve him to hear say, that such were hanged in his country without his consent.  
Also it would give an occasion for such noble men as were with him, to say that he is a king but for a while, since that his jurisdiction is now taken from him. And forasmuch as hitherto he had used him always with reverence, they wished that now at the end he would have him in a greater estimation than ever he had before.  
The captain general having considered their reasons, did allow of their good council herein, and caused those Naires to be sent for, that were gone to execution, of the which there were two half dead, but those that were living he sent to the king of Coching, advertising him how that they had deserved death, and also the cause why he had not commanded them to be hanged.  
The King hearing this, took the same in great honour and estimation, that they were sent him, and especial for that there were present sundry of the noble men of his country, and of other places, yea, and moors also, of the chiefest that dwelled in Coching, which did not let to say unto the king to afrunt him withal, that our men were they that commanded and did not obey.  
But from hence forth the captain general had such intelligence, that the subtle dealings of the king of calicut, took very small effect against him.   

How the king of Calicut of pure heaviness for the ill success he had in the wars, did put himself into a Torcull, and within a small time after came forth thereof. chap. 73.  
IVne being now ended, and the winter beginning to increase, the captain general thought that it would be some cause that the king of Calicut would not tarry there long. And therefore he was fully minded to set upon him at the removing of his camp, for that by experience he knew the small valour of his enemies, by such victories as he had gotten in times past, which did therefore animate him the more thereunto, thinking that at such a time he might do him much harm. And being in a readiness to uncheine his masts, he was presently informed that the king of Calicut was reforming a new his Castles, and preparing in a readiness a greater fleet than ever he had before, that he might give him therewith once more the battle. 
A false alarum given forth by the Calicutians to terrify the Portugeses with all.  This was but a fleeing news that was commanded to be given out by the king of calicut, who did surmise that at the raising of his camp, which he was minded to do, and to go his way, the captain general would set upon him.  
And therefore he determined, that his departure should be so secretly done, that no man should know thereof but only Nabeadarin. For this cause therefore he gave out, that he would give the battle in the passage of Palurte, and also in the ford both together, to the end the captain general might occupy himself in defending them both, and he himself the better steal away, as he did: but he got nothing thereby, more than he had gotten before.  
After all this, on Saturday in the evening, which was Saint john's even, on which day they gave out, that they would give the battle, there appeared the whole army of the enemies as they were accustomed to show themselves. The captain general hoping of their coming, did tarry there all that night, but in the morning he saw no likelihood thereof, and marveling what that should mean, was informed by two Bramenes that the king of calicut was gone with his whole power unto Repelyn, and that at that present he was there.  
For this news he was very sorry, but yet for all that he entered that present day into Repelyn, where he fought with many of his enemies, slew and hurt a great number, and so returned to the passage, where he remained yet certain days to ensure Coching the better, which was yet afeard of the King of Calycut's returning, fearing that he would not leave this passage. Howbeit the captain general was well assured that he would not come there, by reason he was fallen into such reproach and shame, in the sight of all men, because of his great losses. So that immediately after that he had past the rivers of Repelyn, he apparted himself with his noble men which had accompanied him in these wars, and said unto them with weeping eyes in this manner following.  
FOR a man that is without shame, 
the King's Oration, made to such princes & noble men as came to aid him in these wars.  as I am, it is not much to shed these tears as I do, the heaviness of my loss being such, as fetcheth the same from my heart, with the which I am so troubled, that since it is so, that I cannot do it in public fort, I will go into some place where I may do the same without any body that may see me. I have also another grief which troubleth me very sore, over and besides my dishonour, which is, for that I am not able to reward you for all the great good will and service you have done me in these wars, the which I take for so great a duty, that if so be that I might see myself discharged of the same, I should be better contented, then with the getting of Coching. But since it is not God's pleasure that I should get the victory over it, which hath procured my dishonour, so is it not his pleasure and will that I possess the state of a king any longer, but rather for the amending of my sins will end my life in this Torcull, 
A Torcull is as much as with us an hermitage, or such like poor kind of solitary relgious place.  where I mean to continue until such time that God hath taken away this hatred, which he hath conceived against me. And from this time forward you may dispose of yourselves, and do what you shall think best with my country and subjects. I do not offer you my person, forsomuch as being a man so unfortunate as I am, it shall not stand with your credit to require his company, and with this speech he ended his talk.  
But the Princes and Noble men would somewhat have comforted him, and withdrawn him from this his determination, but it could not prevail, for that he had fully bend himself to the contrary, and so with certain of his chaplains he entered into this Torcull.  
Now his mother having knowledge that he was there, she sent him word, that for this his sudden determination she remained as heavy and with as sorrowful a heart as might be. 
The mother's message to the King of calicut, being in the Torcull.  Informing him moreover, that through this sudden chance, there hath risen in calicut a great alteration, for that from thence are gone and now are ready to go many & sundry merchants, and also that the city is become wonderfully unprovided of victuals, with the great fear the inhabitants are in of the Christians: which is the occasion there are no victuals brought thither. But no persuasion she said, 
Where credit is impaired, it is better to lurk then to run abroad with dishonour.  could withdraw him from these wars with the Christians, which from the beginning of the same was a great grief unto her: willing him also that in no case he should return unto calicut, until he might do the same with his credit, which was clean lost already. And therefore she counseled him a while to forbear, until such time he did recover it again, and that with victory, yea, & rather to lose all then to return without it. With this message the King's heaviness increased greatly, and he sent immediately for his Brother, to whom being come, he gave him charge of the government of his kingdom. But after that he came out of the foresaid Torcull, it was restored unto him again.   

