264 INDIES ADVENT U UK

Senhor Governador, the ship and all the company!" amid
great excitement!

It was Miguel Ferreira, hale and hearty after two years
at the Persian court. He was returning with the Shah's
ambassador, and together they had reached Ormuz about
eight weeks ago. His companion in the boat, whom be now
introduced, proved to be a messenger from the aforesaid
ambassador, sent to present the latter's compliments to
Albuquerque.

When all the correct politenesses had been exchanged,
the Persian went ashore, and Miguel Fcrreini stayed to
relate his adventures. He had had a pleasant time in Persia
on the whole, though at first it looked as if lie was to share
his predecessor's fate. A slave had tried to poison him on
the way to Tabriz, and although the attempt failed to kill
him, it made him very ill.

The Shah sent to find out why the travellers delayed,
On hearing of Miguel Ferreira's mishap, the monarch, ordered
the captain who was his escort to hurry notwithstanding.
The invalid could travel in a palanquin, and on no account
must die upon the way! If by any chance he did so, the
captain was to lose his head. Miguel Fcrrciru's own mother
could not have looked after him more carefully than the
Persian captain did after this.

The captain was assisted by the Shah's own doctor, whose
orders were to cure the patient or else be decapitated, His
wits thus sharpened, the physician did his best, and to the
relief of both the harassed officials, Miguel Ferreira did not
die on their hands. He arrived at Tabriz convalescent, and
shortly afterwards, arrayed in crimson and purple satin, was
able to make his bow before the Shah.

Shah Ismail was most gracious to his foreign guest and
entertained him splendidly. He gave him a fine house in a
pleasant orchard, and every day sent lovely dancing girls
to play and sing to him. Miguel Ferreira gave them " gifts
and courteous words " but showed himself impervious to
their charms. Not only were his orders to keep clear of such