RbVEMTaRES OF
MEMDEZ PIMTO
CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Cornell University Library
DS 506.P65 1897
The voyages and adventures of Ferdinand
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"Adventures are to the Adventurous.'
Beaconsfield.
POPULAR RE-ISSUE.
THE ADVENTURE SERIES.
Illustrated. Large Crown 8vo, in Decorative
Cover, price 3s. 6d.
I.
Adventures of a Younger Son. By E. J.
1 EELAWNY. With an Introduction by Edward
Garneit. Second Edition.
Robert Drury's Journal in Madagascar.
Edited, with an Introduction and Notes, by
Captain S. P. Oliver.
3-
Memoirs of the Extraordinary Military
Career of John Shipp. With an Introduction
by H. Manners Chichester,
4-
The Buccaneers and Marooners of America.
Being an Account of the Famous Adventures
and Daring Deeds of certain Notorious Free-
booters of the Spanish Main. Edited by Howard
Pyle.
5-
The Log of ajack Tar ; or, The Life of James
Choyce, Master Mariner. With O'Brien's Cap-
tivity in France. Edited, with an Introduction
and Notes, by V. Lovett Cameron, R.N.
6.
The Voyages and Adventures of Ferdinand
Mendez Pinto. With an Introduction by
Arminius Vamblry.
THE VOYAGES AND
ADVENTURES OF FERDI-
NAND MENDEZ PINTO,
THE PORTUGUESE
(DONE INTO ENGLISH
BT HENRT COGJN)
wiVh an introduction
BY ARMINIUS VAMBfiRY
POPULAR EDITION
LONDON: T. FISHER UNWIN
PATERNOSTER SQUARE. MDCCCXCVII
TO THE
Right Noble Lord, and worthy of all Honour,
William, Earl of Strafford,
Vifcount Wentworth, Baron Wentworth of
Wentworth, Woodhoufe, Newmarjh,
Overjley and Raby.
My Lord,
PURCHASE, a Writer of good credit here in England, gives this testimony
of my Authour ; that no man before him, to his knowledge, hath spoken
so much, and so truly, of those Oriental parts of the World, which are so little
known to us, as he hath done : And that too, not upon hear-say and report,
but for the most part as an ocular Witness, and personal Actor, of, and in all
that he hath related, which is so full of Variety, and strange Occurrences, that,
as another Writer affirms, the like will hardly be met withal elsewhere : So that
the most curious Wits, which delight in reading of rare Books, will, I believe,
find all the satisfaction they can desire, in this same of his ; where, without so
much as stirring out of their Studies, or running the danger of Shipwrack, they
may traverse the Seas, view the goodliest Provinces of the World, entertain
themselves with stupendious and unheard-of things ; consider in the manner
of those peoples living, whom we term Barbarians, their Laws, their Riches,
their Government in time of Peace and War ; and, in a word, represent unto
themselves, as in a Picture, all that is most exquisite, and of greatest marvel,
in the extent of Europe, Africa, and Asia. These, together with many other
remarkable matters, are contained in this Work, which I have taken the pre-
sumption to present unto your Honour, being invited thereunto by the Example
of two Translators of it into the Spanish and French Tongues, whereof the one
dedicated it to the Archbishop of Toledo in Spain, and the other to the Cardinal
Richelieu of France, both of them, the most eminent persons of their time, in
those Kingdoms : And with whom your Honour may justly be ranked, espe-
cially in respect of the Nobility of your Birth, as well as for the great Hope
which your present Vertues, and Abilities, do give unto the World of your
future Worth and Estimation. Be pleased then, my Lord, to receive it Favour-
ably, as a Tender of the great desire I have to appear, on all Occasions ;
Your Honours most Humble,
and devoted Servant,
HENRY COGAN.
VOYAGES
ADVENTURES,
O F
Ferdinand Mendez Pinto,
A Tomgd: During his
TRAVELS
for the fpace 6f one and twenty years in
The Kingdoms of Etlitopia,China,Tamria,Gauchm-
china, Caknainham, Siam,.Pegu, japap, and a
great part of the Eaft-lndies.
y^ith a'Relamrtin^'Defcri^tm ofraoft ofthePIaces
tliereofi their ReUglon, Laws,, Riches, CuftomSi M
Government in the time of Peace and War.
Where he five times fuftered Shipwrack* was fixteen timea fol^
and thirteen times made a Slave,
Written Originally by Hmfclf in the Portugal Tongue,
and Dedicated to the
.^ajejiy of Philip I^ng of Spain.
Done into Englifh b;^ U.C. Gent.
Z, O.K. DON,
Printed by 7. ;W««^anaarc ^^ 1^ ^^W ^y.^^-^^'^'^'^'f ^'/l^/
LIST OF ILLUSTBATIONS.
(1) Swift Ship used by the Pobtuguese and
Malabaes in Wae, and fob the
Tbanspoet of Mebohandize Fmnhspiece
(2) Map of Fubthee India and Abohi-
PBiiAGO Tofacep. 1
(3) King of Cochin on Elephant Tofacep. 87
(4) Ship of China and Java, bigged with
Mat Sails Tofacep. 192
(5) Malayan and Javanese People ... Tofacep. 310
(6) Natives of Pegu and the Moluccas ... Tofacep. 417
[The illustrations are taken from the second Dutch edition of " The
Voyage of John Muyghen Van Linschoten to the East Indies " in 1586-92.
Linschoten, who was a generation after Finto's time, made his own drawings,
from which the plates were engraved.l
CONTENTS.
PAGE
(1) PubIiISHek's Note xvi
(2) Note on Mendbz Pinto and the Editions of his
TbAVELS, ExTBAOTBD from MiCHAUD's " BlBLIO-
GBAPHIE UnIVEESBLLE " XVU
(3) Inteoduction xix
(4) The Teavels of Fbedinand Mendbz Pinto : —
CHAPTER I.
After what manner I past my Youth in the Kingdom of Portugal, nntill
my going to the Indies 1
CHAPTER II.
My departure from Portugal for the Indies, and my imbarquing there for
the Streight of Mecqua .... .... 5
CHAPTER ni.
Our travelling from Mazua by land to the mother of Prester John ; as
also our reimbarquing at the Port of Arquico, and that which befel
as by the encounter of three Turkish vessels .... 9
CHAPTER IV.
A Mutiny happening in the town of Mocaa, the occasion thereof, that
which befel thereupon, and by what means I was carried to Ormuz ;
as also my sailing from thence to Goa, and what success I had in
that voyage 16
CHAPTER V.
Goncallo vaz Coutinho's Treaty with the Queen of Onor ; his assaulting
of a Turkish galley, and that which hapned unto us as we were
upon our return to Goa 23
Tiii CONTENTS.
CHAPTBE VI.
PAQIS
What passed till such time as Pedro de Faria, arrived at Malaoa ; his
receiving an embassadour from the King of Batas ; with his sending
me to that King, and that which arrived to me in that Voyage . 28
CHAPTER VII.
What hapned to me at Penaiu, with the King of Batas expedition
against the Tyrant of Achem ; and what he did after his victory
over him 36
CHAPTER VIII.
What past between the King of Batas and me, until such time as I
imbarqued for Malaca 43
CHAPTER IX.
The Arrival of an Embassador at Malaca from the King of Aaru to the
Captain thereof ; his sending me to the said King, my coming to
Aaru, and that which happen'd to me after my departing from
thence 49
CHAPTBE X.
By what means I was carried to the town of Ciaca, and that which
befell me there ; my going to Malaca with a Mahometan merchant ;
and the Tyrant of Achem's army marching against the King of
Aaru 57
CHAPTER XI.
The death of the King of Aaru, and the cruel justice that was executed
on him by his enemies; the going of his Queen to Malaca, and her
reception there g4
CHAPTER XU.
The Queen of Aaru's departure from Malaca ; her going to the King of
Jantana ; his summoning the Tyrant of Achem to restore the king-
dom of Aaru, and that which past between them thereupon . . 69
CHAPTER XIII.
Antonio de Paria's setting forth for the Isle of Ainan ; his arrival at the
river of Tinacorem ; and that which befel us in this voyage . . 76
CONTENTS. ix
CHAPTEB XIV.
- . PAOK
Antonio de Faria's arrival at the Bay of Camoy, where was the fisVing
of pearles for the King of China ; with that which happened to him
by the means of a renegado pyrat, and otherwiee . • . .86
CHAPTER XV.
Antonio de Faria's arrival at the Fort : the information that Antonio
de Faria had of the country ; some passages between him and the
Nautarel of the town ; his going to the river of Madel ; with his
incountring a pyrat there, and that which passed betwixt them . 98
CHAPTEB XVI.
^Vhat Antonio de Faria did with the Captain of the Fyrats Junk ; that
which past between him and the people of the Country ; with oxir
casting away upon the Island of Thieves 106
CHAPTER XVII.
In what sort we escaped miraculously out of this island ; our passage
from thence to the river of Xingrau ; our incountring with a
Chinese pyrat, and the agreement we made with him . . . 114
CHAPTER XVni.
Our encounter at sea with a little flsher-boat, wherein were eight
Portugals very sore hurt ; and Antonio de Faria's meeting and
fighting with Coia Aoem the pyrat 122
CHAPTEB XIX.
What Antonio de Faria did after his victory . , .... 131
CHAPTER XX.
Antonio de Faria hath news of the five Portugals that were made
captives ; his letter to the Mandarin of Nouday about them ; and
his assaulting the said town 133
CHAPTER XXI.
Antonio de Faria's navigation till he came to the Port of Liampoo . 142
CHAPTER XXn.
Antonio de Faria departs from Liampoo for to seek out the island of
Calempluy, the strange things that we saw, and the hazard we ran
in our voyage thither 1^^
X CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXm.
FAOK
Our arrival at Calempluy, and the description thereof ; what hapned to
Antonio de Taria in one of the hermitages thereof, and how we were
discovered '■"'
CHAPTEB XXIV.
Our casting away in the Gulf of Nanquin, with aU that befell us after
this lamentable shipwraok 168
CHAPTER XXV.
Our arrival at the town of Taypor, where we were made prisoners, and
so sent to the city of Nanquin 173
CHAPTER XXVI.
The marvels of the city of Nanquin, our departure from thence towards
Pequin, and that which hapned unto us, till we arrived at the town
of Sempitay 180
CHAPTEB XXVII.
Our arrival at Sempitay, our encounter there with a Christian woman,
and an account of many things seen on the journey ; with an
account of Pequin 190
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The order which is observed in the removing towns that are made upon
the rivers ; and that which further befell us 202
CHAPTER XXIX.
Our arrival at the city of Pequin, together with our imprisonment, and
that which moreover happened unto ua there; as also the great
majesty of the ofBcers of their Court of Justice .... 209
CHAPTER XXX.
What past betwixt us and the Tanigores of mercy, with the great
favors they did us ; and a brief relation of the city of Pequin, where
the King of China kept his Court 220
CHAPTEB XXXI.
The Prison of Xinanguibaleu, wherein those are kept, which have been
condemned to serve at the reparations of the wall of Tartaria ; and
another inclosure, called the Treasure of the Dead, with the
revenues wherewith the prison is maintained 226
VUJSTMJSXa.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Of our going to Quincay to accomplish the time of our exile ; and what
befell US there 233
CHAPTEB XXXni.
A Tartar commander enters with his army into the town of Quinsay,
and that which followed thereupon; with the Nautioor's besieging
the Castle of Nixiamcoo, and the taking of it by the means of
some Pottngals 237
CHAPTEE XXXIV.
The Mitaquer departs from the castle of Niziancoo, and goes to the King
of Tartary his camp before Pequin ; with the Mitaquers presenting
us unto the Eing 247
CHAPTER XXXV.
The Eing of Tartaria's raising of his siege from before Pequin, for to
return to his country 251
CHAPTER XXXVI.
In what manner we were brought again before the Eing of Tartaria ;
with our departure from that kingdom ; and our adventures after
quitting the city of Uzamguee in Cochin-China, till our arrival at
the Isle of Tauizumaa in Japan 254
CHAPTEB XXXVn.
The great honour which the Nautaquim, Lord of the Isle, did to one of
us for having seen him shoot with an harqnebuse ; and his sending
me to the Eing of Bungo ; and that which passed till my arrival at
his Court 2G3
CHAPTEE XXXVm.
The great mishap that befell the Eing of Bungo's son, with the extreme
danger that I was in for the same ; and what followed thereupon , 270
CHAPTEE XXXIX.
My curing the young Prince of Bungo ; with my return to Tanixumaa,
and imbarquing there for Liampoo ; and also that which happened
to us on land, after the shipwraek we suffered by the way . . 275
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XL.
FAOE
My sayling from Liampoo to Malaoa, from whence the captain of the
fortress sent me to the Chaubainhaa at Martabano ; and all thtit
befel us in our voyage thither 278
CHAPTER XLI.
The continuance of our voyage to the Bar of Martabano ; and certain
memorable particularities hapning there 291
CHAPTER XLII.
In what manner the Chaubiaiihaa rendred himself to the King of
Bramaa, and the cruel proceeding against the Queen of Martabano,
and the ladies, her attendants 303
CHAPTER XLIir.
In what sort the sentence of death was executed on the person of the
Chaubainhaa King of Martaban, Nhay Canatoo his wife, and an
hundred and forty women ; with that which the King of Bramaa
did after his return to Pegu 310
CHAPTER XLIV.
That which passed between the Queen of Prom, and the King of Bramaa,
together with the first assault that was given to the city, and the
success thereof 318
CHAPTER XLV.
The King of Bramaa his besieging of the Portress of Meleytay, with hia
going from thence to Avaa ; and that which passed there . . 325
CHAPTER XL VI.
Our going with the King of Bramaa's ambassadour to the Calaminham,
with the course which we held until we arrived at the Temple or
Pagode of Timagoogoo 330
CHAPTER XLVn.
The great and sumptuous procession made in this Pagode, together with
their sacrifices ; and other particularities 332
CHAPTER XLVni.
What we saw in the continuing of our voyage, until wa arrived at the
city of Timplan 341
OONTJUJSTS. xiii
CHAPTER XLIX.
PAGE
Ihe magnificent reception of the King of Bramaa his Ambassadour, at
the city of Timplam 348
CHAPTEB L.
An ample relation of the empire of the Calamiuham, and of the king-
doms of Pegu, and Bramaa, with the continuance of our voyage, and
what we saw among the same 367
CHAPTER LI.
Our arrival at Pegu 364
CHAPTEB LII,
That which the King of Bramaa did after his arrival at the city of Pegu,
together with his besieging of Savady . . . . 367
CHAPTER LHI.
A continuation of the success which we had in this voyage, with my de-
parture from Goa to Zunda, and what passed during my abode there 371
CHAPTEB LIV.
The expedition of the Pangneyran, Emperor of Jaoa, and Eingof Demaa,
against the King of Fasseruan, and all that which passed in this war 377
CHAPTEB LV.
The death of the King of Demaa by a very strange accident, and that
which ensued thereupon ....,,,.. 884
CHAPTEB LVI.
That which befell us, untill our departure towards the Port of Zunda,
from whence we set sail for China, and what afterwards happened
unto us . 391
CHAPTEB LVII.
My passing from Zunda to Siam, where in the company of the Portugals
I went to the war of Chiammay ; and that which the King of Siam
did, untill he returned into his kingdom, where his queen poisoned
him ... 898/ '
CHAPTEB LVIII.
The lamentable death of the King of Siam, with certain illustrious ana
memorable things done by him during his life ; and many other
accidents that arrived in this kingdom 40S
xiv CONTENTS.
OHAPTEE MX.
The King of Bramaa's enterpiize npon the Eingdoni of Siam : and that
which past untill his arriyall at the city of Odia ; with his besieging
of it, and all that ensued thereupon 411
CHAPTEB LX.
The King of Bramaa's raising his siege from beforo the City o.' Odiaa . 421
CHAPTER LXI.
A continuation of that which hapned in the Kingdom of Pegu, as well
during the life, as after the death of the Eing of Bramaa . . 424
CHAPTER LXII.
That which arrived at the time of Xenim de Satan, and an abominable
case that befell to Diego Suarez ; together with the Xemindoo's Ex-
pedition against Xenim de Satan ; and that which ensued there-
upon 430
CHAPTER LXIII.
That which the Xemindoo did, after he was crowned King of Pegu, with
the Chaumigrems; the King of Bramaa's foster-brothers coming
against him, with an army ; and divers other memorable things . 442
CHAPTEB LXIV.
The finding of the Xemindoo, and bringing of him to the Eing ; with
manner of his execution and death ; and other peculiarities con-
cerning the same 452
CHAPTER LXV.
Our passing from the town of Fuoheo, to the Port of Hiamangoo ; and
that which befell us there; together with my departure from
Malaca, and arrival at Goa 459
CHAPTER LXVI.
What past after our departure from Zequa, till my arrival in the Indiaes,
and from thence into the Kingdom of Portugal .... 461
PUBLISHEB'S NOTE.
y^HE Publisher of the present edition, in
abridging Cogan's translation of 1663, has
aimed at preserving (a) the most adventurous, and
(b) the most curious passages of Mendez Pinto's
narrative. By abridging somewhat the lengthy
speeches of the Orientals, by omitting the least
interesting of the adventures, and by passing over
some of the descriptions of public ceremonies,
it has been found practicable to reprint a worJc
which otherwise from its length could not have
come within the scope of " The Adventure Series."
NOTE ON MENDEZ PINTO AND ON THE
EDITIONS OF HIS TEAVELS.
{Extracted from Michaud's " Biographie Unwerselle.")
MENDEZ PINTO is no ordinary adventurer. The
account of his voyages is written by himself, and the work
is still regarded as a classic by the Portuguese. It has been
translated irto almost every language ; some have read it en-
thusiastically, others have looked upon it as a tissue of lies.
His partisans have had little dif&culty in justifying their
opinions, for there is a great fascination in his narrative ; the
work has throughout an air of sincerity which prejudices one
in the author's favour, and it seems to reflect as a faithful
mirror the character and behaviour of the first conquerors of
India. These men of well-tried metal display a certain ferocity
which mingled with their religious ideas made them capable of
great cruelties and heroic actions. So long as Pinto was the
only traveller who told the tale of the particular countries he
visited, his opponents could deny the truth of his account
without the possibility of refutation, but now these countries
are better known, one cannot fail to recognize the substantial
truth of his story. Certain details are undoubtedly em-
bellished, but one may conclude from what has been recounted
in regard to many points that these rest on real facts. His
travels were no doubt written chiefly from memory, and it is
obvious, that instead of putting things down exactly as they
really happened, he has given us rather the impressions left
on his ardent imagination. Nowhere, however, is he guilty
of wilful exaggeration for the sake of self-glorification.
la
xviii NOTE.
Everything relating to himself is told with the utmost
simplicity. He said that he only wrote his travels to tell his
children of the great dangers he had passed through in life,
and one might be tempted to believe it.
"The date of his death is not known. His book was
first printed many years afterwards by the care of Francis
Andrada, at Lisbon, in folio. This edition is rare : others were
issued from the same town in 1678 and in 1725. In the latter
edition iS also included the Itinerario of Antonio Tenego,
who in 1529, travelled overland from India to Portugal, and
the account of the conquest of the kingdom of Pegu in 1601.
These works are also to be found in the Lisbon edition of
1762, foho; but there is also a more recent one of the
same town, viz., 1833, 2 vols. 8vo. It was translated
into Spanish six years after the first appearance by Francis
Herreva of Afalderado, who added to it a dissertation to
establish its authenticity (Madrid, 1620 folio). This trans-
lation was well received, and was reprinted in 1627, 1645, and
1664. The French translation by Bernard Figuier (Paris,
1628, in 4to) is still sought after. A new edition of the trans-
lation has also appeared (Paris, 1880, 8 vols. 8vo) which was
one of a series of reprints that the Government caused to be
executed to provide employment for the compositors who were
out of work after the Eevolution of July."— De Eossel.
[The extreme caution with which English critics have
treated Pinto's narrative has forced the publisher to turn
for a criticism of him to a foreign source. M. de Eossel's
remarks are perhaps as judicious as any yet published, and
are therefore translated for the English reader.]
* The English editiona are limited to three. The seoond edition of 1692
is, like the present, a reprint of Cogan's translation of 1663.
IISTKODUCTION.
ON PEEYIOUS TEAVELLEES AND ADVENTUEEES IN ASIA.
CCOUNTS of eventful and dan-
gerous travels have always awakened
more doubts than admiration in the
majority of manMnd. True, the
every-day man, treading the well-
worn path of his prosaic life, accustomed to the
occurrences and usages of his small native
horizon, listens with eager delight to the ex-
citing and fascinating accounts of travelling
experiences in distant lands. He shudders at
hearing of dangers avoided, he is lost in admira-
tion at the sight of strange habits and customs,
and at the mysterious doings of his fellow-men
in far-away regions. He is like the child, the
intelligent chUd, who breathlessly follows the
thread of the fairy tale, but who at the end,
drawing a deep breath, asks himself — "Is this
possible ? Can this really be true ? "
Happily the Europe of to-day is, and for a
considerable time has been, past this childish
sex
INTBODUOTION.
age, but in the Middle Ages it was sticking fast
in it ; and, indeed, it is scarcely a hundred years
since this incredulity and scepticism, born of
ignorance, has completely disappeared. The
modestly glittering lamp which some travellers
and men of letters have lit, could spread but
little light in the pitch dark ignorance prevailing
in the Middle Ages regarding matters geographical
and ethnological, and learning could raise but
slightly the level of general culture. But as people
and societies prefer to doubt the veracity of others
to confessing their own ignorance and stupidity,
so it is natural that the mediaeval travellers and
explorers who, after traversing strange countries
at the risk of their lives and at the cost of great
privations, returned home with an account of
their wonderful experiences, were stigmatized as
liars, derided, and mostly misunderstood. That
there were some travellers who, relying on the
general ignorance, let the bridle of their imagina-
tion loose in order to heighten the interest of
the public by extravagant and grotesque descrip-
tions, can scarcely be denied; but, on the whole,
the insinuations were unjust, and certainly the
narrow-mindedness of the respective epochs was
greater than the lying disposition of the dis-
coverers of new paths in the Asiatic world.
We find ample traces of this regretable and
malicious conception in several stereotype sayings
iNTBODUCTION. xsi
of those days. The mediaeval Church to which,
for the rest, we owe some important geographical
and ethnographical discoveries, originated the
saying — "Qui multum peregrinatur, raro sancti-
ficatur," viz., "He who travelled much is seldom
canonized." Similarly in England, whose in-
habitants were always known for their travelling
propensities, we find the expression, " a travellers'
tale," applied to any not very credible story.
Analogous proverbs are met with in other Euro-
pean languages, the Turks being the only people
who are of a different way of thinking. They
say — " Not he who has Hved long, but who has
travelled much, possesses a right understanding."
Taken all in all, however, the lot of the early
traveller was not an enviable one. The minorite
monk, Odoric of Pordenone, who, in the begin-
ning of the fourteenth century, travelled through
a great part of Asia, owes his canonization not to
his geographical discoveries, but to his having
baptised, as he alleged, 60,000 Saracens; whilst
Marco Polo, the Prince of Asiatic travellers, who
was not renowned for apostolic zeal, was rewarded
only with sneers and mockery for his great and_
fruitful work, and for centuries Italy designated
a liar and a boaster with the expression Marco
Millioni. A like fate befel the famous Portuguese,
Femao Mendez Pinto, who, between the years
1537-1668, journeyed through the most different
xxu INTBODUGTION.
parts of Asia, and during his twenty-one years'
wanderings, as he himself says, was sold sixteen
times, was a slave thirteen times, and was ship-
'wrecked five times.
This extraordinary man, whose account of his
journeys was published in 1614 u_nder_jfche_iijle
" Peregrinacaq " (a bwk which in the course of
the same century was translated into English,
French, and Spanish), had art exceedingly large
amount of most curious experiences and adven-
tures. He had opportunities of getting acquainted
on the spot with people and land in India, China,
Japan, Tartary, and communicated so much that
was extraordinary and wonderful, and even that
looked incredible, that his contemporaries simply
rejected aU he said and stamped him as a liar. The
first edition of his book had to appear with an
apologetic introduction, and Congreve, wishing
to characterize a liar, said —
" Mendez Pinto was but a type of thee, thou liar of the first \
magnitude ! "
A cruel irony of fate, a sorry reward for all that
the audacious Portuguese, led on by his thirst
after knowledge, had to suffer during his wander-
ings, for having faced death in a thousand forms,
for all the miseries endured, all with the sole
object of satisfying a curiosity which has proved
so useful to posterity.
INTBODUCTION. xxiu
What is the reason, what are the chief motives, of
the incredulity of contemporaries and the scepticism
of later generations ? is a question which suggests
itself to the modern man. The general indifference
and ignorance of the public already alluded to must
naturally be taken into account ; but there were
also other reasons which we cannot pass bver.
We find, namely, that the mediaeval travellers and
adventurers imdertook their self-imposed task with
little or no preparation, and that in spite of their
lengthened sojourn amid the different peoples, they
were but imperfectly familiar with the languages,
customs, and religions of the same — a circum-
stance which caused their narratives to be incom-
plete, and led them sometimes into serious errors.
Marco Polo himself so disfigures the Turkish,
Persian, and Mongolian proper names as to be
unrecognizable, and posterity had to exert all its
ingenuity to find out the proper spelling and
meaning of such names. The application and
penetration of a Henry Yule or a Pauthier suc-
ceeded partly in remedying this great defect, but
the setting right of the text so misconstructed
by copyists is even yet far from complete. Be-
sides the mysteriousness of the nomenclature,
there is a great drawback in the childish tone,
in the fairy-tale-like description of things seen
and heard, in the style which, though in keeping
with the taste of the age, yet by its tawdriness
xsiv INTBOBVOTION.
brought the contents themselves into disrepute.
When Marco Polo speaks of ants as big as dogs,
and Mendez Pinto relates of men with round
feet and with arms entirely covered with hair ;
such exaggeration certainly seems to have some-
what contributed to the general distrust, although
it would not justify us in denying the existence,
in a reduced measure, of the said facts, as was
amply proved by the researches of commentators.
On the other hand, the narratives contain much
that the traveller did not see himself, but related
only after hearsay. Thus, for instance, Pinto
speaks of the thousands of carts of the king of
Tartary (rectius Mandshury) drawn by rhino-
ceroses— in which case Pinto can excuse himself
by saying ^'relata refero," or else the name of
the animals is erroneously given.
It is, however, entirely superfluous, if not un-
just, to measure the reports of the early Asiatic
travellers by a very elevated standard, as the
tales and fables bond fide accepted and related
by them can be recognized at a glance, and were
never believed by any one but those who read for
the sake of amusement and not of instruction.
Whether the zealous missionaries of the twelfth
and thirteenth centuries, or the wise Venetian
brothers, or the Bavarian Schiltberger who was
taken prisoner at Yarna, or, in fine, the most
remarkable among them, on account of his adven-
INTBODUCTIOH. xxv
tures, Mendez Pinto, they have each and all
contributed their share to make Europe take an
interest in the fate of Asia, and to place posterity
in possession of a picture, however incomplete
and defective, of the power and authority of Asia,
then still unbroken. In this picture, so full of
instructive details, we perceive more than one
thing fully worthy of the attention of the latter-
day reader. Above all, we see the fact that the
traveller from the West, although obliged to en-
dure unspeakable hardships, privation, pain, and
danger, at least had not to suffer on account of
his nationality and religion, as has been the case
in recent times since the all-puissance of Europe
has thrown its threatening shadow on the in-
terior of Asia, and the appearance of the European
is considered the foreboding of material decay
and national downfall. How utterly different it
was to travel in mediaeval Asia from what it is
at present is clearly seen from the fact that in
those days missionaries, merchants, and political
agents from Europe could, even in time of war,
traverse any distances in Asiatic lands without
molestation in their personal liberty or property
just as any Asiatic traveller of Moslem or
Buddhist persuasion. Only thus can it be under-
stood, how Italian merchants had large ware-
houses in the thirteenth and fourteenth century
in Tana and other places in immediate vicinity
xxvi INTBODUCTION.
of Tartar hordes, and how they, during the
troubles succeeding the fall of the Timurides and
the accession of the Sefevides, moved about in
the adjacent countries partly with their goods,
partly as political agents. As far as Interior
Asia in particular is concerned, it was the news
of the victorious advance of the English, and
of the gradual downfall of the Mogul power that
awakened first the mistrust against European
travellers. What Jenkinson could accomplish in
1568, namely, under the reign of Abdullah Khan,
the greatest Central- Asiatic ruler of the modern
era, that Sir Alexander Burnes could carry out
only with difiSculty under Nasrullah's rule, for
it was not so much the rehgious fanaticism of
the Moslem as rather the fear from the all-
absorbing power of the Christian West that made
the Asiatics suspect in every Frenghi a spy and
a disguised would-be conqueror. In Persia, which
owing to its inland position, thought itself less
exposed to attacks, this was not the case, hence
it is easy to understand how Abbas the Great
could show his full favours to the Englishman
Shirley, and how Chardin obtained opportunities
of thoroughly studying the country and its inhabi-
tants. It was the same in the interior of Asia
Minor where Niebuhr, unlike Palgrave, who was
forced to assume an incognito, could explore the
Arabian peninsula.
INTBODVCTION. xxvii
The danger that threatened the traveller in
medisBval Asia lay in the elements, in the state
of temporary anarchy, and especially in the raw
manners of some Asiatic tribes, who abhorred all
communication from without and had absolutely
no sense for contact with foreign people. The
religious duty of pilgrimage has made the Moslem
a good traveller, but the Buddhists and Brah-
manists considered this a sacrilegious proceeding,
and whoever decided to undertake a journey
among them must have possessed an extraor-
dinary amount of adventuresome spirit or an
uncontrollable desire for knowledge of distant
lands. This adventuresome spirit naturally re-
ceived a fresh impulse from the fortunate enter-
prises of the Portuguese in East Asiatic waters.
In this small country in westernmost Europe, we
see rulers like John the Great and John the
Perfect, and princes like Henry the Sailor and the
Duke of Coimbra, &o., giving us proofs of how
even with small means great things can be ac-
complished if the free development of the spirit
is under fostering care ; for men like Alfons de
Albuquerque, Francisco de Almeida, Nuno de
Cunha, Joao de Castro, Antonio de Silveira, or
audacious adventurers like Duante Coelho and
.!j\Mendez Pinto have not only startled the Orientals
, with proofs of the activity and intrepidity of the
/ Europeans, but they also opened to us the way
xiviii INTRODUCTION.
into the interior of several countries of the rising
sun and facilitated the work of their successors,
the Britons, of spreading European civilization.
Turning now to the work of the adventurous
traveller so often sneered at and so severely criti-
cised, I think it needful to give a few remarks
explanatory of the origin of adventure in general,
as well as the state of mind, the inner struggle
and the secret motive power of the traveller so
unjustly called an adventurer. I feel myself aU
the more called upon to do this as my own
wanderings in Interior Asia were not free from the
savour of adventure, and I can still distinctly
recall the state of mind I was in during my pere-
grinations as a disguised Efendi and Dervish. And,
first of aU, I would remind the reader that never
did a man start on travel with the intention
of becoming an adventurer. No one thinks of
exciting one day the curiosity and nerves of his
future readers by the tale of his experiences and
sufferings, and no one takes up his walking staff
in the hope of being one day feted as the hero of
awe-inspiring stories and blood-thrilling episodes.
The traveller, and notably the explorer, is to a
certain extent aware of the dangers attending
his undertaking; indeed it is this danger that
attracts and allures him ; but that a man should
undertake a long journey solely with a view to
expose himself to the dangers of thirst, hunger,
lJSTICUVUUTlU£f. XXix
prison, and a martyr's death, and after a lucky
escape to be shone upon by the rays of glory,
is a thing that I could never credit or under-
stand. One becomes an adventurer, the hero of
blood-stirring experiences only in the natural
course of later events, through occurrences that
surprise the traveller himself, that excite him iu
the highest degree, and try to the utmost his
presence of mind and ingenuity. No serious or
reasoning explorer ever set out on a journey with
the firm intention of seeking adventures on his
proposed route and testing his strength on the
same. He is sometimes conscious of the dangers
awaiting him, he suspects that everything will
not run smooth ; but he never, even in the
moments of the greatest excitement, and iu the
wildest state of mind, neglects to take such
measures as could be of service to him in his
critical position.
When, in order to explore some parts of Central
Asia never before visited by Europeans, I decided
in Teheran to accompany the ragged and most
horrible looking Tartars returning home from the
pilgrimage to Mekka, aU my friends and acquain-
tances in the Persian capital thought it would be
my desperate looking travelHng companions who
would put an end to my being. I had myself
some misgivings on this score. It was not their
violence I feared, but rather that they would
INTBODUCTION.
either from treachery or necessity hand me over
to Central Asiatic authorities, and in order to
guard myself against the agonies of a martyr's
death, I asked and obtained from Dr. B , the
physician to the Turkish Mission, two strychnine
pills with which to shorten, in case of need, the
tortures of a possible martyr's death. These two
pills which I hid away in the wadding of my rags,
formed my only consolation and anchor-sheet,
and when in moments of imminent peril I touched
with my finger-tips these little prominences among
the wadding, I felt a pleasing sensation running
through me, inasmuch as by their help I thought
myself safe against long death agonies. Man is
more resigned to his fate where death seems an
inevitable consequence of the combination of
elementary forces and where defence is unavail-
ing ; but even there there is a feeble ray of hope
lightening through the dark horizon and spreading
a little light. On the fatiguing road from the
Persian frontier to Khiva, which ConoUy had to
abandon after a fruitless attempt, and where ten
years later Colonel Markusoff lost several thousand
brave warriors, we were for five days without
water and nearly dying from thirst. Two of our
fellow travellers fell victims to their terrible
sufferings. The ominous white spots began to
appear on my palate, my tongue was heavy, I lay
prostrate with high fever, and I saw the fore-
INTRODUCTION. Xxxi
runners of my approaching end, but only for a
short while, as presently there arose the faint hope
of salvation which soon afterwards became a
reality. In this contiauous change of threatening
peril, desperate struggle for self-preservation and
never-relaxing hopes, the nerves grow so hardened
that one can live for months, nay years, in mortal
danger without thinking of death and the possible
sudden termination of this most wonderful earthly
existence. What I went through during some
months — ^for really great danger surrounded me
only in Central Asia — others before me ex-
perienced for years, and I do not doubt for a
moment but they felt all the better for it, the same
as I did ; for one day of such adventurous travel is
worth many years spent in monotonous every-day
life.
In a word, the adventurer becomes such
through the combination of circumstances. In
the nature of man there is only the first impulse
to travel, but his desire for adventure increases at
the same rate as he has learnt by experience to
cope with difficulties. One victory achieved is
incitement to fresh fights, and in this pleasing
giddiness of the senses, adventurous travellers
have sometimes accomplished extraordinary re-
sults. Concerning the acts of Mendez Pinto in
particular, we have to point out that he was the
first to make known the natural riches of Japan
xxxii INTBODUOTION.
and originated the first settlement near Yokoham«
in 1648. His accounts of Burmab, Siam, Cochin
China, and several cities of the flowery country in
the interior, stand in no way behind the writings of
De la Cruz, of Boterus, Paulus Jovius, Mendoza,
and other contemporary men of letters and tra-
vellers ; and indeed as regards the details of the
war and conquest of China by Murhachu, the
Prince of the Mandshus, whom Pinto calls Tartars,
are distinctly valuable. One whose fate brought
him in such intimate contact with the life and
doings of a strange people, and who had oppor-
tunities to study so deeply their customs and
manners as Mendez Pinto had, certainly deserves
to be heard. The new edition, slightly abridged,
of his " Peregrinacao " or "Wanderings" is a
faithful mirror of Asia three hundred years ago.
We may derive from it much that is instructive
and interesting.
AKMINIUS VAMB^EY.
Budapest Univebsity,
April, 1891.
g|iJ^a»ja^BaBg3a25asil^^^^^je^&al^
L AND ARCHIPELAGO.
THH
TEAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUEES
OF
FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO.
CHAPTEE I.
After what manner I past my Youth in the Kingdom of Portugal, nntill my
going to the Indies.
0 often as I represent unto myself the
great and continual travels that have
accompanied me from my birth, and
amidst the which I have spent my first
years, I find that I have a great deal of
reason to complain of Fortune, for that she
seemeth to have taken a particular care to
persecute me, and to make me feel that which is most insup-
portable in her, as if her glory had no other foundation then
her cruelty. For not content to have made me be bom,
and to live miserably in my country during my youth, she
conducted me, notwithstanding the fear I had of the dangers
that menaced me, to the East Indies, where in stead of the
relief which I went thither to seek, she made me find an
2
2 ~ THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENT UBE8
increase of my pains, according to the increase of my age.
Since then it hath pleased God to deliver me from so many
dangers, and to protect me from the fury of that adverse
Fortune, for to bring me into a port of safety and assurance ;
I see that I have not so much cause to complain of my travels
past, as I have to render Him thanks for the benefits which
untill now I have received of Him ; seeing that by His Divine
bounty He hath preserved my life, to the end I niight have
means to leave this rude and unpoUshed discourse unto my
children for a memorial and an inheritance. For my intention
is no other, but to vrrite it for them, that they may behold
what strange fortunes I have run for the space of one and
twenty years, during the which I was thirteen times a captive,
and seventeen times sold in the Indies, in Ethiopia, in Arabia,
in China, in Tartaria, in Madagascar, in Sumatra, and in
divers other kingdoms and provinces of that Oriental Archi-
pelage upon the confines of Asia, which the Ghineses, Siames,
Giieos, and Lecquios name, and that with reason, in their
geography, the ey-lids of the world, whereof I hope to entreat
more particularly, and largely, hereafter. Whereby men, for
the time to come, may take example, and a resolution not to
be discouraged for any crosses that may arrive unto them in
the course of their lives. For no disgrace of Fortune ought to
essoign us never so little from the duty which we are bound to
render unto God; because there is no adversity, how great
soever, but the nature of man may well undergo it, being
favoured with the assistance of heaven. Now, that others
may help me to praise the Lord Almighty for the infinite
mercy He hath shewed me, without any regard to my sins,
which I confess were the cause and original of all my mis-
fortunes, and that from the same Divine Power I received
strength and courage to resist them, escaping out of so many
dangers, with my life saved, I take from the beginning of my
voyage the time which I spent in this kingdom of Portugal,
and say, that after I had lived there tiU I was about eleven or
twelve years old, in the misery and poverty of my fathers
house within the town of Monte-mor Ovelho, an uncle of mine,
desirous to advance me to a better fortune then that where-
unto I was reduced at that time, and to take me from the
OF FBBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 8
caresses and cockerings of my mother, brought me to this city
of Lisbon, where he put me into the service of a very honour-
able lady : the vyhich he was carried out of the hope he had,
that by the favour of her self and her friends he might attain
to his desire for my advancement ; and this was in the same
year that the funeral pomp of the deceased King Emanuel of
happy memory was celebrated at Lisbon, namely St. Lucies
day, the 13. of December, 1521, which is the furthest thing I
can remember. In the mean time my uncles design had a
success clean contrary to that which he hath promised to him-
self in favour of me : for having been servant of this lady ;
about a year and a half, an accident befel me, that cast me
into manifest peril of life, so that to save my self I was con-
strained to abandon her house with all the speed that possibly I
could. Flying away then in very great fear, I arrived before
I was aware at the Ford of Pedra, which is a small port so
called; there I found a carvel of AlfawM, that was laden with
the horses and stuff of a lord, who was going to Setwval, where
at that instant King Joana the Third kept his court, by reason
of a great plague that reigned in divers parts of the kingdom.
Perceiving then that this carvel was ready to put to sea, I
imbarqued my self in her, and departed the next day. But
alas ! a little after we had set sail, having gotten to a place
named Gezmibra, we were set upon by a French pirate, who
having boarded us, caused fifteen or sixteen of his men to leap
into our vessel, who finding no resistance made themselves
masters of her : now after they had pillaged every one of us,
they emptied all the merchandise wherewithal ours was laden,
which amounted to above six thousand duckats, into their ship,
and then sunk her ; so that of seventeen of us that remained
alive, not so much as one could escape slavery, for they clap'd
us up all bound hand and foot under hatches, with an intent
to go and sell us at La Bache in Barbary, whither also, as we
found by being amongst them, they carried arms to the Maho-
metans in way of trade ; for this purpose they kept us thirteen
dayes tegether, continually whipping us ; but at the end thereof
it fortuned that about sun set they discovered a ship, unto
which they gave chase all the night, following her close, like
old pirates long used to such thieveries ; having feicht her uf
4 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
by break of day, they gave her a volley of three pieces of
ordnance, and presently invested her with a great deal of
courage ; now though at first they found some resistance, yet
they quickly rendred themselves masters of her, killing six
Portugals, and ten or eleven slaves. This vyas a goodly vessel,
and belonged to a Portugal merchant of the town of Conde,
named SUvestrS Godmho, which divers other merchants of
Lisbon had laden at Saint Tome vrith great store of sugar and
slaves ; in such sort that those poor people seeing themselves
thus taken and robbed fell to lament their loss, which they
estimated to be forty thousand duckats. Whereupon these
pirates, having gotten so rich a booty, changed their design for
going to la Bache, and bent their course for the coast of
France, carrying with them such of ours for slaves, as they
judged fit for the service of their navigation. The remainder
of us they left at night in the road, at a place called Melides,
where we were landed miserably naked, our bodies covered
with nothing but with the stripes of the lashes which so cruelly
we had received the dayes before. In this pitiful case we
arrived the next morning at St. Jago de Caten, where we were
relieved by the inhabitants of the place, especially by a lady
that was there at that time, named Donna Beatrix, daughter
to the Earl of Villanova, and wife to Ahnzo Perez Pantoia,
commander and grand provost of the town. Now after the
sick and wounded were recovered, each of us departed, and
got him where he hoped to find the best assistance ; for my
self, poor wretch, I went with 6. or 7. that accompanied
me in my misery to Setuval : thither I was no sooner come,
but my good fortune placed me in the service of Francisco de
Faria, a gentleman belonging to the great commander of S.
Jago, who in recompense of four years service that I did him,
put me. to the said commander to wait on him in his chamber,
which I performed for an year and an half after. But in
regard the entertainment which was given at that time in
noble-mens houses was so small that I was not able to live on
it, necessity constrained me to quit my master, with a design
to imbarque my self by his favour to go to the Lidies ; for that
I thought was the best way I could take to free me of my
poverty. So albeit I were but meanly accommodated, I
OF FESDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. S
imbarqued my self, notwithstanding, submitting my self to
whatsoever fortune should arrive unto me in those far
countries, either good or bad.
CHAPTEE II.
My departure from Portugal for the Indies, and my imbarijuing tbere for the
Streight of Mecqua.
IT was in the year '1537/ and the 11th of March, that I
parted from this kmgdbm in a fleet of five ships, whereof
there was no General; for each of those vessels was com-
manded by a particular captain: for example, in the ship
named the Queen, commanded Don Pedro de Silva, surnamed
the Cock, son to the Admiral Don Vasco de Qama. In the ship
called S. Eoek, commanded Don Fernando de Lima, son to
Diego Lopez de Lima, grand Provost of the town of Guimaranes,
who died valiantly in defence of the fortress of Ormus, whereof
he was captain the year following, 1538. In the S. Barha,
conunanded Don Fernando de Lima, who was the govemour
of the town of Chaul; of that, which was called the Flower
of the Sea, Lope Vaz Vagado was captain; and in the fifth
and last ship, named Galega, commanded Martin de Freitas,
born in the Isle of Madera, who the same year was slain at
Damao, together with five and thirty men that followed him.
These vessels sailing different wayes, arrived at length at a
great port called Mozambique ; there we met with the Saint
Michael, that wintered there, and was commanded by Duart
Tristao, who parted thence richly laden for' to return into
PorPicgal ; howbeit I beheve she was taken, or suffered ship-
wrack, as it happens but too often in this voyage to the Indies,
for he was never heard of since. After our five vessels were
equipped with all that was necessary for them, and ready to
set sail from Mozambique, the lieutenant of the fortress, called
Vincent Pegado, shewed the captains of the said five ships a
mandate from the Governour, named Nwnho de Gunha, whereby
be expressly commanded that aU Portugal ships, which did
arrive in that port this year should go to Diu, and leave their
6 THE TRAVELS, VOtAQES, AND ADVENTUBES
men there for the guard of the fortress, because of the fear
they were in of the Tv/rTcish army, which was every hour
expected in the Indies, by reason of the death of Sultan Bandur
King of Gambaya, whom the said Govemour had put to death
the summer before. In regard this affair was of great im-
portance, it was the cause that all the captains assembled
together to dehberate thereupon : at length, to meet with the
present necessity they concluded, that three of those five ships,
appertaining to the King, should go to Biu, conformable to the
contents of the said mandate, and that the other two, which
belonged to particular merchants, should pursue their course
to Goa : the King's three ships sailing to Diu, and the other
two merchants towards Goa, it pleased God to conduct them
safe thither. Now as soon as the King's three ships came to
the mouth of the river of the port of Diu, which fell on the
5th of September the same year, 1538. Antonio de Silvera, the
brother of Louys Silvera, Earl of Sortelha, who was captain
there at that time, gave them all the testimony that possibly
he could of the joy he took at this their arrival; for proof
whereof he bestowed liberally on every one, keeping a set
table for above 7 hundred persons which they brought along
with them, besides his secret rewards, and extraordinary gifts,
whereby he supplied the necessities they had suffered during
their voyage. Whereupon the souldiers considering how this
captain entreated them very royally, that he payed them
before-hand, distributed their pay and munition unto them
with his own hands, caused the sick to be carefully 'tended,
and shewed himself most ready to assist every one, it so
wrought upon them, that of their own accord they offered to
stay there for to serve him, being no way constrained thereunto,
as they use to be (in those countries) in all the fortresses which
expect a siege. This done, as soon as the three ships had sold
the merchandise they had brought, they set sail for Goa, carry-
ing none with them but the officers of the vessels, and some
sea-men to conduct them ; where they abode till such time as
the Govemour had given them dispatches for to go to Cochin
where being arrived they took in their lading, and returned all
five safe into Portugal.
Seventeen dayes after we were arrived at the fortress of Dki,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 7
where at that time two foists were ready prepared to go to the
Streight of Mecqua, for to discover, and find out the design of
the Turkish army, whose coming was greatly feared in the
Indies, because one of those foists was commanded by a
captain that was a great friend of mine, who gave me good
hope of the voyage he was bound for, I imbarqued my self
with him; relying then on the promises which the captain
made me, that by his favor and means I should quickly be
rich, the only thing in the world that I most desired, and
suffered my self to be deceived by my hopes, I imagined that
I was already master of great wealth, never considering how
vain .and imcertain the promises of men are, and that I could
not reap much benefit by the voyage I was going to undertake,
by reason it was dangerous, and unseasonable for navigation
in that country. Now being departed from Diu, we sailed in
a time full of storms, because it was about the end of winter,
which seemed to begin anew, so impetuous were the winds,
and so great was the rain : nevertheless, how violent soever
the tempest was, and dark the weather, we letted not to
discover the Isle of Gtiria, Muria, and Avedahwria, at the
sight whereof we thought our selves quite lost, and without
hope of life. Whereupon, to decline the danger, we turned
the prow of our vessel to the south-east, knowing no other
mean then that to avoid shipwrack : but by good fortune for
us, it pleased God that we let fall an anchor at the point of
the Island of Socotora ; there we presently anchored, a league
below the place, where Don Francisco d' Almeyda caused a
fortress to be built in the year 1507. when he came from
Portugal, as the first Vice-roy that ever was in the Indies. In
the said place we took in fresh water, and some provision of
victuals, that we bought of the Christians of the country,
which are the descendants of those whom the Apostle S.
Thomas converted in those parts. Being refreshed thus, we
parted feom thence with a purpose to enter the Streights ;
so that after we had sailed nine dayes with a favourable wind,
we foimd our selves right against Mazua ; there about sun-set
we descried a sail at sea, whereunto we gave so hard chace,
that before the first watch of the night we came up close to
her ; and then to satisfie the dftsire we had for t,o leara som-
8 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
I thing of the captain by gentleness touching the Turkish army,
I we demanded of him whether it was parted from Sues, or
whether he had not met vvith it in any place ; and that we
[might be the better informed, we spake aloud to all those that
'were in the ship. But in stead of answer, without speaking a
, word, and in contempt of us, they, gave us 12. pieces of
j ordnance, whereof five were small, and the other seven field
pieces, together with good store of musquet shot; and withall,
in a kind of jollity, and as it were believing that we were
already theirs, they made all the ayr about resound again with
their confused cries. After this, to brave and terrifie us the
more, they flourished a many flags and streamers up and
down, and from the top of their poop they brandished a
number of naked scymitars, commanding us with great
threatning to come aboard and yield our selves unto them. At
the first view of so many rhodomontados and bravings we
were in some doubt and amaze, which caused the captains of
our foists to call the souldiers to couneel, for to know what
they should do ; and the conclusion was, to continue shooting
at them till the next morning, that so by day-light they might
be the better fought withal and invested, it being agreed upon
of all sides that they were not to be let go unpunished for
their presumption ; which accordingly was performed, and all
the rest of the night we gave them chase, plying them with
our ordnance. So morning come, their ship being shot thorow
and thorow in many places, and cruelly battered all over, they
render themselves into our hands. In the encounter there
were 64. of their men killed, and of 80. that remained, the
most part, seeing themselves reduced to extremity, cast them-
selves into the sea, choosing rather there to be drowned, then
to be burnt in their ship with the artificial fires that we had
hurled into her ; so that of all the fourscore there escaped but
five, very sore hurt, whereof one was the captain. This same,
by force of torture, whereunto he was exposed by the command
of our two captains, confessed that he came from Judea, and
that the Turkish army was already departed from Sues, with
a design to take in Adem, and then to build a fortress there
before they attempted any thing in the Indies, according to an
express charge sent by the great Tu/rk from Constantinople to
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 9
the Bassa of grand Cairo, who was going to be general of the
army : besides this, he confessed many other things con-
formable to our desire ; amongst the which he said, that he
was a renegade Christian, a MaUorquin by nation, born at
Cerdenha, and son to one named Paul Andrez, a merchant
of that island, and that about four years before growing
enamoured of a very fair Greekish Mahvmetan, that was then
his wife, for the love of her he had abjured Christianity,, and
embraced the law of Mahomet. Our captains much amazed
hereat, gently perswaded him to acquit this abominable belief,
and become a Christian again ; whereunto the wicked caytiff
made answer with a brutish obstinacy, that at no hand he
would yield to forsake his law, shewing himself so hardened in
the resolution to continue therein, as if he had been born in it,
and never had profest any other. By these speeches of his,
the captains, perceiving there was no hope of recalling him
from his damnable error, caused him to be bound hand and
foot, and so with a great stone tyed about his r>3ck to be cast
alive into the sea, sending him to participate with the torments
of this Mahomet, and to be his companion in the other world,
as he had been his confident in this. This infidel being
executed in this sort, we put the other prisoners into one of
our foists, and then sunk their vessel, with all the goods that
were in her, which consisted most in packs of stained cloths,
whereof we had no use, and a few pieces of chamlet that the
soldiers got to make them apparel.
CHAPTEE III.
Our travelling from Mazna by land to the mother of Prester John ; as also
our reimbarqning at the Port of Arquico, and that which befel us by
the encounter of three Turkish vessels.
WE departed from this place with an intent to go to
Arquico, the territory of Prester John, Emperour of
.Ethiopia; for we had a letter to deliver, which Antonio de
SyVoera sent to a factor of bis, named Aurique Barlosa, who
10 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
had been three years resident in that country, by the
commandment of the Governour Nuno de Cunha. When we
were arrived at Gottor, a league lower then the port of Mazua,
we were all received there very courteously, as well by the
inhabitants, as by a Portugal called Vasco Martin de Seixas,
born in the town of Obidos, who was come thither by Henrico
Barbosa's order, and had been there a moneth attending the
arrival of some Portugal ships. The cause of that abode was
to deHver a letter from the said Henrico, as accordingly he did
to the captains of our foists; by this letter he certified the
estate of the Turkish army, and besought them at any hand
to send him some Portugals ; to induce them whereunto, he
remonstrated unto them how it much imported the service
both of God and the King, and that for bis own part he could
not come unto them, because he was employed with forty other
Portugals, in the fort of Gileytor, for the guard of the person
of the Princess of Tigremahon, mother to Prester John. The
two captains having perused this letter, communicated it to
the ohiefest of the souldiers, and sat in councel upon it, where
it was determined that four of them should go along vrith
Vasco Martins to Barbosa, and that they should carry the
letter which Antonio de Sylvera had sent him. This was no
sooner resolved then executed ; for the next day three other
Portugals, and my self, departed accordingly, and we went
by land mounted upon good mules, which the Ciquaxy,
captain of the town, sent us by the command of the
Princess, the Emperours mother, together vrith six Abissins to
accompany us. The first night we lay at a very fair
monastery, called Satilgaon ; the next day before the sun rose
we travelled along by a river, and by that time we had rode
five leagues we arrived at a place named Bitonte, where we
spent that night in a convent of religious persons, dedicated
to S. Michael ; there we were very well entertained both by
the Prior, and the Friers. A little after our arrival, the son of
Bernagais, Governour of that empire of Ethiopia, a very proper
and courteous gentleman, about seventeen years old, came to
see us, accompanied with thirty men, all mounted upon mules,
and himself on a horse furnished after the Portugal manner ;
the furniture was of purple velvet trimmed with gold fringe,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 11
which two years before the Governom Nuno de Cunha sent him
from the Inddes, by one Lopez Ghanoco, who was afterwards
made a slave at Grand Cairo; whereof this young prince
being advertised, he presently dispatched away a Jewish
merchant of Asabiba to redeem him ; but as ill fortune would,
he died before the Jew could get thither, which so grieved this
prince when he understood of it, as the said Vasco Martins
assured us that in the said monastery of S. Michael, he caused
the most honourable funerals to be celebrated for him that
ever he saw, wherein assisted above four thousand priests,
besides a greater number of novices, which in their language
are called Santilcos : nor was this all, for this prince hearing
that the deceased had been married at Goa, and likewise
that he had left three daughters there behind him, which were
very young and poor, he bestowed on them three hundred
Oqueas of gold, that are worth twelve Crusadoes of our money
apiece ; a liberality truly royal, and which I relate here, as
well to amplifie the nobleness of this prince, as that it may
serve for an example to others, and render them more
charitable upon like occasions.
The next morning we continued our journey, making all the
haste that possibly we could : to which end we got upon good
horses, that were given us by this prince ; and withal he
appointed four of his servants to accompany us, who during
our voyage entertained us every where very sumptuously.
That day our lodging was at a goodly place, called Betenigus,
which signifies a royal house ; and in truth it was not without
reason so named, for on whatsoever part one cast an eye, it
was invironed with great high trees for three leagues about ;
nor is it to be credited how pleasing this wood was, for that
it was composed all of cedars, cypress, palm, date-trees, and
cocos, like to those in the Indies ; here we past the night with
all kind of contentment. In the morning we proceeded on our
journey, and travelling after five leagues a day, we past over
a great plain, all full of goodly com ; then we arrived at a
mountain, named, Vangaleu, inhabited by Jews, which was
very white and handsome; two days and an half after we
came to a good town, called Fumbau, not above twelve leagues
distant from the fort of Qyleytor, there we foimd Ba/rbosa, and
10 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
had been three years resident in that country, by the
commandment of the Governour Nuno de Ctmha, When we
were arrived at Gottor, a league lower then the port of Mazua,
we were all received there very courteously, as well by the
inhabitants, as by a Portugal called Vasco Martin de Seixas,
born in the town of Obidos, who was come thither by Henrico
Barbosa's order, and had been there a moneth attending the
arrival of some Portugal ships. The cause of that abode was
to deliver a letter from the said Henrico, as accordingly he did
to the captains of our foists; by this letter he certified the
estate of the Turkish army, and besought them at any hand
to send him some Portugals ; to induce them whereunto, he
remonstrated unto them how it much imported the service
both of God and the King, and that for his own part he could
not come unto them, because he was employed with forty other
Portugals, in the fort of Gileytor, for the guard of the person
of the Princess of Tigremahon, mother to Prester John. The
two captains having perused this letter, communicated it to
the chiefest of the souldiers, and sat in councel upon it, where
it was determined that four of them should go along with
Vasco Ma/rtins to Barbosa, and that they should carry the
letter which Antonio de Sylvera had sent him. This was no
sooner resolved then executed ; for the next day three other
Portugals, and my self, departed accordingly, and we went
by land mounted upon good mules, which the Ciquaxy,
captain of the town, sent us by the command of the
Princess, the Emperours mother, together with six Abissins to
accompany us. The first night we lay at a very fair
monastery, called Satilgaon ; the next day before the sun rose
we travelled along by a river, and by that time we had rode
five leagues we arrived at a place named Bitonte, where we
spent that night in a convent of religious persons, dedicated
to S. Michael ; there we were very well entertained both by
the Prior, and the Friers. A little after our arrival, the son of
Bernagais, Governour of that empire of Ethiopia, a very proper
and courteous gentleman, about seventeen years old, came to
see us, accompanied with thirty men, all mounted upon mules,
and himself on a horse furnished after the Portugal manner ;
the furniture was of purple velvet trimmed with gold fringe,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. , 11
which two years before the GoYernova Nuno de Cunha sent him
from the Inddes, by one Lo]^ez Ghanoco, who was afterwards
made a slave at Grand Cairo; whereof this young prince
being advertised, he presently dispatched away a Jewish
merchant of Azabiba to redeem him ; but as ill fortune would,
he died before the Jew could get thither, which so grieved this
prince when he understood of it, as the said Vasco Martins
assured us that in the said monastery of S. Michael, he caused
the most honourable funerals to be celebrated for him that
ever he saw, wherein assisted above four thousand priests,
besides a greater number of novices, which in their language
are called Santilcos : nor was this all, for this prince hearing
that the deceased had been married at Goa, and likewise
that he had left three daughters there behind him, which were
very young and poor, he bestowed on them three hundred
Ogueas of gold, that are worth twelve Crusadoes of our money
apiece ; a liberahty truly royal, and which I relate here, as
well to amphfie the nobleness of this prince, as that it may
serve for an example to others, and render them more
charitable upon like occasions.
The next morning we continued our journey, making all the
haste that possibly we could : to which end we got upon good
horses, that were given us by this prince; and withal he
appointed four of his servants to accompany us, who during
our voyage entertained us every where very sumptuously.
That day our lodging was at a goodly place, called Betenigus,
which signifies a royal house ; and in truth it was not without
reason so named, for on whatsoever part one cast an eye, it
was invironed with great high trees for three leagues about ;
nor is it to be credited how pleasing this wood was, for that
it was composed all of cedars, cypress, palm, date-trees, and
cocos, like to those in the Indies ; here we past the night with
all kind of contentment. In the morning we proceeded on our
journey, and travelling after five leagues a day, we past over
a great plain, all full of goodly corn ; then we arrived at a
mountain, named, VangaUu, inhabited by Jews, which was
very white and handsome; two days and an half after we
came to a good town, called Fumbau, not above twelve leagues
distant from the fort of Gyleytor, there we found Ba/rbosa, and
12 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAOES, AND ADVBNTUBES
the forty Porhigals aforesaid, who received us with great
demonstration of joy, but not without shedding of some tears,
( for though they lived there at their ease, and were absolute
masters of all the country, as they said, yet the consideration
how they were as men banished from their country into this
place, did very much trouble them.
Now because it was night when we arrived, and that we had
all need of rest, Barbosa was of the opinion that we should
not see the Emperours mother till the next morning, which
was on Sunday, the 4th of October; that come, and we well
refreshed, we went accompanied with Barbosa, and his forty
Portugals, to the Princess palace, where we found her at Mass
in her chappel. A while after, being advertised of our arrival,
she caused us to be admitted into her presence ; whereupon
we fell on our knees before her, and with all kind of humility
kissed the VentUow that she held in her hand ; to these
submissions we adjoyned many other ceremonies according to
their fashion, conformable to the Instructions we had taken
from the Portugals that conducted us thither. She received
us with a smiling countenance ; and to testifie how much she
was pleased vnth our coming; Verily, said she, you cannot
imagine how glad I am to see you, that are right Christians ;
for it hath been a thing which I have alwayes as much desired,
as a fair garden enammelled with flowers doth the morning
dew; wherefore you are most welcome; come, and may your
entrance into my house be as propitious as that of the Vertuous
Queen Helena's was into blessed Jerusalem. Herewith she
made us to sit down upon mats, not above five or six paces
distant from her ; then shewing her self exceedingly contented,
she questioned us about certain matters, of which she assured
us, that she very much longed to be satisfied : First, she asked
us the name of our Holy Father the Pope, also how many kings
there were in Christendome, and whether any of us had ever
been in the Holy Land ; whereupon she much condemned the
Christian princes for their neglect and want of care in seeking
to ruine the power of the Tu/rk, who, she said, was the
common enemy of them all. Likewise she would know of
us, whether the King of Portugal was great in the Indies,
what forts he had there, in what places they were seated, and
OF FEBDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. 13
how defended. She made us many other like demands, to the
which we answered the best we could for to content her;
whereupon she dismissed us, and we returning to our lodging,
continued there nine dayes, which we spent in waiting on this
Princess, with whom we had much discourse on several
subjects: that term expired, we went to take our leaves of
her ; and in kissing of her hands she seemed to be somwhat
troubled at our departure. Truly, said she, it grieves me that
you will be gone so soon ; but since there is no remedy, I wish
your voyage may be so pros^perous, that at your arrival in the
Indies, you may be as well received by yours, as the Queen of
Sheba toas heretofore by King Solomon in the admirable palace
of his greatness. Now before we departed she bestowed on
us twenty four Ogueas of gold, which make two hundred forty
duckats of our money ; she caused us also to be conducted by
a Naique, and twenty Abissins, as well to serve us for guides,
and guard us from robbers, whereof that countrey was full, as
to furnish us with victuals and horses, until such time as we
got to Arquico, where our foists attended for us. This Princess
also sent a rich present of divers jewels of gold and stones by
Vasco Martins de Seixas imto the Governour of the Indies,
which by ill fortune was lost in this voyage, as shall be
declared hereafter.
After we were returned to the port of Arquico, where we
found our companions caulking of our foists, and furnishing
them with all that was necessary for our voyage, we fell to
work with them for the space of nine dayes. At length, all
things being ready, we set sail, and parted from thence on
Tuesday, the 6th of November, 1538. We carried with us
both Yasoo Martins de Seixas, that had the present, and
a letter from the Princess to the Governour of the Indies,
as also an Abissin bishop, who was bound for Portugal,
with an intent to go from thence to QaUcia, Borne and Venice,
and afterwards to travel to Jerusalem, which especially he
desired to see in regard of the holiness of the place. An hour
before day we left the port, and sailed along the coast before
the wind, until such time as about noon we reached the point
of the Cape of Cocam ; and before we arrived at the Island of
Eocks, we discerned three vessels on the other side, that seemed
14 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
to us to be Gelvas or Terrades, which are the names of the
vessels of that country ; whereupon we gave them chase, and
with the strength of our oars, because the wind was then
somwhat down, we pursued them in such sort, that in less
then two hours, having gotten up to them, we might easily
perceieve them to be Tv/rkish gaUies, whereof we were no sooner
assured, but that we presently betook ourselves to flight, and
made towards the land with all the haste that might be, so (if
it were possible) to escape the danger that inevitably threatned
us : but whether the Turh$ suspected our design, or knew it,
in less than a quarter of an hour they hoisted up all their sails,
and having the wind favourable they followed us very hard,
so as in a little while getting within a small faulcon shot of us,
they discharged all their ordnance upon us, wherewith they
not only killed nine of our men, and hurt six and twenty, but
so battered our foists, that we were fain to cast a great part
of our goods into the sea ; mean while the Twrhs lost no time,
but joyned us so close, that from their poop they hurt us easily
with their pikes. Now there were four and fourty good souldiers
remaining yet unhurt in our foists, who knowing that upon
their valour and the force of their arms depended the lives both
of themselves, and all the rest, they determined to fight it out.
With this resolution they set couragiously upon the admiral of
three galhes, wherein was Solyman Dragut, General of the
Fleet ; their onset was so furious, as they invested her from
poop to prow, and killed seven and twenty Janizaries ; never-
theless she being instantly succoured with fresh men by the
other two gaUies, which had stayed a little behind, we were so
wearied and oppressed with numbers, that we were not able to
make any further resistance ; for of four and fifty that we were
at first, there was but eleven left aUve, whereof two also died the
next day, whom the Tv/rhs caused to be cut in quarters, which
they hung at the end of their mainyard for a sign of their
victory, and in that manner carried them to the town of
Mocaa, whereof the father-in-law of the said Solyman Dragus,
that had taken us, was Governor ; who with all the inhabitants
waited the coming of his son-in-law at the entry into the port,
to receive and welcome him for his victory. In his company
he had a certain Cacis, who was Moulana, the chiefest sacer-
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 15
dotal dignity; and because he had been a little before in
pilgrimage at the temple of their prophet Mahomet in Mecca,
he was held by all the people for a very holy man : this im-
postor rode up and down the town in a triumphant charret,
covered all over -with silk tapistry, and with a deal of ceremony
blessed the people as he went along, exhorting them to tender
all possible thanks unto their Prophet for the victory which
Solyman Dragut had obtained over us. As soon as they arrived
at this place, we nine that remained alive were set on shore,
tied altogether with a great chain, and amongst us was the
Abissin bishop, so pitifully wounded, that he died the next
day, and in his end shewed the repentance of a true Christian,
which very much encouraged and comforted us. In the mean
time all the inhabitants that were assembled about us, hearing
that we were the Christians which were taken captives, being
exceedingly transported with choler, fell to beating of us in
that cruel manner, as for my own part I never thought to have
escaped aUve out of their hands, whereunto they were espe-
cially incited by the wicked Gads, who made them believe they
should obtain the more favour and mercy from their Mahomet,
the worse they entreated us. Thus chained all together, and
persecuted by every one, we were led in triumph over all the
town, where nothing was heard but acclamations and shouts,
intermingled with a world of musick, as well of instruments,
as voyces. Moreover, there was not a woman, were she never
so retired, that came not forth then to see us, and to do us some
outrage ; for from the \«ery least children to the oldest men, all
that beheld us pass by cast out of the windows and baloons
upon us pots of piss, and other filth, in contempt and derision
of the name of Christian, wherein every one strived to be most
forward, in regard their cursed priest continued still preaching
unto them, that they should gain remission of their sins by
abusing us. Having been tormented in this sort until the
evening, they went and laid us (bound as we were) in a dark
dungeon, where we remained 17 dayes, exposed to aU kind of
misery, having no other victual all that time, but a little oat-
meal, which was distributed to us every morning to serve us
aU the day : somtimes they gave us the same measure in dry
peason a little soaked in water, and this was all the meat we had.
16 THE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
CHAPTER IV.
A Mutiny happening in the town of Moeaa, the occasion thereof, that which
befel thereupon, and by what means I was carried to Ormuz ; as also my
sailing from thence to Goa, and what success I had in that voyage.
THE next day, in regard that we had been so miserably
moiled, and our hiirts that were great but ill looked
unto, of us nine there died two; whereof one was named
Nuno Delgado, and the other And/re Borges, both of them men
of courage, and of good families. The jaylor, which in their
language is called Mooadan, repairing in the morning to us,
and finding our two companions dead, goes away in all haste
therewith to acquaint the Gauzil, which is as the judge with
us, who came in person to the prison, attended by a great
many of officers and other people ; where having caused their
irons to be stricken off, and their feet to be tyed together with
a rope, he commanded them so to be dragged from thence
clean through the town, where the whole multitude, to the
very children, pursued and pelted them with staves and stones,
untiU such time as being wearied vrith hurrying those poor
bodies in such fashion, they cast them aU battered to pieces
into the sea. At last we seven, that were left alive, were
chained altogether, and brought forth into the publique place
of the town, to be sold to them that would give most : there
all the people being met together, I was the first that was put
to sale; whereupon just as the cryer^was offering to deliver
me unto whomsoever would buy me, in comes the very Caois
Moulana, whom they held for a saint, with ten or eleven other
Gacis, his inferioui'S, aU. priests, Uke himself, of their wicked
sect, and addressing his speech to Heredrin Sofo, the Governour
of the town, who sate as president of the portsale, he required
him to send us, as an alms, imto the Temple of Mecqua saying,
that he was upon returning thither, and having resolved to
make that pilgrimage in the name of all the people, it were
not fit to go thither without carrying some offering to the
Prophet Noby, (so they termed their Mahomet), a thing, said
he, that would utterly displease Bazaadat Moulana, the chief
priest of MedifM Tahtab, who without that would grant no
OF FJSBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 17
kind of grace or pardon to the inhabitants of this town, which
by reason of their great offences stood in extream need of the
favour of God and His Prophet.
The Governour having heard the Gacis speak thus, declared
unto him that, for his particular, he had no power to dispose
of any part of the booty, and that therefore he should apply
himself to Solyman Bragus his son-in-law, who had made us
slaves; so that in right it appertained only unto him to do
with us as he pleased ; and I do not think, added he, that he will
contradict so holy an intention as this is. Thou hast reason for
it, answered the Gacis, but with all thou must know, that the
things of God, and the alms that are done in His name, lose
their value and force, when they are sifted through so many
hands, and turmoiled with such humane opinions ; for which
very cause seldom doth any divine resolution foUow thereupon,
especially in a subject such as this, which thou mayst abso-
lutely dispose of, as thou art sovereign commander of this
people. Moreover, as there is no body can be displeased
therewith, so I do not see how it can bring thee any discontent,
for besides that this demand is very just; it is also most
agreeable to our Prophet Noby, who is the absolute lord of this
prize, in regard the victory came solely from his holy hand,
though with as much falsehood as malice thou goest about to
attribute the glory of it to the valor of thy son-in-law, and the
courage of his soldiers. At this instant a Janizary was
present, captain of one of the three gallies that took us, a man
that for his exceeding valour was in great esteem amongst
them, called Gopa Geynal, who nettled with that which he
heard the Cacis speak, so much in contempt of both of himself
and the rest of the souldiers, that had carried themselves very
valiantly in the fight with us, returned him this answer.
Certainly you might do better, for the salvation of your soul,
to distribute some part of the excessive riches you possess
among these poor souldiers, then seek with feign'd speeches,
full of hypocrisie and deceit, to rob them of these slaves, which
have cost the lives of so many brave men, their fellows in
arms, and have been dearly bought by us that survive, even
with our dearest blood, as the woimds we have upon us can
but too well witness ; so can it not be said of your Cabayage
8
18 THU TBAVEL8, VOYAOES, ANI> ADVENTURES
(a sacerdotal robe after their fashion), which for all it fits so
trim and neat upon you, covers a pernicious habit you have of
purloyning other mens estates from them : wherefore I would
wish you to desist from the damnable plot you have laid against
the absolute masters of this prize, whereof you shall not have
so much as a token, and seek out some other present for the
Cacis of Mecqua, to the end he may conceal your theevries,
and impiety, provided it be not done with the expence of our
lives and blood, but rather with the goods you have so lewdly
gotten by yoxu: wicked and cunning devices.
This Cacis Moulima having received so bold an answer from
this captain, found it very rude, and hard of digestion, which
made him in bitter terms, and void of all respects, exceedingly
to blame the captain, and the souldiers that were there
present, who, as well Turks as Saracens, being much offended
with his ill language, combined together and mutined against
him, and the rest of the people, in whose favour he had spoken
so insolently ; nor could this mutiny be appeased by any kind
of means, though the Governor of the town, father-in-law to
the said Solyman Dragut, together with the officers of justice,
did aU that possibly they could. In a word, that I may not
stand longer upon the particulars of this affair, I say, that
from this small mutiny did arise so cruel and enraged a con-
tention, as it ended not but with the death of 600 persons, of
the one, and the other side : but at length the souldiers party
prevailing, they pillaged the most part of the town, especially
the said Cacis Moulana's house, killing 7 wives and 9 children
that he had, whose bodies together with his own were dis-
membred, and cast into the sea with a great deal of cruelty.
In the same manner they entreated all that belonged unto
him, not so much as giving life to one that was known to be
his. As for us 7 Portugals, which were exposed to sale in the
publique place, we could find out no better expedient to save
our lives, then to return into the same hole, from whence we
came, and that too without any officer of justice to carry us
thither; neither did we take it for a small favour that the
jaylour would receive us into prison. Now this mutiny had
not ceased but by the authority of Solyman Dragut, General of
the gallies aforesaid; for this man with very gentle words
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 19
gave an end to the sedition of the people, and pacified the
mutiners, which shews of what power courtesie is, even with
such as are altogether ignorant of it. In the mean time
Eeredrin Sopho, Governour of the town, came off but ill from
this hurly burly, by reason that in the very first encounter he
had one of his arms almost cut off. Three days after this dis-
order was quieted, we were led all 7 again to the market place,
there to be sold with the rest of the booty, which consisted of
our stuff, and ordnance, that they had taken in our foists, and
were sold at a very easie rate: for my self, miserable that
I was, and the most wretched of them all ; fortune, my sworn
enemy, made me fall into the hands of a Greek renegade,
whom I shall detest as long as I have a day to live, because
that in the space of 3 moneths I was with him ; he used me so
cruelly, that becoming even desperate, for that I was not able
to endure the evil he did me, I was seven or eight times upon
the point to have poysoned my self, which questionless I had
done, if God of His infinite mercy and goodness had not
delivered me from it, whereimto I was the rather induced to
make him lose the money he paid for me, because he was the
most covetous man in the world, and the most inhumane, and
cruellest enemy to the name of a Christian. But at the end
of three moneths it pleased the Almighty to deliver me out of
the hands of this tyrant, who for fear of losing the mony I cost
him ; if I should chance to make my self away, as one of his
neighbours perswaded him I would, telling him that he had
discovered so much by my countenance, and manner of
behaviour, wherefore in pity of me he counselled him to sell
me away, as he did not long after unto a Jew, named Abraham
Miwa, native of a town called in those quarters Toro, not
above a league and an half distant from Mount Smay. This
man gave for me the value of 300 reals in dates, which was the
merchandize that this Jew did ordinarily trade in with my
late master; and so I parted with him in the company of
divers merchants for to go from Babylon to Gayxem, whence
he carried me to Ormuz, and there presented me to Don
Fernand de Lima, who was at that time captain of the fort,
and to Don Pedro Fernandez, Commissary General of the
Indms, that was then residing at Orrrmz, for the service of the
20 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ABVENTVBES
King by order from the Governour Nunho de Gunha. These
two, namely Fernandez and de Lima, gave the Jew in re-
compence for me 200 Pardaos, which are worth three shillings
and nine pence a piece of our coyn, whereof part was their
own mony, and the rest was raised of the ahns which they
caused to be gathered for me in the town, so we both re-
mained contented, the Jew for the satisfaction he had received
from them, and I to find my self at fuU liberty as before.
Seeing my self by Gods mercy dehvered from the miseries
I had endured; after I had been seventeen days at Ormuz,
I imbarqued my self for the Indies in a ship that belonged to
one Jorge Fernandez Taborda, who was to carry horses to Qoa,
In the course that we held we sailed with so prosperous a
gale, that in 17 dayes we arrived in the view of the Fort of
Diu ; there, by the advice of the captains, coasting along by
the land for to learn some news, we descried a great number
of fires all that night, also at times we heard divers pieces of
ordnance discharged, which very much troubled us, by reason
we could not imagine what those fires, or that shooting in the
night should mean ; in so much that we were divided into
several opinions. During this incertainty our best advice was,
to sail the rest of the night with as Httle cloth as might be,
until that on the nest morning by favour of day Ught we
perceived a great many sails, which invironed the fort on all
sides. ,, Some affirmed that it was the Governour newly come
from Goa, to make peace for the death of Sultan Bandur, King
of Cambaya, that was slain a httle before. Others said that it
was the Infant, brother to the King Dom Jovan, lately arrived
there from Portugal, because he was every day expected in the
Indies. Some thought that it was the Patemarca, with the
King of Galicuts hundred foists of Camorin. And the last
assured us, how they could justifie with good and sufficient
reasons that they were the Turks. As we were in this
diversity of minds, and terrified with that which we discerned
before our eyes, five very great gallies came forth of the midst
of this fleet, with a many of banners, flags and streamers,
which we saw on the tops of their masts, and the ends of their
sail-yards, whereof some were so long, that they touched even
the very water. These gallies being come forth in this sort,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ FINTO. 21
turned their prows towards us in such a couragious and
confident manner, that by their sailing we presently judged
them to be Turks ; which we no sooner knew to be so indeed,
but we clapt on all our cloth for to avoid them, and to get into
the main sea, not without exceeding fear, lest for our sins we
should fall into the like estate from whence I was so lately
escaped. These five gallies having observed our flight, took
a resolution to pursue us, and chased us till night, at which
time it pleased God that they tacked about, and returned to
the army from whence they came. Seeing our selves freed
from so great a danger we went joyfully on, and two dayes
after arrived at the town of Ghmtl, where our captain and the
merchants, only landed for to visit the captain of the fort,
named Simon Guedez, unto whom they reported that which
had befallen them. Assuredly, said he, you are very much
bound to give God thanks for delivering you from one of the
greatest perils that ever you were in, for without His assistance
it had been impossible for you ever to have declined it, or to
teU me of it with such joy as now you do: thereupon he
declared unto them, that the army they had encountred was
the very same, which had held Antonio de Siheyra twenty
dayes together besieged, being composed of a great number of
Ttvrhs, whereof Solyman the Bassa, Yice-roy of Caire, was
General, and that those sails they had seen, were 58. gaUies
great and small, each of which carried five pieces of ordnance
in her prow, and some of them were pieces of battery, besides
eight other great vessels full of Turks, that were kept in
reserve to succour the army, and supply the places of such as
should be killed: moreover, he added, that they had great
abundance of victuals, amongst the which there was 12.
Basilisks. This news having much amazed us, we rendred
infinite praise to the Lord for shewing us such grace, as to
deliver us from so imminent a danger.
We staid at Chaul but one day, and then we set sail for
Goa; being advanced as far to the river of Ca/rapatan, we
met with Fernand de Morcds, captain of three foists, who by
the command of the Vice-roy, Dom Garcia de Noronha, was
going to Dabul, to the end he might see whether he could take
or burn a Turkish vessel which was in the port laden with
•22 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
victuals by order from the Bassar. This Fernand de Morais
had no sooner gotten acquaintance of our ship, but he desired
oiu: captain to lend him 15 men, of twenty that he had, for to
supply the great necessity he was in that way, by reason of the
Vice-royes hastning him away upon the sudden; which, said he,
would much advance the service both of God, and his highness.
After many contestations of either part upon this occasion,
and which, to make short, I will pass under silence ; at length
they were agreed, that our captain should let Fernand de
Morais have 12 of 15 men that he requested, wherewithal he
was very well satisfied : of this number I was one, as being
alwayes of the least respected. The ship departing for Goa;
Fernand de Morais, with his three foists, continued his voyage
towards the port of Ddbul, where we arrived the next day
about nine of the clock in the morning, and presently took
a pataeh of Malabar, which laden with cotton wool and
pepper, rode at anchor in the midst of the port. Having taken
it we put the captain and pilot to torture, who instantly con-
fessed that a few dayes before the ship came into the port
expresly from the Bassa to lade victuals, and that there
was in her an embassadour, who had brought Hidalcan
a very rich Gabaya, that is, a garment worn by the gentle-
men of that countrey, which he would not accept of, for that
thereby he would not acknowledge himself subject to the Turk,
it being a custom among the Mahwnetans, for the lord to do
that honour to his vassal ; and further, that this refusal had
so much vexed the Embassador, as he returned without taking
any kind of provision of victuals, and that Hidalcan had
answered, he made much more esteem of the K. of Portugals
amity, then of his, which was nothing but deceit, as having
usurped the town of Goa upon him, after he had offered to aid
him with his favour and forces to regain it. Moreover, they
said, that it was not above two dayes since the ship they spoke
of parted from the port, and that the captain of her, named
Cide Ale, had denounced war against Hidalcan, vowing that
as soon as the fort of Diu was taken, which could not hold out
above eight dayes, according to the estate wherein he had left
it, Hidalcan should lose his kingdom, or life, and that then he
should (to his cost) know how that the Porittgals, in whom he
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 23
put his confidence, could not avail him. With these news
Captain Morais turned towards Goa, where he arrived two
dayes after, and gave account to the Vice-roy of that which
had past. There we found Goncallo vae Goutinho, who was
going with five foists to Onor, to demand of the Queen thereof
one of the gallies of Solymans army, which by a contrary wind
had been driven into her ports. Now one of the captains of
those foists, my special friend, seeing me poor and necessitous,
perswaded me to accompany him in this voyage, and to that
end got me five ducates pay, which I very gladly accepted of,
out of the hope I had, that God would thereby open me a way
to a better fortune. Being imbarqued then, the captain and
souldiers, pitying the case I was in, bestowed such spare
clothes as they had upon me, by which means being reasonably
well pieced up again, we parted the next morning from the
Eoad of Bardees, and the Monday following we cast anchor
in the port of Onor ; where, that the inhabitants of the place
might know how little account we made of that mighty army,
we gave them a great peal of ordnance, putting forth all our fifes,
beating our drums, and sounding our trumpets, to the end that
by these exterior demonstrations they might conclude we
regarded not the Turks awhit.
CHAPTER V.
Gonoallo vaz Coutinho's Treaty with the Queen of Onor ; his assaulting
of a Turkish galley, and that which hapned unto us as we were upon
our return to Goa.
OUE fleet makmg a stand upon the discharging of our peal
of ordnance, the General Goncallo vaz Goutinho sent
Sento Gastanho, a very discreet and eloquent man, to the
Queen of Onor, to present her with a letter from the Vice-roy,
and to tell her that he was come to complain of her, for that
she had sworn a peace and amity with our King of Portugal,
and yet suffered the Turks, mortal enemies to the Portugals,
to abide in her ports. Hereunto she returned this answer :
That both himself and his company were very welcome, and that
34 THE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
she desired to maintain the peace as long as she lived. For that
which he said of the Turks, she took her God to witness, how
much against her will she had received and suffered them in
her ports ; but that finding her self too weak for to resist such
powerful enemies, she was constrained to dissemble, which she
would never have done had she been furnished with sufficient
forces. Furthermore, to clear her self the better unto them, she
offered both her power and people for to repel them out of her
ports. To this speech she added, that she should be as well
pleased if God would give him the victory over them, as if the
King of Narsingua, whose slave she was, should set her at the
table with his wife, Goneallo vaz Goutinho having received this
embassage, and other complements from the Queen, though
he had little hop& of any performance on her part, yet did he
wisely dissemble it. Afterwards being fully informed by the
people of the country of the Turks intention, of the place where
they were, and what they did at that instant, he called a
oouncel thereupon, and having througly debated and con-
sidered all things, it was unanimously concluded, that both
for the King of Portugal their masters honour, and his own,
it was expedient to set upon this galley, either for to take,
or fire it, wherein it was hoped that God, for whose glory we
fought, would be assisting to us against those enemies of the
holy faith. This resolution being made, and signed by us all,
he entred some two.faulcons shot within the river, where he
had scarce anchored, when as a little boat, which they caU an
Almadia, came aboard us, with a Brachman that spake very
goodi Portuguez. This man delivered a message from the Queen
unto our captain, whereby she earnestly desired him, that for
Vice-royes sake he would desist from the enterprise he had
undertaken, and not to assault the Turks any manner of way,
which, said she, could not be done without great disadvantage,
for that she had been advertised by her spies, that they had
fortified themselves with a good trench, which they had cast
up near the place where they had moored their galley ; in
regard whereof it seemed to her almost impossible for him
with no more forces then he had to be able to prevail in so
great an attempt : wherefore she took her God to witness how
much she was troubled with the fear she was in, lest some
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 26
mis-fortune should betide him. Hereunto our captain returned
an ans\rer full of wisdom and courtesie, saying that he kissed
her Highness hands for the extraordinary favour she did him,
in giving him so good advice : but for his combat -with the
Turks, he could not follow her counsel, and therefore would
proceed in his determination, it being always the custom of
the Portugals, not to inquire whether their enemies were few,
or many since the more they were, the more should be their
loss, and the greater his profit and honour. Thus was the
Brachman dismissed, our captain bestowing on him a piece
of green chamlet, and an hat lined with red sattin, wherewith
ho returned very well contented.
The Brachman dismist, Goncalh vaz Coutinha resolved to
fight with the Turks, but before he proceeded any further, he
was advertised by spies what stratagems the enemy would use
against us, and that the precedent night, by the favour of the
Queen, they had moored up the galley, and by it raised up a
platform, whereupon they had flanked 25. pieces of ordnance ;
but all that stayed him not from advancing towards the enemy ;
seeing himself then within a cannon shot of them, he went out
of his foist, and with 80. men onely landed, the rest which he
had brought with him from Goa for this enterprize, being but
an hundred more, he left for the guard of the foists. So after
he had set his men in battel array, he marched couragiously
against his adversaries, who perceiving -us making towards
them vaUantly resolved to defend themselves, 'to which end
they sallied some five and twenty or thirty paces out of their
trenches, where the fight began on either side with such fury,
that in less then a quarter of an hour, five and forty lay dead
in the place, amongst the which, there was not above 8. of ours :
Hereupon our General not contented with the first charge,
gave them a second, by means whereof it pleased God to make
them turn their backs, in such sort that they retired pell-mel,
as men routed, and in fear of death. Mean while we pursued
them to their very trenches, where they turned upon us, and
made head anew, in the heat thereof we were so far engaged
and intangled together, that we knocked one another with the
pummels of our swords. Mean while our foists arrived, which
were come along by the shore to succour us, and accordingly
26 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
they discharged all their ordnance upon our enemies, to such
good purpose, as they killed 11. or 12. of the valiantest
Janizaries, which wore green turbants, as a mark of their
nobility. The death of these so terrified the rest, that they
presently forsook the field, by means whereof we had leasure
to set the gaUey on fire upon the express command of our
General Goncallo, so that having cast into her five pots of
powder, the fire took hold on her with such violence, as it was
apparant it could not be long before she were utterly consumed ;
for the mast and sail-yards were aU of a flame, had not the Turks,
knowing the danger she was in, most oouragiously quenched
the fire , but we laboured all that possibly we could to hinder
them from it, and to make good that we had so bravely begun,
which the enemies perceiving, as their last refuge they gave
fire to a great piece of ordnance, which charged with stones,
and other shot, killed six of ours, whereof the principal was
Diego vas Coutinho, the Generals son, besides a dozen others
were hurt, that put us quite in disorder; whereupon the
enemies finding how they had spoyled us, fell to shouting in
sign of victory, and to rendring of thanks to their Mahomet :
at the naming of this their false Prophet, whom they invoked,
our General, the better to encourage his souldiers. Fellows in
arms, said he, seeing these dogs call upon the Devil to aid them,
let us pray unto our Saviour Jesus Christ to assist us. This
said, we once more assaulted the trench, which the enemies
no sooner perceived, but they craftily turned their backs, and
took their flight towards the galley, but they were instantly
followed by some of ours, who within a while made themselves
masters of all their trenches ; in the mean time the infidels
gave fire to a secret myne, which they had made a little within
their trenches, and blew up six of our Portugals, and eight
slaves, maiming many others besides; now the smoak was
such and so thick, as we could hardly discern one another, in
regard whereof our general, fearing lest some greater loss
then the former should befal him, retreated to the water side,
carrying along with him both the dead bodies, and all thS' hurt
men, and so went where his foists lay, into the whicB' every
one being imbarqued, we returned with strength of rowing to
the place from whence we came, where with extream sorrow
OF FEBDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. 27
he caused the slain to be interred, and all that were hurt to
be drest, which were a very great number.