¶ How there came sundry Kings & Princes of the country to demand peace of the captain general: & also how there came unto Coching many moors of calicut, to inhabit there. Chap. 74.  
ALL these Kings and Noble men, which came to serve the king of Calicut (after that he had placed himself in the Torcul) remained a few days in Repelyn, tarrying to see whether he did repent himself of that which he had done, or not: and perceiving the contrary, each of them repaired toward their countries, whereof the most part of them lay there along the water side. And forsomuch as the Winter began to increase, and they fearing lest the captain general would overcome them all, having now lost the hope they had to defend themselves now as before time. Therefore they minded to procure as much as they could, 
the goodness of the King of Cochings nature noted in being a mean to procure.  to be friends and in peace with the captain general. For the which intent as mediator for the same purpose, they sent to the King of Coching, whom for that his condition and nature was very good; & without calling to remembrance the injuries that were passed, which they had done unto him, did undertake to do the same. Sending them immediately a safeconduct for their safe coming unto Coching, from whence he went in their company to visit the captain general, whom at their meeting, he earnestly requested to receive them as his friends, 
peace for his enemies.  who answered, that for his sake he would so do. divers other Princes also there were, that could not come, but yet notwithstanding they sent unto him their ambassadors to conclude this peace likewise. Also sundry moors of calicut that were great Merchants, to the end they might quietly use their trade, forsook calicut, & came to dwell at Coching, with the consent of the captain general. Others there were that went to Cananor and Coulan, so that the great Trade that was before in calicut began suddenly to fall. And for that the moors of calicut began in this sort to inhabit in Coching, therefore the captain general would not leave this passage, as also for that there came many & sundry times Paraos from calicut into the rivers to keep the same, by Nabeadarins' commandment. Howbeit the captain general met with them and fought with them, and hurt many of his enemies. Moreover, he oftentimes entered into the Lord of Repelyns country to take cattle for his provision, & fought with many of his enemies, upon whom he made great slaughter. One day by chance our men met with certain Tones of the enemies, the which were in a certain standing water, and carried them away into the rivers, and made with the enemies a valiant and stout skirmish, in the which was slain the greatest part of them, and not one of our men hurt.  
After all this, 
The Lord of Repelin, is also reconciled unto the captain general.  the Lord of Repelyn became the captain generals friend, and came to visit him, and brought him for a Present a great quantity of Pepper, which he had in his country.   

¶ How Lope Suares de Menesis departed for the India's for captain general of the fleet that went in the year of our Lord, a 1504 and what more past or ever he came to Ansadina. cap. 75.  
IN the year of our Lord. 1504 the king of Portugal having certain knowledge, 
1504  that the king of calicut continued as yet in the wars, 
The fift voyage to the India's made by the Portugese's.  did therefore send to secure our men with a fleet of twelve great ships, and appointed for general of the same, a Gentleman called Lope Suares de Menesis, who in the time of king Don John the second, had been captain in the Mina. The captains of the fleet were these following.  
Pedro de Mendosa, Lionel Cotinuo, Tristim de la Silva, Lope Mendus, de Vascon Cele, Lope de Abreo, Philipe de Castro, Alonso Lopes de Castro, Alonso Lopes de la Cocts, Pero Alonso, de Aguylar, Vasco de la Siluero, Vasco Caruallo, Pedro Dynes de Sutunell. All these were Gentlemen borne, and some were made Gentlemen by service. These also carried with them many valiant soldiers, who being embarked, and the captain general dispatched, did departed from Lisbon the xxii of April in the self same year, and continuing their voyage on the second day of May, they found themselves right in their course to Cape Verde. 
The Captain generals oration with he made to his captains, masters and Pilots.  Then the captain general having here all the fleet together, caused his captains, Masters, and Pilots, to assemble themselves, unto whom he spoke in sense following. Willing them to call to remembrance how lately they had departed from Portugal, for which cause it was requisite that they were circumspect and diligent, and not to fall into such disorders and extremities as hitherto they have done, for not looking every man unto his charge, and not to suffer one ship lay the other a board, as they have done already, whereby they ran all into great danger. Also there were others he said, that had no regard to keep their right course, but unadvisedly there were some that would go before, and others come after, and others by the wind, by means of which disorder they might have cast away themselves. And the better to avoid these dangers, and to keep the fleet in good order, he did set down certain rules in writing by his scrivener, and firmed thereunto his name, with the names of the other captains, which they should observe and keep.  
Inprimis, 
Orders that were given to every captain, Master and Pilot, to keep the same in their voyage.  That all the fleet, as soon as it is night, shall follow his course, remaining always a stern the general: and that no ship shall carry other light, then only that which is in the Bytoke, and within the captains cabin. Also, that the Masters and Pilots keep their watch, and that they have a good regard, that one ship do not lay the other a board, and that they do all answer, when the admiral doth make any sign.  
Item, That as soon as it is day, they do come and salute their general, and that in the night they do not go before him. 
The penalty laid upon the breach of these commandments.  He that doth not observe these commandments, shall pay ten crowns, and be kept in prison, until they arrive there, and that without wages. And for that there was some Masters and Pilots very negligent, by whose default one ship did lay the other a board, he commanded to remove them from one ship to another: and by this diligence that was thus used, every man had a regard thereunto, and the fleet went in good order, & never after ran in any danger. Thus going on their course in the month of June, and judging themselves over against the Cape Buena spuransa, there fell upon them a marvelous great storm of wind, with the which all the fleet ran two days and two nights without sails, so that they were in great danger to have been all cast away, the wether being so dark and close, that it seemed rather night, than day.  
These two days being past, they saw certain signs of land, the which as it did appear, could not be far off, and for that cause was the weather so close. After that they had descried the same, & were come near thereunto, than these signs appeared the greater. And therefore the captain general commanded, that out of his ship there should be shot two pieces of ordinance, that the others might after the same manner answer with the like, and the better keep company the one with the other. This storm being past, they found missing the ship of Lope Mendez. And the captain general seeing that he had lost the sight thereof did not let to go forward on his course.  
And so, within certain days through the negligence of the Officers, one ship laid the other a board, and gave therewith so great a blow upon the how of the other, that with the same there was opened so great a hole, 
A great leak given unto one of the ships through negligence of the sailors.  that they might see through the ship very well, by the which hole there entered such abundance of water upon a sudden, that she was almost sunk. The captain general bare with the same ship immediately, and came so near them that they might well hear him, and the great comfort he gave them, willing them not to be a feared, but to go forward in stopping the leak, without fear to be lost, for that he was there to secure them with his men, which he did send in his Boats not fearing the Seas, that went so high, nor the danger that they were in.  
And for all that the Mariners of the ship did so work, that or ever it was night the leak was half stopped: yet that they might end the rest that remained to do, the captain general commanded to be made a sign by the same ship, that the other captains might come and secure him, if there were any such need. The wether being the next day somewhat calm, 
The leak stopped, and the danger thereof past, they sail forward.  the leak was wholly ended, the which was stopped with certain hides nailed thereunto, and pitched upon.  
This danger being passed, without any other mischance, worth the writing, they arrived at Monsanbique on saint James day, where the governor received him very well, and sent him great refreshing of fresh victuals, and the Letter that Pedro de Tayde had left there for him before he died, as I have said before.  
Who understanding by the same, of the wars that the King of calicut had begun against our men, did as soon as the ship was rigged, and made in a readiness, which they had brought a ground for the same purpose, he departed toward Mylind, being the first of August. And immediately after his arrival there, the King sent to visit him by one of his principal moors, 
Certain Portugese's scent unto the Captain general for a present.  by whom he sent for a Present sixteen of our men, the which did escape out of the ship that Pedro de Tayde was captain of.  
Within two days after this, he departed toward the India's, and so came to Ansadina, where he found two Gentlemen, the one called Antonyo de Saldanua, and the other Ruy Lorenzo, which were captains of two ships, and were in groat fear, supposing that our fleet had been of the Rumes. Then Antonyo de Saldanua, informed largely the captain general how he departed the last year from Portugal for Vice admiral, with Ruy Lorenzo, being given him in commission to go & discover the red Sea with the countries adjacent. And how that in doubling the Cape, they were very sorely troubled with a storm, which was the only cause of the separating the one of them from the company of the other. But Ruy Lorenzo as he kept his course after their separation, met by chance in the way to Sofala, with a certain ship of the moors being laden with much gold, the which he took: & afterward that he had taken the spoil of the same, he left the Hull in keeping at Mylind. Antonyo de Saldanua went to Quardafum, where he took many great and exceeding rich prices, without entering at all into the straits: and from thence he went into the India's.  
And for that he came not to Ansadina before it was the Winter, he was therefore driven to tarry there with Ruy Lorenzo, who having passed many dangers, came afterward thither, where he passed great troubles, for lack of victuals.   

¶ how the captain general came to Cananor, and spoke with the King: and how the governor of calicut, would have made peace with him, howbeit he would not consent thereunto. Chap. 76.  
THe captain general being here, came thither unto him Lope Mendez de Vascon celis, who had lost the company of his general, with the foul wether past. And immediately after that he was come, the captain general made him priest, for his departure toward Cananor, where he arrived the first day of September. There the Factor informed him of the wars of calicut, and how that he with his other fellows that remained in Cananor, had seen themselves oftentimes in danger of death.  
The next day after his coming thither, 
The Captain general goeth a land to visit the king of Cananor.  he would needs go a land to visit the King of Cananor. All the captains of the fleet he carried in his company to attend upon him with their boats, the which were set forth with their flags and ordinance to the uttermost, and the men appareled in the best apparel that they had. And as for the boat in the which the captain general went, it was covered over and beset with carpets in the best manner, 
The state which the captain general kept at his going to visit the king of Cananor.  upon the which stood his chair, the which was made of unshorn Crimson velvet, and at his feet there were set two very fair Cushions of the same. His doublet was also made of satin, being of sundry colours, the which was wrought Diamond wise.  
And moreover, his hose were made after the same sort, and his shoes were likewise made of black velvet, which were all beset with Aglets of gold, and his Cap covered over with Buttons suitable to the same: his night gown was made of black velvet, after the French use laced about, with lace of gold, his Dagger and rapier which his page held, were hafted with pure gold, and his chain came three times about his neck, the links whereof were all enamelled, and at the same he had hanging his Whistle of gold of the like work. There went before him his two lackeys, apparelled as himself, and six trumpeters with their flags of silk. He had also with him certain wind instruments, upon the which they went playing, which were carried in a little boat hard by him, and in the same was carried also a present for the king of Cananor, which the king of Portugal sent unto him. 