The same day that was so fatal to us, a list being taken of
all the surviving souldiers, that so it might be known how
many had been lost in the last fight upon assaulting of the
trench, we found that of fourscore which we were, there was
fifteen slain, fifty four hurt, and nine quite maimed for ever :
the rest of the day, and the night following, we kept very good
watch to avoid all surprizes of the enemy. As soon as the
next morning appeared, there came an embassadour from the
Queen of Onor to the General Goncallo, with a present of
hens, chickens, and new layd eggs, for the reUef of our sick
men; now though we had great need of those things, yet
in stead of receiving our General utterly refused them ; and
shewing himself very much displeased with the Queen, he
could not forbear lashing out some words that were a little
more harsher then was requisite; saying, that the Vice-roy
should ere long be advertised of the bad offices she had
rendred the King of Portugal, and how much he was obliged
to pay her that debt, when occasion should serve : further,
he bid him tell her, that for an assurance of that which he
said, he had left his son dead and buried in her land, together
with the o'ther Portugals, who had been miserably slaughtered
through her practices, by assisting the Tii/rks against them :
and in a word, that he would thank her more fully another
time for the present she had sent, the better to dissemble what
she had executed against him, lor which he would one day
return her a recompeuce according to her merit.
The embassadour, very much terrified with this speech,
departed ; and being come to the Queen his mistress, he so
thoroughly represented Goncallo's answer unto her, as she
greatly doubted that this galley would be an occasion of the
loss of her-kingdom ; wherefore to dechne so great a mischief,
she thought it necessary to seek by all means possible to
maintain the league with our General, to which end she
assembled her Oounoel, by whose advice she dispatched
another embassadour unto him, who was a Brachinan, a grave
and reverend personage, and her nearest kinsman. At his
arrival where our foists lay, our General gave him very good
28 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
entertainment; and after the ordinary ceremonies and com-
plements, the Brachman, having demanded permission to
deliver his embassage, declared that the Queen faithfully
promiseth, viithm fow days to bwm the galley, that hath put
you to so much pain, and tu/rn the Turks out of the limits of her
kingdome, which is all that she can do, and which you may be
mast confident she will not fail to execute accordingly.
Our General knowing of what importance this affair was,
presently accepted of the Brachmans offer, and told him that
he was contented that the league should be renewed betwixt
them, according whereunto it was instantly published on
either part with all the ceremonies accustomed in such cases ;
therupon the Brachman returned to the Queen, who after-
wards laboured all she could to make good her word; but
because Goncallo could not stay the four days which he had
demanded, in regard of the extream danger he should thereby
have exposed our hurt men unto, he resolved to be gone, and
so the same day after dinner we departed ; howbeit he first
left one, named Georgia Neogueyra, there, with express order
exactly to observe all that was done concerning that affair,
and thereof to give certain intelligence to the Yice-roy, as the
Queen her self had requested.
CHAPTEE VI.
What passed till such time as Pedro de Faria, arrived at Malaoa ; his
receiying an embassadour from the King of Batas ; with his sending
me to that King, and that which arrived to me in that Voyage.
THE next day our General Goncallo van Coutinho arrived
at Goa, with so many of us as remained alive : there
he was exceedingly welcomed by the Yice-roy, unto whom he
rendred an account of his voyage, as also of that which he
had concluded with the Queen of Onor, who had promised
to burn the gaUey within four dayes, and to chase the Turhs
out of all the confines of her kingdom, wherewith the Vice-
roy was very well satisfied. In the mean time, after I had
remained three and twenty dayes in the said tovra of Goa,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 29
wliere I was cured of two hurts which I had received in fight
at the Turks trenches, the necessity whereunto I saw my
self reduced, and the counsel of a frier, my friend, perswaded
me to offer my service unto a gentleman, named Pedro de
Faria, that was then newly preferred to the charge of captain
of Malaca, who upon the first motion was very willing to
entertain me for a souldier, and promised me withal to give me
something over and ahove the rest of his company during the
voyage which he was going to make with the Vice-roy. For
it was at that very time when as the Vice-roy Dom Garcia
de Noronha was preparing to go to the succour of the fortress
of Diu, which he certainly knew was besieged, and in great
danger to-be taken, by reason of the great forces wherewithal
it was invested by the TurTt ; and to relieve it the Vice-roy
had assembled a mighty fleet at Goa, consisting of about
225. vessels, whereof fourscore and three were great ones ;
namely, ships, galleons, carvels, and the rest brigantines,
foists, and galleys, wherein it was said there were ten
thousand land-men, and thirty thousand mariners, besides a
great number of slaves. The time of setting sail being come,
and the foists provided of all things necessary, the Vice-roy
imbarqued himself on Satii/rday the 14. of November, 1538.
Howbeit five dayes past away before he put out of the haven,
in regard he stayed for his men, that were not all ready to
imbarque ; the meanwhile a catur arrived from the town of
Diu, with a letter from Antonio de Sil/veyra, captain of the
fortress, whereby he advertised the Vice-roy, that the Turks
had raised the siege, and were retired. Now though these
were good news, yet was the whole fleet grieved thereat, for
the great desire every one had to fight with the enemies of
our faith. Hereupon the Vice-roy abode there five dayes
longer, during the which he took order for all things necessary
to the conservation of his government of the Indies, and then
commanding to hoist sail, he departed from Goa on a
Thursday morning, the 16. of December: the fourteenth of
his navigatioB he went and cast anchor at Ghaul, where he
remained three dayes, during the which he entered into
conference with Inezamuluco, a Mahometan prince, and took
order for certain affairs very much importing the surety of the
30 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
fortress : after that he caused some of the vessels of the fleet
to be rigged, which he furnished with souldiers and victuals,
and then departed for to go to Diu ; but it was his ill fortune,
as he was crossing the gulph, to be suddenly overtaken by
such a furious tempest, that it not only separated his fleet,
but was the loss of many vessels, chiefly of the bastard galley
which was cast away at the mouth of the river Dabul, whereof
Dom Alvaro de Noronha, the Vice-royes son, and General of
the Sea-forces, was captain ; in the same gulph also perished
the galley named Espinhero, commanded by Jovan de Sousa ;
howbeit the most part of their men were saved by Christophilo
de Gama, who came most opportunely to their succour. During
this tempest there were seven other ships likewise cast away,
the names of which I have forgotten, in so much that it was
a moneth before the Vice-roy could recover himself of the loss
he had sustain'd, and re-assemble his fleet again, which this
storm had scattered in divers places : at length the 16. of
January, 1539. he arrived at the town of Diu, where he caused
the fortress, to be re-built, the greater part whereof had been
demolished by the Tv/rlcs, so as it seemed that it had been
defended by the besieged, rather by miracle : then force :
now to effect it the better, he made proclamation, that all the
captains with their souldiers should each of them take in
charge to re-build that quarter which should be allotted them ;
and because never a commander there had more then Ped/ro
de Fa/ria, he thought fit to appoint him the bulwark, which
looked to the sea, for his quarter, together with the out-wall
that was on the lands side ; wherein he bestowed such care
and diligence, that in six and twenty days space, both the one
and the other were restored to a better state then before, by
the means of 300 souldiers that were employed about it. This
done, for that it was the 14 of March, and a fit time for
navigation to Malaca, Fedro de Faria set sail for Ooa, where
by vertue of a patent granted hun by the Vice-roy, he fur-
nished himself with all things necessary for his voyage;
departing then from Goa on the 13 of April, with a fleet of
eight ships, four foists, and one gaUey, wherein there were
five hundred men, he had so favourable a wind, that he arrived
at Malaca, the 5th day of June, in the same year, 1589.
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 81
Pedro de Faria succeeding Dom Estevano de Gama in the
charge of the captain of Malaca, arrived there safely with his
fleet, nothing hapning in his voyage worthy of writing. Now
because at his arrival, JEstevan de Gama had not yet ended the
time of his commission, he was not put into the possession of
that government until the day that he was to enter upon his
charge. Howbeit, in regard Pedro de Faria, was ere long to
be govemour of the fortress, the neighbouring kings sent their
embassadours to congratulate with him, and to make a tender
of their amity, and of a mutual conservation of peace vnth the
King of Portugal. Amongst these embassadours there was one
from the King of Batas, who raigned in the Isle of Samatra,
where it is held for a surety that the Island of Gold is, which
the King of Portugal, Dom. Joana the Third, had resolved
should have been discovered, by the advice of certain captains
of the country. This embassadour, that was brother-in-law to
the King of Batas, named Aquarem Dabolay, brought him a
rich present of wood of Aloes, Galamhaa, and five quintals of
benjamon in flowers, with a letter written on the bark of a
palm-tree, [demanding the aid of the Portuguese against tlie
Tyrant of Achem] .
This embassadour received from Pedro de Faria all the
honour that he could do him after their manner, and as soon
as he had delivered him the letter, it was translated into the
Portugal out of the Malayan tongue, wherein it was written.
Whereupon the embassadour by his interpreter declared the
occasion of the discord which was between the Tyrant of Achem
and the King of Batas, proceeding from this, that the Tyrant
had not long before propounded unto this King of Batas, who
was a Gentile, the imbracing of Mahomets law, conditionally
that he would wed him to a sister of his, for which purpose he
should quit his wife, that was also a Gentile, and married to
him six and twenty years; now because the King of Batas
would by no means condescend thereunto, the Tyrant, incited
by a Cacis of his, immediately denoxmced war against him : so
each of them having raised a mighty army, they fought a most
bloody battel, that continued three houres and better, during
the which the Tyrant perceiving the advantage the Bataes had
of him, after he had lost a great number of his people, he made
32 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
his retreat into a mountain, called Oagerrendan, where the
Bataes held him besieged by the space of three and twenty
dayes ; but because that time many of t'he Kings men fell sick,
and that also the Tyrants camp began to want victuals ; they
concluded a peace, upon condition that the Tyrant should give
the King five bars of gold (which are in value two hundred
thousand crowns of our mony) for to pay his souldiers, and
that the King should marry his eldest son to that sister of the
Tyrant, who had been the cause of making that war. This
accordingly being signed by either part, the King returned into
his country, where he was no sooner arrived, but relying on
this treaty of peace, he dismist his army, and discharged aU
his forces. The tranquillity of this peace lasted not above two
moneths and an half, in which time there came to the Tyrant
300 Turks, whom had long expected from the Streight of
Mecqua, and for them had sent four vessels laden with pepper,
wherein also were brought a great many cases of muskets and
hargebuses, together with divers pieces both of brass and iron
ordnance ; whereupon the first thing the Tyrant did, was to
joyn 300. Turks to some forces he had still afoot ; then making
as though he would go to Pacem, for to take in a captain that
was revolted against him, he cunningly fell upon two places,
named Jacur and Lingua, that appertained to the King of
Batas, which he suddenly smrprized when they within them
least thought of it, for the peace newly made between them
took away all the mistrust of such an attempt, so as by that
means it was easie for the Tyrant to render himself master of
those fortresses. Having taken them, he put three of the
Kings sons to death, and 700 Ouroballones, so are the noblest
and the valiantest of the kingdom called. This while the King
of Batas, much resenting, and that with good cause so great a
treachery, sware by the head of his god Quia Hocombinor, the
principal idol of the Gentiles sect, who hold him for their god
of justice, never to eat either fruit, salt, or any other thing
that might bring the least gust to his palate, before he had
revenged the death of his children, and drawn reason from the
Tyrant for this loss ; protesting further, that he was resolved
to dye in the maintenance of so just a war. To which end,
and the better to bring it to pass, the King of Batas straight
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 8D
way assembled an army of 1500 men, aa well natives, as
strangers ; wherewithal he was assisted by some princes his
friends : and to the same effect he implored the forces of us
Christians, which was the reason why he sought to contract a
new amity with Pedro de Faria, who was very well contented
with it, in regard he knew that it greatly imported, both the
service of the Bang of Portugal, and the conservation of the
fortress, besides that by this means he hoped very much to
augment the revenue of the customes, together with his own
particular, and all the rest of the Portugals profit, in regard of
the great trade they had in those countries of the South.
After that the King of Batas embassadour had been seven-
teen dayes with us, Pedro de Faria dismissed him, having first
granted whatsoever the King his master had demanded, and
somthing over and above, as fire-pots, darts, and murdering
pieces wherewith the embassadour departed from the fortress
so contented, that he shed tears for joy; and presently im-
barqued himself in the same Lanchara, wherein he came
thither, being accompanied with eleven or twelve Batons,
which are small barques, and so went to the Isle of Vpa,
distant not above half a league from the port. There the
Banda/ra of Malaca (who is as it were Chief Justicer amongst
the Mahometans) was present in person, by the express
commandment of Ped/ro de Fa/ria, for to entertain him; and
accordingly he made him a great feast, which was celebrated
with hoboys, drums, trumpets, and cymbals, together with
an excellent consort of voices framed to the tune of harps,
lutes, and viols after the Portugal manner. Whereat this
embassador did so wonder, that he would often put his finger
on his mouth, an usual action with those of that country when
they marvel at any thing. About twenty dayes after the
departure of this embassador, Ped/ro de Fa/ria, being informed
that if he would send some commodities from the Indies to the
kingdom of Batas, he might make great profit thereof, and
much more of those which should be returned from thence, he
to that effect set forth a Jwrwpango, of the bignesse of a small
carvel, wherein he ventured a matter of some ten thousand
ducates; in this vessel he sent, as his factor, a certain
Mahometan, bom at Malaca, and was desirous to have me
4
84 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
to accompany him, telling me, that thereby I should not only
much oblige him, but that also under pretext of being sent as
embassador thither, I might both see the King of Batas, and
going along with him in his journey against the Tyrant of
Aohem, -which some way or other would questionless redound
to my benefit. Now to the end that upon my return out of
those countries I might make him a true relation of all that I
had seen, he prayed me carefully to observe whatsoever should
pass there, and especially to learn whether the Isle of Gold, so
much talked of, was in those parts ; for that he was minded,
if any discovery of it should be made, to write unto the Bang
of Portugal about it. To speak the truth, I would fain have
excused my self from this voyage, by reason those countries
were unknown to me, and for that the inhabitants were by
every one accounted faithless and treacherous, having small
hope besides to make any gain by it, in regard that all my
stock amounted not to above an hundred ducates ; but because
I durst not oppose the captains desire I imbarqued myself,
though very unwillingly, with that Infidel who had the charge
of the merchandize. Our pilot steered his course from Malaca
to the port of Sorotilau, which is in the kingdom of Aru, alwayes
ooasting the Isle of Sumatra towards the Mediterranean Sea,
till at length we arrived at a certain river, called Hicandv/re ;
after we had continued five dayes sailing in this manner we
came to an harbour, named Minhatoley, distant some ten
leagues from the kingdom of Peedir. In the end finding our
selves on the other side of the ocean we sailed on four days
together, & then cast anchor in a little river, called Gaateamgim,
that was not above seven fathom deep, up the which we past
some 7 or 8 leagues. Now all the while we sailed in this river
with a fair wind, we saw athwart a wood, which grew on the
bank of it, such a many adders, & other crawling creatures, no
less prodigious for their length then for the strangeness of their
forms, that I shall not marvel if they that read this history
will not beleeve my report of them ; especially such as have
not travelled ; for they that have seen little beleeve not much,
whereas they that have seen much beleeve the more. AU
along this river, that was not very broad, there were a numbei
of lizards, which might more properly be called serpents,
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. «5
because some of them were as big as an AJmaMa, with scales
upon their backs, and mouths two foot wide. Those of the
country assured us, that these creatures are so hardy, as there
be of them that sometimes will set upon an Almadia, chiefly
when they perceive there is not above four or five persons in
her, and overturn it with their tailes, swallowing up the men
whole, without dismembring of them. In this place also we
saw strange kind of creatures, which they call Gaquesseitan ;
they are of the bignesse of a great goose, very blacke and scaly
on their backs, with a row of sharp pricks on their chins, as
long as a writing pen : moreover, they have wings like imto
those of bats, long necks, and a little bone growing on their
heads resembling a cocks spur, with a very long tail spotted
black and green, like unto the lizards of that country ; these
creatures hop and fly together, like grashopers ; and in that
manner they hunt apes, and such other beasts whom they
pursue even to the tops of the highest trees. Also we saw
adders, that were copped on the crowns of their heads, as big
as a mans thigh, and so venomous, as the Negroes of the country
informed us, that if any living thing came within the raach of
their breath, it dyed presently, there being no remedy nor
antidote against it. We likewise saw others, that were not
copped on their crowns, not so venomous as the former, but
far greater and longer, with an head as big as a calves. We
were told that they hunt their prey in this manner : they get
up into a tree, and winding their tails about some branch" of
it, let theif bodies hang down to the foot of the tree, and then
laying one of their ears close to the ground^ they hearken
whether they can hear anything stir during the stillness of the
night, so that if an ox, a boar, or any other beast doth chance
to pass by, they presently seize on it, and so carries it up into
the tree, where he devours it. In like sort we descryed a
number of baboons, both grey and black, as big as a great
mastiff, of whom the Negroes of the country are more afraid,
then of all the other beasts, because they will set upon them
with that hardiness, as they have much ado to resist them.
36 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
CHAPTBE VII.
What hapned to me at Penaiu, -with the King of Batas expedition against
the Tyrant of Aohem ; and what he did after his victory over him.
BY that time we had sailed seven or eight leagues up the
river, at the end we arrived at a Uttle town, named
Botterendan, not above a quarter of a mile distant from Panaiu,
where the King of Batas was at that time making preparation
for the war he had undertaken against the Tyrant of Achem.
This King understanding that I had brought him a letter and
a present from the Captain of Malaca, caused me to be enter-
tained by the Xabandar, who is he that with absolute power
governs all the affairs of the army : this general, accompanied
with five Lanchares, and twelve Ballons, came to me to the
port where I rode at anchor ; then with a great noise of drums,
bells, and popular acclamations, he brought me to a certain
key of the town, called Campalator ; there the Bandara,
governour of the kingdom, stayed for me in great solemnity,
attended by many Ourobalons and Amborraias, which are the
noblest persons of his Court, the most part of whom, for all
that, were but poor and base, both in their habit, and manner
of living, whereby I knew that the country was not so rich as
it was thought to be in Malaca. When I was come to the
Kings palace, and had past through the first court, at the
entrance of the second I found an old woman, accompanied
with other persons far nobler, and better apparelled then those
that marched before me, who beckening me with her hand, as
if she had commanded me to enter :
Man of Malaca, said she unto me. Thy arrival in the King
my masters land is as agreeable unto him, as a showre of rain is
to a crop of rice in d/ry and hot weather; wherefore enter boldly,
and be afraid of nothing, for the people, which by the goodness
of God thou seest here, are no other than those of thiiie own
country, since the hope which we have in the same God makes
us believe that he will maintain us all together .unto the end of
the world. Having said so, she carried me where the King
was, unto whom I did obeysance according to the manner of
the country ; then I delivered him the letter and the present I
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 87
had brought him, which he graciously accepted of, and asked
me what^ occasion drew me thither. Whereunto I answered,
as I had in commission, thaiXMas-comaiajerveJiia Highness
^^S^15H?iJ5^?J§-IiSESd-toJiayeJh^ honour jboattend on
fe™j-A-S9i^i<i l§ai9_him till. §uoh time as^we returned con-
queror^i3l__hi3_£nemiesi„hereunto..l' hlsewjse, added, that I
desirfiijo^see the city of Achem,; as also the scituation and
fortifications of it, and what depth the river was of, whereby I
might know whether it would bear great vessels and gallions,
because the captain of Malaca had a design to come and
succor^ his ^ighnesaa, aa Rnnn_a^HjTTH_mmi warn rotnrji£d_frgni
1 the mdies, and to deliver his mortal enenrjj;^,_tVig_Tyra,nt~nf
l4c^gm,.iat0.h.iB haj]4§- This poor king presently believed all
that I said to be true, and so much the rather, for that it was
conformable to his desire, in such sort, that rising out of his
throne where he was set, I saw him go and fall on his knees
before the carcass of a cows head, set up against the wall,
whose horns were gilt, and crowned with flowers ; then lifting
up his hands and eyes, 0 thou, said he, that not constrained
by any material love, wherunto Natwre hath obUged thee, dost
continually make glad all those that desire thy milk, as the own
mother doth him whom she hath brought into the world, ivithout
participating either of the miseries, or paines, which ordinarily
she suffers from whom we take our being, be favorable unto the
prayer which now with all my heart I offer up unto thee : and
it is no other but this, that in the meadows of the sun, where
with the payment and recompence which thou receivest, thou art
contented with the good that thou dost here below, thou wilt be
pleased to conserve me in the new amity of this good capta/in, to
the end he may put in execution all that this man here hath told
me. At these words all the courtiers, which were likewise on
their knees, said three times, as it were in answer, Hoio
happy were he that could see that, and then dye incontinently ?
Wherupon the King arose, & wiping his eyes, which were all
beblubbered with the tears that proceeded from the zeal of the
prayerigJjaiioade,.he., questioned, me ajiout many particular
things of the Iw^es, and ifaZaca. Having spent some time
therein, he very courteously dismissed me, with a promise to
cause the merchandise which the Mahometan had brought in
38 THE TMAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
the captain of Malaca's name, to be well and profitably put
off, which indeed was the thing I most desired. Now for as
much as the King at my arrival was making his preparations
for to march against the Tyrant of. AchenBj and had taken
order for all things necessary for that voyage, after I had
remained nine days in Panaiu, the capital city of the kingdom
of Batas, he depa!Etsdjvith_some_troopsT5wafd3 a place named
'' Turban, some five leagues off, where he arrived an hour before
sun-set, without any manner of reception, or shew of joy, in
regard of the grief he was in for the death of his children,
which was such as he never appeared in pubUque, but with
great demonstration of sorrow.
The next morning the King of Batas marched from Turban
towards the kingdome of Achem, being 18 leagues thither. He
c^arried with him fifteen thousand men of war, whereof eight
thousand were Bataes, and the rest Menancabes, Lusons,
AjiAiuLgaj.'i.rp,,';, jQ,pi,hp,.^, and Enur'Mfi^ii , whom the Princes his
neighbours had assisted him with, as also fourty elephants, and
twelve carts with small ordnance, namely, faulcons, bases, and
other field pieces, amongst the which there were three that
had the arms of France, and were taken in the year 1526. at
such time as Lopo Vaz de Sampayo governed the State of
the Indies. Now the King of Batas, marching five leagues a
day came to a river, called Quilem; there by some of the Tyrants
spies, which he had taken, he learnt that his eneniy waited for
him at Tondacwr, two leagues from Achem, with a purpose- to"
fight wrtE"him, and that "£e had great store of strangers in his
army, namely Turks, Cambayans, and Malabars : whereupon
the King of Batas, assembling his councel of war, and faUing
into consultation of this affair, it was concluded, as most
expedient, tajaimponjhg. enemy hjefQEe^he grew more strong.
With this resolution having quit the river, he marched somewhat
faster then ordinary, and arrived about ten of the clock in the
night at the foot of a mountain, half a league from the enemies
camp, where after he had reposed himself a matter of 3 hours,
he marched on in very good order; for which effect having
divided his army into four squadrons, and passing along by a
little hill, when he came to the end thereof, he discovered a
great plain sowed with rice, where the enemy stood ranged in
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 89
two _battaliona. As soon as the two armies descried one
another, andiihat at the sound of their trumpets, drums, and
bells, the souldiers had set up a terrible cry, they encountred
very valiantly together ; and after the discharge of their shot
on both sides, they came to fight hand to hand with such '
courage, that I trembled for fear to behold their fury. The
battel continued in this manner above an hour, and yet could
it not possibly be discerned which party had the better. At
laist the Tyrant foresedflgJihaULbe persisted in the fight, le
shogr lqsOtOkL...b§o?!SS_e Jh;e_£eEfig^ hia,me_n to_grow
faint and weary, he, retreated to a jjgfflg^round, that lay south
to the Bataes, and about a faulcons shot distant from them.
tKt eTS intention was to fortifie himself in certain trenches
which before he had caused to be cast up against a rock in
form of a garden, or tilth of rice ; but a brother of the K. of
Andraguire interrupted his design, for stepping before him with
2000 men, he cut off his way, and stopt him from passing
further, in so much that the medly grew to be the same it was
before, and the fight was renewed between them with such
fury, as cruelly wounding one another, they testified sufficiently
how they came but little short of other nations in courage.
By this means the Tyrant, before he could recover his trenches,
lost 1500 of his men, of which number were 300 and 60 Tii/rks,
that a little before were come to him from the Streight of
Mecqiia, with two hundred Saracens, Malabars, and some
Abissins, which were the best men ho had. Now because it
was about mid-day, and therefore very hot ; the King of Batas
retired towards the mountain, where he' spent the rest of the
day in causing those that were wounded to be looked unto,
and the dead to be buried. Hereupon not being well resolved
what to do, in regard he was altogether ignorant of the
enemies design, he took care to have good watch kept aU that
night in every part. The next morning no sooner began the
sun to appear, but he perceived the valley, wherein the Achems
had been the day before, to be quite abandoned, and not one of
them to be seen there, which made him think the enemy was
defeated in this opinion, the better to pursue the first point
of his victory, he dismissed all the hurt men, as being unfit for
service, and followed the Tyrant to the city, where arriving
40 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
two hours before sun-set, to shew that he had strength and
courage enough to combat his enemies, he resolved to give
them proof of it by some remarkable action before he would
encamp himself ; to which effect he fired two of the suburbs
of the town, as also four ships, and two galleons, which were
' drawn on land, and were those that had brought the Turks
i from the Streight of Mecqua. And indeed the fire took with
such violence on those six vessels, as they were quite con-
sumed in a little time, the enemy not daring to issue forth for
to quench it. After this, the King of Batas, seeing himself
vf avoured by fortune, to lose no opportunity began ta assault a
fort,"^alIe3~.^jwtcao^_which with twelve pieces of ordnance
IdeK^edThefeatEy-jof-the river,; to tlie soalado of This he went
in person, his whole army looking on, and having caused some
70 or 80 ladders to be planted, he behaved himself so well,
that with the loss only of 37 men he entred the place, and
put all to the sword that he found in it, to the nmnber of 700
persons, without sparing so much as one of them. Thus he
did on the' dayof his arrival perform three memorable things,
whereby his souldiers were so heartned, as they would fain
have assaulted the city the very same night, if he would have
permitted them ; but in regard it was very dark, and his men
weary, he gave thanks to God, and contented himself with
that which he had done.
The King of Batas held the city besieged by the space of 513
dayes, during Jhejwhich two sallies were made, wherein
nothing past of any reckoning, for there were but ten men
slam on eitherjpart. "Now as victories and good success in
war do ordinarily encourage the victorious ; so often it happens
thatjbhgjsvBak become strong, and cowards so hardy, as laying
aside all fear, they dare undertake most difficile and dangerous
things, whence also it as often falls out, that the one prospers,
and the other is ruined; which appeared but too evidently in
that which I observed of these two princes ; for the King of
Batas, seeing that the Tyrant had shut himself up in his city,
thereby as it were confessing that he was vanquished, grew to
such an height of confidence, that both ' he and his people
beheving it was impossible for them to be resisted, and trust-
ing in this vain opinion that blinded them, were twice in
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 41
hazard to be lost by the rash inconsiderate actions which they
entred into. In the third saUj^. made by the^ inhabitants, the
Kifig.. of BajEas.,pfiQple . eneountrfid^hem_very^ in^^'i'^y in. twg
P^-§!££§2j!feiskihase.of,:4-C^gw^ perceiving, they made as though
theyjscere the weaker, and so retreated' to the same-iort
that was taken '"irbm them by the Bataes the first day of
their arrival, being closely followed by one of the Kings
Captains, who taking hold of the opportunity, entred pell-mell
with the Achems, being perswaded that the victory was sure
his own ; but when they were altogether in the trenches, the
Achems turned about, and making head afresh defended them-
selves very couragiously. At length in the heat of their
medleyjjbhe one side indeavouring to go on, and the other to
withstandJ^em. those ol^^,cAe??i gave fire jiQ.a^mynej'lEey^hajd
igade, wHch^wrought^ so effectually, as it Ijjlew up the, captain
oi^BBata^, andaboveSOO of Jus souIdierSf-with so great a
noise, and so thick a smoak, as the place seemed to be the
very portrayture of hell. In the mean time the enemies giving
a great shout, the Tyrant sallied forth in person, accompanied
with 5000 resolute men, and charged the £a toes very furiously;
Now for that neither of them could see one another by reason
of the smoak proceeding from the myne, there was a most con-
fused and cruel conflict between them ; but to speak the truth,
I am not able to deliver the manner of it ; it sufficeth, that in
a quarter of an hours space, the time this fight endured 4000
were slain in the place on both sides, whereof the King of
Batas lost the better part, which made him retire with the
remainder of his army, to a rock, called Minacalen, where
causing his hurt men to be drest, he found them to be two /
thousand in number, besides those that were killed; which
because they-could-JiotJae Bo..suddenLy. buried., were ihrown
into, the current of the jiver, Hereupon the two kings con-
tinued quiet for four dayes after, at the end whereof one morn-
ing, when nothing was less thought of, there appeared in the
midst of the river, on PenaUcans side, a fleet of fourscore and
sis sails, with a great noise of musick, and aoclammations of
joy. At first this object much amazed the Bataes, because^
they knew not what it was, howbeit the night before their
scouts had taken five fisher-men, who put to torture confessed,
42 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
that this was the_army which the Tyrant had sent some two
mpnths before to Tevassery, in regard he had wax" with -the
/SorwaMJTSing of Siamj and it was said that this army wall
composed oTSOOO Lussons and Sornes, all choice men, having
to general a Turk, named Hametecam, nephew to the Bassa of
Cairo. Whereupon the King of Batas making use of these
fisher-mens confession, resolved to retire himself in any
sort whatsoever, well considering that the time would not
permit him to make an hours stay, as well because his
enemies forces were far greater than his, as for that every
minute they expected succours from Pedir and Pazen,
whence it was reported, for certain, there were twelve ships
full of strangers coming. No sooner was the King fortified
in this resolution, but the night ensuing he departed very sad,
and ill contented for the bad success of his enterprize, wherein
he had lost above three thousand and five hundred men, not
comprizing the wounded, which were more in number, nor
those that were burnt with the fire of the myne. Five.dayes
' after his departure he arrived at Panaiu, where he dismissed
all his forces, both his own subjects and strangers; that done,
he imbarqued himself in a small lanchara, and went up the
river without any other company then two or three of his
favorites. With this small retinue he be took himself to a
place, called Pachissaru, where he shut himself up for fourteen
daygs,, hy M&Y £tJS_enano^,, in a pagode of an idol, named
Ginnassereo, which signifies the God of Sadness. At his return
to Panaiu, he sent for me, and the Mahometan that brought
Pedro de Faria's merchandise ; the first thing that he did, was
to enquire particularly of him whether he made a good sale of
it, adding withal, that if any thing were still owing to him he
would command it to be presently satisfied; hereunto the
Mahometan and I answered, that through his Highness favour
all our business had received a very good dispatch, and that we
were paid for that we had sold, in regard whereof the captain
of Malaca would not fail to acknowledge that courtesie, by
sending him succour for to be revenged on his enemy the Tyrant
of Achem, whom he would inforce to restore aU the places,
which he had unjustly usurped upon him. The King hearing
me speak in this manner stood a while musing with himself,
OF PEBDINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 43
and then in answer to my speech ; Ah Portugal, said he, since
thou constrainest me to tell thee freely wliat I think ; beUeve
me not hereafter to be so ignorant as that thou ma/yst be able to
perswade me, or that I can be capable to imagine, that he which
in thirty years space could not revenge himself, is of power to
succour me at this present in so short a time ; or if yet thou
thinkest I deceive my self, tell me, I pray thee now, whence
comes it that thy King and his Govemours could not hinder this
cruel King of Achem from gaining from you the Fort of Pazem,
and the galley which went to the Molucquaes, as also three ships
in Queda, and the galleon of Malaca, at such time as Garcia was
captain there, besides the fou/r foists that were taken since at
Salengor, mth the two ships that came from Bengala, or Lopo
Chanoca's junk and ship, as likewise many other vessels, which
I cannot now remember, in the which, as I have been assured,
this inhumane hath put to death above a thousand Portugals, and
gotten an extream rich booty. Wherefore if this Tyrant should
happen to come once more against me, how canst thou have me
rely upon their word which heme been so often overcome ? I must
of necessity then continue as I am mth three of my children
mu/rdered, and the greatest part of my kingdom destroyed, seeing
you your selves are not much more assured in your fortress of
Malaca. I must needs confess that this answer, made with so '
much resentment, rendred me so ashamed, knowing he spake
nothing but truth, that I durst not talk to him afterwards of
any succour, nor for our honour reiterate the promises which-
I had formerly made him, , ' . / ',<.," t^ ^ .1
1: .fj.;u'--v^-^"-^^-^^ "'■::,: :^d v
CHAPTEE VIII.
What past between the King of Eatas and me, until such time as I
imbarciued for Malaca.
THBJfajfeowietow and.! returning.. tp our .lodgingj^eparted
in four dayes Jifter, imploying that time in shipping an
ihundred bars of tin, and thirty of benjamin, which were still
on land. Then being fully satisfied by our merchants, an£
ready to go, I went to wait upon the King at his Passeiran.
44 '-THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
which was a great place before the palace, where those of the
country kept their most solemn fairs; there I gave him to
understand, that now we had nothing more to do but depart
if it would please his Majesty to permit us : the entertain-
ment that he gave me then was very gracious ; and for answer
he said to me, I am very glad for that Herman Xabandar, (who
was chief general of the wars) assured me yesterday that your
captains commodities were well sold ; but it may be that that
which he told me was not so, and that he delivered not the
truth for to please me, and to accommodate himself to the
desire he knew I had to have it so ; wherefore, continued he,
I pray thee declare unto me freely whether he dealt truly with
me, and whether the Mahometan that brought them be fully
satisfied ; for I would not that, to my. dishonour, those of
Malaca should have cause to complain of the merchants of
iPanaiu, saying, that they are not men of their word, and that
there is not a king there who can constrain them to pay their
debts ; and I swear to thee by the faith of a Pagan, that this
affront would be no less insupportable to my condition, then if
I should chance to make peace with that Tyrant, and perjured
\enemy of mine, the King of Achem. Whereunto having
replyed, that we had dispatched all our affairs, and that there
was nothing due to us in his country : Verily, said he, I am
very well pleased to hear that it is so ; wherefore since thou
hast nothing else to do here, I hold it requisite, that without
any further delay thou shouldst go, for the time is now fit to
set sail, and to avoid the great- heats that ordinarily are
endured in passing the gulph, which is the cause that ships are
many times cast upon Pazem by foul weather at sea, from
which I pray God deUver thee ; for I assure thee that if thy
ill fortune should carry thee thither, the men of Achem would I
eat thee ahve, and the Tyrant himself would have the first bite
at thee, there being nothing in the world these inhumanes so
much vaunt of, as to carry on the crest of their arms the device
of Drinkers of the troubled blood of miserable Gaffers, who
(they say) are come from the end of the world, caUing them
tyrarmical men, and usurpers in a supreme degree of other mens
kingdoms in the Indies, and Isles of the Sea. This is the title
wherein they glory most, and which they attribute particularly
OF FMBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 45
to themselves, as being sent them from Mecqiiain recompence
of the golden lamps which they offered to the Alcoran of their
Mahomet, as they use to do every year. Furthermore, although
heretofore I have often advised thy captain of Malaca, to take
careful heed of this Tyrant of Achem, yet do not thou omit to
advertise him of it once more from me ; for know that he never
had, nor shaU have other thoughts, then to labour by all means
to expel him out of the Indies, and make the Tv/rh master of
them, who to that end promiseth to send him great succours ;
but I hope that God will so order it, as aU the malice and cun-
ning of this disloyal vTretch shall have a contrary success to
his intentions. After he had usedthis language to me he gave
me a letter in answer to mjr embassage, together ■mth,a present,
which he desired me to deliver f rom Mni tct Claptain-da. J/joti?, ;
this was six small javelins headed with gold, 12 cates of
Galambuca wood, every one of them weighing 20 ounces, and
a box of exceeding value, made of a tortoise shell, beautified
with gold, and fuU of great seed pearl, amongst the which there
were 16 fair pearls of rich account. JFor my self, he gave me
two cates of gold, and a little courtelace garnished with the
same. Then he dismissed me with as much dgjoonstrationof
hpnour as he had alwayes use3 to me before, protesting to me
in particular, that the. amiiywhieh-he, had contracted with_pur
nation should ever continue, iimolabla. on his_£art. Thus I
imbarqued my self with Aquamis Dabolay, his brother-in-law,
who was the same he had sent embassadour to Malaca, as I
have related before. Being departed from the port of Panam,
we arrived about two hours in the night at a little island,
called ApofingiM, distant some league and an half from the
mouth of the river, and inhabited by poor people, who lived
by fishing of shads.
The next morning^JLeararig..lhaiiJdaM_of.J^^^/&g^^
\ alongTJytEe coastia£JiheJOcean..Sea..fo^_the space of 25 leagues,
until, giich^^time as_at length we entred into the Streight of Minr
\haga/ruu, by which we came; then passing by the contrary
coast of this other Me&iterranean Sea, we continued our course
along by it, and at last arrived near to Pullo Biigay. There we
crost over to the firm land, and passing by the port of Jwioulan,
we sailed two dayes and an half with a favourable wind, by
46 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
means whereof we got to the river of Paries in the kingdom of
Qiieda.
[Here follows an adventure that befell Pinto in the Kingdom
of Queda, trnttttel».]
Being departed from the river of Paries, on a Saturday about
sun-set, I made all the speed that possibly I could, and con-
tinued my course until the Tuesday foUovring ; when it pleased
God that I reached to the isles of Pullo SambaUn, the firgL
land on the coast of_ MaZ|aj!p. There by good fortune I met
with 3 Portugal ships "(whereof 2 came from Bengala, and the
other from Pegu) commanded by Tristen de Gaa, who had
somtimes been governour of the person of Don Lorenzo, son
to the Vice-roy, Don Francesco d' Almeda, that was afterward
put to death by Miroocem in Ghaul Eoade, as is at large
delivered in the history of the discovery of the Indies. This
same Tristan furnished me with many things that I had greaF
need oi^ as tackle,, and mariners, together with two souldiers,
and a pilot ; moreoyerj both himself and the other two ships
had alwayes aeareof mejintil our arrivaLat.JfaZoca; where
dis-imbarquing my self, the first thing I did wai^to go to
the fortress for to salute the captain, and to render him
an account of the whole success of my voyage, where I
discoursed unto him at large what rivers, ports, and^ havens,
I had newly discovered in the isle of Samatra,_ as well. on
the Mediterranean, as on the Ocean Seas side, as also what
commence the inhabitants of the country used ; then I declared
unto him the manner of all that coast, of all those ports
and of all those rivers ; whereunto I added the scituations, the
heights, the degrees, the names, and the depths of the ports,
according to the direction he had given me at my departure.
Therewithall I made him a description of the roade wherein
Bosado, the captain of a French ship, was lost, and another,
named\MateZdie de Srigds, as also the commander of another
ship, who by a storm at sea was cast into the port of Diu, in
the year 162^. during the reign of Sultan Bandmr, King of
Qambaga. This prince having taken them "all^ made fourscore
and two of them abjure their faith, who served him in his wars
against the great Mogor, and where every one of them miserably
slain in thatlipedition. Moreover I brought him the des-
OF FERDINAND MBNDFZ PINTO. 47
cription of a place fit for anchorage in Pullo Bstwn Eoade,
where the Bisquayn ship suffered shipwrack, which was said to
be the very same, wherein Magellan compassed the world, and
was called the Vittoria, which traversing the Isle of Jooa was
cast away at the mouth of the river of Sonda. I made him a
recital likewise of many different nations, which inhabit„_all
along thia ocean^and _the river of Lampon, from whence tlje
gold piJ^ewawca&oJs Jranspor£ed to Jhejiingdom of^ Cam^ar,
upon .tbajstaiers of Jambes and Broteo. For the'inhabitants
affirm, out of their chronicles, how in this very town of Lampon
there was anciently a factory of merchants, established by the
Queen of Sheha, whereof one, named NoAisem, sent her a
great quantity of gold, which she carried ta the Temple of
Jerusalem, at such time as she went to visit the wise King
Solomon ; from whence, some say, she returned with child of
a son, that afterwards succeeded to the Empire of .Ethiopia,
whom now we call Prester-John, of whose race the Abissins
vaunt they are descended. Further, I told him what course'
was usually held for the fishing of seed pearl betwixt Pullo
Tiquos and Pullo Quenim, which in times past were carried by
the Bataes to Pazem and PedAr, and exchanged with the Turlcs
of the Streight of Mecgua, and the ships of Judaa, for such
merchandise as they brought from Grand Cairo, and the ports
of Arabia Fcalix. Divers other things I recounted unto him,
having learnt them of the King of Batas, and of the merchants
of Panaiu. And for conclusion, I gave him an information in
writing, as he had formerly desired me, concerning the Island
of Gold : I told him, how this island is beyond^ the river
Galandor five degrees to the southward, invironed withx^any
shelfs of sand, and currents of water, as also that it was disfan^^
some hundred and threescore leagues from the point of the
(Isle of Samatra. With all which reports Pedro de Faria
remained so well satisfied, that he made present relation
thereof to the King Dom Jova/n the Third of happy memory,
who the year after ordained Francesco d' Almeida for captain
to discover the Isle of Gold, a gentleman of merit, and very
capable of that charge, who indeed had long before petitioned
the king for it in recompence of the services by him performed
in the islands of Bmda, of the Mohwques, of Temate, and
48 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
Geilolo : but by ill-fortune this Francesco d' Almeida, being
gone from the Indies to discover that place, dyed of a feaver in
the Isles of Nicuhar; whereof the King of Portugal being
advertised, he honored one Diego Gabral, born at the Maderaes,
with that command ; but the court of justice deprived him of
it by express order from Martinez Alphonso de Sousa, who was
at that time Governor, which partly proceeded, according to
report, for that he had murmured against him ; whereupon he
gave it to Jeronymo Figuereydo, a gentleman belonging to the
Duke of Braganca, who in the year 1542. departed from Goa
with two foists, and one carvel, wherein there were fourscore
men, as well souldiers, as mariners ; but it is said, that his
voyage was without effect, for that, according to the apparances
that he gave of it afterward, it seemed that he desired to
enrich himself too suddenly : to which end he passed to the
coast of Tanassery, where he took certain ships that came
from Mecqua, Adem, Alcosser, Judcea, and other places upon
the coast of Persia. And verily this booty was the occasion of
his undoing, for upon an unequal partition thereof falling at
difference with his souldiers, they mutined in such sort against
him, as after many affronts done him they bound him hand
and foot, and so carried him to the Isle of Geilan, where they
set him on land; and the carvel, with the two foists, they
returned to the Governor Don Joana de Castra, who in regard
of the necessity of the time pardoned them the fault, and took
them along with him in the army, which he led to Diu for the
succour of Don Joana Mascarenhas, that was then straitly
besieged by the King of Gamhaya's forces. Since that time
there hath been no talk of the discovery of this island of gold,
although it seemes very much to import the common good of
our kingdom of Portugal, if it would please God it might be
brought to passe.
OF FEBDINAND MENDMZ PINTO. 49
CHAPTBE IX.
The Arrival of an Embassador at Malaea from the King of Aaru to the
Captain thereof ; his sending me to the said King, my eoming to Aaru,
and that which happen'd to me after my departing from thence.
FIVE and twenty dayes after my coming to Malaea, Dmn
Stephant) de Gama, being still captain of the fortress, an
embassador arrived there from the King of Aaru, for to demapd
succor, _oi men from him^^and some munitions of war, as
powder, and Jbullets, for to SSJenS Himself from" a great fleet
that tKe King ot IcJiem was setting jorth against Erm7with an
inteSioirtcr deprive him of his kingdom, and to be a nearer
neighbour unto us, to the end that having gained that passage,
he might afterwards send his forces the more easily against our
fortress of Malaea; whereof Pedro de Faria was no sooner
advertised, but representing unto himself how important this
affair was for the service of the King, and preservation of the
fortress, he acquainted Dom St»phano de Gama with it, in
regard his command of the place was to continue yet six weeks
longer; howbeit he excused himself from giving the succor
which was required, saying, that the time of his government
was now expiring, and that his being shortly to come in, the
duty of his charge did oblige him to take care of this businesse,
and to think of the danger that menaced him. Hereunto
Pedro de Fana made answer, that if he would relinquish his
government for the time he had yet to come in it, or give him
fuU power to dispose of the publique magaains, he would
provide for the succor that he thought was necessary. In a
word, and not to stand long on that which past betwixt them,
it shall suffice to say, that this Embassador was utterly denied
his demand by these two Captains ; whereof the one alleged
for excuse, that he was not yet entred upon his charge ; and
the other, that he was upon the finishing of his : whereupon he
returned very ill satisfied with this refusal, and so far resented
the injustice which he thought was done unto his King, as the
very morning wherein he imbarqued himself, having met by
chance with the two Captains at the gate of the fortress, he i
said aloud before them pubhquely, with the tears in his eyes
6
60 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
In the name of the Prince of Portugal, Ibeseech^yqu, once, twice,
nay a hundred times, that you will perform that appertaines unto
your duty to do ; for this which I this publickely demand of you
is of so great importance, that therein consists, not so much the
preservation of the Kingdom of Aaru, as the safety of this yowr
fortress of Malaca, whAch that Tyrant of Achem, ov/r enemy, so
extreamly desires to possesse.
Having finished this speech, which availed him nothing, he
stooped down to the ground, from whence taking up two stones,
he knocked with them upon a piece of Ordnance, and then the
tears standing in his eyes, he said. The Lord, who hath created
us, will defend us if he please ; and so imbarqiiing himself he
departed greatly discontented for the bad answer he carried
back. Five days after his departure Pedro de Fa/ria was told
how all the town murmured at the. small respect that both he
and Dan Stephana had carried to that poor King, who had ever
been a friend both to them, and the ■wholePbrlugal nation, and
continually done very good of&ces to the fort, for which cause
his Kingdom was now like to be taken from him. This advice
causing him to see his fault, and to be ashamed of his pro-
ceeding, he labored to have palliated it with certain excuses,
but at last he sent this King by way of succor fifteen quintals
of powder, an hundred pots of wildj^fire, an hundred and fifty
bullets for greaf ordnance, twelve harquebuzes, forty sacks of
stones, threescore head-pieces, and a coat of gilt mail, lined
with crimson sattin, for his own person, together with many
other garments of divers sorts, as also twenty pieces of Caracas,
which are stained linnen, or cotton tapestry, that come from
the Indies, and cloth of Malaya, wherewith they usually
apparel themselves in that country, as well for his wife, as his
daughters. AU these things being laden aboard a Lanchara
with oars, he desired me conduct and . present them from him
to the King of Aq/ru, adding withall, that this business greatly
concerned the King of Portugals service, and that at my return,
besides the recompenee I should receive from him he would
give me an extraordinary pay, and upon all occasions employ
me in such voyages, as might redound to my profit ; whereupon
I imdertook it, in an ill hour as I may say, and for a punish-
ment of my sins, in regard of what arrived unto me thereupon,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 51
as shall be seen hereafter. So then I imbarqued my self on
Tuesday morning, the 5th of October, 1539. and used such
speed, that on Sunday following I arrived at the river of
Panetican, upon which the city of Aaru is soituated.
I no sooner got to the river of PaneUcan, but presently
landing I went directly to a trench, which the King in person
was causing to be made at the mouth of the river for to
impeach the enemies' dis-imbarquing ; presenting my self unto
him, he^received me with great' demonstration of joy, where-
upon J deliYered_^im JPeiro de Faria's letter, which gave him
some hoge^ of bis coming, iiL:pef&n. to succor him, if need
required, with many other complements, tihat cost little the
saying, wherewith Jhe King was wonderfully contented, because
he akeadyjmagned^tbi'i the eSect thereof,. would infallibly
ensue. Buj^ after he^saw the present I brought him, consisting
of powder and ammunitions, he ■was~so'gIad, that taking me in
> his arms, My^^od fi^end, said he unto me, I assure thee that
the last night I dreamt how all these things, which I behold
,here before me, came unto me from the King of Portugal, my
masters fortress, by means whereof, with God's assistance, I
hope to defend my kingdom, and to serve him, in the manner
I have always hitherto done, that is, moat faithfully, as all the
captains can very well testifie, which have heretofore com-
manded in Malaca. Hereupon questioning me about certain
matters, that he desired to know, as well concerning the
Indies, as the Kingdom of Portugal, he recommended the
finishing of the trench to his people, who wrought very
earnestly and chearfully in it; and taking me by th.eJiand, on
fool as Jhe was, attended only by five or six gentlemen^ he led
me" directly. to the city, that was about some quarter of a
league from the trench, whgre in his palace hg entertained me
most, magiafieeatlys yea and made me to salute his^wife, a
Watter very rarely practised in that country, & held for a
Ispeoial honor, which when I had done, with abundance of
tears he said unto me, Portugal, here is the cause that makes
me so much to redoubt the coming of my enemies ; for were I
not withheld by my vnfe, I swear unto thee by the law of a
good and true Moore, that I would prevent them in their
designs, without any other aid then of my own subjects; for it
52 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
is not now that I begin to know what manner of man the
perfidious Achem is, or how far his power extends ; Alas ! it is
the great store of gold, which he, possesseth, that covers his
weaknesse, and by means whereof he wageth such forces of
strangers, wherewith he is continually served. But now that
thou maist on the other side understand how vile and odious
poverty is, and how hurtful to a poor King, such as I may be,
come thee along with me, and by that little which I will
presently let thee see thou shalt perceive, whether it be not too
true, that fortune hath been so exceeding niggardly to me of
her goods. Saying so, he carried me to his Arsenal, which was
covered with thatch, and shewed me all that he had within it,
whereof he might say with reason, that it was nothing in com-
parison of what he needed for to withstand the attempts of
two^ hundred & thirty vessels, replenished with .siich, warlike
posplej as th.f> Achems and Malabar Turks were ; moreover,
with a sad countenance, and as one that desired to discharge
his mind of the grief he was in for the danger was threatned
him, he recounted unto me, that he had in all but six thousand
men Aa/runs, without any forraign succor, forty pieces of small
ordnance, as falconets, and bases, and one cast piece, which he
had formerly bought of a Portugal, named Antomio de Garcia,
sometimes a receiver of the toU and customs of the ports of the
fortress of Pacem, whom Georgia de Albuquerque cause since to
be hanged and quartered at Malaca, for that he treated by
letters with the King of Bintham about a plot of treason, which
they had contrived together)-i*He told me besides, that he had
also forty muskets, six and twenty elephants, fifty horsemen
for the guard of the place, eleven or twelve thousand staves
hardened in the fire, called Salignes, whose points were
poysoned, and for the defence of the trench fifty lances, good
store of targets, a thousand pots of unslack'd lime made into
powder, and to be used instead of pots of wild-fire, & three
or four barques full laden with great fiints ; in a word, by the
view of these, and such other of his miseries, I easily perceived
he was so unprovided of things necessary for his defence, that
I presently concluded the enemy would have ho great a do to
seize on this kingdom. Nevertheless he having demanded of
me what I thought of all this ammunition in his magaziin, and
OF FERDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. 53
whether there were not enough to receive the guesta he
expected, I answered him, that it would serve to entertain
them; but he understanding mymeaning stood musing a pretty
while, and then shaking his head, Verily, said he unto me, if
your King of Portugal did but know what a loss it would be to
him, that the Tyrant of Achem should take my kingdom from
me, doubtless he would chastise the little care of his captains,
who, blinded as they are, and wallowing in their avarice, have
suffered my enemy to grow so strong, that I am much afraid
they shall not be able to restrain him when they would, or if
they could, that then it must be an infinite expence. I labored
to answer this which he had said unto me with much resent-
ment ; but he confuted all my reasons with so much truth, as
I had not the heart to make any farther reply; withal he
represented divers foul and enormous actions unto me, where-
withal! he charged some in particular amongst us, which I am
contented to pass in silence, both in regard they are nothing
pertinent to my discourse, and that I desire not to discover
other mens faults. For a conclusion of his speech, he related
unto me the little punishment which was ordained for such as
were culpable of these matters, and the great rewards that he
had seen conferred on those which had not deserved them ;
whereupon he added, that if the King desired throughly to
perform the duty of his charge, and by arms to conquer people
so far distant from his kingdom, and to preserve them, it was
as necessary for him to punish the wicked, as to recompence
the good. This said, he sent me to lodge in a merchants
house, who for 5 days together, that I remained there,
entertained me bravely ; though to speak truth I had rather
have been at that time in some other place vnth any poor
victuals, for here I was always in fear, by reason of the
enemies continual alarms, and the certain news that came to
the King the next day after my arrival, how the Achems were
already marching towards Aaru, and would be there within
eight dayes at the farthest, which made him in all haste to
give directions for such things as he had not taken order for
before, and to send the women, and all that were unfit for war,
out of the city five or six leagues into the wood, amongst the
which the Queen her self made one, mounted on an elephant.
54 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
Five dayes after my arrival, the King sent for me, and asked
me when I would be gone, whereunto I replied, at such time
as it would please his Greatnesse to command me, though I
should be glad it might be with the soonest, for that I was to
be employed by my captain with his merchandise to China.
Thou hast reason, answered he ; then taking two bracelets of
massy gold off from his wrists, worth some thirty crowns, I
pri'thee now, said he, giving them to me, do not impute it to
miserableness that I bestow so little on thee, for thou mayst be
assured, that it hath been always my desire for to have much
for to give much ; withall I must desire thee to present this
letter, and this diamond from me to thy captain, to whom
thou shalt say, that whatsoever I am further engaged to him
for the pleasure he hath done me by succouring me with those
ammunitions he hath sent me by thee, I will bring it to him
my self hereafter, when I shall be at more liberty then now I
am.
Having taken leave of the King of Aaru, I presently im-
barqued my self, and departed about sun-set, rowing down the
river to an hamlet, that is at the entrance thereof, composed
bi ten or eleven houses covered with straw. This place is
inhabited with very poor people, that get their living by killing
of Uzards, of whose hver they make poyson, wherewith they
anoint the heads of their arrows ; for the poyson of this place,
chiefly that which is called Pocausilim, is held by them the
best of those countries, because there is no remedy for him
that is hurt with it. The next day, having left this smaU
village, we sailed along the coast with a land wind until even-
ing, that we doubled the islands of Anchepisan ; then the day
and part of the night following we put forth somewhat farther
to sea. But about the first watch the wind changed to the
north-east, for such winds are ordinary about the Isle of
Samatra, and grew to be so tempestuous, that it blew our mast
over board, tore our sails in pieces, and so shattered our vessel,
that the water came in that abundance into her at two several
places, as she sunk incontinently to the bottom, so that of
eight and twenty persons, which were in her, three and twenty
were drowned in less then a quarter of an hour. For us five
(that escaped by the mercy of God) we passed the rest of th§
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 65
night upon a rock, where the waves of the sea had cast us.
There all that we could do was with tears to lament our sad
fortune, not knowing what counsel or course to take, by reason
the country was so moorish, & invironed with so thick a wood,
that a bird, were she never so little, could hardly make way
through the branches of it, for that the trees grew so close
together. We sat crouching for the space of three whole days
- upou this rock, where for all our sustenance we had nothing
but snails, and such filth, as the foam of the sea produceth
there. After this time, which we spent in great misery and
pain, we walked a whole day along by the Isle of Sumatra, in
the owze up to the girdle-stead, and about sun-set we came to
a mouth of a little river, some crossbow-shot broad, which we
durst not undertake to swim over, for that it was deep, and we
very weak and weary ; so that we were forced to pass all that
night, standing up to the chin in water. To this misery was
there adjoyned the great affliction which the flies and gnats
brought us, that coming out of the neighbouring woods, bit
and stung us in such sort, as not one of us but was gore blood.
The next morning as soon as we perceived day, which we much
desired to see, though we had little hope of life, I demanded of
my four companions, all mariners, whether they knew the
country, or whether there was any habitation thereabout,
whereupon the eldest of them, who had a wife at Malaca, not
able to contain his tears, Alas I answered he, the place that
now is most proper for you, and me, is the house of death,
where ere it belong we must give an account of our sins ; it
therefore behoves to prepare our selves for it without any
further delay, and patiently to attend that which is sent us
from the hand of God : for my part, let me intreat thee to be
of a good courage whatsoever thou seest, and not to be terrified
with the fear of dying, since, every thing well considered, it
matters not whether it be to day, or to morrow. This spoken,
he embraced me, and with tears in his eyes desired me to
make him a Christian, because he beleeved, as he said, that to
be so was sufficient to save his soul, which could not otherwise
be done in the cursed sect of Mahomet, wherein he had Uved
till then, and for which he craved pardon of God. Having
finished these last words, he remained dead in my arms, for he
56 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
was so weak, as he was not able to subsist any longer, as well
for that he had not eaten ought in three or four days before,
as in regard of a great wound the wrack of the Lanchara had
given him in his head, through which one might see his brains
aU putrefied and corrupted, occasioned both for want of looking
unto, as by salt water and flies that were gotten into it.
Verily this accident grieved me very much, but for my self I
was in little better case, for I was likewise so weak, that every
step I made in the water I was ready to swoon, by reason of
certain hurts on my head and body, out of which I had lost a
great deal of blood. Having buried him in the owze the best
we could, the other three mariners and my self resolved to cross
the river, for to go and sleep on certain great trees, that we
saw on the other side, for fear of the tygers and crocodiles,
whereof that country is full, besides many other venemous
creatures, as an infinite of those copped adders I have spoken
of before in the sixth chapter, and divers sorts of serpents with
black and green scales, whose venom is so contagious, as they
kill den with their very breath. This resolution being thus
taken by us, I desired two of them to swim over first, and the
other to stay with me for to hold me up in the water, for that
in regard of my great weakness I could hardly stand upon my
legs : whereupon they two cast themselves presently into the
water, exhorting us to follow them, and not be afraid ; but
alas 1 they were scarce in the midst of this river, when as we
saw them caught by two great lizards, that were before our
faces, and in an instant tearing them in pieces, dragged them
to the bottom, leaving the water all bloody, which was so
dreadful a spectacle to us, as we had not the power to cry out;
and for my self, I knew not who drew me out of the water, nor
how I escaped thence ; for I was gone before into the river as
deep as my waste, with that other mariner which held me by
the hand.
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ FINTO. 57
CHAPTEE X.
By what meana I was earned to the town of Oiaea, and that which befell
me there; my going to Malaoa with a Mahometan merchant; and
<h« Tyrant of Aohem's army marching against the King of Aaru.
FINDING my self reduced to that extremity I have spoken
of, I was above three hours so besides my self, as I could
neither speak, nor weep. At length the other mariner and I
went into the sea again, where we continued the rest of that
day. The next morning having discovered a barque, that was
seeking the mouth of the river, as soon as it was near we got
out of the water, and falling on our knees with our hands lift
up we desired them to come and take us up ; whereupon they
gave over rowing, and considering the miserable state we were
in they judged immediately that we had suffered shipwrack, so
that coming somewhat nearer they asked us what we desired
of them ; we answered, that we were Christians, dwelling at
Malaca, and that in our return from Aaru we were cast away
by a storm about nine days before, & therefore praied theni
for Gods sake to take us away with them whithersoever they
pleased. Thereupon one amongst them, whom we guessed to
be the chiefest of them, spake to us thus. By that which I see
you are not in case to do us any service, and gain your
meat, if we should receive you into our barque, wherefore if
you have any mony hidden, you shall do well- to give it us
aforehand, and then we will use towards you that charity you
require of us, for otherwise it is in vain for you to hope for any
help from us : saying so, they made shew as though they
would be gone ; whereupon we besought them again weeping,
that they would take us for slaves, and go sell us where they
pleased ; hereimto I added, how they might have any ransom
for me they would require, as having the honor to appertain
very nearly unto the Captain of Malaca. Well, answered he
then, we are contented to accept of thy offer, upon condition,
that if that which thou saiest be not true, we will cast thee,
bound hand and foot, alive into the sea. Having replied, that
they might do so if they found it otherwise, four of them got
presently to us, and carried us into their barque, for we were
58 THE TBAVEL8, VOrAOES, AND ADVENTUSES
so weak at that time, as we were not able to stir of our selves.
When they had us aboard, imagining that by whipping they
might make us confess where we had hid our mony, for still
they were perswaded that we had some, they tyed us both to
the foot of the mast, and then with two double cords they
whipped us till we were nothing but blood all over. Now be-
cause that with this beating I was almost dead, they gave not
to me, as they did to my companion, a certain drink, made of
a kind of Ume, steeped in urine, which he having taken it,
made him fall into such a furious vomiting, as he cast up both
his lungs and his liver, so as he dyed within an hour after.
And for that they found no gold come up in his vomit, as they
hoped, it pleased God , that that was the cause why they dealt
not so with me, but only they washed the stripes they had
given me with the said liquor, to keep them from festering,
which notwithstanding put me to such pain, as I was even at
the point of death. Being departed from this river, which was
called Arissumhea, we went the next day after dinner ashore,
at a place where the houses were covered with straw, named
Ciaca, in the kingdom of Jambes, there they kept me seven and
twenty days, in which time by the assistance of heaven I got
my self throughly cured of all my hurts. Then they that had
a share in my person, who were seven in number, seeing me
unfit for their trade, which was fishing, exposed me to sale
three several times, and yet could meet with no body that
would buy me ; whereupon being out of hope of selling me,
they turned me out of doores, because they would not be at
the charge of feeding me. I had been six and thirty days
thus abandoned by these inhumanes, and put a grasing like a
cast horse, having no other means to live but what I got by
begging from door to door, which God knows was very little,
in regard those of the country were extream poor, when as one
day, as I was lying in the sun upon the sand by the sea side,
and lamenting my ill fortune with my self, it pleased God that
a Mahometan, born in the Isle of Palimban, came accidentally
by. This man, having been sometimes at Malaca in the com-
pany of Portugals, beholding me lie naked on the ground, asked
me if I were not a Portugal, and willed me to tell him the
truth; whereupon I answered, that indeed I was one, and
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 69
descended of very rich parents, who would give him for my
ransom whatsoever he would demand, if he would carry me to
Malaca, where I was nephew to the captain of the fortress, as
being the son of his sister. The Mahometan hearing me say
thus, If it be true, replyed he, that thou art such as thou
deliverost thy self to be, what so great sin hast thou committed
that could reduce thee to this miserable estate wherein I now
see thee ? Then I recounted to him from point to point how
I was oast away, and by what sort the fishermen had first
brought me thither in their barque, and afterwards had turned
me out of the wide world, because they could not find any body
that would buy me. Hereat he seemed to be much astonished,
BO that musing a pretty while by himself ; Know stranger, said
he unto me, that I am but a poor merchant, all whose wealth
amounts not to above an hundred Pardcdns (which are worth two
shiUings a piece of our mony) with which I trade for the rows
of shads, thereby hoping to get my living. Now I am assured
that I might gain something at Malaca, if so be the captain,
and the of&cers of the Custom-house there, would not do me
the wrong which I have heard say they do to many mer-
chants that come thither to traffique ; wherefore if thou
thinkst that for thy sake I should be well used there, I could
be contented to redeem thee from the fishermen, and go thither
with thee. Thereunto I answered him, with tears in mine eyes,
that considering the state I was in at the present, it was not
Uldy he could give credit to any thing I said, because it was
probable that to free my self out of my miserable captivity I
would prize my person at a far higher value then it would be
esteemed for at Malaca ; howbeit if he would lend any belief
to my oaths, since I had no other assurance to give him, I
would swear to him, and also set it imder my hand, that if he
would carry me to Malaca, the captain should do him a great
deal of honor for my sake, and besides the exempting of his
merchandise from paying of custome, he should receive ten
times as much as he should disburse for me. Well, rephed
the Mahometan, I am contented to redeem, and reconduct thee
to Malaca, but thou must take heed that thou speakest not a
word of what we have concluded on, for fear thy masters hold
thee at so dear s, rate, as I shall not be ftbl§ tg draw thee out
60 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAQES, AND ADVENTURES
of their hands though I would never so fain ; whereupon 1
gave him my faith to do nothing but what ho would have me
to do, especially in that particular, which I held to be most
necessary for the better effecting of our desire.
Pour dayes after this agreement, the Malwmetan merchant,
that he might the more easily redeem me, used the interposure
of a man born in the country, who under hand went to the
fishermen, and carried the business so cunningly with them, as
they quickly consented to my redemption, for they were
already very weary of me, as well in regard that I was sickly,
as for that I could no way stand them in any stead, and there-
fore, as I delivered before, they had turned me out of doores,
where I had continued a month and better ; so by the means
of this third person, whom the Mahometan had emploied, the
fishermen sold me to the merchant for the sum of seven mazes
of gold, which amounts in our mony to seventeen shillings and
six pence. The Mahometan as soon as he had redeemed me,
brought me to his house, where I was five dayes out of the
tyranny of these fishermen, and in a far better captivity then
the former ; at the end whereof my new master went five
leagues off to a place, named Sorobaya, where he got his mer-
chandise aboard, which, as I said before, was nothing but the
rows of shads ; for there is such great abundance of them in
that river, as the inhabitants do therewith every year lade
above two thousand vessels, which carry at least a hundred
and fifty, or two hundred barrels, whereof each one contains a
thousand rows, the rest of the fish not yielding them a penny.
After that the Mahometan had laden a Lamcha/ra vnth this
commodity, he presently set sail for Malaca, where within a
while he safely arrived, and carrying me to the fortress pre-
sented me to the captain, relating unto binri what agreement
we had made together. Pedro de Faria was so amazed to see
me in such a lamentable plight, as the tears stood in his eyes,
whereupon he bade me speak out aloud, that he might know
whether it was I that he beheld, for that I did not seem to be
my self, in regard of the strange deformity of my face. Now
because that in three months space there had been no news of
me, and that every one thought me to be dead, there came so
many folks to see me, as the fortress could scarce hold them.
OP FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 61
Here being demanded the occasion of my mis-fortune, and who
had brought me into that miserable case, I recounted the
adventures of my voyage, just in the same manner as I have
abeady delivered them, whereat the whole company were so
astonished, that I saw some go away without speaking a word,
and others shrink up their shoulders, and bless themselves in
admiration of that which they had heard from me ; but in con-
clusion their compassion towards me was such, that with the
very alms they bestowed on me I became far richer then I was
before I undertook that unlucky voyage. As for Pedro de
Feria, he caused threescore ducates to be given to the Maho-
metan merchant that brought me, besides two pieces of good
China damask ; moreover he freed me of all the duties he was
to pay for the custom of his merchandise, which amounted to
very near a like sum, so as he remained exceeding well satis-
fied of the bargain he had made with me. After this, to the
end I might be the better used and looked unto, the captain
commanded me to be lodged in the registers house of the
Kings Customs, where for that he was married there he
thought I might be better accommodated then in any other
place, as indeed I was very well entreated by him and his
wife ; so that having kept my bed about, the space of a month,
it pleased God to restore me unto my perfect health.
When I had recovered my health, Pedro de Fa/ria sent for
me to the fortress, where he questioned me about that which
had past betwixt roe and the King of Aaru, as also how and
in what place I was cast away, whereupon I made him an
ample relation thereof. But before I proceed any further, it is
requisite I should here report what was the success of the war
between the Kings of Aaru and Achem, to the end, that the
desolation, which I have so often foretold, of our fortress of
Malaca, may the more evidently appear, it being a matter of
too much importance for to be so neglected as it is by those
who ought to have more care of it. For this is certain, that
either the power of the King of Achem is utterly to be ruined,
or by it we shall be miserably expelled out of the countries
we have conquered all along the southern coast, as Malaca,
Ba/uda, Maltico, Sunda, Borneo, and Timor, and northwards
China, Japan, and the Leqmos^ as also many other parts and
62 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
ports, where the Porticgals are very much interessed by reason
of the traffique ■which they daily use there, and where they
reap more profit then in any other place that is yet discovered,
beyond the Cape of Good Hope, the extent thereof being so
great, that it contains along the coast above three thousand
leagues, as may easily be seen by the cards and globes of the
world, if so be their graduation be true. Besides, if this loss
should happen, which God of his infinite mercy forbid, though
we have but too much deserved it for our carelessness and
sins, we are in danger in Uke manner to lose the customes of
Mandprim of the city of Goa, which is the best thing the King
of Portugal hath in the Indies, for they are ports and islands,
mentioned heretofore, whereon depends the greatest part of his
revenue, not comprehending the spices, namely, the nutmegs,
cloves, and maces, which are brought into this kingdom from
those countries. Now to return to my discourse, I say, that
the Tyrant of Achem was advised by his councel how there was
no way in the world to take Malaca, if he should assail it by
sea, as he had divers times before, when as Dom Stephana de
Gama and his predecessors- were captains of the fortress, but
first to make himself master of the kingdom of Acmi, to the
end he might afterwards fortifie himself on the river of Paneti-
can, where his forces might more commodiously and neatly
maintain the war he intended to make: for then he might
have means with less charge to shut up the Streights of Ginca-
jpv/ra, and Sahaon, and so stop our ships from passing to the
Seas of China, Sunda, Banda, and the Molucques, whereby he
might have the profit of all the drugs which came from that
.^eat Archipelage ; and verily this counsel was so approved by
'me Tyrant, that he prepared a navy of an hundred and three-
score sails, whereof the most part were Lanchares with oars,
gaUots, Calabuses of Jaoa, and fifteen ships high built, fur-
nished with munition and victual. In these vessels he
imbarqued twenty thousand men, namely twelve thousand
soldiers, the rest sailers and pioners. Amongst these were
four thousand strangers, Turks, Abissins, Malahares, Guswrates,
and Lusons of the Isle of Borneo. Their general was one
named Heredin Mahomet, brother-in-law to the Tyrant, by
marriage with a sister of his, and governour of the kingdom of
OF FEEDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 63
Baarros. This fleet arrived safely at the river of PaneUcan,
where the King of Aaru attended them with six thousand of
his own natural subjects, and not a forraigner amongst them,
both in regard he wanted mony for to entertain souldiers, and
that also he had a company unprovided of victual to feed them.
At their arrival the enemies found them fortifying of the trench
whereof I spake heretofore ; whereupon without any further
delay they began to play with their ordnance, and to batter the
town on the sea side with great fury, which lasted six whole
dayes together. In the mean time the besieged defended them-
selves very valiantly, so as there was much blood spilt on
either side. The general of the Achems, perceiving he advanced
but little, caused his forces to land, and mounting twelve great
pieces he renewed the battery three several times with such
impetuosity, that it demolished one of the two forts that com-
manded the river ; by means whereof, and under the shelter of
certain packs of cotton, which the Achems carried before them,
they one morning assaulted the principal fortress : in this
assault an Abissin commanded, called Mamedecan, who a
moneth (or thereabout) before was come from Juda, to confirm
the new league made by the Bassa of Caire, on the behalf of the
grand Signior, with the Tyrant of Achem, whereby he granted
him a custom house in the p^rt of Pazem. This Abissin
rendred himself master of the bulwark, with sixty Turks,
forty Janizaries, and some Malabar Moors, who instantly
planted five ensigns on the walls. In the meantime the King
of Aaru encouraging his people with promises, and such words
as the time required, wrought so effectually, that with a
valourous resolution they set upon the enemy, and recovered
the bulwark which they had so lately lost ; so as the Abissin
captain was slain on the place, and aU those that were there
with him. The King, following his good fortune, at the same
instant caused the gates of the trench to be opened, and
sallying out with a good part of his forces, he combated his
enemies so valiantly, as he quite routed them. In like manner
he took 8 of their 12 pieces of ordnance, and so retreating in
safety he fortified himself the best he could, for to sustain his
enemies future assaults.
64 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADYENTUBES
CHAPTEE XI.
The death of the King of Aarn, and the cruel justice that waa executed on
him by his enemies ; the going of his Queen to Malaca, and her reception
there.
THE General of Achem, seeing the bad success which he
received in this encounter, was more grieved for the
death of the Abissin captain, and the loss of those eight pieces
of ordnance, then for all them that were slaih besides ; where-
upon he assembled his oouncel of war, who were all of opinion
that the commenced siege was to be continued, and the trench
assailed on every side, which was so speedily put in execution,
that in 17 dayes it was assaulted nine several times ; in so
much as by divers sorts of fire-works, continually invented by
a Turkish engineer that was in their camp, they demolished
the greater part of the trench ; moreover, they overthrew two
of the principal forts on the south-side, together with a great
platform, which in the manner of a fals-bray defended the
entry of the river, notwithstanding all the resistance the King
of Aaru could make with his people, though they behaved
themselves so valiantly, as^^iieAahems lost above two thousand
and five hundred men, boo'ides those that were hurt, which
were far more then the slain, whereof the most part died
shortly after for want of looking to. As for the King of Aaru,
he lost not above 400 men ; howbeit for that his people were
but few, and his enemies many, as also better ordered, and
better armed, in the last assault, that was given on the 13 day
of the moon, the business ended unfortunately by the utter
defeat of the King of Aaru's forces ; for it was his Ul hap, that
having made a saJley forth by the advice of a Cacis of his,
whom he greatly trusted, it fell out that this traytour suffered
himself to be corrupted with a bar of gold, weighing about
forty thousand ducates, which the Achem gave him, whereof
the King of Aa/ru being ignorant, set couragiously on his
enemies, and fought a bloody battel vnth them, wherein the
advantage remained on his side in all mens judgement ; but
that dog, the perfidious Cacis, whom he had left commander
of the trench, sallied forth with 500 men, under colour of
OF FEBBINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 66
seconding the King in his pursuit of so prosperous a beginning
and left the trench without any manner of defence, which
perceived by one of the enemies captains, a Mahometan
Malabar, named Gutiale Marcaa, he presently with six
hundred Gusa/rates and Malabars, whom he had led thither for
that purpose, made himself master of the trench which the
trayterous Cacis, for the bar of gold he had received had left
unguarded, and forthwith put all the sick and hurt men that
he found there to the sword, amounting to the number of
about fifteen hundred, whereof he would not spare so much as
one. In the mean time the unhappy King of Aaru, who
thought of nothing less than the treachery of his Cacis, seeing
his trench taken, ran to the succouring of it, being a matter
that most imported him : but finding himself the weaker, he
was constrained to quit the place, so that as he was making
his retreat to the town ditch, it was his ill fortune to be killed
by a shot of an harquebuse from a, Turk his enemy. Upon
this death of his ensued the loss of all the rest, by reason of the
great disorder it brought amongst them. "Whereat the enemies
exceedingly rejoycing, took up the corpse of that wretched king,
which they found amongst the other dead bodies, and having
imbowelled and salted him they put him up in a case, and so
sent him as a present to the Tyrant, who after many ceremonies
of justice, caused him to be pubHquely sawed into sundry
pieces, and then boiled in a cauldron full of oyl and pitch,
with a dreadful publication, the tenour whereof was this :
See here the justice wh/kh Sultan Laradin, King of the Land
of the two Seas, hath caused to be executed, whose will and
pleasure it is, that as the body of this miserable Mahometan
hath been sawed in sunder, and boyled here on earth, so his soul
shall suffer worse torments in hell, and that most worthily, for
his transgressing of the Law of Mahomet, and of the perfect
beUef of the Musselmans of the house of Mecqua; for this
execution is very just, and conformMble to the holy doctrine of the
Book of Flowers, in rega/rd this miscreant hath shewed himself
in all hds worhes to be so far without the fea/r of God, as he
hath incessantly from time to time betrayed the most secret
and important affairs of this kingdom to those accursed dogs of
the other end of the world, who for ov/r sins, and through ou/r
6
66 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
negligence, have with notorious tyranny made themselves lordi
of Malaca. This publication ended, a fearful noise arose
amongst the people, who oryed out, This pumshment is bu,
too little for so execrable a crime. Behold truly the mannei
of this passage, and how the loss of the kingdome of Aan
was joyned with the death of that poor king, who livec
in such good correspondence with us, and that in my opinior
might have been succoured by us with very small charge
and pains, if at the beginning of the war he had beer
assisted with that little he demanded by his embassadour
Now who was in the fault hereof, I will leave to the judgement
of them which most it concerns to know it.
After that this infortunate King of Aa/ru had miserably
ended his dayes, as I have before related, and that this whole
army was utterly defeated, both the town, and the rest of the
kingdom were easily and quickly taken in. Thereupon the
General of the Achems repaired the trenches, and fortified then
in such manner as he thought requisite for the conservatior
and security of all that he had gained : which done, he lefi
there a garison of 800 of the most couragious men of his army
who were commanded by a Lusan Mahometan, named Sapetii
de Baia, and incontinently after departed with the rest of hii
forces. The common report was that he went to the Tyrant o
Achem, who received him with very much honour for the
good success of this enterprize ; for, as I have already
delivered, being before but Govemour and Mandara of the
kingdom of Baarros, he gave him the title of King, so tha
ever after he was called Sultan of Baarros, which is the prope:
denomination of such as are kings amongst the Mahometans
Now whilest things passed in this sort, the desolate Queei
remained some seven leagues from Aa/ru, where being ad
vertised and assured of the death of the Bang her husband
and of the lamentable issue of the war, she presently resolvec
to cast her self into the fire; for she had promised her husbane
in his life time, confirming it with many and great oaths. Bu
her friends and servants, to divert her from putting se
desperate a design into execution, used many reasons unte
her, so that at length, overcome by their perswasions. Verily
said she unto them, AWwugh I yield to your request, yet .
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO, 67
would hawe you know, that neither the considerations you have
propounded, nor the zeal you seem to shew of good and faithful
subjects, were of power to turn me from so generous a determina-
tion, as that is which I promised to my King, my Husband, and
my Master, if God had not inspired me with this thought, that
living I may better revenge his death, as by his dea/r blood I vow
unto you to labour as long as I live to do, and to that end I will
undergo any extremity whatsoever ; nay, if need be, turn
Christian a thousand times over, if by that means I may be able
to compass this my desire. Saying so, she immediately got
upon an elephant, and accompanied with a matter of seven
hundred men, she marched towards the town with a purpose
to set it on fire, where incountring some four hundred Achems,
that were busie about pillaging of such goods as were yet
remaining, she so encouraged her people with her words and
tears, that they cut them all presently in pieces. This execu-
tion done, knowing her self too weak for to hold the town, she
returned into the wood, where she sojourned twenty days,
during which time she made war upon the townsmen, sur-
prising and pillaging them as often as they issued forth to get
water, wood, or other necessaries, so as they durst not stir out
of the town to provide themselves such things as they needed,
in which regard if she could possibly have continued this war
other twenty days longer, she had so famished them, as they
would have been oonstrain'd to render the town ; but because
at that time it rain'd continually by reason of the climate,
and that the place was boggy and full of bushes, as also the
fruits, wherewithal they nourished themselves in the wood
were all rotten, so that the most part of our people fell sick,
and no means there to relieve them, the Queen was con-
strained to depart to a river, named Minhacumbaa, some 5
leagues from thenee, where she imbarqued her self in 16
vessels, such as she could get, which were fishermens Paroos,
and in them she went to Malaca, with a belief that at her
arrival there she should not be denied any thing she would
ask.
Pedro de Faria, being advertised of the Queens coming, sent
AVoa/ro de Faria, his son, and General of the Sea-forces, to
receive her with a galley, five foists, two catures, 20 balons,
68 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
and 300 men, besides divers persons of the country. So she
was brought to the fortress, -where she was saluted with an
honourable peal of ordnance, which lasted the space of a good
hour. Being landed, and having seen certain things which Pedro
de Faria desired to shew her, as the Custom-house, the river,
the army, the manufactures, stores of powder, and other parti-
culars prepared before for that purpose ; she was lodged in a
fair house, and her people, to the number of six hundred, in a
field, called Ilher, in tents and cabbins, where they were ac-
commodated the best that might be. During all the time of
her abode, which was about a matter of five moneths, she con-
tinued soUiciting for succour, and means to revenge the death of
her husband. But at length perceiving the small assistance she
was like to have from us, and that all we did was but a meer
entertainment of good words, she determined to speak freely
unto Pedro de Faria, that so she might know how far she
might trust to his promises ; to which end, attending him one
Sunday at the gate of the fortress, at such time as the place
was full of people, and that he was going forth to hear mass ;
she went to him, and after many complements between them,
she said unto him; Noble and valiant Captain, I beseech you by
the generosity of your race, to give me the hearing in a few things
I have to represent unto you. Consider, I pray you, that albeit 1
am a Mahometan, and that for the greatness of my sins I am alto-
getlier ignorant in the knowledge of your holy Law, yet in regard
I am a woman, and have been a Queen, you ought to carry some
respect to we, and to behold my misery with the eyes of a Christian.
Hereimto at first Pedro de Faria knew not what to answer; in
the end putting off his cap, he made her a low reverence, and
after they had both continued a good while without speaking
the Queen bowed to the church gate, that was just before
them, and then spake again to Pedro de Fa/ria. Truly, said
she, the desire I have alwayes had to revenge the death of my
husband, hath been, and still is so great, that I have resolved
to seek out all the means that possibly I may to effect it, since by
reason of the weakness of my sex fortune will not perm/it me tc
bear arms. Being perswaded then that this here, which is the
first I home tryed, was the most asswred, and that I more relyed
upon then any other, as trusting in the ancient amity which hath
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 69
alwayes been betwixt us and you Portugals, and the obligation
wherein this fortress is engaged to us, passing by many other
considerations well Icnown to you ; I am now to desire you with
tears in mine eyes, that for the honour of the high and mighty
King of Portugal, my sovereign lord, and unto whom my husband
was ever a loyal subject and vassal, you will ayd and succour me
in this my great adversiUe, which in the presence of many noble
personages you have promised me to do. Howbeit now I see that
in stead of perfornving the prondses which you have so often
made me, you alkdga for an excuse that you home written unto
the Vice-roy, about it, whereas I have no need of such great forces
as you speak of, for that with an hundred men only, and such of
my own people as are flying up and down in hope and expectation
of nvy return; I shmild be able enough, thmigh I be but a woman,
in a short space to recover my country, and revenge the death of
'my husband, through the help of Almighty God, in whose Name
I beseech and require you, that for the service of the King of
Portugal, my master, arid the only refuge of my widow-hood ;
you will, since you can, assist me speedily, because expeddtion is
that which in this affair imports the most ; and so doing you
shall prevent the plot which the wicked enemy hath upon this
fortress, as too well you may percevoe by the means he hath used
to effect it. If you will be pleased to give we the succour I
demand of you, say so ; if not, deal clea/rly with me, for that
you will prejudice me as much in making me lose the time, as if
you refused me that which so earnestly I desire, and which as a
Christian you are obliged to grant me, as the Almighty Lord of
heaven and earth doth well hiow, whom I take to witness of this
my request.
CHAPTEE XII.
The Queen oi Aaru's depaitnre from Malaca; her going to the King of
Jantana ; his Bummoning the Tyrant of Achem to restore the kingdom
of Aaru, and that which past hetween them thereupon,
TyEDBO DE FABIA, having heard what this desolate
•* Queen said openly unto him, convinced by his ovyn
conscience, and even ashamed of having delayed her in that
70 THB TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUSES
fashion, answered her, that in truth, and by the faith of a
Christian, he had recommended this affair unto the Vioe-roy,
and that doubtless there would some succour come for her ere
it were long, if so be there were no trouble in the Indies thai
might hinder it ; wherefore he advised and prayed her to staj
still at Malaca, and that shortly she should see the verity oi
his speeches. Thereunto this Princess having replyed upon
the uncertainty of such succour, Pedro de Paria grew intc
choler, because he thought she did not believe him, so that ii
the heat of his passion he lashed out some words that wert
more rude than was fit. Whereupon the desolate Queen wit!
tears in her eyes, and beholding the church gate, which was
just against her, and sobbing in such manner as she coulc
scarcely speak. The clear Fountain, said she, is the God whicl
is adored in that house out of whose mouth proceeds all truth
hut the men of the earth are sinks of troubled water, wherei?
change and faults are by nature continually remaming ; where'
fore accursed is he that trusts to the opening of their lips ; for J
assure you, captain, that ever since I knew my self to this present
I home neither heard nor seen ought, but that the more sue)
unhappy wretches, as my late husband was, and my self now am
do for you Portugals, the less you regard them ; and the mori
you are obliged, the less you acknowledge ; whence I may wel
conclude that the recompence of the Portugal nation consists
more infavov/r, then in the merits of persons: and would to God
my deceased husband had nine and twenty years ago but known
what now for my sins I perceive too well ; for then he had no
been so deceived by you as he was : but since it is so, I have thi
onely left to comfort me in my misery ; that I see many other,
scandalized with your amity as well as my self : for if you hac
neither the power nor the will to succour me, why would you si
far engage you/r self to me, a poor desolate widow, concemim
that which I hoped to obtain from you, and so beguile me wit]
your large promises ? Having spoken thus, she turned he:
back to the Captain, and without harkning to what he migh
say, she instantly returned to her lodging; then caused he:
vessels, wherein she came thither, to be made ready, and th(
next day set sail for Bintan, where the King of Jantana wai
at that time, who, according to the report was made of it t(
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 71
us afterward, received her with great honour at her arrival.
To him she recounted all that had past betwixt her and Pedro
de Faria, and how she had lost all hope of our friendship.
Unto whom, it is said, the King made this answer, That he did
not marvel at the little faith she had found in us, for that we
had shewed it but too much upon sundry occasions unto all the
world. Now the better to confirm his saying, he recited some
particular examples of matters, which he said had befaln us
conformable to his purpose ; and like a Mahometan, and our
enemy, he made them appear more enormous then they were ;
so after he had recounted many things of us very ill done,
amongst the which he interlaced divers treacheries, robberies,
and tyrannies, at length he told her, that as a good King, and
a good Mahometan, he would promise her, that ere it were
long she should see her self by hia means restored again to
every foot of her kingdom ; and to the end she might be the
more assured of his promise he told her that he was content
to take her for his wife, if so she pleased, for that thereby he
should have the greater cause to become the King of Achems
enemy, upon whom, for her sake, he should be constrained
to make war, if he would not by fair means be perswaded to
abandon that which he had unjustly taken from her. Where-
nnto she made answer, that albeit the honour he did her was
very great, yet she should never accept of it, unless he would
first promise, as in way of. a dowry, to revenge the death of
her former husband ; saying, it was a thing she so much
desired, as without it she would not accept of the sovereignty
of the whole world. The King condescended to her request,
and by a solemn oath taken on a book of their sect confirmed
the promise which to that effect he made her.
After that the King of Jantana had taken that oath before
a great Cacis of his, called Bain Moulana, upon a festival day
when as they solemnized their Bamadan, he went to the Isle
of Gompa/r, where immediately upon the celebration of their
nuptials he called a councel for to advise of the course he was
to hold for the performance of that whereunto he had engaged
himself, for he knew it was a matter of great difficulty, and
wherein he should be forced to hazard much of his estate.