The present which the king of Portugal sent to the king of Cananor.  This present was six beds of fine holland, with two great pillows and pillowbéers to the same, all wrought with gold. Two covertors or Carpets of crimson velvet unshorn, which on the uttermost side were all quilted over, and had upon the same three guards of cloth of gold, which in the midst was a span in breadth, and in the other places of three fingers. The bedstead was all guilted over, the which had curtains of Crimosin satin, with Fringe made of gold thread. As soon as the captain general did put of from his ships, all the fleet began to shoot off. Afterwards the trumpets did sound, and the Drums play. After this was ended, than the Organs went, and never ceased, till they came to the water side, where there were great multitudes of moors and Gentiles, which came thither only to see the captain general. Who as soon as he had disimbarked himself, 
The king of Cananors bravery and state at his meeting with the captain general.  entered into a certain house, the which the king had caused to be made for the same purpose hard by the water side, in the which the bedstead with the whole furniture appertaining was set up, and hard by the same there was a place appointed for the captain general to sit down on. When the king of Cananor came, he brought before him three Elephants armed, as though they should fight, and after them there came a squadron of three thousand Naires, with their weapons, which was swords, targets, and spears. Also there came another squadron of two thousand bow men. Last of all came the king himself sitting in a chair, the which was very rich. When he was come to this Sarame, the ordinance of all the fleet was shot off. The captain general thereby perceiving the king to be at hand, went forth as far as the door to receive him. And after that they had embraced each other, he presented him with the bed, unto the which the king did go immediately, and lay down upon the same. The captain general seeing that, sat down in his place appointed, and there they conferred together for the space of two hours. In the mean while a grey hound of the captain generals would have set upon one of the Elephants, and because he was holden, he therefore barked and plunged in such sort, that there was none that could hear, by reason of the noise they made, neither yet there was any able to hold him, which was the occasion the king and the captain general were so little time together. After this meeting, there came unto the captain general a Moor from calicut, with whom there was also in company a Portugal boy, which brought a letter from such of our men as remained then captives, from the time of Pedro Aluares Cabralls being there, who told him by word of mouth, that the king of calicut was so broken in mind with the wars that he had with Edwarte Pacheco, that with pure heaviness he put himself into a Torcull, sequestering himself from all the world.  
And that there were many moors merchants so earnestly bend to follow their trade, 
The Mores for sake Calicut, & go else where to devil.  that they have left Calicut, and are gone to dwell in other places, by reason whereof, there is in calicut great necessity of victuals. And therefore that the King of calicut, the Prince, the Aldermen, and all the dwellers of Calicut are desirous to make peace, and are determined to send unto him about the same. And gave our men license to write thereof to the captain general, the which they so did, not only about their request, but also to desire him to release them out of captivity.  
The captain general seeing and perusing this Letter, would have answered the same, but the Boy would not consent thereunto, saying that of force he must needs return with the Moor, for that they gave him no further license, but to bring this Letter, upon condition that if he did not return, they would cut off the heads of all those his fellows that remained for captives in calicut. Wherefore the captain general sent them answer by word of mouth, that as touching his going to Coching, it would be shortly, where he would come to an anchor as near as he could to calicut, passing by the same: and then they might take an occasion to come their way toward the fleet, either swimming or in Boates.  
This their going without irons about the city, 
He would have them to escape from their keepers, & come swimming unto him.  was the occasion that the captain general gave them this council, although he knew that they were kept with a guard of Naires, and also that they slept in the King's house. After all this, he departed toward calicut, whether he came on saturday, the seventh of September, and as soon as he came to an anchor, there repaired unto him the boy, which brought him the letter to Cananor, and with him came a Moor servant to Cosebyquin, who brought the captain general a present from the governors of the city of Calicut, on whose behalf they said, that if so be he would send unto Cosebyquin a safe conduct, that then he would come and speak with him, and trade for a peace.  
Whereunto he answered, that he would not accept their present, nor any other thing, until such time the peace was concluded upon: and as for Cosebyquin, he might come unto him without any fear, as a servant of the king of Portugese's. Also privily he sent our men word that they should endeavour as much as they could to run away. This answer being known to the governors, they sent immediately Cosebyquin with two captive Portugese's to the captain general, believing most certainly, that by this means they should provoke us to make the peace, which they sent to demand by the foresaid Cosebyquin. Praying him also to tarry three or four days, 
Two two Italian runagates justly required by the captain general to be delivered.  which they supposed would be the longest time that the king would tarry, for that they had sent to call him, and knowing very well, that he would do all that they would require him. But he gave them for full answer, that until such time they delivered unto him the two Italian runagates that were in Calicut, he would not agree to any thing, which being delivered, he would then do what he thought good, but he sent them word nothing of the captives, for that he thought that at any time they might run their way. But as soon as the Italians had knowledge, 
A crafty devise of the Italians to have the captives closely kept for the assurance of themselves.  that the captain general did demand them, they then surmised that if so be, the captives went not with irons, they would run away, and so gave notice thereof unto the governors of the city, how that the captain general, if that he might have them would make peace, yea, and with such conditions as the king himself would require, for that they were men of a good estimation, so that the captain general would not forego them for any price.  
The Aldermen giving credit unto this, waxed somewhat cold in speaking any further of peace, but kept the captives from thence forth, in such sort that they could not run away. And so they remained until the coming of the Vizeroye Don Francisco de Almeda, & in the mean time some there were that did run away, and others that died of great infirmities.   

Of the great destruction which the captain general made in calicut, and how he came unto Coching. chap. 77.  
THE captain general perceiving that the governors did conclude nothing, and themselves were without hope to have the captives, he bent himself determinately to revenge himself with shooting off his ordinance both night and day at the city, during the which time, he spoilt the same wonderfully, and overthrew the King's house and part of their Pagodes, with many other of their houses. He slew also sundry men that came to the water side, whereunto he lay somewhat near with seven of his small ships. Moreover he had lying a long the shore all their boats, in the which were both men and ordinance. This being done, he departed toward Coching, where he arrived on Saturday being the xiii. day of September. All this day he kept himself a board, and thither came our men to visit him. On the next day, he disimbarked himself hard by the castle in like order as he did at Cananor, where the king of Coching was tarrying for him, and there received him with great pleasure. And after that he had embraced him, they went hand in hand to the hall, in the which there was a seat of estate, 
Ambassadors are to keep their estates for the honour of their Princes that send them.  whereupon was set a chair. And for that the king did sit low according to his order, the captain general commanded to place the chair somewhat further off from the King's seat, in the which he sat down also. But all those that were present were greatly offended with him, for that he did not sit upon his chair of estate by the king, to whom he delivered a Letter from the king of Portugal, in the which were rendered unto him great thanks, for the favour he had showed unto his subjects, with many other gratulations. Unto the which the king answered, that for all such matters he was fully satisfied with the good service that Edwarte Pacheco had done unto him.  
The next day after, the captain general sent him a great sum of money, the which the king of Portugal did bestow upon him, for that he knew he was but poor.  
After all this, he commanded Pedro de Mendosa, and Vasco Caruallo to go with their ships to keep the coast of calicut, that they might take all such ships of the Moors as were laden with Spices: and also he sent Alonso Lopes de la Cocta, and Peralonso de Aguylar, and Lyonel Cotinuo, and Ruy de Abren, to go and receive in their lading at Coulan, for that he knew there was spice in abundance.  
Moreover he commanded Tristim de la Silva, to go to Grangalor, between the rivers, with four boats armed, 
They met with spices better cheap, & nearer hand than at Grangalor.  of purpose to fight there with certain Paraos of calicut, the which were there armed. So Tristim de la Silva shot at some of them, and also at certain Nayres, the which issued out from certain points of the land, and so without coming to Grangalor, he took a ship laden with Pepper, with the which he returned to Coching, where he did lad with the other captains, which was done very quietly: and there was such great store of spices, that there was none then needed.   

How Edwarte Pacheco departed from Coulan unto Coching: and how the captain general did set upon Grangalor, and what he did there. Chap. 78.  
EDwarte Pacheco being come from the coast of Coulan, as soon as he had sight of the captains, the which the captain general had sent, and for that he should have no more to do after his arrival at Coching, since there was come another captain general, did departed toward Coching the xxii. of October, and keeping his course, had sight of a ship a far off in the Sea, toward the which he made all that day, & part of the night, and this ship was driven into Coulan▪ where having talk with the same, he did understand that he was one of the confederates the which came from Coromandil. And immediately after were seen other three ships of calicut, toward the which he made his course, and kept a long the coast with the wind of the shore. In the morning he went into the Sea, and there he saw a sail▪ the which fled away from him in such sort, that till it was toward the evening he could not overtake the same, but hard to the land, 
A ship of Calicut taken & carried away.  with the which he fought a good while, for that it had many men that did defend themselves, but at the end he made them amain. The ship being yielded, our men did enter the same by Edwarte Pachecos commandment, and there were brought a land certain of their men, the rest he commanded to be kept prisoners and in irons, a board his ship.  
And having knowledge that this was one of the three of Calicut, the which he went to seek out, he put in the same two of our men to keep and carry it with him. When he was come right over against Comorin, there fell upon him on a sudden such a hurling wind, that thereby he was brought in great hazard to be cast away.  
This being past, came to an anchor within a league of the shore, and there remained all that night, in the which there ran away well near thirty moors, of the which were twelve taken again with his Boate. After this, he went up and down, wavering in the wind, tarrying for the rest of the ships, and seeing that they came not, nor yet heard no more news of them, he carried the foresaid ship with him to Coulan. After that he had delivered the ship to the Factor, with all such merchandise as he had, the which were many and rich, he departed toward Coching, where after his coming the ships of the fleet went to lading. And likewise the others being come that were a lading in other places, than the captain general did enter in council, whether that they thought good that he should set upon Grangalor or not, forasmuch as it held on the king of calicut's side, and was enemy to the king of Coching. And now also the king of Calicut was come forth of the Torcull to calicut, 
The king of Calicut is now come forth of the Torcul & taketh the government upon him.  and had in the rivers his captain general with four score Paraos, and fifty ships, and by land had appointed Nabeadarin with a great number of men.  
And forasmuch as it was spread abroad, that the captain general did departed toward Portugal, the king of calicut was minded to return and renew the wars. Now the captain general being determined and advised by all the captains to set upon Grangalor, he departed one night with xv. Boats, the which were armed with paveyses, and with five and twenty Paraos from Coching, replenished with ordinance. Also with these there went a carvel, so that in the whole there were well-nigh a thousand of our men, with whom there went also as many Nayres of Coching. In the morning before it was day, he came to Palypuerto, for he durst venture no further, for that the boats went very heavy laden with their furniture, by reason whereof they could not pass the shoells that were there.  
At this place there came against him the Prince with eight hundred Nayres, and after this sort, some there were of them that went by land, and some by water. Thus they departed toward Grangalor, where the king of calicut's captain general was, in two new ships, the which were chained together full of ordinance and men, and the most of them bow men. And a stern these ships, and on both their sides were these Paraos with many men also.  
The captain general of the enemies had in his company two of his sons, which were accounted for to be very valiant Gentlemen. Our fleet being come, the ordinance began to go off on both parts. Tristim de la Silva, Alonso de la cocta, Vasco caruallo, Peralonso de Aguylar, and Antonio de Pantogia, which went in the vanguard▪ did close with the two ships, with the which they fought a while.  