The resolution that he took hereupon was, before he enter-
72 TEE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
prized any thing, to send to summon the Tyrant of Achem to
surrender the kingdom of Aa/ru, which in the right of his new
wife belonged now unto him, and then according to the answer
he should receive to govern himself. This counsel seemed so
good to the King, that he presently dispatched an embassadour
to the Tyrant, with a rich present of jewels and silks, together
with a letter [to that effect] . This embassadour being come to
Achem, the Tyrant received him very honourably, and took his
letter ; but after he had opened it, and read the contents, he
would presently have put him to death, had he not been
diverted by his eouncel, who told him, that in so doing he
would incur great infamy : whereupon he instantly dismissed
the embassadour with his present, which in contempt of him
he would not accept of; and in answer of that he brought
him, he returned him a letter, wherein it was thus vraitten ; I
Sultan Aaradin, Khig of Achem, Baarros, Pedir, Paacem, and
of the Signiories of Dayaa, and Batas, Prince of all the Land of
the two Seas, both Mediterranean and Ocean, and of the mynes
of Meneneabo, and of the kingdame of Aaru, newly conquered
upon just cause ; to thee King, replenished with joy, and desirous
of a doubtful heritage. I have seen thy letter, written at the
table of thy nuptials, and by the inconsiderate words thereof
have discerned the drunkenness of thy councellours and secretaries,
whereunto I would not have vouchsafed an answer, had it not
been for the humble prayers of my servants. As touching the
kingdom of Aaru, do not thou dare to speak of it, if thou desirest
to live ; sufficeth it that I have caused it to be taken in, and that
it is mine, as thine also shall be ere long, if thou hast married
Anchesiny with a pv/rpose upon that occasion to make claim to a
kingdome that now is none of hers ; wherefore live with her as
other husbands do with their wives, that tilling the ground are
contented with the labour of their hands. Becover first thy
Malaea, since it was once thine, and then thou mayest think of
that which never belonged to thee. I will f amour thee as a vassal,
and not as a brother, as thou qualifiest thy self. From my great
atid Boyal House of rich Achem, tlie very day of this thy
embassadours arrival, whom I have presently sent away without
further seeing or hearing of him, as he may tell thee upon his
return to tlvy presence.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 78
The King of Jatana's embassadour being dismissed with
this answer the very same day that he arrived, which amongst
them they hold for a mighty affiront, carried back the present,
which the Tyrant would not accept of, in the greater contempt
both of him that sent, and he that brought it, and arrived at Gom-
fwr, where the King of Jantana was at that instant, who upon
the understanding of all that had past, grew by report so sad
and vext, that his servants have vowed they have divers times
seen him weep for very grief that the Tyrant should make so
little reckoning of him ; howbeit he held a councel there upon
the second time, where it was concluded, that at any hand he
should make war upon him, as on his mortal enemy, and that
the first thing he should tmdertake should be the recovery of
the kingdom of Aaru, and the fort of Panetican, before it was
further fortified. The King accordingly set forth a fleet, of 200
sails, whereof the most part were Lancha/res, Galaluses, and 15
tall juncks, furnished with munition necessary for the enter-
prize; and of this navy he made general the great Laque
Xemena, his admiral, of whose valour the history of the Indies
hath spoken in divers places. To him he gave 2000 souldiers,
as also 4000 mariners and gaily slaves, all choice and trained
men. This general departed immediately with his fleet, and
arrived at the river of Panetican, close by the enemies fort,
which he assaulted several times, both with scaling ladders,
and divers artificial fires ; but perceiving he could not prevail
that way, he began to batter it with 400 great pieces of ord-
nance, which shot continually for the space of 7 whole dayes
together, at the end whereof the most part of the fort was
ruined, and overthrown to the ground; whereupon he presently
caused his men to give an assault to it, who performed it so
valiantly, that they entred it, and slew 140 Achems, the most
of which came thither but the day before the fleet arrived
under the conduct of a TurMsh captain, nephew to the Bassa
of Gaire, named Mora do Arraiz, who was also slain there with
400 Twks he had brought along with him, whereof Laque
Xemena would not spare so much as one. After this he used
such diligence in repairing that which was fallen, wherein
most of the souldiers laboured, that in twelve dayes the fort
was rebuilt, and made as strong as before, with the augmen-
74 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
tation of two bulwarta. The news of this fleet, which the
King of Jantana prepared in the ports of Bintan and Compar,
came to the Tjrrants ears, who fearing to lose that which he
had gotten, put instantly to sea another fleet of 140 and
twenty sails, foists, lanchares, galiots, and 15 galleys, of 25
banks of oars a piece, wherein he caused fifteen thousand
men to be imbarqued; namely, twelve thousand souldiers,
and the rest mariners and such as were for the service of the
sea ; of this army he made the same Heredin Mahomet general,
who had before (as I have already declared) conquered the
kingdom of Aaru, in regard he knew him to be a man of a
great spirit, and fortunate ia war, who departing with his
army arrived at a place called Aupesstimhee, within four
leagues of the river of Panetican, where he learnt of certain
fishermen, whom he took and put to torture, all that had past
concerning the fort and the kingdom, and how Laque Xemena
had made himself master both of the land and sea in expecta-
tion of him. At this news, it is said, that HereMn Mahomet
was much perplexed, because in truth he did not believe the
enemy could do so much in so little time : by reason whereof
he assembled his councel, where it was concluded, that since
both the fort and kingdom were regained, all the men he
had left there cut in pieces, as likewise for that the enemy was
very strong, both at sea and land, and the season very unfit
for their design, therefore they were to return back: never-
theles Heredm Mahomet was of a contrary opinion, saying,
that he would rather dye like a man of courage, then live in
dishonour ; and that seeing the king had made choice of him
for that purpose, by the help of God he would not lose one jot
of the reputation he had gotten; wherefore he vowed and swore
by the bones of Mahomet, and all the lamps that perpetually
bum in his chappel, to put all those to death as traytours that
should go about to oppose this intent of his, and that they
should be boyled alive in a cauldron of pitch, in such manner
as he meant to deal with Laque Xemena himself ; and with
this boyling resolution he parted from the place where he rode
at anchor, with great cries, and noise of drums, and bells, as
they are accustomed to do upon like occasions. In this sort,
by force of oars and sails, they got into the entry of the river ;
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PIN^O. 75
and coming in sight of Laque Xemma's navy, who was ready
waiting for him, and well reinforced with a great number of
souldiers, that were newly come to him from Pera, Bintan,
Saca, and many other places thereabout, he made towards
him ; and after the discharging of their ordnance afar off, they
joyned together with as much violence as might be. The fight
was such, that during the space of an hour and a half there
could no advantage be discern'd on either part, until such time
as Hered/in Mahomet, General of the Achems, was slain with a
great shot, that hit him just in the brest, and battered him to
pieces. The death of this chieftain discouraged his people in
such manner, as labouring to return unto a point, named
Ba/rogmrin, with a purpose there to unite and fortifie them-
selves until night, and then by the favour thereof to fly away ;
they could not execute their design, in regard of the great
currant of the water, which separated and dispersed them
sundry ways, by which means the Tyrants army fell into the
power of Laque Xemena, who defeated it, so that but fourteen
sails of them escaped, and the other 166 were taken, and in
them were 13000 and 500 men killed, besides the fourteen
hundred that were slain in the trench. These fourteen sails
that so escaped returned to Achem, where they gave the Tyrant
to understand how all had past, at which, it is reported he took
such grief, that he shut up himself for twenty dayes without
seeing any body ; at the end whereof, he struck off the heads
of all the captains of the 14k sails, and commanded all the soul-
diers beards that were in them to be shaved off, enjoyning
them expresly upon pain of being sawed asunder alive, to go
ever after attired in womens apparel, playing on timbrels in
all places where they went ; and that whensoever they made
any protestation, it should be in saying, So may God bring me
bach to my husband again, as this is true ; or. So may I hwoe
joy of the Children I home brought into the world. Most of these
men seeing themselves inforced to undergo a chastisement so
scandalous to them, fled their country and many made them-
selves away ; some with poyson, some with halters, and some
with the sword. A relation altogether true, without any
addition of mine. Thus was the kingdom of Aa/ru recovered
from the Tvrant of Achem, and remained in the hands of the
76 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
King of Jantana, until the year 1574. At which time, the said
Tyrant with a fleet of two hundred sails, feigning as though
he would go to take in Patava, fell cunningly one night on
JoMtana, where the king was at that time, whom together
with his wife, children, and many others, he took prisoners,
and carried into his country, where he put them aU to most
cruel deaths, and for the king himself, he caused his brains to
be beaten out of his head with a great club. After these bloody
executions he possest the kingdom of Aa/ru, whereof he pre-
sently made his eldest son king, the same that was afterwards
slain at Malaca, coming to besiege it in the time of Don Lionis
Pereyra, son to the Earl of Feyra, captain of the fortress, who
defended it so vaHantly, that it seemed to be rather a miracle
then any natural work, by reason the power of that enemy
was so great, and ours so little in comparison of theirs, as it
may be truly spoken how they were two hundred Mahometans
against one Christian.
[Here follows an account of Pinto's voyage to Pan, and his ad-
ventures until his return to Malaca, untittel*.]
CHAPTBE XIII.
Antonio de Paria's setting forth for the Isle of Ainau ; his arrival at the river
of Tinaoorem ; and that which befel ns in this voyage.
AS soon as Antonio de Faria was ready, he departed from
Patana on a Saturday the 9 of May, 1540, and steered
north north-west, towards the kingdom of Champaa, with an
intent to discover the ports and havens thereof, as also by the
of some good booty to furnish himself with such things as he
wanted ; for his haste to part from Patana was such, as he
had not i>ime to furnish himself with that which was necessary
for him, no not with victual and warlike ammunition enough.
After we had sailed three dayes, we had sight of an Island,
called Pullo Condor, at the height of eight degrees and three
quarters on the north coast, and almost north-west towards
the mouth of the river of Camboia ; so that having rounded all
OF FEBDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. 77
the coast, we discovered a good haven eastward where in the
Island of Camboia, distant some six leagues from the firm land,
we met with a junk of Leguios, that was going to the kingdom
of Siam, with an embassadour from the Nautauquim of Lindcm,
who was Prince of the Island of Tosa, and that had no sooner
discovered us, but he sent a message by a Ghimse pilot to
Antonio de Faria, full of complements, whereunto was added
these words from them all : That the time would come when as
they should communicate with us in the ti-ue love of the Law of
God, and of His injinite clemency ; who by His death had given
life to all men, and a perpetual inheritance in the house of the
good, and that they believed this should be so, after the half of
the half time was past. With this complement they sent him
a courtelas of great value, whose handle and scabbard was of
gold, as also six and twenty pearls in a little box likewise of
gold, made after the fashion of a salt-seller, whereat Antonio
de Faria was very much grieved, by reason he was not able to
render the like unto this prince as he was obliged to do, for
when the Chinese arrived with this message, they were distant
above a league at sea from us. Hereupon we went ashore,
where we spent 3 dayes in taking in fresh water, and fishing.
Then we put to sea again, labouring to get to the firm land,
there to seek out a river named Pullo Cambin, which divides
the State of Camboia from the kingdom of Champaa ; in the
height of nine degrees, where arriving on a Sunday, the last of
May, we went up three leagues in this river, and anchored just
against a great town called Catimparu, there we remained 12
dayes in peace, during the which we made our provision of all
things necessary. Now because Antonio de Faria was naturally
curious, he endeavoured to understand from the people of the
country what nation inhabited beyond them, and whence that
mighty river took its source ; whereunto he was answered,
that it was derived from a lake, named Pinator, distant from
them eastward- two hundred and sixty leagues in the kingdom
of QuiUrvan, and that it was environed with high mountains,
at the foot whereof, upon the brink of the water, were eight
and thirty villages, of which thirteen were very great, and the
rest small, and that only in one of the great ones, called Xinca-
leu, there was such a huge myne of gold, as by the report of
78 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
those that lived thereabout, there was every day a bar and a
half drawn out of it, which according to the value of our mony,
makes two and twenty milUons in a year ; and that four lords
had share in it, who continually were in war together, each
one striving to make himself master of it ; I, and that one of
them, named Bcdahitcm, had in an inner yard of his house in
pots under groimd, that were full to the very brims, above six
hundred bars of gold in powder like to that of Mmancabo of
the Island of Samatra ; and that if three hundred harquebusiers
of our nation should go and assault it, without doubt they
would carry it: moreover, that in another of these villages,
called Buaquirim, there was a quarry, where out of an old
rock they digged a great quantity of diamonds, that were very
fine, and of greater value then those of La/oa and Tawicmpura
in the Isle of Jaoa. "Whereupon Antonio de Faria, having
questioned them about many other particularities, they made
him a relation of the fertility of the country which was further
up this river, no less fit to be desired, then easie to be con-
quered, and that with little charge.
Being departed from this river of Pullo Cambim, we sailed
along the coast of the kingdom of Ghampaa, till we came
to an haven, called Saleyzacau, 17 leagues farther on towards
the north, whereinto we entred. Now because there was
nothing to be gotten there, we went out of this place about
sun-setting, and the next morning we came to a river
named Toobasoy, without the which Antonio de Faria cast
anchor, because the pilot would not venture to enter into
it, for that he had never been there before, and there-
fore knew not the depth of it. As we were contesting here-
about, some for to enter, and others gainsaying it, we
discerned a great sail making towards the port from the main
sea. Hereupon without stirring from the place where we
were, we prepared to receive them in a peaceful manner ;
so that as soon as they came near us, we saluted them, and
hung up the flag of the country, called Charachma, which is
a sign of friendship, used among them in such like occasions.
They of the ship, instead of answering us in the same manner,
as in reason it seemed they should have done, and knowing
that we were Portugals, to whom they wished not well, gave
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 79
us very vile and base words, with a mighty noise and din
of trumpets, drums, and bells, by way of scorn and derision
of us. "Whereat Antonio de Faria was so offended, that he
gave them a whole broad side, to see if that would make
them more courteous : to this shot of ours they returned us
an answer of five pieces of ordnance, namely three faulcons,
and two Little field-pieces ; whereupon consulting together
what we should do, we resolved to abide where we were,
for we held it not fit to undertake so doubtful an enterprize,
until such time as the next days light might discover the
forces of this vessel unto us, that so we might afterwards
either set upon her with the more security, or let her pass
by : this coimsel was approved both by Antowia de Faria,
and us all; so that keeping good watch, and giving order
for all that was necessary, we continued in that place ex-
pecting day ; now about 2 of the clock in the morning we
perceived 3 black things close to the water coming towards
us, which we could not well discern, whereupon we wakned
Antonio de Faria, who was then asleep on the hatches, and
shewed him what we had discovered, being by that time not
far from us : he fearing, as we did, lest they were enemies,
cried out presently. Arm, Arm, Arm, wherein he was straight-
way obeyed ; for now plainly perceiving that they were vessels
rowing towards us, we betook us to our arms, and were
bestowed by our captain in places most necessary to defend
our selves. We conceived by their silent approaching to us,
that they were the enemies we had seen over night, so that
Antonio de Faria said unto us. My masters, this is some pyrate
coming to set upon us, who thinks we are not above six or
seven at the most, as the manner is in such kind of vessels ;
wherefore let every man stoop down, so as they may not see
any of us, and thim we shall soon know their design ; in the
mean time let the pots of powder be made ready, with which,
and ov/r swords, I hope we shall give a good end to this adven-
twre : let every one also hide his match in such sort, as they
may not be discovered, whereby they may be perswaded that
we are asleep. All which, as he had prudently ordained, was
incontinently executed. These 3 vessels, being within a flight
shot of ours, went round about her,, and after they had
80 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
viewed her well, they joyned all close together, as if they
had entred into some new consultation, continuing so about
a quarter of an hour ; that done, they separated themselves
into two parts, namely the two lesser went together to our
poup, and the third that was greater, and better armed,
made to the starboard of us ; hereupon they entred our lorch
where most conveniently they could, so that in less then
half a quarter of an hour above forty men were gotten in,
which seen by Antonio de Faria, he issued out from under the
hatches with some forty souldiers, and invoking Saint James
our patron, he fell so couragiously upon them, that in a short
time he killed them almost all; then with aid of the pots
of powders, that he caused to be cast in amongst those that
were remaining in the 3 vessels, which he presently took,
he made an end of defeating them, the most of them being
constraind to leap into the sea, where they were all drowned
but five, whom we took up alive, whereof one was a capher
slave and the other four were, one Turk, two Achems, and the
captain of the junk, named Similau, a notorious pyrat, and
our mortal enemy. Antonio de Faria commanded them
instantly to be put to torture, for to draw out of them who
they were, from whence they came, and what they would
have had of us, whereunto the two Achems answered most
bruitishly ; and when as we were going about to torment
the slave in like manner, he began with-tears to beseech us
to spare him, for that he was a Christian as we were, and that
without torture he would answer truly to all our demands ;
whereupon Antonio de Fa/ria caused him to be unbound, and
setting him by him, gave him a piece of bisket, and a glass of
wine, then with fair words he perswaded him to declare the
truth of every thing to him, since he was a Christian, as he
affirmed ; to which he repUed in this sort. If I do not speak
the truth unto you, then take me not for such as I am; my
name is Sebastian, and I was slave to Gaspar de Melo, whom
this dog Similau, here present, slew about two years ago in
Liampao, with five and twenty other Portugals that were in his
ship. Antonio de Faria hearing this, cryed out, like a man
amazed, and said. Nay now I care not for knowing any more ;
is this then that dog Similau, that slew thy master ; Yes,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 81
answered he, it is he, and that meant Ukemse to ha/ve done as
miwh to you, thinking that ye were not above six or seven, for
which effect he came awoay in haste with a purpose, as he saAd,
to take you dime, for to make yowr brains flye out of your heads
with a frontal of cord, as he did to my master ; hut God I
hope will pay him for all the m/ischdef he hath committed.
Antonio de Fa/ria being also advertised by this slave, that
this dog Simila/u, had brought all his men of war along with
him, and left none in his junk, but some Chinese mariners ;
he resolved to make use of this good fortune, after he had put
Similau and his companions to death, by making their brains
flye out of their heads vrith a cord, as Similcm had done to
Gaspar de Mello, and the other Portugals in Liampao : where-
fore he presently imbarqued himself with thirty souldiers in
his boat, and the three Machnas wherein the enemies came,
and by means of the flood and a favourable wind, he arrived
within less then an hour, where the junk rode at anchour
within the river, about a league from us, whereupon he
presently boarded her, and made himself master of the
poup, from whence, with only four pots of powder, which he
east in among the rascals that were asleep upon the hatches,
he made them all leap into the sea, where 9 or 10 of them
were drowned, the rest crying out for help were taken up and
saved, because we stood in need of them for the navigation of
the junk, that was a great tall vessel. Thus you see how it
pleased God out of His Divine justice to make the arrogant
confidence of this cursed dog a means to chastise him for his
cruelties, and to give him by the hands of Portugals a just
punishment for that which he had done unto him. The next
morning taking an inventory of this prize, we found six and
thirty thousand Taeis in silver of Japan, which amounts
in our mony to fifty four thousand ducates, besides divers other
good commodities, that were not then praised for want of
time, because the country was all in an uproar, and fires every
where kindled, whereby they use to give warning one to
another upon any alarm or doubt of enemies, which con-
strained us to make away with all speed.
[Antonio de Fana coasts the Kingdom of Champaa, till he
reaches the rimer Tinacoreu.]
7
82 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
The Eriday following we left this river of Tinacoreu, and by
our pilots advice we went to find out Pullo Champeiloo, which
is an inhabited island, scituate in the entrance to the bay of
Gauchenchina in forty degrees, and a third to the northward ;
being come to it, we oast anchor in an haven, where there
was good and safe riding, and there we remained three dayes,
accommodating our artillery in the best manner we could;
that done, we set sail towards the Isle of Ainan, hoping to
meet with the pyrat Coia Jcem there whom we sought for, and
arriving at Pullo Gapas, which was the first land that we saw
of it, we sailed close to the shoar, the better to discover the
ports and rivers on that side, and the entries into them. Now
because the lorch, wherein Antonio de Fwria came from
Patana, leaked very much, he commanded all his souldiers
to pass into another better vessel, which was immediately
performed, and arriving at a river, that about evening we
found towards the east, he cast anchor a league out at sea,
by reason his junk was great, and drew much water, so that
fearing the sands ; which he had often met vrithall in this
voyage, he sent Ghristovcmo Borralho with fourteen souldiers
in the lorch up the river to discover what fitres those might
be that he saw. Being gone then about a league in the river,
he incountred a fleet of forty very great junks, whereupon
fearing lest it was the Mandarins army, whereof we had
heard much talk, he kept aloof off from them, and anchored
close by the shoar ; now about midnight the tyde began to
come in, which Borralho no sooner perceived, but he presently
without noise weighed anchor, and declining the junks he
went on to that part where he had seen the fires, that by
this time were almost all out, there being not above two
or three that gave any light, and which served to guide him.
So continuing his course very discreetly, he came to a place
where he beheld a mighty company of great and small ships,
to the number, as he guessed, of thousand sails, passing
through the which very stilly he arrived at a town of above
ten thousand housholds, enclosed with a strong wall of brick,
with towers and bulwarks after our manner, and with curtains
full of water. Here five of the fourteen souldiers, that were
in the lorch, went on shoar with two of those Ghin^seses, that
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 83
were saved out of Similaus junk, who had left their wives
as hostages with us for their return ; these having spent three
hours in viewing and surveying the town on the out-
side, reimbarqued themselves without any notice taken of
them at all, and so went back very quietly as they came
to the mouth of the river, where they found a junk riding at
anchor, that was come thither since their departure in the
evening. Being returned to Antonio de Faria, they related
unto him what they had seen, particularly the great army
that lay up in the river, aa also the junk, which they had
left riding at anchor at the entrance into it, telling him that
it might well be the dog Coia Acem whom he sought for.
These news so rejoyced him, that instantly he weighed anchor,
and set sail, saying, his mind gave him that it was un-
doubtedly he ; and if it proved so, he assured us all that he
was contented to lose his life in fighting with him, for to be
revenged of such a rogue as had done him so much wrong.
Approaching within sight of the junk, he commanded the
lorch to passe imto the other side of her, to the end they
might board her both together at once, and charged that not
a piece should be shot off, for fear they should be heard of the
army that lay up in the river, who might thereupon come to
discover them. As soon as we were come to the junk, she
was presently invested by us, and twenty of our souldiers
leaping in made themselves masters of her without any
resistance, for the most of her men threw themselves into the
sea, the rest that were more couragious valiantly made head
against our people ; but Antomo de Fa/ria presently getting in
with twenty souldiers more made an end of defeating them,
killing above thirty of theirs, so as there remained none alive
but those which voluntarily cast themselves into the sea,
whom he caused to be drawn up to serve for the navigation
of his vessels, and for to learn who they were, and from
whence they came, to which purpose he commanded four
of them to be put to torture, whereof two chose rather
to dye then confess any thing ; and as they were about to
do the like to a little boy, an old man, his father, that was
laid on the deck, cryed out with tears in his eyes for to
give him the hearing before they did any hurt to the child ;
84 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
Antonio de Faiia made the execiitioner stay, and bad the
old man say what he would, provided he spake truth, for
otherwise he vowed, that both he and the boy should be
thrown alive into the sea ; whereas on the contrary, if he
dealt truly, he promised to set them both at liberty on shear,
and restore unto him whatsoever he would take his oath did
appertain unto him : whereunto the old Mahometan answered,
I accept of the promise which thou mahest me, and I very much
thank thee for sparing the life of this child, for as for mine, as a
thing unprofitable, I make no reckoning of it, and I will rely
on thy word, although the course thou holdest may well divert
me from it, in regard it is no way conformable to the Christian
law, which thou hast profest in thy baptism : an answer, that
rendred Antonio de Faria so confounded and amazed, as he
knew not what to reply; howbeit he caused him to come
nearer unto him, and questioned him gently without any
further threatening.
This old man then sat him down by Antonio de Faria, who
seeing him white like unto us, asked him whether he were a
Turk, or a Persian? whereunto he answered, that he was
neither, but that he was a Christian, born at Mount Sinai.
Antonio de Faria thereupon replyed, how he wondred much,
being a Christian, as he said, that he lived not amongst Chris-
tians. To which the old man answered, that he was a mer-
chant of a good family, named Tome Mostanguo, and that
riding one day at anchor in a ship of his in the port of Judaa,
in the year one thousand five hundred thirty and eight, SoU-
man the Bassa, Vice-roy of Cairo, took his, and seven other
ships, to carry victual and munition for his army of threescore
gallies, wherewith he went by the command of the grand
Seigmor to restore Sultan Bandur to his kingdom of Cambaya,
which the great Mogul had deprived him of ; and that at the
end of the voyage going to demand the freight which they had
promised him, the Twrks, that were ever cruel and faithless,
took his wife, and a young daughter he had, and forced them
before his face, and because his son wept at the sight of this
injury, they threw him bound hand and foot into the sea ; as
for himself, they laid him in irons, and continually scourging
him they stript hini of all his goods, to the value of six
Vif FEBDINAND MENDEZ PtNTO. 85
thousand ducates and better, saying, that it was not lawful for
any to enjoy the blessings of God, but the holy and just
MusseUnians, such as they were; and that his wife and
daughter dying not long after, he found means one night to
cast himself into the sea with that little boy, which was his
son, at the mouth of the river of Dm, from whence he went by
land to Surrat, and so to Malaca in a ship of Ca/rcia de Saas,
captain of Bacaim ; then how by the commandment of JEste-
vano de Gama, going to China with Ghristovano Sardinha,
which had been factor at the Molucqiies, one night as they rode
at anchor in Gincaapv/ra, Quiay Tmjcmo, master of the junk,
surprized them, and killed the said Sa/rdinha together with six
and twenty Portugals more ; as for him, because he was a
gunner, they saved his life. At this report Antonio de Faria
striking himself on the breast, as a man amazed at this dis-
course. Lord, Lord, said he, tMs seems to be a dream that I
hear ; then turning himself to his souldiers that stood about
him, he related the life of this Quiay unto them, and further
affirmed, that he had slain at times in strayed vessels above an
hundred Portugals, and dispoiled them of an hundred thousand
ducates at least ; and though his name was such as this
Armenian delivered, to wit, Quiay Taijano, yet after he had
killed Ghristovano Sardinha in Gincaapura, in a vain glory of
that which he had done he caused himself to be called Captain
Sa/rdinha. Whereupon having demanded of the Armenian,
where he was, he told us, that he was very sore hurt, and
hidden in the hold of the junk amongst the cables, with five or
six others. Hereat Antonio de Faria arose, and went directly
to the place where this dog was hidden, followed by the
greatest part of his souldiers, which opened the scuttle where
the cables lay, to see whether the Armenian spake true or no ;
in the mean time the dog, and the six others that were with
him, got out at another scuttle, and most desperately fell upon
our men, who were about thirty in number, besides fourteen
boys. Then began there so furious and bloody a fight, that in
less then a quarter of an hour we made a clean dispatch of
them all ; but in the mean while two Portugals, and seven boys
were slain, besides I know not how many hurt, whereof
Antonia de Faria received two downright blowes on his head,
86 TBE TBAVBL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
and one on his arm, which put him to very much pain. After
this defeat, and that the wounded men were drest, he set sail,
for fear of the junks that were in the river : so getting far
from land, about evening we went and anchored on the other
side of GoMchencMna, where Antonia de Faria causing an
inventory to be taken of all that was in the pyrats junk, there
was found in her five hundred bars of pepper, after twenty
quintals to the bar, forty of nutmegs and mace, fourscore of
tin, thirty of ivory, twelve of wax, and five of wood of fine
aloes, which might be worth, according to the rate of the
country, seventy thousand ducates ; besides a little fieldpiece,
four falcons, and thirty bases of brass, the greatest part of
which artillery had been ours, for this Mahometan had taken
them in the ships of Sardinha, Oli/oeyra, and Bartholemew de
Matos: there was also found three coffers covered with leather,
full of silk quilts, and the apparel of Portv,gals, with a great
bason and ewer silver and gilt, and a salt-seller of the same,
two and twenty spoones, three candlesticks, five gilt cups, eight
and fifty harquebuzes, twelve hundred twenty and two pieces
of Bengala cloth, all which were Portugals goods, eighteen
quintals of powder, and nine children about seven or eight
years of age, chained together by the hands and the feet, most
lamentable to behold, for that they were so weak and lean,
that one might easily through their skins have counted all the
bones in their bodies.
CHAPTBE XIV.
Antonio de Faria's arrival at the Bay of Camoy, where was the fishing
of pearleg for the King of China ; with that which happened to him
by the means of a reuegado pyrat, and otherwise.
THE next day, after noon, Antonio de Faria parted from
the place where he rode at anchor, and returned towards
the coast of Ainan, by the which he kept all the rest of that
day, and the next night with five and twenty or thirty fathom
water. In the morning he came to a bay, where there were
many great boats fishing for pearles, and being unresolved
what course to take, he bestowed all the forenoon in counsel
KING OI' COCHIN
ox ELEPHANT.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 87
with hia company thereabout, whereof some were of the
opinion that he should seize upon the boats that were fisliing
for pearls ; and others opposed it, saying, it was a safer way
to treat with them as merchants, for that in exchange of the
great store of pearles, which were in that place, they might
easily put off the most part of their commodities. This
appearing to be the best and safest advice, Antowio de Faria
caused the flag of trade to be hung out, according to the
custom of China ; so that instantly there came two lanteaas
from land to us, which are vessels like to foists, with great
abundance of refreshments, and those that were in them
having saluted us after their manner, went aboard the great
junk, wherein Antonio de Faria was ; but when they beheld
men, such as we were, having never seen the like before, they
were much amazed, and demanded what people we were, and
wherefore we came into their country. Wherunto we answered
by an interpreter, that we were merchants born in the kingdom
of Siam, and were come thither to sell or barter our com-
modities with them, if so be they would permit us. To this,
an old man, much respected of all the rest, replyed, that here
was no trafl&que used, but in another place further forward,
called Chmmhoy, where all strangers that came from Gantan,
Chincheo, La/moM, Gomhay, Swmbor, LiampoM, and other sea-
coast towns, did ordinarily trade : wherefore he counselled
him to get him suddenly from thence, in regard this was a
place destined only to the fishing of pearles for the treasure of
the house of the Son of the Sun, to the which, by the ordinance
of the Tutan of Gomhay, who was the sovereign governor of
all the country of Ca/uchendhina, no vessel was permitted to
come, but only such as were appointed for that service, and
that aU other ships, which were found there were by the law
to be burnt, and all that were in them ; but since he, as a
stranger, and ignorant of the laws of the country, had trans-
gressed the same, not out of contempt, but want of knowledge,
he thought fit to advertise him of it, to the end he might be
gone from thence before the arrival of the Mamdarin of the
army, which we call general, to whom the government of that
fishing appertained, and that would be within three or four
dayes at the most, being gone not above six or seven leagues
88 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENT UMJsa
from thence to a village, named Buhaquirim, for to take in
victual. Antonio de Faria thanking him for his good advice,
asked him how many sails, and what forces, the Manda/rin had
with him : whereunto the old man answered, that he was
accompanied with forty great junks, and twenty-five Vancans
with oars, wherein there were seven thousand men, namely,
five thousand souldiers, and the rest slaves and mariners ; and
that he was there every year six months, during the which
time was the fishing for pearles, that is to say, from the 1st
of March to the last of Aiigust. Our captain desiring to know
what duties were paid out of this fishing, and what revenue it
yielded in those six months, the old man told him, that of
pearls which weighed above five carats they gave two thirds, of
the worser sort half less, and of seed pearl the third ; and that
this revenue was not always alike, because the fishing was
sometimes better in one year, then in another, but that one
with another he thought it might yield annually four hundred
thousand Taeis. Antonio de Faria made very much of the old
man, and gave him two cakes of wax, a bag of pepper, and a
tooth of ivory, wherewith both he and the rest were exceedingly
weU pleased. He also demanded of them, of what bignesse
this Isle of Ainan might be, whereof so many wonders were
spoken. Tell us first, replyed they, who you are, and where-
fore you are come hither, then will we satisfie you in that you
desire of us ; for we vow unto you, that in all of our lives we
never saw so many young fellows together in any merchants
ships, as we now see in this of yours, nor so spruce and neat ;
and it seems that in their country China silks are so cheap
as they are of no esteem, or else that they have had them at
so easie a rate, as they have given nothing near the worth for
them, for we see them play away a piece of damask at one
cast at dice, as those that come lightly by them : a speech
that made Antonio de Faria secretly to smile, for that thereby
he well perceived how these fishermen had a shrewd guess
that the same were stolen, which made him tell them, that they
did this like young men, who were the sons of very rich mer-
chants, and in that regard valued things far under that they
were worth, and had cost their fathers ; dissembling them
what they thought, they answered in this manner, It may very
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 89
well be as you say. Whereupon Antonio de Faria gave a sign
to the souldiers to leave off their play, and to hide the pieces
of silk that they vyere playing for, to the end they might not
be suspected for robbers by these folks, which immediately
they did, and the better to assure these GMneses that we were
honest men, and merchants, our captain commanded the
scuttles of the junk to be opened, that we had taken the night
before from Captain Sardinha, which was laden with pepper,
whereby they were somewhat restored to a better opinion then
they had of us before, saying one to another, Since now we
find they are merchants indeed, let us freely answer to their
demand, so as they may not think, though' we be rude, that
we know nothing but how to catch fish and oysters.
{Here follows an account of the history of the Isle of Ainan,
ontitteir.]
After Antonio de Faria had given him many thankes for
satisfying him so fully in his demands, he desired him to teU
him in what port he would advise him to go and sell his com-
modities, seeing the season was not proper to set sail for
Liampoo. Whereunto he answered, that we were not to go
into any port of that country, nor to put trust in any Chinese
whatsoever; for I assure you; said he,- there is not one of
them will speak truth in any thing he sayes to you, and believe
me, for I am rich, and will not lye to you like a poor man,
besides, I would wish you to go in this streight always with
the plummet in your hand for to sound your way, because
there are very many dangerous shelves all along till you come
to a river called Tanaquir, and there is a port where is very
good anchoring, and where you may be as safe as you can
desire ; as also you may there, in less then two dayes, put ofi'
all your commodities, and much more if you had them. Never-
theless I will not counsel you to disimbarque your goods on
land, but to sell them in your vessels, in regard that many
times the sight causeth desire, and desire disorder amongst
peaceable persons, much more with them that are mutinous
and of an evil conscience, whose wicked incUnation carries
them rather to take away another mans goods from him, then
give of their own to the needy for Gods sake. This said, both
he that spake, and those that accompanied him, took leave of
90 THE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
our captain, and us, with many complements and promises,
whereof they are not ordinarily very sparing in those parts,
bestowing on Antonio de Faria, in return of that he had given
them, a little box made of a tortoise shell, full of seed-pearl,
and twelve pearles of a pretty bigness, craving his pardon for
that they durst not traf&que with him in this place, for fear
lest if they should do so, to be all put to death, conformable to
the law of the rigorous justice of the country ; and they again
intreated him to make haste away before the Mandarins arrival
with his army ; for if he found them there, he would burn both
his vessel, and him and all his company. Antonio de Faria
unwilling to neglect the counsel of this man, lest that which he
told him should prove true, he set sail immediately, and passed
to the other side towards the south, and in two days with a
westerly wind he arrived at the river of Tana/uquir, where just
over against a little village, called Neytor, he cast anchor.
We remained all that day, and the next night, at the mouth
of the river of Tanauquir, intending the next morning to set
sail up to the town, which was some five leagues from thence
in the river, to see if by any means we might put off our com-
modities there, for our vessels were so heavy laden with them,
as there was scarce a day wherein we ran not twice or thrice
on some shelve or other, which in divers places were four or
five leagues long ; wherefore it was concluded that before we
did any thing else we were to sell away our commodities, so
that we labored with all our might to get into the river, whose
current was so strong, that though we had all our sails up, yet
could we prevail but very little against it ; as we were in this
pain we perceived two great junks in warlike manner come out
of the river upon us, which chaining themselves together for
the more strength, attaqued us so lively, as we had scarce the
leasure to defend our selves, so that we were constrained to
throw into the sea all that stood in our way to make room for
our artillery, being that we had then most need of. The
first salutation we had from them was a peal of six and twenty
pieces of ordnance, whereof nine were faulconets, and field-
pieces : Antonio de Fa^ia, as a man verst in such affairs, seeing
them chained one to another, perceived their drift, and there-
fore made as though he fled, as well to win time to prepare
OF FEBDINAND MENLEZ PINTO. 91
himself, as to make them beHeve that they were no Christians;
whereupon they, like cunning thieves, desiring that the prey,
which they held to be surely their own, should not escape out
of their hands, loosed themselves the one from the other the
better to set upon us, and approaching very near to us, they
shot so many arrows and darts into our junk, as no man was
able to appear upon the deck. Antomo de Fcma, to avoid
this storm, retired under the half deck, with five and twenty
Bouldiers, and some ten or twelve others, slaves, and mariners;
there he entertained the enemy with harquebuse shot the space
of half an hour, in which time, having used all their munitions
of war, some forty of them, that seemed to be more valiant
then the rest, longing to finish their enterprize, leaped into our
junk, vTith a purpose to make themselves masters of the prow ;
but to hinder them from it, our captain was constrained to go
and receive them, so that there began a most bloody fight,
wherein it pleased God within an hour to give us the upper
hand by the slaughter of four and twenty of their forty in the
place. Thereupon twenty of ours, pursuing this good successe,
boarded the enemies junk, where finding but small resistance,
by reason the principals were already slain, all that were in
her quickly rendred themselves unto us. That done, Antonio
de Fa/ria went with all speed to succour Ch/mtovano Borallho,
who was boarded by the other junk, and very doubtful of the
victory, in regard the greatest part of his men were hurt; but
at our approach the enemies threw themselves all into the sea,
where most of them were drowned, and so both the junks
remained in our power. After this we took a survey of our com-
pany, the better to understand what this victory had cost us ;
and we found there was one Portugal, five boyes, and nine mari-
ners killed, besides those that were hurt; and on the enemies part
fourscore were slain, and almost as many taken. Having given
order then for the dressing and accommodating of our wounded
men in the best manner that could be, Antomo de Fcma caused
as many mariners to be taken up as could be saved, and com-
manding them to be brought into the great junk where he was,
he demanded of them what those junks were, how the captain
of them was named, and whether he were aUve or dead ; where-
unto not one of them would make any answer, but chose rather
92 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES. AND ADVENTUBES
to dye in torments like mad dogs, when as Ghristovano
Borralho cryed out from the junk where he was, Signior,
Signicr, come hither quickly, for we heme more to do then we
think of; whereat Antonio de Faria, accompanied with fifteen
or sixteen of his men, leapt into his junk, asking what the
matter was ? I hear a many talking together, said he, towards
the prow, which I doubt are hidden there ; hereupon opening the
scuttle, they heard divers cry out. Lord Jesus, have mercy upon
lis ; and that in such a woful manner, as struck us all with
pity: Antonio de Faria approaching to the scuttle, and looking
down, could perceive some persons there shut up, but not able
to discern what they might be, he made two of his boys to go
down, who a httle after brought up seventeen Christians,
namely, two Portugals, five small children, two girls, and eight
boys, which were in such a lamentable case, as would have
grieved any heart to have beheld them ; the first thing he did
was to cause their irons to be strucken off, and then he
enquired of one of the Portugals (for the other was like a man
dead) unto whom those children appertained, and how they
fell into the hands of this pyrat, as also what his name was.
Whereunto he answered, that the pyrat had two names, the
one Christian, the other Pagan, and that his Pagan name,
wherewith he used to be called of late, was Necoda Nicaulem,
and his Christian name Francisco de Saa, being christned at
Malaca, at such time as Ga/rcia de Saa was captain of the
fortress, and for that he was his god-father, and had caused him
to be baptized, he gave him that name, and married him to an
orphan maid, a very handsome wench, the daughter of an
honourable Portugal, to oblige him the more to our religion and
country ; but in the year 1634:. setting sail for China in a great
junk of his, wherein there accompanied him twenty of the
wealthiest Portugals in Malaca, as also his wife, and arriving
at the island of Pullo Gatan, they staid two days to take in
fresh water, during which time he and his company, who were
all Chineses like himself, and no better Christians, conspired the
death of the poor Portugals for to despoil them of their goods,
so that one night whU'st the Portugals were asleep, and little
dream'd of such treason, they killed them all with their
hatchets, and their servants likewise, not sparing the life of
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 93
any one that bore the name of a Christian ; after which, he
perswaded with his wife, to turn Pagan, and adore an idol,
that Tucan, captain of the junk, had concealed in his chest,
and that then being free from the Christian religion he would
marry her to Tucom, who in exchange would give him a sister
of his to wife, that was a Chinese, and there with him. But in
regard she would neither adore the idol, nor consent to the
rest, the dog struck her over the head with a hatchet till her
brains flew out, and then departing from thence went to the
port of Liam^oo, where the same year before he had traded ;
and not daring to go to Patana, for fear of the PorUigals that
resided there, he wintred at Siam, and the year following he
returned to the port of Chincheo, where he took a little junk
that came from Stmda, with ten Portugals in her, all which he
slew ; and because the wickedness that he had done us was
known over all the country, doubting to encounter some Por-
tugal forces, he had retired himself into this streight Gauchen-
ehina, where as a merchant he traded, and as a pyrat robbed
those he met with all that were weaker then himself. It being
now three years since he had taken this river for a refuge of his
robberies, thinking himself here secure from us Portugals, by
reason we have not used to trafSque in the ports of this
streight, the island of Airum. Antonio de Fa/ria asked of him
whether those children belonged to the Portugals he had men-
tioned before ; whereunto he answered, that they did not, but
that both they, and the boys and girls, were the children of
Nunc Preto, Gian de Diaz, and of Pero Borges, whom he had
killed at Mompollacota, near the mouth of the river of Sia/m in
Joano OUveyra's junk, where he also i^ut sixteen Portugals more
to death, only he saved their two lives, because one was a ship-
wright, and the other a caulker, and had carried them along
with hirn in this manner, continually whipping, and almost
famishing of them ; further he said, that when he set upon us,
he did not think we had been PorUigals, but some GMnese mer-
chant, like such as he had accustomed to rob when he found
them at advantage, as he thought to have found us. Antondo
de Faria demanded of him, whether he could know the pyrat
amongst those other dead bodies? Having replyed that he
could, the captain presently arose, & taking him by the hand,
H TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
went with him into the other junk, that was fastned to his,
md having made him view all that lay dead upon the hatches,
tie said it was none of them. Whereupon he commanded a
manchuas, which is a little boat, to be made ready, wherein he
bind this man went and sought for him amongst the other dead
bodies that floated on the water, where they found him with a
jreat cut over his head, and thrust quite through the body ; so
causing him to be taken up, and laid upon the hatches, he
demanded of that man again, if he were sure that this was he,
who answered, how without doubt it was he. Whereunto
Antonio de Fa/ria gave the more credit, by reason of a great
chain of gold he had about his neck, to which was fastned an
idol of gold with two heads, made in the form of a lizard,
baving the tail and paws enamelled with green and black ; and
commanding him to be drawn towards the prow, he caused his
bead to be chopt off, and the rest of the body to be cut in
pieces, which were cast into the sea.
Having obtained this victory in the manner I have before
declared, and caused our hurt men to be drest, and provided for
the guard of our captains, we took an inventory of the goods
that were in these two junks, and found that our prize was
worth forty thousand Taeis, which was immediately committed
to the charge of Antonio Borges, who was factor for the prizes.
Both the junks were great and good, yet were we constrained
to burn one of them for want of mariners to man it : there was
in them besides seventeen pieces of brass ordnance, namely,
four faulconets, and thirteen small pieces, the most part
whereof had the royal arms of Porttigal upon them, for the
pyrat had taken them in the three ships where he killed the
forty Portugals. The next day Antonio de Fwria went about
once more to get into the river, but he was advised by fisher-
men, which he took a little before, that he should beware of
going to the town, because they were advised there of all that
had passed betwixt him and the renegado pyrat, for whose
death the people were in an uproar; in so much that if he
would let them have his commodities for nothing, yet would
they not take them, in regard that OMleu, the governor of that
province, had contracted with him, to give him the third part
of all the prizes he took, in lieu whereof he would render him
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 95
a safe retreat in his country ; so that his loss being now great
by the death of the pyrat, he should be but badly welcomed by
him, and to that purpose had already commanded two great
rafts, covered with dry wood, barrels of pitch, and other com-
bustible stuff, to be placed at the entring into the port, that
were to be kindled and sent down upon us, as soon as we had
cast anchor, for to fire us, besides two hundred proas, full of
shot, and men of war were also in readiness to assault us.
These news made Antonio de Faria conclude to make away unto
another port, nsLmedi Mutipinan, distant from thence above forty
leagues towards the east, for that there were many rich mer-
chants, as well natives as strangers, which came in great troops
from the countries of Lmthos, Pafuaas, and Gueos, with great
sums of mony. So we set sail with the three junks, and the
loroh, wherein we came from Patcma, coasting the land from
one side to the other, by resison of a contrary wind, until we
arrived at a place called Tilcmmera, where we anchored, for
that the current of the water ran very strong against us.
After we had continued so three dayes together, with a contrary
wind, and in great want of victual, our good fortune about even-
ing brought four Lanteaas unto us, that are like unto foysts, in
one of the which was a bride, that was going to a village, named
Pandurea : now because they were all in a jolhty, they had so
many drums beating aboard them, as it was almost impossible
to hear one another for the noise they made. Whereupon we
were in great doubt what this might be, and wherefore there
was such triumphing ; some thought that they were spies sent
from the captain of Tcmcmquw's army, who insulting, for that
we were already in their power, gave this testimony thereof.
Antonio de Fwria left his anehorsin the sea, and preparing him-
self to sustain all that might happen unto him, he displayed all
his banners and flags, and with demonstration of joy attended
the arrival of these Lanteaas, who when they perceived us to
be all together, imagining it was the bridegroom that stay'd to
receive them, they came joyfully towards us. So after we had
saluted one another after the manner of the country, they went
and anchored by the shore. And because we could not com-
prehend the mystery of this affair, all our captains concluded
that they were spies from the enemies army, which forbore
96 THE TBAVELS, VOTAQES, AND ADVENTUBES
assaulting us in expectation of some other vessels that were
also to come ; in this suspicion we spent the little remainder
of that evening, and almost two hours of the night : but when the
bride, seeing that her spouse sent not to visit her, as was his
part to do, to shew the love she bore him, she sent her uncle in
one of the Lanteaas with a letter to him, containing these
words. If the feeble sex of a woman would permit me to go from
the place where I am for to see thy face, without reproach to mine
honowr, assure thy self that to kiss thy tardy feet my body would
fly as doth the hungry falcon after the fewrful heron : but since
I am pa/rted from my fathers house for to seek thee out here, come
thy self Mther to me, where indeed I am not, for I cannot see my
self, but in seeing thee. Now if thou dost not come to see me in
the obscuritie of this night, making it bright for me, I fear that
to morrow morning when thou arrivest here, thou shalt not find
me living. My uncle Licorpinau will more particularly acquaint
thee with what I keep concealed in my heart ; for I am, not able
to say any more, such is my grief to be so long depri/oed of thy so
much desired sight : wherefore I pray thee come unto me, or per-
mit me to come unto thee, as the greatness of my love to thee doth
deserve, and as thou art obliged to do unto her, whom now thou
art to possess in marriage until death, from which Almighty God
of His infinite goodness keep thee as many years, as the sunne and
moon ha/ve made turns about the world, since the beginning of
their birth. This Lanteaa being arrived with the brides uncle
and letter, Antonio de Faria caused all the Portugals to hide
themselves, suffering none to appear but our Chinese mariners,
to the end they might not be afraid of us : to our junk then
they approached with confidence, and three of them coming
aboard us, asked where the bridegroom was ? All the answer
we made them was to lay hold of them, and clap them pre-
sently under hatches ; now because the most part of them were
drunk, those that were in the Lanteaa never heard our bustling
with them, nor if they had, could they have had time to
escape, for suddenly from the top of our poop we fastned a
cable to their mast, whereby they were so arrested, as it was
impossible for them to get loose of us ; whereupon casting in
some pots of powder amongst them, the most of them leapt
into the sea, by which time six or seven of our souldiers, and
OF FMBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 97
as many mariners, got into the Lanteaa, and straight rendred
themselves masters of her, where the next thing they did was
to take up the poor wretches, who cried out that they drowned :
having made them sure, Antomo de Faria went towards the
other three Lanteaas, that anchored some quarter of a league
from thence ; and coming to the first, whereia was the bride,
he entered her without any resistance, in regard there were
none other in her but a few mariners, and six or seven men
that seemed to be of good reckoning ; all of kin to the bride,
being there only to accompany her, together with two little
boyes her brothers, that were very -white, and certain ancient
women, of such as in China are hired for money to dance, sing,
and play of instruments upon like festival occasions. The other
two Lanteaas beholding this bad success, left their anchors in
the sea, and fled in such haste, as if the devil had been in them ;
but for all that we took one of them, so that we had three of
the four : this done, we returned aboard our junk, and by
reason it was now midnight, we did nothing for the present
but take our prisoners, and shut them up under the hatches
where they remained until day ; that Antonio de Fa/ria came
to view them, and seeing they were most of them aged, full of
sorrow, and fit for nothing, he caused them to be set on shore,
retaining only the bride and her 2 brothers, because they were
young, white, and well-favoured, and some 20 mariners, which
afterwards were of great use to us for the navigation of our junks.
This bride as since we learn'd, was daughter to the Anohary of
Golem (which signifies governour) and betrothed to a youth, the
son of Ghisuu, captain of Pandurea, who had written unto her
that he would attend her in this place with 3 or 4 junks of his
fathers, who was very rich ; but alas I we shamefully cozened
him. After dinner, being departed from thence, the bride-
groom arrived seeking for his bride, with five sail full of flags,
streamers, and banners ? Passing by us, he saluted us with
great store of musick and shews of gladness, ignorant of his
misfortune, and that we carried away his wife. In this jollity
he doubled the Cape of TiUmmera, where the day before we
took this prize, and there anchored attending his bride, accord-
ing as he had written to her, whilest we sailing on arrived
three days after at the port of Mutipiman, which was the
8
98 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
place we aymed at, in regard of the advice that Antonio
Faria had, that there they might sell off his commodities.
CHAPTEE XV.
Antonio de Faria's arrival at the Port : the information that Antonio de
Faria had of the country; some passages between him and the
Nautarel of the town ; his going to the river of Madel ; with his
incountring a pyrat there, and that which passed betwixt them.
BEING arrived at this port we anchored in a rode, which
the land makes near to a little island on the south side
of the mouth of the river, at the entry whereinto we remained
without saluting the port, or making any noise, intending as
soon as it was night to send for to sound the river, and to be
informed of that we desired to know. Upon the appearing of
the moon, which was about 11 of the clock, Antonio de Faria
sent away one of his Lanteaas, well furnished, and 12 souldiers
in her, besides the captain named Valentino Martins Dalpoem,
a discreet man, and of great courage, that at other times had
given good proof of himself in like occasions, who departing
went alwayes sounding the depth of the river, until he arrived
where divers vessels rode at anchor ; there he took two men
that were sleeping in a barque laden with earthen ware, and
returning aboard undiscovered, he rendred Antonio de Faria an
acoompt of what he had found touching the greatness of the
place, and the fewness of the ships that were in the port,
wherefore his opinion was, that he might boldly enter into it,
and if it happened he could not trade there as he desired, no
•body could hinder him from issuing forth whensoever ho
pleased, by reason the river was very large, clean, and without
any shelves, sands or other things that might endanger him.
Having consulted then with his company, he concluded by
their advice, D.ot to put the two Mahometans, that were taken,
to torture as was before ordained, because there was no need
of it; day being come, Antonio de Faria, desiring before he
stirred to be informed from those two Mahometans of some
particulars he would fain know, and thinking he might sooner
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 99
prevail with them by fair means, then by menaces and
torment, he made very much of them, and then declared his
mind: whereupon both of them with one accord said, that
touching the entrance of the river there was nothing to be
feared, in regard it was one of the best in all that bay, and
that ordinarily far greater vessels then his went in and out
there, for that the shallowest place was 15 fathom at the
least ; and as for the people of the country he was not to
stand in any doubt of them, by reason they were naturally
weak, and without arms ; and that the strangers which were
at that instant there, arrived some 9 days before from the
kingdom of Benan in 2 companies of fifty oxen a piece, laden
with store of silver, wood of aloes, cloth, silk, linnen, ivory,
wax, lacre, benjamin, oamphire, and gold in powder, like to
that of the island of Samatra, who were come with this
merchandise to buy pepper, drugs, and pearls of the Isle of
Ainan. Being demanded whether there was any army in
those parts, they answered No, because most of the wars,
which the Prechau, that is, the Emperour of the Gauchins,
made, or were made against him, were by land; and that
when any was made upon the rivers, it was always with little
vessels, and not with such great ships as his, for that they
were not deep enough for them : further being asked, whether
the Prechau was near to that place, they replyed, that he was
12 days journey from thence, at the city of Quangepaaru,
where most commonly he with his court resided, governing the
kingdom in peace and justice, and that the mynes, reserved for
his Crown, rendred him in yearly rent fifteen thousand Pioos of
silver, every Pico weighing five quintals, the moyety whereof
by the Divine law, inviolably observed in his countries, was for
the poor labourers, that tilled the ground, to sustain their
families withal ; but that all his people by a general consent
had freely relinquished that right unto him, upon condition
that from thence-forward he should not constrain them to pay
tribute, or any other thing that might concern them, and that
the ancient Prechaus had protested to accomplish it as long as
the sun should give light to the earth. Antonio de Faria
further demanded of them, what belief they were of ; where-
Vinto they answered, that they held the very verity of all
100 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
verities, and that they believed there was but one God
Almighty, who as He had created all, so He preserved all;
howbeit if at any time our understandings were intangled
with the disorder and discord of our desires, that no way
proceeded from the sovereign Creator, in whom was no im-
perfection, but only from the sinner himself, that out of his
impatience judged according to the wicked inclination of his
heart. Moreover, asking of them, whether in their law they
believed, that the great God, which govemeth this all, came
at any time into the world, clothed with a humane form, they
said No, because there could be nothing that might oblige Him
to so great an extremity, in regard He was through the
excellency of the Divine nature delivered from our miseries,
and far esloigned from the treasures of the earth, all things
being more then base in the presence of his splendor. By
these answers of theirs, we perceived that these people had
never attained to any knowledge of our truth, more then their
eyes made them to see in the picture of heaven, and in the
beauty of the day; for continually in their Combayes, which
are their prayers, lifting up their hands they say. By Thy
works, Lord, we confess Thy greatness. After this Antonio de
Faria set them at liberty, and having given them certain
presents, wherewith they were very well pleased, he caused
them to be conveyed to land ; that done, the wind beginning a
little to rise he set sail, having all his vessels adorned with
divers coloured silks, their banners, flags and streamers,
displayed, and a standard of trade hung out after the manner
of the country, to the end they might be taken for merchants,
and not for pyrats, and so an hour after he anchored just
against the key of the town, which he saluted with a little
peal of ordnance, whereupon ten or eleven Almadiaes came
presently to us with good store of refreshments; howbeit
finding us to be strangers, and discerning by our habits that
we were neither Siams, Jaos, nor Malayos, nor yet of any
other nation that ever they had seen, they said one to another.
Please Heaven, that the dew of the fresh morning may be as
profitable to us all, as this evening seems fair with the ^presence
of these whom our eyes behold. Having said thus, one of the
Almadiaes asked leave to come aboard us, which they were
OF FEBHINAND MENDEZ pinto. 101
told they might do, because we were all their brothers ; so
that three of nine, which were in that Almadia, entered into
our junk, whom Antomia de Faria received very kindly ; and
causing them to sit down upon a Turky carpet by him, he
told them, that he was a merchant of the kingdom of Siam,
and going with his goods towards the Isle pf Ainan, he had
been advertised, that he might better and more securely sell
off his commodities in this town, then in any other place,
because the merchants thereof were juster and truer of their
word, then the Chineses of the coast of Ainan; whereunto
they thus answered. Thou art not deceived in that which thou
sayestyfor if thou be a merchant, as thou affirmest, believe it,
that in every thing and every where thou shalt be honoured in this
place, wherefore thou mayest sleep vnthout fea/r.
Antonio de Faria mistrusting some intelligence might come
over land concerning that which he had done to the pyrat
upon the river of Tarumquir, and so might work him some
prejudice, would not dis-imbarque his goods, as the officers of
the Custom-house would have had, which was the cause of
much displeasure and vexation to him afterward, so that his
business was twice interrupted by that means, wherefore
perceiving that good words would not serve to make them
consent to his propositions, he sent them word by a merchant,
who dealt between them, that he knew well enough they had
a great deal of reason to require the landing of his goods,
because it was the usual course for every one so to do ; but he
assured them that he could not possibly do it, in regard the
season was almost past, and therefore he was of necessity to
hasten his departure as soon as might be, the rather too for
the accommodating of the junk wherein he c^me, for as much
as she took in so much water, that 60 mariners were alwayes
labouring at three pumps to clear her, whereby he ran a great
hazard of losing all his goods ; and that touching the kings
customs, he was contented to pay them, not after thirty in the
hundred, as they demanded, but after ten, as they did in other
kingdoms, and so much, he would pay presently and willingly.
To this offer they rendred no answer, but detained him that
carried the message prisoner ; Antonio de Fa/ria seeing that his
messenger, returned not, set sail immediately, hanging forth a
102 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVMJSTUuma
number of flags, as one that cared not whether he soM or no ;
whereupon the merchants strangers that were come thither to
trade, perceiving the commodities, of which they hoped to
make some profit, to be going out of the port, through the
perversness and obstinacy of the Ncmtwrel of the town, they
went all to him, and desired him to recal Antonio de Faria,
otherwise they protested to complain to the king of the
injustice he did them, in being the cause of hindering their
traf&que. The Nautarel, that is, the governour, with all the
officers of the Custom-house, fearing lest they might upon this
occasion be turned out of their places, condescended to their
request, upon condition since we would pay but ten in the
hundred, that they should pay five more, whereunto they
agreed, and instantly sent away the merchant, whom they had
detained prisoner, with a letter full of complements, wherein
they declared the agreement they had made. Antonio de
Faria answered them, that since he was out of the port, he
would not re-enter it upon any terms, by reason he had not
leasure to make any stay; howbeit if they would buy his
commodities in gross, bringing lingots of silver with them for
that purpose, he would sell them to them, and in no other
manner would deal, for he was much distasted with the little
respect the Nautarel of the town had carried towards him, by
despising his messages ; and if they were contented to accept
thereof, that then they should let him know so much within
an hour at the farthest,otherwise he would sail away to Ainan,
where he might put off his commodities far better then there.
They finding him so resolved, and doubting to lose so fair an
occasion, as this was, for them to return into their country,
embarqued themselves in five great lighter with forty chests
full of lingots of silver, and a many sacks to bring away the
pepper: and arriving at Antonio de Faria's junk, they were
very well received by him, unto whom they represented, anew,
the agreement they had made with the Nautarel of the town,
greatly complaining of his iU government and of some wrongs,
which without all reason he had done them ; but since they
had pacified him by consenting to give him 15 in the hundred,
whereof they would pay five ; they desired him to pay the ten,
as he had promised, for otherways they could not buy his
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 103
commodifcieg. Whereunto Antonio de Fa/ria answered, that he
waa contented so to do, more for the love of them, then for
any profit he hoped to reap thereby, for which they gave him
many thanks, and so being on all sides agreed, they used such
diligence in discharging the goods, as in 3 days the most of it
was weighed and consigned into the hands of the owners
thereof; whereupon the accompts were made up, and the
lingots of silver received, amounting in all to an hundred and
thirty thousand Taeis, after the rate of 7 shillings and six
pence the Taei, as I have said elsewhere. And though all
possible speed was used herein, yet before all was finished,
news came of that which we had done to the pyrat in the
river of Tancmquir, in so much that not one of the inhabitants
would come near us afterward, by reason whereof Antonio de
Faria was constrained to set sail in all haste.
After we had quit the river of Mutepinan, directing our
course northward, Antonio de Faria thought good to make to
the coast of the island of Ainan, for to seek out a river named
Model, with a purpose there to accommodate the great junk,
wherein he was, because it took in much water, or provide
himself of a better in exchange upon any tearms whatsoever ;
so having saild for the space of 12 days, with a contrary wind,
at length he arrived at the cape of Pullo Hinho, which is the
island of Cocos ; there hearing no news of the pyrat he sought
for, he returned towards the south coast, where he took
certain prizes, which were of good value, and well gotten as
we thought. For it was the main intention of this captain
to deal with the pyrats which frequented this coast of Ainan,
as they before had done with divers Christians, in depriving
them of their lives and goods ; for as God doth ordinarily
draw good out of evil, so it pleased Him out of His divine
justice to permit, that Antonio de Fa/ria, in revenge of the
robbery committed by Goia Acem upon us in the port of Lugor
should in the pursuit of him chastise other thieves that
deserved to be punished by the hands of the Porttogals. Now
having for certain days together with much labour continued
our navigation within -this bay of Cauchenohina, as we were
newly entred into a port, called Madel, upon the day of the
Nativity of our Lady, being the 8 of Septem. for the fear that
104 THE TRAVELS, VOYAQMS, AND ADVENTURES
we were in of the new moon, during the which there often-
times happens in this climate such a terrible storm of wind
and rain, as it is not possible for ships to withstand it, which
by the Ghineses is named Tufan, and that the sky charged fuU
with clouds had 4 days together threatned that which we
feared, it pleased God amongst many other junks that fled
into this port for shelter, there came in one belonging to a
notorious Chinese pyrat, named Hinimila/u, who of a GentUe,
that he had been, was not long before become a Mahometan,
induced thereunto (as it was said) by a Gaels of that accursed
sect, who had made him such an enemy to the Christian
name, as he vaunted pubUquely, that God did owe heaven
unto him for the great service he had done Him upon earth,
in depopulating it by httle and little of the Portugal nation,
who from their mothers wombs delighted in their offences, as
the very inhabitants of the smoaky house, a name which they
give to hell; and thus did he with such sayings, and other
like blasphemies, speak as villanously and abominably of us
as could be imagined. This pyrat, entring into the river in a
very great and tall junk, came up to us where we rode at
anchor, and saluted us after the custom of the country,
whereunto we returned the hke, as it is the manner there to
do at the entry into any of the ports, they neither knowing us
to be Portugals, nor we what they were ; for we thought they
had been Ch/i/neses, and that they came into the port to shroud
themselves from the storms as others did, whereupon, behold,
five young men, that were Christians, whom this robber held
as slaves in his junk, guessing us to be Portugals, fell a crying
out three or four times together, Lord, have mercy upon us.
At these words we all stood up to see who they were, and
perceiving them to be Christians, we called aloud to the
mariners ^for to stay their course, which they would not do,
but contrarily beating up a drum, as it were in contempt of
us, they gave three great shouts, and withal brandished their
naked scymitars in the ayr in a way of threatning us, and
then cast anchor some quarter of a league beyond us. Ajitonio
de Faria desiring to learn the reason hereof, sent a Balon to
them, which no sooner arrived near them, but the barbarous
rogues pelted them with so many stones, that the vessel was
OF FERDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 105
almost overwhelmed, so that they were glad to return, both
mariners and souldiers being very sore hurt ; Antonio de Fcma
seeing them come back all bloody, demanded the cause of it :
Sir, answered they, we are not able to tell you, only you behold
in what plight we are ; saying so, and shewing him the hurts
on their heads, they declared unto him in what manner they
had been entertained. At first this accident much troubled
Antonio do Faria, so that he stood musing a good while upon
it, but at length turning himself to them that were present,
Let every one here, said he, prepare hdmself, for I cannot be
perswaded but this is that dog Coia Acem, who I hope this day
shall pa/y for all the wrong he hath done us. Whereupon he
commanded presently to weigh anchor, and with all the speed
that might be he set sail with the three junks and Lanteas.
Being come within a musket shot of them, he saluted them
with six and thirty pieces of ordnance, whereof twelve were
faulooners, and other field-pieces, amongst the which was one
of battery, that carried cast buUets, wherewith the enemies
were so amazed, as all the resolution they could take for the
instant was to leave their anchors in the sea, not haying,
leasure to weigh them, and to make to the shoar, wherein also
they failed of their desire; for Antorm de Faria perceiving
their design got before them and boarded their junk with all
the forces of his vessels: hereupon began a most furious
combat both with pikes, darts, and pots full of powder thrown
from either side, so that for half an hour it could not be
discerned who had the better : but at length it pleased God to
favour us so much, that the enemies finding themselves weary,
wounded, and hurt, threw themselves into the sea. Antonio
de Faria, seeing these wretches ready to sink, by reason of
the impetuousness and strength of the current, he imbarqued
himseli with some souldiers in two balons, and with much
ado saved 16 men, whereunto he was induced by the great
need he stood in of them for the manning of his Lamteas,
because he had lost a great many of his people in the former
fights.
106 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
CHAPTBE XVI.
What Antonio de Faria did trith the Captain of the F;p:Bts Junk; that
which past between him and the people of the Couutiy; with our
casting away upon the Island of Thieves.
ANTONIO DE FAEIA having obtained this victory in the
manner I have related, the first thing he did was to see his
hurt men drest, as that which chiefly imported him ; then being
given to understand that the pyrat Hirdmilau, the captain of the
junk he had taken, was one of the sixteen he had saved, he
commanded him to be brought before him, and after he had
caused him to be drest of two wounds that he had received,
he demanded of him what was become of the young Portugals
which he held as slaves ? Whereunto the pyrat, being mad
with rage, having answered that he could not tell, upon the
second demand that was made hhn, with menaces, he said,
that if first they would give him a little water, in regard he
was so dry as he was not able to speak, that then he would
consider what answer to make. Thereupon having water
brought him, which he drunk so greedily as he spilt the most
part of it without quenching his thirst, he desired to have
some more given him, protesting that if they would let him
drink his fill, they would oblige him by the law of Mahomets
Alcoran voluntarily to confess all that they desired to know of
him. Antonio de Fario, having given him as much as he would
drink, questioned him again about the young Christians;
whereto he replyed, that he should find them in the chamber
of the prow ; thereupon he commanded 3 souldiers to go thither
and fetch them, who had no sooner opened the scuttle to bid
them come up, but they saw them lie dead in the place, with
their throats cut; which made them cry out, Jesus, Jesus,
come hither we beseech you. Sir, and behold a most lamentable
spectacle ; hereat Antonio de Faria, and those that were with
him, ran thither, and beholding those youths lying so one upon
another, he could not forbear shedding of tears ; having caused
them then to be brought upon the deck, together with a woman
and two pretty children, about 7 or 8 years old, that had their
throats also cut ; he demanded of the pyrat why he used such
OF FMBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 107
cruelty to those poor innocents : whereunto he answered, that
it was because they were traytours, in discovering themselves
to those, which were such great enemies to him as the Portu-
gals were, and also for that having heard them call upon their
Christ for help, he desired to see whether he would deliver
them ; as for the two infants, there was cause enough to kill
them, for that they were the children of Portugals, whom he
ever hated : with the like extravagancy he answered to many
other questions which were propounded to him, and that with
so much obstinacy as if he had been a very devil. Afterwards
being asked whether he were a Christian, he answered, no ;
but that he had been one at such time as Don Pernio de
Gama was captain of Malaca. Whereunto Antonio de Faria
demanded of him, what moved him since he had been a
Christian, to forsake the law of Jesus Christ, wherein he was
assured of his salvation, for to embrace that of the false
prophet Mahomet, from whence he could hope for nothing but
the loss of his soul. Thereunto he answered, that he was
induced so to do, for that so long as he was a Christian, the
Portugals had alwayes contemned him, whereas before when
he was a Gentile, they called him Quiay Necoda, that is to say,
Signior captain ; but that respect immediately upon his bap-
tism forsook him, which he verily believed did arrive to him by
Mahomets express permission, to the end it should open his eyes
to turn Mahometan, as after he did at Bintan, where the King
of Jantana was in person present at the ceremony, and that
ever since he had much honoured him, and that all the Man-
da/rins called him brother, in regard of the vow he had made
upon the Holy Book of Flowers, that as long as he lived he
would be a sworn enemy to the Portitgals, and of all others
that profest the name of Christ, for which both the King and
Cacis Moulana had exceedingly commended him, promising
that his soul should be most blessed if he performed that vow.
Being likewise demanded how long ago it was since he revolted,
what Portugal vessels he had taken, how many men he had
put to death, and what merchandize he had despoyled them
of? He answered, that it was 7 years since he became a
Mahometan ; that the first vessel he took was Luiso de Pavia's
junk, which he surprised in the Eiver of Liampoo with 400
108 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
bars of pepper only, and no other spice, whereof having made
himself master, that he had put to death 18 Portugals, besides
their slaves, of whom he made no reckoning, because they
were not such as could satisfie the oath he made. That after
this prize he had taken our ships, and in them had put to death
above 100 persons, amongst whom there were some 70 Portu-
gals, and that he thought the merchandize in them amounted
to fifteen or sixteen hundred bars of pepper, whereof the King
of Pan had the better moyity for to give him a safe retreat in
his ports, and to secure him from the Portugals, giving him to
that purpose 100 men, with commandment to obey him as
their king. Being further demanded, whether he had not
killed any Portugals, or lent an hand for the doing thereof, he
said no, but that some two years before, being in the Eiver of
Choaboquec on the coast of Ghina, a great junk arrived there
with a great many Portugals in her, whereof an intimate friend
of his named Buy Loho, was captain, whom Don Estevan de
Gama, then governour of the fortress of Malaca, had sent
thither in the way of commerce, and that upon the sale of his
commodities going out of the port, his junk about five dayes
after took so great a leak, as not being able to clear her, he was
constrained to retm-n towards the same port, from whence he
parted ; but that by ill fortune clapping on all his sails to get
the sooner to land was overset by the violence of the wind, so
as all were cast away, saving Buy Loho, 17 Portugals, and
some slaves, who in their skiff made for the island of Lamau,
without sail, without water, or any manner of victuals ; that
in this extremity Buy Loho, relying on the ancient friendship
that was between them, came with tears in his eyes, and praid
him on his knees to receive him and his into his junk, which
was then ready to set sail for Patana, whereunto he agreed,
upon condition that therefore he should give him two thousand
ducates, for the performance whereof he bound himself by his
oath of a Christian. But that after he had taken them in, he
counselled by the Mahometans not to trust unto the friendship
of Christians, lest he might endanger his own life ; for when
theyhadrecovered strength, they would without doubt seize upon
his junk, and all the goods that were in her, it being their usual
custom so to do in all places where they found themselves the
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 109
strongest : wherefore fearing lest that which the Mahometans
suggested should befall him, he slew them all on a night as
they slept, for the which notwithstanding he was sorry after-
wards. This declaration so much incensed Antonio de Faria,
and all that were about him, as indeed the enormity of so wicked
a fact did require, that presently, without questioning or hear-
ing of him further, he commanded him to be put to death with
four more of his company ; and so they were all thrown into the
sea.
This justice being executed on the pyrat and his four com-
panions, Antonio de Faria caused an inventory to be taken of
all that was in the junk, which was adjudged to mount unto
forty thousand Taeis in raw and twisted silk, pieces of sattin,
damask, musk, fine pourcelains, and other less valuable com-
modities, which with the junk we were constrained to bum,
because we wanted mariners for our navigation. With those
valorous exploits the Chineses were so amazed, as they stood
in dread of the very mention of the name of the Portugals,
in so much that the Necodaes, or masters of the junks that
were in the port, fearing the like might be done to them assem-
bled all together in councel ; and there making election of two of
the principal amongst them, whom they held most capable of
performing their charge, they sent them as embassadoure unto
Antonio de Faria, desiring him, that as King of the Sea, he
would protect them, upon the assurance of his word, so as
they might pass safely out of the place where they were for to
make their voyage whil'st the season served ; in consideration
whereof, as his tributary subjects and slaves, they would give
him twenty thousand Taeis in ingots of silver, whereof pay-
ment should be made out of hand, by way of acknowledging
him to be their lord. Antonio de Faria received them very
courteously, and granting their request, protested and sware
to perform the same, and upon his word to protect them for
the future, from having any of their goods taken from them by
any pyrat ; whereupon one of the embassadours remained as
surety for the twenty thousand Taeis, and the other went to
fetch the ingots which he brought an hour after, together with
a rich present of many several things sent him over and above
by the Necodaes. This done, Antonio de Fa/ria desiring to
110 TEM TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
advance a servant of his, named Costa, made him dark of the
patents that were to be granted to the Necodaes, whereof he
presently set a rate, namely five Taeis for a junk, and two
Taeis for a Vanco, Lantea, and small barque, which proved so
beneficial to him, that in the space of thirteen days, wherein
these patents we dispatched, he got (according to the report
of those that envyed him) above four thousand Taeis in silver,
besides many good gratuities that were given him for expedi-
tion. The form of these patents was thus : I give assurance
upon my word to Necoda such a one, that he shall sail safely all
about the coast of China without any distu/rbance, of any that
belongs to me, upon condition that wheresoever he meets with any
Portugals, he shall entreat them as brethren : and underneath
he signed, Antorm de Fa/ria: All which patents were most
exactly observed, and by that means he was redoubted all
along the coast, as the Ghaem himself of the island of Ainan,
who is the Vice-roy thereof, upon the report which he heard
of him, sent to visit him by his embassadour, vnth a rich
present of pearls and jewels; as also a letter, whereby he
desired him to take entertainment from the Son of the Sun, a
name which they give to the Emperour of this monarchy for
to serve him as Commander General of all the coast from
Lamau to Liampoo, with ten thousand Taeis pension yearly,
and that if he carried himself well, according to the renown went
of him, he assured him that upon the expiration of his three years
charge, he should be advanced into the rank of the Ghaems of
the state, and that such men as he if they were faithful, might
attain to be one of the twelve Tutoens of the Empire, whom
the sovereign Son of the Sun, being the Lion crowned on the
throne of the world, admitted to his bed and board, as mem-
bers united to his person by means of the honour, power, and
command that he gave them with an annual pension of an
hundred thousand Taeis. Antonio de Fa/ria gave him many
thanks for this offer, and excused himself with complements,
after their manner; saying, that he was not capable of so
great favour as he would honour him withal, but that vrithout
any regard at all of mony he would be ready to serve him as
often as the Tutoens of Peqmn would be pleased to command
him, After this going out of the port of Model, where he had
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. Ill
been fourteen days, he ran all along the coast of that country
for to find out Goia Acem, it being the main design of all his
voyage, as I have declared before. Imagining then that he
might meet with him in some of these places, he stayed there
above six months, with much pain and hazard of his person.
At length he arrived at a very fair town, named Quangiparu,
wherein were goodly buildings and temples. In 'this port he
abode all that day and the night following, under colour of
being a merchant, peaceably buying that which was brought
him aboard ; and because it was a town of fifteen hundred
fires, as we guessed, the next morning by break of day we set
sail without any great notice taken of us. So returning to sea,
although it were with a contrary wind, in 12 days with a
troublesome navigation he visited the shores both of the south
and north coasts, without incountring any thing worthy the
observation, although they were replenished with a many of
little villages, whereof divers were inclosed with walls of
brick, but not strong enough to withstand the force of thirty
good soldiers, the people of themselves being very weak, and
having no other arms but staves hardned in the fire ; howso-
ever the scituation of this country was under one of the best
and fertilest climates on the earth, abounding with great store
of cattel, and many goodly_large fields, sowed with wheat, rice,
barly, millet, and sundry other ' kinds of grain ; as also reple-
nished with many great groves of pine, and Angeline trees, as
in the Indies, able to furnish a world of shipping. Moreover,
by the relation of certain merchants Antonio de Faria was in-
formed, that in this land there were many mynes of copper,
silver, tin, saltpeter, sulphur, and an infinite deal of untilled,
but excellently good grovmd, altogether neglected by this weak
nation, which were it in our power, we might in all probability
be more advanced in the Indies, then now we are through the
unhappiness of our sins.
After we had been 7 months and an half in this country,
somtimes on the one side, somtimes on the other, from river to
river, and on both coasts, north and south ; as also in the Isle
of Ainan, without hearing any news of Coia Acem, the souldiers
weary of so long and tedious travel, assembled altogether, and
desired Antonio de Fa/ria, to make a partition of that which bad
112 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
been gotten, according to a promise before made to them by a
note under his hand, saying, that thereupon they would return
unto the Indies, or where else they thought good, whereby a
great deal of stir arose amongst us. At length it was agreed,
that we should go and winter in Siam, where all the goods
which were in the junk should be sold, and being reduced into
gold, division shotdd be made of it, as was desired. With this
accord, sworn and signed by all, we went and anchored in an
island, called the island of Thieves, in regard it was the outer-
most island of aU that bay, to the end that from thence we
might make our voyage with the first fair wind that should
blow. So having continued there twelve dayes with an earnest
desire to effect the agreement we had made together ; it for-
tuned that by the conjunction of the new moon in October,
which we had alwayes feared, there arose such a tempest of
rain and wind, as seemed to be no natural thing, in so much
that lying open to the south wind, as we traverst the coast,
the waves went so high, that though we used all means possible
to save our selves, cutting down our masts, and all the dead
works from poup to prow; as also casting into the sea even the
most part of our merchandize, reducing our great ordnance
into their places again out of which they had been toss'd, and
strengthning our cables that were half rotten with ropes ;
but all this was not able to preserve us, for the night was so
dark, the weather so cold, the sea so rough, the wind so high,
and the storm so horrible, that in these extremities nothing
could deUver us but the meer mercy of God, whom with con-
tinual cries and tears we called upon for help. But for as
much as in regard of our sins we did not deserve to receive
this grace at His hands. His Divine Justice ordained, that
about 2 hours after midnight there came such a fearful gust of
wind, as drove our 4 vessels foul of one another upon the
shore, where they were all broken to pieces, so that 400 and
80 men were drowned, amongst which were eight Portii-
gals, and it pleased God that the remainder being 53 persons
were saved, whereof 23 were Portugals, the rest slaves and
mariners. After this lamentable shipwrack, we got half naked,
and most of us hurt into a marish hard by, where we stayed
till the next morning ; and as soon as it was day we returned
OF FBBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 113
to the sea side, which we found all strewed with dead
bodies, a spectacle of that dread and horrour as scarce
any one of us could forbear swooning to behold it : over
them we stood lamenting a great while, till such time as
Antonio de Faria, who by the mercy of God was one of those
that remained alive, whereof we were aU very glad, concealing
the grief which we could not dissemble, came where we were,
having on a scarlet coat that he had taken from one of the
dead, and with a joyful countenance, his eyes dry and void of
tears, he made a short speech unto us, wherein he remon-
strated how variable and uncertain the things of this world
were, and therefore he desired us, as brethren, that we would
endeavour to forget them, seeing the remembrance of them
was but a means to grieve us ; for considering the time and
miserable estate whereunto we were reduced, we saw how
necessary his counsel was : and how he hoped that God would
in this desolate place present us with some good opportunity to
save our selves, and how we might be assured that He never per-
mitted any evil but for a greater good ; moreover how he firmly
believed, that though we had now lost five hundred thousand
crowns, we should ere it were long get above six hundred thou-
sand for them. This brief exhortation was heard by us all with
tears and discomfort enough ; so we spent two days and an half
there in biirying the dead ; during which time we recovered
some wet victuals, and provisions to sustain us withal ; but
they lasted not above five dayes of fifteen that we stayed there,
for by reason of their wetness they corrupted presently, and
did us little good. After these 15 days it pleased God, who
never forsakes them that truly put their trust in Him, miracu-
lously to send us a remedy, whereby we escaped out of that
misery we were in, as I will declare hereafter.
114 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
CHAPTBE XVII.
In what sort we escaped miraculously out of this island; our passage
from thence to the river of Xingrau ; our incountting with a Chinese
pyrat, and the agreement we made with him.
BEING escaped from this miserable shipwrack, it was a
lamentable thing to see how we walked up and down
almost naked, enduring such cruel cold and hunger, that many
of us talking one to another, fell down suddenly dead with
very weakness, which proceeded not so much from want of
victuals, as from the eating of such things as were hurtful to
us, by reason they were all rotten, and stunk so vilely, that no
man could endure the taste of them in his mouth. But as our
God is an infinite good, there is no place so remote, for desert,
where the misery of sinners can be hid from the assistance of
His infinite mercy, which I speak, in regard that on the day,
when as the feast of S. Michael is celebrated, as we were
drowned in tears, and without hope of any humane help,
according as it seemed to the weakness of our little faith, a kite
came unexpectedly flying over our heads from behinde a point
which the island made towards the south, and by chance let
fall a fish called a mullet, about a foot long. This fish falling
close by Antonio de Faria, he took it and caused it to be broyled
upon coals, and given to such of the sick as had most need of
it ; then looking towards the point of the island from whence
the kite came, we perceived divers others that in their flying
made many stoopings, whence we concluded that there was
some kind of prey there whereon these fowls fed ; now all of
us being most desirous of relief, we went thither in all haste,
and coming to the top of the higher groimd, we discovered a
low vally fuU of divers fruit trees, and in the middle a river of
fresh water, whereupon by good fortune before we went down
we saw a stag newly killed, and a tyger beginning to eat him,
therewith we made a great cry which frighted him away into
the wood, leaving us the stag as he was. Then descended we
to the river, and by the bank of it staid all that night, making
a feast, as well with the stag, as with divers mullets that we
took there ; for there were a great nimiber of kites, that from
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 115
the water catched a many of those fishes, and oftentimes let
them fall being soared with our cries. Thus continued we by
the rivers tiU Saturday following, when about the break of day
we discerned a sail making as we thought towards the island
where we were : the better to be assured whereof we returned
to the shoar where we were wracked, and there staying about
half an hour, we found it to be so indeed, in which regard we
got us presently into the wood to decline discovery from those
in the vessel ; which arriving in the port we perceived it to be
a Lamea, and that those that were in her fastned her to the
shoar with 2 cables, at the beak and the stern the better to
accommodate a plank for to pass in and out of her. Being all
dis-imbarqued out of her to about the number of thirty persons,
more or less, they went presently, some to making provision of
water and wood, some to washing of their linnen, and dressing
of meat, and others to wrastling, and such like pastimes, little
thinking to find any body in that place which could any way
annoy them. Antonio de Fa/ria seeing them altogether without
fear and order, and that there was none remaining in the vessel
able to resist us ; My masters, said he unto us, you behold the
wretched estate whereinto our mis-fortune hath reduced us,
whereof I confess m/y sins are the cause ; but the mercy of God
is so imfvmte, as I am, verily perswaded He will not suffer us to
perish thus miserably here, and therefore hath as it were miracu-
lously sent this vessel hither, by seising whereupon we may
escape from hence, which before to humane reason seemed almost
impossible : wherefore I exhort you all to joyn with me in
making our selves masters suddenly of her ere ever we be heard
or seen, and homing so done, let our oneVy care be to possess our
selves of the arms we shall find in her, that therewith we may
defend our selves, and make good our possession, upon which,
next under God, our safety depends ; and as soon as you shall
hear me say three times, Jesus, do as you shall see me do.
Whereunto we answered, that we would dihgently perform
what he had enjoyned us ; so that we standing all prepared to
execute his design, Antondo de Faria gave the signal which he
had spoken of, and withall ran as fast as ever he could, and we
along with him, till he arrived at the Lantea, whereinto we
suddenly entered without any contradiction; then unloosing
116 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
the two cables with which she was fastned, we put out to sea
about a cross-bow shot from land. The CMneses surprized in
this manner, ran all to the sea side, upon the noise that they
heard ; and seeing their vessel taken, were much amazed, but
knew not how to help it ; for we shot at them with an iron
base that was in the Lantea, which made them fly into the
wood, where no doubt they passed the rest of that day in
lamenting the sad success of their ill fortune, as we had done
ours before.
After we were gotten into the Lantea, and that we were sure
the deceived CMneses could no way hurt us, we sat us down to
eat that at leasure, which they had caused to make ready for
their dinner by an old man, that we found there, and it was a
great skillet full of rice with bached lard, whereunto we fell
with good stomacks, as being not a little hungry. Dinner
done, and thanks rendred to God for His gracious mercy to us,
an inventory was taken of the goods that were in the Lantea,
which was raw silks, damasks, sattins, together with three
great pots of musk, amounting in all to the value of four
thousand crowns, beside good store of rice, sugar, gammons
of bacon, and two coups full of poultry, whereof we had more
need then of all the rest, for the recovery of our sick men,
which were not a few amongst us. Hereupon we all began
without fear to cut out pieces of silk, therevrith to accommo-
date every one with clothes. Antonio de Fa/ria, having found
a prety boy in the Lantea, about some twelve or thirteen years
old, demanded of him from whence she came, and what she
did in this place, as also to whom she belonged, and whither
she was bound. Alas I answered the boy, she not long since
belonged to my unfortunate father, whose ill ha^ it is to have
that taken from him by you in less then an hour, which he hath
been above thirty years in getting. He came from a place called
Quoaman, where in exchange of lingots of siher he bought all
these commodities that you have, with a purpose to have gone and
sold them to the junks of Siam, whdch are in the port of Comhay ;
and wanting fresh water, it was his ill hap to come hither for to
take in some, where you h<we robbed Mm of all that he liath,
without any fea/r at all of the Limine justice. Whereupon
Antonio de Fa/ria bade him leave weeping, and making much
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 117
of Mm, promised to use him as his own son, and that ha
would alwayes account him so ; hereat smiling as it were in
disdain, he answered. Think not thotcgh I am but a cMlde, that
I am so foolish to believe, that homing robbed my father, thou
canst ever use me like thy son ; but if thou wilt do as thou sayest,
I beseech thee for the love of thy God suffer me to swim unto
that sad land, where he remains that begot me, who indeed is my
true father, withwhom I had rather dye where I see him lamenting,
then live with such wicked people as you are. Then some of
them that were present, reprehending and teUing him that it
was not well spoken. Would you know, replyed he, why I said
so ? It was becoMselsoAU you after you had filled yow bellies,
praise God with lifted up hands, and yet for all that like hypo-
crites never care for making restitution of that you ha/ve stollen ;
but be assured, that after death you shall feel the rigorous chas-
tisement of the Lord Almighty for so unjustly taking mens goods
from them. Antonio de Faria, admiring the childs speech,
asked him whether he would become a Christian? Where-
imto, earnestly beholding him, he answered, I understand not
what you say, nor that you propounded ; declare it first unto me,
and then you shall know my mind further. Then Antonio de
Faria began to instruct him therein after the best manner he
could, but the boy would not answer him a word ; only lifting
up his hands and eyes to heaven, he said, weeping. Blessed be
Thy power, 0 Lord, that permits such people to live on the
earth, that speak so well of Thee, and yet so ill observe Thy law,
as these blinded miscreants do, who think that robbing amd
preaching are things acceptable to Thee. Having said so, he
got him into a corner, and there remained weeping for three
dayes together, without eating any thing that was presented
unto him. Hereupon falUng to consult whether it were the
best course for us to hold from this place, either northward, or
southward, much dispute arose thereabout, at length it was
concluded that we would go to Liampoo, a port distant from
thence northwards two hundred and threescore leagues; for
we hoped that along this coast we might happen to incounter
and seize on some other greater and more commodious vessel
then that we had, which was too little for so long a voyage, in
regard of the dangerous storms that are ordinarily caused by
118 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
the new moons on the coast of China, where dayly many ships
are cast away. With this design we put to sea about sun-set,
and so went on this night with a south-west wind, and before
day we discovered a little island, named Quintoo, where we
surprized a fisher-boat full of fresh fish, of which we took as
much as we had need of, as also 8. of 12. men that were in
her for the service of our Lantea, by reason our own were so
feeble as they were not able to hold out any longer. These 8.
fishermen, being demanded what ports there were on this
coast to Ghdncheo, where we thought we might meet with
some ship of Malaca, answered, that about 18. leagues from
thence there was a good river and a good rode called Xingra/u,
much frequented with junks, where we might be easily and
throughly accommodated vnth all that we stand in need of ;
that at the entring into it, there was a little village named
Xamoy, inhabited with poor fishermen, and 3. leagues beyond
that, the town where was great store of silks, musk, pource-
lains, and many other sorts of commodities, which were
transported into divers parts. Upon this advice we steered
our course towards that river, where we arrived the next day
immediately after dinner, and cast anchor just against it about
a league in the sea, for fear lest our ill fortune should run us
into the same mischief we were in before. The night follow-
ing we took a Peroo of fishermen, of whom we demanded
what junks there were in this river, and how they were
man'd, with divers other questions proper for our design.