These ships being boarded, 
The captain general of the enemies and his two sons slain.  were immediately yielded, being first of all slain, the captain general and both his sons, the which fought very valiantly, and also many others, for that in this place was all the force of the battle. And as touching the Paraos that the other Captains did set upon, there was but little to do, forsomuch that as soon as they saw their ships boarded they fled their way. Whereupon commandment was given by the Captain general, that all our men should disembark themselves, of whom the first five Captains were they that gave the first onset upon Nambeadarin, who offered to resist, with certain Nayres which he had in his retinue: with whom our men did fight with so valiant a mind, that they made their enemies to run away. Then our men following the chase did set fire to certain houses, beside all the town which was despoiled both by the moors and Gentiles, the which did well know, that our men would come upon them, as also did Nambeadarin and his men, which fled away along the water side. Edwarte Pacheco, and the factor Diego Hernando Correa, with the other captains did disembark themselves in another place, who immediately began to set a fire the city. The captain general in the mean while remained along the water side to keep his men from scattering. Then the Christians that dwelled in this city, and that were hidden amongst the houses, when they saw the town all in a fire, came out from where they were hidden, crying with a loud voice, and requesting them not to kill them for that they were Christians. And some of them there were, the sent presently to the captain general, to pray him that for God's sake he would command the fire to be quenched, for that they should else burn certain Churches of our Lady and of the Apostles which were in the city, as also their poor houses, the which were mingled with the houses of the Gentiles and moors. 
The fire commanded to be quenched for the poor christians takes that dwelled there.  Then for their sakes, the general commanded the fire immediately to be quenched, although that many of their houses were burnt, which for that they were made of timber, did burn quickly. The fire being quenched, our men fell to ransacking of the houses of the moors, among whom there were many which before time had dwelled in Calicut. Moreover, the two ships with their Paraos that were in the water were likewise burnt, besides other three that were a land. This conflict yet continuing, there came thither the Prince of Coching, who told the captain general, that Nambeadaryn was not far off with his power, who was determined to return to the city, after that he was departed. Then the captains procured licence of the captain general that he would suffer them to go seek him out, & so they did. But as soon as the enemies had sight of them, they ran their way as fast as they could. The captain general seeing this, did return, & would have set upon another town the which was not far off, but for that the Prince of Coching requested him to the contrary, 
After a valiant exploit, the captain general maketh knights in recompense of their virtue.  for that the one half of the same was his, and that it was unpossible to destroy the one half without the other: and also for that the King of calicut's subjects were ready to submit themselves unto him, praying him to defend them. Then the captain general entered into the city, & did there make certain Knights, and afterward returned to the fort, to the which the King of Coching came to visit him.   

¶ How the King of Tanor sent for succour to the captain general; which he sent him. Cap. 79.  
AFter two or three days past that the captain general was in the Castle, there came thither unto him an ambassador from the King of Tanor, who is next neighbour to the King of Calicut, who spoke unto him in this order, on the king his master's behalf, 
An ambassador sent to the captain general from the king of Tanor, who made the Oration following.  That whereas, hereto he had been a friend to the King of Calicut, and did always aid him in all such wars as he had made against Edwarte Pacheco, now since he is come out of the Torcull, presuming on his great power, and having increased or rather doubled his pride, doth in recompense of his good service, make wars upon him. And therefore having knowledge that the King of Calicut was minded to set forward and to secure the city of Grangalor, and that his captain general was marching toward the same, he did assemble 4000 Nayres, which he placed in certain straits, by the which the king of Calicut should pass, & at his coming did set upon his whole camp & overthrew the same, with the death of 2000 of his men, which was the cause that he came not to secure the city of Grangalor, but with this loss returned to Calicut. Wherefore having done this exploit, he remaineth in fear, lest he will come and set upon him. And therefore his request is, that the captain general will secure him, since most humbly he doth demand the same: which if he will do, he will promise him to be true subject to the king of Portugal. To this Embassage the General answered, that he was well content to accept him for the kings subject, & to send Pedro Raphael with his carvel, in the which were an 100 men, the most whereof were Crossebowmen, & shot. It was a great chance, that the same day our men came to Tanor, thither came also the king of Calicut by land with his whole camp, & gave to the king of Tanor battle, 
The king of Calycuts whole power overthrown at Tanor, by the king thereof, & the Portugese's.  in which through the valour of our men he was overthrown, & many of his slain. And for this succour that the general sent thither, the king of Tanor remained subject to the king of Portugal. With this overthrow the king of Calicut continued in great fear, & in less credit with the Moors, than he had with the victories that Edwarte Pacheco had gotten against him, because those wars were made with strangers, but this with the king of Tanor, who is his neighbour. Which thing was the cause, y all such moors, as dwelled in Calicut & Grangalor conceived now so great a misliking to trade toward Mecca, that they determined to return to their countries: & for this cause, they laded xvii. great ships in Pandarane, fortifying them to defend themselves from our men the better, & to offend than, if they should come. Also there were many Paraos and Tones, likewise a lading as fast as they could ply it.   

¶ How the captain general fought in Pandarane with seventeen great ships of the moors, and how he overcame them and burned them. Chap. 79.  
THe captain general perceiving that of force he must needs return, with all such ships as were laden, by counsel of the captains, and for security of the King of Coching and of the Fort there, did therefore appoint and leave in Coching a captain general, with whom he left a ship and two caravels, the one of Pedro Raphael, and the other of Diego Pieres. This captain was a Gentleman called Manuel telez de Vasconcelos, whom the captain general did present to the King of Coching, who had a great deal more desire, that Edwarte Pacheco should have remained, for his good service, and affection he bore him, as I have said. Howbeit notwithstanding, 
the effect of the words, which the King of Coching spoke to Edwarte Pacheco at his departure.  he durst not demand his tarrying at the captain generals hands, forsomuch as he was of a very ill condition. Edwarte Pacheco having knowledge of his going for Portugal, purposed first ere that he departed, to speak with the King of Coching, the which he so did. For whose departure the King remained very sorrowful, requesting him to tarry if so be it were possible in the India's, and not to leave him, for that as yet he did not think himself sure from the King of Calicut, and also he told him that he remembered that he had promised him sundry times not to go away, 
The answer that Edwarte Pacheco, gave to the king of Coching.  until such time he had made him King of Calicut, and since as yet he had not the possession of the same, he desired him not to leave him. Edwarte Pacheco answered him, that he left him now in a good time, having his country very quiet, forsomuch as the King of calicut hath been and now is abated so greatly of his pride, that he needed not to stand in no fear of him any more. For sufficient proof whereof was, if none other thing, that now he saw the moors of Mecca to go their way from calicut as men desperate for the loss of their trade. Also that his going for Portugal was not but to return, and then to serve him for a longer time, and more at his pleasure. With this answer the King was somewhat satisfied, and with the tears in his eyes desired him to pardon him, for that he did not give him all that was his desire, 
The good will of a thankful mind is much more worth than many gifts.  in recompense of the service he had done for him, in consideration that he was so poor, as he did well know. Howbeit he entreated him, that of his Pepper which he had, he would take what he would. But Edwarte Pacheco would have nothing, saying, that he did trust in God, that when he returned to Coching, he should find him very rich, & in his prosperity, and then he would receive reward of him. And with this he departed, the King with all his subjects remaining very heavy for his departure. Moreover, the King wrote unto the king of Portugal of all Edwarte Pacheco successes in the wars, and what he had done for him. After this the Captain gerall departed toward Cananor, the xxvi. of September, carrying in his company those captains which should remain in the India's. His good will & intent was, to come to an anchor in the harbour of Panane, and there to visit the King of Tanor. But by reason of the ill weather they had, and their naughty Pilots they could not reach the same, but were driven to calicut and Pandarane. And from thence he commanded Pedro Raphael and Diego peers to go before the fleet, and to look out, whether they could see any ships of the moors. Being arrived at Pandarane, & bearing along the Coast with a small wind, there came upon them x. Paros of the xvii. ships that were there a lading. Our men having sight of them, began forthwith to shoot at them with their ordinance. The other captains being a Sea board, and hearing the sound of the ordinance, did return, and bare as close by the wind as they could. And having sight of the ships of the moors to be a ground, came to Cananor by the captain generals commandment, who immediately entered into counsel, in the which it was determined by the whole consent of his Captains, that they should fight with those moors, and that they should go in their boats, for that their ships could not come near unto them, by reason they were within the bar. And for that the enemies were many, that therefore they should do what they could to close with the ships, the which as soon as they had done, they should set the same a fire. This being appointed, the captain general with all the other Captains of the fleet, did embark themselves in their boats, the which were in all xv. in the which all the soldiers of the fleet did embark themselves, and that with a great courage for that they went to fight with their enemies. 
The great provision of the moors against so few small boats.  These moors as I said, had their ships within the bar, lying one close by another, with their stearnes toward the land, and in the most part of them were many soldiers, the which were men of colour white. Their weapon were bows and arrows, and also they had much ordinance. And on the land, at the entering of the bar were placed two pieces of ordinance upon a small bulwark which they had made. Our men bearing near to this bar, had sight of the captain general, and how the carvels were somewhat far off the shore, and that they came not, for that the wind was but small, and therefore were perforce driven to return back for them, & to bring them by force of the oar within the bar, for to secure their boats. The other captains (although they saw him return) went forward by force of the oar, and at the entering of the bar, the Pellets fell as though it had rained amongst them. But for all this they entered, shooting of all their ordinance. But as their enemies were far more than they, so their arrows were without number. And for that our men by reason they were somewhat low under their ships, were open without any defence, therefore did they receive great hurt, not only by their ordinance, but also by their arrows. here as it appeared, was all the force of the battle: and for all the stoutness that was showed by the enemies, yet our men entered into the mids of all the multitude of the shot, by force of the oar, in such sort that it appeared as though the boats did fly, 
It had been better to have called upon God to have succoured them in that extremity,  the men crying out S. James, S. James, & with that they laid those ships aboard: the first that laid any ship aboard was Tristim de la Silva, as soon as he was within the bar. And as the men of this ship were many, so they did shoot such abundance of arrows & threw so many stones, that they made our men put off, who being off did immediately close with another, in the which for that there were not so many, they boarded the same in despite of the moors for all their stoutness, in the which were some of them slain, & those that remained alive leapt for fear into the water & swum away. About the same time that Tristim de la Silva had laid this ship a board, Alonso de la cocta did the like unto another, which he took to be the admiral, of the which a Turk was captain with all his company, which were many. And at the boarding of this ship, were thrown such a multitude of stones and darts, that it was a wonder to see. It chanced that before our men came to this ship, the enemies shooting at them with a piece, the which was lying upon the upper deck, with the recoiling it rend out a piece of the ship side, so that there was made so great a hole, & the enemies not regarding it, thought it more needful to succour that forepart of their ship. And when our boat came hard a board the same side where this hole was, our men did enter by the same. The first that entered, was Alonso Lopes Master, & another Aluoro Lopes, who was the things servant, & is now town clerk in Santaren, with 〈◊〉 others. These altogether with those that came afterward so fought with their enemies, that in the same conflict there were many slain, others hid themselves under the hatches, & also others leapt into the water, at the which time the most part of them were drowned, for that they were laden with shirts of male. immediately one Pero Alonso de Aguylar laid another ship a board, having in his company Lyonel Cotinuo, and also Edwarte Pacheco, Vasco Caruallo, Antonyo de Saldano, and Ruy Lorenzo, who all behaved themselves very valiantly. 