Whereunto they answered, that at the town up the river there
was not above 200. junks, by reason the greatest part were
already gone to Aincm, Sumbor, Lwiloo, and other ports of
Cauchenohma ; moreover, that we might ride in safety at
Xamoy, and that there we might buy any thing we wanted.
Whereupon we entred into the river, and anchored close to the
village, where we continued the space of half an hour, being
much about midnight. But Antowio de Faria seeing that the
Lantea wherein we sailed could not carry us to Liampoo, where
we purposed to lie all the winter, he concluded by the advice
of his company to furnish himself with a better vessel ; and
although we were not then in case to enterprise any thing, yet
necessity constrained us to undertake more then our forces
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 119
would permit. Now there being at that instant a little junk
riding at anchor fast by us alone, and no other near her,
having but few men in her, and those asleep, Antomo de Fa/ria
thought he had a good opportunity to effect his purpose;
wherefore leaving his anchor in the sea, he got up close to this
junk, and with 27. souldiers and 8. boyes boarded her on a
sudden unespied, where finding 7. or 8. Chinese mariners fast
asleep, he caused them to be taken, and bound hand and foot,
threatning if they cryed out never so httle to kill them all,
which put them in such a fear, as they durst not so much as
quetch. Then cutting her cables, he got him straight into the
river, and sayled away with all the speed he could. The next
day we arrived at an island, named Pulio Qwirim, distant from
Xa/rmy not above nine leagues ; there meeting with a favour-
able gale within 3 dayes we went and anchored at another
island, called Luxitay, where in regard the ayr was wholsom,
and the water good, we thought fit to stay some 15. days for
the recovery of our sick men. In this place we visited the junk,
but found no other commodity in her then rice, the greatest
part whereof we cast into the sea, to make her the lighter and
securer for our voyage ; then we unladed all her furniture into
the Lantea, and set her on ground for to caulk her, so that in
doing thereof, and making our provision of water, we spent (as
I said before) fifteen days in this island, by which time our sick
men fully recovered their health ; whereupon we departed for
Hcmvpoo, being given to understand, that many PorPugals were
come thither from Malaca, Sunda, Siam, and Patana, as they
used ordinarily to do about that time for to winter there.
We had sailed two days together along the coast of Lamum
with a favourable wind, when it pleased God to make us
encounter with a junk of Patana, that came from Lequio, which
was commanded by a Chinese pyrat, named Qtday Panian, a
great friend of the Portugal nation, and much addicted to our
fashions and manner of Ufe, with him there were thirty
Portugals, choice and proper men, whom he kept in pay, and
advantaged more then the rest with gifts and presents, so that
they were all very rich. This pyrat had no sooner discovered
us but he resolved to attaqueus, thinking nothing less then that
we were Portugals, so that endeavouring to invest us, like an
120 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
old souldier that he was, and verst in the trade of pyrat, he got
the wind of us ; that done, falling down within a musket shot
of us, he saluted us with 15. pieces of ordnance, wherewith we
were much affrighted, because the most of them were faul-
conets; but Antonio de Fcvria encouraging his men, like a
valiant captain, and a good Christian, disposed them on the
hatches in places most convenient, as well in the prow as the
poop, reserving some to be afterwards fitted as need should
require. Being thus resolved to see the end of that which
Fortune should present us, it pleased God that we descried a
cross in our enemies flag, and on the fore-deck a number of red
caps, which our men were wont to wear at sea in those times,
whereby we were perswaded that they might be Portugals
that were going from Liampoo to Malaca ; whereupon we made
them a sign to make our selves known to them, who no sooner
perceived that we were Portugals, but in token of joy they gave
a great shout, and withal vaiUng their two top sails in shew of
obedience, they sent their long boat, called a balon, with 2.
Portugals in her, for to learn what we were, and from whence
we came. At length having well observed and considered us,
they approached with some more confidence to our junk ; and
having saluted us, and we them, they came aboard her, where
Antonio de Faria received them very courteously ; and for that
they were known to some of our souldiers, they continued there
a good while, during the which they recounted divers particu-
lars unto us necessary for our design. That done, Antonio de
Fa/ria sent Ghristovano Borralho to accompany them back, and
to visit Qmay Panicm from him, as also to deUver him a letter
full of complements, and many other offers of friendship,
wherewith this pyrat Panian was so contented and proud, that
he seemed not to be himself (such was his vanity) and passing
close by om- junk, he took in all his sails ; then accompanied
with 20. Portugals, he came and visited Antonio de Fa/ria with
a goodly rich present, worth about two thousand ducates, as
well in ambergreece and pearls, as jewels of gold and silver,
Antonio de Fa/ria, and the rest of us, received him with great
demonstrations of love and honour. After this he and aU his
company were set, Antorm de Fa/ria fell to discourse with them
of divers things according to the time and occasion, and then
OF FEBDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 121
recited unto them his unhappy voyage, and the loss he had
sustained ; and acquainting them with his determination to go
unto Liampoo, for to re-inforce himself with men, and make
provision of vessels with oars, to the end he might return again
to pass once more into the Streight of CcmchencMna, and so get
to the mynes of Quocmiapa/ru, where he had been told there were
six large houses full of lingots of silver, besides a far greater
quantity that was continually melted all along the river, and that
without any peril one might be wonderfully enriched. Where-
unto the pyrat Panian made this answer, For my own pa/rt,
Signior Captain, I am not so rich as many tMnle, though it is
true I have been so heretofore ; hut homing been beaten with the
same misfortune, which thou sayest has befallen thee, my riches
ha/oe been taken from me. Now to retwrn to Patana, where I
have a wife and children, I dare not, by reason I am assured that
the King will despoil me of all that I should bring thither, because
I departed from thence without his permission, which he would
make a most hainous crime, to the end he might seize upon m/y
estate, as he has done to others for far lesser occasions then that
wherewith he may charge me. Wherefore if thou canst be con-
tented that I shall accompany thee in the voyage thou meanest to
undertake, with an hundred men that I ha/oe in my junk ; fifteen
pieces of ordnance, thirty muskets, andfourty ha/rquebuses, which
these signiors, the Portugals that are with me do carry, I shall
most willingVy do it, upon condition that thou wilt impart unto
me a third part of that which shall be gotten, and to that effect I
desire thee to give me an assu/rance under thy hand, as also to
swear unto me by thy law to perform it' accordingly. Antonio de
Faria accepted of this offer very gladly, and after he had ren-
dred him many thanks for it, he swore unto him upon the holy
evangelists fully and without all fail to eccompUsh what he
required, and thereof likewise made him a promise under his
hand, to which divers of their company subscribed their names
as witnesses. This accord past between them, they went both
.together into a river, called Anay, some 5. leagues from thence,
where they furnished themselves with all that they stood in
need of, by means of a present of an hundred ducates, which
they gave to the Mandarin, captain of the town.
122 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
CHAPTEE XVIII.
Onr encounter at sea with a little fisher-boat, wherein were eight Fortugals
very sore hurt ; and Antonio de Faria'a meeting and fighting with Coia
Acem the pyrat.
BEING parted from this river of Anay, and ■well provided
of all things necessary for the voyage we had undertaken,
Antonio de Fa/ria resolved by the advice and councel of Quia/y
Pcmian, whom he much respected, to go and anchor in the
port of Ghincheo, there to be informed by such Porttigals as
were come from Sunda, Malaca, Timor, and Patana, of certain
matters requisite for his design, and whether they had any
news from Liampoo, in regard the report went in the country,
that the King of GMna had sent thither a fleet of 400. junks,
wherein there were an hundred thousand men, for to take the
Porttigals that resided there, and to burn their houses, for that
he would not endure them to be any longer in his dominions,
because he had been lately advertised, that they were not a
people so faithful and peaceable as he had been formerly given
to understand. Arriving then in the port of CMncheo, we
found five Portugal ships, that were come thither about a
month before, from the places above mentioned. These ships
received us with great joy, and after they had given us intelli-
gence of the country, traffique, and tranquility of the ports,
they told us they had no other news from Liampoo, but that it
was said a great number of Fortugals were come thither from
many parts to winter there ; and how that great army, which
we so much feared, was not thereabout ; but that it was sus-
pected to be gone for the islands of Goto, to the succour of
Sucan de Ponti/r, from whom the bruit went a brother-in-law
of his had taken his kingdom, and that in regard Sv,can had
lately made himself subject to the King of China, and his
tributary for an hundred thousand Taeis by the year, he had
in compensation thereof given him this great army of 400.
junks, with the forces aforesaid, for to restore him to his crown
and signiories, whereof he had been despoyled. Being very
glad of this news, after we had remained in this port of CMn-
cheo the space of 9. days, we departed from thence for Liampoo,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 123
taking along with us five and thirty souldiers more out of the
five ships we found there, to whom Antomo de Fa/ria gave very
good pay ; and after we had sailed five days with a contrary
wind, coasting from one side to another, without advancing
any whit at all, it happened that one night about the first
watch, we met with a little fisher-boat, or Pwroo, wherein
there were eight Portugals, very sore hurt, two of the which were
named Mem Tahorda, and Antonio Awrigues, men of honour,
and very much renowned in those quarters, the cause why in
particular I name them. These and the other six were in such
a pitiful estate, and so hideous to see to, as they moved every
one to compassion. This Pa/roo coming close to Antonio de
Fcma, he caused them to be taken up into his junk, where they
presently oast themselves at his feet, from whence he raised
them up, weeping for pity to behold them so naked, and all
bathed in their own blood with the woimds they had received,
and then demanded of them the occasion of their misfortune :
whereunto one of the two made answer, that about 17 days
before they set sail from Liampoo for Malaca, and that being
advanced as far as the Isle of Sumbor, they had been set upon
by a pyrat, a Guza/rat by nation, called Goia Acem, who had
three junks, and four Lanteaas, wherein were fifteen hundred
men, namely an hundred and fifty Mahometans, the rest
Luzzons, Jaoas, and Ghampaas, people of the other side of
Malaya, and that after they had fought with them from one to
four in the afternoon, they had been taken with the death of
fourscore and two men, whereof 18. were Portugals, and as many
made slaves ; and that in their junk, what of his and of others,
there was lost in merchandize above an hundred thousand
Taeis. Antonio de Fa/ria remaining a good while pensive at
that which these men related unto him, at length said unto
them ; I pray tell me how was it possible for you to escape
more than the rest, the fight passing as you dehver ? After we
had been fought withal about an how and am, half, the three
great junks boarded us five times, and with the force of their
shot they so tore the prow of our vessel, that we were ready to
sink ; wherefore to keep out the water, amd lighten owr shUp, we
were consPran,ned to cast the most part of our goods into the sea;
and whil'st our men were laboring to do so, our enemies la/yed so
124 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
close at us, as every one was fmn to leave that he was about, for
to defend hAmselfe on the hatches. But whil'st we were thus
troubled, most of our company being hwrt, and many slain, it
pleased God that one of the enem/ies junks came to be so furiously
fired, as it caught hold likewise of another that was fastned unto
it, which made the pyrats souldiers lea/ve the fight for to go and
same their vessels ; yet that they could not do so speedily, but that
one of them was burnt down even to the very water, so that they
of the junk were compelled to leap into the sea to sa/oe themselves
from burning, where most of them were drowned. In the mean
time we made shift to get our junk close to a stock of piles, which
fishermen had planted there against a rock, hard by the mouth
of the river, whereat this present is the temple of the Siams; but
the dog Coia Acem was instantly with us, and homing fast
grapled us, he leapt into our vessel, being followed by a great
number of Mahometans, all a/rmed with coats of mail, and buff
jerkins, who straight way killed above an hundred and fifty of
owrs, whereof eighteen were Portugals ; which we no sooner per-
ceived, but all wounded as we were, and spoyled with the fire, as
you see, we sought for some way to same our selves, and to that
end we sped us into a Manchua, that was fastned to the stem of
ow junk ; wherein it pleased God that fifteen of us escaped,
whereof two dyed yesterday ; amd of the thi/rteen that remain yet
miraculously alive, there are eight Portugals, and five servants.
In this sort we got us with all speed between this pallisado amd
the land amongst the rocks, the better to preserve us from being
boarded by their junk, but they were otherwise employed in seek-
ing to same the men of their burnt vessel ; and afterwards they
entered into our junk, where they were so carried away with the
bootie, as they never thought of pursuing us ; so that the sun
being almost set, and they wonderful glad of their victorie over
us, they retired into the rimer with great acclamations. Antonio
de Faria, very joyful of this news, though he was sad again on
the other side, for the bad success of those that had made him
this relation, rendred thanks unto God for that he had found
his enemy, it being a matter so much desired of him and his.
Certainly, said he unto them then, by your report they must
needs be now in great disorder, and much spoyled in the river
where they are ; for I am perfwaded that neither your junk,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 125
nor that of theirs, which was fastned to the burnt one, can do
them any longer service, and that in the great junk which
assaulted you, it is not possible but that you have hurt and
killed a good many. Whereunto they answered, that without
doubt they had killed and hurt a great number. Then Antonio
de Faria, putting off his cap, fell down on his knees, and with
his hands and eyes lifted up to heaven, he said weeping, 0
Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Scmowr, even as thou a/rt the
true hope of those that put their trust in thee ; I, that am the
greatest sinner of all men, do most hmmhly beseech thee, in the
name of thy seroamts that a/re here present, whose souls tJiou hast
bought with Thy precious blood, that Thou wilt gvoe us strength
and victory against this crvM enemy, the m/wrtherer of so marvy
Portugals, whom with Thy f amour aitd add, and for the honour
of Thy holy name, I ha/oe resolved to seek out, as hitherto I ha/oe
done, to the end he may pay to Thy souldiers and faithful ser-
vants what he hath so long owed them. Whereunto all that
were by answered with one cry, To them, to them, in the name
of Jesus Christ, that this dog may now render us that, which for
so long together he hath taken, as well from us, as from our poor
miserable companions. Hereupon with marvellous ardor and
great acclamations, we set sail for the port of Ladloo, which
we had left eight leagues behind us, whither by the advice of
some of his company Antonio de FaHa went to furnish himself
with aU that was necessary for the fight he hoped to make with
the pyrat, in the quest of whom' (as I have already dehvered)
he had spent so much time, and yet could never till then
hear any news of him in all the ports and places where he had
been.
The next morning we arrived at the port of LaMoo, where
Qwia/y Panian had much kindred and many friends, so that he
wanted no credit in that place; wherefore he intreated the
Mandarin (who is the captain of the town) to permit us to
buy for our mony such things as we stood in need of, which he
instantly granted, as well for fear lest some displeasure might
be done him, as for the sum of 1000 duckets, presented unto
him by Antonio de Fwria, wherewith he rested very well satis-
fied. Hereupon some of our company went ashore, who with
all diligence bought whatsoever we wanted, as saltpeter, and
126 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
sulphur to make powder, lead, bullets, victual, cordage, oyl,
pitch, rosin, ockam, timber, planks, arms, darts, staves
hardened in the fire, masts, sails, sail-yards, targets, flints,
pullies, and anchors ; that done, we took in fresh water, and
furnished our vessels with mariners. Now although that this
place contained not above three or four hundred houses, yet
was there both there, and in the villages adjoyning, such a
quantity of the aforesaid things, that in truth it were hard to
express it ; for China is excellent in this, that it may vaunt to
be the country in the world most abounding in all things that
may be desired. Besides for that Antonio de Fa/ria was ex-
ceeding liberal, in regard he spent out of the general booty,
before the partitions were made, he paid for all that he bought
at the price the sellers would set, by means whereof he had
more brought him by far then he had use for ; so that within
13 dayes he went out of this port wonderfully well accommo-
dated, with two other new great junks, which he had exchanged
for two little ones that he had, and 2 Lanteaas with oars, as
also 160 mariners, both for rowing, and for governing the sails-
After all these preparations were made, and we ready to weigh
anchor, a general muster was taken of all that were in our
army, which in number was found to be 500 persons, as well
for fight, as for the service and navigation of our vessels,
amongst whom were fourscore and fifteen Portugals, young and
resolute, the rest were boys, and mariners, and men of the
other coast, which Quia Panian kept in pay, and were well
practised to sea-fight, as they that had been five years pyrats.
Moreover, we had 160 harquebuses, forty pieces of brass ord-
nance, whereof twenty were field-pieces, that carried stone-
bullets, threescore quintals of powder ; namely, fifty-four for
the great ordnance, and six for the harquebuses, besides what
the harquebusiers had already delivered to them, nine hundred
pots of artificial fire, whereof four hundred were of powder,
and five hundred of unslaked lime after the Chinese manner, a
great number of stones, arrows, half-pikes, four thousand small
javelings, store of hatchets to serve at boarding, six boats full
of flints, wherewith the sailors fought; twelve cramp-irons
with their hooks fastned to great iron chains for to grapple
vessels together, and many sorts of fire-works, which an
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 127
engineer of tlie Levant made for us. With all this equipage
we departed from this port of Lcdloo, and within 3 days after
it pleased God that we arrived at the fishing place, where Goia
Acem took the Portugals junk. There as soon as it was night,
Antonio de Faria sent spies into the river, for to learn where-
abouts he was, we took a Pa/roo, with six fishermen in her, that
gave us to understand how this pirat was some 2 leagues from
thence in a river called Tinlwu, and that he was accommodating
the junk he had taken from the Portugals, for to go in her,
with two others that he had, unto Sia/m, where he was born,
and that he was to depart within 2 days. Upon this news
Antonio de Faria called some of his company to counoel, where
it was concluded that first of all the places and forces of our
enemy was to be visited and seen, because in a matter of so
much hazard, it was not safe to run as it were blindfold, unto
it, but to advise on it well beforehand ; and that upon the cer-
tainty of that which should be known, such resolution might
afterwards be taken, as should seem good to all ; then drawing
the fishermen out of the Pa/roo, he put some of Quiay Panians
mariners into her, and sending her away only with the two of
those fishermen, keeping the rest as hostages, he committed
the charge of her to a valiant souldier, named Vincentio Morosa,
attired after the CMnese fashion, for fear of discovery ; who
arriving at the place where the enemy rode, made shew of
fishing, as others did ; and by that means espied all that he
came for, whereupon returning, he gave an account of what he
had seen, and assured us that the enemies were so weak, as
upon boarding of them they might easily be taken. Antonio
de Fa/ria caused the most experienced men of his company to be
assembled, to advise thereon, and that in Quiay Pamans junk,
to honour him the more, as also to maintain his friendship,
which he much esteem'd. At this meeting it was resolved,
that as soon as it was night, they should go and anchor at the
mouth of the river where the enemy lay, for to set upon him
the next morning before day. This agreed unto by all, Antonio
de Fa/ria set down what order and course should be held at the
entring into the river, and how the enemy should be assaulted:
then dividing his men, he placed thirty Portugals in Qmay
PamoMS junk, such as he pleased to choose, because he would
128 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
be sure to give him no distaste; likewise he disposed six
Portiigals into each of the Lanteaas, and into Christovano
Borralho's junk twenty ; the rest of the Portugals, heing 33. he
retained with himself, besides slaves and divers Christians, all
valiant and trusty men. Thus accommodated and ordered for
the execution of his enterprize, he set sail towards the river of
Tinlau, where he arrived about sun-set; and there keeping
good watch he past the night till three of the clock in the
morning, at which time he made to the enemy, who rode some
half a league up in the river.
It pleased God that the sea was calm, and the wind so
favourable, as our fleet sailing up the river, arrived in less than
an hour close to the enemy, unperceived of any ; but because
they were thieves, and feared the people of the eoimtry, in
regard of the great mischiefs and robberies which they dayly
committed, they stood so upon their guard, and so good watch,
that as soon as they discerned us, in all haste they rung an
alarum with a bell, the sound whereof caused such a rumor and
disorder, as well amongst them that were ashore, as those
aboard, that one could hardly hear one another, by reason of the
great noise they made. Whereupon Antonio de Fa/ria, seeing
we were discovered, cried out to his company, To them, my
m/isters, to them in the name of God, before they be sticcoured by
their Lorches ; wherewith discharging aU his ordnance, it
pleased heaven, that the shot light to such purpose, as it over-
threw and tore in pieces the most part of the valiantest that
then, were mounted and appeared on the deck even right as
we could have wished. In the neck hereof our harquebusiers,
which might be some hundred and threescore, failed not to
shoot upon the signal that had formerly been ordained for it,
so that the hatches of the junk were cleared of all those that
were upon them, and that with such a slaughter, as not an
enemy durst appear there afterwards ; at wMch very instant
our two junks boarded their two in the case they were in,
where the fight grew so hot on either side, as I confess I am
not able to relate in particular, what passed therein, though I
was present at it ; for when it began it was scarce day. Now
that which rendred the conflict betwixt us and our enemies
most dreadful was the noise of drums, basins and bells, accom-
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 129
panied with the report of the great ordnance, wherewith the
valleys and rocks thereabouts resounded again. This fight
continuing in this manner some quarter of an hour, their
Larches and Lanteas came forth from the shore to assist them
with fresh men, which one named Diego Meyrelem, in Qiday
Pcmians junk, perceiving, and that a gunner employed not his
shot to any purpose, in regard he was so beside himself with
fear, that he knew not what he did, as he was ready to give
fire to a piece, he thrust him away so rudely, as he threw him
down into the scuttle, saying to him. Away villadn, thou canst
do nothing, this business belongs to men, such as I a/m, not to
thee : whereupon pointing the gun with its wedges of level, as
he knew very well how to do, he gave fire to the piece which
was charged with bullets and stones, and hitting the Larch
that came foremost, carried away the upper part of her from
poup to prow, so that she presently sank, and all that were in
her, not a man saved. The shot then having past so through
the first Larch, fell on the hatches of another Larch that came
a Uttle behind, and killed the captain of her, with six or seven
more that were by him, wherewith the two other Larches were
so terrified, that going about to fly back to land, they feU foul
one of another, so as they could not clear themselves, but
remained entangled together, and not able to go forward or
backward, which perceived by the captains of our two Larches,
called Gasparo d'OUveyra, and Vincentio Jforosa, they presently
set upon them, casting a great many artificial pots into them,
wherewith they were so fired, that they burnt down to the
very water, which made the most of those that were in them
to leap into the sea, where our men killed them all with their
pikes, so that in those three Larches alone, there dyed above
two hundred persons ; and in the other, whereof the captain
was slain, there was not one escaped, for Qtday Pawian pur-
sued them in a Ghampana, which was the boat of his junk,
and dispatched most of them as they were getting to land, the
rest were aU battered against the rocks that were by the shore :
which the enemies in the junks perceiving, being some hundred
and fifty Mahometans, Luzzons, Bomeas, and Jaas, they began
to be so discoitraged, that many of them threw themselves
into the sea ; whereupon the dog Goia Acem, who yet was not
10
180 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
known, ran to this disorder, for to animate his men. He had
on a coat of mail lined with crimson sattin, edged with gold
fringe, that had formerly belonged to some Portugal; and
crying out with a loud voyce, that every one might hear
him, he said 3 times, Lah hilah, hilah la MaJmrned rocol
halah, Massulmens, and true believers in the holy law of
Mahomet, will you suffer your seVoes to he vanquished by such
feeble slaves as these Christian dogs, who have no more heart
then white pullets, or bea/rded women ? To them, to them, for
we are assured by the Book of Flowers, wherein the Prophet
Noby doth prormse eternal delights to the Daroezes of the house
o/Mecqua, that he will keep his word both with you and me ; pro-
vided, that we bathe owr selves in the blood of these dogs without
lam). With these cursed words the devil so incouraged them,
that rallying all into one body, they reinforced the fight, and
so valiantly made head against us, as it was a dreadful thing
to see how desperately they ran amongst our weapons. In the
mean time Antonio de Fa/ria thus exhorted his men : Courage
valiant Christians, and whitest these wicked m/iscreants fortijfie
themselves in their devilish sect, let us trust in owr Lord Jesus
Christ nailed on the Cross for us, who u>ill never forsake us, how
great sinners soever we be ; for after all we are His, which these
dogs here are not. With this fervour and zeal of faith flying
upon Coia Acem, to whom he had most spleen, he discharged
so great a blow on his head with a two-handed sword, that
cutting through a cap of mail he wore, he laid him at his feet,
then redoubling with another reverse stroke he lamed him of
both his legs, as he could not rise, which his followers behold-
ing, they gave a mighty cry, and assaulted Antonio de Faria
with such fury and hardiness, as they made no reckning of a
many of Portugals, by whom they were invironed, but gave
him divers blows that had almost overthrown him to the
ground. Our men seeing this ran presently to his aid, and
behaved themselves so well, that in half a quarter of an hotir
fourty eight of our enemies, lay slaughtered on the dead body
of Coia Acem, and but fourteen of ours, whereof there were not
above five Portugals, the rest were servants and slaves, good
and faithful Christians. The remainder of them, beginning to
faint, retired in disorder towards the foredeck, with an intent
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 131
to fortifie themselves there, for prevention whereof 20 souldiers
of thirty that were in Quiay Panians junk, ran instantly and
got before them ; so that ere they could render themselves
masters of what they pretended unto, they were inforced to
leap into the sea, where they fell one upon another, and were
by our men quite made an end of, so that of all their number
they remained but only five, whom they took alive, and cast
into the hold bound hand and foot, to the end they might i
afterwards be forced by torments to confess certain matters :
that should be demanded of them ; but they fairly tore out one '
anothers throats with their teeth, for fear of the death they j
expected, which yet could not keep them from being dismem- 1
bred by our servants, and after thrown into the sea, in the j
company of the dog; Goia Acem their captain, great Gaois of '
the King of Bintan, the Shedder and Drinker of the blood of
Portiigals ; titles which he ordinarily gave himself in his letters,
and which he published openly to all Mahometans, by reason
whereof, and for the superstition of his cursed sect, he was
greatly honoured by them.
CHAPTEE XIX.
What Antonio de Faiia did after bis victory.
THIS bloody battel finished with the honour of the victory,
before mentioned, in the description whereof I have not
used many words; for if I should undertake to recount the
particulars of it, and set forth all that was performed by ours,
as also the valour wherewith the enemies defended themselves,
besides that I am not able to do it, I should then be forced to
make a far larger discourse, and more ample history then this
is : but it being my intention to declare things en passamt, I
have laboured to speak succinctly in divers place, where possibly
better wits then mine wotild amplifie matters in a more accom-
plished manner ; and this is the reason that I have now delivered
nothing but what was needful to be written. Eeturning then
to my former discourse, I say, that the first thing Antonio de
132 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
Faria did after this victory was to see his hurt men looked
unto, whereof there were about fourscore and twelve, the most
part Portugals, our servants being included ; as for the number
of the dead there were on our side forty two, amongst which
eight were Portugals, the loss of whom afflicted Antonio de
Faria more then all the rest, and of the enemies three hundred
and twenty, whereof an hundred and fifty fell by fire and
sword, the remainder were drowned. Now albeit this victory
brought a great deal of content to us all, yet were there many
tears shed, both in general and particular for the slaughter of
our companions, the most part of whose heads were cleft
asunder with the enemies hatchets. After this Antonio de
Fama, notwithstanding he was hurt in two or three places,
went presently ashoar with those that were in case to accom-
pany him, where the first thing he did was to give order for
the burial of the dead; thereupon he surroimded the island
for to see what he could discover. Compassing of it then in
this sort he Ughted upon a very pleasant valley, wherein were
many gardens, replenished with sundry kinds of fruits ; there
also was a village of about forty or fifty very low houses, which
the infamous Coia Acem had sacked, and in them slain many
of the inhabitants, that had not the means to escape his
hands. Further, in the said valley, and by a delicate river of
fresh water, wherein were a number of mullets and trouts, he
met with a very fair house, which seemed to be the Pagode of
the village, that was full of sick and hurt persons, whom Coia
Acem had put there to be cured ; amongst these were divers
Mahometans of his kindred, and others of his best souldiers, to
the number of ninety six, who as soon as they perceived
Antonio de Faria afar off cried out to him for mercy and for-
giveness, but he would by no means hearken unto them,
alledging that he could not spare those that had killed so many
Christians ; saying so, he caused the house to be fired in six
or seven places, which in regard it was of wood, bepitched,
and covered with dry palm-tree leaves, burned in such sort as
it was dreadful to behold; in the mean time it would have
moved any man to pity, to hear the lamentable cries made by
these wretches within, and to see them cast themselves head-
long out of the windows, where our men provoked with a
Oi' FEBBINANl) MEMDM^ PINTO. iS3
desire for revenge, received them upon their pikes and halberds.
This cruelty performed, Antonio de Fcma returned to the sea
side, where the junk lay that Goia Acem had taken a month
before from the PorPugals of Liampoo, and caused it to be
lanched into the sea, having been formerly repaired and
caulked, which being done, and he aboard again, he restored it
to Mem Tahordo, and Antonio Amiques, to whom it belonged,
as I have already declared.
[Antonio de Fa/ria departs from the river of Tinlcm, is ship-
wrecked on the point of Micuy, and loses his treasure-laden jtmk,
CHAPTBE XX.
Antonio de Faria hath news of the five Portugals that were made oaptives ;
his letter to the Mandarin of Nouday about them; and his assaulting
the said town.
AFTEE this furious tempest was wholly asswaged, Antonio
de Fcma incontinently imbarked lumself in the other
great junk, that he had taken from Goia Acem, whereof Pedro
de Siha was captain, and setting sail, he departed with the
rest of his company, which consisted of 3. junks, and 1. Lorch
or Lantea, as the Ghineses term them. The first thing he did
then, was to go and anchor in the haven of Nouday, to the
end, he might learn some news of the 13. captives that were
carried thither ; being arrived there about night he sent two
small barques, called Bahes, well man'd, to spy the port, and
soimd the depth of the river ; as also to observe the scituation
of the country, and to learn by sunrise what ships were
riding there ; together with divers other matters answerable to
his design; for which effect he commanded the mariners to
endeavour all they could for to. surprize some of the inhabitants
of the town, that by them he might be truly informed what
was become of the Portugals, by reason he was afraid they
were already carried further up into the country. These Baloes
went away about two hours after midnight, and arrived at a
little village seated at the mouth of the river on a little stream
134 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
of water, called Nipaphau : there it pleased God that they
behaved themselves so vsrell, as they returned before day aboard
our junk, bringing along with them a barque laded with earthen
vessels, and sugar canes, which they had found lying at anchor
in the midst of the river : in this barque there were eight men,
and two women, together with a little child some 6. or 7. years
old, who seeing themselves thus in our power, became so trans-
ported with the fear of death, that they were in a manner
besides themselves; which ^jiiOTiiocZei^Vma perceiving laboured
all he could to comfort them, and began to speak them very
fair ; but to all his questions he could draw no other answer
from them then these words following. Do not Mil us without
cause, for God will require an account of our blood from you,
because we are poor folks, and saying thus, they wept and
trembled in such sort, as they could scarce pronounce a word;
whereupon Antonio de Faria, pitying their misery and sim-
plicity, would importune them no further : howbeit, the better
to compass his intent, he intreated a Chinese woman, that was
a Christian, and came along with the pilot, to make much of
them, and to assure them they should have no hurt, to the end,
that being more confirmed by this means they might answer to
that should be demanded of them: wherein the Chinese so
well acquitted her self, and made them so tractable, as about
an hour after they told her, that if the captain would let them
freely return in their boat to the place from whence they were
taken, they would wiUingly confess all that either they had
heard or seen. Antonio de Faria having promised them to do
so, and that with many words and protestations, one amongst
them, that was ancienter, and that seemed to be of more
authority then the rest, addressing himself to him : Truly, said
he, I do not rely nmch on thy words, becoMse that by amplifying
of tliem in such manner thou makest me afraid, that the effect
will not be conformable to thy speech : wherefore I beseech thee to
swear unto me by this element that bears thee, that thou wilt not
fa/il to perform that which thou hast promised unto me : for
otherwise perjuring thy self, be assured that the Lord, whose hand
is Almighty, will be incensed against thee with such indignation,
as the winds from above, and the seas from below, will never cease
to oppose thy desires during thy voyages ; for I vow unto thee by
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 185
the beauty of these stars, that lying is no less odious and abomin-
able in the sight of that Sovereign Lord, than the pride of those
judges on earth, that with scorn and contempt do answer those
which demand justice of them. Antonio de Fanria obliging him-
self by oath, as the old man required, to perform his word, the
Chinese said he was satisfied,and then he continued in this sort :
About two dayes since I saw those men whom thou enquvrest after,
laid in prison at Nouday, vnth great irons on their legs, becamse
it was beUeved they were notorious thieves, that made trade of
robbing such as they met upon the seas. This relation very
much inraged and disquieted Antonio de Faria, who was per-
swaded that it might well be as the old man delivered; so
that desiring to take some course for their deliverance as soon
as might be, he sent them a letter by one of the Chineses, re-
taining all the rest in hostage for him, who departed the next
morning by break of day ; and because it much imported the
Chineses to be delivered out of captivity, he that carried the
letter, and that was husband to one of the two women, which
had been taken in the boat of earthen vessels, and were now
aboard in our junk,made such speed,thathe returned about noon,
with an answer endorsed on the letter we sent.and signed by all
the five Portugals ; thereby they gave Antonio de Fama to under-
stand, that they were cruelly detained in prison, out of which
they did not think they should ever get, unless it were to go to
execution ; and therefore they besought him for the Passion of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would not suffer them to perish
there for want of succour, according as he had promised them
in their setting forth in that voyage ; and the rather in regard
it was only for his sake that they were reduced to that miser-
able estate; hereunto they added many other very pitiful
intreaties as might well come from such poor wretches that
were captives under the tyranny of such fell and cruel people,
as the Chineses were. Antorm de Fa/ria, having received this
letter, read it in the presence of all his company, of whom he
asked counsel thereupon ; but as they were many, so were
their opinions many and different, which was the occasion of
much contention amongst them; whereby perceiving that
nothing would be concluded concerning this affair, he said to
them as it were in choler ; My masters and friends, I have
136 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
promised to God by a solemn oath that Ihm>e taken, never topa/rt
from hence, till by some means or other I ha/ve recovered these
poor souldiers, my companions, though I should therefore venture
my life a thousand times, yea and all my estate, which I make
little reckoning of in regard of them. Wherefore my masters, 1
earnestly desire you, that no man go about to oppose this resolu-
tion of mine, upon the execution whereof mine honour wholly
depends, for whosoever shall contrary me therein, I must take
him for mine enemy, as one that would seek tJie prejudice of my
soul. To tMs speech all made answer, that he was in the
right, and for the discharge of his conscience nothing should
stay Viim from performing the same ; adding, moreover, that
all of them would stand to him in that behalf to the death.
The captain hereupon giving them many thanks, and with
tears in his eyes, and his hat in his hand, imbracing them, pro-
tested that he would when time should serve acknowledge this
good- will of theirs in such real manner as it deserved, where-
with they all remained very well satisfied.
This resolution being taken, they fell to councel concerning
the carriage of this affair, whereupon they concluded to treat
with the Mandarin in a gentle manner, and for that end to
send unto him to demand these prisoners, with promise to give
him for their ransom whatsoever should be thought reasonable,
and that according to his answer such further courses should
be taken therein as should seem requisite. A petition then was
presently drawn, answerable to the form that was usually
presented to the judges, which Antonio de Faria sent to the
Manda/rin by 2. of the chiefest of the Ghineses he had taken,
who also carried him a present worth 200. ducates, whereby he
hoped to induce him to restore the poor prisoners ; but it fell
out far otherwise then he expected : for as soon as the Ghineses
had deUvered the petition and the present, they returned the
next day vrith an answer written on the back of the petition,
the tenor whereof was this ; Let thy mouth come and present
it self at my feet, and after I hoAie heard thee, I will do thee
justice. Antonio de Faria seeing what high words the Mandarin
gave, was exceedingly troubled, because he well perceiv'd by
this beginning that he should have much ado to deUver his
companions: wherefore having communicated this affair in
OF FEEDINAND MFNDEZ PINTO. 137
particular to some few, whom for that end he had called unto
him, they were of several opinions ; nevertheless after good
deliberation, it was at length concluded to send another mes-
senger, that should more effectually demand the prisoners of
him, and for their ransom offer the sum of 2000. Taeis in
lingots of silver and commodities, declaring unto him, that he
would not part from that place till he had return'd -them ; for
he made account that it might be this resolution would oblige
him to do that which he had refused him another way, or that
he would be carried to it by the consideration of his own gain
and interest. So the 2. Chineses went again the second time
with a letter seal'd up, as from one person to another, without
any kind of ceremony or complement which these Gentiles so
much use amongst themselves ; and this Antonio de Faria did
of purpose, to the end, that by the sharpness of this letter the
Mandarin might know he was displeased, and resolved to
execute what he had written. But before I proceed any
further, I wiU only relate the two main points of the contents
of the letter, which were the cause of the utter ruine of this
business. The first was, when Antonio de Fa/ria said, that he
was a merchant stranger, Porttigal by nation, that was going
by way of traffiqiie towards the port of Liampoo, where there
were also many other merchants strangers like himself, who
duly paid the usual customs, without committing any manner
of ill, or injustice. The second point was, where he said, that
the king of Portiigal his master was allyed in a brotherly
amity with the king of China, by. reason whereof they traded
in his country, as the Chineses used to do at Malaca, where
they were entertained with all favour and justice dulyministred
unto them. Now though both these points were distasteful to '
the Manda/rin, yet the last wherein he mentioned the king of
Portugal to be brother to the king of Ghima, was that which
put him so out of patience, that without any regard at all he
commanded them that brought the letter, not only to be
cruelly scourged, but to have their noses cut off, and in that
pickle he sent them back to Antonio de Faria, with an answer
written on a scurvie piece of torn paper; where these words were
written ; Stinking Carrion, begotten of vile flies in the filthiest
sink that ever was in any dungeon of a lothsome prison, what
138 THB TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
hath made thy baseness so bold, as that thou da/rest undertake to
meddle with Heavetily things ? Having caused thy ^petition to be
read, whereby like a Lord, as I am, thou prayest me to ha/oe pity
on thee, which art but a poor wretch, my greatness, out of its
generosity, was even deigning to accept of that little thou pre-
sentedst me withal, and was also inclining to grant thy request,
when as my ears were touched with the horrible blasphemy of
thy arrogance, which made thee term thy King brother to the Son
of the Sun, the Lion crowned by an incredible power in the throne
of the world, under whose feet all the diadems of those that
govern the Universe a/re subjected, nay all scepters do serve but
as latchets to his most rich sandals, as the writers of the
golden temple do certifie wider the Law of their Verities, and
that through the whole habitable earth. Know then, that for
the great heresie thou hast uttered, I ha/oe caused thy paper to
be burnt, thereby representing the vile effigies of thy person,
which I desire to use in like manner for the enormous crime thou
hast committed : wherefore I command thee to be speedily pack-
ing, that the rimer which bea/rs thee rrmf not be accursed. So
soon as the interpreter had read the letter, and expounded the
contents thereof; all that heard it were much vexed therewith,
but no man was so sensible of it as Antonio de Fa/ria, who was
exceedingly grieved to see himself thus wholly deprived of all
hope of recovering his prisoners ; wherefore after they had well
considered the insolent words of the Mandarins letter, and his
great discourtesie, they in the end concluded to go ashoar, and
attaque the town, in hope that God would assist them, seeing
their intentions were good ; for this effect they instantly pre-
pared vessels to land with, which were the four fishermens
great barques that they had taken the night before : where-
upon taking a muster of the forces he could make for this
enterprize, he found the number to be 300. whereof 40. were
Portugals, the rest were slaves and mariners, besides Quiay
Panians men, amongst whom were an himdred and threescore
harquebusiers, the other were armed with pikes and lances ; he
had also some pieces of ordnance, and other things necessary
for his design.
The next morning a little before day, Antomo de Faria sailed
up the river with three junks, the Lorches, and four barques he
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 139
had taken, and so want and anchored at, six fathom and an
half of water close by the walls of the town ; then causing the
sails to be taken down without any noise, or discharge of
ordnance, he displayed the banner of trade according to the
fashion of China, to the end that by this demonstration of
peace, no complement should rest unperformed, although he
was persuaded that nothing would prevail with the Mandarin :
hereupon he sent another messenger unto him, never making
shew that he had received any ill usage from him, by whom
with a great deal of complement he demanded the prisoners,
and offered him a round sum of mony for their ransom, with a
promise of perpetual correspondence and amity; but so far
was this dog the Mandarin from hearkning thereunto, that con-
trariwise he made the poor Chinese, that carried the letter, to
be hewed in pieces, and so shewed him from the top of the wall
to the whole fleet, the more to despight us. This tragical act
wholly deprived Antonio de Fana of that little hope which
some had given him for the deliverance of the prisoners ; here-
upon the soldiers, being more incensed then before, said unto
him, that since he had resolved to land, he should no longer
defer it, because further delay would but give his enemies
leisure to gather more strength. This counsel seeming good to
him, he presently imbarqued with them he had chosen for the
action, having first given order to shoot continually at the town,
and the enemy, wheresoever they perceivd any store of people
assembled ; howbeit, with this caution, to forbear till they saw
them together by the ears with them. Having landed them
about a faulcon shot below the rode, he marched without any
let along the shears side directly to the- town: in the mean
time a number of people appeared upon the walls, with divers
ensigns of different colours, where these barbarians made a
mighty noise, with fifes, drums, and bells, and withal hooting at
us, made us signs with their caps to approach, thereby intima-
ting the little reckning they made of us. Now by that time we
were come within a musket shot of the walls, we discerned
1000. or 1200. men, as we guessed, sally out at 2. several gates,
of which some 120. were mounted on horses, or to say better,
on lean carrion tits that were nothing but skin and bone,
wherewith they began to course up and down the field in a
140 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
skirmishing manner, wherein they shewed themselves so un-
toward, as they often ran one upon another, and tumbled down
together ; which when Antonio de Fwria saw he was exceeding
glad, and encouraged his men to fight. He stood firm attend-
ing the enemy, who continued still wheeling about us, being
perswaded it seems, that that would suffice to skare us, and
make us retire to our vessels ; but when they perceived us remain
unmoved, without turning our backs, as they believed, and as
it may be, they desired we would do, they closed themselves into
one body, and so in a very iU order they made a stand without
advancing on. But then our captain, seeing them in this
posture, caused all his musketeers to discharge at one instant,
who till that time had not stirred, which such effect, as it
pleased God that the most part of this goodly cavalry fell to
the ground with fear ; we taking this for a good presage ran
and lustily pursued them, invoking the name of Jesus, whose
good pleasure it was, through His Divine mercy, to make our
enemies flye before us so amazed, and in such disorder, as they
tumbled pell-mell one upon another, in which manner arriving
at a bridge that crost the town ditch, they were so pestered
together, as they could neither go forward nor backward : in
the mean time our forces coming up to them, discharged their
shot to such purpose amongst them, that we laid three hun-
dred of them on the earth, which in truth was a pitiful sight
to behold, because there was not one of them that had the
heart so much as to draw a sword : whereupon hotly pursuing
the first point of this victory, we ran to the gate, where we
found the Mandwrin in the front of six hundred men, mounted
upon a good horse, having on a cuirass lined with purple velvet,
which had belonged, as we knew afterwards to a Portiigal,
named Tome Perez, whom King Don Emanuel, of glorious
memory had sent as Ambassadour to OMna, in Fernando Perez,
his ship, at such time as Lopo Suarez d' Alberga/ria governed
the Indies. At the entrance into the gate, the Mandwrin and
his people made head against us, so that there was a shrewd
bickering between us, this enemy shewing another manner of
courage then we had met with on the bridge.; but by good
hap it fortuned that one of our servants hit the Mandarin just
in the breast with an harquebuss shot, and overthrew him dead
OF FEBDINAND MENDUZ PINTO. 141
from his horse, wherewith all the CMnesses were so terrified,
as they presently turned their backs, and in great disorder
retired within the gate, not one of them having the wit to
shut it after them, so that we chased them before us with
our lances, as if they had been a drove of cattel. ,In this sort
they fled pell mell together quite through a great street, and
issued out at another gate, which was on the lands, from
whence they got all away, not so much as one remaining
behinde. Thereupon Antonio de Faria, assembling his men
into one body, for fear of some disorder, marched with them
directly to the prison where our companions lay, who seeing
us coming, gave a great cry ; saying. Lord have mercy wpon us ;
straightway the doors and iron-grates were broken up, and our
poor fellows irons knocked off their legs ; which being done,
and they set at liberty, all our company had leave to make
what purchase they could, to the end that without speaking
afterwards of partition, every one might be master of what he
had gotten. Howbeit Antonio de Fa/ria desired them to per-
form it suddenly, and therefore he gave them but half an hours
time for it ; whereunto they all condescended very willingly,
and BO fell to ransaking the houses. In the meen s'p&oe Antonio
de Fwna went to that of the Manda/rin, which he took for his
part, where he met with eight thousand Taeis in silver, together
with eight great vessels full of musk, and that he caused to be
reserved for himself ; the rest he left to the servants that were
with him, who moreover found there a great deal of raw sUk,
sattia, damask, and fine pourcelain, whereof every one took aa
much as he could carry ; so as the four barques, and the three
champanaes, that brought our men on shore, were four several
times laden and unladen aboard the junks ; iasomuch that
the meanest mariner amongst us spake not of this booty,
but by whole cases, besides what each one concealed in his
particular.
But when Antonio de Fa/ria perceived that an hour and an
half had been spent in pillaging, he commanded a surcease
thereof, but his company were so hot upon the spoil, that by no
means they would be drawn from it, wherein the persons of
quality were most faulty ; in which regard our captain, fearing
lest some disaster might happen by reason the night ap-
142 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES'
proached, he caused the town to be set on fire in eleven or
twelve places ; now for that most of it was built of firr, and
other wood, it was in such a flame within a quarter of an hour,
as to see it burn so ; one would have taken it for a portraiture
of Hell. This done, and aU our company retired, Antonio de
Faria embarqued without any impediment, every man being
well satisfied and contented, only it was great pity to behold a
number of handsome maids led away, tyed four and four, and
five and five together, with the matches of their muskets,
weeping and lamenting, whilest our people did nothing but
laugh and sing.
CHAPTBE XXI.
Antonio de Faria's navigation till he came to the Port of Liampoo.
AFTBE that Antordo de Faria had embarqued his men, the
first thing he did was to give order for the dressing of
those that were hurt, which were in number fifty, whereof eight
of them were Portiigals, and the rest slaves and mariners. He
also took care for the burial of the dead, that were not above
nine, of which onely one was a Porttigal. All that night we
kept good watch, and placed sentinels in sundry parts, for fear
of the junks that were upon the river ; the next morning as
soon as it was day, our captain went to a little town that was
on the other side of the water, -yhere he met not with any
inhabitant, they being all fled, howbeit he found a great deal of
merchandise in their houses, together vnth good store of
victuals, wherewith he had laded the junks, fearing lest that
which he had done in this place, should be the occasion of bar-
ring him from being furnished with any in the ports where he
should happen to arrive. Furthermore, by the advice of his
company, he resolved to go and winter, during the three
moneths he had yet to make his voyage in, at a certain desart
island, distant some fifteen leagues from the sea of Liampoo,
called Pullo Hinhor, where there was a good road, and good
water ; whereunto he was chiefly induced, because he thought
that going directly to Liamjpoo, his voyage thither might bring
OF FERDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 143
some prejudice to the traffique of the Portugals, who wintered
there peaceably with their goods : and indeed this advice was
so approved of every one, as it was generally applauded. Being
departed then from Nouday, after we had sailed five days
between the isles of Gomqlem, and the continent, we were set
upon on SaUi/rday about noone by a pirate, named Premata
Chindel, a sworn enemy to the Portugals, unto whom he had
oftentimes done much damage, as well at Patana, as at ,Sunda,
Siam, and many other places, when he found himself the
stronger. This rover believing that we were Ghineses came
and assailed us with 2 great junks, wherein there were two
hundred fighting men, besides mariners : one of them being
grappled to Mem Taborda's junk had almost made her self
master of it, which Qiday Pawian perceiving, who was a little
before, he turned upon her, and with full sails running her
on the starboard side gave her so terrible a shock, that they
sank both together, whereby Mem Taborda was delivered from
the danger he was in, howbeit Quiay Paman was instantly and
opportunely succoured by three lorches, which Antomo de
Faria had taken a little before at Noiidwy, that aU his men
in a manner were saved, but every one of the enemies were
drovmed. In the mean time the pirate Premata Gundel setting
upon the great junk, wherein Antonio de Faria was, the first
thing he did was to grapple her poop to prow with two great
cramp-irons, fastened to long chains, whereupon began such a
fight betwixt them, as deserved to be seen, which for half an
hour was so couragiously maintained by the enemy, that
Antonio de Faria and most of his men were hurt, and himself
besides in danger twice to have been taken ; nevertheless it
was his good hap to be relieved in time by three lorches, and a
small junk, conunanded by Ped/ro de Syha, by which means it
pleased God that ours not onely recovered what they had lost,
but pressed the enemy in such sort, as the fight ended with
the death of fourscore and six Mahometans, which were in
Antordo de Fama's junk, and had held him up so strait, that
our men had nothing left them but the fore-deck in her. After
this we entred into the pirate's junk, and put all those to
the edge of the sword that we found there, not sparing so
much as one, all the mariners having cast themselves before
144 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
into the sea. Howbeit we got not this victory so cheap, but
that it cost seventeen mens lives, whereof five were Portu-
gals, and of the best souldiers we had, besides three and forty
were hurt, Antonio de Faria being one of them, who had one
wound with a dart, and two with a sword. The fight being
ended in this sort, an inventory was taken of all that was
in the enemies junk, and this prize was estimated at four-
score thousand Taeis, the better part whereof consisted in
Lingots of silver of Japan, which the pirate had taken in
three merchants ships, that from Firando were bound for
Ghincheo, so that the pirate had in this onely vessel to the
value of sixscore thousand crowns, and it was thought that
the other junk which was sunk was worth as much, to the
extreme grief of all our company. With this prize Antonio
de Faria retired to a little island, called Buncalou, which
was 3 or 4 leagues westward from thence, and much com-
mended for good water, and safe riding. Having landed in
this place, we spent 18 days there, lodging in cabbins, that
were made for the accommodation of our hurt men. From
this island we sailed towards that part, whither we had
resolved before to go, namely, Antonio de Faria in the great
junk, Mem Taborda, and Antonio Anriquez in theirs, Pedro de
Sylwa in the little junk, that was taken at Nouday, and Qiday
Paniam, with all his followers in the pirats, last taken, which
was given him in recompence of his that he had lost, together
with 20000 Taeis out of the general booty, wherewith he
rested very well contented, being done with consent of the
whole company at the request of Antonio de Fa/ria. Sailing
in this manner we arrived 6 days after at the ports of Liampoo,
which are two islands, one just against another, distant 3
leagues from the place, where at that time the Portiigals
used their commerce ; there they had built above a thousand
houses, that were governed by sheriffs, auditors, consuls,
judges, and 6 or 7 other klnde -of officers, where the notaries
underneath the publick acts, which they made, vyrote thus, I,
such pubUck notary of this town of Liampoo for the King our
Sovereign Lord. And this they did with as much confidence
and assurance, as if this place had been seituated between
Santarem and Lisbon, so that there were houses there which
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 14S
cost three or four thousand duoates the building, but both they
and all the rest were afterwards demolished for our sins by the
GMneses, as I hope to relate more amply hereafter : whereby
one may see how uncertain our affairs are in CMna, whereof
the Portugals discourse with so much curiosity, and abused
with appearances make such account, never considering what
hazard they hourly run, and how they are exposed to infinite
disasters.
[The Porttiguese are received with much honov/r at Lianvpoo,
in which town they remain five months.']
This term expired, Antomo de Faria made preparation of
vessels and men, for his voyage to the mines of Qitoamaparu ;
for in regard the season was then proper for it, he resolved to
be gone as soon as possibly he could ; but in the mean time, it
happened that Qwian/ Paniam, fell into a dangerous sickness,
whereof not long after he died, to the extream grief oiAntordo
de Faria, who exceedingly affected him for many good qualities
that were in him, worthy of his friendship, and therefore he
caused him to be honourably buried, as the last duty that he
could do for his friend. After the death of Qim,y Pamam he
was counselled not to hazard himself la that voyage, because
it was reported for a certainty, how aU that countrey was
up in arms by reason of the wars which the Precha/u Mttan
had with the King of Ghamo/y, and Ghampaa; and withall
he had information given him of a famous pirate, named
SimiloM, whom he went presently to seek out, and having
found him, the said Sirrdlau related strange wonders unto
bim of an island, called GalempliMf, where he assured him
there were 17 Kings of Ghina interred in tombs of gold, as
also a great number of idols of the same metall, and such
other immense treasures, as I dare not deUver, for fear of not
being credited. Now Antordo de Fama, being naturally curious,
and carried with that ambition, whereunto souldiers are for
the most part inclined, lent so good ear to this Ghinese's
report, as looking for no other assurance of it then what he
gave him, he presently resolved to undertake this voyage,
and expose himself to danger, without taking further counsel
of any man, whereat many of his friends were with reason
offended.
11
146 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
CHAPTEE XXII.
Antonio de Faria departs from Liampoo for to seek out the Island ol
Calempluy, the strange things that we saw, and the hazard we ran in
our voyage thither.
THE season being now fit for navigation, and Antonio de
Faria furnished with all that was necessary for this new
voyage, which he had undertaken to make on Munday the 14th
of May, in the yeare 1542, he departed from this port to go to
the Island of Calempluy ; for which purpose he imbarqued in
two Panoures, resembling small galUes, but that they were a
little higher, by reason he was counselled not to use junks, as
well to avoid discovery, as in regard of the great currents of
water that descended from the Bay of Nanquin, which great
vessels with all their sails were not able to stem, especially at
the time wherein he set forth, for then the snows of Tartaria
and Nixihumfiao dissolving ran all the months of May, June,
and July, into these seas with a most violent impetuosity.
In these two vessels were fifty Portugals, one priest to say
mass, and forty-eight mariners, all natives of Patana, as also
two and forty slaves, so that the whole number of our company
amounted to an himdred forty and one persons, for the Pirate
Similau, who was our pilot, would have no more men, nor
vessels, for fear of being known, because he was to traverse
the streight of Nanquin, and to enter into rivers that were
much frequented, whereby we might probably be subject to
great hazard. That day and all the night following we im-
ployed in getting out from amongst the islands of Angitu/r, and
pursued our course through the seas, which the Portugals had
neither seen or sailed on till then. The first five days we had
the winde favourable enough, being still vyithin sight of land
till we came to the mouth of the river of the fishings of Nan-
quin ; there we crost over a gulf of forty leagues, and discovered
a very high mountain, called Nangofo, towards the which
bending northwardly, we sailed fifty days ; at length the vnnde
abated somewhat, and because in that place the tides were
very great, Similau put iato a little river, where was good
anchoring and riding, inhabited by men that were white and
OF FEBDINANB MENDEZ PINTO. 147
handsome, haviag very little eyes like to the CMneses, but much
different from them, both in language and attire. Now during
the space of 3 days, that we continued there, the inhabitants
would have no manner of communication vrith us, but contrari-
wise they came in troops to the shore, by which we anchored,
and running up and down like madmen they howled in a most
hideous fashion, and shot at us with slings and cross-bows.
As soon as the weather and the sea would permit us, Similcm,,
by whom all was then governed, began to set sail, directing
his course east north-east, and so proceeded 7 days in sight
of land ; then traversing another gulf, and turning more
directly to the east, he past through a streight, 10 leagues
over, called Sileujpaguin ; there he sailed 5 days more, still
in view of many goodly cities and towns, this river being
frequented vrith an infinite company of vessels; where-
upon Antonio de Fa/ria, knowing that if he hapned to
be discovered he should never escape with life, resolved
to get from thence, and continue this course no longer, which
Similau perceiving, and opposing the advice that every one
gave him ; Signior, said he unto him, I do not think that any of
your company can accuse me for misperforming my duty hitherto,
you know how at Liampoo I told you pubUckly in the General
Council that was held in the church before an hundred Portugals
at the least, that we were to expose our selves to great dangers,
amd chiefly my self, becanise I was a Chinese and a pilot, for all
you could be made to endwre but one death, whereas I should be
made to endwre two thousand if it were possible, whereby you may
well conclude, that setting apart all treason, I must of necessity
be faithful unto you, as I am, and ever will be, not oneVy in this
voyage, but in all other enterprizes, in despight of those that
mwrrrmr, and make false reports unto you of me ; howbeit if you
fear the danger so much as you say, and are therefore pleased that
we should take some other way less frequented with men and
vessels ; and where we may sa/il without dread of any thing, then
you must be contented to bestow afar longer time in this voyage,
wherefore resolve with your company upon it with any further
delay, or let us return back, for lo I am ready to do whatsoever
you will. Antonio de Faria, embracing, and giving him many
thanks, fell to discourse with him about that other safer way
148 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
of which he spake. Whereupon Similcm told him, that some
hundred and forty leagues further forwards to the north, there
was a river somewhat larger by half a league, called Sumhejaa-
dano, where he should meet with no obstacle, for that it was not
peopled like the streight of Nanqtdn, wherein they now were,
but that then they should be retarded a nioneth longer, by the
exceeding much wyndiag of this river. Antonio de Faria
thinking it far better to expose himself to a length of time,
then to hazard his life for abridgement of way, followed the
counsel that Similau gave him ; so that going out of the streight
of Nanqtdn, he coasted the land 5 days, at the end whereof
we discovered a very high mountain towards the east, which
Similcm told us was called Fanim, approaching somewhat near
unto it we entred into a very fair port, 40 fathom deep, that
extending it self in the form of a crescent was sheltred from all
sorts of windes, so spacious withall, as 2,000 vessels how great
soever might ride there at ease. Antonio de Faria went ashore
with some 10 or 11 souldiers, and roimdedthis haven, but could
not meet with any one body, that could instruct him in the way
he pretended to make, whereat he was very much vext, and
greatly repented him for that without any kinde of considera-
tion, or taking advice of any one, he had rashly, and out of a
capricious humour, undertaken this voyage. Howbeit he dis-
sembled this displeasure of his the best he could for fear lest
his company should tax him with want of courage. In this
haven he discoursed again with Similau before every one con-
cerning this our navigation, which he told them was made but
by guess ; whereunto the Chinese answered, Signior Ca;ptam,, If
I had any thing I could engage to you of more valvs then my
head I protest unto you I would most willingly do it, for I am so
sv/re of the cou/rse I hold, that I would not fear to give you rwy
very children in hostage of the promise I made you at Liampoo.
Nevertheless I advertise you a^adn, that if repenting the under-
taking of this enterprize youfea/r to proceed any further, in regard
of the tales your people are ever tatUng in your ear, as I ha/ve
often observed, do but command, and you shall finde how ready
I am to obey your pleasure. And whereas they would make you
believe that I spin out this voyage longer then I prormsed you at
Liampoo, the reason thereof you know well enough, which seemed
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 149
not amiss when I propounded it unto you, seeing then you once
allowed of it, let me intreat you to set your heart at rest for that
matter, and not to break off this design by retv/ming hack, whereby
at length you shall find how profitable this patience of yours
will prove. This speech somewhat quieted Antonio de Fama's
minde, so that he bid him go on as he thought "best, and never
trouble himself with the murmurings of the souldiers, whereof
he complained, saying, that it was ever the manner of such as
were idle, to finde fault with other mens actions, but if they
did not mend their errour the sooner, he would take a course
with them to make them to do it; wherewith SmiZaw rested
very well satisfied and contented.
After we were gone from this haven, we sailed along the
coast above thirteen days together, always in sight of land, and
at length arrived at a port, called Buxipalem, in the height of
forty-nine degrees. We foimd this climate somewhat colder
then the rest, here we saw an infinite company of fishes and
serpents, of such strange forms, as I cannot speak of them
without fear; Simila/u io\di Antowio deFaria incredible things con-
cerning them, as well of what he had seen himself ; having been
there before, as of that had been reported unto him, especially
in the full moons of the moneths of November, December, and
Jamia/ry, when the storms reign there most, as indeed this
Chinese made it appear to our own eyes, whereby he justified
unto us the most of that which he had affirmed. For in this
place we saw fishes, in the shape of thombacks, that were four
fathoms about, and had a muzzle like an ox ; likewise we saw
others resembling great lizards, spotted all over with green and
black, having three rows of prickles on their backs, that were
very sharp, and of the bigness of an arrow ; their bodies also
were full of the like, but they were neither so long, nor so
great as the others. These fishes would ever and anon bristle
up themselves like porcupines, which made them very dreadful
to behold ; they had snouts that were very sharp and black,
with two crooked teeth out of each jaw-bone, two spans long,
like the tusks of a wild boar. We also saw fishes whose bodies
were exceeding black, so prodigious and great, that their heads
onely were above six spans broad. I will pass over in silence
many other fishes of sundry sorts, which we beheld in this
150 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
place, because I hold it not fit to stand upon things that were
out of our discourse ; let it suf&ce me to say, that during two
nights we stayed here we did not think ourselves safe, by
reason of lizards, whales, fishes and serpents, which in great
numbers shewed themselves to us. Having left this haven of
Buxipalem, by us called the Eiver of Serpents, which in great
numbers shewed themselves to us, Sirmlau sailed fifteen leagues
further to another bay named GaUndano, which was in form of
a crescent, six leagues in circuit, and invironed with high
mountains, and very thick woods, in the midst whereof divers
brooks of fresh water descended, which made up four great
rivers that fell all into this bay. There Similau told us, that all
those prodigious creatures we had both seen and heard of, as
well in this bay, as in that where we were before, came thither
to feed upon such ordure and carrion, as the overflowing of
these rivers brought to this place. Antonio de Fwria demanding
of him, thereupon, whence those rivers should proceed, he
answered that he knew not, but it was said that the annals of
China affirmed, how two of those rivers took their beginnings
from a great lake, called Moscombia, and the other two from a
province, named AUmania, where there are high mountains,
that all the year long are covered with snow, so that the snow
coming to dissolve, these rivers swelled in that manner as we
then beheld them, for now they were bigger then at any other
time of the year. Hereunto he added, that entring into the
mouth of the river, before the which we rode at anchor, we
should continue our course, steering eastward, for to find out
the port of Nanquin again, which we had left two hundred and
threescore leagues behind us, by reason that in all this distance
we had multipUed a greater height than that of the island was,
which we were in quest of. Now although this was exceeding
grievous unto us, yet SimilcmdLesixedi Antonio de Faria to think
the time we had past well spent, because it was done for the
best, and for the better securing of our lives ; being asked then
by Antonio de Fa/ria how long we should be in passing through
this river, he answered that we should be out of it in fourteen
or fifteen days, and that in five days after he would promise
to land him and his souldiers in the island of Calempluy, where
he hoped fully to content his desire, and to make him think
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 161
his pains well bestowed, whereof he now so complained.
Antonio de Faria, having embraced him very lovingly thereupon,
vowed to be his friend for ever, and reconciled him to his
souldiers, who were very much out with him before. Being
thus reconfirmed by Similatcs speeches, and certified of this
new course we were to take, he incouraged his company, and
put aU things in order convenient for his design, to that end
preparing his ordnance which till then had never been charged ;
he caused also his arms to be made ready, ordained captains,
and sentinels to keep good watch, together with all besides
that he thought necessary for our defence, in case of any
attempt upon us. That done, he spake unto Diego Lobato, who
was the priest that we carried along with us, and one that we
much respected, as a man of the church, to make a sermon
unto his company for to animate them against all dangers that
might happen, which he worthily performed, and by the efficacy
of his words, full of sweetness, and excellent examples, he so
revived our spirits, that before were much dejected through
the apprehension of the dangers that menaced us ; as there
was not one amongst us but presently took fresh heart, boldly
to excuse the enterprise we had undertaken. Whereupon with
great devotion and zeal we sung a SaJ/uo, before an image of our
Lady, every man promising without any future fear to finish the
voyage we had begun. That done, we joyfully hoysed sail, and
entring into the mouth of the river, steering directly east, and
with tears in our eyes, invoked from the bottome of our hearts,
the assistance of that Sovereign Lord which sits at the right
hand of the Father everlasting, to preserve us by His
Almighty power.
Continuing on our course with the force of oars and sails,
and steering divers ways, by reason of the many turnings of
the river, the next day we arrived at a very high mountain called
BoHnafoM, whence sundry rivers of fresh water ran down. In
this mountain were a number tygers, rhinocerots, lyons,
ounces, and such other creatures of several kinds, which run-
ning and roaring in their wilde manner, made cruel war upon
other weaker beasts, as stags, boars, apes, monkeys, baboons,
wolves, and foxes, wherein we took much delight, spending
a great deal of time in beholding them ; and ever and anon we
152 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
eryed out from our ships to fright them, but they were little
moved by it, in regard they were not used to be hunted. We
were about six days in passing this mountain, it being some
forty or fifty leagues long. Within a pretty while after we had
left this mountain we came to another, named Gangitanon, no
less wilde then the former, beyond the which all the country
was very stony, and almost inaccessible ; moreover it was full
of such thick woods, as the sun could not possibly pierce them
with his beams. Similau told us, that in this mountain there
were ninety leagues of desart land, altogether imfit for tillage,
and the bottome thereof onely was inhabited by certain most
deformed men, called Giganhos, who lived after a most brutish
fashion, and fed on nothing but what they got in hunting, or
some rice, that the said merchants of China brought them to
Catan in exchange of Furs ; which the said merchants carried
from thence to Pocassor and Lantau, amounting yearly as by
the books of the customs thereof appeared, to the number of
twenty thousand cates, each cate, or pack, containing threescore
skins, wherewith the people used in winter to line their gowns,
hang their houses, and make coverings for their beds, to with-
stand the cold of the climate, which is great there. Antonio
de Faria wondring at the relation this Chinese made of the
deformity of these Giganhos, desired him if it were possible to
let him see one of them, whereby he said he should more con-
tent him then if he should give him the treasures of China ;
whereunto Similau made him this answer, Signior Captain,
since it so much imports me, as well to maintain my credit
with you, as to stop their mouthes that murmwr against me, and
that jogging one another scoff at me when I recount these things
unto you, which they account as so many fables, and to the end
that by the truth of the one, they may be ascertained of the
other, I will promise before sun-setting yet to shew you a
couple of these people, and that you shall also speak with them,
upon condition you do not go ashore, as you have still used
to do hitherto, for fear some mischance should happen to you, as
many times it doth to merchants in like cases : for I assure you,
that the Giganhos are of so savage and brutish a nature, as they
feed on nothing commonly but raw flesh and blood, like the wilde
beasts that Ime in this forrest. So Qontjnuing our course all
OF FEBDINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 153
along the side of this mountain, at length behind a little point
of land, we discovered a young youth, without ere an hair on
his face, driving six or seven cows before him, that pastured
there by. Similcm making a sign to him with a napkin, he
presently stayed, whereupon coming a little neerer to him,
SimilaM shewed him a piece of green taffeta, which he told us
was a stuff very acceptable to these brutish men, and withal
by signs demanded of him whether he would buy it ; this drew
him to the bank of the river, were he answered, with an hoarse
voice, some words that we could not comprehend, because
there was not one in aU our vessels that understood this bar-
barous language, so that of necessity this commerce was to be
made by signs. Antonio de Fa/ria commanded three or four
yards of the said piece of taffeta to be given him, as also six
pourcelains, wherewith this salvage seemed to be very well
pleased, for taking both the one and the other, transported
with joy he said something to us, which we could under-
stand no better then the former, then making a sign with his
hand towards the place of his abode, he left his cows, and ran
away to the wood; clothed as he was with a tigers skin, his
arms and legs naked, bare-headed, and a staff hardned at one
end with the fire in his hand. For his person, he was well
proportioned of his limbs, his hair red and curled hanging
down on his shoulders ; his stature by conjecture was above ten
foot high, but we were amazed to see him return about a quarter
of an hour to the very same place again, carrying a live stag
on his back, and having thirteen persons in his company,
namely eight men and five women, leading three cows tyed
together, and dancing as they went at the sound of a kind of
tabor, upon the which they beat five strokes at a time, and as
often clapped their hands together singing to it, with a very hoarse
voice in their language. Hereupon Antonio de Fa/ria caused
five or six pieces of silk stuff, and a great many of pourcelains
to be shewed them, for to make them believe that we were mer-
chants, at the sight whereof they very much rejoyced. These
persons, both me(n and women, were apparelled all after one
and the same fashion, without any kind of difference, saving
that the women wore great tinnen bracelets about the middle
of their arms, and their hair a great deal longer then the mens,
154 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
stuck all about with flowers, resembling our flower de luces ;
they had chains also of red cockles about their necks, almost
as big as oyster-shels ; as for the men, they carried great
staves in their hands, covered to the midst with the same
skins wherewith they were clothed ; moreover they bad all of
them fierce looks, great lips, flat noses, wide nostrils, and were
of stature very tall, but yet not so high as we thought they had
been; for Antonio de Faria having caused them to be measured,
he found that the tallest of them exceeded not ten spans and an
half, except one old man that reached to eleven. The womens
stature was not fully ten spans. Their very countenances
shewed them to be very rude and blockish, and less rational
then all the other people which we had seen in our conquests.
Now Antonio de Faria being glad that we had not altogether
lost our labour, bestowed on them threescore pourcelains, a
piece of green taffety, and a pannier full of pepper, wherewith
they seemed to be so contented, that prostrating themselves on
the ground, and lifting up their hands to heaven, they fell to
saying certain words which we took for a thanksgiving after
their manner, because they feU down three several times on the
earth, and gave us the three cows and the stag, as also a great
many of herbs. Having been talking about two hours with
them by signs, and no less wondring at us, then we at them,
they returned into the wood from whence they came, and we
pursued our course up the river by the space of five days,
during the which we saw more of them along by the water
side ; after we had past all this distance of land, which might
be some forty leagues, or thereabouts, we navigated sixteen
days more with the force of oars and sails, without seeing any
person in that desart place, only for two nights together we
discerned certain fires a good way off at land. In the end, it
pleased God that we arrived at the Gulf of Nanquin, as Similau
had told us, with a hope in five or six days to see our desires
accomplished.
Being come into the gulf of Nanquin, Svnwkm counselled
Antonio de Fa/ria, that at any hand he should not suffer any
Portugal to be seen, because if such a thing should happen he
feared some uproar would follow amongst the GMneses, in
regard no strangers had ever been seen in those quarters ;
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 155
adding withal, that it would be safer for them to keep still in
the middle of the gulf, then by the shore, by reason of the great
number of Lorches and Lanteaas, that incessantly sailed up and
down; this advice was approved of by every one; so that
having continued our course some six days east and east north-
east, we discovered a great town, called Silev/pamor, whither
we directly went, and entred the haven about two hours
vnthin night, where we found an infinite company of vessels
riding at anchor, to the number, according to our thinMng, of
three thousand at the least, which gave us such an alarm, as
not daring scarce to wag we got out again with all the
secrecy that might be ; crossing over the whole breadth of the
river then, which was some six or seven leagues, we prose-
cuted our course all the rest of that day, and coasted along by
a great plain, with a resolution to accommodate our selves
vrith victuals wheresoever we could first meet with any ; for
we were in such scarcity, as for thirteen days together, no
man had more thaii three mouthfuUs of boyled rice allowance.
Being in this extremity we arrived close to certain old build-
ings ; there we went ashore one morning before day, and fell
upon a house, that stood a Uttle way off from the rest, where
we found a great quantity of rice, some beans, divers pots full
of honey, poudred geese, onions, garlick, and sugar canes,
wherewith we thoroughly furnished our selves. Certain
CMneses told us afterwards, that this was the store-house of
an hospital, which was some two leagues off, where such
were entertained, as past that way in pilgrimage to the
sepulchres of the kings of CMna, Being reimbarqued, and
well provided of victual, we continued on our voyage seven
days more, which made up two moneths and an half, since we
put out of lAampoo. Then Antomo de Fa/ria began to mistrust
the truth of what Similau had said, so that he repented the
undertaking of this voyage, as he confessed publiquely before
us aU; nevertheless^ in regard there was no other remedy for
it but to recommend himself to God, and wisely to prepare
for all that might happen, he couragiously performed it.
Hereupon it fell out that Antonio de Fcma having one morning
demanded of Similau in what part he thought they were, he
answered him so far from the purpose, and like a man that
156 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
had lost his judgement, or that knew not which way he had
gone, as put Antonio de Faria into such choler, that he was
going to stab him with a ponyard that he wore, which without
doubt he had done, had he not been diverted from it by some,
that counselled him to forbear, lest it should be the cause of his
utter ruine, whereupon moderating his anger he yielded to the
advice of his friends ; nevertheless he was not for all that so
contained, but that taking him by the beard he swore, that if
within three days at the farthest, he did not let him see, either
the truth or the falshood of what he had told him, he would
ponyard him infallibly ; wherewith Similau was so exceed-
ingly terrified, that the night following as we were abiding by
the shore he slid down from the vessel into the river, and tha
so closely, as he was never discovered by the sentinels or anj
other until the end of the first watch, when as Antonio de Fa/rit
was thereof advertised. This news put him so far besides him
self, as he lost all patience, the rather for that he feared some
revolt upon it from his souldiers, who he saw were too mucl
disposed thereunto. But he presently went ashore with s
great many of his company, and spent the most part of the
night in seeking of Similau, without meeting him, or any othei
living soul that was able to tell any news of him, but the worst
of it yet was, that upon his return into his junk, of forty six
GMnese mariners, that he had aboard him, he found six and
thirty fled away to prevent the danger they were afraid of,
whereat Antonio de Faria and all his company were so amazed',
that lifting up their hands and eyes to heaven, they stood a
long time mute, their tears supplying the defect of their speech,
thereby testifying the secret sorrow of their hearts, for con-
sidering well what had hapned unto them, and the great
peril they were in, the least that they could do in this confu-
sion was to lose their courage and judgement, much more their
speech. Howbeit falling at length to consult what we should
do for the future, after much diversity of opinion, it was in the
end concluded, that we should pursue our design, and labour
to take some body that might inform us how far it was from
thence to the Island of Galemplvy, and this to be done as
secretly as possible might be for fear the country should rise ;
likewise that if upon the report should be made us we found it
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 157
would be easily taken, as Sindlau had assured us, we should
then proceed on, otherwise, that we should return with the
current of the water, which would bring us directly to the sea
with its ordinary course. This resolution taken and approved
of every one, we went on with no less confusion then fear, for
in so manifest a danger we could not chuse but be very much
perplexed; the night following about break of day we dis-
covered a little barque ahead of us riding at anchor in the
midst of the river ; her we boarded with as httle noise as
might be, and took five men asleep in her, whom Antonio de
Faria questioned each one apart by himself, to see how they
would agree in that they said. To Ms demands they answered
aU of them, that the country wherein we were, was called
Temqwilem, from whence the Island of Calem^plv/y was distant
but ten leagues, and to many other questions propounded to
them for our com n on security, they answered likewise sepa-
rately one from the other to very good purpose, wherewith
Antonio de Faria and his whole company, were exceedingly
well satisfied, but yet it grieved us not a little, to think what
an inconvenience the lack of Sirmlcm would prove to us in this
attempt ; however Antonio de Faria causing the five Chdneses to
be arrested, and chained to oars, continued his course two days
and an half more, at the end whereof it pleased God that
doubling a cape of land, called Gmmm Ta/rao, we discovered
this island of Galempl/wy, which we had been fourscore and
three days seeking for, with extream confusion of pains and
labour, as I have before related.
CHAPTEE XXIII.
Oar arriTal at Calempluy, and the description thereof; what hapned to
Antonio de Faria in one of the hermitages thereof, and how we were
discovered.
HAVING doubled the Cape of Gvmim Ta/rao, two leagues-
beyond it, we discovered a goodly level of ground, scitu-
ated in the midst of a river, which to our seeming was not
above a league in circuit, whereunto Antonio de Fama ap-
158 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
preached with exceeding great joy, which yet was iatermingled
with much fear, because he knew not to what danger he and his
were exposed ; about twelve of the clock at night he anchored |
within a cannon shot of this island, and the next morning as
Boon as it was day, he sate in councel with such of his company,
as he had called to it, there it was concluded that it was not;
possible BO great and magnificent a thing shovdd be without
some kind of guard, and therefore it was resolved that with the!
greatest silence that might be, it should be rounded all about,'
for to see what advenues it had, or what obstacles we might;
meet with when there was question of landing, to the end that,
accordingly we might deliberate more amply on that we had;
to do. With this resolution, which was approved by every
one, Antonio de Fwria weighed anchor, and without any noise
got close to the island, and compassing it about exactly
observed every particular that presented itself to his sight.
This island was all inclosed with a platform of jasper, six and
twenty spans high, the stones whereof were so neatly wrought,]
and joyned together, that the wall seemed to be all of one
piece, at which every one greatly marvelled, as having never
seen any thing till then, either in the Indiaes, or elsewhere,[
that merited comparison with it; this wall was six and
twenty spans deep from the bottom of the river to the super-
ficies of the water, so that the full height of it was two and
fifty spans. Furthermore the top of the platform was bordered
with the same stone, cut into great tower-work; upon this
wall, which invironed the whole island, was a gallery of
balisters of turn'd copper, that from six to six fathom joyned to
certain piUars of the same metal, upon each of the which was
the figure of a woman holding a bowl in her hand ; within
this gallery were divers monsters cast in metal, standing all in
a row, which holding one another by the hand in manner of
a dance incompassed the whole island, being, as I have said, a
league about. Amidst these monstrous idols there was like-
wise another row of very rich arches, made of siuidry coloured
pieces ; a sumptuous work, and wherewith the eye might well
be entertained and contented. Within was a little wood of
orange trees, without any mixture of other plants, and in the
midst an hundred and threescore hermitages dedicated to the
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 169
gods of the year, of whom these Gentiles recount many pleasant
fables in their chronicles for the defence of their blindness in
their false belief. A quarter of a league beyond these hermi-
tages, towards the east, divers goodly great edifices were seen,
separated the one from the other with seven fore-fronts of
houses, built after the manner of our churches, from the top to
the bottom as far as could be discerned, these buildings were
gilt all over, and annexed to very high towers, which in all
likehhood were steeples; their edifices were environed with
two great streets arched all along ; like unto the frontispieces
of the houses; these arches were supported by very huge
piUars, on the top whereof, and between every arch was a
dainty prospective; now in regard these buildings, towers,
pillars and their chapiters, were so exceedingly gilt all over, as
one could discern nothing but gold, it perswaded us that this
temple must needs be wonderful sumptuous and rich, since such
cost had been bestowed on the very walls. After we had sur-
rounded this whole island, and observed the advenues and
entries thereof, notwithstanding it was somewhat late, yet
would Antonio de Faria needs go ashore to see if he could get
any intelhgence in one of those hermitages, to the end he
might thereupon resolve, either to prosecute his design, or
return back. So having left a guard sufficient for his two
vessels, and Diego Lobato, his chaplain, captaiii of them, he
landed with fourty souldiers, and twenty slaves, as well pikes,
as harquebuses. He also carried with him four of the
Chineses, which we took a while before, both for that they
knew the place well, as having been there at other times, and
likewise that they might serve us for truchmen and guides.
Being got to the shore unespied of any one, and without noise,
we entred the island by one of the eight advenues that it had,
and marching through the midst of the little wood of orange-
trees we arrived at the gate of the first hermitage, which might
be some two musket-shot from the place we dis-imbarqued,
where that hapned unto us which I will dehver hereafter.
Antonio de Faria went directly to the next hermitage he saw
before tiim with the greatest silence that might be, and
with no little fear, for that he knew not into what danger he
was going to ingage himself ; which, he found shut on the
160 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
inside, he commanded one of the Ghineses to knock at it, as he
did two or three times, when at last he heard one speak in tliis
manner, Praysed be the Creator, who hath enamelled the beauty
of the skies, let him that knocks at the gate go about, and he
shall find it open on the other side, where let me know what he
desires. The Chinese went presently about, and entring into
the hermitage by a back door, he opened the foregate to I
Antonio de Faria, and let him in with aU his followers; there
he found an old man, that seemed to be an hundred years old ;
he was apparelled in a long violet coloured damask gown, and
by his countenance appeared to be a man of quality, as we
understood afterwards. Being amazed to see so many men he
fell to the ground, where he lay a good while without speaking
a word, howbeit at length he began to be better confirmed, and
beholding us with a serious look, he gravely demanded of us
what we were, and what we would have ; whereimto the inter-:
preter answered by the express commandment of Antonio de
Fa/ria, that he was a captain stranger, a native of the kingdomj
of Siam, and that sayUng in a junk of his, laden with merohan-;
dise, and bound for Liampoo, he had suffered shipwrack,]
whence he had miraculously escaped with aU his company:,
and for that he had vowed to make a pilgrimage to this holy |
place, to praise God for preserving him from so great a peril,
he was now come to perform his vow ; also to crave somewhat'
of him by way of ahns, whereby his poverty might be relieved,'
protesting within three years to render him twice as much as
he should then take from him : whereupon the hermit, named
Hiticon, having mused a little on the matter, and fixing his eye
on Antonio de Faria : Whoever thou art, said he unto him,
know that I throughly understand what thou sayest, and that I
perceive but too well thy damnable intention, wherewith out of
the obscurity of thy blindness, like an infernal pilot, thou
carriest both thy self, and these others, into the profound abyss
of the lake of wight : for instead of rendring thcmks to Qod for
so great a favour as thou confessest He hath shewed thee, thou
comest hither to rob this holy house. But let me ask thee, if thou
executest this mischievous design, what will the Divine Justice,
thinkest thou, do with thee at the last gasp of thy Ufe ? Change
then thy perverse inclination, and never suffer the imagination of
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 161
SO great a sin to enter thy thoitghts ; gwe credit unto me that
tells thee nothing but the very truth, even as I hope to thrvoe by
it all the rest of my Ufe. Antonio de Fa/ria seeming to approve
of the counsel which the old hermit gave him, earnestly desired
him not to be displeased, assuring him that he had no other
means or way left to reUeve him and his, but what he could
find in that place. To which the hermit, wringing his hands,
and Ufting up his eyes, said weeping. Praised be Thou, 0 Lord,
that permittest men to Uve on the earth, who offend Thee under
pretext of seeking means to live, and that vouchsafe not to serve
Thee one hour, although they know how assured Thy glory is.
After he had uttered these words, he remained very pensive
and much troubled to see the great disorder we used in break-
ing up the-cofi&ns, and flinging them out of their places; at
length looking upon Antonio de Faria, who stood leaning upon
his sword, he intreated him to sit down by him, which he did
with a great deal of complement, not desisting for aU that
from making signs to his souldiers to persist as they had
begun, that was, to take the silver which was mingled amongst
the bones of the dead in the tombs that they brake up ; where-
at the hermit was so grieved as he fell down twice in a swoon
from his seat ; but being come to himself, he spake thus to
Antonio de Faria ; I will declare unto thee, as to a man that
seems discreet, the means whereby thou mayst obtain pardon for
the sin which thou and thy people now commt, to the end that
thy soul may not perish eternally, when as the last breath of thy
mouth shall go out of thy body. Seeing then, as thou say est,
that it. is necessity constrains thee to offend in this grievous
manner, and that thou hast a purpose to make restitution before
thou diest, of that thou takest away from hence ; if thou hast
time amd power, thou nmst do these three things : First, thou
must render again what thou now ca/rriest a/way, that the Sove-
reign Lord may not turn His mercy from thee. Secondly, thou
must with tea/rs ask Him forgiveness for thy fault, which is so
odious unto Him, never ceasing to chastise thy flesh both day and
night. And thirdly, thou must distribute thy goods to the poor,
as liberally as to thy self, giving them alms with prudence and
discretion, to the end the s&rvant of the rdght may have nothing
to accuse thee of at the last day. Now, for recompence of this
12
162 The tbavels, voyages, and adventures
coimsel, I desire thee to command thy followers to gather together
the bones of the saints, that they ma/y not be dispersed on the
earth. Antonio de Faria promised him very courteously to
perform his request, wherewith the hermit was a little better
at quiet than before, but yet not fully satisfied ; howbeit he
spake him very fair, and assured him that after he had once
seen him, he very much repented the undertaking of this enter-
prise, but his souldiers had threatned to kill him, if he
returned without executing of it, and this he told him as a very
great secret. God grant it be so, replyed the hermit, for that
thou shalt not be so blame worthy as these other monsters of the
night, which are so greedy, like to famished dogs, that it seems
all the silver in the world is not able to satiate them.
After we had gathered all the silver together that was in the
graves amongst the dead mens bones, and carried it aboard
our ships, we were aU of opinion not to go any farther to the
rest of the hermitages, as well because we knew not the
countrey, as for that it was almost night, upon hope that
the next day we might continue our enterprise more at leisure.
Now before he re-imbarqued himself, Antonio de Faria took
leave of the hermit, and giving him very good words, he
~ desired him for Gods sake not to be offended with that his
followers had done, being constrained thereunto by meer
necessity: for as for his particular he exceedingly abhorred
such like actions, adding withall, that at the first sight of him
he would have returned back, out of the remorse of conscience,
and true repentance ; but that his company had hindred him,
saying; that if he did so, they would surely kill him ; so that
for to save his Ufe he was compelled to yield and consent
thereunto, though he plainly saw that it was a very great sin,
in regard whereof he was resolved, as soon as he could rid his
hands of them, to go up and down the world to perform such
penance as was requisite for the purging of him from so enor-
mous a crime. Hereunto the hermit answered, Plea^eth the
Lord, who living, reigneth above the beoMty of the stars, that
the knowledge which, by this ddscovase, thou showest to have, be
not prejudicial unto thee ; for I be assured, that he who knows
these things, and doth them not, runs a far greater danger, than
he that sins through ignorance. Then one of ours, named Nuno
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 163
Coelho, who would needs have an oar in our talk, told him,
that he was not to be angry for a matter of so small import-
ance ; whereunto the hermit beholding him with so stern a
countenance, answered, Certainly, the fear which thou hast of
death is yet less, since thou imphyest thy self in actions as
infamous and black as the soul that is in thy body; and for
my part, I carmot but be perswaded, that all thy ambition is
wholly placed vpon money, as but too well appears by the thirst
of thy insatiable a/oarice, whereby thou wilt make an end of
heaping up the measure of thine infernal appetite : contimis then
thy theeveries, for seeing then thou must go to hell for that which
thou hast already taken out of this holy house, thou shalt also
go thither for those things which thou shalt steal otherwise, so
the heavier the burden shall be that thou bearest, the sooner
shalt thou be precipitated into the bottom of hell, where already
thy wicked works have prepared thee am everlasting abode.