The Mores for fear leap into the sea, & drown themselves.  And as soon as they had taken this ship, they immediately set the same a fire, and it took the same very furiously, so that thereby their enemies were so exceedingly afeard, that the most part of them leapt into the water and drowned themselves. While this was a doing, thither came the captain general, with the carvels, and being entered within the bar, he left them. Then one of the pieces that were on the land was shot off with a pellet, which struck the carvel of Pedro Raphael in such sort, & in such a place, that with the same were three of his men slain and ten sore hurt, and for lack of wind, the flood carried him under the forecastle of a ship, of those that were not as yet laid aboard, the which had many men. And for that the ship was higher than the carvel, who had the same under his spirit sail, therefore the enemies did enter, and handled our men very ill, for that they altogether did set upon them. Also there was another piece shot, with the which the Master of the ship was slain, being at the helm governing the carvel, which being thus left at random, before that there came any other to the helm, the carvel fell upon certain rocks, where she remained till the battle was ended. The captain general viewing the danger that Pedro Raphael was in, commanded him to be succoured, and so it was done. Then our men entering into the carvel, the which was full of moors, they behaved themselves so valiantly, 
Here was a great slaughter of the Portugeses in respect of other battles sought.  that they made them fly away, but notwithstanding all our men that were within the carvel were sore hurt. In the mean space, all the ships of the enemies were burnt, and this also at the last, in the which was burnt great store of merchandise, for that the same was laden. Which was done the rather, for that upon the land there were many of the enemies which were assembled together. And for that of our men there were many hurt, the Captain general came his way with all his Captains toward their ships, where he found that there were slain of our men xxv. and hurt an hundred and xxvii. men. But for all this the victory was great. For over and besides the burning of the ships with all their riches, the which was much, the captain general was given to understand by the moors of Cananor, (to the which place from thence he went) that there were slain in this battle two thousand men. With this spoil the king of Calicut remained so ill contented, that from that time for a good while after, he could not restore himself, for that his loss was great, besides that the moors went from calicut, by reason whereof there was so great necessity & lack of victuals there, that the city remained almost uninhabited.   

Of the safe arrival of the captain general at Lisbon, and of the great honour the king Don Manuel gave to Edwarte Pacheco. chap. 80.  
THe next day after, the which was the first day of Januarie, the captain general departed toward Cananor, for that there he went to take in the rest of his lading. And being there arrived, the Factor gave him to understand of the great victory that he had gotten in Pandarane, and how the moors were very pensive for the same, suspecting that from thence forth all our men might remain in the India's, 
The number of ships and men, which were left in the India's with Manuel Telez the Captain general.  and that without fear. For as their pride was before this victore great, so their pretence was always thought to be, to kill both the Factor, and all those that remained with him. The like tale also did the king of Cananor always tell. The captain general being ready to depart, before his going he made an Oration unto Manuel Telez, and those that remained with him touching that which they should do, laying before them the great service that Edwarte Pacheco had done, and therefore he would give him no greater a fleet then Francisco de Alburquerque left, and an hundred fight men in it. But after that he was departed, there were in the India's no more wars, for that the king of calicut remained as in case aforesaid. The captain general being departed from Cananor toward Portugal, he arrived at Mylinde the first day of September, where without coming a land, he sent Antonio de Saldanua to the city, for many rich prizes which he had left there, & had taken before at the Cape Quardafum, where he went toward the India's. And from thence he directed his course toward Quiloa, to recover ther the King's tribute which the king would not pay. From thence he departed the tenth day of Februarye, without chancing unto him any thing worth the writing, arrived at Lisbon the 22. day of June. 1525. with two ships more than he carried out with him, 
1525.  when he went toward the India's. All these were laden with great store of riches, for the which the king Don Manuel gave him great honour, 
Indeed this Edwarte Pacheco well deserved great honour & commendation for his service.  and the like he did to Edwarte Pacheco, after that he understood what good service he had done him in the India's, & how by his means the factory was there maintained, & also the credit of his power. And for that all men should have knowledge of so notable service, immediately upon thursday next after the captain general's arrival, was commanded to be made a solemn Procession, as they use on Corpus Christi day, in the which he went from the high church, unto Santo Domingus, carrying with him Edwarte Pacheco. In this Church there was a Sermon, made by the Bishop of Vizew called Don Diego Ortis, who brought in by order, all that Edwarte Pacheco had done in the wars against the king of calicut. This feast was not only kept in Lisbon, but also in Algaruy, & in all the cities & notable towns of Portugal, which was so done by the King's commandment. Moreover, he wrote of the same unto the Pope, by Don Joan Sutill, which was then Bishop of Safin, who had the carriage of those letters. Besides that, he sent the same to many christian Princes, that they might know of those notable acts & victories, being such a thing, as within these our days no prince hath done the like for his subjects.   
FINIS.   

 

   

❧ Imprinted at London by Thomas East, dwelling between Paul's Wharse and Baynard's Castle. 1582.