Hereupon Nuno de Coelho prayed him to take all things
patiently, affirming that the law of God commanded him so
to do so. Then the hermit lift up his hand, by way of
admiration, and as it were smiling at what the souldier had
said, Truly, answered he, I am come to see that I never thought
to see or hear, namely, evil actions disguised with a specious
pretext of vertViC, which makes me believe that thy blindness is
exceeding great, since trusting to good words thou spendest thy
Ufe so wickedly, wherefore it is not possible thou shouldest ever
come to Heaven, or give any account to God at the last day, as
of necessity thou must do. Saying so, he turned him to Antonio
de Faria, without attending further answer from him, and
earnestly desired him not to suffer his company to spit upon
and prophane the altar, which he vowed was more grievous to
him, then the induring of a thousand deaths ; whereupon to
satisfie him, he presently commanded the forbearance of it;
wherewith the hermit was somewhat comforted. Now because
it grew late, Antonio de Fa/ria resolved to leave the place, but
before he departed he held it necessary to inform himself of
certain other particulars, whereof he stood in some doubt, so
that he inquired of the hermit how many persons there might
be in all those hermitages : whereunto Hiticon answered, that
there were about three hundred and threescore Talagrepos,
164 THE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
besides forty Menigrepos, appointed to furnish them with
things requisite for their maintenance, and to attend them
when they were sick: moreover he asked him, whether the
King of China came not sometimes thither ; he told him, No,
fot, said he, the King cannot be condemned by anybody, he is
the son of the Sun, but contrarily he had power to absolve
every one. Then he enquired of him if there were any arms
in their, hermitages ? 0 no, answered the hermit, for all such
as pretend to go to heaven have more need of patience to indmre
injti/ries, then of arms to revenge themselves : being also desirous
to know of him the cause why so much silver was mingled
with the bones of the dead. This siher, repUed the hermit,
comes of the alms that the deceased carry with them out of this
into the other life, for to serve them at their need in the hea/ven
of the moon, where they Uve eternally. In conclusion, having
demanded of him whether they had any women, he said, That
they which would maintain the life of their souls, ou^ht not to
taste the pleasures of the flesh, seeing experience made it ap-
parent, that the bee which nowisheth herself in an honey-comb,
doth often sting such as offer to meddle with that sweetness.
After Antonio de Faria had propounded all these questions, he
took his leave of him, and so went directly to his ships, with
an intention to return again the next day, for to set upon
the other hermitages, where, as he had been told, was great
abundance of silver, and certain idols of gold; but our sins
would not permit us to see the effect of a business which we
had been two moneths and an half a purchasing with so much
labour and danger of our lives, as I will deliver hereafter.
At the clearing up of the day, Antonio de Faria, and aU of
us, being embarqued, we went and anchored on the other side
of the island, about a faulcon shot from it, with an intent, as
I have before declared, to go ashore again the next morning,
and set upon the chappels where the kings of China were
interred, that so we might the more commodiously lade our
two vessels with such treasures ; which peradventure might
have succeeded according to our desires, if the business had
been well carried, and that Antonio de Faria had followed the
counsel was given him, which was, that since we had not been
as yet discovered, that he should have carried the hermit
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 165
away with him, to the end he might not acquaint the house
of the Bonzoes with what we had done; howbeit he would
never hearken to it, saying, that we were to fear nothing that
way, by reason the hermit was so old, and his legs so swoln
with the gout, as he was not able to stand, much less to go.
But it fell out clean contrary to his expectation, for the hermit
no sooner saw us imbarqued, as we understood afterwards,
but he presently crawled as well as he could to the next
hermitage, which was not above a flight shoot from his ; and
giving intelligence of all that had past, he bad his companions,
because himself was not able, to go away with all speed to the
Bonzoes house to acquaint them with it, which the other
instantly performed ; so that about midnight we saw a great
many of fires lighted on the top of the wall of the Temple,
where the kings were buried, being kindled to serve for a
signal to the countrey about, of some extraordinary danger
towards. This made us ask of our CMneses, what they might
mean ; who answered, that assuredly we were discovered, in
regard whereof they advised us without any longer stay to set
sail immediately ; herewith they acquainted Antonio de Fa/ria,
who was fast asleep; but he straightway arose, and leaving
his anchor in the sea, rowed directly, afraid as he was, to the
island, for to learn what was done there. Being arrived near
to the key, he heard many bells ringing in each hermitage,
together with a noise of men talking ; whereupon the CMneses
that accompanied him, said. Sir, never stand to hear or see
more, but retire, we beseech you, as fast as you may, and
cause us not to be all miserably slain with your further stay.
Howbeit httle regarding, or afraid of their words, he went
ashore only with six souldiers, having no other arms but
swords and targets, and going up the stairs of the key, whether
it were that he was vext for having lost so fair an occasion, or
carried thereunto by his courage, he entred into the gallery,
that invironed the island, and ran up and down in it like a mad
man, without meeting any body ; that done, and being returned
aboard his vessel, much grieved and ashamed, he consulted
with his company about what they should do, who, were of
opinion that the best course we could take, was to depart, and
therefore they required him to put it accordingly in execution ;
166 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUEE8
seeing them all so resolved, and fearing some tumults among
the souldiers, he was fain to answer, that he was also of their
mind ; but first he thought it fit to know for what cause they
should fly away in that manner, and therefore he desired them
to stay for him a little in that place, because he would try
whether he could learn by some means or the other the truth
of the matter, whereof they had but a bare suspition; for
which, he told them, he would ask but halt an hour at
the most, so that there would be time enough to take order
for any thing before day ; some would have alledged reasons
against this, but he would not hear them ; wherefore having
caused them all to take their oaths upon the holy Evangelists,
that they would stay for him, he returned to land with the
same souldiers that had accompanied him before, and entering
into the little wood he heard the sound of a ball, which addressed
him to another hermitage, far richer then that wherein we were
the day before. There he met with two men, apparelled like
monks, with large hoods, which made him think they were her-
mits, of whom he presently laid hold ; wherewith one of them
was so terrified, as he was not able to speak a good while after :
hereupon four of the six souldiers past into the hermitage, and
took an idol of silver from the altar, having a crown of gold on
its head, and a wheel in its hand; they also brought away
three candlesticks of silver, with long chains of the same
belonging to them. This performed, Antonio de Paria carrying
the two hermits along with him, went aboard again, and sailing
away, he propounded divers questions to him, of the two, that
was least afraid, threatning to use him in a strange fashion
if he did not tell the truth. This hermit seeing himself so
menaced, answered. That an holy man, named Pilou Angiroo
came about midnight to the house of the kings sepultures,
where knocking in haste at the gate, he cryed out, saying ; 0
rmserable men, bvned in the drunkenness of carnal sleep, who
by a solemn vow have pivfest your selwes to the honow of the
Goddess Amida, the rich rewa/rd of ow labours, hear, hear, hear,
0 the most wretched men that ever were bom; there are
strangers come into our island, from the fmthest end of tJie
world, which ha/oe long beards, and bodies of iron ; these wicked
creatures home entered into the Holy House of the seven and
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 167
twenty Pillars, of whose sacred temple an holy mam is keeper,
that hath told me, where after they had roMsacked the rich
treasures of thy saints, they contemptuously threw their bones
to the ground, which they prophaned with their stinking and
infectious spitting, and made a mockery of them like devils,
obstinate and hardned in their wretched sins ; wherefore I
advise you to look well to your seVoes ; for it is said that they
home sworn to kill us all as soon as it is day : fly away then, or
call some people to your succour, since being religious men you
are not permitted to meddle with any thing that may shed the
blood of man. Herewith they presently arose and ran to the
gate, -where they found the hermite laid on the ground, and
half dead with grief and weariness through the imbeeiUity of
his age; whereupon the Grepos and Merdgrepos made those
fires that you saw, and withall sent in all haste to the towns
of Gorpilem, and Ponba/na, for to succour them speedily with
the forces of the country; so that you may be assured it
will not be long before they fall upon this place with all the
fury that may be. Now this is all that I am able to say
concerning the truth of this affair; wherefore I desire you to
return us both unto our hermitage with our lives san)ed ; for if
you do not so you will commit a greater sin, then you did
yesterday : remember also that God, in regard of the continuall
penance we perform, hath taken us so far into His protection, as
He doth visit ^ts almost every hour of the day ; wherefore labour
to save your selves as much as you will, yet shall you hardly
do it ; for be sure, that the earth, the air, the winds, the waters,
the beasts, the fishes, the fowls, the trees, the plants, and all
things created, will pursue and torment you so cruelly, as none
but He that M/oes in heaioen will be able to help you. Antonio de
Fa/ria being hereby certainly informed of the truth of the
business sailed instantly away, tearing his hair and beard for
yery rage, to see that through his negUgence and indiscretion
he 'had lost the fairest occasion that ever he should be able to
meet withall.
168 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENT VEE 8
CHAPTEE XXrV.
Our casting away in the Grulf of Nanquin, with all that befell us after this
lamentable shipwiack.
WE had already sailed seven days in the Gulf of Nanquin,
to the end that the force of the current might carry us
the more swiftly away, as men whose safety consisted wholly
in flight ; for we were so desolate and sad, that we scarce
spake one to another; in the mean time we arrived at a
village, called Siosequerim, where no news being come either
of us, or what we had done, we furnished our selves with
some victual, and getting information very covertly of the
course we were to hold, we departed within two hours after,
and then, with the greatest speed we could make, we entred
into a streight, named Xalingau, much less frequented then
the gulf that we had past ; here we navigated nine dayes
more, in which time we ran an hundred and forty leagues,
then entring again into the said Gulf of Nanqrdn, which in
that place was not above ten or eleven leagues broad, we
sailed for the space of thirteen dayes from one side to another
with a westerly winde, exceedingly afflicted, both with the
great labour we were fain to endure, and the cruel fear we
were in, besides the want we began to feel of victuals. In this
case being come within sight of the mountains of Conxinacau,
which are in the height of forty and one degrees, there arose
so terrible a south winde, called by the Chineses, Tufaon, as it
could not possibly be thought a natural thing; so that our
vessels being low built, weak, and without mariners, we were
reduced to such extremity, that out of all hope to escape we
suffered our selves to be driven along the coast, as the current
of the water would carry us; for we held it more safe to
venture ourselves amongst the rocks, then to let us be swal-
lowed up in the midst of the sea ; and though we had chosen
this design, as the better and less painful, yet did it not
succeed ; for after dinner the winde turned to the north-west
whereby the waves became so high, that it was most dreadful
to behold ; our fear then was so extream, as we began to cast
all that we had into the sea, even to the chests full of silver.
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 169
That done, we out down our two masts, and so without masts
and sails we floated along all the rest of the day ; at length
about midnight we heard them in Antonio de Faria's vessel
cry, Lord ha/ve mercy wpon us, which perswaded us that they
were cast away ; the apprehension whereof put us in such a
fright, as for an hour together no man spake a word. Having
past all this sad night in so miserable a phght, about an hour
before day our vessel opened about the keel, so that it was
instantly full of water eight spans high, whereupon perceiving
our selves to sink, we verily believed, it was the good pleasure
of God that in this place we should finish both our lives and
labours. As soon then as it was day we looked out to sea, as
far as possibly we could discern, but could no way discover
Antordo de Faria, which put us quite out of heart; and so
continuing in this great affliction till about ten of, the clock,
with so much terror and amazement, as words are not able to
express ; at last we ran against the coast, and even drowned
as we were, the waves rolled us toward a point of rocks that
stood out into the sea, where we were no sooner arrived but
that all went to pieces, insomuch that of five and twenty
PorPugals, which we were, there were but fourteen saved, the
other eleven being drowned, together vrith eighteen Christian
servants, and seven Chinese mariners. This miserable disaster
hapned on a Munday, the 5th of August, 1542, for which the
Lord be praised everlastingly.
We fourteen PorPugals, having escaped out of this shipwrack
by the meer mercy of God, spent all that day, and the night
following, in bewailing our mis-fortune, and the wretched
estate whereunto we were reduced; but in the end con-
sulting together, what course to take for to give some remedy
thereunto ; we concluded to enter into the country, hoping
that far or neer we should not fail to meet with some body,
that taking us for slaves would relieve us with meat, till such
time as it should please Heaven to terminate our travels with
the end of our lives. With this resolution we went some six
or seven leagues over rocks and hills, and on the other side
discovered a great marsh, so large and void, as it past the
reach of our sight, there being no appearance of any lan^
beyond it ; which madp up turn bapk again, towards the samg
170 THE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
place where we were cast away ; being arrived there the day
after about sun-set, we found upon the shore the bodies of our
men, which the sea had cast up, over whom we commenced
our sorrow and lamentations, and the next day we buried
them in the sand, to keep them from being devoured by the
tygers, whereof that country is full, which we performed with
much labour and pain, in regard we had no other tools
for that purpose but our hands and nails. After these poor
bodies were interred we got us into a marsh, where we spent
all the night, as the safest place we could chuse to preserve
us from the tygers: from thence we continued our journey
towards the north, and that by such precipices and thick
woods, as we had much ado to pass through them. Having
travelled in this manner three dayes, at length we arrived at
a little streight, without meeting anybody, over the which
resolving to swim, by ill fortune the four first that entred
into it, being three Portugals and a young youth, were
miserably drowned ; for being very feeble, and the streight
somewhat broad, and the current of the water very strong, they
were not able to hold out any longer when they came to the
midst; so we eleven, with three servants that remained, seeing
the infortunate success of our companions, could do nothing
but weep and lament, as men that hourly expected such or a
worse end. Having spent all that dark night, exposed to the
winde, cold, and rain, it pleased our Lord that the next
morning before day we discovered a great fire towards the
east; whereupon as soon as the day broke, we marched
fair and softly that way, recommending our selves to that
Almighty God from whom alone we could hope for a remedy
to our miseries; and so continuing our journey all along the
river, the most part of that day, at last we came to a little
wood, where we found five men making of coals, whom on our
knees we besought for Gods sake to direct us to some place
where we might get some relief ; I would, said one of them
beholding us with an eye of pitie, it lay in our power to help
you, but alas I all the comfort we can give you is to bestow some
part of OMT supper on you, which is a little rice, wherewith you
may pass this night here with us if you will, though I hold it
better for you to proceed on yowr way, and recover the place
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 171
you see a little below, where you shall finde an hospital that
serves to lodge such pilgrims as chance to come into these
quarters. Having thanked him for his good address, we fell
to the rice they gave us, which came but to two mouthfuls
apiece, and so took our leaves of them, going directly to the
place they had shewed us, as well as our weakness would
permit.
About an hour within night, we arrived at the hospital,
where we met with four men, that had the charge of it, who
received us very charitably. The next morning as soon as it
was day, they demanded of us, what we were, and from whence
we came? Thereunto we answered, that we were strangers,
natives of the Kingdom of Sia/m, and that coming from the
Port of Lia/mpoo to go to the fishing of Nanqum, we were cast
away at sea by the violence of a storm, having saved nothing
out of this shipwrack, but those our miserable and naked
bodies. Whereupon demanding of ua again, what we intended
to do, and whither we would go ; we replyed, that we purposed
to go to the city of Ncmquin, there to imbarque our selves as
rowers in the first Lanteaa that should put to sea, for to pass
unto Gantan, where our countrymen, by the permission of the
Aitco of Panquin, exercised their traffique under the protection
of the son of the Sun, and Lyon crowned in the throne of the
world; wherefore we desired them for Gods cause to let us
stay in that hospital, until we had recovered our healths, and
to bestow any poor clothes on us to cover our nakedness. After
they had given good ear unto us; it were reason, answered
they, to grant you that which you require with so much
earnestness, and tears ; but in regard the house is now very
poor, we cannot so easily discharge our duties unto you as we
should^ howbeit, we will do what we may with a very good
wiU. Then quite naked, as we were, they lead us all about the
village, containing some forty or fifty fires, more or less ; the
inhabitants whereof were exceeding poor, having no other
living but what they got by the labour of their hands, from
whom they drew by way of alms some two taeis in money,
half a sack of rice, a little meal, aricot beans, onions, and a few
old rags, wherewith we made the best shift we could ; over and
above this they bestowed two taeis more on us out of the
172 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
stock of the hospital. But whereas we desired that we might
be permitted to stay there, they excused themselves, saying,
that no poor might remain there above three days, or five at
the most, unless it were sick people, or women with child, of
whom special care was to be had, because in their extremities
they could not travel without endangering their lives, wherefore
they could for no other persons whatsoever transgress that
ordnance, which had of ancient time been instituted by the
advice of very learned and religious men ; nevertheless, that
three leagues from thence, we should in a great town, called
Sileyiacau, find a very rich hospital, where all sorts of poor
people were entertained, and that there we should be far better
looked unto then in their house, which was poor, and agreeable
to the place of its scituation ; to which end they would give us
a' letter of recommendation, by means whereof we should in-
continently be received. For these good offices we rendred
them infinite thanks, and told them that God would reward
them for it, since they did it for His sake ; whereupon an old
man, one of those four, answered us fairly and gave us to the
brotherhood of the other hospital, whither we were to go, and
so we departed about noon, and arrived at the town an hour or
two before sun-set. The first thing we did, was to go to the
house of the repose of the poor ; for so the Ghineses caU the
hospitals. There we delivered our letters to the masters of
that Society, which they term Tanigories, whom we found
altogether in a chamber, where they were assembled about the
affairs of the poor. After they had received the letter with a
kind of complement, that seemed very strange to us, they
commanded the Eegister to read it ; whereupon he stood up
and read it to them that were sitting at the table. This letter
being read, they caused us presently to be lodged in a very
neat chamber, accomodated with a table, and divers chairs,
where after we had been served with good meat, we rested our
selves that night. The next morning the Eegister came along
with the rest of the officers, and demanded of us who we
were, of what nation, and whereabout we had suffered ship-
wrack ; whereunto we answered, as we had done before, to
those of the village from whence we came, that we might not
be fpund in two tales, and convinced of lying; whereupon
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 173
having further enquired of us what we meant to do ; we told
them that our intention was to get our selves cured in that
house, if it pleased them to permit us, in regard we were so
weak and sickly as we could scarce stand upon our legs. To
which they replyed that they would very willingly see that
performed for us, as a thing that was ordinarily done there for
the service of God ; for the which we thanked them weeping,
with so much acknowledgement of their goodness and charity,
as the tears stood in their eyes ; so that presently sending for
a physician, they bid him look carefully to us, for that we were
poor flocks, and had no other means but what we had from Ihe
house. That done, he took our names in writing, and set them
down in a great book ; whereunto we all of us set our hands,
saying, it was necessary it should be so, that an account might
be rendred of the expence was to be made for us.
[Pinto and Ms companions, being cwred, continue their journey ;
their further adventures, and -hospitable reception by a gentleman
at a country house ; x>ntttteh«]
CHAPTEE XXV.
Our arrival at the town of Taypor, where we were made ' prisoners, and so
sent to the city of Nanquin,
THE next morning by break of day parting from that place,
we went to a village called Fingirdla/u, which was some
four leagues from the old gentlemans house, where we remained
three dayes, and then continuing travelling from one place to
another, and from village to village, ever deohning the great
tovms, for fear lest the Justice of the country should call us in
question in regard we were strangers ; in this manner we spent
almost two moneths vrithout receiving the least damage from
any body. Now there is no doubt but we might easily have
got to the city of Nanqwm in that time if we had had a guide ;
but for want of knowing the way we wandred we knew not
whither, suffering much, and running many hazards. At
length we arrived at a village, named GhoMcer, at such a time
174 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
as they were a solemnizing a sumptuous funeral of a very rich
woman, that had disinherited her kindred, and left her estate
to the Pagode of this village, where she was buried, as we
understood by the inhabitants ; we were invited then to this
funeral, as other poor people were, and according to the custom
of the country we did eat on the grave of the deceased. At the
end of three days that we stayed there, which was the time
the funeral lasted, we had six taeis given us for an alms, con-
ditionally that in all our oraisons we should pray unto God for
the soul of the departed. Being gone from this place we
continued on our journey to another village, called Chdnwpalvr,
from whence we were almost two moneths travelling from
country to country, untill at last our ill fortune brought us to a
town, named Taypor, where by chance there was at that time
a Ghumbim, that is to say, one of those super-intendents of
Justice, that every three years are sent throughout the
provinces for to make report unto the king of all that passeth
there. This naughty man seeing us go begging from door to
door, called to us from a window where he was, and would
know of us who we were, and of what nation ; as also what
obliged us to run up and down the world in that manner ?
Having asked us these questions in the presence of three
Eegisters, and of many other persons, that were gathered
together to behold us ; we answered him, that we were
stangers, natives of the kingdom of Siam, who being cast
away by a storm at sea went thus travelling and begging our
living, to the end we might sustain our selves with the charity
of good people, untill such time as we could arrive at Nanqvm,
whither we were going with an intent to imbarque our selves
there in some of the merchants Lcmteaas for Canton, where
the shipping of our nation lay. This answer we made unto the
Chwmhim, who questionless had been well enough contented
with it, and would have let us go, had it not been for one of
his clerks ; for he told them that we were idle vagabonds, that
spent our time in begging from door to door, and abusing the
alms that were given us, and therefore he was at no hand to
let us go free, for fear of incurring the punishment, ordained
for such as offend in that sort, as is set forth in the seventh
of the twelve books of the Statutes of the Bealm ; wherefore as
OF FEBDINANB MENDEZ PINTO. 175
his faithful servant he counselled him to lay us in good and
sure hold, that we might be forth-coming to answer the Law.
The Chumhim presently followed his clerks advice, and carried
himself toward us with as much barbarous cruelty, as could be
expected from a Pagan, such as he was, that lived without God
or religion ; to which effect after he had heard a number of
false witnesses, who charged us with many fowl crimes, whereof
we never so much as dream'd, he caused us to be put into a
deep dungeon, with irons on our hands and feet, and great
iron collars about our necks. In this miserable place we
endured such hunger, and were so fearfully whipped, that we
were in perpetual pain for six and twenty days together, at the
end whereof we were by the sentence of the same Chumhim
sent to the ParUament of the Gheam of Nanqtdn, because the
jurisdiction of this extended not to the condemnation of any
prisoner to death.
We remained six and twenty days in that cruel prison,
whereof I spake before ; and I vow we thought we had been
six and twenty thousand years there, in regard of the great
misery we suffered in it, which was such, as one of our com-
panions called Joano Boderiguez Bravo died in our arms, being
eaten up with lice, we being no way able to help him ; and it
was almost a miracle, that the rest of us escaped alive from
that filthy vermine ; at length, one morning, when we thought
of nothing less, loaden with irons as we were, and so weak
that we could hardly speak, we were drawn out of that prison,
and then being chained one to another we were imbarqued
with many others, to the number of thirty or forty, that having
been convicted for sundry hainous crimes, were also sent to
the Parliament of Nanquin, where, as I have already declared,
is always residing a Chaem of Justice, which is like to the
sovereign title of the Vice-roy of China.
[Here follows a relaUon of the Chinese Law.]
After being reimbarqued, we sailed up a great river seven days
together, at the end whereof we arrived at Nanquin. As this
city is the second of aU the empire, so is it also the capital of
the three kingdoms of Liampoo, Farms, and Sambor. Here
176 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
we lay six weeks in prison, and suffered so much pain and
misery, as reduced to the last extreamities, we died insensibly '
for want of succour, not able to do any thing, but look up to •
heaven with a pitiful eye ; for it was our ill fortune to have all
that we had stoln from us the first night we came thither.
This prison was so great, that there were four thousand
prisoners in it at that time, as we were credibly informed, so
that one should hardly sit down in any place without being
robbed, and filled full of lice : having layn there a month and
an halt, as I said, the Anchacy, who was one of the judges
before whom our cause was to be pleaded, pronounced our
sentence at the suit of the Atturney General, the tenor whereof
was : That having seen and considered our process, which the
Ghumhim of Taypor had sent him, it appeared by the accusa-
tions laid to our charge, that we were very hainous malefactors,
and though we denied many things, yet in justice no credit
was to be given unto us, and therfore that we were to be
publiokly whipped, for to teach us to live better in time to |
come, and that withal our two thumbs should be cut off, i
wherewith it was evident by manifest suspicions, that we used '■
to commit robberies, and other vUe crimes ; and furthermore,
that for the remainder of the punishment we deserved, he \
referred us to the Aytcm of Batcmpina, unto whom it apper-
tained to take cognisance of such causes, in regard of the
jurisdiction that he had of life and death. This sentence was
pronounced in the prison, where it had been better for us to
have suffered death, then the stripes that we received, for all
the ground round about us ran with blood upon our whiping,
so that it was almost a miracle, that of the eleven which we
were, nine escaped aUve, for two of our company died three
days after, besides one of our servants.
After we had been whipped in that manner, I have declared, !
we were carried into a great chamber, that was in the prison,
where were a number of sick, and diseased persons, lying upon
beds, and other ways ; there we had presently our stripes
washed, and things applyed unto them, whereby we were
somewhat eased of our pain, and that by men, much like unto
the fraternity of mercy among the Papists, which onely out of
charity, and for the honor of God, do tend those that are sick,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 177
and liberally furnish them with all things necessary. Hereafter
some eleven or twelve days, we began to be prettily recovered,
and as we were lamenting our ill fortune, for being so rigorously
condemned to lose our thumbs, it pleased God one morning,
when as we little dreamt of it, that we espied two men come
into the chamber, of a good aspect, clothed in long gowns of
violet coloured sattin, and carrying white rods in their hands ;
as soon as they arrived, all the sick persons in the chamber
cried out, Blessed be the imnisters of the works of God : where-
unto they answered, holding up their rods, May it please God
to give you patience in your adversity : whereupon having
distributed clothes and money to those that were next to them,
they came unto us, and after they had saluted us very cour-
teously, with demonstration of being moved at our tears, they
asked us who we were, and of what countrey, as also why we
were imprisoned there : whereunto we answered weeping, that
we were strangers, natives of the kingdom of Siam, and of a
country called Malaca; that being merchants and well to live,
we had imbarqued our selves vnth our goods, and being bound
for Liampoo, we had been cast away just against the Isles of
Laman, having lost all that we had, and nothing left us but
our miserable bodies in the case they now saw us ; moreover
we added, that being thus evil intreated by fortune, arriving at
the city of Ta/ypor, the Chumbin of Justice had caused us to be
apprehended without any cause, laying to our charge, that we
were thieves and vagabonds, who to avoid pains-taking went
begging from door to door, entertaining our idle laziness with
the alms that were given us unjustly, whereof the Chumbin
having made informations at his pleasure, as being both judge
and party, he had laid us in irons in the prison, where for two
and forty days space, we had indured incredible pain and
hunger, and no man would hear us in pur justifications, as well
because we had not wherevrithal to give presents for to main-
tain our right, as for that we wanted the language of the
country. In conclusion, we told them, how in the mean time,
without any cognisance of the cause, we had been condemned
to be whipped, as also to have our thiunbs cut off, like thieves ;
so that we had already suffered the first punishment, with so
much rigour and cruelty, that the marks thereof remained but
13
178 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
two visibly upon our wretched bodies, and therefcare we con-
jured them by the charge they had to serve God in assisting
the afflicted, that they would not abandon us in this need, the
rather for that our extream poverty rendred us odious to all
the world, and exposed us to the induring of all affronts. These
two men having heard us attentively, remained very pensive
and amazed at our speech ; at length lifting up their eyes, all
bathed with tears, to heaven, and kneeling down on the
ground, 0 Almighty Lord, said they, that govemest in the
highest places, and whose patience is incomprehensible, be Thou
evermore blessed, for that Thou a/rt pleased to hearken unto the
complaints of necessitous and miserable men, to the end that the
great offences committed against Thy Divine goodness by the
Miidsters of Justice may not rest unpunished, as we hope that by
Thy holy Law they will be chastised at one time or other.
Whereupon they informed themselves more amply by those
who were about us, of what we had told them, and presently
sending for the Eegister, in whose hands our sentence was,
they straitly commanded him, that upon pain of grievous
punishment he should forthwith bring them all the proceedings
which had been used against us, as instantly he did ; now the
two officers, seeing there was no remedy for the whipping that
we had suffered, presented a petition in our behalf unto the
Chaem, whereunto this answer was returned by the Court:
Mercy hath no place, where Justice loseth her name, in regard
whereof your request carmot be granted, This answer was sub-
scribed by the Chaem, and eight Gonchacis, that are like
criminal judges. This hard proceeding much astonished these
two Proctors for the poor, so named from their office ; where-
fore, carried with an extream desire to draw us out of this
misery, they presently preferred another petition to the
Sovereign Court of Justice, of which I spake in the precedent
chapter, where the Menigrepos and Talegrepos were judges, an
assembly which in their language is called, The breath of the
Creator of all things. In this petition, as sinners, confessing
all that we were accused of, we had recourse to mercy, which
sorted well for us ; for as soon as the petition was presented
unto them, they read the process quite through, and finding
that our right was over-born for want of succour, they instantly
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 179
dispatched away two of their Court, who with an express
mandate under their hands and seals, went and prohibited the
Chaems Court from intermedling with this cause, which they
commanded away before them. In obedience to this prohibition
the Chaems Court made this decree, We, that are assembled in
this Cowrt of Justice of the Lyon crowned in the throne of the
world, having perused the petition presented to the fow and
twenty judges of the amtere Ufe, do consent, that those nine
strangers he sent by way of appeal to the Court of the Aytau of
Aytaus in the City of Pequin, to the end that in mercy the
sentence pronounced against them may be fa/vowrably moderated ;
Chven the seventh day of the fowrth Moon, in the three and
twentieth yea/r of the reign of the Son of the Sun. This decree,
Being signed by the Ghaem, and the eight Conchacis, was
presently brought us by the two Proctors for the poor ; upon
the receit whereof we told them, that we could but pray unto
God to reward them for the good they had done us for His
sake; whereunto beholding us with an eye of pity, they
answered, May His Celestial goodness direct you in the knowledge
of His works, that thereby you may with patience gather thefrwit
of your labows, as they which fear to offend His holy Name,
After we had past all the adversities and miseries, whereof I
have spoken before, we were imbarqued in the company of
some other thirty or forty prisoners, that were sent, as we
were, from this Court of Justice to that other Sovereign one by
way of appeal, there to be either acquitted or condemned,
according to the crimes they had committed, and the punish-
ment they had deserved. Now a day before our departure,
being imbarqued in a Lanteaa, and chained three and three
together, the two Proctors for the poor came to us, and first of
all furnishing us with all things needful, as clothes, and
victuals, they asked us whether we wanted any thing else for
our voyage. Whereunto we answered, that all we could desire
of them was, that they would be pleased to convert that further
good they intended to us into a letter of recommendation
unto the officers of that holy fraternity of the city of Pequdn,
thereby to oblige them to maintain the right of our cause, in
regard (as they very well knew) they should otherwise be sure
to be utterly abandoned of every one, by reason they were
180 THE TBAVELS, VOYAOES. AND ADVENTUBES
strangers and altogether unknown. The Proctors hearing us
speak in this manner : Say not so, replyed they, for though
you/r ignorance discharges you before God, yet ha/ve you com-
mitted a great sin, because the more you are abased in the world
through poverty, the more shall you be exalted before the eyes of
His divine Majesty, if you patiently bear you/r crosses, whereunto
the flesh indeed doth aVwa/ys oppose it self, being evermore
rebellious against the spirit, but as a bi/rd cannot fly without her
wings, no more can the soul meditate without works : As for the
letter you require of us ; we will give it you most willingly,
knowing it will be very necessary for you, to the end that the
famowr of good people be not wanting to you in you/r need. This
said, they gave us a sack full of rice, together with four Taeis
in silver, and a coverlet to lay upon us ; then having very
much recommended us unto the Ghifu/u,, who was the officer of
justice that conducted us, they took their leaves of us in most
courteous manner. The next morning as soon as it was day
they sent us the letter, sealed with three seals in green wax,
the contents whereof were : —
\A recital of the misfortunes of the Portuguese.]
CHAPTEE XXVI.
The marvels of the city of Nanquin, our departure from thence towards
Pequin, and that which hapned unto us, till we arrived at the town of
Sempitay.
THIS letter being brought to us very early the next morning,
we departed in the manner before declared, and con-
tinued our voyage till sun-set, when as we anchord at a httle
village, named Minhacutem, where the Ghifuu, that conducted
us, was bom, and where his wife and children were at that
time, which was the occasion that he remained there three
days; at the end whereof he imbarqued himself with his
family, and so we passed on in the company of divers other
vessels, that went upon this river unto divers parts of this
empire : Now though we were all tyed together to the back
OF FBBDINANH MBNDFZ PINTO. 181
of the Lcmteaa, where we rowed, yet did we not for all that
lose the view of many towns and villages that were soitnated
along this river, whereof I hold it not amiss to make some
descriptions ; to which effect, I will begin with the city of
Nanqmn, from whence we last parted. This city ... is seated
by the river of Batampina, upon a reasonable high hill, so as it
commands all the plains about it ; the cUmate thereof is some-
what cold, but very healthy, and it is eight leagues about,
which way soever it is considered, three leagues broad, and one
long. The houses in it are not above two stories high, and
all built of wood ; only those of the Mandarins are made of
hewed stone, and also invironed with walls and ditches, over
which are stone bridges, whereon they pass to the gates, that
have rich and costly arches, with divers sorts of inventions
upon the towers ; all which put together make a pleasing
object to the eye, and represent a certain kind of I know not
what majesty. The houses of the Ghaems, Anchacys, Aytaus,
Tutons, and Clvumbims, which are all governours of provinces
or kingdoms, have stately towers, six or seven stories high,
and gUt all over, wherein they have their magazines for arms,
their wardrobes, their treasuries, and a world of rich house-
hold stuff, as also many other things of great value, together
with an infinite of delicate and most fine porcelain, which
amongst them is prized and esteemed as much as precious
stone ; for this sort of porcelain never goes out of the king-
dom, it being expressly forbidden by the laws of the country,
to be sold, upon pain of death, to any stranger, unless to the
Xata/maas, that is, the Sophyes of the Persians, who by a
particular permission buy of it at a very dear rate. The
Ghineses assured us, that in this city there are eight hundred
thousand fires, four score thousand Mandarins houses, three
score and two great market-places, an himdred and thirty
butchers shambles, each of them containing four score shops,
and eight thousand streets, whereof six hundred that are
fairer and larger than the rest, are compassed about with
ballisters of copper ; we were further assured, that there are
likewise two thousand and three hundred Pagodes, a thousand
of which were Monasteries of religious persons, professed in
their accursed sect, whose buildings were exceeding rich and
182 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
sumptuous, with very high steeples, wherein there were
between sixty and seventy such mighty huge bells, that it was
a dreadful thing to hear them rung ; there are, moreover, in
this city thirty great strong prisons, each whereof hath three
or four thousand prisoners ; and a charitable hospital, ex-
pressly established to supply the necessities of the poor, with
proctors ordained for their defence, both in civil and criminal
causes, as is before related. At the entrance into every prin-
cipal street, there are arches and great gates, which for each
mans security are shut every night, and in most of the streets
are goodly fountains whose water is excellent to drink.
Besides, at every full and new moon, open fairs are kept
in several places, whither merchants resort from all parts, and
where there is such abundance of all kind of victuall as cannot
well be exprest, especially of flesh and fruit. It is not possible
to deliver the great store of fish that is taken in this river,
chiefly soles and mullets, which are all sold alive, besides
a world of sea fish, both fresh, salted, and dried; we were
told by certain Chineses, that in this city there are ten
thousand trades for the working of silks, which from thence
are sent all over the kingdom. The city it self is invironed
with a very strong wall, made of fair hewed stone. The gates
of are an hundred and thirty, at each of which there is porter,
and two halberdiers, who are bound to give an account every
day of all that passes in and out ; there are also twelve forts
or citadels, Uke unto ours, with bulwarks and very high towers,
but without any ordnance at all. The same Chinees also
affirmed unto us, that the city yielded the king daily two
thousand Taeis of silver, which amount to three thousand
ducates, as I have dehvered heretofore. I will not speak of
the palace royal, because I saw it but on the outside, howbeit
the Chineses teU such wonders of it, as would amaze a man,
for it is my intent to relate nothing save what we beheld here
with our own eyes, and that was so much as I am afraid to
write it ; not that it would seem strange to those that have
seen and read the marvels of the kingdom of China ; but
because I doubt that they, which would compare those won-
drous things that are in the countrys, they have not seen, with
that little they have seen in their own, will make some
OP PMBDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 183
question of it, or, it may be, give no credit at all to these
truthes, because they are not conformable to their understand-
ing, and small experience.
Continuing our course up this river, the first tvro days we
saw not any remarkable town or place, but onely a great
number of villages, and little hamlets of two or three hundred
fires apiece, which by their buildings seemed to be houses of
fisher men, and poor people, that live by the labour of their
hands. For the rest, all that was within view in the countrey
was great woods of fir, groves, forests, and orange-trees, as
also plains fuU of wheat, rice, beans, pease, millet, panick,
barley, rye, flax, cotton-wool, with great inclosures of gardens,
and goodly houses of pleasure, belonging to the Mandarins,
and lords of the kingdom. There was likewise all along the
river such an infinite number of cattel of all sorts, as I can
assure you there is not more in Ethiopia, nor in all the
dominions of Prester John ; upon the top of the moimtains
many houses of their sects of Gentiles were to be seen, adorned
with high steeples gilt all over, the glistering whereof was
such, and so great, that to behold them afar off was an
admirable sight. The fourth day of our voyage we arrived at a
tovwi, called Pocasser,twioe as big as Gantano, compassed about
vrith strong walls of hewed stone, and towers and bulwarks
almost like ours, together vrith a key on the river side, twice
as long as the shot of a falconet, and inclosed with two rows
of iron grates, with very strong gates, where the junks and
vessels that arrived there were unladen. This place abounds
with all kinds of merchandise, which from thence is trans-
ported over all the kingdom, especially with copper, sugar, and
allum, whereof there is very great store. Here also in the
middest of a carrefour, that is almost at the end of the town,
stands a mighty strong castle, having three bulwarks and five
towers ; in the highest of which the present kings father, as
the Ghineses told us, kept a king of Tartaria nine years
prisoner, at the end whereof he killed himself with poyson,
that his subjects sent him, because they would not be con-
strained to pay that ransom which the king of CAiwa demanded
for his deliverance. In this town the GMfuu gave three of us
leave to go up and down for to crave the alms of good people,
184 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
accompanied with four Hupes, that are as sergeants, or bailiffs
amongst us, who led us, chained together, as we were,
through six or seven streets, where we got in alms to the
value of above twenty ducates, as well in clothes, as money,
besides flesh, rice, meal, fruit, and other victuals, which was
bestowed on us ; whereof we gave the one half to the Hupes
that conducted us, it being the custom so to do. Afterwards
we were brought to a Pagode, whither the people flocked from
all parts that day, in regard of a very solemn feast that was
then celebrated there. This temple, or Pagode, as we were
told, had sometime been a palace royal, whexe the king then
reigning was bom; now because the queen his mother died
there in child-birth, she commanded her self to be buried in
the very same chamber where she was brought to bed ; where-
fore to honour her death the better, this temple was dedicated
to the invocation of TauMna/ret, which is one of the principal
sects of the Pagans in the kingdom of China, as I will more
amply declare, when as I sha'.l speak of the Labyrinth of the
two and thirty laws that are in it. All the buildings of this
temple, together with all the gardens, and walks, that belong
to it, are suspended in the air upon three hundred and three-
score pillars, every one of the which is of one intire stone of a
very great bigness. These three hundred and threescore
pUlars are called by the names of three hundred and three
score days of the year, and in each of them is a particular
feast kept there with many alms, gifts, and bloody sacrifices,
accompanied with musick, dancing, and other sports. Under
this Pagode, namely between those pillars, are eight very fair
streets, inclosed on every side with grates of copper, and gates
for the passage of pilgrims, and others, that run continually
to this feast, as it were to a jubilee ; the chamber above,
where the queen lay, was made in the form of a chappel, but
round, and from the top to the bottom all garnished with
silver, the workmanship whereof was of greater cost then the
matter it self. In the midst of it stood a kind of tribunal,
framed round, like the chamber, some fifteen steps high, com-
passed about with six gates of silver, on the top whereof was
a great bowl, and upon that a lion of silver, that with his
head supported a fihrine of gold, three hand-breadths square.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 185
wherein (they Said) the bones of the queen were, which these
blinded ignorants reverenced as a great relique. Below this
tribunal, in equal proportion, were four bars of silver, that
traversed the chamber, whereon hung three and forty lamps
of the same metal, in memory of the three and forty years
that this queen lived, and seven lamps of gold in commemora-
tion of seven sons that she had ; moreover, at the entry into
the chappel, just against the door, were eight other bars of
iron, whereon also hung a very great number of silver lamps,
which the Chineses told us were offered by some of the wives
of the Chaems, Aytaos, Tutons, and Anchacys, who were
assistant at the death of the queen, so that in acknowledg-
ment of that honour they sent those lamps thither afterwards;
without the gates of the temple, and round about six ballisters
of copper that invironed it, were a great many statues of
giants, fifteen foot high, cast in brass, all well proportioned
with halberts or clubs in their hands, and some of them vrith
battle-axes on their shoulders, which made so brave and
majestical a shew, as one could never be satisfied enough with
looking on them. Amongst these statues, which were in
number twelve hundred, as the Chineses affirmed, there were
four and twenty very great serpents also of brass, and under
every one of them a woman seated, with a sword in her hand,
and a silver crown on her head. It was said, that those four
and twenty women carried the titles of queens, because they
sacrificed themselves to the death of this queen, to -the end
their souls might serve hers in the other hfe, as in this their
bodies had served her body; a matter which the Chineses,
that draw their extraction from these men, hold for a very
great honour, insomuch as they inrich the crests of their coats
of arms with it ; round about this row of giants was another
of triumphant arches, gilt all over, whereon a number of silver
bells hung by chains of the same metal, which moved with the
air kept such a continual ringing, as one could hardly hear one
another for the noise they made. Without these arches there
were likewise at the same distance two rows of copper grates,
that inclosed all this huge work, and among them certain
pillars of the same metal, which supported lions rampant,
mounted upon bowls, being the arms of the kings of Ohma, &a
186 TRB TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVUES
I have related elsewhere. At each corner of the carrefour
was a monster of brass, of so strange and unmeasurable an
heigth, and so deformed to behold, as it is not possible almost
for a man to imagine ; so that I think it best not to speak of
them, the rather for that (I confess I) am not able in words
to express the form wherein I saw their prodigies. Howbeit,
as it is reasonable to conceal these things without giving some
knowledge of them, I will say, as much as my weak under-
standing is able to deliver. One of these monsters which is
on the right hand, as one comes into the carrefour, whom the
Ghineses call the Sergeant Glutton of the hollow or profound
house of smoak, and that by their histories is held to be
Lucifer, is represented under the figure of a serpent of an
excessive heighth, with most hideous and deformed adders
coming out of his stomack, covered all over with green and
black scarrs, and a number of prickles on their backs above a
span long, like unto porcupins quils ; each of these adders had
a woman between his jaws, with her hair all dishevelled, and
standing on end, as one affrighted. The monster carried also
in his mouth, which was unmeasurable great, a vizard that
was above thirty foot long, and as big as a tun, with his
nostrils and chaps so full of blood, that all the rest of his
body was besmeared with it ; this vizard held a great elephant
between his paws, and seemed to gripe him so hard, as his very
guts came out of his throat ; and all this was done so pro-
portionably, and to the life, that it made a man tremble to
behold such a deformed figure, and which was scarce possible
for one to imagine. His tail might be some twenty fathom
long, and was entortilled about such another monster, that
was the second of the four, whereof I spake, in the figure of a
man, being an hundred foot high, and by the CMneses called
Turcamparoo, who (they say) was the son of that serpent;
besides that he was very ugly, he stood with both his hands
in his mouth, that was as big as a great gate, with a row of
horrible teeth, and a foul black tongue, hanging out two
fathom long, most dreadful to behold. As for the other two
monsters, one was in the form of a woman, named by the
Ghineses, Magdelgau, seventeen fathom high, and six thick. This
same about the girdlesteed before had a face made proportion-
OF PEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 187
able to her body, above two fathom broad, and she breathed
out of her mouth and nostrils great flakes, not of artificial,
but true fire, which proceeded, as they told us, from her head,
where fire was continually kept, that in like manner came out
of the said face below. By this figure these idolaters would
demonstrate that she was the queen of the fiery sphear, which
according to their belief is to burn the earth at the end of the
world. The fourth monster was a man, set stooping, which
with great swoln cheeks, as big as the mainsail of a ship,
seemed to blow extreamly; this monster was also of an un-
measurable height, and of such an hideous and ghastly aspect,
that a man could hardly endure the sight of it ; the Ghineses
called it Veangtienaboo, and said, that it was he which raised
tempests upon the sea, and demohshed buildings; in regard
whereof the people offered many things xmto him, to the
end he should do them no harm ; and many presented Vn'-m
with a piece of money yearly, that he might not drown their
junks, nor do any of theirs hurt that went by sea. I will
omit many other abuses which their bUndness makes them
believe, and which they hold to be so true, as there is not one
of them but would endure a thousand deaths for the main-
tenance thereof.
The next day, being gone from the town of Pocasser, we
arrived at another fair and great town, called XinUgau ; there
we saw many buildings inclosed with walls of brick, and deep
ditches about them, and at one end of the town two castles,
very well fortified with towers and bulwarks after our fashion ;
at the gates were draw bridges, suspended in the air with
great iron chains, and in the midst of them a tower five stories
high, very curiously painted with several pictures ; the GMneses
assured us, that in those two castles there was as much
treasure as amounted to fifteen thousand pieces of silver, which
was the revenue of all this Archvpelage, and laid up in this
place by the King's grandfather now reigning, in memorial of
a son of his that was bom here, and named LeuqvAnau, that is
to say. The joy of all ; those of the country repute him for a
saint, because he ended his days in religion, where also he was
bmded in a temple, dedicated to Qwicvy Va/ratel, the god of all
the fishes of the sea, of whom these miserable ignoranta
188 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
recount a world of fooleries, as also the laws lie invented, and
the precepts which he left them, being able to astonish a man,
as I will more amply declare when time shall serve. In this
town and in another five leagues higher the most part of the
silks of this kingdom are dyed, because they hold that the
waters of these places make the colours far more lively then
those of any other part ; and these dyers, which are said to be
thirteen thousand, pay unto the King yearly three hundred
thousand Taeis. Continuing our course up the river the day
after ; about evening we arrived a certain great plains, where
were great store of cattle, as horses, mares, colts, and cows,
guarded by men on horsbaek, that make sale of them to
butchers, who afterwards retale them indifferently as any other
flesh. Having past these plains containing some ten or eleven
leagues, we came to a town called Junqmleu, walled with
brick, but without battlements, bulwarks, or towers, as others
had, whereof I have spoken before ; at the end of the suburbs
of this town we saw divers houses built in the water upon
great piles, in the form of magazines. Before the gate of a
little street stood a tomb made of stone, invironed with an
iron grate, painted red and green, and over it a steeple framed
of pieces of very fine pourcelain, sustained by four piUars of
curious stone ; upon the top of the tomb were five globes, and
two others that seemed to be of cast iron, and on the one side
thereof were graven in letters of gold, and in the Chinese lan-
guage, words of this substance. Sere lyes Trannocem Mudeliar,
uncle to the King of Malaca, whom death took out of the world
before he could be revenged of Gaptcdn Alphonso Albuquerque,
the 1/yon of the robberies of the sea. We were much amazed to
behold this inscription there ; wherefore enquiring what it
might mean, a Chinese, that seemed more honourable than the
rest, told us ; that about some forty years before, this man
which lay buried there, came thither as ambassador from a
prince, that stiled himself King of Malaca, to demand succour
from the son of the Sun against men of a country that hath
no name, which came by sea from the end of the world, and
had taken Malaca from him ; this man recounted many other
incredible things concerning this matter, whereof mention is
made in a printed book thereof ; as also that this ambassador
,0F FEBDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 189
having continued three years at the kings court suing for this
succour, just as it was granted him, and that preparations for
it were a making, it was his ill-fortune to be surprised one
night at supper with an apoplexie, whereof he died at the end
of nine days ; so that extreamly afflicted to see himself carried
away by a sudden death before he had accomplished his
business, he expressed his earnest desire of revenge by the in-
scription which he caused to be graven on his tomb, that
posterity might know wherefore he was come thither. After-
wards we departed from this place, and continued our voyage
up the river, which thereabouts is not so large as towards the
city of Nanquin ; but the country is here better peopled with
villages, boroughs, and gardens, than any other place, for every
stones cast we met still with some Pagode, mansion of pleasure,
or country house. Passing on about some two leagues further,
we arrived at a place encompassed with great iron grates, in the
midst whereof stood two mighty statues of brass upright, sus-
tained by pillars of cast metal of the bigness of a bushel, and
seven fathom high, the one of a man, and the other of a woman,
both of them seventy-four spans in heighth, having their hands
in their mouths, their cheeks horribly blown out, and their eyes
so staring, as they affrighted all that looked upon them. That "
which represented a man, was called Qtmy Xingatalor, and
the other in the form of a woman was named Ajpanca/paUi/r.
Having demanded of the GMneses the explication of these
figures, they told us that the male was he, which with those
mighty swoln cheeks blew the fire of hell for to torment all
those miserable wretches that would not liberally bestow alms
in this life ; and for the other monster, that she was porter of
hell gate, where she would take notice of those that did her
good in this world, and letting them fly away into a river of
very cold water, called OcMlenday, would keep them hid there
from being tormented by the devils, as other damned were.
Upon this speech one of our company could not forbear laugh-
ing at such a ridiculous and diabolical foolery, which three of
their priests, or Boneoes then present, observing, they were so
exceedingly offended therewith, as they perswaded the GMfmi,
which conducted us, that if he did not chastise us in such
manner, as those gods might be well contented with the punish-
190 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
ment inflicted on U3 for our mockery of them, both the one
and the other would assuredly torment his soul, and never
suffer it to go out of hell ; which threatning so mightily terri-
fied this dog, the Chifuu, that without- further delay, or hearing
us speak, he caused us all to be bound hand and foot, and
commanded each of us to have an hundred lashes given him
with a double cord, which was immediately executed with bo
much rigour, as we were all in a gore bloud, whereby we were
taught not to jeer afterwards at anything we saw, or heard.
At such time as we arrived here we found twelve Bonzoes upon
the place, who with silver censers full of perfumes of aloes and
benjamin, censed those two devilish monsters, and chanted out
aloud. Help us, even as we serve thee ; whereunto divers other
priests answered in the name of the idol with a great noise,
So I promise to do like a good Lord. In this sort they went as
it were in procession roimd about the place, singing vrith an
ill-tuned voice to the sound of a great many bells, that were in
steeples thereabouts. In the mean time there were others,
that with drums and basins made such a dinne, as I may truly
say, put them all together, was most horrible to hear.
-CHAPTEE XXVII.
Our arrival at Sempitay, our encounter there with a Christian woman, and
an account of many things seen on the journey ; with an account
of Pequin.
FEOM this place we continued our voyage eleven days more
up the river, which in those parts is so peopled with cities,
towns, villages, boroughs, forts and castles, that commonly they
are not a flight shot distant one from another, besides a world
of houses of pleasure, and temples, where steeples were all
gilt ; which made such a glorious show, as we were much
amazed at it. In this manner we arrived at a town, named
Sempitay, where we abode five days, by reason the Chifwis wife,
that conducted us, was not well. Here by his permission wa
landed, and chained together as we were, we went up and down
the streets craving of alms, which was very liberally given us
by the inhabitants, who wondering to see such men as we.
OF PEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 191
demanded of us what kind of people we were, of what king-
dom, and how our oountrey was called ? Hereunto we answered
conformably to that we had said before, namely that we were
natives of the kingdom of Siam, that going from Liampoo to
Nanqmn, we had lost all our goods by shipwrack, and that
although they beheld us then in so poor a case, yet we had
been formerly very rich ; whereupon a woman who was come
thither amongst the rest to see us : it is very likely, said she,
speaking to then about her, that what these poor strangers
have related is most true, for daily experience doth shew how
those that trade by sea do oftentimes make it their grave,
wherefore it is best and surest to travel upon the earth, and to
esteem of it, as of that whereof it has pleased God to frame
us; saying, so she gave us two Mazes, which amotmts to
about sixteen pence of our money, advising us to make no
more such long voyages, since our lives were so short. Here-
upon she unbuttoned one of the sleeves of a red sattin gown
she had on, and baring her left arm, she showed us a cross im-
printed on it, like the mark of a slave. Do any of you know this
sign, which amongst those, that follow the way of truth, is called
a cross ? or ha/oe any of you hea/rd it named i To this falUng
down on our knees, we answered, with tears in our eyes, that
we know exceeding well. Then lifting up her hands, she cried
out. Our Father, which art in. Heamen, hallowed he Thy Name,
speaking these words in the Portugal tongue, and because she
could speak no more of our language, she very earnestly
desired us in Chinese to tell her whether we were Christians ;
we replied that we were ; and for proof thereof, after we had
kissed that arm whereon the cross was, we repeated all the
rest of the Lord's Prayer, which she had left unsaid, wherewith
being assured that we were Christians indeed, she drew aside
from the rest there present, and weeping said to us, come along
Christians of the other end of the world, with her that is your
true sister in the faith of Jesus Christ, or peradventure a
kinswoman to one of you, by his side that begot me in this
miserable exile ; and so going to carry us to her house, the
Hupes which guarded us, would not suffer her, saying, that if
we would not continue our craving of alms, as the Ghifwu had
permitted us, they would return us back to the ship ; but this
192 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
they spake in regard of their own interest, for that they were
to have the moity of what was given us, as I have before
declared, and accordingly they made as though they would
have lead us thither again, which the woman perceiving, I
understand your meaning, said she, and indeed it is but reason
you should make the best of yoti/r places, for thereby you live ; so
opening her purse, she gave them two Taeis in silver, where-
with they were very well satisfied ; whereupon with the leave
of the Ghifuu, she carried ua home to her house, and there
kept us all the while we remained in that place, making ex-
ceeding much of us, and using us very charitably. Here she
shewed us an oratory, wherein she had a cross of wood gilt, as
also candlesticks, and a lamp of silver. Furthermore she told
us, that she was named, Inez de Leyria, and her father Tome
Pirez, who had been great ambassadour from Portugal to the
King of China, and that in regard of an insurrection with a
Portugal captain, made at Canton, the Chineses taking him for
a spy, and not for an ambassador, as he termed himself,
clapped him and all his followers up in prison, where by order
of justice five of them were put to torture, receiving so many,
and such cruel stripes on their bodies, as they died instantly,
and the rest were all banished into several parts, together with
her father into this place, where he married with her mother,
that had some means, and how he made her a Christian, living
so seven and twenty years together, and converting many
Gentiles to the faith of Christ, whereof there were above three
hundred then abiding in that town; which every Sunday
assembled in her house to say the catechisme : whereupon
demanding of her what were their accustomed prayers, she
answered, that she used no other but these, which on their
knees, with their eyes and hands lift up to Heaven, they pro-
nounced in this manner, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, as it is most true
that Thou art the very Son of God, conceived by the Holy
Ghost in the womb of the Virgime Mary for the salvation of
sinners, so Thou wilt be ^pleased to forgive us ow offences, that
thereby we may become worthy to behold Thy face in the glory of
Thy kingdom, where Thou a/rt sitting at the right hand of the
Almighty. Our Father which a/rt in Hea/ven, hallowed be Thy
name. In the name of the Father, the Son, amd the Holy
WITH MAT SAILS,
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 193
Ghost. Amen. And so all of them kissing the cross, imbraced
one another, and thereupon every one returned to his own
home. Moreover she told us, that her father had left her many
other prayers, which the GMneses had stollen from her, so that
she had none left but those before recited ; whereunto we repUedi
that those we had heard from her were very good, but before we
went away we would leave her divers other good and wholsome
prayers. Do so then, answered she, for the respect you owe to so
good a God, as yowrs is, and that hath done such things for you, for
me, and all in general. Then causing the cloth to be laid, she gave
us a very good and plentifull dinner, and treated us in like sort
every meal, during the five days we continued in her house,
which (as I said before) was permitted by the Chdfmo, in regard
of a present that this good women sent his wife, whom she
earnestly entreated so to deal with her husband, as we might
be well intreated, for that we were men of whom God had a
particular care, as the Ghifuu's wife promised her to do with
many thanks to her for the present she had received. In the
mean space, during the five days we remained in her house, we
read the catechism seven times to the Christians, wherewithal!
they were very much edified; beside, Christophoro Borbalho
made them a little book in the Chinese tongue, containing the
Pater noster, the Creed, the Ten Commandments, and many
other good prayers. After these things we took our leaves of
Inez de Leyria, and the Christians who gave us fifty Taeis in
silver, which stood us since in good stead, as I shall declare
hereafter ; and withall Inez de Leyria gave us secretly fifty
Taeis more, humbly desiring us to remember her in our prayers
to God.
After our departure from the town of Sempitay we continued
our course upon the river of Batanpina, unto a place, named
LequvnpoM, containing about eleven or twelve thousand fires, and
very well built, at least we judged so by that we could discern,
as also inclosed with good walls, and curtains round about it.
Not far from it was an exceeding long house ; having within it
thirty fomaces on each side, where a great quantity of silver
was melted, which was brought in carts from a mountain, some
five leagues off, called Tuxengmm. The Ghineses assured us,
that above a thousand men wrought continually in that mine
14
194 TRE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
to draw out the silver, and that the King of China had in
yearly revenue out of it above five thousand Pico's. This
place we left about sun-set, and the next day in the evening we
arrived just between two little towns, that stood opposite one
to another, the river onely between, the one named Paccm, and
the other Nacau ; which although they were little, yet were
they fairly built, and well walled with great hewed stone,
having a number of temples, which they call Pagodes, all gilt
over, and enriched with steeples and fanes of great price, very
pleasing and agreeable to the eye.
[Here follows a legend of [the foundation of China, jjmiiieb'.]
Now that I have spoken of the original and foundation of
this empire, together with the circuit of the great city of
Peqtdn, I hold it not amiss to intreat as succinctly as I may
of another particular, which is no less admirable then those
whereof I have made mention before. It is written in the fifth
book of the Scituation of all the remarkable places of this
empire, or rather monarchy, (for to speak truly, there la no
appellation so great but may be well attributed unto it) that a
king, named Grisnugol Dicotay, who according to the com-
putation of that book, reigned in the year of our Lord 518,
happened to make war with the Tartar, about some difference
between them concerning the state of Xenooinapa/u, that borders
on the kingdom of Lauhos, and so valiantly demeaned himself
in a battel against him, that he defeated bis army, and
remained master of the field; whereupon the Tartar con-
federating himself with other kings, his friends, did by their
assistance assemble together greater forces than the former,
and therewith invaded the kingdom of China, where (it is said)
he took three and thirty very important towns, of which the
principal was Panqvdlor, insomuch that the Chinese fearing he
should not be well able to defend himself, concluded a peace
with him upon condition to relinquish his right, which he
pretended to that in question betwixt them, and to pay him
two thousand Picos of silver for to defray the charges of those
strangers the Tartar had entertained in this war ; by this
means China continued for a good while quiet, but the King
doubting lest the Tartar might in time to come return to annoy
OF PJBBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 195
him again, resolved to build a wall, that might serve for a
bulwark to his empire ; and to that end calling all his estates
together, he declared his determination unto them, which was
presently not onely well approved of, but held most necessary ;
so that to enable him for the performance of a business so
much concerning his state, they gave him ten thousand Picas
of silver, which amount, according to our account, unto fifteen
millions of gold, after the rate of fifteen hundred ducates each
Pico ; and moreover they entertained him two hundred and
fifty thousand men to labour in the work, whereof thirty
thousand were appointed for officers, and all the rest for
manual services. Order being taken then for whatsoever was
thought fit for so prodigious an enterprise, they fell to it in such
sort, as by the report of the history all that huge wall was in
seven and twenty years quite finished from one end to the
other ; which if credit may be given to the same chronicle is
seventy Joas in length, that is six hundred and fifteen miles
after nine miles every Joa ; wherein that which seemed most
wonderfull and most exceeding the belief of man, was that
seven hundred and fifty thousand men laboured incessantly for
so long a time in that great work, whereof the Commonalty,
as I delivered before, furnished one third part ; the priests, and
isles of Aynen, another third ; and the King assisted by the
princes, lords, Chaems, and Anchacys of the kingdom, the rest
of the building, which I have both seen and measured, being
thirty foot in height, and ten foot in breadth, where it is
thickest. It is made of lime and sand, and plaistered on the
outside with a kind of Bilmnen, which renders it so strong,
that no cannon can demolish it : instead of bulwarks it hath
sentries, or watch-towers, two stages high, flanked with
buttresses of carpentry made of a certain 4}lack wood, which
they call Cauhesy, that is to say, wood of iron, because it is
exceeding strong and hard, every buttress being as thick as an
hogshead, and very high, so that these sentries are far stronger
than if they were made of Hme and stone. Now this wall,
by them termed Chaufacan, which signifies, strong resistance,
extends in height equal to the mountains, whereunto it is
joyned, and that those mountains also may serve for a waU
they are cut down very smooth and steep, which renders them
196 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
far stronger then the wall itself ; but you must know that in
all this extent of land there is no wall, but in the void spaces
from hill to hill, so that the hills themselves make up the rest
of the wall and fence. Further it is to be noted, that in this
whole length of a hundred and fifteen leagues, which this
fortification contains, there are but onely 5 entries whereby
the rivers of Tartaria do pass, which are derived from the
impetuous torrents that descend from these mountains, and
running above five hundred leagues in the country, render
themselves into the seas of China and GaushencMna ; howbeit
one of these rivers, being greater then the rest, disembogues
by the Bay of Cuy in the kingdom of Sov/rncm, commonly
called Siam. Now in all these five passages both the King of
CMnd, and the King of Tartwria, keep garrisons ; the Chinese
in each of them entertains seven thousand men giving them
great pay, whereof six thousand are horse, the rest foot, being
for the most part strangers, as Mogores, Pancrus, Chcmvpaas,
Corosones, Gizares of Persia, and other different nations,
bordering upon this empire, and which in consideration of the
extraordinary pay they receive, serve the Chinese ; who (to
speak truth) are nothing couragious, as being but little used to
the wars, and ill provided of arms and artillery. In all this
length of wall there are three hundred and twenty companies,
each of them containing five hundred souldiers ; so that there
are in all one hundred and threescore thousand men, besides
of&cers of justice, Anchacis, Chaems, and other such like
persons necessary for the government, and entertainment of
these forces ; so that all joyned together make up the number
of two hundred thousand, which are all maintained at the
King's onely charge, by reason the most of them are male-
factours condemned to the reparations and labours of the wall,
as I shall more aptly declare when I come to speak of the
prison destined to this purpose, in the City of Peqmn, which
is also another edifice, very remarkable, wherein there are
continually above thirty thousand prisoners, the most of them
from eighteen to forty-five years of age, appointed to work in
this wall.
Being departed from those two towns Paccm and Nacau, we
continued our course up the river, and arrived at another town
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 197
called Hindoo, somewhat bigger then those from whence we
parted, where about half a mile off was a great lake of salt
water, and a number of salt-houses round about it ; The
Chinese assured us, that this lake did ebb and flow like the
sea, and that it extended above two hundred leagues into
the country, rendring the King of China in yearly revenue one
hundred thousand Taeis, onely for the third of the salt that
was drawn out of it ; as also that the town yielded him other
one hundred thousand Taeis for the silk alone that was made
there, not speaking at all of the camphire, sugar, pourcelain,
vermilion, and quick-silver, whereof there was very great
plenty ; moreover, that some two leagues from this town were
twelve exceeding long houses, like unto magazines, where a
world of people laboured in casting and purifying of copper
and the horrible din which the hammers made there was such
and so strange, as if there were anything on earth that could
represent hell, this was it ; wherefore being desirous to under-
stand the cause of this extraordinary noise, we would needs
go to see from whence it proceeded ; and we found that there
were in each of these houses forty fomaces, that is twenty of
either side, vfith forty huge anvils, upon every of which eight
men beat in order, and so swiftly, as a mans eye could hardly
discern the blows, so as three hundred and twenty men wrought
in each of these twelve houses, which in all the twelve houses
made up three thousand eight hundred and forty workmen,
beside a great number of other persons that laboured in other
particular things ; whereupon we demanded how much copper
might be wrought every year in each of these houses, and they
told us, one hundred and ten, or sixscore thousand Pico's,
whereof the King had two thirds, because the mines were his ;
and that the mountain from whence it was drawn was called
Corotum baya, which signifies a river of copper, for that from
the time since it was discovered, being above two hundred
years, it never failed, but rather more and more was found.
Having past about a league beyond those twelve houses up the
river, we came to a place inclosed vnth three ranks of iron
grates, where we beheld thirty houses, divided into five rows,
six in each row, which were very long and complete, with
great towers full of bells of oast metall, and much carved
198 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
work, as also gilt pillars, and the frontispieces of fair hewed
stone, -whereiipon many inventions were engraved. At this
place we went ashore by the Chifwu's permission, that carried
us, for that he had made a vow to this Pagode, which was
called Bigay potim, that is to say, god of an hundred and ten
thousand gods, Corchoo fungane, ginaco ginaca, which (according
to their report) signifies, strong and great above all others ; for
some of the errours wherewith these wretched people are
blinded are, that they believe every particular thing hath its
god, who hath created it, and preserves its natural being ; but
that this Bigay potim brought them all forth from under his
arm-pits, and that from him as a father, they derive their being,
by a filial union, which they term Bira Porentasay ; And in the
hingdom of Pegu, where I home often been, I ha/oe seen one like
unto this, named by those of the country, Ginocoginans, the god
of greatness, which temple was in times past built by the
Chinese, when as they commanded in the India's, being accord-
ing to their supputation, from the year our Lord Jesus Christ
1013, to the year 1072, by which account it appears that the
India's were under the Empire of China but oneVy fifty and nine
years, from the su^cessou^ of hkn that conquered it, called
Exiragano, vohinta/rily abandoned it in regard to the great
expence of money and bloud that the unprofitable keeping of it
cost him. In those thirty houses, whereof I formerly spake^
were a great niunber of idols of gilt wood ; and a like number
of tin, latten, and pourcelain, being indeed so many, as I should
hardly be believed, to declare them. Now we had not past
above five or six leagues from this place but we came to a
great town, about a league in circuit, quite destroyed and
ruinated.
[Here follows a religious legend, j>mittei»,]
After our departure from the mines of Fiunganorsee, we
arrived at a great town, called Jungmnala/u,, which is very rich,
abounding with all kind of things, fortified with a strong
garrison of horse and foot, and having a number of junks and
vessels, riding before it. Here we remained five days to
celebrate the funeral of our Ghifv/u's wife ; for whose soul he
gave us by way of alms both meat and clothes, and withall
OP FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 199
freeing us from the oar, permitted us to go ashore without
irons, which was a very great ease unto us : Having left this
place, we continued our course up the river, beholding still on
either side a world of goodly great towns iuvironed with strong
walls ; as also many fortresses and castles all along the waters
side ; we saw likewise a great number of temples, whose
steeples were all gilt, and in the fields such abundance of
cattel that the ground was even covered over with them, so
far as we could well discern. Moreover, there were so many
vessels upon this river, especially in some parts, where fairs
were kept, that at first sight one would have thought them to
be populous towns; besides other lesser companies of three
hundred, five hundred, six hundred, and a thousand boats,
which continually we met withall on both sides of the river,
wherein all things that one could imagine were sold ; More-
over, the GMneses assure us, that in this empire of China, the
number of those which levied upon the rivers, was no less than
those that dwelled in the towns, and that without the good
order which is observed to make the common people work, and
to constrain the meaner sort to supply themselves unto trades
for to get their living, they would eat up one another. Now it
is to be noted, that every kind of traffique and commerce is
divided among them into three or four forms, as followeth :
They which trade in ducks, whereof there are great quantities
in this countrey, proceed therein diversly ; some cause their
egs to be hatched for to sell the ducklings ; others fat them
when they are great for to sell them dead after they are salted.
These traffique only with the egs ; others with the feathers ;
and some with the heads, feet, gizards, and intrails, no man
being permitted to trench upon his companions sale, under the
penalty of thirty lashes, which no priviledg can exempt them
from. In the same manner, concerning hogs, some sell them
alive, and by whole sale, others dead, and by retail; some
make bacon of them, others sell their pigs, and some again
sell nothing but the chitterlings, the sweet-breads, the blood,
and the haslets ; which is also observed for fish, for such a one
sels it fresh, that cannot sell it either salted or dried ; and so
of other provisions, as flesh, fruit, fowls, venison, pulse, and
other things, wherein such rigour is used, as there are
200 THE TBAVEL8, VOTAQES, AND ADVENTUBES
chambers expressly establislied, whose of&oers have commission
and power to see, that they which trade in one particular may
not do it in another, if it be not for just and lawful causes,
and that on pain of thirty lashes. There be others likewise
that get their living by selhng fish alive, which to that purpose
they keep in great well-boats, and so carry them into divers
countries, where they know there is no other but salt fish.
There are likewise aU along this river of Batampina, whereon
we went from Nanqidn to Peqmn, which is distant one from
the other one hundred and fourscore leagues, such a number of
engines for sugar, and presses for wine and oyl, made of divers
sorts of pulse and fruit, as one could hardly see any other
thing on either side of the water. In many other places also
there were an infinite company of houses, and magazines full
of all kinds of provision, that one could imagine, where all
sorts of flesh are salted, dried, smoked, and piled up in great
high heaps, as gammons of bacon, pork, lard, geese, ducks,
cranes, bustards, ostriches, stags, cows, buffles, wild goats,
rhinocerotes, horses, tygers, dogs, foxes, and almost all other
creatures that one can name, so that we said many times
amongst our selves, that it was not possible for all the people
of the world to eat up aU those provisions. We saw likewise
upon the same river a number of vessels, which they call
Panouras, covered from the poup to the prow with nets, in
manner of a cage, three inches high, full of ducks and geese,
that were carried from place to place to be sold ; when the
owners of those boats would have these fowl to feed, they
approach to the land ; and where there are rich medows, or
marshes, they set forth planks ; penning the doors of those
cages, they beat three or four times upon a drum, which they
have expressly for that perpose ; whereupon all these fowl,
being six or seven thousand at the least, go out of the boat
with a mighty noise, and so fall to feeding all along the waters
side. Now when the owner perceives, that these fowl have
fed suflSciently, and that it is time to return them, he beats the
drum the second time, at the sound whereof they gather all
together, and re-enter with the same noise, as they went out ;
wherein it is strange to observe, that they return all in again,
not so much as one missing. That done, the master of the
OF FEEDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 201
boat parts from that place, and afterwards when he thinks it
is time for them to lay, he repairs towards land, and where he
finds the grounds dry, and good grass, he opens the doors, and
beats the drmn again, at which all the fowl of the boat came
forth to lay ; and then at such time as the master judges that
these fowl have laid, he beats his drum afresh, and suddenly
in haste they all throng in to the boat, not so much as one
remaining behind. Thereupon two or three men get ashore,
with baskets in their hands, whereinto they gather up the egs,
till they have gotten eleven or twelve baskets full, and so they
proceed on their voyage to make sale of their ware ; which
being almost spent, to store themselves anew, they go for to
buy more unto them that breed them, whose triade it is to seU
them young ; for they are not suffered to keep them when they
are great, as the others do, by reason, as I have said before,
no man may deal in any commodity for which he hath not
permission from the governours of the towns. They that get
their living by breeding of ducks have neer to their houses
certain ponds, where many times they keep ten or eleven
thousand of these ducklings, some bigger, some lesser. Now
for to hatch the eggs, they have in very long galleries twenty
or thirty furnaces full of dung, wherein they bury two hundred,
three hundred, and five hundred eggs together, then stopping
the mouth of each furnace that the dung may become the
hotter, they leave the eggs there till they think the young
ones are disclosed ; whereupon putting into every several
furnace a capon half pulled, and the skin stript from off his
brest, they leave him shut up therein for the space of two days ;
at the end whereof being all come out of the shell, they carry
them into certain places under ground made for that purpose,
setting them bran soaked in liquor ; and so being left there
loose some ten or eleven dayes, they go afterwards of them-
selves into the ponds, where they feed and bring them up for
to sell them unto those former merchants, who trade with
them into divers parts, it being unlawfull for one to trench
upon anothers traffique, as I have before related ; so that in
the markets and pubUque places, where provisions for the
mouth are sold, if any that sell goose eggs do chance to be
taken siesed with hens eggs, and it is suspected that they sell
202 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
of them, they are presently punished with thirty lashes on the
bare buttocks, without hearing any justification they can make
for themselves, being as I have said, found siesed of them ; so
that if they will have hens eggs for their own use, to avoid
incurring the penalty of the law, they must be broken at one
end ; whereby it may appear that they keep them not to sell,
but to eat. As for them that sell fish alive, if any of their fish
chance to die, they cut them in pieces, and salting them sell
them at the price of salt-fish, which is less then that of fresh-
fish, wherein they proceed so exactly, that no man dares pass
the limits which are prescribed and ordained by the Gonchalis
of the State, upon pain of most severe punishment ; for in all
this county the King is so much respected, and justice so
feared, as no kinds of person, how great soever, dares murmur,
or look awry at an officer, no not at the very Huppffs, which
are as the bayliffs or beadles amongst us.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The order which is observed in the removing towns that are made upon the
rivers ; and that which further befell ua.
WE saw likewise all along this great river a number of
hogs both wildo and domestick, that were kept by
certain men on horseback, and many herds of tame red deer,
which were driven from place to place like sheep, to feed, all
lamed of their right legs, to hinder them from running away ;
and they are lamed so, when they are but calves, to avoid the
danger that otherwise they might incur of their lives : we saw
also divers parks, wherein a world of dogs were kept to be sold
to the butchers ; for in these countries they eat all manner of
flesh, whereof they know the price, and of what creatures they
are, by the choppings they make of them. Moreover, we met
with many small barques, whereof some were full of pigs, others
of tortoises, frogs, otters, adders, eeles, snails, and lizards;
for (as I have said) they buy there of all that is judged good to
eat ; now to the end that such provisions may pass at an
easier rate, all that sell them are permitted to make traffique
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 203
of them in several fashions ; true it is, that in some things they
have greater franchises then in others, to the end that by
means thereof no merchandise may want sale. We saw many
boats likewise laden with dried orange pils, wherewith in
victualling houses they boyl dogs flesh, for to take away the
rank savour and humidity of it, as also to render it more firm.
In brief, we saw so many Vcmcans, Lanteaas, and Ba/rcasses, in
this river, laden with all kinds of provision, that either the sea
or land produces, and that in such abundance, as I must
confess, I am not able to express it in words ; for it is not
possible to imagiae the infinite store of things that are in this
country ; of each whereof you shall see two or three hundred
vessels together at a time, all full, especially at the fairs, and
markets, that are kept upon the solemn festival days of their
Pagodes ; for then all the fairs are free, and the Pagodes for the
most part are scituated upon the banks of rivers, to the end all
commodities may the more oommodiously be brought thither
by water. Now when all these vessels come to joyn together,
during these fairs, they take such order, as they make, as it
were, a great and fair town of them ; so that sometimes you
shall have of them a league in length, and three quarters of a
league in bredth, being composed of above twenty thousand
vessels; besides JBalons, Guedees, and Manchuas, which are
small boats, whose number is infinite; for the government
hereof there are threescore captains appointed, of which thirty
are to see good order kept, and the other thirty are for the
guard of the merchants that come thither, to the end they may
sail in safety. Moreover, there is above them a Ghaem, who
bath absolute power, both in civil and criminal causes, without
any appeal or opposition whatsoever, during the fifteen days
that this fair lasts, which is from the new to the full moon ;
and indeed more come to see the policy, order, and beauty of
this kind of town, then otherwise ; for (to speak the truth, the
framing of it in that manner with vessels) makes it more to be
admired then all the edifices that can be seen upon the land.
There are in this moving town two thousand streets, exceeding
long, and very strait, inclosed on either side with ships, most
of which are covered with silks, and adorned with a world of
banners, flags, and streamers, wherein all kinds of commodities
204 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
that can be desired are to be sold. In other streets are aa
many trades to be seen, as in any town on the land ; amidst
the which they that traffique, go up and down in little Man-
chuas, and that very quietly, and without any disorder. Now
if by chance any one is taken stealing, he is instantly punished
according to his offence. As soon as it is night, all these
streets are shut up with cords athwart them, to the end none
may pass after the retreat sounded ; in each of these streets
there are at least a dozen of lanthorns, with lights burning,
fastened a good heighth on the masts of the vessels, by means
whereof all that go in and out are seen, so that it may be
known who they are, from whence they come, and \^hat they
would have, to the end the Ghaem may the next morning
receive an account thereof. And truly, to behold all these
lights together in the night, is a sight scarce able to be
imagined ; neither is there a street without a bell, and a sen-
tinel ; so as when that of the Chaems ship is heard to ring, all
the other bels answer it, with so great a noise of voices ad-
joyned thereunto, that we were almost beside our selves, at the
hearing of a thing which cannot be well conceived ; and that
was ruled with such good order. In every of these streets,
even in the poorest of them, there is a chappel to pray in,
framed upon great la/rcasses, like to gaUies, very neat, and so
well accommodated, that for the most part they are enriched
with silks, and cloth of gold. In these chappels are their idols,
and priests which administer their sacrifices, and receive the
offerings that are made them, wherewith they are abundantly
furnished for their living. Out of each street, one of the most
account, or chiefest merchant, is chosen to watch aU night in
his turn with those of his squadron, besides the captains of the
government, who in ballons walk the round without, to the end
no thief may escape by any avenue whatsoever ; and for that
purpose these guards cry as loud as they can, that they may
be heard. Amongst the most remarkable things, we saw one
street, where there were above an hundred vessels, laden with
idols of gilt wood, of divers fashions, which were sold for to be
offered to the Fagodes ; together with a world of feet, thighs,
arms, and heads, that sick folks bought to offer in devotion.
There also we beheld other ships, covered with silk hangings,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 205
where comedies and other plays were represented to entertain
the people withaU, which in great numbers flocked together.
In other places, bills of exchange for Heaven were sold, whereby
these priests of the devil promised them many merits, with
great interest, affirming that without these bils they could not
possibly be saved ; for that God, say they, is a mortal enemy
to all such as do not some good to the Pagodes ; whereupon
they tell them such fables and lies, as these unhappy wretches
do often times take the very bread from their mouthes to give
it them. There were also other vessels all laden with dead
mens skuls, which divers men bought for to present as an
offering at the tombs of their friends, when they should happen
to die ; for, say they, as the deceased is laid in the grave in the
company of these skuls, so shaU his soul enter into Heaven,
attended by those unto whom those skuls belonged ; wherefore
when the porter of Paradise shall see such a merchant, with
many followers, he will do him honour, as to a man that in
this lite hath been a man of quality ; for if he be poor, and
without a train, the porter will not open to him ; whereas,
contrarily, the more dead mens skuls he hath buried with him,
the more happy he shall be esteemed. There were many boats
likewise, where there were men that had a great many of
cages, full of live birds, who playing on divers instruments of
musick, exhorted the people with a loud voice, to deliver those
poor creatures of God, that were there in captivity ; whereupon
many came and gave them money for the redemption of those
prisoners, which presently they let out of the cages ; and then
as they flew away, the redeemers of them cried out to the
birds, Piohcm pitcmel catcm vaoaxi, that is. Go, and tell God,
how we serve Mm here below. In imitation of these, there are
others also, who in their ships kept a great many of live fishes
in great pots of water, and like the sellers of birds invite the
people, for Gods cause, to free those poor innocent fishes, that
had never sinned ; so that divers bought many of them, and
casting them into the river, said. Get ye gone, cmd tell there
below the good I have done you for Gods sake. To conclude all,
the vessels where these things are exposed to sale are seldom
less in number then two hundred, besides thousands of others,
which sell such like wares in a far greater quantity.
206 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
We saw likewise many Barcasses full of men and women,
that played upon divers sorts of instruments, and for money
gave them musick that desired it. There were other vessels
laden with horns, which the priests sold, therewith to make
feasts in Heaven ; for they say, that those were the horns of
several beasts, which were offered in sacri&ce to the idols out
of devotion, and for the performance of vows that men had
made in divers kind of mis-fortunes, and sicknesses, wherein
they had at other times been. And that as the flesh of those
beasts had been given here below for the honour of God to the
poor, so the souls of them for whom those horns were offered
do in the other world eat the souls of those beasts to whom
those horns belonged, and thereunto invite the souls of their
friends, as men use to invite others here on earth. Other
vessels we saw covered with blacks, and ful of tombs, torches,
and great wax lights ; as also women in them, that for money
would be hired to weep and lament for the dead ; others there
were, called Pitaleiis, that in great barques kept divers kinds
of wild beasts to be shewed for money, most dreadful to behold
as serpents, huge adders, monstrous lizards, tygers, and many
others such like ; we saw in like sort a great number of
stationers, which sold all manner of books that could be
desired, as well concerning the creation of the world, whereof
they tell a thousand lies, as touching the states, kingdomes,
islands, and provinces of the world, together with the laws and
customs of nations ; but especially of the kings of China, their
number, brave acts, and of all things else that happened in
each of their reigns. Moreover, we saw a great many of the
light, swift foysts, wherein were men very well armed, who
cried out with a loud voice, that if any one had received an
affront, whereof he desired to be avenged, let him come unto
them, and they would cause satisfaction to be made him. In
other vessels there were old women, that served for midwives,
and that would bring women speedily and easily abed ; as also
a many of nurses, ready to be entertained for to give children
suck. There were barques likewise very well adorned, and set
forth, that had in them divers reverend old men, and grave
matrons, whose profession was to make marriages, and to
comfort widows, or such as had lost their children, or suffered
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 207
any other mis-fortune. In others there were a number of
young men and maids, that lacked masters, and mistresses,
which offered themselves to any that would Mre them. There
were other vessels that had in them such as imdertook to tell
fortunes, and to help folks to things lost. In a word, not to
dwell any longer upon every particular that was to be seen in
this moving town, (for then I should never have done) it shall
suffice me to say, that nothing can be desired on land, which
was not to be had in their vessels, and that in greater abun-
dance than I have delivered, wherefore I will pass from it to
shew you that one of the principal causes why this monarchy
of China, that contains two and thirty kingdoms, is so mighty,
rich, and of so great commerce, is, because it is exceedingly
replenished with rivers, and a world of chanels that have been
anciently made by the kings, great lords, and people thereof,
for to render all the country navigable, and so communicate
their laboiirs with one another. The narrowest of these
chanels have bridges of hewed stone over them, that are very
high, long and broad, whereof some are of one stone, eighty,
ninety, nay, an htmdred spans long, and fifteen or twenty
broad, which doubtless is very marvellous; for it is almost
impossible to comprehend by what means so huge a mass of
stone could be drawn out of the quarry without breaking, and
how it should be transported to the place where it was to be
set. All the ways and passages, from cities, towns, and
villages, have very large causeys made of fair stone, at the
ends whereof are costly pillars and arches, upon which are
inscriptions with letters of gold, containing the prayses of them
that erected them ; moreover, there are handsome seats placed
all along for poor passengers to rest themselves on. There are
likewise innumerable aqueducts and fountains every where,
whose water is most wholesom and excellent to drink. And in
divers parts there are certain wenches of love, that out of
charity prostitute themselves to travellers which have no
money ; and although amongst us this is held for a great abuse
and abomination, yet with them it is accounted a work of
mercy ; so that many on their death-beds do by their testa-
ments bequeathe great revenues, for the maintenance of this
wickedness, as a thing very meritorious for the salvation of
208 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
their souls; moreover, many others have left lands for the
erectiag and maintaining of houses, in desarts and uninhabited
places, where great fires are kept all the night to guide such as
have strayed out of their way ; as also water for men to drink,
and seats to repose them in ; and that there may be no default
herein, there are divers persons entertained with very good
means, to see these things carefully continued, according to
the institution of him that founded them for the health of his
soul. By these marvels which are found in the particular
towns of this empire may be concluded, what the greatness
thereof might be, were they joyned all together ; but for the
better satisfaction of the reader, I dare boldly say, if my
testimony may be worthy of credit, that in one and twenty
years space (during which time, with a world of mis-fortune,
labour and pain, I traversed the greatest part of Asia, as may
appear by this my discourse) I had seen in some countries a
wonderfull abundance of several sorts of victuals, and pro-
visions, which we have not in our Europe ; yet, without
speaking what each of them might have in particular, I do not
think there is in all Europe so much as there is in China alone.
And the same may be said of all the rest, wherewith Heaven
hath favoured this chmate, as well for the temperature of the
air, as for that which concerns the policy, and riches, the
magnificence and greatness of their estate. Now that which
gives the greatest lustre unto it, is, their exact observation of
justice ; for there is so well ruled a government in this country,
as it may justly be envied of all others in the world. And to
speak the truth, such as want this particular, have no gloss, be
they otherways never so great and commendable. Verily, so
often as I represent unto my self those great things which I
have seen in this China, I am on the one side amazed to think
how liberally it hath pleased God to heap upon this people the
goods of the earth ; and on the other side I am exceedingly
grieved to consider how ungratefull they are in acknowledging
such extraordinary favours ; for they commit amongst them-
selves an infinite of most enormous sins, wherewithall they
incessantly offend the Divine Goodness.
OF PEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 209
CHAPTER XXIX.
Our amval at the city of Pequin, together with our imprisonment, and that
vrhioh moreover happened unto us there ; aa also the great majesty of
the officers of their Court of Justice,
AFTBE we were departed from that rare and marvellous
town, whereof I have spoken, we continued our course up
the river, until at length, on Tuesdwy, the nineteenth of October,
in the year 1541, we arrived at the great city of Pequin,
whither, as I have said before, we had been remitted by appeal.
In this manner, chained three and three together, we were cast
into a prison, called Gofanicmserca, where for our weleom we
had at the first dash thirty lashes apiece given us, wherewith
some of us became very sick. Now as soon as the Ghiftm who
conducted us thither had presented the process of our sentence,
sealed with twelve seals, to the justice of the Aytao, which is
their Parliament, the twelve ChonchaUs of the criminal cham-
ber, unto whom the cognisance of our cause appertained, com-
manded us presently away to prison ; whereupon one of those
twelve, assisted by two Eegisters, and six or seven of&cers,
whom they term Hwpes, (and are much like our Catchpoles
here), terrified us not a little, as he was leading us thither; for
giving us very threatning speeches. Gome, said he unto us,
By the 'power and authority which I ha/ve from- the Aytao of
Batampina, chief president of the two and thirty judges of
strangers {within whose brest a/re the secrets of the lyon crowned
on the throne of the world inclosed) I enjoyn and command you
to tell me, what people you a/re, as also of what country, amd
whether you ha/ve a king, who for the service of God, amdfw the
discharge of his dignity, is inclined to do good to the poor, and
to render them justice, to the end that with tears in their eyes,
and hands Ufted wp, they may not address their complaints to
that Sovereigne Lord which hath made the bright enamel of the
skies, and for whose holy feet all they that reign with Him,
serve but for sandals. To this demand we answered him, that
we were poor strangers, natives of the kingdom of Siam, who
being imbarqued vrith our merchandise for Liam,poo-weve cast
away in a great storm at sea, from whence we escaped naked
15
210 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
with the loss of all that we had ; and how in that deplorable
estate we were fain to get our living by begging from door to
door, till such time as at our arrival at the town of Taypor, the
Ghmnhim, then resident there, had arrested us for prisoners
without cause, and so sent us to the city of Nanqmn, where by
his report we had been condemned to the whip, and to have
our thumbs cut off, without so much as once deigning to hear
us in our justifications ; by reason whereof, lifting up our eyes
to Heaven, we had been advised to have recourse, vrith our
tears, to the four and twenty judges of austere life, that
(through their zeal to God) they might take our cause in hand,
since by reason of our poverty we were altogether vrithout sup-
port, and abandoned of all men, which with an holy zeal they
incontinently effected, by revoking the cause, and annulling the
judgment that had been given against us ; and that, these
things considered, we most instantly besought him, that for the
service of God he would be pleased to have regard to our
misery, and the great injustice that was done us, for that we
had no means in this country, nor person, that would speak
one word for us. The judge remained sometime in suspence
upon that we had said to him ; at length he answered, that we
need say no more to him ; for it is suflScient that I know you
are poor, to the end this affair may go another way then
hitherto it hath done ; nevertheless, to acquit me of my charge,
I give you five days time, conformably to the law of the third
book, that within the said term you may retain a proctor to
undertake your cause ; but if you will be advised by me, you
shall present your request to the Tanigores of the sacred office,
to the end that they, carried by an holy zeal of the honour of
God, may out of compassion of your miseries take upon them
to defend your right. Having spoken thus, he gave us a Taeis,
in way of alms, and said further to us. Beware of the prisoners
that are here ; for I assure you, that they make it their trade,
to steal all that they can from any one ; whereupon entering
into another chamber where there were a great number of
prisoners, he continued there above three hours in giving them
audience ; at the end whereof he sent seven and twenty men,
that the day before had received their judgement, to execution,
which was inflicted upon them by whipping to death ; a spec-
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 211
tacle so dreadful to us, and that put us in such a fright, &s it
almost set us besides our selves. The next morning, as soon
as it was day, the jaylors olapt irons on our feet, and manacles
on our hands, and put us to exceeding great pain ; but seven
days after we had endured such misery, being laid on the
ground one by another, and bewayling our disaster, for the
extream fear we were in of suffering a most cruel death, if that
which we had done at Galemplm/ should by any means chance
to be discovered, it pleased God that we were visited by the
Tanigores of the house of mercy, which is of the jurisdiction
of this prison, who are called in their language Gofilem Gnaxy.
At their arrival all the prisoners bowing themselves, said with
a lamentable tone. Blessed he the day wherein God doth visit us
by the ministry of His servants ; whereunto the Tanigores made
answer, with a grave and modest countenance. The Alrrdghty
and Divine hand of Him that hath formed the beauty of the stars
keep and preserve you. Then approaching to us, they very
courteously demanded of us what people we were, and whence
it proceeded that our imprisonment was more sensible to us
then to others ? To this speech we replyed, with tears in our
eyes, that we were poor strangers, so abandoned of men, as in
all the country there was not one that knew our names, and
that all we could in our poverty say, to intreat them to think
of us for Gods sake, was contained in a letter, that we had
brought them from the chamber of the society of the house of
Quiay Hina/rol, in the city of Nanquin ; whereupon Ghristo-
phoro Borralho, presenting them with the letter, they received
it with a new ceremony, full of all courtesie, saying, Praised he
He who hath created all thmgs, for that He is pleased to serve
Himself of sinners here below, whereby they may be recompensed
at the last day of all days, by satisfying them double their labour
with the riches of His holy treasures, which shall be done, as we
believe, in as great abundance, as the drops of ram fall from the
clouds to the earth. After this, one of the four, putting up the
letter, said unto us, that as soon as the chamber of justice for
the poor was open, they would all of them give an answer to
our business, and see us furnished with all that we had need
of, and so they departed from us. Three days after they
returned to visit us in the prison ; and in the next morning
212 THE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBE8
coming to us again, they asked us many questions answerable
to a memorial which they had thereof ; whereunto we replyed
in every point according as we were questioned by each of
them, so as they remained very well satisfied with our answers.
Then calling the Eegister to them, who had our papers in
charge, they inquired very exactly of him, touching many
things that concerned us, and withall required his advice about
our affair ; that done, having digested all that might make for
the conversation of our right into certain heads, they took our
process from him, saying, they would peruse it aU of them
together in their Chambers, of Justice with the proctors of the
house, and the next day return it him again, that he might
carry it to the Ghaem, as he was resolved before to do.
Not to trouble my self with recoimting in particular all that
occurred in this affair, untill such time as it was fully con-
eluded, wherein six moneths and an half were imployed,
(during the which we continued still prisoners in such misery)
I will in few words relate aU that befell us unto the end ; when
as our business was come before the twelve Gonchalis of the
criminal court, the two proctors of the house of mercy most
willingly took upon them to cause the unjust sentence which
had been given against us to be revoked. Having gotten then
all the proceedings to be disannulled, they by petition remon-
strated unto the Ghaem, who was the president of the court.
How we could not for any cause whatsoever be condemned to
death, seeing there were no witnesses of any credit that could tes-
tifie that we had robbed any man, or had ever seen us carry any
offensive weapons contrary to the prohibition made against it by
the law of the first book ; but that we were apprehended quite
naked, like wretched men, wandering after a la/mentable ship-
wrack ; and that therefore ov/r poverty and misery was worthy
rather of a pitiful compassion, then of that rigov/r wherewith the
first minister of the a/rm of wrath had caused ms to be whipt ;
moreover, that God alone was the judge of ov/r innocency ; in
whose name they reqmred him once, twice, nay man/y times, to
consider that he was mortal, and could not last long ; for that
God had given h/im a perishable Ufe, at the end whereof he was
to render an accou/nt of that which had been required of him,
since by a solemn oath he was obliged to do all that should be
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 213
manifest to his judgement, without any considerations of men of
the world ; whose custom it was to make the hallance sway down,
which God would have to be upright, according to the integrity
of His Divine jttsUce. To this petition the Kings proctor oppo-
sing himself, as he that was our adverse party, and that in
certain articles, which he framed against us, set forth, how he
would prove by ocular witnesses, as well of the country, as
strangers, that we were publique thieves, making a common
practice of robbing, and not merchants, such as we pretended
to be ; whereunto he added, that if we had come to the coast
of China with a good design, and with an intent to pay the
King his due in his custom-houses, we would have repaired to
the ports, where they were established by the ordinance of the
Ayta/n of the Government ; but for a punishment, because we
went from isle to isle, like pirats. Almighty God, that detests
sin and robbery, had permitted us to suffer shipwrack, that so
falling into the hands of the ministers of His justice we might
receive the guerdon of om: wicked works, namely, the pains of
death, whereof our critnes rendred us most worthy. In regard
of all which, he desired we might be condemned according to
the law of the second book, that commanded it in express
terms. And that if for other considerations, no way remark-
able in us, we could by any law be exempted from death, yet
nevertheless, for that we were strangers, and vagabonds, with-
out either faith, or knowledg of God, that alone would suffice,
at leastwise to condemn us to have our hands and noses cut off,
and so to be banished for ever into the country of Ponxileyta/y,
whither such people as we, were wont to be exiled, as might be
verified by divers sentences given and executed in like cases ;
and to that effect, he desired the admittance of his articles,
which he promised to prove within the time, that should be
prescribed him. These articles were presently excepted against
by the proctor of the Court of Justice, estabhshed for the poor,
who offered to make the contrary appear within a certain term,
which to that end, and for many other reasons alledged by him
in our favour, was granted him ; wherefore he required that the
said articles might not be admitted, especially for that they were
infamous, and directly contrary to the ordinances of justice.
Whereupon the Ohaem ordered, that his articles should not be
214 THE TBAVBL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
admitted, unless he did prove them by evident testimonies, and
such as were conformable to the divine law, within six days
next ensuing, and that upon pain in case of contravention not
to be admitted to any demand of a longer delay. The said
term of six days being prescribed the Kings proctor, he, in the
mean time, producing no one proof against us, nor any person
that so much as knew us, came and demanded a delay of other
six days, which was flatly denied him, in regard it but too well
appeared, that all he did was only to win time, and therefore
he would by no means consent imto it ; but contrarily, he gave
the proctor for the poor five days respit to alledge all that fur-
ther he could in our defence. In the mean time, the Kings
proctor declaimed against us in such foul and opprobrious
terms, as the Chaem was much ofiended thereat ; so that he
condemned him to pay us twenty Taeis of silver, both for his
want of charity, and for that he could not prove any one of the
obligations which he had exhibited against us. Three days
being spent herein, iour Tanigores of the house of the poor,
coming very early in the morning to the prison, sent for us into
the Infirmirie, where they told us that our business went very
well, and how we might hope that our sentence would have a
good issue ; whereupon we oast our selves at their feet, and
with abundance of tears desired God to reward them for the
pains they had taken in our behalf. Thereunto one of them
replyed, And we also most humbly beseech Him to keep you in the
knowledge of His law, wherein all the happiness of good msn con-
sists ; and so they caused two coverlets to be given us, for to
lay upon our beds in the night, because the weather was cold,
and withall bid us, that we should not stick to ask any thing
we wanted, for that God Almighty did not love a sparing hand
in the distributing of ahns for His sake. A little after their
departure came the Eegister, and shewing us the Chaems order,
whereby the Kings proctor was condemned to pay us twenty
Taeis, gave us the money, and took an acquittance under our
hands for the receipt of it. For which giving him a world of
thanks, we intreated him for his pains to take as much thereof
as he pleased ; but he would not touch a peny, saying, I will
not for so small a matter lose the recompence which I hope to
gain from God, for the consideration of you.
OF FEMDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 215
We past nine days in great fear, still expecting to have our
sentence pronounced, when as on Saturday morning two €hvm-
hims of Justice came to the prison for us, accompanied with
twenty officers, by them called Hv^pes, carrying halberts, por-
tisans, and other arms, which made them very dreadful to the
beholders. These men tying us all nine together in a long iron
chain, lead us to the Caladigan, which was the place where
audience was given, and where execution was done on delia-
quents. Now how we got thither, to confess the truth, I am
not able to relate ; for we where at that instant so far besides
our selves, as we knew not what we did, or which way we went;
so as in that extremity aU our thought was how to conform our
selves to the will of God, and beg of Him with tears, that for
the merit of His sacred passion. He would be pleased to receive
the punishment that should be inilioted on us for the satisfac-
tion of our sins. At length after much pain, and many affronts,
that were done us by many which followed after us, with loud
cries, we arrived at the first hall of the Caladigan, where were
four and twenty executioners, whom they call. The Ministers
of the airm of justice, with a great many of other people, that
were there about their affairs. Here we remained a long time,
till at length upon the ringing of a bell, other doors were
opened, that stood under a great arch of architecture, very
artificially wrought, and whereon were a number of rich
figures. On the top a monstrous lion of silver was seen,
with his fore and hind feet upon a mighty great bowl, made
of the same metal, ■vyhereby the arms of the King of China
are represented, which are oi'dinarUy placed on the fore-front
of all the sovereign courts, where the Chaems preside, who
are as vice-roys amongst us. Those doors being opened, as
I said before, all that were there present entred into a very
great haU, like the body of a church, hung from the top
to the bottom with divers pictures, wherein strange kinds
of execution done upon persons of aU. conditions, after a most
dreadful manner were constrained; and under every picture
was this inscription. Such a one was executed with this hind of
death for committing such a crime ; so that in beholding the
diversity of these fearful pourtraitures one might see in it, as
it were, a declaration of the kind of death that was ordained
216 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
for each crime, as also the extream rigour which the justice
there observed in such executions. From this hall we went
into another joom far richer, and more costly, for it was gilt
all over, so that one could not have a more pleasing object,
at least wise, if .we could have taken pleasure in any thing,
considering the misery we were in. In the midst of this
room there was a Tribunal, whereunto one ascended by seven
steps, invironed with three rows of baUisters of iron, copper,
and ebony ; the tops whereof were beautified with mother of
pearl. At the upper end of all was a cloth of state of white
damask, frenged about with a deep cawi frenge of green silk
and gold; under this state sat the Chaem with a world of
greatness and majesty; he was seated in a very rich chair
of silver, having before him a little table,, and about him three
boys on their knees, sumptuously apparelled, with chains of
gold ; one of the which (namely, he in the middle) served to
give the Chaem the pen wherewithal he signed; the other
two took the petitions that were preferred, and presented
them on the table, that they might be signed ; on the right
hand, in another place somewhat higher, and almost equal
with the Chaem, stood a boy, some ten or eleven years old,
attired in a rich robe of white satin, imbroidered with roses
of gold, having a chain of pearl three double about his neck,
and hair as long as a womans, most neatly plaited with a
fillet of gold, all enamelled with green, and powdered over
with great seed pearl. In his hand he held, as a mark of that
which he represented, a Uttle branch of roses, made of silk,
gold thread, and rich pearls, very curiously intermixed. And
in this manner he appeared so gentle, handsome, and beautiful,
as no woman, how fair soever, could overmatch him ; this boy
leaned on his elbow upon the Chaems chair, and figured mercy.
In the like manner, on the left hand was another goodly boy,
richly apparelled in a coat of carnation satin, all set with roses
of gold, having his right arm bared up to the elbow, and died
with a vermilion as red as blood, and in that hand holding a
naked sword, which seemed also to be bloody: moreover, on
his head he wore a crown, in fashion like to a myter, hung all
with little razors, like unto lancets, wherewith Chirurgions
let men blood; being thus gallantly set forth, and of most
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 217
beautiful presence, yet he struck all that beheld him with
fear, in regard of that he represented, which was justice. For
they say, that the judge, who holds the place of the King,
who presents God on earth, ought necessarily to have those
two qualities, justice, and m&rcy ; and that he which doth not
use them is a tyrant, acknowledging no law, and usurping the
power that he hath. The Chaem was apparelled in a long
gown of violet satin, frenged with green sii and gold, with a
kind of scapulair about his neck, in the midst of which was
a great plate of gold, wherein an hand holding a very even
pair of baUance was engraven, and the inscription about it :
It is the nature of the Lord Almighty, to observe in His justice,
weight, measure, cmd true account ; therefore take heed to what
thou doest, for if thou comest to sin thou shalt suffer for it
eternally. Upon his head he had a kind of round bonnet,
bordered about with small sprigs of gold, all enamelled violet
and green, and on the top of it was a little crowned Uon of
gold, upon a round bowl of the same metal ; by which lion
crowned, as I have delivered heretofore, is the King signified,
and by the bowl, the world ; as if by these devices they would
denote, that the King is the Lion crowned on the throne of
the world. In his right hand he held a little rod of ivory,
some three spans long, in manner of a scepter ; upon the top
of the 3 first steps of this tribunal stood eight ushers with
silver maces on their shoulders, and below were threescore
Mogors on their knees, disposed into three ranks, carrying
halberds in their hands, that were neatly damasked with gold.
In the vantgard of these same stood, hke as if they had been,
the commanders or captains of this squadron, the statues of
two giants, of a most gallant aspect, and very richly attired,
with their swords hanging in scarfs, and mighty great halberds
in their hands, and these the Ghineses in their language call
Gigaes ; on the two sides of this Tribunal, below in the room,
were two very lor^ tables, at each of which sat twelve men,
whereof four were presidents, or judges, two registers, four
solicitors, and two GorushaUs, which are (as it were) assistants
to the Court, one of these tables was for criminal, and the
other for civil causes, and all the officers of both these tables
were apparelled in the gowns of white satin, that were very
218 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAOES, AND ADVENTURES
long, and had large slieves, thereby demonstrating the latitude
and purity of justice ; the tables were covered with carpets of
violet damask, and richly bordered about vrith gold, the Gkaems
table, because it was of silver, had no carpet on it, nor any
thing else, but a cushion of cloth of gold, and a standith.
Now aU these things put together, as we saw them, carried a
wonderful shew of state and majesty; but to proceed, upon
the fourth ringing of a bell, one of the GonchaUs stood up,
and after a low obeysance made to the Ghaem, with a very
loud voice, that he might be heard of every one, he said, Peace
there, and with all submission hearken, on pain of incwring
the purdshment, ordamed by the Chaems of the Government for
those, that interrupt the silence of sacred justice. "Whereupon
this same sitting down again, another arose, and with the
like reverence, mounting up to the Tribunal, where the Ghaem
sat, he took the sentences from him that held them in his
hand, and pubHshed them aloud one after another, with so
many ceremonies, and compUments, as he employed above an
hour therein. At length coming to pronounce our judgment,
they caused us to kneel down, with our eyes fixed on the
ground, and our hands lifted up, as if we were praying unto
heaven, to the end that in all humiUty we might hear the
publication thereof, which was thus :
[A portion only of the judgment is here given.]
I do orda/in, and decree, that these nine strangers shall be
clearly qidt and absolved of all that which the Kings proctor
hath laid to their charge, as also of all the punishment belonging
tfiereunto, condemning them only to a years exile, d/wring which
time they shall work for their living in the reparations of
Quansy ; and when as eight moneths of the said year shall be
accomplished, then I expresly enjoyn all the Chumbims, Con-
chalis, Monteos, and other ministers of their government, that
immediately upon their presenting of this my decree unto them,
they give them a pass-part and safe conduct, to the end they mMj
freely and secweVy return into their country, or to any other
place they shall think fit. After this sentence was thus pub-
lished in our hearing, we all cried out with a loud voice. The
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 219
sentence of thy clear judgement is confirmed in us, even as the
purity of thy heart is agreeable to the Son of the Sun. THis said,
one of the Gonchalis, that sate at one of the tables, stood up,
and having made a very low obeisance to the Ghaem, he said
aloud five times one after another, to all that press of people
which were there in great number; Is there any one in this
cou/rt, in this city, or in this kingdom, that will oppose this
decree, or the deliverance of these nine prisoners ? Whereimto
no answer being made, the two boys, that represented justice
and mercy, touched the ensigns which they held in their hands
together, and said aloud, Let them be freed and ddscha/rged
according to the sentence very justly pronounced for it ; where-
upon one of those mitiiBters, whom they call Huppes, having
rung a beU thrice, the two Ghumbims of execution, that had
formerly bound us, unloosed us from our chain, and withal
took off our manacles, coUers, and the other irons from our
legs, so that we were quite delivered, for which we gave
infinite thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, because we always
thought, that for the ill conceit men had of us we should be
condemned to death. From thence, so delivered as we were,
they led us back to the prison, where the two Ghumbims
signed our enlargment in the jaylors book ; nevertheless that
we might be altogether discharged, we were to go two months
after to serve a year according to our sentence, upon pain of
becoming slaves for ever to the King, conformable to his
ordinances. Now because we would presently have gone
about to demand the alms of good people in the city, the
Ghifuu, who was as Grand Provost of that prison, perswaded
us to stay till the next day, that he might first recommend
us to the Tanigores of mercy, that they might do something
for us.
220 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
CHAPTBE XXX.
What past betwixt us and the Tanigores of mercy, with the great favors
they did us ; and a brief relation of the city of Pequin, where the King
of China kept his Court.
TTTTl next morning the four Tanigores of mercy came to
visit the infirmity of this prison, as they used to do;
where they rejoyced with us for the good success of our sen-
tence, giving us great testimony, how well contented they
were with it, for which we returned them many thanks, not
without shedding abundance of tears, whereat they seemed
to be not a little pleased, and willed us not to be troubled
with the term we were condemned to serve in, for they told
us that in stead of a year we should continue but eight
months there, and that the other four moneths, which made
the third part of our punishment, the King remitted it by
way of alms for Gods sake, in consideration that we were
poor ; for otherwise, if we had been rich, and of ability, we
should have had no favour at aU, promising to cause this
diminution of punishment to be endorsed on our sentence,
and besides that they would- go, and speak to a very honour-
able man for us, that was appointed to be the chief Marshal,
or Monteo, of Quansy, the place where we were to serve, to
the end he might shew us favour, and cause us to be truly
paid for the time we should remain there. Now because this
man was naturally a friend to the poor, and inchned to do
them good, they thought it would be fit to carry us along with
them to his house, the rather for that it might be he would
take us into his charge ; we gave them all very humble thanks
for this good offer of theirs, and told them that God would
reward this charity they shewed us for His sake ; whereupon
we accompanied them to the Monteos house, who came forth
to receive us in his outward Court, leading his wife by the
hand; which he did, either out of a greater form of comple-
ment, or to do the more honour to the Tanigores, and coming
neer them he prostrated himself at their feet, and said : It is
now, my lord, and holy brethren, that I have ca/use to rejoyci
for that it hath pleased God to permit, that you His holy servants
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 221
should come unto my house, being that wMch I could not hope
for, in regard I held my self vmworthy of such fmour. After
the Tanigores had used many complements and ceremonies to
him, as is usual in that country, they answered him thus,
May God, ov/r Sovereign Lord, the infinite source of mercy,
recompense the good thou dost for the poor with blessing in this
Ufe ; for believe it, dea/r brother, the strongest staff whereon the
soul doth lean to keep her from falling so often as she happens
to stumble, is the charity which we use towards our neighbour,
when as the vain glory of this world doth not blind the good
zeal whereunto His holy law doth oblige us; and that thou
ma/yst merit the blessed feUcity of beholding His face, we home
brought thee here these nine Portugals, who are so poor, as none
in this kingdom are like to them ; wherefore we pray thee, that'
in the place whither thou a/rt going now, as Monteo, thou wilt
do for them all that thou thinkest will be acceptable to the Lord
above, in whose behalf we crave this of thee. To this speech
the Monteo, and his wife, replyed in such courteous and re-
markable terms, as we were almost besides our selves to hear
in what manner they attributed the success of their affairs to
the principal cause of all goodness, even as though they had
had the light of faith, or the knowledge of the Christian verity.
Hereupon they withdrew into a chamber, into which we went
not, and continued there about half an hour; then as they
were about to take leave of one another, they commanded
us to come in to them, where the Tanigores spake to them
again about us, and recommending us unto them more then
before, the Monteo caused our names to be written down in a
book that lay before him, and said unto us, I do tMs, because
I am not so good a man, as to gwe you something of rrdne own,
nor so bad as to deprive you of the sweat of your labou/r, where-
unto the King hath bound you ; wherefore even at this instant
you shall begin to get your Iming, although you do not serve as
yet, for the desire I home that thds may be accounted to me for
an alms, so that now you ha/oe nothing to do, but to be merry in
my hovise, where I will gvoe order that you shall be provided of
all that is necessary for you. Besides this, I will not promise
you any thing, for the fear I am in of the shewing some vamity
by my promise, and so the dmel may make use thereof as of an
222 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
advantage, to lay Iwld on me, a matter that often arrives through
the wealcness of our nature ; wherefore let it suffice you for the
present to know, that I will he rmndful of you for the love of
these holy brethren here, who have spoken to me for you. The
four Tardgores thereupon taking their leave, gave us four Taeis,
and said unto us, Forget not to render thanks unto God for the
good success you have had in your business ; for it would be a
grievous sin in you not to acknowledge so great a grace. Thus
were we very well entertained in the house of this captain
for the space of two months, that we remained there ; at the
end whereof we parted from thence, for to go to Quansy, where
we were to make up our time, under the conduct of this
captain, who ever after used us very kindly, and shewed us
many favours, until that the Tartars entred into the town,
who did a world of mischief there, as I wiU more amply
declare hereafter.
Before I recount that which happened unto us, after we
were imbarqued with those Ghineses that conducted us, and
that gave us great hope of setting us at liberty, I think it not
amiss to make a brief relation here of the city of Peguin,
which may truly be termed the capital of the monarchy of
the world; as also of some particulars I observed there, as
well for its arches and poUcy, as for that which concerns its
extent, its government, the laws of the countrey, and the
admirable manner of providing for the good of the whole
state, together in what sort they are paid that serve in the
time of war, according to the ordinances of the kingdom, and
many other things Uke unto these ; though I must needs
confess that herein I shall want the best part, namely, wit,
and capacity, to render a reason in what clymate it is scitu-
ated, and in the height of how many degrees, which is a
matter the learned and curious most desire to be satisfied in.
But my design having never been other (as I have said hereto-
fore) then to leave this my book unto my children, that therein
they may see the sufferings I have undergone, it little imports
me to write otherwise then I do, that is, in a gross and rude
manner ; for I hold it better to treat of these things in such
sort as nature hath taught me, then to use hyperboles, and
speeches from the purpose, whereby the weakness of my poor
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 223
mderstanding may be made more evident. Howbeit, since I
im obliged to make mention of this matter, by the promise I
lave made of it heretofore, I say, that this city, which we
sail Peqwin, and they of the country Peqidn, is scituated in
ihe height of forty and one degrees of northerly , latitude ;
ihe walls of it are in circuit (by the report of the CMneses
ihemselves, and as I have read in a Uttle book, treating of the
preatness thereof, and intituled Aqwisendcm, which I brought
lince along with me into Portugal) thirty large leagues,
lamely ten long, and five broad ; some others hold, that it is
ifty, namely seventeen in length, and eight in bredth : and
'orasmuch as they that treat of it are of different opinions, in
ihat the one make the extent of it thirty leagues, as I have
said before, and others fifty, I will render a reason of this
ioubt, comformable to that which I have seen my self. It is
irue, that in the manner it is now built, it is thirty leagues in
sircuit, as they say; for it is invironed with two rows of
strong walls, where there are a number of towers and
julwarks after our fashion ; but without this circuit, which is
)f the city it self, there is another far greater, both in length
md breadth, that the CMneses afiSrm was anciently aU in-
labited, but at this present there are only some boroughs and
rillages, as also a many of fair houses, or castles, about it,
imongst the which there are sixteen hundred that have great
idvantages over the rest, and are the houses of the proctors
)f the sixteen hundred cities, and most remarkable towns of
ihe two and thirty kingdoms of this monarchy, who repair
into this city at the general assembly of the estates, which is
leld every three years for the publique good. Without this
p:eat inclosure, which (as I have said) is not comprehended in
ihe city, there is in a distance of three leagues broad, and
leven long, fourscore thousand tombs of the Mandarins, which
ire little chappels all gilded within, and compassed about with
)allistera of iron and lattin, the entries whereinto are through
rery rich and sumptuous arches : near to these chappels there
ire also very great houses, with gardens and tufted woods of
ligh trees, as also many inventions of ponds, fountains, and
bquseducts; whereunto may be added, that the walls of the
nclosure are on the inside covered with fine porcelain, and on
224 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
the fanes above are many lions pourtrayed in gold, as also in
the squares of the steeples, which are likewise very high, and
embellished with pictures. It hath also five hundred very
great palaces, which are called thfC houses of the son of the
sun, whither all those retire that have been hurt in the wars
for the service of the King, as also many other souldiers, who
in regard of age or sickness are no longer able to bear arms,
and to the end that during the rest of their days they may be
exempted from incommodity, each of them receives monethly
a certain pay to find himself withal, and to live upon. Now
aU these men of wf\r, as we learned of the Ghineses, are
ordinarily an hundred thousand, there being in each of those
houses two hujidred men according to their report. We saw
also another long street of low houses, where there were four
and twenty thousand oar-men, belonging to the King Panoures ;
and another of the same structtire a good league in length,
where fourteen thousand taverners that followed the Court
dwelt ; as also a third street like imto the other two, where
live a great number of light women, exempted from the
tribute which they of the city pay, for that they are curti-
sans, whereof the most part had quitted their husbands for
to foUow that wretched trade; and if for that cause they
'come to receive any hurt, their husbands are grievously
punished for it, because they are there as in a place of
freedom, and imder the protection of the Tutan of the Court,
lord steward of the Kings house. In this inclosure do
likewise remain all the landresses, by them called Magnates,
which wash the Unnen of the city, who as we were told, are
above an hundred thousand, and live in this quarter, for that
there are divers rivers there, together with a nmnber of wells,
and deep pools of water, compassed about with good walls.
Within this same inclosure, as the said Aqmsendwn relates,
there are thirteen hundred gallant and very sumptuous houses
of reUgious men and women, who make profession of the four
principal laws of those two and thirty which are in the empire
of Ghdna ; and it is thought that in some of these houses there
are above a thousand persons, besides the servants, that from
abroad do furnish them with victuals, and other necessary
provisions. We saw also a great many houses, which have
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 225
fair buildings of a large extent, with spacious inclosures,
wherein there are gardens, and very thick woods, full of any-
kind of game, either for hawking, or hunting, that may be
desired ; and these houses are as it were inns, whither come
jontinually in great number people of all ages and sexes, as to
see comedies, plays, combates, bull-baitings, wrastlings, and
magnificent feast, which the Tutons, Ghaems, Gonchacys,
A.ytaos, Bracalons, Ghumhims, Monteos, Lauteas, lords,
jentlemen, captains, merchants, and other rich men, do
make for, to give content to their kindred and friends ; these
bouses are bravely furnished with rich hangings, beds, chairs,
and stools, as hkewise with huge cupbords of plate, not onely
Df silver, but of gold also ; and the attendants that wait at
the table, are maids ready to be married, very beautiful, and
gallantly attired ; howbeit all this is nothing in comparison of
ihe sumptuousness, and other magnificences that we saw
ihere. Now the GMneses assured us, there were some feasts
that lasted ten days after the Ca/rachina, or Ghinese manner,
ivhich in regard of the state, pomp, and charge thereof, as
jyell in the attendance of servants and wayters, as in the
jostly fare of all kind of flesh, fowl, fish, and all delicacies in
nusick, in sports of hunting, and hawking, in plays, comedies,
iilts, turnayes, and in shews both of horse and foot, fighting
md skirmishing together, do cost above twenty thousand
Taeis. These inns do stand in at least a milhon of gold, and
ire maintained by certain companies of very rich merchants,
Nho in way of commerce and traffique employ their mony
iherein, whereby it is thought they gain far more, then if they
ihould venture it to sea. It is said also, that there is so good
md exact an order observed there, that whensoever any one
vill be at a charge that way, he goes to the Xipaton of the
lOuse, who is the superintendent thereof, and declares unto
lim what his design is ; whereupon he shews him a book, all
livided into chapters, which treats of the ordering and
lumptuousness of feasts, as also the rates of them, and how
hey shall be served in, to the end, that he who will be at the
iharge, may ohuse which he pleases. This book, called '
Pinetoreu, I have seen, and heard it read ; so that I remember
low in the three first chapters thereof, it speaks of the feasts, {
IG
226 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
whereunto God is to be invited, and of what price they are ,
and then it descends to the King of China, of whom it says,
That by a special grace of Heaven, and right of sovereignty, he
hath the government of the whole earth, and of all the kings
that inhabit it. After it hath done with the King of China,
it speaks of the feasts of the Tutons, which are the ten
sovereign dignities, that command over the forty Chaems, who
are as the vice-roys of the state. These Tutons also are
termed the beams of the sun, for, say they, as the King of
China is the son of the sun, so the Tutons, who represent him,
may rightly be termed his beams, for that they proceed from
him, even as the rays do from the sun.
[Here follows a description of the inns and universities of
Pequin, 0«t{tt«ir,]
CHAPTER XXXI.
The Prison of Xinanguibalen, wherein those are kept, which have been
condemned to serve at the reparations of the wall of Tartaria ; and
another indosure, called the Treasure of the Dead, with the revenues
wherewith the prison is maintained,
DESISTING now from speaking in particular of the great
number of the rich and magnificent buildings, which we
saw in the city of Pequin, I will only insist on some of the
edifices thereof, that seemed more remarkable to me then the
rest, whence it may be easie to infer, what all those might be,
whereof I will not make any mention here, to avoid prolixity.
The first building which I saw of those that were most
remarkable, was a prison, which they call XinangvAhaleu, that
is to say, the inclosv/re of the Epiles ; the circuit of this prison
is two leagues square, or little less, both in length and bredth :
it is inclosed with a very high waU without any battlements ;
the wall on the outside is invironed with a great deep ditch
full of water, over the which are a many of draw bridges, that
are drawn up in the night with certain iron chains, and so
hang suspended on huge cast pillars ; in this prison is an arch
OB FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 227
)f strong hewed stone, abutting in 2 towers, in the tops
^Thereof are 6 great sentinel-bells, which are never rung but
lU the rest within the said inclosure do answer them, which
ihe Ghineses afl&rm to be above a hundred, and indeed they
nake a most horrible din. In this place there are ordinarily
ihree hundred thousand prisoners, between 17 and 50, whereat
Ne were much amazed ; and indeed we had good cause, in
:egard it is a thing so unusual and extraordinary. Now
lesiring to know of the Ghineses the occasion of so marvellous
I building, and of the great number of prisoners that were in
t ; they answered us, that after the King of China, named
Orisnago Docotay, had finished a wall of 300 leagues space
Detwixt the kingdom of China, and that of Tartaria, as I have
leclared other where, he ordained by the advice of his people,
for to that effect he caused an assembly of his estates to be
leld) that all those which should be condemned to banishment
should be sent to work in the repairing of this wall, and that
ifter they had served 6 years together therein, they might
reely depart, though they were sentenced to serve for a
onger time, because the king pardoned them the remainder
)f the term by way of charity and alms ; but if during those
rears they should happen to perform any remarkable act, or
)ther thing, where it appeared they had advantage over others,
)r if they were 3 times wounded in the saUies they should
nake, or if they killed some of their enemies, they were then
0 be dispensed with for all the rest of their time, and that
he Ghaem should grant them a certificate thereof, where it
ihould be declared why he had delivered them, and how he
lad thereby satisfied the ordinances of war. Two hundred
md ten thousand men are to be continually entertained in the
vork of the wall, by the first institution, whereof defalcation
3 made of a third part, for such as are dead, maimed, and
lelivered, either for their notable actions, or for that they had
iccomplished their time : and likewise when as the Ghaem,
?ho is the chief of all those, sent to the PitoMcama/y, which
3 the highest court of justice, to furnish him with that
lumber of men, they could not assemble them together so
oon as was necessary, for that they were divided in so many
everal places of that empire, which is prodigiously great, as
228 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
I have delivered before, and that withall a long time was
required for the assembling them together, another king
named Gopiley Apirau, who succeeded to that Grisnago
Docotay, ordained that the great inclosure should be made in
the city of Pequin, to the end that as soon as any were
condemned to the work of this wall, they should be carried
to Xinanguibaleu, for to be there altogether, by which means
they might be sent away without any delay, as now is done.
So soon as the court of justice hath committed the prisoners
to this prison, whereof he that brings them hath a certificate,
they are immediately left at liberty, so that they may walk at
their pleasure within this great inclosure, having nothing but
a little plate of a span long, and i fingers broad, wherein
these words are engraven, such a one of stock a place hath been
condemned to the general exile for such a cause ; he entred such
a day, such a moneth, such a year. Now the reason why they
make every prisoner to carry this plate for a testimony of their
evil actions, is, to manifest for what crime he was condemned,
and at what time he entred, because every one goes forth
conformably to the length of time that shall be since he
entred in. These prisoners are held for duly delivered when
they are drawne out of captivity for to go and work at the
wall, for they cannot upon any cause whatsoever be exempted
from the prison of XinangvAhaleu, and the time they are there
is counted to them for nothing, in regard they have no hope
of liberty but at that instant when their term permits them to
work in the reparations ; for then they may be sure to be
deHvered, according to the ordinance whereof I have made
mention before. Having now dehvered the occasion wherefore
so great a prison was made, before I leave it, I hold it not
amiss to speak of a fair we saw there, of two that are
usually kept every year; which those of the country call
Gunxinem, ApparoM, Xinanguibaleu, that is to say. The
rich foA/r of the prison of the condemned. These fairs are
kept in the moneths of July and January, vnth very
magnificent feasts, solemnized for the invocation of their
idols, and even, there they have their plenary indulgences,
by means whereof great riches of gold and silver are promised
them in the other world. They are both of them frank and
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 229
ree, so as the merchants pay no duties, whieli is the cause
hat they flock thither in such great number, as they assured
IS that there were three milHons of persons there ; and for
1.3 much as I said before, that the three hundred thousand that
tre imprisoned there are at liberty, as well as those that go
n and out, you shall see what course they hold to keep the
)risoner3 from getting forth amongst others. Every one that
s free and comes in hath a mark set on the wrist of his right
irm with a certain confection made of oyl, bitumen, lacre,
■hubarb, and alum, which being once dry cannot be any ways
lefaced, but by the means of vinegar and salt mingled together
rery hot : and to the end that so great a number of people
nay be marked, on both sides of the gates stand a many of
"Jhaiwpatoens, who vnth stamps of lead, dipt in this bitumen,
mprints a mark on every one that presents himself unto them,
iiud so they let him enter ; which is onely practised on men,
lot upon women, because none of that sex are ever condemned
;o the labour of the wall. When therefore they come to go
)ut of the gates, they must all have their arms bared where
;his mark is, that the said Cha/inpatoens, who are the porters
md ministers of this affair, may know them, and let them
lass ; and if by chance any one be so unhappy as to have that
nark defaced by any accident, he must even have patience,
md remain vrith the other prisoners, in regard there is no way
io get him out of this place if he be found without that mark,
^ow those Ghainpatoens are so dextrous and well versed in it,
Ihat an hundred thousand men may in an hour go in and out
sdthout trouble, so that by this means the three hundred
ihousand prisoners continue in their captivity, and none of
ihem can slip away amongst others to get out. There are in
ihis prison 3 great inclosures like great towns, where there are
I number of houses, and very long streets, without any lanes;
md at the entrance into each street there are good gates, with
iheir sentinel bells aloft, together with a Ghumbim, and 20
nen for a guard ; within a flight-shoot of those inclosures are
he lodgings of the Chaem, who commands all this prison, and
hose lodgings are composed of a number of fair houses, where-
n are many out-courts, gardens, ponds, halls, and chambers,
inriched with excellent inventions, able to lodge a king at his
230 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
ease, how great a court soever he have. In the 2 principal
of these towns there are 2 streets, each of them ahout a
flight-shoot long, which abut upon the Chaem's lodgings,
arched all along with stone, and covered over head like the
hospital at Lisbon, but that they far surpass it.- Here are all
things to be sold that one can desire, as well for victual, and
other kind of provisions, as for all sorts of merchandise, and
rich wares. In those arched streets, which are very spacious
and long, are these 2 fairs kept every year, whither such a
multitude of people resort, as I have declared before. More-
over within the inclosure of this prison are divers woods of
tall and high trees, with many small streams, and ponds of
clear sweet water for the use of the prisoners, and to wash
their linnen, as also sundry hermitages, and hospitals, together
with 12 very sumptuous and rich monasteries, so that whatso-
ever is to be had in a great town, may in great abundance be
found within the inclosure, and with advantage in many
things, because the most part of these prisoners have their
wives and children there, to whom the king gives a lodging
answerable to the household or family, which each one hath.
The second of those things, which I have undertaken to
relate, is another inclosure we saw almost as big as the former,
compassed about with strong walls, and great ditches. This
place is called the Muxiparan, which signifies. The treaswre of
the dead ; where are many towers of hewed carved stone, and
steeples diversly painted. The walls on the top are instead
of battlements environed with iron gates, where there are a
number of idols of different figures, as of men, serpents,
horses, oxen, elephants, fishes, adders, and many other mon-
strous forms of creatures (which were never seen) some of
brass, and iron, and others of tin and copper; so that this
infinite company of several figures joyned together is one of
the most remarkable and pleasantest things that can be
imagined. Having passed over the bridge of the ditch we
arrived at a great court that was at the first entrance, inclosed
round about with huge gates, and paved all over with white
and black stones in chequer-work, so polished and bright, as
one might see himself in them as in a looking-glass. In the
midst of this court was a pillar of jasper six and thirty spans
OF FEBDINAND MFNDBZ PINTO. 281
high, and as it seemed all one piece, on the top whereof was
an idol of silver in the figure of a woman, which with her
hands strangled a serpent, that was excellently enamelled with
black and green. A little further at the entrance of another
gate, which stood between two very high towers, and accom-
panied vrith four and twenty pillars of huge great stone, there
were two figures of men, each of them with an iron club in
his hand, as if they had served to guard that passage, being
an hundred and forty spans high, with such hideous and
ugly visages, as make them even to tremble that behold them.
The GMneses called them Xixvpatan XaUoan, that is to say,
The blowers of the house of smoke. At the entring into this
gate there were twelve men with halberds, and two registers,
set at a table, who enrolled all that entered there, unto whom
every one paid a matter of a groat; when we were entered
within this gate, we met with a very large street, closed on
both sides with goodly arches, as well in regard of the work-
manship, as the rest, round about the which hung an infinite
company of little bells of Lattin, by chains of the same metall,
that moved by the air, made such a noise as one could not
without much ado hear one another. The street might be
about half a league long, and within these arches, on both
sides of the way, were two rows of low houses, like unto
great churches, with steeples gilt, and divers inventions of
painting. Of these houses the Ghineses assured us there was
in that place three thousand, all which (from the very top to
the bottom) were full of dead men's skulls, a thing so strange,
that in every mans judgment a thousand great shops could
hardly contain them. Behind these houses, both on the one
side and the other, were two great mounts of dead mens bones,
reaching far above the ridges of the houses, full as long as
the street, and of a mighty bredth. These bones were ordered
and disposed one upon another so curiously and aptly, that
they seemed to grow there. Having demanded of the Chdneses
whether any register was kept of these bones; they answered,
there was; for the Talagrepos, unto whose charge the ad-
ministration of these three thousand houses was committed,
enrolled them all ; and that none of the houses yielded less
than two thousand Taeis revenue out of such lands, as the
232 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
owners of these bones had bequeathed to them for their sotjs
health; and that the rent of these three thousand houses
together amounted unto five miUions of gold yearly, whereof
the King had four, and the Talagrepos the other, for to defray
the expences of this fabriek, and that the four appertained to
the King, as their support, who dispenced them in the mainten-
ance of the thtee hundred thousand prisoners of Xinangm-
baleu. Being amazed at this marvel, we began to go along
this street, in the midst whereof we found a great Piazza,
compassed about with two huge grates of Lattin, and within
it was an adder of brass, infolded into I don't know how
many boughts, and so big that it contained thirty fathom in
circuit, being withall so ugly and dreadfuU, as no words are
able to describe it. Some of us would estimate the weight of
it, and the least opinions reached to a thousand quintals, were
it hollow within, as I believe it was. Now although it was
of an unmeasurable greatness, yet was it in every part so well
proportioned, as nothing could be amended, whereunto also
the workmanship thereof is so correspondent, that all the
perfection that can be desired from a good workman is ob-
served in it. This monstrous serpent, which the GMneses
call, the ghtttonous Serpent of the house of smolce, had on the
top of his head a bowl of iron, two and fifty foot in circum-
ference, as if it had been thrown at him from some other
place; twenty paces further was the figure of a man of the
same brass in the form of a giant, in like manner very strange
and extraordinary, as well for the greatness of the body, as
the hugeness of the limbs. This monster held an iron bowl
just as big as the other aloft in both his hands, and beholding
the serpent with a frowning and angry countenance, he
seemed as though he would throw his bowl at him. Bound
about this figure was a number of Utile idols all gilt on their
knees, with their hands hfted up to him, as if they would
adore him. All this great edifice was consecrated to the
honour of this idol, called Muclupa/ron, whom the GMneses
affirmed to be treasurer of all the dead bones, and that when
the gluttonous serpent before mentioned came to steal them
away, he made at him with the bowl which he held in his
hands, whereupon the serpent in great fear fled immediately
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 283
away to the bottom of the profound house of smoke, whither j
God had precipitated him for his great wickedness ; and
further that he had maintained a combat with him three
thousand years already, and was to continue the same three
thousand years more, so that from three thousand to three
thousand years he was to imploy five bowls, wherewith he
was to make an end of kiUing him. Hereunto they added,
that as soon as this serpent should be dead, the bones that
were there assembled, would retm^n to their bodies, to which
they appertained formerly, and so should go and remain for
ever in the House of the Moon. To these brutish opinions they
joyn many others such like, unto which they give so much
faith, that nothing can be able to remove them from it, for it
is the doctrine that is preached unto them by their Bonzes,
who also teU them that the true way to make a soul happy, is
to gather these bones together into this place, by means where-
of there is not a day passes but that a thousand or two of
these wretches bones are brought thither. Now if some for
their far distance cannot bring all the bones whole thither,
they will at leastwise bring a tooth or two, and so they say
that by way of an alms they make aa good satisfaction as if
they brought all the rest ; which is the reason that in all these
chamel houses there is such an infinite multitude of these
teeth, that one might lade many ships with them.
[Here follows an accotmt of the chapels of the Kings of China,
and other matters, trmitteJ».J
CHAPTEE XXXII.
Of our going to Quincay to accomplish the time of oui ezile; and vrhat
befell UB there.
WB had been now two moneths and an half in this city
of Peqmn, when as on Satv/rday, the 13th of
July, 1554. we were carried away to the town of Quamcy,
there to serve all the time that we were condemned unto.
Now as soon as we arrived there, the Chaem caused us to be
234 TSE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
brought before him, and after he had asked us some questions,
he appointed ua to be of the number of fourscore halberdiers,
which the King assigned him for his guard. This we took as
a special favour from God, both in regard this imployment
was not very paiaful, as also because the entertainment was
good, and the pay of it better, being assured besides that at
the time we should recover our liberty. Thus lived we almost
a moneth very peaceably, and well contented for that we
met vrith a better fortune then we expected, when as the
devU, seeing how weU all we nine agreed together (for all that
we had was in common amongst us, and whatsoever misery
any one had, we shared it with him like true brethren), he so
VTTOUght that two of our company fell into a quarrel, which
proved very prejudicial to us all. This division sprung from a
certain vanity too famihar with the Portugal nation, whereof
I can reiider no other reason, but that they are naturally
sensible of any thing that touches upon honour. Now see
what the difference was ; two of us nine falling by chance in
contest about the extraction of the Mad/ureyras and the
Fonsecas, for to know which of these two houses was in most
esteem at the King of Portugals Court, the matter went so
far, that from one word to another they came at length to
terms of oyster- wives, saying one to the other. Who are you?
and again, who are you? so that thereupon they suffered
themselves to be so transported with choler, that one of them
gave the other a great box on the ear, who instantly returned
him a blow with his sword, which cut away almost half his
cheek ; this same feeling himself hurt caught up an halberd,
and therewith ran the other through the arm; this disaster
begot such part-taking amongst us, as of nine that we were
seven of us found our selves grievously wounded. In the
mean tii^e, the Chaem came running in person to this tumult
with all the Anchacys of Justice, who laying hold of us gave
us presently thirty lashes apiece, which drew more blood from
us than our hurts. This done, they shut us up in a dungeon
under ground, where they kept us six and forty days with
heavy iron collars about our necks, manacles on our hands,
and irons on our legs, so that we suffered exceedingly in this
deplorable estate. This while our business was brought before
OP FEBDINAND MBNDEZ PiNTO. 235
the Kings attumey, who having seen our accusations, and that
one of the articles made faith, that there were sixteen wit-
nesses against us, he stuck not to say, That we were people
without the fear or knowledge of God, who did not confess hmi
otherwise with owr mouthes, then as any wild beast might do if
he could speak ; that these things presupposed it was to be
believed, that we were men of blood, of a lamgiiage, of a law,
of a nation, of a county, and of a kingdom, the inhabitants
whereof wounded and killed one another most cruelly without
any reason or cause, and therefore no other judgment could be
made of ms, but that we were the servants of the most gluttonous
serpent of the profound pit of smoak, as appeaired by ou/r
works, since they were no better then such as that accursed
serpent had accustomed to do; so that according to the law of
the third Book of the will of the Son of the Sun, called MUeterau,
we were to be condemned to a banishment from all commerce of
people, as a venemous and contagious plague ; so that we deserved
to be confined to the mountains of Chabaguay, Sumbor, or
Lamau, whither su^h as we were used to be exiled, to the end
they might in that place hear the wild beasts howl in the night,
which were of as vile a breed and natwre as we. Prom this
prison we were one morning led to a place, called by
them Pitau Galidan, where the Anchacy sat in judge-
ment with a majestical and dreadful greatness. He was
accompanied by divers Ghumbims, Huppes, Lanteas, and
Gypatons, besides a number of other persons ; there each
of us had 30 lashes apiece more given us, and then by
publiok sentence we were removed to another prison, where
we were in better case yet then ia that out of which we came,
howbeit for all that we did not a little detest amongst our
selves both the Fonseca's, and the Madwreyra's, but much
more the devil, that wrought us this mischief. In this prison
we continued almost 2 moneths, during which time our stripes
were throughly healed, howbeit we were exceedingly afflicted
with hunger, and thirst. At length it pleased God that the
Ghaem took compassion of us ; for on a certain day, wherein
they use to do works of charity for the dead, coming to
review our sentence he ordained, That in regard we were
strangers, and of a country so far distant from theirs, as no man
236 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
had knowledge of us, nor that there was any book or writing
which made mention of our name, and that none understood our
language; as also that we were accustomed, and even hardned
to misery and poverty, which many times puts the best and most
peaceable persons into disorder, and therefore might well trouble
such, as made no profession of patience in their adversities ;
whence it followed, that owr discord proceeded rather from the
effects of our misery, then from any inclination wnto mutiny and
tumult, tvherewith the Kings atturny charged us ; and further-
more representing unto himself what great need there was of men
for the ordinary service of the state, and of the officers of justice,
for which provision necessarily was to be made, he thought fit,
that the punishment for the crimes we had committed, should in
the way of an alms bestowed in the Kings name be moderated,
a/nd reduced to the whipping which we twice already had, upon
condition nevertheless that we should be detained there as slaves
for ever, unless it should please the Tuton otherwise to ordain of
us. This sentence was pronounced against us, and though we
shed a many of tears to see our selves reduced unto this miser-
able condition, wherein we were, yet this seemed not so bad
unto us as the former. After the publication of this decree we
were presently drawn out of prison, and tied 3 and 3 together,
then led to certain iron forges, where we past 6 whole moneths
in strange labours, and great necessities, being in a manner
quite naked, without any bed to lie on, and almost famished.
At last after the enduring of so many evils, we fell sick of a
lethargy, which was the cause, in regard it was a contagious
disease, that they turned us out of doors for to go and seek
our living, untill we became well again. Being thus set at
liberty we continued 4 moneths sick, and begging the alms of
good people from door to door, which was given us but
sparingly, by reason of the great dearth that then reigned over
aU the country, so as we were constrained to agree better
together, and to promise one another by a solemn oath, that
we took, to live lovingly, for the future, as good Christians
should do, and that every moneth one should be chosen from
amongst us to be as it were a kinde of chief, whom, by the
oath we had taken, all the rest of us were to obey, as their
superiour, so that none of us was to dispose of himself, or do
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 237
any thing, without his command, or appointment ; and those
rules were put into writing by us, that they might be the better
observed ; as indeed God gave us the grace to live ever afterward
in good peace and concord, though it were in great pain, and
extreme necessity of all things.
[Pinto meets a certain Portiigtcese, one Vasco Calvo, settled in
CMna many yea/rs, ontiitjeb't]
CHAPTEE XXXIII.
A Tartar commander enters with his army into the town of Quineay, and
that which followed thereupon; with the Nautieor's besieging the
Castle of Kixiamcoo, and the taking of it by the means of some
Fortugals.
WE had been now 8 moneths and an half in this captivity,
wherein we endured much misery and many incommo-
dities, for that we had nothing to live upon but that we got by
begging up and down the town, when as one We&nesdwy, the
3rd of July, in the year 1544. a Uttle after midnight there
was such a hurly burly amongst the people, that to hear the
noises and cries which was made in every part, one would have
thought the earth would have come over and over, which
caused us to go in haste to Vasco Calvo his house, of whom
we demanded the occasion of so great a tumult, whereunto
with tears in his eyes he answered us, that certain news were
come how the King of Tarta/ry was fallen upon the city of
Pequim with so great an army, as the like had never been seen
since Adam's time. In this army, according to report, were
seven and twenty kings, under whom marched eighteen hundred
thousand men, whereof six hundred thousand were horse,
which were come by land from the cities of Lttamsama,
Famstir, and Mecuy, with fourscore thousand Bhinocerots, that
drew the waggons, wherein was all the baggage of the army,
as for the other twelve hundred thousand, which were foot, it
was said that they arrived by sea in seventeen thousand vessels,
down through the river of Bata/mpina ; by reason whereof the
King of China finding himself too weak for the resisting of
such great forces, had with a few retired himself to the city of
238 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
Nanquin. And that also it was reported for certain, that a
Nanticor, one of the ohiefest Tartar commanders, was come to
the forrest of Malincataran, not above a league and a half from
Quinsay, with an army of threescore and two thousand horse,
wherewith he marched against the town, that in all likeKhood
he would be there within two hours at the furthest. These
news so troubled us, that we did nothing but look one upon
another, without being able to speak a word to any purpose,
howbeit desiring to save our selves, we prayed Vasco Gaho to
shew us what means he thought we might use to effect it, who
sad and full of grief thus answered us ; 0 that we were in our
countrey between Laura and Caruaha, where I have often
been, and should be there now in safety, but since it cannot
be so, all that we can do for the present, is to recommend our
selves to God, and to pray unto Him to assist us ; for I assure
you that an hour ago I would have given a thousand Taeis in
silver to any one, that could have got me from hence, and saved
me with my wife and children, but there was no possibility for
it, because the gates were then all shut up, and the walls round
about invironed with armed men, which the Ghaem had placed
there to withstand the enemy. So my fellows and I, that were
nine in niunber, past the rest of the night in much affliction
and unquietness, without any means of counseUing one another,
or resolving on what we were to do, continually weeping for
the extreme fear we were in of what should become of us.
The next morning a little before sun-rising the enemy appeared
in a most dreadful manner, they were divided into 7 very great
battalions, having their ensigns quartered with green and
white, which are the colours of the King of Ta/rtcma ; marching
in this order to the sound of their trumpets, they arrived at a
Pagode, called Petilau Nameioo, a place of good receit, in
regard of the many lodgings it had, which was not much
distant from the walls. In their vantguard they had a number
of light-horse, who ran confusedly up and down with their
lances in their rests. Being in this sort come to the Pagode,
they staid there about half an hour, and then marching on till
they were within an harquebuse-shot of the walls, they sud-
denly ran to them with such hideous cries, as one would have
thought that heaven and earth would have come together, and
OF FBBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 289
rearing up above two thousand ladders, -which for that purpose
they had brought along with them, they assaulted the town on
every side with a most invincible courage. Now though the
besieged at the beginning made some resistance, yet was it not
able to hinder the enemy from effecting his design, for by the
means of certain iron rams breaking up the 4 principal gates,
they rendred themselves masters of the town after they had
slain the Chaem, together with a great number of Mandarins,
and gentlemen, that were run thither to keep them from
entring. Thus did these barbarians possess themselves of this
miserable town, whereof they put all the inhabitants they could
meet withall to the sword, without sparing any ; and it was
said that the number of the slain amoimted to threescore thou-
sand persons, amongst whom were many women and maids of
very great beauty, which appertained to the chiefest lords of
the place. After the bloudy massacre of so much people, and
that the town was fired, the principal houses overthrown, and
the most sumptuous temples laid level with the ground, nothing
remaining on foot during the disorder, the Tartars continued
there 7 days, at the end whereof they returned towards Pequm,
where the King was, and from whence he had sent them to
this execution, carrying with them a world of gold and silver
onely, having burnt all the merchandize they found there, as
well because they knew not how to transport it away, as for
that the Chineses should not make any benefit of it. Two
days after their departure they arrived at a castle, named
Nixiamcoo, where the Namticor of Luansama, their general,
pitched his camp, and intrenched himself on aU sides with an
intention to take it by assault the next day to be revenged on
the CMneses there, for that upon his passing by them towards
Quinsay, they had cut off an hundred of his men by an ambus-
cado.
After the army was encamped, and intrenched, and that the
general had placed i guards and sentinels in all places, he
retired to his tent, whither he sent for 70 captains that
commanded his army, unto whom upon their arrival he dis-
covered his resolution, which being well approved of, they fell
into deliberation in what manner the castle should be assaulted
the day following, which concluded on, the next morning as soon
240 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
as it was light the souldiers began to march towards the castle,
divided into 14 battalions ; being come within a flight-shoot of
it with the sound of trumpets, and most hideous cries, they
reared up their ladders against the walls, and couragiously
mounted up ; but in the heat of this assault, where every one
showed his valour, the one in bravely attempting, and the
other in well defending, the Tmtar in less then 2 hours lost
above three thousand of his men, which made him sound a
retreat in great disorder, and he past the rest of that day in
burying the dead, and curing of the wounded, whereof, there
being a great number, the most part died not long after, for
that the arrows wherewith they were hurt had been smeared
by the Ghineses with so strange and deadly poison, as there
was no remedy found for it. In the mean tinie the Tartar
commanders seeing the ill success of this assault, and fearing
the King would be offended at so great a loss for so small
an occasion, perswaded the general to call another council,
wherein it might be considered, whether it would be most
expedient for the Kings honour to persist in the siege of
that place, or to give it over, whereupon this affair coming
accordingly into deliberation it was a long time debated
with such diversity of opinions, as they were not able to
conclude upon any thing ; so that it was thought fit, in regard
it was then late, to put off the assembly till the next day. This
resolution taken, every man retired to his quarter. Now we
being led away amidst a great many of other slaves, with whom
we had escaped out of the fire of the town, it fell out, (whether
for our good, or for our greater mis-fortune, we could not then
tell) that we were under the guard, as prisoners of war, of one
of that assembly, a rich and honourable man ; who returning
to his tent with three other persons, of like quahty to himself,
whom he had invited to supper, it chanced after they were risen
from table that one of them espied us, where we stood chained
in a corner of the tent, and perceiving us to weep, was so moved,
that he demanded of us what people we were ? what the name
of our country was? and how we came to be slaves to the
Ghineses ? whereunto we gave such an answer, as the Tartar
ingaging himself further in this discourse, enquiredofus whether
oxa king was inclined to the wars, and whether we did use to
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 241
fight in our country ? to whom one of our companions, named
Jorge Mendez, replyed that we did, and that we had been trained
up from our infancy in a military course of life ; which so pleased
the Tarta/r, that calling his two friends unto him. Come hither,
said he, and have the patience to hear what these prisoners can
say ; for, believe me, they seem to bo men of understanding ;
whereupon the other two came near, and hearing us relate some
part of our mis-fortunes, it begat a desire in them to ask us
other questions ; wherein having satisfied them the best that
we could, one of them that seemed more curious then the rest,
addressing himself to Jorge Mendez, spake thus ; Since you ha/ve
seen so nrnch of the world, as you say, if there were any one
amongst you that could find out any device, or stratagem of war,
whereby the Mitaquer (for so was the Nauticor called) might take
this castle, I vow to you that he would become yov/r prisoner,
whereas you me Ms. Then Jorge Mendez, never considering
with what imprudencehe spake, nor understanding what he said,
nor into what danger he was putting himself, boldly answered
him ; If my Lord Mitaquer will in the name of the King give it
us under has hand, that we shall have a safe conduct to convey us
by sea to the Isle of Ainan, /rom whence we may safely rePwm into
owr country, possibly I may be the man that will shew him how he
shall take the castle with little ado. This speech being heard,
and maturely considered by one of the three, a man in years,
and of great authority, as having the honour to be much
esteemed and beloved of the Mitaquer ; Think well of what thou
sayest, replyed he to Jorge Mendez ; for I assure thee if thou doest
it, that whatsoever thou demandest shall be granted thee, aye, and
more too. Hereupon the rest of us seeing what Jorge Mendez
was going to undertake, as also how far he ingaged himself in
his promise, and that the Ta/rta/rs began already to ground some
hope thereupon, we thought fit to reprehend him for it, and to
tell him, that he was not to hazard himself, so at random, by
promising a thing that might bring us into the danger of our
lives. Ifea/r nothmg less, said he unto us ; for as for my Kfe in
the estate where now lam, Imake so Utile account of it, thatifany
of these Barbarians would play for it at Primero, I would with
three of the worst cards in the pack venVwre it upon the first
encotmter ; for I am confident that all the benefit they can expect
17
242 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
from us will never oblige them to grant us either life or liberty ;
so that, for my particular, I had as lief die to day as to morrow •
judge you only by that which you saw them do at Quincay,
whether you a/re likely to be better dealt withall now. The Tartars
were much abashed to see us thus in contestation one with
another, and to hear us talk so loud, which is not usual amongst
them ; wherefore they, reprehended us very seriously, saying ;
Thatitwasforwomsn to speak aloud, who could not put a bridle
to their tongue, nor a key to their mouthes, and not for men, that
carry a sword, and are madef&r the wars ; Howbeit, if it were
so that Jorge Mendez could execute what he had propounded, the
Mitaquer could not refuse him any thing he could demand. This
said, the Tartars retired every one to his lodging, for that it was
eleven of the clock at night, the first watch being newly past,
and the captains of the guard ^beginning then to walk the rotmd
about the camp, at the sound of divers instruments, as is the
custom in semblable occasions.
The same of the three Tartar-commanders, which I said before
was so esteemed of by the Mitaquer, had no sooner learnt of
Jorge Mendez, that he could tell how to take the castle of
Nixiamcoo, but that he went presently to acquaint the general
with it, and making the matter greater then it was, he told him,
that he could do no less then send for him to hear his reasons,
which peradventure would perswade him to give credit unto
him ; and in case it proved not so, yet was there nothing lost
thereby. The Mitaquer being well pleased with this advice, sent
incontinently a command to Tileymay, which was the captain
under whose guard we were, for to bring us unto him, as
presently he did. Being then arrived, chained as we were, at
the Mitaquer' s tent, we found him set in councel with the
seventy commanders of the army about two hours after midnight.
At our coming, he received us with an affable countenance, yet
grave and severe ; and causing us to approach nearer unto him,
he commanded part of our chains to be undone ; then asked us
if we would eat, whereunto we answered, most willingly ; for
that in three days together we had not so much as tasted a bit
of any thing ; whereat the Mitaquer was very much offended,
and sharply reproving the Tileymay for it, willed two great
platters of sodden rice, and ducks cut in small pieces, to be set
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 243
before us, whereto we fell with such an appetite, like men that
were almost famished, as those of the company, who took great
pleasure to see us feed so, said to the Mitaquer, When as you
had nothing else, my Lord, but to cause these to come before you
for to slack their hunger, verily you had done very much for them,
by sawing them from a languishing death, which otherwise they
could not home avoided ; and so you might home lost these sla/ves,
of whom the service or sale nmght home been some way profitable
unto you ; for if you will not make use of them at Lancama, you
may sell them for a thousand Taeis at least. Here some began
to laugh, but the Mitaquer commanded more rice to be given us,
together with some apples, and other things, conjuring us again
to eat, as a thing which he took pleasure to see us do, wherein
we most wilUngly gave him satisfaction. After we had fed well,
he began to talk with Jorge Mendes, about that which had been
told him of him, and of the means that were to be used for
taking the castle, making him many great promises of honours,
pensions, favour with the King, and Uberty for all the rest of his
fellows, with other such offers, as passed all measure : for he
swore unto him, that if by his means God should give him the
victory, whereby he sought nothing but to be revenged on his
enemies for the blood which they had shed of his men, he should
every way be hke unto himself, or at least, to any of his children
which soever. Herewith Jorge Mendez found himself somewhat
perplexed, because he held it almost impossible for him to bring
it to effect ; howsoever he told him, that, not to hold him longer
in hand, he did not think but if he might view the castle vrith
his own eyes, he might then peradventure let him know how it
might be taken ; wherefore, if his lordship pleased, he would
the next morning consider it all about, and thereupon render
him an account what course was to be taken therein. The
Mitaquer, and all the rest, allowed very well of his answer, and
greatly commending him for it sent us to be lodged in a tent not
far from his, where we spent the rest of the night under a sure
guard ; you may judg now in what fear we were, knowing that
if the business did not succeed according to the desire of these
Ba/rharians, they would cut us all in pieces, for that they were
a people which for never so small a matter would not stick to
kill twenty or thirty men, without any regard either of God, or
244 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
any thing else. The next morning, about eight of the clock,
Jorge Mendez, and two of us, that were appointed to accompany
him, went to survey the place with thirty horse for our safe-
guard ; when as Jorge Mendez had well observed the situation
thereof, as also that part whereby it might most commodiously
be assaulted, he returned to the Mitaquer, that expected, him
with impatience, to whom he gave an account of what he had
seen, and facilitated the taking of the castle with little hazard ;
whereat the Mitaguer^a,&so overjoyed, that he presently caused
the rest of our irons, and the chains, wherewith we were fastened
by the neck and feet to be taken off, swearing to us by the rice
he did eat, that as soon as he came to Peg'Mire, he would present
us to the king, and infallibly accompUsh aU that he had promised
us ; for the more assurance whereof he confirmed it by a deed
under his hand, that was virritten in letters of gold, to make it
more authentieal. That done, he sent for us to dinner, and
would needs have us to sit with him at table, doing us many
other honours according their manner, which greatly contented
us ; but on the other side, we were in no little fear, lest this
affair should not for our sins have a success answerable to that
hope the Mitaquer had already conceived of it. The rest of this
day the commanders spent in resolving upon the order that was
to be observed for assaulting the castle, wherein Jorge Mendez
was the sole director. First of aU then, an infinite company of
bavins a,nd fagots was gotten together for to fill up the ditches;
there were also three hundred ladders made, very strong, and
so large, that three men might easily mount up on them afront
without incombring one another ; likewise there was a world of
paniers, dossers, and baskets provided, together with a great
multitude of mattocks, and spades, that were found in the
villages and burroughs thereabout, which the inhabitants had
deserted upon the bruit of this war; and all the souldiers of the
army made preparation of such things as they should need the
next day when the assault was to be given. In the mean time
Jorge Mendez rode always by the Mitaquers side, who shewed
him many great favours, which we perceived had begotten in
him a stately carriage, far different from that he was wont to
have; whereat we wondering, some of us (who envious of
anothers good fortune, and out of an ill nature) could not chuse
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 245
but murmur, saying one to another, as it were in disdain, and
in a kind of jeering, What think you of tJds dog ? verily he will
be the came that either to morrow morning we shall be all cut in
pieces, or if the business he hath undertaken succeed as we desire,
it is probable that he will be in such credit with these Barbarians,
that we shall account it for a happiness to be his servants ; and
this was the talk which we had amongst us. The next day all
the army was put into order, and divided iato twelve battalions,
whereof they made twelve files, and one counterfile in the
vantguard, that incompassed the whole camp, in manner of an
half moon ; upon the winga were the foremost, with all that
mass of bavins, ladders, baskets, mattocks, spades, and other
materials, to fill up the ditch, and make it equal with the rest
of the ground. Marching in this manner they arrived at the
castle, which they found strongly mann'd, and with a number
of flags and streamers waving upon the battlements. The first
salutation be'tween the besiegers and the besieged was with
arrows, darts, stones, and pots of wild-fire, which continued
about half an hour ; then the Tartars presently filled the ditch
with bavins and earth, and so reared up their ladders against the
wall, that now by reason of the filling up of the ditch, was not
very high. The first that mounted up was Jorge Mendez, accom-
panied with two of ours, who as men resolved had made up their
mind, either to die there, or to render their valour remarkable
by some memorable act ; as in effect it pleased our Lord that
their resolution had a good success ; for they not only entred
first, but also planted the first colours upon the wall, whereat
the Mitaquer, and all that were with him, were so amazed, as
they said one to another, Doubtless if these people did besiege
Peqmn, as we do, the Ch/ineses, which defend that city, would
sooner lose their honour, then we shall make them to do it with
all the forces we have ; in the mean time all the Tartars, that
were at the foot of the ladders, followed the three Portugals,
and carried themselves so valiantly, what with the example of
a captain that had shewed them the way, as out of their own
natural disposition, almost as resolute as those of Japan, that
in a very short space above 5000 of them were got upon the
walls, from whence with great violence they made the Chdneses
to retire; whereupon so furious and bloody a fight ensued
246 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
between either party, that in less then half an hour the business
was fully decided, and the castle taken, with the death of two
thousand Chineses and Mogores that were in it, there being not
above sixscore of the Tartars slain. That done, the gates being
opened, the Mitaquer with great acclamations of joy entred,
and causing the GMneses colours to be taken down, and his own
to be advanced in their places, he with a new ceremony of
rejoycing at the sound of many instruments of war, after the
manner of the Tartars, gave rewards to the wounded, and made
divers of the most valiant of his followers knights, by putting
bracelets of gold about their right arms ; and then about noon
he with the chief commanders of his army, for the greater
triumph, dined in the castle, where he also bestowed bracelets
of gold upon Jorge Mendez, and the other Porttigals, whom he
made to sit down at table with him. After the cloth was taken
away, he went out of the castle with all his company, and then
causing all the walls of it to be dismantled, he razed the place
quite to the ground, setting on fire all that remained, with a
number of ceremonies, which was performed with great cries
and acclamations, to the sound of divers instruments of war.
Moreover he commanded the ruinesof this castle to be sprinkled
with the blood of his enemies, and the heads of all of them that
lay dead there to be cut off ; as for his own souldiers that were
slain, he caused them to be triumphantly buried, and such as
were hurt to be carefully looked unto ; this done, he retired,
with a huge train, and in great pomp, to his tent, having Jorge
Mendez close by him on horsback. As for the other eight of us,
together with many brave noblemen and captains, we followed
him on foot. Being arrived at his tent, which was richly hung,
he sent Jorge Mendez a thousand Taeis for a reward, and to us
but an hundred apiece ; whereat some of us, that thought them-
selves to be better qualified, were very much discontented, for
that he was more respected then they, by whose means, as well
as his, the enterprise had been so happily achieved, though by
the good success thereof we had all obtained honour and liberty.
OP FEBJDilfAND MENDEZ PINTO. 247
CHAPTBE XXXIV.
The Mitaquer departs from the castle of Nixianooo, and goes to the King of
Tartary his camp before Pequin ; with the Mitaquers presenting ua unto
the King,
THE next day the Mitaquer having nothing more to do
where he was, resolved to take his waiy towards the city
of Peqtdn, before which the King lay, as I have deUvered
before ; to this effect having put his army into battle aray,
he departed from thence at eight of the clock in the morning,
and marching leasurely to the sound of his warlike instruments,
he made his first station about noon on the bank of a river,
whose scituation was very pleasant, being all about invironed
with a company of fruit trees, and a many goodly houses, but
wholly deserted, and bereaved of all things which the Bar-
barians might any way have made booty of. Having past the
greatest heat of the day there, he arose and marched on until
about an hour in the night that he took up his lodgings at a
pretty good town, called Lantimay, which Ukevnse we found
deserted, for all this whole country was quite dispeopled for
fear of the Ba/rba/rians, who spared no kind of person, but
wheresoever they came put all to fire and sword, as the next
day they did by this place, and many other along this river,
which they burnt down to the ground ; and that which yet
was more lamentable, they set on fire, and clean consumed to
ashes a great large plain, being about six leagues about, and
full of corn ready to be reaped, This cruelty executed, the
army began again to move, composed, as it was, of some three-
score and five thousand horse, (for as touching the rest they
were all slain, as well at the taking of Qmnowy, as in that
of the castle of Nixiancoo,) and went on to a mountain, named
Pommitay, where they remained that night ; the next morning
dislodging from thence, they marched on somewhat faster
then before, that they might arrive by day at the city of
Peqwin, which was distant about seven leagues from that
mountain. At three of the clock in the afternoon we came to
the river of Palamxitan, where a Ta/rtct/r captain, accompanied
with an hundred horse, came to receive us, having waited
248 THE TBAVBL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
there two days for that purpose. The first thing that he did,
was the delivering of a letter from the King to our general,
who received it with a great deal of ceremony. From this
river to the Kings quarter, which might be some two leagues,
the army marched without order, as being unable to do other-
wise, partly as weU in regard of the great concourse of people,
wherewith the ways were full in coming to see the generals
arrival, as for the great train which the lords brought along
with them, that overspread all the fields. In this order, or rather
disorder, we arrived at the castle of Lautir, which was the first
fort of nine that the camp had for the retreat of the spies i
there we found a young prince, whom the Ta/rtar, had sent
thither to accompany the general, who alighting from his
horse took his scymitar from his side, and on his knees offered
it unto him, after he had kissed the ground five times, being the
ceremony or complement ordinarily used amongst them. The
Prince was exceedingly pleased with this honour done unto him,
which with a smiUng countenance, and much acknowledgment
of words he testified unto him. This past, the Prince with a
new ceremony stept two or three paces back, and lifting up his
voice with more gravity then before, as he that represented
the person of the King, in whose name he came, said unto him,
He, the border of whose rich vestwre my mouth hisseth, and that
out of an incredible greatness mastereth the scepters of the
ewrth, and of the Isles of the Sea, sends thee word by me, who am
his slave, that thy honourable arrival is no less agreeable unto
him, then the summers sweet morning is to the ground, when as
the dew doth comfort and refresh our bodies, and therefore would
have thee without further delay to come and hear his voice
mounted on his horse, whose trappings are garnished with jewels
taken out of his treasury, to the end, that riding by m/y side, thou
mayest be made equal in honour to the greatest of Ms Court, and
that they which behold thee ma/rching in this sort, may acknow-
ledge that the right hand of him is m/ighty and valiant unto whom
the labours of wa/r gi/oeth this recompence. Hereupon the
M'fo^wer prostrating himself on the earth, with his hands lifted
up, answered him thus; Let my head be an hundred times
trampled on by the sole of his feet, tlvxt all those of rmj race may
be sensible of so greatafaA)ovjr, and that my eldest son may ever
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 249
carry it for a mark of honowr. Then mounting on the horse
which the Prince had given him, trapped with gold and
precious stones, being one of those that the King used to ride
on himself, they marched on with a great deal of state and
majesty. In this pomp were many spare horses led richly
harnessed; there were also a number of ushers, carrying
silver maces on their shoulders, and six hundred halberdiers
on horsbact, together with fifteen chariots, full of silver
cymbals, and many other iU-tuned barbarous instruments,
that made so great a din, as it was not possible to hear one
another. Moreover, in all this distance of way, which was a
league and a half, there were so many men on horsback, as one
could hardly pass through the crowd in any part thereof. The
Mitaquer, being thus in triumph arrived at the first trenches
of the camp, he sent us by one of his servants to his quarter,
where we were very well received, and abundantly furnished
with all things necessary for us.
\Pinto and Ms compamMns are called before the Kmg.l
Fourteen days after we 'arrived at this camp, the Mitaquer,
our general sent us nine horses, upon which we mounted,
and, attending him in a litter drawn by two horses, we
went to the tent of the King. The King was set on his
throne under a rich cloth of state, and had about him 12
young boys kneeUng on their knees, with little maces of gold
sceptres, which they carried on their shoulders ; close behinde
was a young lady extremely beautiful, and wonderfully richly
attired, with a ventiloe in her hand, wherewith she ever and
anon fanned him. The same was the sister of the Mitaquer,
our general, and infinitely beloved of the King, for whose sake
therefore it was that he was in such credit and reputation
throughout the whole army. The King was much about 40
years of age, full stature, somewhat lean, and of a good aspect ;
his beard was very short, his mustaches, after the Turkish
manner, his eyes like to the Chineses, and his countenance severe
and majestical. As for his vesture, it was violet -colour, in
fashion like to a Turkish robe, imbroidered with pearl, upon
his feet he had green sandals vyrought all over with gold-purl,
and great pearls among it, and on his head a sattin cap of the
250 THB TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBMS
colour of his habit, with a rich band of diamonds and rubies
intermingled together. Before we past any farther, after we
had gone ten or eleven steps in the room, we made our com-
plement by kissing of the ground three several times, and
performing other ceremonies, wiiich the Truch-men taught us.
In the mean time the King commanded the musick to cease,
and addressing himself to the Mitaquer ; ask these men of the
other end of the world, said he unto him, whether they have
a king, what is the name of their country, and how far distant
it is from this kingdom of China where now I am ? Thereupon
one of ours, speaking for all the rest, answered. That our
country was called Porttigal, that the king thereof was ex-
ceeding rich and mighty, and that from thence to the city of
Pequin was at the least three years voyage. This answer
much amazed the King, because he did not think the world
had been so large, so that striking his thigh with a wand that
he had in his hand, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, as though
he would render thanks unto God ; he said aloud, so as every
one might hear him : 0 Creator of all things I are we able to
comprehend the ma/rvels of Thy greatness, we that at the best are
hut igom worms of the ea/rth ? Fuxiquidane, fuxiquidane, let
them approach, let them approach. Thereupon beckning to us
with his hand, he caused us to come even to the first degree
of the throne, where the fourteen kings sate, and demanded of
him again, as a man astonished, Ptican, piican, that is to say,
how far, how fa/r ? whereunto he answered as before, that we
shoijd be at least three years in returning to our country.
Then he asked, why we came not rather by land, then by sea,
where so many labours and dangers were to be undergone ?
Thereunto he replied, that there was too great an extent of
land, through which we were not assured to pass, for that it
was commanded by kings of several nations. What come you
for to seehfor then, added the King, and wherefore do you expose
your selves to such dangers ? Then having rendred him a
reason to this last demand, with all the submission that might
be, he stayed a pretty while without speaking; and then
shaking his head three or four times, he addressed himself to
an old man that was not far from him, and said. Certainly we
must needs conclude, that there is either much ambition, or little
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 251
justice in the country of these people, seeing they come so far to ']
conquer other lands. To this speech the old man, named Bom \
Benan, made no other answer, but that it must needs be so ; -'
for men, said he, who have recourse unto their industry and
invention to run over the sea for to get that which God hath
not given them, are necessarily carried thereunto, either by
extreme poverty, or by an excess of blindness and vanity,
derived from much covetousness^ which is the cause why they
renoimce God, and those that brought them into the world.
This reply of the old man was seconded by many jeering words
by the other courtiers, who made great sport upon this occa-
sion, that very much pleased the King ; in the mean time the
women fell to their musick again, and so continued, till the
King vnthdrew into another chamber in the company of these
fair musicians, and that young lady that fanned him, not so
much as one of those great personages daring to enter besides.
Not long after one of those twelve boys that carried the
scepters before mentioned, came to the Mitaquer, and told
him from his sister, that the King commanded him to depart
away, which he held for a singular favour, by reason this
message was delivered to him ia the presence of those kings
and lords that were in the room, so that he stirred not, but
sent us word, that we should go unto our tent with this
assurance, that he would take care the Son of the Sun should
be mindful of us.
GHAPTEE XXXV.
The King of Tartaria's laising of his siege from before Fequin, for to return
to his country.
WE had been now fuU three and forty days in this camp,
during which time there past many fights and skir-
mishes between the besiegers and the besieged, as also two
assaults in the open day, which were resisted by them
within with an invincible courage, like resolute men as they
were. In the mean time the King of Tartaria, seeing how
contrary to his hope so great an enterprise had been, wherein
h« had consumed so much treasure, caused his council of war
252 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
to be assembled, in the wMoh were present the seven and
twenty kings that accompanied him, and likewise many
princes, and lords, and the most part of the chief commanders
of the army. In this council it was resolved, that in regard
winter was at hand, and that the rivers had already overflowed
their banks with such force and violence, as they had ravaged
and carried away most of the trenches and pallisadoes of the
camp, and that moreover great numbers of the souldiers died
daily of sickness, and for want of victuals, that therefore the
King could not do better then to raise his siege, and be gone
before winter came, far fear lest staying longer, he should run
the hazard of losing himself, and his army. All these reasons
seemed so good to the King, that without further delay he
resolved to follow this counsel, and to obey the present
necessity, though it were to his great grief; so that incon-
tinently he caused all his infantry and ammunition to be
imbarqued; then having commanded his camp to be set on
fire, he himself went away by land with three hundred thou-
sand horse, and twenty thousand rhinocerots. Now after
they had taken an account of all the dead, they appeared to
be four hundred and fifty thousand, the most of whom died of
sickness, as also an hundred thousand horses, and threescore
thousand rhinocerots, which were eaten in the space of two
moneths and an half, wherein they wanted victual ; so that of
eighteen hundred thousand men wherewith the King of
Twrtaria, came out of his country to besiege the city of
Pequin, before the which he lay six moneths and a haH, he
carried home some seven hundred and fifty thousand less then
he brought forth, whereof four and fifty thousand died of
sickness, famine, and war, and three hundred thousand went
and rendred themselves unto the Ghineses, dravm thereunto
by the great pay which they gave them, and other advantages
of honor and presents which they continually bestowed on
them ; whereat we are not to marvel, seeing experience doth
show, how that alone is of far more power to oblige men, then
all other things ia the world. After the King of Tarta/ria was
gone from this city of Feqmn, upon a Munday, the 17th
of October, with three hundred thousand horse, as I have
related before, the same day about evening he went and lodged
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 263
near to a river, called Quatragun, and the next morning, an
hour before day, the army began to march at the sound of
the drums, fifes, and other instruments of war, according to
the order prescribed them. In this manner he arrived a
Uttle before night, at a town named Chuiiampea, which he
found altogether depopulated. After his army had reposed
there about an hour and an half, he set forth again, and
marching somewhat fast he came to lodge at the foot of a
great mountain, called Liaynpeu, from whence he departed
towards morning. Thus marched he eight leagues a day for
fourteen day together, at the end whereof he arrived at a
good town, named GiMvxitim, which might contain about
eleven or twelve thousand fires. There he was counselled to
furnish himself with victuals, whereof he had great need, for
which purpose therefore he begirt it round, and skaling
it in the open day he quickly made himself master of it,
and put it to the sack with so cruel a massacre of the
inhabitants, as my fellows and I were ready to swoond for
very astonishment. Now after that the sword and fire had
consumed aU things, and that the army was abundantly
provided of ammunition and victual, he departed at the break
of day; and though he past the next morning in the view of
GaiaAloo, yet would not he attaque it, for that it was a great
and strong town and by scituation impregnable, having heaxd
besides that there were fifty thousand men within it, whereof
ten thousand were Mogores, Gamchins, and Champaas, resolute
souldiers, and much more warlike then the Ghineses. From
thence passing on he arrived at the walls of SmgraohiraM,
which are the very same that, as I have said heretofore, do
divide those two empires of China and Ta/rtwria. There meeting
with no resistance he went and lodged on the further side of it
at Panqidnor, which was the first of his own towns, and seated
some three leagues from the said waU, and the next day he
marched to Psipator, where he dismissed the most part of his
people. In this place he stayed not above seven days, which
he spent in providing pay for his souldiers, and in the execu-
tion of certain prisoners he had taken in that war, and brought
along with him. These things thus expedited, he, as a man
not very well pleased, imbarqued himself for tJancame, in
254 THE TRAVELS, VOYAQES, AMD ADVENTURES
sixscore Lcmlees, with no more then ten or eleven thousand
men. So in six days after his imbarquing, he arrived at
Lancame, where not permitting any reception to be made him,
he landed about two hours within night.
CHAPTEE XXXVI.
In what manner we were brought again before the King of Tartaria ; with
our departure from that kingdom ; and our adventures after quitting
the city of Uzamguee in Gochin-China, tiU our arrival at the lele of
Tanixumaa in Japan.
AFTBE some time had been spent in the celebration of
certain remarkable feasts, that were made for joy of the
conclusion of a marriage betwixt the Princess Meica vidan, the
Kings sister, and the Emperour of Garan, the Tartar, by the
advice of his captains, resolved to return anew to the siege of
Peqidn, which he had formerly quitted, taking the ill success
that he had there as a great affront to his person. To this
effect then he caused all the estates of his kingdom to be
assembled, and also made a league with all the kings and
princes bordering in his dominions : whereupon considering
with our selves how prejudicial this might prove to the promise
had been made us for the setting of us at liberty, we repaired
to the Mitaquer, and represented unto him many things that
made for our purpose, and obliged him to keep his word with
us. To which he returned us this answer: Certainly you have
a great deal of reason for that you say, and I have yet more,
Dot to refuse you that which you demand of me with so much
justice ; wherefore I resolve to put the King in minde of you,
that you may enjoy your liberty ; and the sooner you shall be
gone from hence, the sooner you shall be freed from the labors
which the time begins to prepare for us in the enterprise that
his Majesty hath newly undertaken by the counsel of some
particulars, who for that they know not how to govern them-
selves have more need to be counselled, then the earth hath
need of water to produce the fruits that are sowed in her ; but
to morrow morning I shall put the King in minde of you, and
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 255
your poverty, and withall I shall present unto him how you
have poor fatherless children, as you have heretofore told me,
to the end he may be thereby incited to cast his eyes upon
you, as he is accustomed to dp in like cases, which is none of
the least marks of his greatness. Hereupon he dismissed us
for that day, and the next morning he went to Pontiveu, which
is a place where the King useth to give audience to all such as
have any suit to him. There beseeching his Majesty to think
of us, he answered him, that as soon as he had dispatched
away an ambassador to the King of Cauchenchina, he would
send us along with him, for so he had resolved to do. With
this answer the Mitaguer returned to his house, where we
were ready attending his coming, and told us what the King
had promised him, wherewithal! not a little contented we went
back to our lodging. There in the expectation of the good
success of this promise we continued 10 days with some
impatience; at the end whereof the Mitaguer by the Kings
express command carried us with him to the Court, where
causing us to approach near to his Majesty, with those cere-
monies of greatness which are observed in coming before him,
being the same we used at Pequin, after he had beheld us with
a gentle eye, he bid the Mitaguer ask of us whether we would
serve him, and in case we would, he should not onely be very
well pleased with it, but he would also give us better enter-
tainment, and more advantageous conditions then all the
strangers that should follow him in this war. To this demand
the Mitaguer answered very favourably for us, how he had
often heard us say, that we were maried in our country, and
had a great charge of children, who had no other means to
maintain them, but what we got with our labor, which was
poorly enough, God knows. The King heard this speech with
some demonstration of pity, so that looking on the Mitaguer ;
I am, glad, said he, to know that they ha/ve such good cause to
retwrn home as they speak of, that I may with the more content-
ment acguit me of that which thou hast promised them in my
name. At these words the Mitaguer and all we that were with
him, lifting up our hands, as a testimony of our thankfulness
unto him, we kissed the ground 3 times and said, May thy feet
rest themselves upon a thousand generations, to the end that thou
256 THE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBE8
mayst be Lord of the inhabitants of the earth. Hereat the King
began to smile, and said to a prince that was near him, These
men speak as if they had been bred amongst us. Then casting
his eyes on Jorge Mendez, who stood before us all next to the
Mitaquer, And thou, said he unto him, in what condition art
thou, vnlt thou go, or stay ? whereupon Mendez, who had long
before premeditated his answer. Sir, replied he, for me, that
have neither wife nor children to bewa/ll my absence, the thing I
mast desire in the world is to serve your Majesty, since you are
pleased therewith, whereunto I home more affection then to be
Ghaem of Pequin one thousand years together. At this the
King smiled again, and then dismissed us, so that we returned
very well satisfied to our lodging, where we continued 3 days
in a readiness to depart, at the end of which, by the mediation
of the Mitaquer, and means of his sister, who, as I have said
before, was wonderfully beloved of the King, his Majesty sent
us, for the eight that we were 2000 Taeis, and gave us in
charge to his ambassador, whom he sent to the city of Uzam'
guee in Cauchenchina, in the company of the same King of
Gauchenchina's ambassador. With him we departed from
thence 5 days after, being imbarqued in the vessel wherein he
went himself. But before our departure Jorge Mendez gave us
1000 duckets, which was easie for him to do, for that he had
already 6000 of yearly rent, withall he kept us company all
that day, and at the length took his leave of us, not without
shedding many a tear for grief that he had so exposed himself
to a voluntary exile.
[Here follows an account of Pinto's journey with the Ambas-
sador to the city of Uzamgu^e in Goohin-Chima, j(rntitt*5f«]
Upon the 12 of January we departed from the city of
Uzamiguee, exceedingly rejoycing at our escape from so many
labors and crosses, which we before had sustained, and im-
barqued our selves upon a river, that was above a league
broad, down the which we went 7 days together, beholding in
the mean time on either side thereof many fair towns, and
goodly boroughs, which by the outward appearance we believed
were inhabited by very rich people, in regard of the sumptuous-
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 26?
less of the buildings, not onely of particular houses, but much
nore of the temples, whoso steeples were aU covered over with
;old ; as likewise in regard of the great number of barques and
ressels that were on this river, abundantly fraught with all
iorts of provisions and merchandise. Now when we were
iome to a very fair town called Qiiangeparim, containing some
18 or 2000 fires, the Ncmdelum, who was he that conducted us
jy the express commandment from the King, stayed there
L2 days to trade in exchange of silver and pearl ; whereby he
jonfessed to us that he had gained 14 for 1, and that if he had
been so advised as to have brought salt thither, he had doubled
tiis money above thirty times : we were assured that in this
town the King had yearly out of the silver mines above 1500
Picos, which are 40000 Qmntals of our weight, besides the huge
revenue that he drew out of many other different things. This
bown had no other fortification then a weak brick wall, 8 foot
high, and a shallow ditch some 30 foot broad. The inhabitants
are weak and unarmed, having neither artillery, nor any thing
for their defence, so that 500 resolute souldiers might easily
take it. We parted from this place on Tuesday morning, and
continued our course 13 days, at the end whereof we got to
the port of Sanchan, in the kingdom of China. Now because
there was no shipping of Malaca there, for they were gone
from thence 9. days before, we went 7 leagues further to
another port, named LampacoM, where we found 2 juncks of
Malaya, one of Patana, and another of L%bgor. And whereas
it is the quality of us Porlmgals to abound in our own sense,
and to be obstinate in our opinions, there arose amongst us eight
so great a contrariety of judgement about a thing, (wherein
nothing was so necessary for us, as to maintain our selves in
peace and unity) that we were even upon the point of kilUng
one another. But because the matter would be too shamefull
to recount in the manner as it past, I will say no more, but
that the Necoda of the Lorche, which had brought us thither
from Uzamguee, amazed at this so great barbarousness of ours,
separated himself from us in such displeasure, that he would
not charge himself either vnth our messages of letters, saying,
that he had rather the King should command his head to be
cut off, than to offend God in carrying with him any thing
18
258 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
whatsoever that belonged to us. Thus different as we were in
opinions, and in very bad terms amongst our selves, we lingred
above 9 days in this little island, during which time the juncks
departed without vouchsafing to take us in, so that we were
constrained to remain in these solitudes, exposed to many
great dangers, out of which I did not think that ever we could
have escaped, if God had not been extraordinarily mercifull
unto us ; for having been there 17 days in great misery and
want ; it happened that a pyrat, named Swnwpocheca, arrived
in this place, who having been defeated, went flying from the
fleet of Aytax) of Chineheo, that of eight and twenty sail, which
this pyrat had, had taken six and twenty of them from him,
so that he had with much ado escaped with those onely two
remaining, wherein the most part of his men were hurt, for
which cause he was constrained to stay there 7 days to have
them cured. Now the present necessity enforcing us to take
some course, whatsoever it were, we were glad to agree to
serve under him untill such time as we might meet with some
good opportunity to get unto Malaca. Those 20 days ended,
wherein yet there was no manner of reooneihation between us,
but stiU continuing in discord we imbarqued our selves with
the pyrat, namely, 3 in the junck where he himself was, and
5 in the other, whereof he had made a nephew of his captain.
Having left this island with an intent to sail unto a port,
called Lmloo, some 7 leagues from Chineheo, we continued our
voyage with a good winde all along the coast of Lamau for the
space nine days, untiU that one morning when we were near
to the Eiver of Salt, which is about five leagues from Ghabaqv^a,
it was our ill fortune to be assailed by a pirate, who with seven
great juncks fell to fighting with us from six in the morning
till ten of the clock before noon, in which conflict we were so
entertained with shot, and pots full of artificiall fire, that at
last there were three sail burnt, to wit, two of the pirats, and
one of ours, which was the junck, wherein the five Poriugals
were, whom we could by no means succour, for that then
most of our men were hurt. But at length towards night
being well refreshed by the afternoons gale, it pleased our
Lord that we escaped out of this pirats hands. In this ill
equipage wherein we were, we continued our course for three
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 259
days together, at the end whereof we were mvironed by so
great and impetuous a tempest, that the same night in which
it seized us we lost the coast ; and because the violence of the
storm would never suffer us after to recover it again, we were
forced to make with full sail towards the islands of the Leqtdos,
where the pirate, with whom we went, was weU known, both
to the Kmg, and those of the country ; with this resolution we
set our selves to sail through the Archipelago of these islands,
where notwithstanding we could not make land, as well for
that we wanted a pilot to steer the vessel, oiirs being slain in
the last fight, as also because the wind and tide was against
us. Amidst so many crosses we beat up and down with labour
enough from one rhomb to another for three and twenty dayes
together, at the end whereof it pleased God that we discovered
land, whereunto approaching to see if we could descry any
appearance of a port, or good anchorage, we perceived on the
south-coast near to the horizon of the sea a great fire, which
perswaded us that there we might peradventure find some
borough, where we might furnish our selves with fresh water,
whereof we had very great need. So we went and rode just
before the island in seventy fathom, and presently we beheld
two Ahnedias come towards us from the land with six men in
them, who being come close to the side of our junck, and
having complemented with us according to their manner,
demanded of us from whence we came? whereunto having
answered, that we came from China, with merchandize, in-
tending to trade in this place if we might be suffered, one of
the six replyed; That the Ncmtaquim, lord of that island,
called Tamxumaa, would very wiUingly permit it upon payment
of such customs as are usual in Jappan, which is, continued
he, this great coimtry that you see here before you. At these
news, and many other things which they told us, we were
exceeding glad ; so that after they had shewed us the port, we
weighed anchor, and went and put our selves under the lee-
shore of a creek, which was on the south-side, and where
stood a great town, named Mia/y-gimaa, from whence there
came instantly aboard of us divers Pa/roos with refreshments,
which we bought.
We had not been two hours in this creek of
260 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
when as the Nautaquim, Prince of this island of Tanixumaa,
came directly to our junck, attended by divers gentlemen and
merchants, who had brought with them many chests full of
silver ingots, therewith to barter for our commodities ; so after
ordinary complements past on either side, and that we had
given our word for his easiest coming aboard of us; he no
sooner perceived us three Portugals, but he demanded what
people we were, saying, that by our beards and faces we could
not be Chineses : hereunto the pirate answered, That we were
of a country called Malaca, whither many years before we
were come from another land, named Portiigal, which was at
the further end of the world. At these words the NoMtaquim
remained much amazed, and turning himself to his followers ;
Let me not live, said he unto them, if these men here be not the
Cheuchicogis, of whom it is written in our books, That flying
on the top of the waters they shall from thence subdme the
inhabitants of the earth, where God hath created the riches of
the world, wherefore it will be a good fortune for us if they come
into our country as good friends. Thereupon having called a
woman of Lequia, whom he had brought to serve as an inter-
preter between him and the Chinese, captain of the junck;
Ask the Necoda, said he unto her, where he met with these men,
and upon what occasion he had brought them hither with him
into our country of Jappan ? The captain thereunto replied.
That we were honest men and merchants, and that having
found us at Lampacau, where we had been cast away, he had
out of charity taken us in, as he used to do imto all such as he
met withall in the like case, to the end that God might out of
His gracious goodness be thereby moved to deliver him from
the danger of such violent tempests, as commonly such as sail
on the sea are subject to perish in. This saying of the pirate
seemed so reasonable to the Nautaquim, that he presently
came aboard of us, and because those of his train were very
many, he commanded that none but such as he named should
enter in. After he had seen aU the commodities in the junck,
he sate him down in a chair upon the deck, and began to
question us about certain things which he desired to know, to
the which we answered him in such sort, as we thought would
be most agreeable to his humour, so that he seemed to be
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 261
exceedingly satisfied therewith ; in this manner he entertained
us a good while together, making it apparent by his demands
that he was a man very curious, and much inclined to hear of
novelties and rare things. That done, he took his leave of us,
and the Necoda, little regarding the rest, saying, Gome amd see
me at my house to morrow, and for a present bring me an ample
relation of the strange things of that great world through which
you have travelled, as also of the countries that you have seen,
and withall remember to tell me how they are called ; for I stvear
unto you that I would far more wittingly buy this com,inodity
then any that you can sell me. This said, he returned to land,
and the next morning, as soon as it was day, he sent us to our
junck a great Parao, full of divers sorts of refreshments, as
raysins, pears, melons, and other kinds of fruits of that country;
in exchange of this present the Necoda returned him, by the
same messenger, divers rich pieces of stuff, together with
certain knacks and rarities of China, and withall sent him
word, that as soon as his junck should be at anchor, and out
of danger of the weather, he would come and wait on him
ashore, and bring him some patterns of the commodities which
we had to sell ; as indeed the next morning he went on land,
and carried us three along vrith him, as also some ten or eleven
of the chiefest of the Ghineses of his company, to the end that
at this first sight he might settle a good opinion of himself in
this people for the better satisfaction of that vanity whereunto
they are naturally inclined ; we went then to the Nautaquims
house, where we were very well entertained, and the Necoda
having given him a rich present, shewed him the patterns of
all the commodities he had, wherewith he rested so contented,
that he sent presently for the principal merchants of the place,
with whom the Necoda having agreed upon a price for his
commodities, it was resolved that the next day they should b,e
transported from the jimck into a certain house, which was
appointed for the Necoda and his people to remain in till such
time as he should set sail for China. After all this was con-
eluded, the Nautaqwim fell again to questioning of us about
many several matters, whereunto we rendred him such answers
as might rather fit his humour, then agree with the truth
indeed, which yet we did not observe but in some certain
262 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
demands that he made us, where we thought it necessary to
make use of certain particulars altogether fained by us, that so
we might not derogate from the great opinion he had conceived
of our country. The first thing he propounded was, how he
had learned from the Chineses and Lequais, that Portugal was
far richer and of a larger extent, then the whole empire of
GMna, which we confirmed unto him. The second, how he
had likewise been assured, that our king had upon the sea
conquered the greatest part of the world, which also we
averred to be so ; the third, that our king was so rich in gold
and silver, as it was held for most certain, that he had above
two thousand houses full of it even to the very tops; but
thereunto we answered, that we could not truly say the
number of the houses, because the kingdom of Portugal was
so spacious, so abounding with treasure, and so populous, as it
was impossible to specifie the same. So after the Na/utagmm
had entertained us above two hours with such and the like
discourse, he turned him to those of his train, and said.
Assuredly not one of those kings, which at this present we know
to he on the earth, is to he esteemed happy, if he he not the
vassal of so great a mona/rch as the emjperour of this people
liere. Whereupon having dismissed the Necoda and his
company, he intreated us to passe that night on shore with
him, for to satisfie the extream desire that he had to be
informed from us of many things of the world, whereunto he
was exceedingly carried by his own inclination; withall he
told us, that the next day he would assigne us a lodging next
to his own palace, which was in the most commodious place
of the town, and for that instant he sent us to lie at a very rich
merchant's house, who entertained us very bountifully that
night.
OF FERDINAND MFNDMZ PINTO. 268
CHAPTBE XXXVII.
The great honour which the Nautaquim, Lord of the Isle, did to one of us
for having seen him shoot with an harquebuse ; and his sending me to
the King of Bungo ; and that which passed till my arrival at his Court.
THE next day the GMnese Necoda disimbarqued all his
commodities, as the Nautaqwim, had enjoyned him, and
put them into sure rooms, which were given him for that
purpose, and in three days he sold them aU, as well for that
he had not many, as because his good fortune was such, that
the country was at that time utterly mifurnished thereof, by
which means this pirate profited so much, that by this sale he
wholly recovered himself of the loss of the six and twenty saile
which the GMnese pirate had taken from him ; for they gave
him any price he demanded, so that he confessed unto us, that
of the value of some five and twenty hundred Taeis which he
might have in goods, he made above thirty thousand. Now as
for us three Portugah, having nothing to sell, we imployed
our time either in fishing, himting, or seeing the temples of
these Gentiles, which were very sumptuous and rich, where-
into the Bonzes, who are their priests, received us very
courteously, for indeed it is the oustome of those of Ja/ppan
to be exceeding kind and courteous. Thus we having Uttle
to do, one of us, called Diego Zevmoto, went many times a
shooting for his pleasure in an ha/rqiiebuse that he had, wherein
he was very expert, so that going one day by chance to a
certain marsh, where there was a great store of fowl, he killed
at that time about six and twenty wild ducks. In the mean
time these people beholding this manner of shooting, which
they had never-seen before, were much amazed at it, insomuch
that it came to the notice of the Namtaqwim, who was at that
instant riding of horses, and not knowing what to think of
this novelty, sent presently for Zeimoto, just as he was shooting
in the marsh, but when he saw him come with his harquebuse
on his shoulder, and two CMneses with him carrying the fowl,
he was so mightily taken with the matter, as he could not
sufficiently admire it: for whereas they had never seen any
gun before in that country, they could not comprehend what
264 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
it might be, so that for want of understanding the secret of
the powder, they all concluded that of necessity it must be
some sorcery ; thereupon Zeimoto seeing them so astonished,
and the Nautaquim so contented, made three shoots before
them, whereof the effect was such, that he killed one kite, and
two turtle doves ; in a word then, and not to lose time, by
endearing the matter with much speech, I will say no more,
but that the Ncmtaquim caused Zeimoto to get up on the
horses crupper behind him, and so accompanied with a great
croud of people, and four Ushers, who with battoons headed
with iron went before him, crying all along the streets. Enow
all men, that the Nautaquim, Prince of this island of
Tanixumaa, and lord of our heads, enjoyns and expresly
commands, That all persons whatsoever, which inhabit the land
that Ues between the two seas, do honour this Chenohicogim, of
the fv/rther end of the world, for even at this present and for
hereafter he makes him his kinsman, in such manner as the
Jacharons are, who sit next his person; and whosoever shall
not do so willingly, he shall he sure to lose his head. Where-
upon all the people answered with a great noise ; We will do
so for ever. In this pomp Zeinwto being come to the palace
gate, the Na/utaquim alighted from his horse, and taking him
by the hand, whilest we two followed on foot a prety way
after, he led him into his court, where he made him sit with
him at his own table, alid to honour him the more, he would
needs have him lodge there that night, showing many other
favours to him afterwards, and to us also for his sake. Now
Zeimoto conceiving, that he could not better acknowledge the
honour which the Nanitagmm did him, then by giving him his
ha/rquehuse which he thought would be a most acceptable
present unto him; on a day when he came home from
shooting, he tendred it unto him with a number of pigeons
and turtle-doves, which he received very kindly, as a thing of
great value, assuring him that he esteemed of it more, then of
all the treasures of CMna, and giving him withall in recompence
thereof a thousand Taeis in silver, he desired bini to teach him
how to make the powder, saying, that without that the ha/r-
quehuse would be of no use to him, as being but a piece of
Tjnprofitable iron, which Zeimoto promised him to do, aud
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 265
accordingly performed the same. Now the Ncmtaguim taking
pleasure in nothing so much as shooting in this ha/rguebuse,
and his subjects perceiving that they could not content him
better in any thing, then in this, wherewith he was so much
delighted, they took a pattern of the said hwrquebuse to make
others by it, and the effect thereof was such, that before our
departure (which was five moneths and an half after) there was/
six hundred of them made in the country ; nay I wiU say more,
that afterwards, namely, the last time that the Vice-roy Don
AVphonso de Noronha sent me thither with a present to the
King of Bungo, which happened in the year 1556. those of
Jwppan afi&rmed, that in the city of Fucheo, being the chief of
that kingdom, there were above thirty thousand; whereat
finding my self to be much amazed, for that it seemed impos-
sible unto me, that this invention should multiply in such
sort, certain merchants of good credit assured me that in the
whole island of Jappan there were above three hundred thou-
sand harquebuses, and that they alone had transported of
them in the way of trade to the country of the Lequios, at six
several times, to the number of five and twenty hundred ; so
that by the means of that one, which Zeimoto presented to ■
the Na/utaquim in acknowledgment of the honour and good i
of&ces that he had done him, as I have declared before, the
cpimtry was filled with such abundance of them, as at this day
there is not so small an hamlet but hath an hundred at the
least; for as for cities and great towns, they have them by
thousands, whereby one may perceive, what the inclination of
this people is, and how much they are naturally addicted to
the wars, wherein they take more delight, then any other
nation that we know.
We had been now three and twenty days in the Island of
Tanixumaa, where very contentedly we past away the time,
either in fishing, fowling, or hunting, whereunto these people
of Jappan are much addicted, when as a vessel belonging to
the King of Bungo arriving in that port, in the which were
divers men of quality, and certain merchants, who as soon as
they were landed went to wait upon the NoMtaqmm with
their presents, according to the usual custom of the country.
Amongst them there was an ancient man, very well attended,
266 TEJEl TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
and unto whom the rest carried much respect, that falling on
his knees before the Nautaquim, presented him with a letter,
and a rich courtelass garnished with gold, together with a box
full of ventiloes, which the Nautaqmm received with a great
deal of ceremony. Then having spent some time with him in
asking of certain questions, he read the letter to himself, and
thereupon having remained a pretty while as it were in suspence,
and dismissed the bearer thereof from his presence, with an
express charge to those about him to see him honourably enter-
tained, he called us unto him, and commanded the truchman
that was thereby, to use these words unto us, My good frierids,
I intreat you that you will hear this letter read, which is sent
me from my lord and uncle, and then I will let you know what
I desire of you ; so giving it to a treasurer of his, he commanded
him to read it, which instantly he did, and these were the
contents of it. Thou right eye of my face, Hynscarangoxo,
Nautiquim of Tanixumaa, / Orgemdoo, who am yov/r father
in the true love of my bowels, as he from whom you have taken
the name and being of your person. King of Bungo and Fatacaa,
Lord of the great House of Fiancima, Tosa, and Bandou, chief
sovera/ign of the petty kings of the Islands of Goto amd Xaman-
axequa, I give you to understand, my son, by the words of my
mmith, which are spoken of yov/r person, that some days since
certain msn, condng from your country, have assu/red me, that
you have in your town three Chenchicogims of the other end of
the world, men that accommodate themselves very well with those
of Jappan, are clothed in silk, and usrially wear swords by their
sides, not like merchants that use traffique, but in the quality of
persons that make profession of honour, and which by that only
mean pretend to render their names immortal ; moreover, I have
liea/rd for a truth, that these same men have entertained you at
large with all matters of the whole universe, and ha/ve assured
unto you on their faith, that there is another world greater then
ou/rs, inhabited with black and tawny people, of whom they have
told you things most incredible to ou/r judgement, for which cause
I infinitely desire you, as if you were my son, that by Kangean-
dono, whom I ha/ve despatched from hence to visit my daughter,
you will send me one of those three strangers, which I am told
you have in your house ; the rather for that you know my long
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 267
indisposition, accom^pamed with so mtich pmn and grief, hath
great need of some dmersion : now if it should happen that they
would not be wilUng thereunto, you may then assti/re them, as
well on your own faith, as on mine, that I will not fail to return
them hack in all safety ; whereupon, like a good son that desires
to' please his father, so order the matter that I may rejoyce my
self in the sight of them, and so hoAje my desire accomplished.
What I have further to say unto you, my ambassadour Pingean-
dono shall acquaint you with, by whom I pray you Uberally
impa/rt to me the good news of your person, and that of my
daughter, seeing she is, as you know, the apple of my right eye,
whereof the sight is all the joy of my face. From the house of
Fucheo the seventh Mamoque of the Moon. After that the
Nautaquim had heard this letter read; the King of Bungo, said
he unto us, is my lord, and my uncle, the brother of my mother,
and (above all) he is my good father, for I call him by that
name, because he is so to my wife, which is the reason that he
loves me no less then his own children ; wherefore I count my
self exceedingly bound unto him, and do so much desire to
please him that I could now find in my heart to give the best
part of my estate for to be transformed into one of you, as well for
to go unto him, as to give him the content of seeing you, which
out of the knowledge I have of his disposition, I am assured he
will value more then all the treasures of China. Now having thus
acquainted you with his desire, I earnestly intreat you to render
your selves conformable thereunto, and that one of you two
will take the pains to go to Bungo,ih.BXQ to see the King whom
I hold . for my father and my lord ; for as for this other, to
whom I have given the name and being of a kinsman, I am
not wilUng to part with him till he hath taught me to shoot
as well as himself. Hereupon Christovano Borralho, and I,
greatly satisfied with the Na/utaquAm's courtesie, answered
him, that we kissed his Highness hands for the exceeding
honor he did us in vouchsafing to make use of us ; and seeing
it was his pleasure so tp do, that he should for that effect
make choice of which of us two he thought best, and he should
not fail to be suddenly ready for the voyage. At these words
standing a while in musing to himself, he looked on me, and
said, I am resolved to send him there, because he seems not
268 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
SO solemn, but is of a more lively humour, wherewith those ot
Jcuppan are infinitely delighted, and may thereby chear up tha
sick man, whereas the too serious gravity of this other, said
he, turning him to Borralho, though very commendable for
more important matters, would serve but to entertain his
melancholy instead of diverting it. Thereupon falling into
merry discourse, and jesting with those about him, whereunto
the people of Ja^pan are much inclined, the Fingeandono
arrived, unto whom he presented me, -with, a special and par-
ticular recommendation touching the assurance of my person,
wherewith I was not onely well satisfied, but had my minde also
cleared from certain doubts, which out of the little knowledge
I had of these peoples humors, had formerly troubled me.
This done, the Nautaquim commanded 200 Taeis to be given
me for the expence of my voyage, whereupon the Fingeandono
and I imbarqued our selves in a vessel with oars, called a
Punce, and in one night having traversed all this island of
Tanixumaa, the next morning we cast anchor in an haven,
named Hiamangoo, from whence we went to a good town,
called Quanguixumaa, and so continuing our course afore the
winde, with a very fair gale, we arrived the day ensuing at a
very sweet place, named Tanaro, whence the morrow after we
went to Minato, and so forward to a fortress of the King of
Bungoes, called Osquy, where the Fingeandono stayed some
time, by reason that the captain of the place (who was his
brother in law) found himself much indisposed in his health.
There we left the vessel in which we came, and so went by
land directly to the city, where being arrived about noon, the
Fingeandono, because it was not at a time fit to wait upon
the King, went to his own house. After dinner having rested
a little, and shifted himself into a better habit, he mounted on
horsbaok, and with certain of his friends rode to the court,
carrying me along with him, where the King was no sooner
advertised of his coming, but he sent a son of his about nine
or ten years of age to receive him, who accompanied with a
number of noblemen, richly apparelled, and his ushers with
their maces going before him, took the Fingeandono by the
hand, and beholding him with a smiling countenance ; Ma/y
thy entrance, said he unto him, into the house of the King my
OP FERDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 269
lord, bring thee as rrnich content and honour as thy children
deserve, and are worthy, being thine, to sit at table with me in
th£ solemn feasts. At these words the Fingeandono prostrating
himself on the ground ; My lord, answered he, I most humbly
beseech them that a/re in heaven above, which ha/oe ta/ught thee
to be so courteous and so good, either to answer for me, or to give
me a tongue so voluble, as may express my thankfulness in terms
agreeable to thy ears for the great honour thou art pleased to do
me at this present ; for in doing otherwise I should offend no
less, then those ungratefull wretches which inhabit the lowest pit
of the profound and obscure house of smoak. This said, he
offered to kiss the curtelass which the young prince wore by
his side, which he would by no means permit, but taking him
by the hand, he led him to the King his father, unto whom,
lying sick in his bed, he delivered a letter from the Na/utaguim,
which after he had read, he commanded him to call me in
from the next room where I staid attending, which instantly
he did, and presented me to the King, who entertaining me
very graciously ; Thy arrival, said he unto me, in this my
country is no less pleasing to me, then the rain which falls from
heaven is profitable to our fields that are sowed with rice.
Knding my self somewhat perplexed with the novelty of these
terms, and this manner of salutation, I made him no answer
for the instant, which made the King say to the lords that
were about hira, I imagine that this stranger is daunted with
seeing so much company here, for that peradventure he hath
not been accustomed unto it, wherefore I hold it fit to remit
him unto some other time, when as he may be better ac-
quainted, and not be so abashed at the sight of the people.
Upon this speech of the Kings I answered by my truchman,
that whereas his Highness had said that I was daunted, I
confessed that it was true, not in regard of so many folks as
were about me, because I had seen far many more, but
that my amazement proceeded from the consideration that I
was now before the feet of so great a king, which was sufficient
to make me mute an hundred thousand years, if I could live
so long. I added further, that those which were present there
seemed to pie but men, as I my self was, but as for his High-
ness, that God had given him such great advantages above
270 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
all, as it was His pleasure he should be lord, and that others
.should be mere servants, yea, and that I my self was but a
silly ant, in comparison of his greatness, so that his Majesty
coijd not see me in regard ot my smalness, nor I in respect
thereof be able to answer unto his demands. All the assistants
much such account of this mad answer of mine, as clapping
their hands by way of astonishment, they said unto the King,
Mark, I beseech your Highness, how he speaks to purpose ;
verily it seems that this man is not a merchant, which meddles
with base things, as buying and selling, but rather a Bonze,
that offer sacrifices for the people ; or if not so, surely he is
some great captain that hath a long time scoured the seas.
Truly, said the King, I am of the same opinion, now that I
see him so resolute ; but let every man be silent, because I
purpose that none shall speak to him but my self alone ; for
I assure you that I take so much delight in hearing him talk,
that at this instant I feel no pain. At those words the Queen
and her daughters, which were set by him, were not a Httle
glad, and falling on their knees, vrith their hands lifted up to
heaven, they thanked God for this His goodness unto them.
CHAPTBE XXXVIII.
The great mishap that befell the Eing of Bungo's son, mth the extreme
danger that I yrae in for the same ; and what followed thereupoUi
A LITTLE after the King caused me to approach imto his
bed, where he lay sick of the gout, when I was near
him. I prithee, said he unto me, be not unwilling to stay here
by me, for it does me rrmch good to look on thee, and talk with
thee ) thou shalt also obUge me to let me know whether in thy
country, which is at the further end of the world, thou hast not
learn'd any remedy for this disease wherewith I am tormented,
or for the lack of appetite, which hath contimced with me now
almost these two moneths without eating any thing to speak of.
Hereunto I answered, that I made no profession of physick,
for that I had never learn'd that art, but that in the junk,
wherein I came from China, there was a certain wood, which
OF FEBDINANB MENDEZ PINTO'. 271
infused in water healed far greater sicknesses then that where-
of he complained, and that if he took of it, it would assuredly
help him. To hear of this he was very glad, insomuch that
transported with an extreme desire to be healed, he sent
away for it in all haste to Tanixumaa, where the junck
lay, and having used of it 30 days together, he perfectly
recovered of his disease, which had held him so for 2 years
together, as he was not able to stir from one place to another.
Now during the time that I remained with much content in
this city of Fuchea, being some 20 days, I wanted not occasions
to entertain my self withall ; for sometimes I was imployed
in answering the questions, which the King, Queen, princes,
and lords asked of me, wherein I easily satisfied them, for
that the matters they demanded of me were of very little
consequence. Other-whiles I bestowed my self in beholding
their solemnities, the temples where they offered up their
prayers, their warlike exercises, their naval fleets, as also their
fishing and hunting, wherein they greatly delight, especially in
the high-flying of falcons and vultures. Oftentimes I past
away the time vrith my harquebuse in killing of turtles and
quails, whereof there is great abundance in the country. In
the mean season this new manner of shooting seemed no less
marvellous and strange to the inhabitants of this land, then
to them of Tamxumaa ; so that beholding a thing which they
had never seen before, they made more reckoning of it than I
am able to express, which was the cause that the Kings second
son, named ArichaMdono, of the age of 16 or 17 years, and
whom the King wonderfully loved, intreated me one day to
teach bim to shoot ; but I put him off, by saying that there
needed a far longer time for it then he imagined, wherewith
not weU pleased he complained to his father of me, who to
content the prince desired me to give him a , couple of charges
for the satisfying of his minde ; whereunto I answered that I
would give him as many as his Highness would be pleased to
command me. Now because he was that day to dine with
his father, the matter was referred to the afternoon, howbeit
then too there was nothing done, for that he waited on his
mother to a village adjoyning, whither they came from all
parts on pilgrimage by reason of a certain feast, which was
272 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBE8
celebrated there for the health of the King. The next day
this young prince came with dnely 2 young gentlemen waiting
on him to my lodging, where finding me asleep on a mat, and
my harqu&htise hanging on a hook by, he would not wake me
till he had shot off a couple of charges, intending, as he told
me afterwards himself, that these two shoots should not be
comprised in them I had promised him. Having, then com-
manded one of the young gentlemen that attended him, to go
softly and kindle the match, he took down the hwrquehise from
the place where it himg, and going to charge it, as he had
seen me do, not knowing how much powder he should put in,
he charged the piece almost two spans deep, then putting in
the bullet, he set himself with it to shoot at an orange tree
that was not far off ; but fire being given, it was his ill hap
that the harquebuse brake into 3 pieces, and gave him 2 hurts,
by one of the which his right hand thumb was in a manner
lost ; instantly whereupon the prince fell down as one dead,
which the 2 gentlemen perceiving, they ran away towards the
court, crying along in the streets that the strangers harquebuse
had killed the prince; At these sad news the people flocked
in all haste with weapons and great cries to the house where
I was. Now God knows whether I was not a little amazed
when coming to awake I saw this tumult, as also the young
prince lying along upon the floor by me weltring in his own
bloud without stirring either hand or foot. All that I could
do then was to imbrace him in my arms, so besides my self, aa
I knew not where I was. In the mean time, behold the King
comes in a chair carried upon 4 mens shoulders, and so sad
and pale, as he seemed more dead then alive; after him
followed the Queen on foot leaning upon 2 ladies, with her 2
daughters, and a many of women aU weeping. As soon as
they were entred into the chamber, and beheld the young
prince extended on the ground, as if he had been dead,
imbraced in my arms, and both of us wallowing in bloud,
they all concluded that I had killed him; so that 2 of the
company drawing out their scymitars, would have slain me ;
which the King perceiving, Stay, stay, cried he, let ms know
first how the matter goes, for I fear it comes further off, and
that this fellow here 'hath been corrupted by some of those
OP FEBDINANB MENDEZ PINTO. 273
traitors kinred, whom I caused to be last executed. Thereupon
commanding the 2 young gentlemen to be called which had
accompanied the prince, his son, thither, he questioned them
exactly. Their answer was, that my harquebuse with the
inchantments in it had killed him. This deposition served
but to incense the assistants the more, who in a rage address-
ing themselves to the King. What need, sir, have you to hear
more, cried they ? Here is but too much, let him be put to a
cruel death. Therewith they sent in all haste for the Jarabuca,
who was my interpreter, to them; now for that upon the
arrival of this disaster he was out of extreme fear fled away,
they brought him straight to the King ; but before they fell to
examining of him, they mightily threatned him, in case he
did not confess the truth ; whereunto he answered trembling,
and with tears in his eyes, that he would reveal all that he knew.
In the mean time being on my knees, with my hands bound,
a Bonzo, that was President of their Justice, having his arms
bared up to the shoulders, and a poiniard in his hand dipped
in the blond of the young prince, said thus unto me, I conjwre
thee, thou son of some devil, and culpable of the same crime for
which they are damned that inhabit in the house of smoak,
where they Ue buried in the obscure and deep pit of the centre
of the earth, that thou confess unto me with a voice so loud that
every one viay hear thee, for what cause thou hast with these
sorceries and inchantments killed this young innocent, whom we
hold for the hairs, and chief ornaments of our heads. To this
demand I knew not what to answer upon the sudden, for that
I was so far besides my self, as if one had taken away my
lite, I believe I should not have felt it; which the president
perceiving, and beholding me with a terrible countenance,
Seest thou not, continued he, that if thou doest not answer to
the questions I ask thee, that thou moAjest hold thy self for con-
demmed to a death of bloud, of fire, of water, and of the blasts
of the winde ; for thou shalt be dAsmembred into air, like the
feathers of dead fowl, which the winde ca/rries from one place
to another, separated from the body with which they werejoyned
whitest they lived. This said, he gave me a great kick with
his foot for to rowse up my spirits, and cried out again, Speak,
confess who they are that have corrupted thee ? what sum of
19
274 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
money heme they given thee ? how me they called, ? and where
a/re they at this present ? At these words being somewhat
come again to my self, I answered him, that God knew my
innocence, and that I took him for witness thereof. But he
not contented with what he had done began to menace me
more than before, and set before mine eyes an infinite of
torments and terrible things ; wherein a long time being spent,
it pleased God at length that the young prince came to him-
self, who no sooner saw the King his father, as also his mother
and sisters dissolved into tears, but that he desired them not
to weep ; and that if he chanced to die, they would attribute
his death to none but himself, who was the onely cause
thereof, conjuring them moreover by the bloud, wherein they
beheld him weltring, to cause me to be unbound without all
delay, if they desired not to make him die anew. The King
much amazed with this language, commanded the manacles to
be taken off which they had put upon me ; whereupon came
in i Bonzoes to apply remedies unto him, but when they saw
in what manner he was wounded, and that his thumb hung in
a sort but by the skin, they were so troubled at it, as they
knew not what to do ; which the poor prince observing, Away,
away, said he, send hence these devils, and let others come
that have more heart to judge of my hurt, since it hath pleased
God to send it me. Therewith the 4 Bonzoes were sent away,
and other 4 came in their stead, who hkewise wanted the
courage to dress him ; which the King perceiving was so much
troubled as he knew not what to do ; howbeit he resolved at
length to be advised therein by them that were about him,
who counselled him to send for a Bonzo, called Teixeandono, a
man of great reputation amongst them, and that lived then at
the city of Facataa, some 70 leagues from that place ; but the
wounded prince not able to brook these delays ; I know not,
answered he, what you mean by this counsel which you gi/ve my
father, seeing me in the deplorable estate wherein I am ; for
whereas I ought to have been d/rest already, you would ha/oe me
stay for an old rotten man, who cannot be here unUll one hath
made a jowney of an hundred and forty leagues, both in going
and commg, so that it nmst be a moneth at least before he
can a/rrifoe ; wherefore speak no more of it, but if you desire to
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 275
do me a pleasure, free tMs strmger a Uttlefrom thefewr you
have put him in, and clear the room of all this throng, he that
you beUeye hath hu/rt me mil help me, as he moA/, for I had
rather die under the hands of this poor wretch ; that hath wept
so much for me, then be touched by Bonzo of Facataa, who at
the age he is of, of rdnety and two yea/rs, can see no further then
his nose.
CHAPTBE XXXIX.
My curing the young Prince of Bungo ; with my return to Tanixumaa, and
imbarquing there for Liampoo ; and also that which happened to us on
land, after the shipwraok we suffered by the way.
THE King of Bungo being extremely grieved to see the
disaster of his son, turned himself to me, and behold-
ing me with a very gentle comitenance; Stranger, said he
unto me, try I pray thee, if them canst assist my son in this
peril of Ms Ufe, for I swea/r unto thee, if thou camst do it, I
will mahe no less esteem of thee, then of Mm Mmself, and will
gvoe thee whatsoever thou wilt demand of me. Hereunto I
answered the King, that I desired his Majesty to command all
those people away, because the coyl that they kept confounded
me, and that then I would see whether his hurts were
dangerous; for if I found that I was able to cure them, I
would do it most willingly. Presently the King willed every
one to be gone; whereupon approaching unto the prince, I
perceived that he had but two hurts ; one on the top of his
forehead, which was no great matter ; and the other on his
right hand thumb, that was almost cut off. So that our Lord
inspiring me, as it were, with new courage, I besought the
King not to be grieved, for I hoped in less then a month to
render him his son perfectly recovered. Having comforted
him in this manner, I began to prepare my self for the dressing
of the prince ; but in the mean time the King was very much
reprehended by the Bonzoes, who told him, that his son would
assuredly die that night, and therefore it was better for him
to put me to death presently, then to suffer me to kill the
276 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
prince outright, adding further, that if it should happen to
prove so, as it was very likely, it would not only be a great
scandal unto him, but also much alienate his peoples affections
from him. To these speeches of the Bonzoes the King replied,
that he thought they had reason for that they said, and there-
fore he desired them to let him know how he should govern
himself in this extremity. You must, said they, stay the
coming of the Bonzo Teixeandono, and never think of any
other course ; for we assure you, in regard he is the holiest
man living, he will no sooner lay his hand on him but he will
heal him strait, as he hath healed many others in our sight.
As the King was even resolved to follow the cursed counsel
of these servants of the devil, the prince complained
that his wounds pained him Ln such sort that he was not
able to endure it, and therefore prayed that any handsome
remedy might be instantly appUed to them; whereupon the
King, much distracted between the opinion of the Bonzoes, and
the danger that his son was in of his life, together with the
extreme pain that he suffered, desiring those about him to
advise him what he should resolve on, in that exigent ; not
one of them but was of the mind, that it was far more expedient
to have the prince drest out of hand, then to stay the time
which the Bonzoes spake of. This counsel being approved of
the King, he came again to me, and making very much of me,
he promised me mighty matters if I could recover his son ; I
answered him with tears in my eyes, that by the help of God I
would do it, and that he himself should be witness of my care
therein. So recommending my self to God, and taking a good
heart unto me, for I saw there was no other way to save my
life, but that, I perpared all things necessary to perform the
cure. Now because the hurt of the right hand thumb was
most dangerous, I began vrith that, and gave it seven stitches,
whereas peradventure if a chirurgion had drest him, he would
have given it fewer ; as for that of the forehead, I gave it but
four, in regard it was much slighter then the other ; that done,
I applyed to them tow wet in the whites of eggs, and so bound
them up very close, asl had seen others done in ihelmMaes. Five
days after I out the stitches, and continued dressing him as
before, until that at the end of twenty days it pleased God he
OF FEBDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 277
was throughly cured, without any other inconvenience remain-
ing in him than a little weakness in his thumb. Eor this cause
after that time the King and his lords did me much honour ;
the Queen also, and the princesses her daughters presented me
with a great many sutes of silks, and the chiefest of the court
with cymitars, and other things, besides all which the King
gave me six hundred Taeis; so that after this sort I received in
recompence of this my cure above fifteen hundred ducates, that I
carried with me from this place. After things were past in this
manner, beiag advertised by letters from my two companions at
Tamxvmaa, that the Chinese pirate, with whom we came thither,
was preparing for his return to GMna, I besought the King of
Bungo to give me leave to go back, which he readily granted
me, and with much acknowledgment of the curing of his son he
willed a Funce to be made ready for me, furnished with all
thiags necessary, wherein commanded a man of quaUty, that
was attended by twenty of the Kings servants, with whom I
departed on Saturday morning for the city of Fuoheo, and
the Friday following about sun-set I arrived at Tamxumaa,
where I found my two camrades, who received me with much
joy. Here we continued fifteen days longer, till such time as the
junck was quite ready, and then we set sail for Liampoo, which
is a sea-port of the kingdom of GMna, whereof I have spoken
at large heretofore, and where at that time the Portiigals
traded. Having continued our voyage with a prosperous
wind, it pleased God that we arrived safe at our desired port,
where it is not to believed how much we were welcomed by
the inhabitants of the place.
[Pinto sets sail with the Portuguese from lAamvpoo, and is
shipwrecked on the Island of the Leqmos ; Ms imprisonment
in the town of Pungor, and other ad/oentwes, till his safe return
to Liampoo, x»mitteJ»«]
278 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
CHAPTEE XL.
My sayling from Liampoo to Malaoa, from whence the captain ot the fortress
sent me to the Chaubainhaa at Martabano ; and all that befel ub in our
voyage thither,
BEING arrived at Liampoo, we were very well received by
the Portugals, that lived there. IVom whence within a
while after I imbarqued my self in the ship of a Porttigal,
named Tristano de Gaa, for to return unto Malaca, with an
intention once more to try my fortune, which had so often
been contrary to me, as may appear by that which I have
dehvered before. This ship being safely arrived at Malaca, I
went presently unto Pedro de Fama, Governour of the fortress,
who desiring to benefit me somewhat before the time of his
Government was expired, he caused me to undertake the
voyage of Ma/rtahan, which was usually very profitable, and
that in the junck of a Mahometam, named Necoda Mamtode,
who had wife and children at Malaca. Now the principal
designe of this voyage was, to conclude a peace vrith the
GhoMhamhaa, King of Ma/rtabano ; as also to continue the
commerce of those of that country vnth us, because their
juncks did greatly serve for the provisions of our fortress,
which at that time was unfurnished thereof by reason of the
success of the wars of Jaoa. Besides I had a designe in this
my voyage of no less consequence, then the rest, which was to
get one, called Lanca/rote Chuerreyro, to come thither, who was
then on the coast of Tanaii^arim, with an hundred men in four
foists, under the name of a rebel or mutiner ; I was to require
him to come to the succour of the fortress, in regard it was
held for certain, that the King of Achem was suddainly to fall
upon it ; so that Petro de Fa/ria, seeing himself destitute of aU
that was necessary for him to sustain a siege, and of men like-
wise, found it fit to make use of these hundred men, the
rather for that they were nearest, and so might be the sooner
with him. In the third place, he sent me upon another
important occasion, namely, to give advice to the ships of
Bengala, that they should come all carefully in consort
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 279
together, lest their negligence in their navigation should be the
cause of some disaster. This voyage then I undertook very
unwillingly, and parted from Malaoa upon a Wednesday, the
9th day of Janua/ry, in the year 1545 ; being under saU I
continued my course with a good wind to Pullo Pracelwr,
where the pilot was a little retarded by means of the shelves,
which cross all that channel of the firm land, even unto the
island of Swmatra. "When we were got forth with much
labour, we passed on to the islands of Pullo Scmbillcm, where
I put my self into a Manchua, which I had very well equipped ;
and sayling in it the space of twelve days, I observed, accord-
ing to the order Ped/ro de Faria had given me for it, all the
coast of that country of Malaya, which unto ' Tunoalan con-
tains an hundred and thirty leagues, entring by all the rivers
of Ba/rlmhaas, Salangor, Panaagim, Qttedam, Paries, Pendan,
and Sambilan, Siam, vnthout so much as hearing any news at
all of his enemies in any of them. So continuing the same
course nine days more, being the three and twentieth of our
voyage, we went and cast anchor at a little island, called
Pisandurea, where the Necoda, the Mahtimetan captain of the
junck, was of necessity to make a cable, and furnish himself
with wood and water. With this resolution going on shore
every man applyed himself to the labour he was appointed
unto, and therein spent most part of the day. Now whilest
they were thus at work the son of this Mahumetan captain
came and asked me whither I would go with him, and see if
we could kill a stag, whereof there was great plenty in that
island ; I answered him that I woidd accompany him with all
my heart, so that having taken my Harquebuse, I went along
with him athwart the wood, where we had not walked above
an hundred spaces, but that we espied a many of wild boars,
that were rooting in the earth near to a pond. Having dis-
covered this game, we got as near to them as we could, and
discharging amongst them, we carried two of them to the
ground. Being very glad of this good success we presently
gave a great shout, and ran straight to the place we had seen
them rooting. But (0 dreadful to behold) in this place we
found above a dozen bodies of men digged out of the earth,
and some nine or ten others half eaten. Being much amazed
280 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
at this object, we withdrew a little aside by reason of the
great stench which proceeded from these dead bodies. Here-
upon the Sa/racen told me, that he thought we should do well
to advertise his father of this, to the end we might instantly
surround this island all about for to see whether we could
discover any vessels with pirats ; for, said he, there may be
some lie hidden behind yonder poynt, whereby we may very
well run the hazard of our lives, as it hath often befallen other
ships, where many men have been lost by the carelessness of
their captains. This advice of the Saracen seemed so good
unto me, that we presently returned back unto the rode, where
he gave an account to his father of that we had seen. Now
for that the Necoda was a very prudent man, and scalded (as
one may say) with the like inconveniences, he straight way
gave order to have the island surrounded; then causing the
women, children, and linnen, although it were but half washed,
to be imbarqued, he himself being followed by forty men,
armed with harquebuses and lances, went directly to the place
where we had discovered those bodies, and viewing them one
after another, with stopping our noses by reason of the stench,
which was insupportable, he was so moved with compassion,
that he commanded the mariners to dig a great pit for to bury
them in. But as they were about to render them this last
duty, and looking over them again, there was found upon
some of them little daggers garnished with gold, and on others
bracelets. Whereupon the Necoda, understanding well this
mystery, wished me with all speed to dispatch away the rowing
vessel that I had to the captain of Malaca, for that, as he
assured me, those dead men, which they saw there, were
Achems, who had been defeated near to Tanaucarim, whither
their armies ordinarily retired because of the war which they
had with the King of Siami. The reason he alledged to us for
this was, that those which we saw there lying dead, having
golden bracelets about them, were captains of Achem, who
had caused themselves to be buried without permitting them
to be taken away, and that he would lose his head if it were
not so. For a greater proof whereof, he further added, that
he would make some more of them to be dis-enterred, as
incontinently he did; and having digged some seven and
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 381
thirty of them out of the earth, there was found about them
sixteen bracelets of gold, twelve very rich daggers, and many
jewels, so that thinking of no other but hunting, we got a
booty worth above a thousand ducates, which the Necoda had,
besides what was concealed ; but the truth is, this was not
altogether to our advantage, for the most part of our men
became sick with the extream stench of those bodies. _At the
very instant I dispatched away the rowing vessel that we had
to Malaca, and advertised Ped/ro de Faria of the whole success
of our voyage. Withall I certified him what course we had
held ; as also into what ports, and into what rivers we had
entred, without hearing any other news of his enemies, then
that it was suspected they had been at Tancmoarim, where by
the appearances of those dead bodies, it was to be believed that
they had been defeated ; whereunto I added, for a conclusion,
that if I could light on any more assured news concerning
them, I would presently acquaint him with it, in what part
soever I were.
After I had dispatched away the rowing vessel to Malaca,
with the letters which I had directed to Pedro de Faria, and
that our junck was furnished with all things necessary for her,
we sayled towards the coast of Tancmcarim, where, as I said
before, I had order to land for to treat with Lancerote Gwer-
reyro, that he, and the rest of the Portugals of his company,
might come to the succour of Malaca, which the Achems in-
tended to besiege, according to the report that went of it.
Being under sail then we arrived at a Utile island, a league in
circuit, called Pulho Hinhor, where a Pa/rao came unto us, in
the which were six tawny Moors, poorly clad, with red bonnets
on their heads ; their boat being close to our junck, which was
then under sail, they saluted us in the way of peace, where-
unto we answered in the like manner. That done, they
demanded of us if there were any Portugals amongst us ? We
told them that there were, but mistrusting it, they desired to
see one or two of them upon the hatches, because, added
they, it imports much that it should be so. Whereupon the
Necoda prayed me to come up, which incontinently I did,
though at that time I was shut up in my cabbin below some-
what indisposed in my health ; when I was on the deck I
282 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBE3
called to them that were in the Pa/rao, who had no sooner seen
me, and known me to be a Portugal, but they gave a great
shout; and clapping their hands for joy, they came aboard
our junck. Then one of them, who by his countenance seemed
to have more authority then the rest, began to say unto me :
Seigmor, before I cra/ve leave of thee to speak, I desire thee to
read this letter, to the end it may induce thee the more readily
to believe that which I am to say unto thee. Thereupon, out of
an old filthy clout he took a letter, wherein (after I had opened
it) I found this written: Sigrdors Portugals, which are true
Christians, this honou/rable man, that shall shew you this letter,
is king of this island, newly con/verted to the faith, and called
Dom Lancerote. Ee hath rendred many good offices, not onely
to them who ha/ve subscribed this writing, but to us also who
home navigated on these coasts. For he hath given us very
important advertisements of the treasons which the Achems and
Turks ha/ve plotted agadnst us, so that by the means of this honest
man we ha/ve discovered all their designs : withall God hath
made use of him for to give us not long si?ice a great victory
against them, wherein we ha/oe taken from them one gaily, four
galliots, and five foists, with the death of above a thousand Sar-
razins. Wherefore we intreat you, by the wounds of owr Lord
Jesus Christ, and by the merits of His holy passion, not onely to
keep him from all wrong, but to assist him with all your power,
as the manner is of all good Portugals, that it ma/y serve for an
example to those which shall htow this, to do the like in imita-
tion of you. And so we kiss your hands, this 13th day of
November, 1544. This letter was signed by more then 50
Portugals, amongst whom were the 4 captains that I fought
for,- namely, Lancerote Guerreyra, Antorde Gomez, Pedro Fer-
reyra, and Cosmo Bernaldes. When I had read this letter, I
made a tender of my person to this petty king, for otherways
my power was so small, as it could not reach further then to
the giving him a bad dinner, and a red bonnet I had on, which
all worn as it was, was yet better then his own. Now after
this poor king had made some declaration to me of himself,
and of his miseries, hfting up his hands to heaven, and shed-
ding abundance of tears. Owr Lord Jesus Christ, said he unto
me, whose slave I am, doth know what great need I have now of
OF FEBDINAND MMNDEZ PINTO. 283
the favow and succour of some Christians ; for becmse I am a
Christian, as they a/re, a Mahometan sla/oe of mine, about fow
monthes ago, redmed me to that extrermty wherein I behold my
self at this instant, being not able in the state I am into do arvy
other then cast wp mine eyes to heamen, and lament my mis-
fortune, with much sorrow, and Utile remedy. And I assu/re
thee, by the verity of that holy and new law, whereof I now make
profession, that not onely for being a Christian, and a friend of
the Portugals, I am persecuted in this sort. Now for that being
alone, as thou art, it is not possible for thee to assist me. I
beseech thee, Signior, to take me along with thee, to the end that
this soul which God hath put into me may not perish, and in
recompence thereof I promise to serve thee as a slave all the days
of my life. Lo this is that which this poor king said with so
many tears, as it was great pity to behold it ; in the mean
time the Necoda, who was of a good disposition, and charitably
inclined, was very much moved with the disaster of the unfor-
tunate king, so that he gave him a little rice, and some linnen
to cover him withall, for he was so ragged, that one might see
his naked skin every where about him. After he had informed
himself from bim of certain particulars, the knowledge where-
of concerned him, he demanded him where his enemy was, and
what forces he had ? Whereunto he answered, that he was a
quarter of a league from thence, in a cabbin covered with
straw, having not above thirty fishermen with him, who were
most of them without arms. Hereupon the Necoda cast his
eye upon me, and seeing me sad, for that I was not able of
my self to succour this poor Christian, thinking withall that
he should much oblige me thereby, Signior, said he imto me,
*/ thou wert now captain of my junok, as I am, what remedy
wouldst thou give to the tears of this poor man, wherewith also
thy eyes do pa/rticipate ? I knew not what reply to make him,
for that I was greatly moved to behold my neighbour, a
Christian like my self, to suffer in that manner, which the
Necoda' s son perceiving, who was, as I have said, a young man
of a good spirit, and brought up amongst the Portugals, and
guessing at the shame and sorrow I was in, he desired his
father to lend him 20 mariners of his junck, that by their
means he might re-establish this poor King, and chase the
284 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAQES, AND ADVENTURES
thief out of the island. To this the Necoda answered, that if
I would demand so much of him, he would do it very wil-
lingly ; whereupon casting my self at his feet, and embracing
him, which is the humblest complement used amongst them,
I told him with tears in my eyes, that if he would do me this
favour I would be his slave whilest I lived, and that both he
and his children should finde how ready I would be always to
acknowledge the same. He presently granted my request, so
that causing the junck to approach near the shoar, he prepared
himself in 3 boats with one faulcon, 3 bases, and 60 men, Jaos
and Lesons, all well armed, for 30 of them carried Ha/rgue-
bmes, the rest lances, and bowes and arrows, besides grana-
does, and other such like fire-works, as we thought were
convenient for our design.
It was about 2 of the clock in the afternoon when we
landed, and so we went directly to the trench where the
enemies were. The Necoda's son led the vanguard, consist-
ing of 40 men, whereof 20 were armed with Hanrquebuses, and
the rest with bowes and arrows. The Necoda himself brought
on the rear; wherein were 30 souldiers, carrying a banner,
which Pedro de Faria had given him at his parting from
Malaca, with a cross painted in it, to the end that he might be
known for a vassal to our king, in case he should encounter
any of our ships. Marching in this order by the guiding of
this petty king, we arrived where the rebell was with his men
set in order, who by the shouting and cries seemed in shew
not to make any reckoning of us. There were in number
about 50, but weak, unarmed, and utterly destitute of all
things necessary for their defence, having for all their arms
but staves, 10 or 11 lances, and 1 Harquebuse. As soon as we
had discovered them we gave fire to the faulcon and bases,
discharging withall 20 Ha/rquebmes, whereupon the thieves
betook themselves presently to flight, being in great disorder,
and most of them hurt. We pursued them then so close, that
we overtook them on the top of a little hill, where they were
defeated in the space of 2 Credo's, not one of them escaping
with life save onely 3, whom we spared for that they said they
were Christians. That done, we went to a village, where
there were not above 20 poor low cabbins, covered with straw ;
OF FEBDINAND MENDFZ PINTO. 285
in it were found some threescore and four women, with a many
of httle children, who no sooner perceived us, but all of them
with tears fell a crying out. Christian, GhrisUan, Jesus, Jesus.
At these words being fully perswaded that they were Christians,
I desired the Necoda that he would cause his son to retire, and
not to suffer any of them to be killed, because they were not
Gentiles, which he presently yielded unto, and yet for aU that
he could not keep the cabbins from sacking, though in them all
there was not found the value of 5 ducates. For the people
of this island are so poor, that scarce one of them is worth a
groat ; they feed on nothing but a little fish, which they take
with anghng, and eat it broiled on the coals without salt ; yet
are they so vain and presumptuous, that not one almost
amongst them but terms himself a king of some vile piece of
ground, wherein there is little more then one poor cabbin ;
besides, neither the men nor the women have wherewithall to
cover their nakedness. After the slaughter of the rebellious
Sa/racen and his followers, and the re-establishment of the poor
Christian king, putting him in possession of his wife and
children, whom his enemy had made slaves, together with
above threescore and three Christian souls, we ordained a
kinde of church amongst them, for the instruction of those
that were newly converted. And then returning to our jimck,
we presently set sail, and continued our course towards
Tcmnacarim, where I was perswaded I should finde Lanoerote
Guerreyra, and his' companions, for to treat with them about
the business, whereof I have formerly spoken. But for as
much as in the letter, which the petty king shewed me, the
Portugals made mention of a victory which God had given
them against the Turks and Achems of this coast, I hold it not
amiss to relate here how that hapned, as well for the content
the reader may take therein, as to shew that there is no
enterprise which valiant souldiers at a need may not bring to
pass, in regard whereof it imports much to cherish, and make
esteem of them. For eight moneths and more our himdred
Portugals had scoured up and down this coast in four well
rigg'd foists, wherewith they had taken three and twenty rich
ships, and many other lesser vessels, so that they which used
to sail in those parts were so terrified with the sole name of the
286 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
Porkigals, as they quitted their commerce without maWng any
further use of their shipping: by this surcease of trade the
custom-houses of the ports of Tanauccmm, Juncalan, Merguvm,
Vagaruu, and Tamay, fell much in their revenue, in so much
that those people were constrained to give notice of it to the
Emperor of Sorna/w, King of Siam, and soveraign lord of all
that country, beseeching him to give a remedy to this mischief,
whereof every one complained. Instantly whereupon, being
then at the city of Odiaa, he sent with all speed to the frontire
of Lcmhos for a Turkish captain of his, named Hered/rm
Mahomet, the same who in the year 1538 came from Suez to
the army of SoUman the Basha/w, Vice-roy of Gcmo, when as the
great Tii/rk sent him to invade the Indies ; but it fell out that
this man slipping from the body of the army arrived in a gaily
on the coast of Tanauca/rim, where he was entertained by the
Somau King of Siam, and for a pension of twelve thousand
ducates by the year served him as a general of that frontire.
Now for that the King held this Turk for invincible, and made
more account of him then of all others, he commanded him
from the place where he was, with three hundred Jamzanes
that he had with him, and giving him a great sum of money
he made him General of all the coast of this sea, to the end
that he might free those people from our incursions ; withal
he promised to make him Duke of Banchaa, which is an estate
of great extent, if he could bring him the heads of fom*
Portugal captains. This proud Turk, becoming more insolent
by the reward and promises which the King made him posted
presently away to Tanauca/rim, where being arrived he rigged
forth a fleet of ten sails for to fight with us, being so confident
of vanquishing us, as in answer of certain letters, which the
Somau had written unto him from Odiaa, these words were
found in one of them. From the time that my head was
esloigned from the feet of your Bigness for to execute tMs small
enterprize, wherein it seems you a/re pleased I should serve you,
I conUnued m/y voyage till at the end of rdne days I arrived at
Tanauearim, where I presently provided my self of such vessels
as were necessary for me, and indeed would have had hut only
two, for I hold it most infallible that those would suffice to chase
aivay these petty tMeves ; howbeit not to disobey the commission,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 287
which Combraealon the Governor of the Erwpi/re hath given me
under yowr great seal, I ha/oe made ready the great gaily, as also
the four Utile ones, and the five Foists, with which I purpose to
set forth with all speed ; for I fea/r lest these dogs should haA)e
news of my coming, and that for my sins God should be so much
their friend, as to give them leasure to fly, which would be so
great a grief unto me, that the very imagination thereof might
be my death, or through an excess of despa/i/r render me like unto
them ; but I hope that the Prophet Mahomet, of whose law I
hme made prof ession from mine infancy, will not permit that it
should so happen for my sins. This Heredrin Mahomet being
arrived at Ttmauca/rim, as I have delivered before, presently-
made ready his fleet, which was composed of five foists, four
galliots, and one gaily royal: within these vessels he im-
barqued eight hundred Mahometans, men of combat (besides
the mariners), amongst the which were three hundred
Janizaries, as for the rest they were Turks, Greeks, Malabo/res,
Achems, and Msgores, all choyce men, and so disciplined, that
their captain held the victory already for most assured;
assisted with these forces he parted from the port of
TanoMcarim for to go in the quest of our men, who at that
time were in this island of Pulho Himhor, whereof the foresaid
Christian was king. Now during those levies of men of war,
this petty king going to the town for to sell some dryed fish
there, as soon as he perceived what was intended against us,
he left all his commodities behind him, and in all haste
returned to this island of his ; where finding our men in great
security, as little dreaming of that which was in hand against
us, he related it all vmto them, whereat they remained so
much amazed, as the importance of the matter did require;
in so much that the same night and the next day having well
caulked their vessels which they had drawn ashore, they
lanched them into the sea, after they had imbarqued their
provisions, their water, their artillery, and ammunition. So
falling to their oars, vnth a purpose (as I have heard them say
since) to get to Bengala, or to Bacan, for that they durst not
withstand so great an army; but as they were unresolved
thereupon, and divided in opinion, behold they saw all the ten
sails appearing together, and behind them five great ships of
288 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
Guzwrates, whose masters had given Heredrin Mahomet thirty
thousand duoates for to secure them against our Portugah.
The sight of these fifteen sails put our men into a very great
confusion ; and because they were not able at that time to
make to sea for that the wind was contrary, they put them-
selves into a creek, which was on the south-side of the island
and invironned by a down, or hill, where they resolved to
attend what God would send them. In the mean time the
five Chizarat ships shewed themselves with full sails at sea,
and the ten sails with oars went directly to the island, where
they arrived about sun-set. Presently thereupon the Tv/rkish
captain sent out spies to the ports, where he was advertised
that they had been, and entered by little and little into the
mouth of the haven, that so he might render himself more
assured of the prize which he pretended to make, with hope
that as soon as it was day he should take them all, and so
bound hand and foot present them to the Soma/u of Siam, who
in recompence thereof had promised him the state of Banchaa,
as I have said before. The Manchua, which had been at the
port to spy them out, returned to the fleet about two hours
within night, and told Heredrin for news, that they were fled
and gone ; wherewith it is said this barbarian was so afflicted,
that tearing his hair, I aVivays feared, said he weeping, my sins
would he the cause that in the execution of thds enterprize God
would shew Himself more a Christian, then a Sarazin, and that
Mahomet would be Uke to these dogs, of whom I go in quest.
This said, he fell down all along in the place, and so continued
a good while without speaking a word. Nevertheless being
come again to himself he gave order, like a good captain, to
all that was necessary. First of all then he sent the four
galliots in quest of them to an island, called Tanbasoy, disi^ant
from that of Pulho Hinhor about seven leagues, for he was
perswaded that our men were retired thither, because this was
a better harbor then that of the island from whence they were
gone. As for the five foists he divided them into three,
whereof he sent two to another island, named Sambikm, and
other two to those which were nearest to the firm land, for
that all these places were very proper to sheltor one in ; as for
the fifth foist, in regard she was flatter then the rest, he sent
OF FSBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 289
her along with the four galliots, that she might before it was
day bring him news of that which shonld happen, with
promise of great reward for the same ; but during these things
our men, who had always a watchful eye,^ seeing the Twk had
rid himself of his greatest forces, and that there was no more
remaining with him but the gaily wherein he was, they
resolved to fight with him; and so sailing out of the creek,
where they had shrouded themselves, they rowed directly to
her. Now in regard it was past midnight, and that the
enemies had but weak sentinels, for that they thought them-
selves most secure, and never dreamt of any body lying in
wait to attaque them there, our four foists had the opportunity
to board her all together, and threescore of their lustiest men
leaping suddenly into her, in less then a quarter of an hour,
and before the enemies knew where they were for to make use
of their arms, they killed above fourscore Turks ; as for the
rest they cast themselves all into the sea, not one man re-
maining aMve : the dog Heredrin Mahomet was slain amongst
the rest, and in this great action God was so gracious to our
men, and gave them this victory at so cheap a rate, that they
had but one young man killed, and nine Portugals hurt.
They assured me since, that in this gaily, in so short a time,
what by water, and the sword, above three hundred Maho-
metans lost their lives, whereof the most part were Janiearies
of the Gold Chain, which among the Turks is a mark of honour.
Our Portugals having past the rest of the night with much
contentment, and always keeping good watch, it pleased God
that the next morning the two foists arrived from the island
whither they had been sent ; who altogether ignorant of that
which had past, came carelessly doubling the point of the
haven, where the gaily lay, so that the four foists made
themselves masters of them in a little space, and with the
loss of but a few men. After so good a success they fell
dihgently to work in fortifying the gaily and the two foists,
which they had taken, and then flanked the south-side of the
island with five great pieces of ordnance to defend the entry
into the haven. Now about evening the other two foists
arrived, making to land with the same indiscretion as the
others ; and although they had much ado to reach them, yet
20
290 TSS TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
were they constrained at length to render themselves, with the
loss onely of two Portugals. Hereupon our men resolved to
attend the four galliots that remained, and which had been
sent to the next island, but the next day so great a wind arose
from the north, that two of them were cast away upon the
coast, not one that was in them escaping. As for the other
two, about evening they discovered them very much in dis-
order, destitute of oars, and separated above three leagues the
one from the other; but at last about sun-set one of them
came to the port, and ran the same fortune as the former,
without saving any one of the Sa/razins lives. The next
morning an hour before day, the wind being very calm, our
men discovered the other galliot, which for want of oars was
not able to recover the port, in regard whereof our men
resolved to go and fetch her in, as accordingly they did, and
coming somewhat near her with two cannon shot, they killed
the most part of them that were in her, and boarding her took
her very easily ; now because all her men were either slain, or
hurt, they drew her to land by force of other boats ; so that of
the ten sail of this fleet, our men had the gaily, two galliots,
and four foysts ; as for the other two galliots, they were cast
away on the Isle of Taubasoy, as I have delivered before ; and
touching the fift foyst, no news could be heard of her, which
made it credible that she also suffered shipwraok, or that
the vnnd had cast her upon some of the other islands. This
glorious victory, which it pleased God to give us, was obtained
in the month of September, 1544, on Michaelmas Eve, which
rendred the name of the Portugals so famous through all those
coasts, that for three years after there was nothing else spoken
of ; so that the Chcmbainhaa, King of Ma/rtabano, hearing of it,
sent presently to seek them out, and promised them great
advantages if they would succour him against the King of
Bramaa, who at that time was making preparation in his city
of Pegu, for to go and besiege Martabano, with an army of
seven hundred thousand men.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 291
CHAPTEE XLI.
Tha continuance of our voyage to the Bar of Martabano; and certain
memorable particularities bapning there,
BEING departed, as I said, from the Island of Pulho Hmhor,
we continued our course towards the port of Tarnassery,
for the affair of which I have spoken ; but upon the approach
of the night, the pilot desiring to avoid certain sands that
were to the prow-ward of him, put forth to sea, with an
intention as soon as it was day to return towards land with
the westerly wind, which at the instant blew from the Indiaes
by reason of the season. We had now held this course five
days, running vnth much labour by many different rhombs,
when as it pleased God that we accidently discovered a little
vessel ; and for as much as we thought it to be a fisher-boat,
we made to it, for to be informed from them in her where-
abouts we were, and how many leagues it was from thence to
Twrnassery; but having passed close by her, and haled her
without receiving any answer, we sent off a shallop, well
furnished with men for to compel her to come aboard us : our
boat then going directly to the vessel, we entred her, but
were much amazed to find in her only five Portugals, two
dead, and three aUve, with a coffer, and a sack full of Tangues,
and Larius, which is the mony of that country, and a fardle,
wherein there were basins and ewers of silver, and two other
very great basins. Having laid up all this safely, I caused the
Portugals to be brought into our junk ; where looking very
carefidly unto them, yet could I not in two days get one word
from them ; but at length by the means of yelks of eggs, and
good broaths, which I made them take, they came again to
themselves; so that in six or seven days they were able to
render me a reason of their accident. One of those Portugals
was called CMistovamo Doria, who was since sent into this
country for a captain to Saint Tome ; the other Ltvys Tdbonda,
and the third Svnumo de Brito, all men of credit, and rich
merchants. These same recounted unto us, that coming from
the Indies in a vessel belonging to Jorge Manhoz, that was
married at Goa, with a purpose to go to the port of CJumngan,
292 THB TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUSES
in the kingdom of Bengala, they were oast away in the sands
of BMcano for want of taking heed; so that of fourscore
persons, that they were in the vessel, onely seventeen being
saved, they had continued their course ail along by the coast
for five days together, intending if possibly they could to
recover the river of Cosmira in the kingdom of Pegu, there to
ship themselves for the Indiaes in some vessel or other that
they should meet with in the port ; but whilst they were in
this resolution, they were so driven by a most impetuous
westerly wind, that in one day and a night they lost the sight
of land, finding themselves in the main sea without oars,
without sayls, and all knowledge of the winds, they continued
in that state sixteen days together, at the end whereof their
water coming to faU, all died but those three he saw before
him. Upon the finishing of this relation we proceeded on in
our course, and within four days after we met with five
Portugal vessels, which were sayling from Bengala to Malaca.
Having shewed them Pedro de Fcma's order, I desired them
to keep in consort together for fear of the Achems army, that
ranged all over the coast, lest through their imprudence they
should fall into any mischief, and thereof I demanded a
certificate from them, which they willingly granted, as also
furnished me very plentifully with all things necessary.
Having made this dispatch we continued our course, and nine
days after we arrived at the bar of Martahano, on & Friday, the
27th of Ma/rch, 1545, having past by Ta/rnassey, Tova/y, Merguin,
Juncay, Pullo, Gamuda, and Vaga/nm, without hearing any
tidings of those hundred Portugals, in search of whom I went,
because before that they had taken pay in the service of the
Ghcmbadnhaa, King of Martabano, who, according to report,
had sent for them to assist him against the King of Bramaa,
that held him besieged with an army of seven hundred
thousand men, as I have declared before ; howbeit they were
not at this time in his service ; as we shall see presently.
It was almost two hours within night, when we arrived at
the mouth of the river ; where we oast anchor with a resolu-
tion to go up the next day to the city. Having continued some-
time very quiet, we ever and anon heard many cannon shot,
whereat we were so troubled, as we knew not what to resolve
OF FEBOINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 293
on ; as soon as the sun rose, the Necoda assembled his men to
councel; for in semblable occasions he always used so to do,
and told them, that as sure as they were all to have a share
in the peril, so it was fit that every one should give his advice
about it ; then he made a speech, wherein he represented unto
them that which they had heard that night, and how in regard
thereof he feared to go unto the city. Their opinions upon it
were very different, howbeit at length they concluded, that
their eyes were to be witnesses of that whereof they stood in
such doubt. To this end we set sail, having both wind and
tyde, and doubled a point, called Mownay, from whence we
discovered the city, invironed with a world of men, and upon
the river almost as many vessels, and although we suspected
what this might be, because we had heard something of it, yet
left we not off from sayHag to the port, where we arrived with
a great deal of care, and having discharged our ordnance
according to the usual manner, in sign of peace, we perceived
a vessel very well furnished came directly to us from the shore,
wherein there was six Portugals, at which we exceedingly
rejoyced ; these presently came aboard our junck, where they
were very well entertained ; and having declared unto us what
we were to do for the safety of our persons, they counselled
us not to budge from thence for any thing in the world, as
we had told them our resolution was to have fled that night
to Bengala ; because if we had followed that design, we had
assuredly been lost, and taken by the fleet which the King of
Bramaa had in that place, consisting of seventeen hundred
sayls, wherein were comprised an hundred gaUies very well
furnished vyith strangers. They added withal, that they were
of opinion I should go ashore with them to Joano Gayeyro,
who was captain of the Portugals, for to give him an account
of the cause that brought me thither, the rather for that he
was a man of sweet disposition, and a great friend of Pedro de
Faria's, to whom they had often heard him give much com-
mendation, as well for his noble extraction, as for the goodly
qualities that were in him ; besides they told me that I should
find Lancarote Gueyreyo, and the rest of the captains vyith
him, imto whom my aforesaid letters were directed, and that
I should do nothing therein prejudicial to the service of God,
294 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
and the King. This counsel seeming good unto me, I went
presently to land with the Portugals to wait on Joano Gayeyro,
to whom I was exceeding welcome, as likewise to all the rest
that were in his quarters, to the numher of seven hundred
PorPugals, all rich men, and of good esteem. Then I shewed
Joano Gayeyro my letters, and the order that Ped/ro de Faria
had given me ; moreover I treated with him about the affair
that led me thither : whereupon I observed that he was very
instant with the captains, to whom I was addrest, who
answered him that they were ready to serve the King in all
occasions that should be presented; howbeit since the letter
of Ped^o de Faria, Governour of Malaca, was grounded on the
fear that he was in of the army of the Achems, composed of
an hundred and thirty sayl, whereof Bijaya Sora King of
PedAr was General ; and it having fallen out, that his Admiral
had been defeated at Tarnasery by those of the country,
with the loss of seventy Lanchares, and six thousand men,
it was not needful they should stir for that occasion; for
according to what they had seen with their own eyes, the
forces of that enemy were so mightily weakned, as they did
not think he could in ten years space recover again the loss
he had sustained. To this they added many other reasons,
which made them all to agree, that it was not necessary they
should go to Malaca. After these things I desired Joamo
Gayeyro to make me a declaration of all that had past in this
business, that it might serve me, as it were, for a certificate at
my return to our fortress, determining as soon as I had it to
get me from this place, for that I had nothing more to do there.
With this resolution I stayed there with Joano Gayeyro, in
continual expectation to be gone when the season should serve
for the junck to depart, and remained vrith him at this siege
the space of six and forty days, which was the chief time
of the King of Bramaa his abode there ; of whom I will say
something here in a few words, because I conceive the curious
would be weU. content to Imow what success the Ghaubainhaa,
King of MartaboMO, had in this war. This siege had lasted
now six months and thirteen days, in which space the city
had been assaulted five times in plain day, but the besieged
defended themselves always very valiantly, and like men of
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 295
great courage. Howbeit in regard they were insensibly con-
sumed with length of time, and the success of war, that no
succour came to them from any part, their enemies were
without comparison far more in number then they, in such
sort as the Chcmbcdnhaa, found himself so destitute of men, as
it was thought he had not above five thousand soldiers left in
the city, the hundred and thirty thousand which were said to
be there at the beginning of the siege, being consumed by
famine, or the sword, by reason whereof the Council assembling
for to deliberate what was to be done thereupon, it was resolved
that the king should sound his enemy by his interest, which he
presently put in execution. For that effect he sent to tell him,
that if he would raise the siege he would give him thirty thou-
sand hisses of silver, which is in value a million of gold, and would
become his tributary at threescore thousand ducates by theyear.
The answer made by the King of Bramaa, hereunto was, that
he could accept of no conditions from him, if he did not first
yield himself to his mercy. The second time he propounded
unto him, that if he would suffer him to depart away with two
ships, in one of which should be his treasure, and in the other
his wife and children, that then he would deliver him the city,
and all that was in it. But the King of Bramaa would hearken
no more to that then the former. The third proposition which
he made him was this, that he should retire with his army to
Tagalaa, some six leagues off, that so he might have liberty to
go away freely with all his, and thereupon he would deliver
him the city, and the kingdom, together with all the treasure
belonging to the king his predecessor, or that in lieu thereof he
would give him three miUions of gold. But he also refused this
last offer, insomuch that the Ghauhamhaa utterly dispairing
of ever making his peace with so cruel an enemy, began to
meditate with himself what means he might use to save himself
from him. Having long thought upon it he found no better
an expedient then therein to serve himself of the succour of the
Porimgals, for he was perswaded that by their means he might
escape the present danger. He sent then secretly to tell Joano
Cayeyro, that if he would imbarque himself in the night in
his four ships, and take him in with his wife and children, and
so save them, he would give him half bis treasure. In this
296 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBEB
affair he very closely imployed a certain Portibgal, named Pauh
de Seixas, born in the tovm of Obidos, who at that time was
with him in the city. This same having disguised himself in
a Pegu habit, that he might not be known, stole one night to
Gayeyro's tent and deUvered him a letter from the Chcmbamhaa,
wherein this was contained. VaUant and faithful Commander
of the Portugals, through the grace of the King of the other end
of the world, the strong and mighty Lion, dreadfully roaring,
with a crown of majesty in the Rouse of the Sun, I the umha^ppy
Chaubainha's, heretofore a prince, but now no longer so, finding
my self besieged in this wretched and infortunate city, do give
thee to understand by the words pronounced out of my mouth,
with an asswrance no less faithful then true, that I now render
my self the vassal of the great king of Portugal, soveraign lord of
me, and my children, with an acknowledgement of homage, and
such tribute as he at Ms pleasure shall imvpose on me : wherefore
I require thee on his behalf, that as soon as Paulo Seixas shall
present this my letter unto thee, thou come speedily with thy ships
to the bulwark of the Chappel-key, where thou shalt find me ready
attending thee, and then without taking further counsel, I will
deliver my self up to thy mercy, with all the treasures that I have in
gold, and precious stones, whereof I will mast wilWngly gi/oe the
one half to the King of Portugal, upon condition that he shall
permit me with the remainder to levy in his kingdom, or in the
fortresses which he hath in the Indiaes, two thousand Portugals,
to whom I will give extraordinary great pay that by their means
I ma/y be re-established in this state, which now I a/m constrained
to abandon ; since my ill fortune will home it so. As for that
which concerns thee, and thy men, I do promise them, by the faith
of my verity, that in case they do help to save me, I will divide m/y
treasure so liberally among them, that all of them shall be very well
satisfied and contented ; and for that time will not suffer me to
enlarge any further, Paulo de Seixas, by whom I send this unto
thee, shall assure thee both of that which he hath seen, and of
the rest which I have communicated vm,to him. Joano Ga/yeyro
had no sooner received this letter, but he presently caused the
chief of his followers secretly to assemble together in Councel.
Having shewed them the letter, he represented unto them how
important and profitable it would be for the service of God, and
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 297
the King, to accept of the offer, which the Ghmbmnhm had
made them. Whereupon causing an oath to be given to Pernio
de Sewas, he willed him freely to declare all his knowledge of
the matter, and whether it were true that the Ghcmbmnhaa his
treasure was so great, as it was reported to be. Thereunto
he answered by the oath what he had taken, that he knew
not certainly how great his treasure was, but that he was well
assured how he had often seen, with his own eyes, an house
in form of a church, and a reasonable bigness, all full up to
the very tyles of bars and wedges of gold, which might very
well lade two great ships. He further said, that he had more-
over seen six and twenty chests bound about with strong cords,
wherein according to the Chaubamhaa his own report was the
treasure of the deceased Presagvsan King of Pegu, which said
treasure containing an hundred and thirty thousand hisses,
and every biss in value five hundred ducates, made up all
together the sum of threescore millions of gold. He said also,
that he knew not certainly the number of wedges of gold which
he had seen in the Temple of the God of Thunder, but he was
most assured notwithstanding that they would fully lade four
good vessels. And for a conclusion, he told them, that the said
Chaubamhaa had shewed him the golden image of Qmay Frigau,
which was taken at Degwn, all full of such rich and resplendent
stones as it was thought the like again were not in the whole
world. So that this declaration which this man made upon oath
astonished them so that heard it, as they could not possibly believe
it to be true. Howbeit after they had sent him out of the tent,
they entered into consultation about this affair, wherein nothing
was resolved,of which I verily believe our sinswere the cause; for
there were in this assembly as many different opinions, as Babel
had diversities of languages, which proceeded especially from
the envy of six or seven men there present, who would needs
perswade the rest, that if this affair should happen to have
such success as was hoped for, Joano Gayeyro (unto whom
they all bore no good will) would go then into Portugal with so
much honor and reputation, as it would be a small matter for
the King to make him an earl, or a marquis, or at least recom-
pence liim with the government of the Indies ; so that after
these ministers of the devil had alledged many reasons where-
298 THE TRAVELS, VOYAQES, AND ADVENTUBE-S
fore it might not be done, which I think was but the mask of
their weakness and ill nature, though it may be they did it
out of the fear they were in of losing both their goods and lives
if this matter should come to be discovered to the King of
Bramaa; howsoever they would not agree to accept of this offer,
but contrariwise they threatened Joano Cayeyro, that if he
desisted not from his purpose, which was to comply with the
Ghcmhainhaa, they would disclose it to the Bramaa ; so that
Ga/yeyro was constrained to abandon this business, lest if he
should persist therein the Portiigals themselves would discover
him, as they threatened to do, without either fear of God, or
regard of men.
Joano Cayeyro, seeing he could not possibly bring his
desire to pass, vrrote a letter to the GoMbamhaa, wherein he
used many weak excuses for not performing that which he
demanded of him, and giving it to Pa/uh de Seixas, he speedily
dispatched him away with it ; so that departing about three
hours after midnight he arrived safe at the city, where he
found the GoMbamhaa, attending him in the same place which
he had named in his letter, unto whom he dehvered the answer
he had brought. After he had read it, and thereby found
that he could not be succoured by our men, as he always
thought he should, it is said that he remained so confounded,
that for very grief and sorrow he sunk down to the ground
like a dead man, and continuing a pretty while in that manner,
at length he came again to himself, and then beting his brest,
and bewaiUng his miserable fortune. Ah PortugaU, said he with
tears in his eyes, how ill do you acknowledge that which I have
done for yoUj imagining that thereby I should make acquisition
of your friendship, as of a treasv/re, to the end that Uke faithful
men you would be assisting to me in so great a necessity as this
is which now I am in, whereby I desired no other thing then to
sct/oe my child/rens lives, imrich your king, and state you m the
number of my chiefest friends ? And would it had pleased ham
who raigns in the beauty of these stars, that you had merited
before him the doing me this good office, which onel/y for my
sins you ha/ve refused me; for in so doing you had by my
means augmented his la/w, amd I been sa/ued in the promises of
his truth. Thereupon sending away Paulo de Seixas, with a
OF FERDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 299
young wench, by whom he had had two sons, he gave him a
pair of bracelets, and said unto him, I desire thee not to think
of this Utile which now I gi/oe thee, but of the great love I ha/ve
always bom thee ; above all, forget not to tell the Portugals,
with how much cause and grief I complain of thei/r extream in-
gratitude, whereof I will render them culpable before God at the
last and dreadful day of judgement. The night following Paul
de Seixas came back to the Portugals, with two children, and
a very fair young damosel their mother, with whom he married
afterwards at Goromandel, and shewed to Simon de Binto, and
Ped/ro de Bruges, lapidaries, the bracelets which the Ghau-
bainhaa had given him, who buying them of him payd six
and thirty thousand ducats for them, and had afterwards
fourscore thousand for them of Trvmi/ra Baia Govemour of
Narsingua. Five days after Pauh de Seixas coming to the
camp,, where he recounted aU that I have related before, the
Chaubainhaa, seeing himself destitute of all humane remedy,
advised with his Gouncel what course he should take in so
many misfortunes, that dayly in the neck of one another fell
upon him ; and it was resolved by them to put to the sword
all things living that were not able to fight, and with the
blood of them to make a sacrifice to Qwiay Nwandel, God of
Battels, then to cast all the treasure into the sea, that their
enemies might make no benefit of it, afterward to set the
whole city on fire, and lastly that all those which were able
to bear arms should make themselves Amoucos, that is to say,
men resolved either to dye, or vanquish, in fighting with the
Bramaas. The Cha/ubainhaa very much approved this counsel,
and concluding of it accordingly they fell presently to the de-
molishing of houses, and were preparing all other things for
the effecting of their design, when as one of the three principal
commanders of the city, apprehending that which was to
follow the next day, fled the night ensuing to the enemies
camp, and there rendered himself with four thousand men
under his leading to the Bramaa. Hereupon the courages of
all the rest were so abated by such a strange infidelity and
flight, that not one of them cared afterwards either to keep
watch, maintain the breaches, or do any other service what-
soever, but coutrarily all that remained stuck not to say
300 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
publiquely, that if the Chcmbadnhaa would not suddenly re-
solve to yield himself to the Bramaa, they would open the
gates and let him in, for that it would be better for them to
dye so, then to languish and consume away like rotten beasts
as they did. The Ghaubainhaa seeing them stifly bent there-
unto, for to appease them, answered, that he would perform
their desire ; howbeit withal he caused a review to be made
of those that would fight, but he found them to be not above
two thousand in aU, and they too so destitute of coiu:age, as
they could hardly have resisted feeble women. Beholding
himself then reduced to the last cast, he communicated his
mind to the Queen onely, as having no other at that time by
whom he might be advised, or that indeed could advise Mm.
The onely expedient then that he could rest on, was to render
himself into the hands of his enemy, and to stand to his
mercy, or his rigor. Wherefore the next day about six of
the clock in the morning he caused a white flag to be hung
out over the wall in sign of peace, whereunto they of the
camp answered with another like banner. Hereupon the
Xemmbrum, who was as it were marshal of the camp, sent
an horseman to the bulwark, where the flag stood, unto whom
it was delivered from the top of the wall. That the Ghau-
bainhaa desired to send a letter to the King, so as he might
have a safe-conduct for it; which being signified to the
Xemmbrum, he instantly dispatched away two of good quaUty
in the army with a safe-conduct, and so these two Bramaas
remaining for hostages in the city, the Ghaubainhaa sent the
King a letter by one of his priests, that was fourscore years of
age, and reputed for a saint amongst them. The contents
of this letter were these : The love of children hath so much
power in this house of our weakness, that amongst us, who a/re
fathers, there is not so much as one that for their sakes would
not be well contented to descend a thousand times into the deep
pit of the house of the serpent, much more would expose his Ufe
for them, a/nd put himself into the hands of one that useth so
mu£h clemency towards them that shall do so. For which
reason I resohed this night with my wife and children, contrary
to the opinions that would disswade me from this good, which 1
hold the greatest of all others, to render my self vnto your Sigh
OF FERDINAND MBNDMZ PINTO. 801
ness, that you may do with me as you thinh fit, and as shall be
most agreeable to yov/r good pleasure. As for the fault where-
with I may be charged, and whAoh I submit at you/r feet, 1
humbly beseech you not to regard it, that so the merit of the
mercy, whdch you shall shew me, may be the greater before God
and men. May your Highness therefore be pleased to send some
presently for to take possession of my person, of my wife, of my
children, of the city, of the treasme, and of all the kingdom ; all
whdch I do even now yield up unto you, as to my sovereign lord,
and lawful king. All the request that I home to make unto you
hereupon with my knees on the ground, is, that we may all of us
with yowr permission finish ov/r days in a cloister, where I have
aheady vowed ccmtinualhj to bewail and repent my faitilts past.
For as touching the honors and estates of the world, wherewith
yowr Highness might inrich me, as Lord of the most part of the
Earth, and of the Isles of the Sea, they are things which I
utterly renounce for evermore. In a word, I da solemnly swea/r
unto you before the greatest of all the gods, who with the gentle
touch of His Almighty hand makes the clouds of heaven to move,
never to leave that reUgion which by yowr pleaswre I shall be
commanded to profess, where being freed from the vain hopes of
the world, my repentance may be the more pleasing to Him that
pardoneth all things. This holy Grepo, Dean of the Golden
House of Sadnt Qtiiay, who for his goodness and austerity of
Ufe hath all power over me, will make a more ample relation
unto you of what I have omitted, and can more particularly tell
you that which concerns the offer I make you of rend/ring my
self ; that so relying on the reality of his speech, the unquietness
wherewith my soul is incessantly troubled may be appeased.
The King of Bramaa having read this letter instantly returned
another in answer thereunto full of promises and oaths to this
effect, That he would forget all that was past, and that for the
future he would provide him an estate of so great a revenue, as
should very well content him. Which he but badly accom-
plished, as I shall declare hereafter. These news was pub-
lished throughout all the camp with a great deal of joy, and
the next morning all the equipage and train that the King had
in his quarter was set forth to view. First of all there were
to be seen fourscore and six field-tents, wonderful richj each
302 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
of them being invironed with thirty elephants, ranked in two
files, as if they had been ready to fight, with castles on their
backs full of banners, and their Panares fastened to their
trunks, the whole number of them amounted unto two
thousand, five hundred, and fotirscore. Not far from them
were twelve thousand and five hundred Bramaas, all mounted
on horses, very richly accoustred ; with the order, which they
kept, they inclosed all the Kings quarter in four files, and
were all armed in corslets, or coats of mayl, with lances,
cymitars, and gilded bucklers. After these Horse followed
four files of Foot, all Bramaas, being in number above twenty
thousand. For all the other souldiers of the camp, there were
so many as they could not be counted, and they marched all
in order after their captains. In this publique muster were
to be seen a world of banners, and rich colours, and such a
number of instruments of war sounded, that the noise thereof,
together with that which the souldiers made, was most
dreadful, and so great as it was not possible to hear one
another. Now for that the King of Bramaa would this day
make shew of his greatness, in the reddition of the Chcm-
hcvmhaa, he gave express command, that all the captains
which were strangers, with their men, should put on their
best clothes, and arms, and so ranged in two files, they
should make as it were a kind of street, through which the
Ghaubainhaa might pass ; this accordingly was put in execu-
tion ; and this street took beginning from the city gate, and
reached as far as to the "Kings tent, being in length about
three quarters of a league, or better. In this street there were
six and thirty thousand strangers, of two and forty different
nations, namely Fortugals, Grecians, Venetians, Turks, Jawi-
za/ries, Jews, Armenians, Tarta/rs, Mogores, Ahyssins, Bads-
butos, Nobins, Goracones, Persians, Tupa/raas, Qiza/res, Tamaoos,
Malabares, Jaos, Aohems, Moens, Siams, Lussons of the Island
Borneo, Chacomas, Arracons, Predine, Papuaas, Selebres, Min-
dancas, Pegus, Bramaas, and many others whose names I
know not. All these nations were ranked according to the
XemMbrums order, whereby the Portugals were placed in the
vanguard, which was next to the gate of the city where the
Chabainhaa was to come. After them followed the Armenians
then the Janiza/ries and Twrks, and so the rest.
OF FMEDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 303
CHAPTEE XLII.
In what manner the Ghaubainhaa rendred himself to the King of Bramaa,
and the ornel proceeding against the Queen of Martabano, and the
ladies, her attendants.
ABOUT one of the clock in the afternoon a cannon was shot
off, which was the signal for the instant opening of the
gates of the city; whereupon first of all issued out the
souldiers, whom the King had sent thither for the guard of
it, being 4000 Siams and Bramaas, all harquebusiers, halber-
diers, and pikemen, with above 300 armed elephants; all
which were commanded by a Bramaa, uncle to the King,
named Monpocasser BaMia, of the city of MeUetay. Ten or
eleven paces after this guard of elephants marched divers
princes, and great lords, whom the King had sent to receive
the Ghaubainhaa, all mounted on elephants, richly harnessed,
with chairs upon their backs, plated over with gold, and
collars of precious stones about their necks. Then followed
at some 8 or 9 paces distance the BoJrni of Mouitay, Sovereign
Talapoy of aU the priests of the kingdom, and held in the
reputation of a saint, who went alone with the Ghmibamhaa,
as a mediatour between the King and him ; immediately after
him came in a close chair, carried upon mens shoulders, Nhay
Canateo, the daughter of the King of Pegu, from whom this
Bramaa had taken his kingdom, and wife to the Ghaubainhaa,
having with her 4 small children, namely, 2 boys, and 2 girls,
whereof the eldest was not 7 years old ; round about her and
them went some 30 or 40 young women of noble extraction,
and wonderfull fair, with cast down looks, and tears in their
eyes, leaning upon other women. After them marched in
order certain Talagrepos, which were amongst them as the
Ca/pibchms with us, who bare-foot and bare-headed went alone
praying, holding beads in their hands, and ever and anon
comforting those ladies the best they could, and casting water
in their faces for to bring them to themselves again, when as
they fainted, which they did very often; a spectacle so
lamentable, as it was not possible to behold it without
shedding of tears. This desolate company was attended by
304 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
another guard of Foot, and 500 Bramaas on horsback. The
Ghaubainhaa was mounted on a little elephant, in sign of
poverty and contempt of the world, conformable to the re-
ligion which he intended to enter into, being simply apparelled
in a long cassock of black velvet, as a mark of his mourning,
having his beard, head, and eye-brows shaven, with an old
cord about his neck, so to render himself to the King. In
this equipage he appeared- so sad and afflicted, that one could
not forbear weeping to behold him. As for his age, he was
about threescore and two years old, tall of stature, with a
grave and severe look, and the countenance of a generous
prince. As soon as he was arrived at a place which was
near to the gate of the city, where a great throng of women,
children, and old men, waited for him, when they saw him in
so deplorable an estate, they all made (7 times one after
another) so loud and dreadfull a cry, as if heaven and earth
would have come together. Now these lamentations and
complaints were presently seconded with such terrible blows,
that they gave themselves without pity on their faces with
stones, as they were most of them all of a gore-bloud. In the
mean time things so horrible to behold, and mournful! to
hear, so much afflicted all the assistants, that the very
Bramaas of the Guard, though men of war, and consequently
but little inclined to compassion, being also enemies to the
Ghaubainhaa, could not forbear weeping. It was likewise in
this place, where Nhay Ganatoo, and all the other ladies that
attended on her, fainted twice, by reason whereof they were
fain to let the Ghcmbaanhaa ahght from his elephant for to go
and comfort her ; whereupon seeing her lying upon the ground
in a swoon with her 4 children in her arms, he kneeled down
on both his knees, and looking up to heaven with his eyes full
of tears, 0 mighty power of God, cried he, who is able to com-
prehend the righteous judgments of Thy dmine justice, in that
Thou, having no regard to the innooency of these poor creatwres,
gvvest way to Thy wrath, which passeth far beyond the reach
of owr weak capacities 1 but remember, 0 Lord, who Thou a/rt
and not what I am. This said, he fell with his face on the
ground, near to the Queen his wife, which caused all the
assembly, who were without number, to make another such
OS' FBB1)INAND ME^DEZ PiNTO. 305
loud and horrible cry, as my words are not able to express it.
The Chaubmnhaa then took water in his mouth, and spurted
it on his wife, by which means he brought her to her self
again, and so taking her up in his arms, he fell a comforting
her with speeches so full of zeal and devotion, as any one
that heard him would have taken bim rather for a Christian,
then a Gentile. After he had employed about half an hours
time therein, and that they had remounted him on his elephant,
they proceed on their way in the same order as they held
before, and as soon as the Chaubmnhaa was out of the city
gate, and came to the street which was formed of the several
companies of the strangers, ranked in 2 files, he by chance
cast his eye on that side where the 700 Portugals were, all of
them in their best clothes, with their buff-coats, great feathers
in their caps, and their harquebusiers on their shoulders, as
also Joano Cayeyro in the midst of them, in a carnation sattin
suit, and a gilt partisan in his hand, wherewith he made room ;
the afflicted prince no sooner knew him, but he presently fell
down on the elephant; and there standing still without passing
on, he said with tears in his eyes, to those that were about
him ; My brethren, and good friends, I protest unto you, that
it is a less grief unto me to make this sacrifice of my self, which
the dmine justice of God perndts ms to make him this day, then
to look upon men so wicked and ingratefull as these same here
are : either kill me then, or send these away, for otherwise I
will not stir a foot fv/rther. Having said so he turned away
his face three times that he might not behold us, thereby
shewing the great spleen that he bore us; and indeed all
things well considered there was a great deal of reason that
he should carry himself in that sort towards us, in regard of
that which I have related before. In the mean time the
captain of the guard seeing the stay which the Ghcmbamhaa
had made, and imderstanding the cause why he would not go
on, though he could not imagine wherefore he complained so
of the Portugals, yet he hastily turned his elephant towards
Cayeyro, and giving him a scurvy look ; Get you gone, said he,
and that instantly, for such wicked men as you are do not
deserve to stand on arvy ground that bears fruit ; a/nd I pray
God to pa/rdon him which hath put it into the Kings head that
21
806 THE TBAVELS. VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
you can he any ways profitable unto him. It were fitter for you
therefore to sha/ve away your heanrds, that you may not deceive
the world as you do, and we will ha/oe women in your places
that shall serve us for ou/r money. Whereupon the Bramaas
of the guard, heiug incensed against us, drove us away from
thence with a great deal of shame and contumely. And truly,
not to lye, never was I so sensible of anything as this, in
respect of the honour of my country-men. After this, the
Ghaubainhaa went on till he came to the tent of the King,
who attended him with a royal pomp : for he was accompanied
with a great number of lords, amongst the which there were
15 Bainhaas, who are as dukes with us, and of 6 or 7 others,
that were of greater dignity then they. As soon as the ChoM-
bainhaa came near him, he threw himself at his feet, and so
prostrated on the ground he lay there a good while, as it were
in a swoon, without speaking a word; but the BoUm of
Mounay, that was close by him, supplied that defect, and
like a reUgious man, as he was, spake for him to the King,
saying ; Sir, here is a spectacle able to move thy heart to pity,
though the crime be such as it is. Bemember then that the
thing most pleasing to God in this world, and whereunto the
effects of His mercy is soonest communicated, is such an action,
and voluntary submission, as this is, which here thou beholdest.
It is for thee now to imitate His clemency, and so to do thou
art most humbly intreated by the hearts of all them that are
mollified by so great a misfortime as this is. Now if thou
grantest them this their request, which with so mv,ch instance
they beg of thee, he assured that God will take it in good part,
and that at the how of thy death He will stretch forth His
mighty hand over thee, to the end thou mayst be exempted from
all manner of foMlts. Hereunto he added many other speeches,
whereby he perswaded the King to pardon him ; at leastwise
he promised so to do, wherewith the BoVm, and all the lords
there present, shewed themselves very well contented, and
commended him exceedingly for it, imagining that the effect
would be answerable to that which he had engaged himself
for before all. Now because it began to be night, he com-
manded the most of them that were about him to retire ; as
for the Ghaubainhaa, he committed him into the hands of a
OF PEBDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 807
Bramaa commander, named Xemm Commidau ; and the Queen
his -wife, with his children, and the other ladies were put into
the custody of Xendn Ansedaa, as well because he had his
wife there, as for that he was an honourable old man, in
whom the King of Bramaa much confided.
The fear which the King of Bramaa was in lest the men of
war should enter into the city of Martabano, and should
piUage it now that it was night before he had done all that
which I am hereafter to relate, was the cause that he sent to
all the gates of the city, (being 24) Bramaa captains for to
guard them, with express commandment, that upon pain of
death no man should be suffered to enter in at any of them,
before he had taken order for the performance of the promise
which he had made to the strangers, to give them the
spoil of it; howbeit he took not that care, nor used such
diligence for the consideration he spake of, but onely that he
might preserye the Chaubadnhaa's treasure ; to which effect he
spent two whole diys in conveighing it away, it being so great
that a thousand men were for that space altogether imployed
therein ; at the end of these two days the Sing went very
early in the morning to an hill, called Beidao, distant from his
quarters some two or three ffight-shoot, and then caused the
captains that were at the guard of the gates to leave them,
and retire away ; whereupon the miserable city of Martabano
was delivered to the mercy of the souldiers, who at the
shooting off of a cannon, which was the signal thereof, entred
presently into it pell-mell, and so thronging together, that at
the entring into the gates, it is said, above three hxmdred men
were stifled ; for as there was there an infinite company of
men of war of different nations, the most of them without
king, without law, and without the fear and knowledge of
God, they went all to the spoil with closed eyes, and therein
shewed themselves so cruel minded, that the thing they made
least reckoning of was to kill an hundred men for a crown ;
and truly the disorder was such in the city, as the King
himself was fain to go thither six or seven times in person for
to appease it. The sack of this city endured three days and
an half, vnth so much avarice and cruelty of these barbarous
enemies, as it was wholly pillaged, without any thing left that
308 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
might give an eye cause to covet it. That done, the King
vdth a new ceremony of proclamations caused the Chaubain-
haa's palaces, together with thirty or forty very fair rich
houses of his principal lords, and all the Pagodes and temples
of the city to be demolished ; bo that according to the opinion
of many, it was thought that the loss of those magnificent
edifices amounted to above 10 millions of gold : wherewith not
yet contented he commanded all the buildings of the city that
were still afoot, to be set on fire, which by the violence of the
winde, kindled in such manner, as in that onely night there
remained nothing unbumt, yea the very walls, towers, and
bulwarks were consumed even to the foundations. The
number of them that were killed in this sack was threescore
thousand persons; nor was that of the prisoners much less.
There were an hundred and forty thousand houses, and
seventeen hundred temples burnt, wherein also were consumed
threescore thousand statues, or idols of divers metalls ; during
this siege they of the city had eaten three thousand elephants.
There was found in this city six thousand pieces of artillery,
what of brass and iron, an hundred thousand quintals of
pepper, and as much of sanders, benjamin, lacre, Uguum
aloes, camphire, silk, and many other kindes of rich merchan-
dise, but above all an infinite number of commodities, which
were come thither from the Indiaes in above an hundred
vessels of Camha/ya, Achem, Meliiida, Ceilam, and of all the
Straight of Mecqua, of the Leqmos, and of China. As for
gold, silver, precious stones, and jewels, that were found
there, one truly knows not what they were, for those things
are ordinarily concealed ; wherefore it shall suf&ce me to say,
that so much as the King of Bramaa had for certain of the
Ghaubainhaa's treasure, amounted to an -hundred millions of
gold, whereof, as I have said before, our King lost the moity,
as well for our sins, as through the malice and envy of wicked
dispositions. The next day after the city was pillaged, de-
molished, and burnt, there was seen *n the morning upon the
hill where the King was, one and twenty pair of gallows,
twenty of the which were of equal height, and the other a
little lower erected on pillars of stone, and guarded by an
hundred Bramaa horsmen; there were also round about the
OF FBBBINANB MENDEZ PINTO. 809
place very large trenehes, where a great many banners spotted
with drops of blond were planted. As this novelty promised
somewhat which no man had heard of before, six of us
Portugals ran thither to learn what the matter might be ; and
as we were going along we heard a great noise made by the
men of war from the camp, whereupon we saw come out of
the Kings quarter a number of horsmen, who with lances in
their iands prepared a great street, and cried out aloud ; Let
no man upon pcdn of death appear in arms, nor utter that with
his mouth which he thinks in his hea/rt. A pretty way off from
these horse was the Xemimbrimi, with an hundred armed
elephants, and a good many foot; after them went fifteen
hundred Bramaas on horsback, cast into four orders of files,
each of them six in a rank, whereof the Talanagyhras, Viceroy of
Tangu, was commander : then marched the Ghauferoo Siammon
with three thousand Sia^mms, armed with Ha/rquebu&es and
lances, all in one battalion : in the midst of these were an
hundred and twenty women tied and bound four and four
together, and accompanied with Talagrepos, men of great
austerity, and are such as the Capuchins amongst us, who
laboured aU they might to comfort them in this last act of
life ; behinde them were twelve ushers with maces, that went
before Nhay Ganatoo, daughter to the King of Pegu, from
whom this Bramaa tyrant had usurped his kingdom, and wife
to the Ghauhainhaa, with four children of hers, which were
carried by so many horsmen : all these sufferers were the
wives or daughters of the principal commanders that the
Gha/uhainhaa had with him in the city, upon whom in the
way of a strange revenge this Bramaa tyrant desired to wreak
his spight, and the hatred that he had always born unto
women. The most of these poor wretches were between
seventeen and five and twenty years of age, all of them very
white and fair, with bright aubom hair, but so weak in body,
that of ten-times they fell down in a swoon, out of which
certain women upon wliom they leaned, endeavoured still to
bring them again, presenting them comfits, and other such
things fit for that purpose, but they would take none of them,
for that they were, as I have said, so feeble and benummed,
as they could scarce hear what the Talegrepos spake unto
810 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
them ; onely now and then lifted up their hands to heaven.
After this princess marched threescore Orepos, in two files,
praying with their looks fixed on the ground, and their eyes
watered with tears, saying ever and anon in a dolefull tone ;
Thou wMch holdest Thy Being of none but Thy self, so jv^tifie
our works, that they may be agreeable to Thy justice. Where-
unto others answered weeping ; Grant, Lord, that it may be so
that through ov/rfoMlt we lose not the rich gifts of Thy promises.
After these Grepos followed a procession of three or four
hundred little children, quite naked from the girdle-sted
downwards, having in their hands great white wax lights,
and cords about their necks; these, like the others, with a
sad and lamentable voice, which moved every one to com-
passion, uttered these words : We most humbly beseech Thee,
0 Lord, to give ear unto our cries and groans, and shew mercy
to these Thy caplmes, that with a full rejoycing they may have
a pa/rt of the graces and benefits of Thy rich treasures ; and
much more they said to that purpose, in favour of these poor
sufferers : behinde this procession was another guard of foot-
men, all Bramaas, and armed with lances, arrows, and some
Harquebuses. As for the rearward, it consisted of an hundred
elephants, like to them that marched first of all, so that the
number of the men of war that assisted at this execution, as well
for the guard, as for the pomp thereof, was ten thousand foot,
and two thousand horse, besides the two hundred elephants,
and a world of other people, both strangers and natives, that
came thither to behold the end of so mournfull and lamentable
an action.
CHAPTBE XLIII.
In what sort the eentence of death was executed on the person of the
Chauhainhaa £^ng of Martaban, Nbay Canatoo his wife, and an
hundred and forty women ; with that which the King of Bramaa did
after his return to Pegu.
THESE poor sufferers having been led in the order before
mentioned clean through the camp, they came at last
to the place of execution, where the six ushers with a loud
OP FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 811
voice made this proclamation : Let all manner of people see
and observe the hlou&y justice, which is here to be done by the
Uoing God, Lord of all truth, and our King the Sovereign of
ow heads. Who of His absolute power doth commamd that these
hundred and forty women be put to death, and thrown into the
air, for that by their counsel and incitement their fathers amd
husbands stood out against us in this city, and at times killed
twelve thousand Bramaas of the kingdom of Tangu. Then at
the ringing of a bell all the officers and ministers of justice,
pell-mell together with the guards, made such a cry, as was
most dreadfull to hear ; whereupon the cruel hangmen being
ready to put the sentence of death in execution, those poor
wretches embraced one another, and shedding abundance of
tears they addressed themselves to Nhay Ga/natoo, who lay at
that time almost dead in the lap of an old lady, and with
their best complements one of them spake for aU the rest unto
her in this manner ; Excellent lady, that art as a crown of roses
wpon our heads, now that we thy humble servants are entring into
those mou/mful mansions where death doth reside, comfort ^^s we
beseech thee with thy dear sight, that so we may with less grief
quit these bodies full of angwish, for to present oursehies before
that Almighty just Judge, of whom we will for ever implore His
justice for a perpetual vengeance of the wrong that is done us.
Then Nhay Canatoo beholding them with a countenance more
dead then alive, answered them with a feeble voice, that could
scarce be heard, Go not away so soon, my sisters, but help me to
sustain these Utile children. That said, she leaned down again
on the bosom of that lady, without speaking a word more;
whereupon the ministers of the arm of vengeance, so they
term the hangmen, laid hold on those poor women, and
hanged them up all by the feet, with their heads downwards,
upon twenty gibbets, namely, seven on each one : now so
painfull a death as this was, made them give strange and
fearfull groans and sobs, untill at length the bloud stifled them
all in less then an hour. In the mean time Nhay Gamatoo was
conducted by the four women, upon whom she leaned, directly
to the gallows, whereon she and her four children were to be
hanged, and there the Bolim of Mounay, who was held
amongst them for a holy man, used some speeches imto her
312 TBE TB4.VEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
for to encourage her the better to suffer death ; whereupon
she desired them to give her a little water, which being
brought unto her, she filled her mouth with it, and so spurted
it upon her four children, whom she held in her arms ; then
having kissed them many times, she said unto them weeping,
0 my children, my children, whom I hcwe conceived anew within
the interior of my soul, how happy would I think my self if I
might redeem yowr lives with loss of mine own a thousand times
over, if it were possible ! for in regard of the fear and anguish
wherein I see you at this present, and wherein every one sees me
also, I should receive death with as good an hea/rt from the hand
of this cruel enemy, as I wilUngly desire to see my self in the
presence of my Sovereign Lord of all things, within the repose
of His celestial habitation. Then turning her to the hangman,
who was going to binde her two little boys, Good friend, said
she, he not I pray thee, so void of pity, as to make me see my
children die, for in so doing thou wouldst commit a great sin :
wherefore put me first to death, and refuse me not this boon
which I crawe of thee for Gods sake. After she had thus
spoken she took her children again in her arms, and kissing
them over and over in giving them her last farewell, she
yielded up the ghost in the ladies lap upon whom she leaned,
not so much as once stirring ever after ; which the hangman
perceiving, ran presently unto her and hanged her as he had
done the rest, together with her four little children, two on
each side of her, and she in the middle. At this cruel and
pitiful spectacle there arose from amongst all this people so
great and hideous a cry, that the earth seemed to tremble
under the feet of them that stood upon it, and withall there
followed such a mutiny throughout the whole camp, as the
King was constrained to fortifie himself in his quarter with
6000 Bramaa horse, and 30000 foot, and yet for all that he
thought not himself secure enough from it, had not the night
come, which onely was able to calm the furious motions of
these men of war ; for of seven hundred thousand which were
in the camp, sis hundred thousand were by nation Pegu's,
whose king was the father of this queen, that was thus put
to death ; but this Tyrant of Bramaa had so disarmed and
subjected them, as they durst not so much as quich upon any
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 313
occasion. Behold in what an infamous manner NhoAf Canatoo
finished her days, a princess every way accompUshed, wife to
the Chmibainhaa King of Martdbano, and the daughter of the
King- of Pegu, Bmperour of 9 kingdoms, whose yearly revenue
amounted unto 3 millions of gold. As for the infortunate
king her husband, he was the same night cast into the river
with a great stone tied about his neck, together with 50 or 60
of his chiefest lords, who were either the fathers, husbands,
or brothers of those hundred and forty ladies, that were most
unjustly put to such an ignominious death, amongst the which
there were 3, whom the King of Bramaa had demanded in
marriage at such time as he was but a simple earl, but not
one of their fathers would condescend unto it ; whereby one
may see how great the revolutions of time and fortune are.
After the Tyrant of Bramaa had caused this rigorous justice
to be done, he stayed there 9 whole days, during the which
many of the inhabitants of the city were also executed; at
last he departed for to go to Pegu, leaving behinde him
Bainhaa Chaque, lord steward of his house, to take order for
all things that might conduce to the pacifying of that kingdom,
and to provide for the repairing of what the fire had consumed ;
to which purpose he placed a good garison there, and carried
with biTTi the rest of his army ; Joomo Ca/yeyro followed him
also with seven hundred Portugals, not above three or four
remaining behinde in the ruines of Ma/rtahcmo, and those too
not very considerable, except it were one, named Qoncalo
Falcan, a gentleman well bom, and whom the Gentiles
commonly called Crisna Pacani, that is to say, Flmver of
Flowers, a very honourable title amongst them, which the
King of Bramaa had given him in recompence of his services :
now forasmuch as at the departure from Malaca, Pedro de
Faria had given me a letter directed unto him, whereby he
desired bim to assist me with his favour, in case I had need
of it in the affair for which he sent me thither, as well for the
service of the King, as for his own particular ; as soon as I
arrived at Martahamo, where I found him resident, I delivered
him this letter, and withall gave him an account of the
occasion that brought me thither, which was to confirm the
ancient League of Peace that the Cha/ubadnhaa had made by
814 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
his ambassadours with them of Malaca, at such time aa
Pedro de Ftmia was first governour of it, and whereof he could
not chuse but have some knowledge; adding moreover, how
to that effect I had brought the GhoMbadnhaa letters full of
great protestations of amity, and a present of certain very rich
pieces of China. Hereupon the Goncah Falcon imagining
that by means hereof he might insinuate himself much more
into the good grace of the King of Bra/maa, to whose side he
turned at the siege of Martahano, quitting that of the
Ghmbbcdnhaa, whom formerly he served, he went three days
after the Kings departure to his said governour, and told him
that I was come thither, as ambassadour from the captain of
Malaca to treat with the Ghaubadnhaa, unto whom the captain
sent an offer of great forces against the King of Bramaa ; in
so much that they of the country were upon the point of
fortifying themselves in Man-tabano, and chasing away the
Brwmaa's out of the kingdom ; whereunto he added so many
other such like matters, that the Governour sent presently to
apprehend me ; and after he had put me into safe custody, he
went directly to the junck, in which I came from Makwa, and
seized upon all the goods that were in her, which were worth
an hundred thousand duoates, committing the Necoda, captain
and master of the junck, to prison, as also all the rest that
were in her, to the number of an hundred threescore and
four persons, wherein comprized forty rich merchants, Malayes,
Menancabo's, Mah/wmetoMs, and Gentiles, natives of Malaca.
All these were incontinently condemned to the confiscation of
their goods, and to remain the Kings prisoners, as well as I,
for being complices in the treason, which the captain of
Malaca had plotted in secret with the Gha/ubamhaa against
the King of Bramaa. Having thus caused them to be put
into a deep dungeon, he made them to be so cruelly
scourged, that within a moneth after their imprisonment,
of an hundred sixty four of them, which they were,
there died nineteen, either of a lethargy, or of hunger,
or thirst. As for the rest, they were put into a miserable
shallop without sails or oars, wherein they were exposed
down the river; being delivered in this sort to the mercy
of fortune, they were cast by the winds into a desert island,
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 815
Pulho Camdda, seated 20 leagues -within the sea of this bar,
where they furnished themselves with some sea-fish and such
fruits as they found in the woods; and in this necessity
making a kinds of sail of the clothes they had, and with 2 oars,
which it may be they met withall there, or made themselves,
they took their course all along by the coast Jimcalan, and
from thence to another place, wherein they imployed the space
of 2 moneths, arriving at length at the river of Pa/rles, in the
kingdom of Qiceda, where they all died of certain imposthumes,
which rose in their throats, like unto carbuncles, two onely
excepted, who came to Malaca, and recounted to Pedro de
Faria the whole success of this sad voyage, and how that I
was condemned to die, as indeed I expected every hour to be
led to execution, when it pleased God to deliver me miracu-
lously; for as soon as the Neooda, and the merchants were
banished in the manner that I have declared,! was committed
to another prison farther off, where I remained six and thirty
days laden with chains and irons in a most cruel and insup-
portable manner. During all that time the traitor Goncalo
exhibited against me daily new and false allegations, wherein
he charged me with a world of things which I never so much
as thought of, and that to no other intent but to procure my
death, that so he might rob me, as he had done all the rest
that were in the junck. To which end, having questioned me
3 several times in judgment, I never answered any thing to
his interrogatories that was to purpose, whereat he and other
of my enemies were much enraged, saying, that- 1 did it out of
pride, and in contempt of justice ; so that for a punishment
thereof they caused me to be openly whipped, and a great deal
of lacre, which is like unto hard wax to be dropped scalding
hot upon me, whereof the pain was such as it had almost
killed me ; and indeed all that were by held me for a dead
man. Now because for the most part I knew not what I
spake, but talked like a desperate man, I happened 3 or 4
times to say, that for to rob me of my goods I had all these
false accusations put upon me, but that Captain Joamo Gayeyro,
who was at Pegu, would ere it were long acquaint the King
with this cruel usage of me, which was the cause of saving
my life ; for even as this wicked Governour was going to have
316 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUEES
the sentence executed, -which was given against me, some of
his friends counselled him to forbear, saying, that if he put me
to death no doubt but that all the Portugals, which were at
Pegu would complain of him to the King, and tell him, that
for to rob me of an hundred thousand ducates, which I had
there in Commodities, appertaining to the captain of Malaca,
he had most unjustly taken away my life ; and that this being
so, the King would demand an account of him of all those
commodities, or of the money for them ; and that if he
rendered him even all that he had taken from me, yet would
not that content him, imagining still there was somewhat
more, whereby he would so put himself out of the good grace
of the King, as he would never recover it again, which would
be the cause of the utter overthrow both of himself and his
children, besides the dishonour that would redound to him
over and above. This dog the Govemour Bainhaa Ghaque,
fearing lest that should come to pass which they had said, de-
sisted from his former obstinacy, and correcting the sentence he
had given, he ordained, that I should not die, but that my goods
should be confiscated, and my self arrested for the Kings
prisoner. As indeed, so soon as I was healed of the hurts
which the burning of the lacre, and the stripes of the whips
had made upon me, I was conducted in chains to Pegu, and
there as a prisoner was put into the hands of a Bramaa,
treasurer to the King, named Diosoray, who had also in his
custody 8 other Portiigals, whose sins had procured them the
same misfortune which mine had caused unto me ; for it was
now full 6 moneths since these poor wretches had been in his
power, being taken in the ship of Don Amrique Deca of
Cananor, which by a tempest was cast on that coast. Now
seeing that hitherto I have discoursed of the success of my
voyage to Martabano, and of the benefit that redounded to me
by my going thither for the service of the King, which was no
other then to loss of my goods, and the imprisonment of my
person ; before I engage my self further in these relations, I
am resolved to entreat of the divers fortunes which I ran in
that kingdom for the space of 2 years and a half that I
travelled therein, being the time of my captivity, as also of the
several countries through which I was carried by my crosses
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 317
and mishaps; as holding it altogether necessary for the
declaration of that which I am going on withal. I say then,
that after this the King of Brwmaa was departed from the
city Ma/rtabano, as I have related before, he journeyed so long
that at length he came to Pegu, where, before he dismissed his
commanders, he caused a muster to be made of his army, and
found that of seven hundred thousand men, which he had
carried along with him to the besieging of the Chaubainhaa,
there was fourscore and six thousand of them wanting. And
for as much as he had about that time some inckhng how the
King of Avaa confederated with the Savadis and Ohaleus,
would give entry unto the Siawmon (whose country borders
on the west and north-west side of the Calcmdnhcm, Bmperour
of the indomitable forces of the elephants of the earth, as I
will shew hereafter when I speak of him) to the end he might
win from this Bramaa the chiefest strengths of his kingdoms,
he like a good captain as he was, and very cunning in matter
of war, before he passed on further, caused men to be levied,
with whom, as also with all other necessary things, he
furnished those principal fortresses from whence his greatest
fear proceeded. Then having resolved to go and besiege the
city of Prom, he retained the army which he had already
a-foot, and made new and great preparations throughout the
kingdom, using such diligence therein, and in six moneths time
he had got together the number of nine hundred thousand
men, whom he imbarqued in 12000 rowing vessels, whereof
2000 were Seroos, Laulers, Gatwros, and Foists. Now all
this great fleet set forth from Pegu the 9th of March, 1545, and
going up the river of Ansedaa, it went to DanapVuM, where it
was furnished with all such provisions as were necessary.
Prom this place following on their way through a great river of
fresh water, called Piccm Malacou, which was above a league
broad, at length upon the 13th of April they came within view
of Prom. There, by some whom they took that night, they
learned, that the King was dead, and how he had left for his
successour to the kingdom a son of his of 13 years of age, whom
the King his father before he died had married to his wives
sister, the aunt of the said young prince, and daughter to the
King of Avaa. The young King was no sooner advertised of
318 THE TSAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVMNTUBES
the King of Bramaa his coming to besiege him in his city of
Prom, but he sent presently away to the King his father in
law for succour, which he instantly granted, and to that end
speedily raised an army of 30000 Mons, TarSes, and Ghalems,
choice men and trained up in the wars, of whom he made a
son of his, and brother to the Queen, General. In the mean
time the Bramaa, having intelligence thereof, used all possible
diligence for to besiege the city before so great a succour
might arrive. To which purpose, having landed his army in
a plain, called Meigavotau, some 2 leagues below the city, he
continued there 6 days in making ready such preparations as
were needfuU. Having given order for all things, he caused
his army to march one morning before day directly to the city,
with the sound of drvmis, fifes, and other such instruments of
war ; where being arrived about noon without any opposition,
he began presently to settle his camp ; so that before it was
night, the whole city was environed with trenches, and very
great ditches, as also with six rows of cannons, and other
pieces of ordnance.
CHAPTBE XLIV.
That which passed between the Queen of From, and the Bong of Bramaa,
together with the first assault that was given to the city, and the success
thereof.
THE King of Bramaa had been now five days before the
city of Prom, when as the Queen that governed the State
in the place of her husband, seeing_ her self thus besieged, sent
to visit this her enemy with a rich jewel of precious stones,
which was presented unto him by a Talagrepo, or religious
man, of above an hundred years old, who was held amongst
them for a saint, together with a letter, wherein was written
Ifm offer to fay homage if the city was spa/re^ .
The Bramaa received this letter and ambassage with a great
deal of authority, and entertained the religious man that
delivered it unto him with much honour, as well in regard of
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 819
his age, as for that he was held as a saint amongst them ; -with
all he granted him certain things which were at first demanded,
as a cessation of aims till such time as articles should be
agreed on ; as also a permission for the besieged to converse
with the besiegers, and other such things of little consequence.
In the mean time judging with himself that aU those offers,
which this poor queen made him, and the humble submissions
of her letters, proceeded from weakness and fear, he would never
answer the ambassadour clearly, or to purpose. ContrarUy
he caused all the places there abouts that were weak, and un-
armed, to be secretly ransaked, and the poor inhabitants there-
of to be unmercifully butchered by their barbarous enemies,
whose cruelty was so great, that in five dayes, according
to report, they killed fourteen thousand persons, the most part
whereof were women, children, and old men, that were not
able to bear arms. Hereupon the BoUm, who brought this
letter, relying no longer on the false promises of the Tyrant,
and discontented with the little respect he used towards him,
demanded leave of him to return to the city, which the Bramaa
gave him, together with this answer : that if the Queen would
deliver up her self, her treasure, her kingdom, and her vassals
to him, he would recompence her another way for the loss of
her State ; but withallthat she was to return him a peremptory
answer to this propositions of his the very same day, which
was all the time he could give her, that so he might upon the
knowledge of her resolution determine upon what he had to do.
The Bolvn went herewith back to the city, where he gave the
Queen an account of all things, saying, That this Tyrant was
a man without faith, and replete with damnable intentions ;
for proof whereof he represented unto her the siege of
Mwrtabano, the usage of the Ghaubainhaa after he had
rendred himself unto him upon his word, and how he had
put him, his wife, his children, and the chiefest nobility of his
kingdom, to a most shamefull death. These things considered
it was instantly concluded, as well by the Queen, as by all
those of her Councel, that she should defend the city, till such
time as succour came from her father, which would be within
15. days at the furthest. This resolution taken, she (being of
a great courage) without further delay took order for all things
320 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
that were thought necessary for the defence of the city,
animating to that end her people with great prudence, and a
man-like spirit, though she was but a woman. Moreover, as
she liberally imparted to them of her treasure, so she promised
every one throughly to aoknowledg their services with all
manner of reoompences and honours, whereby they were
mightily encouraged to fight. In the mean space the King
of Bra/maa, seeing that the Bolmt, returned him no answer
within the time prefixt, began the next day to fortifie aU
the quarters of his camp with double rows of cannon, for to
batter the city on every side ; and for assaulting of the walls
he caused a great number of ladders to be made, publishing
withall throughout his whole army, that aU souldiers upon pain
of death should be ready within three days to go to the assault.
The time then being come, which was the 3rd of May, 1545,
about an hour before day the King went out of his quarter,
where he was at anchor upon the river with two thousand
vessels of choice men, and giving the signal to the commanders
which were on land, to prepare themselves, they altogether in
one body assaUed the walls, with so great a cry, as if heaven
and earth would have come together, so that both sides falling
to encounter pell-mell with one another, there was such a
conflict betwixt them, as within a little whUe the air was seen
all on fire, and the earth all bloody ; whereunto being added
the clashing of weapons, and noise of guns, it was a spectacle
so dreadful, that we few Portugals, who beheld these things,
remained astonished, and almost besides our selves. This
fight indured full five hours, at the end whereof the tyrant of
Bramaa seeing those within defend themselves so valiantly,
and the most part of his forces to grow faint, he went to land
with ten or eleven thousand of his best men, and with all
diligence re-inforcing the companies, that were fighting, the
bickering renewed in such sort, as one would have said it did
but then begin, so great was the fury of it. The second trial
continued till night, yet would not the King desist from the
fight, what counsel soever was given him to retire ; but con-
trarily he swore not to give over the enterprise begun, and
that he would lie that night within the inclosure of the city
walls, or cut off the heads of all those commanders that were
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 821
not wounded at their coming off. In the mean time this
obstinacy was very prejudicial to him, but continuing the
assault till the moon was gone ^own, which was two hours
past midnight, he was then forced to sound a retreat, after he
had lost in this assault, as was the next day found upon a
muster, fourscore thousand of his men, besides those which
were hurt, which were thirty thousand at the least, whereof
many died for want of dressing ; whence issued such a plague
in the camp, as well through the corruption of the air, as the
water of the river, (that was all tainted with blood and dead
bodies), that thereby about fourscore thousand more perished,
amongst whom were five hundred Portugals, having no other
buriall then the bodies of vultures, crows, and such like birds
of prey, which devoured them all along the coast where they lay.
The King of Bramaa, having considered that this first
assault had cost him so dear, would no more hazard his men
in that manner, but he caused a great terrace to be made with
bavins, and above ten thousand date-trees, which he com-
manded to be cut down, and on that he raised up a platform
so high, as it over-topped the city two fathoms, and more,
where he placed 80 pieces of ordnance, and with them con-
tinually battering the city for the space of nine dayes together,
it was for the most part demolished, with the death of fourteen
thousand persons, which quite abated the Queens courage,
especially when she came to understand that she had but six
thousand fighting men left, all the rest, which consisted of
women, children, and old men, being unfit and unable to bear
arms. The miserable besieged seeing themselves reduced to
such extreamity, assembled together in councel, and there, by
the advice of the chiefest of them, it was concluded, that all in
general should anoint themselves with the oil of the lamps of
the chapel of Qumy Nwcmdel, God of Battel of the field Vitau,
and so offering themselves up in sacrifice to him, set upon the
platform,, with a determination either to dye, or to vanquish,
in vowing themselves all for the defence of their young king, to
whom they had so lately done homage, and sworn to be true
and faithful subjects. This resolution taken, which the Queen
and her nobility approved of for the best and most assured, in
a time wherein all things were wanting to them for the longer
322 THE TBATEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
defending themselves, they promised to accomplish it in the
manner aforesaid by a solemn oath, which they aU took.
Now there being no further question but to see how they
should carry themselves in this affair, they first of all made
an uncle of the Queens the captain of this resolute band, who
assembling these six thousand together, the same night, about
the first quarter of the watch, made a sally out of the two
gates that were neerest to the terrace and platform, and so
taking courage from their despair, and resolution to dye, they
fought so valiantly that in less then half an hour the whole
camp was put in disorder, the terrace gained, the fourscore
pieces of cannon taken, the King himself hurt, the pallisado
burnt, the trenches broken, and the Xenimhrum, General of
the army, slain, with above fifteen thousand men more,
amongst the which were five hundred Turks; there were
moreover forty elephants taken, besides those that were killed,
and eight hundred Bramaas made prisoners ; so that these six
thousand resolute men did that which an hundred thousand,
though valiant enough, could hardly have effected. After this
they retreated an hour before day, and upon a review they
found, that of six thousand which they were, there was but
seven hundred slain. This bad success so grieved and incensed
the King of Bramaa, as attributing the cause thereof to the
negligence of some of his captains in the ill guarding of the
terrace, that the day following he caused two thousand Pegu's
to be beheaded, which had stood sentinel that night. This
adventure rendred things quiet for the space of twelve days,
during which the besieged stirred not ; in the mean time one of
the four principal captains of the city, named Xemim Meleytay,
fearing that which all others in general misdoubted, namely,
that they could not escape from falling into the hands of so
cruel an enemy, treated secretly with the Tyrant, and upon
condition that he woidd continue him in his charge, nor
meddle with any of the houses of his friends, and make him
Xemm of Ansedaa in the kingdom of Pegu, with all the
revenue which the Badnhaa of Malacou had there, being thirty
thousand ducates a year, he would deliver him up the city by
giving him entrance into it through the gate which he com-
manded. The King of Bramaa accepted hereof, and for a gage
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 328
of performance on hia part, he sent him a rich ring from off
his finger. This treason so concluded, was effected on the
23rd of August, in the year 1545. wherein this Tyrant of
Bramaa carried himself with all the barbarousness and
cruelty that he used to practice in the like cases. And for
as much as I conceive that I should never have done, if I
should recount here at large how this affair past, I will say no
more, but that the gate was opened, the city delivered up, the
inhabitants all cut in pieces, without so much as sparing one ;
the king and queen made prisoners, their treasurers taken, the
buildings and temples demolished, and many other inhumani-
ties exercised with such outragiousness, the belief whereof is
beyond the imagination and thought of man ; and truly I never
represent unto my self in what manner it was done, as having
seen it with mine own eyes, but that I remain as it were
astonished and besides my self at it. For as this tyrant was
touched to the quick with the affront he had lately received,
so he executed all the cruelties he could imagine against those
miserable inhabitants, for to be revenged of the ill success he
had had in the siege, which could not proceed from any other
but a base mind and vile extraction ; for it ordinarily falls out,
that barbarousness finds place in such kind of people, rather
then in generous and valiant hearts; whereunto maybe added,
that he was a man without faith, and of an effeminate disposi-
tion, though he was nevertheless an enemy to women, albeit
there were in that kingdom, and in aU the others whereof he
was lord, those that were very white and fair. After the
bloudy ruine of that wretched city, the Tyrant entred into it
in great pomp, and as it were in triumph, through a breach
that was made of purpose in the wall, and by his express
commandment. When he was arrived at the young kings
palace, he caused himself to be crowned King of Prom ; and
during the ceremony of this coronation, he made that poor
prince, whom he had deprived of his kingdom, to continue
kneeling before him, with his hands held up, as if he adored
some god, and ever and anon they constrained him to stoop
down and kiss the Tyrants feet, who in the mean time made
shew as if he were not pleased therewith. This done, he went
into a balcone, which looked on a great market place, -whither
a24 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
he commanded all the dead children, that lay up and down
the streets, to be brought; and then causing them to be hacked
very small, he gave them, mingled with bran, rice, and herbs,
to his elephants to eat. Afterward, with a strange kind of
ceremony, at the sound of trumpets, drums, and other such
Kke instruments, there was above an hundred horses led in,
loaden with the quarters of men and women, which also he
commanded to be cut small, and then cast into a great fire,
kindled expresly for it. These things so done, the queen was
brought before him, that was wife to the poor Uttle king, who,
as I said before, was but thirteen years of age, and she thirty
and six, a woman very white, and well favoured, aunt to her
own husband, sister to his mother, and daughter to the King
of Avaa, which is the country from whence the rubies, saphirs,
and emeralds do come to Pegu; and it was the same lady,
whom the Bramaa had sent to demand in marriage of. her
father, as it was then spoken, but that he refused him, saying
to his ambassador, for an answer. That the thoughts of his
daughter soared a pitch higher then to be the wife of the
Xemim of Tangmi, which was the family whence this Tyrant
was issued ; but now that she was fallen into his hands as his
slave, whether he used her so, either out of a revenge of that
aflEront, or out of scorn and contempt, so it was that he made
her to be publiquely stript stark naked, and to be torn and
mangled with whipping, and then in that manner to be led up
and down all the city, where amidst the cries and hooting of
the people, he exposed her to other cruel torments, wherewith
she was tortured tiU she gave up the ghost. When she was
dead, he made her to be bound to the little king her husband,
who was yet living ; and having commanded a great stone to
be tyed about their necks, they were oast into the river, which
was a kind of cruelty very dreadful to all that beheld it. To
these barbarous parts he added many others so inhumane, as
it is not likely that any other but he could imagine the like.
And for a conclusion of his cruelties, the next day he caused
all the gentlemen that were taken alive, being some three
hundred, to be impaled, and so spitted Uke rosted pigs, to be
also thrown into the river, whereby may be seen how great
and unheard of the injustice of this Tyrant was, which he
exereised on these miserable Y?retches.
OP PBRDINAN]) MENDE2 PiNTO. S25
CHAPTEE XLV.
The King of Bramaa his besieging ol the Fortress of Meleytay, with his
going from thenoe to Avaa ; and that which passed there.
FOUETEBN days were past since the doing of these things,
during the which the Tyrant employed himself in fortify-
ing the city with a great deal of diligence and care, when as
his spies, whom he had sent out, brought him word, that from
the city of Avaa a fleet of four hundred rowing vessels was
come down the river of Queitor, wherein there were thirty
thousand Siamon souldiers, besides the mariners, of which the
King of Avaa's son, and brother to the poor queen, was general;
for this prince having received advertisement of the taking of
the city of Prom, and of the death of his sister and brother-in-
law, went and lodged in the fortress of Meleytay, which was
some twelve leagues up the river from Prom. This news much
troubled the Tyrant, howbeit he resolved to go himself in
person against his enemies before that other succours came to
joyn with them, as indeed the report went, that fourscore
thousand, all Mons by nation, and led by the King of Avaa,
were on their way thither. -With this resolution the Tyrant
of Bramaa set forth towards Meleytay with an army of three
hundred thousand men, namely, two hundred thousand by
land alongst the rivers side, whereof the ChoMmigrem his
foster-brother was the commander in chief, and the other
hundred thousand under his own conduct, being all choyce
men, and imbarqued in two thousand Seroes. Being come
within sight of Meleytay, the Avaas desiring to shew that the
resolution wherewith they were come thither was of far more
power with them, then any fear they could have, and that also
their enemies might not receive any benefit by their fleet which
lay on the river, and do them an affront beside by taking it, they
set all their vessels on fire, and burnt them every one. Then,
without any dread of that which the flesh doth naturally most
fear, they got all into the field, and ranged themselves into
four battalions, in three of which, whereof each one made ten
thousand men, were the thirty thousand Mons; and in the
other, that were somewhat bigger, were all the mariners of
326 THE TMAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
the four hundred vessels they had burnt. These same they
placed in the vaunt-guard, with an intention that they should
weary the enemies, with whom they made a cruel fight, which
lasted about half an hour, wherein all these mariners were cut
in pieces; presently after them the thirty thousand Mens,
close compacted together in three battalions, presented them-
selves, and with wonderful violence set upon their enemies,
between whom and them followed so extraordinary and cruel
a battel, as not longer to insist upon it, nor to recount in
particular how things past, which also I cannot well do, it
shall suffice me to say, that of the thirty thousand Mons,
eight hundred only escaped out of it ; who being routed made
their retreat into the fortress of MeUytwy ; but that which was
most memorable herein was, that of the King of Bramaas two
hundred thousand men, an hundred and fifteen thousand lay
dead in the field, and all the rest for the most part were
wounded. In the mean time the Tyrant, which came along
on the river in the two thousand Seroos, arrived at the place
of battel, where beholding the strange massacre which the
Mons had made of his people, he became so enraged at it, that
dis-imbarquing his forces, he instantly layd siege unto the
fortress, with a purpose, as he said, to taJie all those eight
hundred that were in it alive. This siege continued seven
whole days together, during the which those without gave five
assaults to it, and the besieged defended themselves always
very valiantly ; howbeit seeing that the last hour of their life
was come, and that they could no longer hold that place for
their king, as they had hoped they might, by reason of the
fresh forces which the King of Bramaa had landed, like
couragious men, as they were, they resolved to dye in the
field, as their companions had done, and vaUantly revenge
their deaths with that of their enemies ; whereunto they were
the more wiUingly carryed, because they perceived well that
if they continued still in the place, they should never make
use of their valour, as they desired to do, for that the Tyrants
ordnance would by little and Httle consume them. This resolu-
tion taken, they under the favour of a very dark and rainy
night sallyed forth, and first of all fell upon the two first
courts of guard that were on the lands side, cutting all in
OF PEBDINAND MENDMZ PINTO. 827
pieces that they met withall. Then following their design
they passed on Ute desperate men ; and whether they did it,
either to shew that they regarded not death which threatened
them, or for the desire they had to gain honor, so it was that
they behaved themselves so couragiously, and pressed the
Tyrant so neer, as they forced him to leap into the river, and
swim for his life, insomuch that all the camp was in disorder,
and broken through in I know not how many places, with the
death of above twelve thousand men; amongst whom were
fifteen hundred Bramaas, two thousand strangers of divers
nations, and all the rest Pegu's. This fight lasted not above
half an hour, in which time the eight hundred Mons were all
slain, there being not so much as one of them that would yield
upon any composition whatsoever. Hereupon the Tyrant of
Bramaa seeing the [fight ended, and all things quiet, went and
reassembled his forces together, and so entered the fortress of
MeleytoA), where he presently commanded the Xemvms head to
be cut off, saying, that he was the sole cause of that disaster,
and that he who had been a traytor to his king could not be
faithful unto him : behold the recompence which this traytor
made him for delivering up the city of Prom unto him, how-
soever it justly belonged unto him for a punishment of his
perfidiousness, that carried him to betray his king and his own
country into the power of his enemies. After this they fell to
dressing of the hurt men, which were in very great number.
We past all this night with much apprehension, always
keeping good watch ; and the next morning as soon as it was
day, the first thing that we did was to rid away the dead
bodies, which were in so great number all over the camp, that
the ground was quite covered with them. After this we took
a view of those that were killed, as well on the one, as the
other party, and we found that on the Bramaas side there
were an hundred and fourscore thousand, and on the Prince
of Avaas forty and two thousand, wherein were comprized the
thirty thousand Mons. That done, after the Tyrant had for-
tified the city of Prom, as also the fort of Meleytay, and made
two other forts upon the bank of the river, in such places as
he judged to be niost important for the safety of that kingdom,
he went up the river or Queitor in a thousand rowing Seroos,
328 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
wherein were imbarqued seventy thousand men. In this
voyage, his intention was to go in his own person, for to
observe the kingdom of Avaa, and to see the city himself,
the better to consider the strength of it, and thereby judge
what forces he should bring for to take it. So he proceeded
still on for the space of eight and twenty days, and during that
time passed by many goodly places, which vnthin the kingdom
of Ghaleu and Jaewpalaon were upon the bank of the river. At
length he arrived at the city of Avaa, the 13th of October, the
same year, 1545. Being come to the port, he remained there
thirteen days, and that while burned between two and three
thousand vessels that he found there. Moreover, he set fire
on many villages thereabout, which cost him not so Uttle but
that he lost in all these degasts eight thousand of his men,
amongst the which were threescore and two Portugals. Now
whereas this city was very strong, as well in regard of the
scituation of it, as of the fortifications which were newly made
there, it had besides within it twenty thousand Mons, who (as
it was said) were come thither some five days before from
the mountains of Pondaleu, where the King of Avaa, by the
permission of the Siamon, emperour of that monarchy, was
levying above fourscore thousand men for to go and regain the
city of Prom: for as soon as that king had received certain
news of the death of his daughter and son-in-law, perceiving
that he was not strong enough of himself to revenge the
wrongs this Tyrant had done him, or to secure himself from
those which he feared to receive of him in time to come,
namely, the depriving him of his kingdom, as he was threat-
ened, he went in person with his wife and children and cast
himself at the Siamom feet, and acquainting him with the
great affronts he had received, and what his desire was, he
made himself his tributary at threescore thousand bisses by
the year, which amount to an himdred thousand ducates of
our money, and a g^l£ta of rubies, being a measure like to our
pint, therewith to make a jewel for his wife ; of which tribute
it was said that he advanced the payment for ten years before-
hand, besides many other precious stones, and very rich plate,
which he presented him with, estimated in all at two millions;
in recompenee whereof the Siamon obliged himself to take him
OF FEBDINANJD MBNDEZ PINTO. 829
into his protection, yea and to march into the field for him as
often as need should require, and to restablish him within a
year in the kingdom of Prom, so as for that effect he granted
him those thirty thousand men of succour, which the Bramaa
defeated at Jlfe%ia2/ ; as also the twenty thousand that were
then in the city, and the fourscore thousand which were to
come to him, over whom the said King of Avaa was to be the
general. The Tyrant having inteUigence thereof, and appre-
hending that this, above all other things he could fear, might
be the cause of his ruine, he gave present order for the fortify-
ing of Prom with much more care and diligence then formerly :
howbeit, before his departure from this river where he lay at
anchor, being about some league from the city of Avaa, he
sent his treasurer, named Diocory (with whom we eight
Portugals, as I have related before, remained prisoners)
embassador to the CalamdnhoM ; a prince of mighty power,
who is seated in the midst of this region in a great and
spacious extent of country, and of whom I shall say something
when I come to speak of him. The subject of this embassage
was to make him his brother in arms by a league and contract
of new amity, offering for that effect to give him a certain
quantity of gold and precious stones ; as also to render unto
him certain frontier lands of his kingdom, upon condition that
the spring following he should keep the Siamon in war for to
divert him from succouring the King of Avaa, and thereby
give him means the more easily to take his city fromliim,
without fear of that assistance which the King hoped should
servo for an obstacle to his design. This embassadour departed
then after he had imbarqued himself in a Lwulea, that was
attended on by twelve Seroos, wherein there were three
hundred men of service, and his guard, besides the watermen
and mariners, whose number was Uttle less. The presents
which he carried to the Calcm/inhan were very great, and
consisted in divers rich pieces, as well of gold as of precious
stones, but above all in the harness of an elephant, which
according to reports was worth above six hundred thousand
ducates ; and it was thought that all the presents put together
amounted to a million of gold. At his departure, amongst
other favours which the king his master conferred on him, this
330 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
same was not the least for us, that he gave us eight unto him
for to be his perpetual slaves. Having clothed us then very
well, and furnished us abundantly with aU things necessary,
he seemed to be exceedingly contented with having us along
with him in this voyage, and ever after he made more account
of us, then of all the rest that followed him.
CHAPTEB XLVL
Our going with the King of Bramaa's ambassadour to the Calaminham,
with the course which we held until we arrived at the Temple or Fagode
of Timagoogoo.
IT seems fit unto me, and conformable to that which I am
relating, to leave for a while this Tyrant of Bramaa (to
whom I will return again when time shall serve) for to en-
treat here of the way we held for to go into Timplan, the
capital city of the Empire of the Calaminham, which signifies.
Lord of the world; for in their language Gala is Lord, and
Minham the world. This prince also entitles himself. The
absolute Lord of the indonwptdble force of the Elephants of the
Earth. And indeed I do not think that in aU the world there is
a greater lord than he, as I shall declare hereafter. This am-
bassadour then departing from Avaa in the moneth of October,
1545, took his course up the river of Queitor, steering west, south-
east, and in many places eastward, by reason of the winding of
the water ; and so in this diversity of rhombes we continued
our voyage seven days together, at the end whereof we arrived
at a channel, called Cfuampanoo, through which the Bhoha/mo,'
who was our pilot, took his course, that he might decline the
Siamons country, being so commanded to do by the express
order of the King. A while after we came to a great town,
named Gataldy, where the ambassadour stayed three days to
make provision of certain things necessary for his voyage.
Having left this place we went on still, rowing up through
his channel eleven days longer, during which time we met not
with any place that was remarkable, only we saw some small
OP FERDINAND MENDE2 fINTO. 331
villages, the houses whereof were covered with thatoh, and \
peopled with very poor folks, and yet for all that the fields are j
full of cattel, which seemed to have no master, for we killed '
twenty and thirty of them in a day in the sight of those of the
country, no man so much as finding fault with it, but con-
trarily they brought them in courtesie to us, as if they were
glad to see us kill them in that sort. At our going out of this
channel of Chwmpanoo, we entred into a very great river,
called Angegumaa, that was above three leagues broad, and in
some places six and twenty fathom deep, with such impetuous
currents as they drove us often-times from our course. This
river we coasted above seven dayes together, and at length
arrived at a pretty little walled town, named Gumbiin, in the
kingdom of Jangromaa, invironed on the lands side for five or
six leagues space vnth forrests or Binjamin, as also with plains
of lacre, wherewith they ordinarily traded to Ma/rtahano, and
do also lade there many vessels with those commodities for to
transport them into divers countries of the Indians, as to the
Streight of Mecqua, to Alcocer, and Jvdaa. There is also in
this town great store of musk, far better then that of China,
which from thence is carried to Martabano and Pegu, where
those of our nation buy of it, therewith to traffique at Na/r-
siiigua, Orixaa, and Masuhpatan. The women of this country
are all very white and well-favoured ; they apparel themselves
with stuffs made of silk and cotton-wool, wear links of gold
and silver about their legs, and rich carcanets about their
necks. The ground there is of it self exceedingly fertile in
wheat, rice, millets, sugar, wax, and cattel. This town, with
ten leagues of circuit about it, yields every year to the King of
Jangomaa threescore altars of gold, which are seven hundred
thousand ducates of our money. From thence we coasted the
river southward, for the space of above seven dayes, and
arrived at a great town, named Catammas, which in our
language signifies, the Golden Crevice, being the patrimony of
Baicdmoaa Tinhau, the Calaminhams second son. The Naii-
gator of this town gave good entertainment to the ambassadour,
and sent him many sorts of refreshment for his followers;
withall he gave him to understand that the Cala/rmnham was
at the city of Timplan. We departed from this place on
332 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBE8
a Sunday morning, and the day after about evening we came
to a fortress, called Gampalagor, built in the midst of the
river in the form of an island upon a rock, and invironed with
good free-stone, having three bulwarks and two towers seven
stories high, wherein, they told the ambasaadour, was one of
the four and twenty treasures, which the Calaminham had in
this kingdom, the most part whereof consisted in lingots of
silver, of the weight of six thousand OavMns, which are four
and twenty thousand quintals ; and it was said, that all this
silver was buried in wells under ground. After this we still
continued our course for the space of thirteen days, during
the which we saw on both sides of the river many very goodly
places, whereof the most were fair towns, and the rest stately
high trees, delicate gardens, and great plains full of born, as
also much oattel, red deer, shamoises, and rhiaocerots, under
the keeping of certain men on horsback, who looked to them
whilst they fed. On the river there were a great number of
vessels, where in much abundance was all things to be sold
which the earth prodaceth, wherewith it hath pleased God to
enrich these countries more then any other in the world.
Now forasmuch as the ambassadour fell sick here of an impos-
tume in his stomack, he was counselled to proceed no further
till he was healed, so that he resolved to go with some of his
train for to be cured to a famous hospital, some twelve leagues
from thence, in a Pagode, named Tinagoogoo, which signifies
the God of thousand Gods, and so departing at the same instant
he arrived there on Saturday about night.
[Here follows an account of the Temple of Tinagoogoo,
ptnitteii,]
CHAPTEE XLVII.
The great and Bumptuoua procession made in this Pagode, together with
their saorifices ; and other partienlarities.
WHILB8T this feast of these Gentiles, as also the fair,
which was kept all the time thereof, endured for the
space of fifteen days, with an infinite concourse of merchants
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 833
and pilgrims, that came flocking thither from all parts, as I
have declared before, there were many sacrifices made there
with different ceremonies, not a day passing without some
new thing or other. For amongst many of great charge, and
very worthy of observation, one of the chiefest was a Jubile,
after their manner, which was published the fifth day of the
moon, together with a procession, that was above three leagues
in length, as we could guess. It was the common opinion of
all, that in this procession there were forty thousand priests
of the four and twenty sects, which are in this empire ; most
of them were of different dignities, and called Orepos, Tala-
grepos, BooJdms, Neejaois, Bicos, Saoarens and Chanfa/rauhos.
Now by the ornaments they wear, as also by the devices and
ensigns which they carry in their hands, they may be dis-
tinguished; and so every of them is respected according to
his dignity. Howbeit these went not on foot as the other
ordinary priests, for that they were on this day forbidden upon
pain of great sin to tread upon the ground, so that they caused
themselves to be born in Pallaquins, or arm-chairs, upon the
shoulders of other priests their inferiors, apparelled in green
sattin, with their stoles of carnation damask. In the midst of
the ranks of this procession were all the inventions of their
sacrifices to be seen, as also the rich custodes of their idols,
for the which each of them had a particular devotion. They
that carried them were clothed in yellow, having each of them
a big wax candle in his hand ; and between every fifteen of
those custodes went a triumphant charet, all which charets
put together were in number an hundred twenty and six. AU
these charets were four, and some five stories high, with as
many wheels on either side. In each of them there were at
the least two hundred persons, what with the priests and the
guards, and on the top of all an idol of silver, with a miter of
gold on its head, and all of them had rich chains of pearl and
precious stones about their necks ; round about every charet
went little boys, carrying siver maces on their shoulders, and
behind them were a many of caskets full of exquisite perfumes,
as also divers persons with censers in their hands, who ever
and anon censed the idol to the tune of certain instruments of
musiok, saying three times, with a lamentable voyce, Lord,
334 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
asswage the pains of the dead, to the end they may praise Thee
peaceably ; whereunto all the people answered with a strange
noise, Such may Thy pleasv/re be, amd so may it coine to pass
every day wherein Thou shewest us the sun. Bach of these
charets was drawn by above three thousand persons, who for
that purpose made use of very long cords, covered with silk,
and thereby gained to themselves plenary remission of their
sins, without restitution to be made of any thing at all. Now
that many might participate of this absolution by drawing the
coard, they set their hands to it one after and close to another,
continuing doing so to the very end, in such sort that the whole
coard was covered with hands, and nothing else to be seen ;
but that they also which were without might gain this indul-
gence, they helped those that had their hands on the coard
by putting theirs about their shoulders ; then they that were
behind them did the like, and so consequently all the rest.
In this manner throughout the whole length of the coard there
were six or seven ranks or files, and in each of them above
five hundred persons. This procession was environed with
a great number of horsemen, that carryed staves with pikes
at both ends, who riding all about, went crying to the
people, which were infinite in number, that they should
make way, and not interrupt the priests in their prayers.
Many times also they struck those so rudely whom they first
met withal, as they beat down three or four together, or hurt
them grievously, no man daring to find fault vrith, or so much
as speak a word against it. In this order this marvelous
procession passed through above an hundred streets, which
to that end were all adorned with boughs of palms and myrtle,
amongst the which were many standards and banners of silk
planted. There were also many tables set . up in divers
places, where all that desired it for Gods sake were admitted
to eat of free-cost ; yea and in other parts they had clothes
and money given them. There likewise enemies reconciled
themselves one to another, and the rich men forgave them
their debts which were not able to pay. In a word, so many
good works were done there, more proper for Christians than
for Gentiles, as I must needs conclude, that if they had been
done with faith, and baptism, for the love of our Lord Jesus
OF FERDINAND MENDED PINTO. 885
Christ, and without any mixture of the things of this world,
assuredly they would have been acceptable to him. But alas 1
the best was wanting to them, and that both for theirs and
our sins. Whilest this procession, together with the chariots
wherein the idols were, passed along in this manner, and that
with a dreadful noise of drums, and other such instruments,
behold where out of certain wooden sheds made expresly for
the purpose, six, seven, eight, or ten men, all besmeared with
odours, and wrapped up in silk, wearing gold bracelets about
their wrists, start forth all at once, and room being instantly
made them by the people, after they had saluted the idol which
was on the top of the chariot, they went and laid themselves
down athwart on the ground, so that the wheels coming to go
over them crush'd them all to pieces, which the assistants
beholding, cried out aloud together. My soul be with thine.
Presently whereupon nine or ten of the priests descending
from the chariot took up these blessed, or rather accursed,
creatures, that sacrificed themselves in this sort, and putting
the head, bowels, and all the other members so crushed in
pieces into great bowls made for that purpose, they shewed
them to the people from the highest part of the chariot where
the idol stood, saying with a pitifull voice. Miserable sinners,
fall ye to praying, that God may make you worthy to be a saint,
as this here is, who hath now offered himself up as a sweet smell-
ing sacrifice. Whereunto all the people, prostrated on the
ground, answered with a fearfull noise. We hope that the God
of a thousand Gods will permit it to be so. In this manner
many other of these poor wretches sacrificed themselves, to
the number, as we were told by certain merchants worthy of
credit, of six hundred and more. After these followed other
martyrs of the devil, whom they called Xixaporaus, which
sacrificed themselves before the said chariots, by most merci-
lesly slashing themselves with sharp rasors, that to behold
them how they did it, one could not think but that they were
altogether insensible; for they cut off great gobbets of their
flesh, and holding them on high at the end of arrows, as if
they would shoot them up to heaven, they said, That they
made a present thereof to God for the souls of their fathers, of
their wives, of their children, or of such an one, for whose sake^
336 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
they did this wicked work. Now wheresoever this gobbet
of flesh chanced to fall, there ran so much people to catch it
up, as oftentimes many were stifled in the press, for they held
it as a very great relick. In this sort these miserable wretches
stood upon their feet, all bathed in their ovra bloud, without
noses, without ears, and vrithout any resemblance at all of
a man, untill at length they fell dovm stark dead on the earth ;
then came the Chepos in all haste down from the top of the
chariot, and cutting off their heads, shewed them to all the
people, who kneeKng on the groxmd, and lifting up their hands
to heaven, cried out with a loud voice. Let us, 0 Lord, live to
that time, wherein for thy service we may do as this same here
hath done. There were others also whom the devil drew
thither after another manner. Those same craving an alms,
said. Give me an alms for Gods sake, or if thou dost it not, I
will kill my self. So that if they were not presently contented
they woxild instantly cut their own throats with rasors which
they held in their hands, or stab themselves into the belly, and
so drop down stark dead, whereupon the Grepos ran suddenly
to them, and having cut off their heads, shewed them, as
before, to the people, who reverenced them prostrated on the
ground.
Of the 15 days that this feast was to last, 9 being past,
all the people, which were there assembled, feigning that the
gluttonous serpent of the house of smoke (who is their Luci-
fer, as I have said elsewhere) was come for to steal away the
ashes of them that were dead in these several sacrifices, and
so to keep their souls from going into heaven, there arose
among them so great and dreadfull a noise, as words are not
able to express it ; for to the confused voices that were heard
from every part, there was adjoyned such a ringing of bells
and basins, beating of drums, and winding of horns, as it was
not possible to hear one another ; and all this was done to
fright away the devil. Now this noise endured from one of
the clock in the afternoon till the next morning ; and it is not
to be beheved what a world of lights and torches were spent
that night, besides the infinite number of fires that were kindled
every where ; the reason hereof was, as they said, For that
Tinagoogoo, the God of thousand Gods, was in quest of the glut'
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ i?Ili'fO. 837
tonous serpent, for to hill him with a sword which had been
given him from heaven. After the night had been past thus
amidst this infernal noise and tumult, assoon as it was day,
the whole hill, whereon the temple was built, appeared full of
white banners, which the people beholding, they fell straight
to giving thanks imto God, and to that end they prostrated
themselves on the ground with great demonstrations of joy,
and then began to send presents one to another, for the good
news they received from the priests by the shew of those white
banners, an assured sign that the gluttonous serpent was
killed. So all the people, transported with incredible gladness,
fell to going up the hill, whereon the temple stood, by four and
twenty several accesses that there were unto it, for to give
thanks unto the idol, and chaunt his praises, for the victory he
had the night past obtained over the gluttonous serpent, and
cutting off his head. This throng of people continued three
days, and three nights ; so during that time it was not possible
to break through the press on the way, but with much pain.
Now we Portugals having little to do, resolved to go thither
also to see those abuses, wherefore we went to ask leave of the
embassadour, but he denied us for the present, willing us to
stay till the next day, and that then we should wait on him
thither, for in his last sickness he had vowed to visit it ; hereat
we were very glad, because we thought that by this means we
should the more easily see all that we desired. The morrow
after, which was the third day of this assembly, the greatest
croud being over, we went along with him to the Temple of
Tinagoogoo, and at length arrived, though with much ado, at
the hill whereon it was built. There we saw six very fair long
streets, all full of scales hanging on great rods of brass. In
these scales a number of people weighed themselves, as well
for the accomplishment of the vows they had made in their
adversities and sickness, as for the remission of all the sins
they had committed till that present ; and the weight which
each of them laid in the other scale was answerable to the
quality of the fault they had done. So they that found them-
selves culpable of gluttony, and had not all that year used any
abstinence, weighed themselves with honey, sugar, eggs, and
butter, which were things not displeasing to the priests, from
23
S38 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
whom they were to receive absolution. They that were addicted
to sensuality weighed themselves with cotton- wool, feathers,
61oth, apparel, wine, and sweet odours ; because, say they,
those things incite a man to that sin. They that were un-
charitable to the poor weighed themselves vdth coin of copper,
tin, and silver, or with pieces of gold. The slothfull with
wood, rice, coals, pork, and fruit ; and the envious, because
they reap no benefit by their maligning the prosperity of others,
expiated their sin by confessing it pubUckly, and suffering a
dozen boxes on the ear to be given them in the memory and
praise of the twelve moons of the year. As for the sin of
pride, it was satisfied with dried fish, brooms, and cow-dung,
as being the basest of things. And touching them that had
spoken ill of their neighbours, without asking them forgiveness,
they put for that a cow into the scale, or else a hog, a sheep,
or a stag; so that infinite was the number of those which
weighed themselves in the scales that were in those six streets,
from whom the priests received so much alms, as there were
great piles of all sorts of things made up all along. Now for
the poor that had nothing to give for the remission of their
sins, they offered their own hair, which was presently cut off
by above an hundred priests, who for that effect sate in order
one by another on low stools, with sizzars in their hands. There
also we saw great heaps of that hair, whereof other Grepos,
which were a thousand at least, and ranked also in order,
made wreathes, tresses, rings, and bracelets, which one or
another bought for to carry home to their houses, even as our
pilgrims use to do, that come from Santiago de Gompostella, or
other such places. Our embassadour, being amazed at the
sight of these things, inquired further of the priests concern-
ing them, who besides other particulars told him, that all
those ahns, and other offerings which were given there during
the fifteen days of this assembly, amounted to a great revenue
and that even of the hair of the poor alone there were raised
every year above an hundred thousand Pa/rdarm of gold, which
are fourscore and ten thousand ducates of our money; whereby
one may judge what a world of wealth was made of all the
rest. After that the embassadour had staid some time in the
streets of the scales, he passed on through all the other
OF FMBDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 839
quarters, where were comedies, dancing, wrestling, and ex-
cellent consorts of all kinds of musick, till at length we arrived
at Tinagoogoo, but with much labour and pain, because the
throng was so great, as none could hardly break through it.
This temple had but one isle, that was very long and spacious,
and fuU of great wax lights, each of them having ten or eleven
wicks in it, set up all about in silver candlesticks ; there was
also great store of perfumes of aloes and benjamin. As for the
image of Tinagoogoo, it was placed La the midst of the temple
upon a stately tribunal, in the form of an altar, environed
with a number of silver candlesticks, and a many of children,
attired in purple, which did nothing but cense it at the sound
of instruments of musick, whereon the priests played reason-
able well. Before this idol danced, to the tune of the said
instrument, certain ladies, which were wonderfull fair, and
richly clad, to whom the people presented their alms and
offerings, which the priests received for them, and then laid
them before the tribunal of the idol with a great deal of cere-
mony and complement, ever and anon prostrating themselves
on the ground. The statue of this monster was seven and
twenty spans high, having the face of a giant, the hair of a
negro, wide distorted nostrils, mighty great lips, and a very
sowre and ill-favoured countenance. He had in his hand an
hatchet in the form of a cooper's addis, but with a far longer
handle. With this addis, as the priests made the people
believe, this monster the night before killed the gluttonous
serpent of the home of smoke, for that he would ha/ve stoln away
the ashes of those that saorifioed themsehies. There also we
saw the serpent amidst the place before the tribunal in the
form of an adder, more horrible to behold then the wit of man
can imagine, and done so to the life, as all that looked on it
trembled for fear. It was laid all along, with the head cut off,
being eight fathom long, and the neck of it as thick as a
bushel, so lively represented, that though we knew it to be an
artificial thing, yet could we not chuse but be afraid of it.
In the mean time all the assistants ran thronging about it,
some pricking it with the points of their halberds, and some
with their daggers, every one with railing speeches, cursing
and calling it, Provd, presumpPuous, accursed, wifemal monster,
340 THE TBAVELS, VOYAQES, AND ADVENTURES
pool of damnation, ewoious against God's goodmess, h/imger-sta/rved
dragon, in the midst of 'the rdght, and many other names, which
they delivered in such extraordinary terms, and so fitted to the
effects of this serpent, as we coiild not but admire them. That
done, they put into basins which stood at the foot of the idols
tribunal a world of alms, of gold, silver, jewels, pieces of silk,
fine callicoes, money, and a hundred other things in very great
abundance. After we had seen all these things, we continued
following the embassadour, who went to see the grots of the
hermits or penitents, which were at the utmost end of the
wood, all cut out of the hard rock, and in such order, as one
would have thought that nature, rather then the hand of man,
had laboured in it. There were an hundred forty and two of
them, in some of the which remained divers men, whom they
held for saints, and that did very great and austere penance.
They in the first grots wore long robes like the Bonzes of
Ja/pan, and followed the law of an idol, that had sometimes
been a man, called Situmpor Michay, who during his life
enjoyned those of his sect to lead their lives iu great austerity,
assuring them that the onely and true way to gain heaven,
was to subdue the flesh, and that the more they laboured to
afflict themselves, the more liberally God would grant them
all they could demand of him. They which accompanied us
thither, told us, that they seldom eat any thing but herbs
boiled, a few beans of Aricot rested, and wilde fruit, which
were provided for them by other priests, who as the purveyors
of a cloister took care to furnish these penitents with such
things as were conformable to the law whereof they made
profession. After these we saw in a grot others of a sect of
one of their saints, or rather of a devil, named Angemacur ;
these lived in deep holes, made in the midst of the rock,
according to the rule of their wretched order, eating nothing
but flies, ants, scorpions, and spiders, with the juice of a
certain herb growing in abundance thereabouts, much like to
sorrel. These spent their time in meditating day and night,
with their eyes lifted up to heaven, and their hands closed one
within another, for a testimony that they desired nothing of
this world, and in that manner died like beasts ; but they are
accounted greater saints then all the rest, and as such, after
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 841
they are dead, they burn them in fires, whereinto they cast
great quantities of most precious perfumes. The funeral
pomp being celebrated with great state, and very rich offerings,
they have sumptuous temples erected unto them, thereby to
draw the living to do as they had done, for to obtain this
vain-glory, which is all the recompense that the world gives
them for their excessive penance. We likewise saw others
of a .sect altogether diabolical, invented by a certain Gileu
Mitra/y. These have sundry orders of penance, and are not
much different in their opinions from the Abissins of Ethiopia.
Now that their abstinence may be the more agreeable to their
idol, some of them eat nothing but bitter fruits and herbs
brought to them from the wood, by reason whereof they live
but a short time, and have so bad a look and colour, as they
fright those that behold them. I wiU pass by them of the
sect of Godomem, who spend their whole life in crying day and
night on those mountains, Godomem, Godomem, and desist not
from it untUl they fall down stark dead to the ground for want
of breath. Neither will I speak of them which they call
Taxilacons, who die more brutishly then the rest ; for they
shut themselves up in certain grots made of purpose for it,
that are very little and close, stopped on all sides, and then
burning green thistles and thorns in them, they choke them-
selves with the smoke thereof. Whereby one may see how by
such rude and different ways of living these miserable
creatures render themselves the devil's martyrs, who in
reward thereof gives them everlasting hell-fire ; and verily it
is a pitifull thing to behold the great pains which these
wretches take to lose themselves, and the little that we do to
be saved.
CHAPTEE XLVin.
Wliat we saw in the oontinning of our voyage, nntil we arrived at the
city of Timplan.
APTEH we had seen all these things with wonder enough, we
departed from this Pagode of Tinagoogoo, and continued
on our way for thirteen days together, at the end whereof we
842 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
arrived at two great towns, scituated on the bank of the river,
just opposite the one against the other, about the distance of a
stones cast, one of the which was called Mana/oedea, and the other
. SingilapoM. In the midst of this same river, which was there
somewhat narrow, there was an island by nature formed round,
and in it a rock six and thirty fathom high, and a cross-bow
shot broad ; upon this rook was a fort buUt, with nine bulwarks
and five towers ; without the rampire of the wall it was in-
vironed vnth two rows of great iron gates, and from the
bulwarks to the other side of the river ran a huge chain of iron,
to keep vessels from passing along, so that nothing could
possibly enter there. At one of these two towns, which was
called SingilapoM, the ambassadour landed, where he was ex-
ceedingly well entertained by the Xemimbrum, or governour
of it, who likewise furnished all his train with great store of
refreshments. The next morning we left this place, accom-
panied with twenty Lemles, wherein there were a thousand
men and better, and about evening we arrived at the custom-
houses of the kingdom, which are two strong places, and from
the one to the other run five mighty great chains of latten all
athwart the whole breadth of the river, so that nothing can
pass in and out vrithout leave. Hither came a man in a swift
Seroo to the ambassadour, and told him that he was to go ashore
at Gampalagro, which was one of the two castles on the south-
side, for to shew the letter which this king had sent by him
to the Galammham, to see if it were written in the form that
was required in speaking to him, as was usually observed.
The ambassadour presently obeyed, and being come to land he
was lead into a great hall, where were three men set at a table,
with a great niany gentlemen, who gave him good entertain-
ment, and demanded of him the occasion of his coming thither,
as they that knew nothing of it. Whereunto the ambassadour
answered ; That he came thither from the King of Bramaa, Lord
of Tanguu, and that he had a message to deliver unto the holy
Calaminham concerning matters greatly importing his estate.
Then having made further answer to other questions, which
were put to him in a way of ceremony by the three principal
persons that were at the table, he showed them the letter,
wherein they corrected some words, which were not of the
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 848
style where-with they were accustomed to speak to the Cala-
minham ; together with this letter the ambassadour shewed
them the present which he had brought for him, whereat they
very much wondred, especially when they saw the chair for
an elephant of gold and precious stones, which in the judge-
ment of divers lapidaries was worth above six hundred thou-
sand ducates, besides the other rich pieces that he carried
him also, as I have before related. After we had our dispatch
from this first custom-house, we went to the other, where we
found more venerable men then the former, who with another
new ceremony looked likewise on the letter, and the present,
and put to all the several parcels of it strings of wreathed
carnation silk,* with three seals in lacre, which was as the
conclusion of the receiving of the ambassy by the Galawmham,
The same day there came a man from the next town of Queitor,
sent by the govemour of the kingdom to visit the ambassadour
with a present of refreshments of flesh, fruit, and other such
things after their manner. During nine days that the ambas-
sadour stayed in this place he was abundantly furnished with
all things necessary, both for his own person, and his train,
and withal was entertained with sundry sports of hunting and
fishing, as also with feasts, accompained with musick and
comedies represented by very beautiful women, and richly
attired. In the mean time we Portugals went, with the
permission of the ambassadour, to see certain things which
they of the country had much commended unto us, namely
very antique buildings, rich and sumptuous temples, very fair
gardens, houses and castles that were all along the side of
this river, made after a strange fashion, well fortified, and
of great charge, amongst the which there was an hospital for
to lodge pilgrims in called Mafdoafa/rcm, signifying in our
tongue, The Prison of the Gods, which was above a league in
breadth. Here we saw twelve streets, all vaulted over, and
in every one of them two hundred and forty houses, namely,
sixscore on each side, which made in all two thousand, eight
himdred, and fourscore, all full of pilgrims, who the whole
year through came thither in pilgrimage from divers countries;
for, as they hold, this pilgrimage ought to be of far greater
* The first mention in history of red-tape 7
844 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
merit then all others, because that these idols imprisoned by
strangers have need of company. All these pilgrims, which,
as they of the country say, are all the year long without dis-
continuing above six thousand, have meat given them the
whole time of their abode there, at the charge, and out of the
revenue of the house. They are served by four thousand
priests of Mcmicafa/ran, who with many others reside within
the same inclosure in sixscore religious houses, where there
are also as many women that serve in like manner. The
temple of this hospital was very great, with three isles after
the fashion of ours, in the midst whereof was a remarkable
chappel built round, and invironed with three very big ballisters
of latten; within it there were fourscore idols of men and
women, besides many other little gods, that lay prostrated on
the ground ; for the forescore great idols onely stood upright,
and were all tied together with chains of iron. As for the
little ones, they were, as I said, laid along on the pavement,
as the children of these greater, and tied six to six by the
middle with other sleighter chains. Moreover without the
baUisters in two files there stood two hundred, forty and four,
giants of brass, six and twenty spans high, with their halberds
and clubs upon their shoulders, as if they had been set there for
the guard of the captive gods. There was over-head upon iron
rods, that traversed the isles of the temple, great store of
lamps hanging, having seven or eight matches apiece in them,
in the fashion of candlesticks, like to them of the Indiaes, all
varnished without, as also the walls were, and every thing else
that we saw there, in token of mourning, by reason of the
captivity of these gods. Being amazed as well at that which
I have recounted, as at many other things which I pass over
in silence, and not able to comprehend what they meant by the
imprisonment of these gods, we demanded the signification of
it of the priests, whereunto one amongst them, that seemed
of more authority then the rest, made us this answer. Since
I see that being strangers you desi/re to learn of me that which
I know very well, and which you have never heard spoken,
tior read of in your books, I will declare the matter unto you
as it past, according as it is truly delivered by our histories.
Know then, that it is now seven thousand, three hundred, and
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 845
twenty moons, which make six h/undred and ten years, after the
sv/pputation of other nations, since the tvme that an hoVy Cala-
minham, named Xixivarem Melentay, commanding over the
mona/rchy of the six and twenty kingdoms of thds crown, waged
wars with the Siamon, Emperour of the Mountains of the Earth
insomuch that there assembled, what on the one part and the
other, threescore and' two kings, who putting themselves into
field, fought so cruel and bloody a battel, as it endured from
an hour before day till night, and there was slain on both
sides sixteen Laquesaas of men, each of which makes an
him&red thousand. At length the victory remaining to our
Oalaminham, " without any more resting alvve of hds forces then
two hmidred and tM/rty thousand, he ruined in four moneths
space all the enemies countries, with such a destruction of people,
as (if credit may be given otir histories, or to what any other
besides have asswred) there died fifty 'L&qa.eaaa,^ of persons. This
battel was fought in the first of the said seven thousand, three
hundred, and twenty moons, in the renowned field Vitau, where
Qtiiay Nivandel appea/red to the Calaminham, sitting in a chmr
of wood, who acqwred unto himself in this place a greater and
more famxms title of honour, then all the other gods of the Mons
and Siammes ; in rega/rd whereof so often as they that inhabit
the earth desire to make oath of thiiigs which pass the belief of
men, they use for the more authorizing thereof to swear by the
holy Quiay Nivandel, God of Battels of the field Vitau. Now in
a great city named Sarocatam, where five hundred thousand
persons were slain, all these gods, which here yoii see before you,
were made prisoners in despight of the kings that believed in
them, and the priests that served them with the perfumes in their
sacrifices. Thus by reason of so glorious a victory all those
people become subject to us, and tributaries to the crown of the
Calaminham, who at this day holds the scepter of this monarchy,
whereunto he was not raised but with m/uch labour, and the
shedding of a world of blood, d/wring the threescore and fowr
rebellions made by the said people since that tvme until this
present ; who not able to endure the captivity of their gods, for
that, to say the truth, is a mighty affront unto them, they do still
in memory of so unhappy a success continue making great demon-
strations of sorrow for it, renewing every yea/r the vow they home
346 THE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
made not to celebrate any feast, nor to rejoyce in any kind of sort
whatsoever, until they have provided for the deUverance of these
prisoners ; which also is the cause that no lamps are seen in
their temples, and that they are resolved to light up none during
the capti/oity of their idols. Some of us seeming to doubt the
verity hereof, because it seemed strange unto them, the Grepo
swore that it was most true, and that also there had been
killed at sundry times, about the deliverance of these Gods,
whom there we saw captive, above three millions of men,
besides those that fell in precedent battels ; whereby one may
clearly see in what a strange manner the devil keeps these poor
blinded wretches subjected unto him, and with how much
abuse and extravagancy he precipitates them into hell. When
we had well observed aU the singularities of this temple,
we went to see another, called Urpanesendoo ; to speak of
which I desire to be excused, that I may not be forced to treat
of infamous and abominable matters ; wherefore omitting the
great abundance of riches, and other things which we saw
there ; it shall suffice me to say, that this temple is served by
none but women, who are all of them the daughters of princes,
and of the principal lords of the kingdom, which dedicate
them from their infancy to offer up their honour in sacrifice
there. Now this filthy and sensual sacrifice is performed
with so great charge, that many of them bestow above ten
thousand ducats in it, besides the offerings which are made
to this idol Urpanesendoo, to whom they sacrifice their honour.
This idol is in a chappel that is round, and gilt all over ; it is
made of silver, and set upon a tribunal in form of an altar,
environed over-head with a great number of candlesticks,
which are all of silver likewise, every light in them having
sis wicks. Eound about this tribunal are many other idols
gilded over, of very comely and well-favoured women, who
with their knees on the ground, and hands hfted up, adore
this idol. These same, as the priests told us, are the holy
souls of certain young ladies, which finished their days there
to the great honour of their parents, who made more esteem
of that then of all the King could give them. They assured
us, that the revenue belonging to the idol was three hundred
thousand ducates by the year, besides the offerings and rich
OF FBBDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 847
ornaments of their abominable sacrifices, which was yet
worth more. In this diabolical temple were shut up within
many religious houses that we saw above five thousand women,
being all of them old, and for the most part exceeding rich ;
so that coming to die, they make a donation of all their
wealth to the Pagode; wherefore it is no marvel, if it have
the revenue I spoke of. From this place we went to see the
companies of strangers, which came thither in pilgrimage in
the manner that I have declared. These companies were forty
and six in number, every one of an hundred, 200, 300, 400,
or 500 persons ; nay, some of them were more, and were all
lodged along by the river, as if it had been a camp. Amidst
these troops of strangers we met by chance with a Portugal
woman, whereat we wondred more then at all we had seen
before; so that desiring to" know of her the reason of so
strange an accident, she told us, with tears, who she was,
what occasion had brought her thither, and how she was at
that instant the wife of one of those pilgrims, to whom she
had been married three or four and twenty years ; whereunto
she further added, that not daring to go and live amongst
Christians, because of her sin, she continued still in her
wickedness, but that she hoped God would at length be pleased
to bring her into some country, where before she ended her
days, she might repent her of her hfe past ; and that although
we foimd her in the company of people devoted to the service
of the devil, yet she left not for all that to be still a true
Christian ; we remained much amazed at so strange a relation,
and not a little sorrowfull also to see and understand to what
a point of misfortune this poor woman was reduced, so that
we told her our opinion, and what we thought was fit for her
to do; whereupon she concluded to go along with us to
Timpla/m, and so to Pegu, and from thence to set sail for
Coromandel, there to finish her days in the island of St. TomS.
Having vowed unto us to do thus we quitted her, not doubting
that she would lose so good an opportunity to retire her self
out of the errours wherein she was, and to restore her self to
an estate wherein she might be saved, since it had pleased
God to permit her to meet with us in a country so far distant
from that which she could hope for. Howbeit she performed
348 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
nothing, for we could never see nor hear of her afterwards,
which made us to believe, that either something had befallen
her that kept her from coming to us ; or that through the
obstinacy of her sins, she deserved not to make her profit of
the grace which our Lord had offered to her out of His infinite
goodness and mercy.
CHAPTER XLIX.
The magnificent reception of the King of Bramaa his Ambassadour, at the
city of Timplam.
NINE days after the King of Bramaa his ambassadour
had reposed himself there by way of ceremony, accord-
ing to the fashion of the country, for the more honour of his
ambassage, one of the govemours of the city, called Gampano-
grem, came to fetch him, accompanied with fourscore Seroos
and La/iilees, very well equipped, and full of lusty able men.
Throughout this fleet they played on so many barbarous and
ill accorded instruments, as beUs, 'cymbals, drums, and sea-
cornets, that the din thereof coming to joyn with the noise
which the rowers made, terrified all those that heard it ; and
indeed one would have thought it at first to be some inchant-
ment, or to say better, a musick of hell, if there be any there.
Amidst this stir we drew near to the city, where we arrived
about noon. Being come to the first key, that was named
Gampala/rraia, we saw a great many men, both horse and foot,
all richly accoutred, as also a number of fighting elephants,
very well furnished, having their chairs and fore-head pieces
garnished with silver, and their warlike Panares fastened to
their teeth, which rendered them very terrible. The am-
bassadour was no sooner come on shore, but the Campanogrem
took him by the hand, and falling on his knees presented him
to another great man that attended for him at the key in great
pomp. This same was called Patedacan, one of the chiefest
of the kingdom, as we were told. After he had with a new
complement of courtesie received the ambassadour, he offered
him an elephant furnished with a chair and harness of gold ;
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 849
but whatsoever the Manclarin could do to make the ambassa-
dour accept of it, he could by no means draw him thereunto ;
whereupon he caused another almost as well furnished to be
brought, and gave it to him. As for us nine Portugals, and
fifty or threescore Bramaas, they provided horses, on which
we mounted. In this manner we departed from that place,
having his chariots before us full of men, that amidst the
acclamations of the people played upon divers kindes of
instruments ; namely, on silver cymbals, beUs, and drums.
Thus we were conducted through many long streets, whereof
nine were environed with ballisters of lattin, and at the
entrance into them, there were arches very richly wrought, as
also many chapiters of pillars gilt, and great bells, which like
imto clocks, struck the hours, nay, the quarters of the hour of
the day, whereby the people were ordinarily directed. After
that with much ado, by reason of the great press of people
that was in the streets, we were come to the outward court of
the Galomdnhan's palace, which was as long, or little less, as
a faulcons shot, and broad proportionably thereunto, we saw
in it above six thousand horses, all trapped with silver and
silk, and those that were mounted on them were armed with
corslets of lattin and copper, head-pieces of silver, carrying
ensigns in their hands of divers colours, ^nd targets at their
saddle-bows. The commander of these troops was the Quietor
of Justice, who is as the superintendent over all the other civil
and criminal ministers, which is a jurisdiction separate by it
self, from whence there is no appeal. The ambassadour being
come near unto him, who was also advanced to receive him,
and the two govemours, they all prostrated themselves on the
ground three times, which is amongst them a new kinde of
complement, whereupon the Quietor spake not a word to the
ambassadour, but onely laid his hand on his head, and then
gave him a rich scymitar that he wore by his side, which the
ambassadour accepted of very thankfully, and kissed it thrice.
That done the Qwietor set the ambassadour on his right hand,
and leaving the two Manda/rms a Uttle behinde, they passed
along through two rows of elephants, which made a kinde of
a street of the length of the outward court, they being fifteen
hundred in number, all furnished with castles, and rich chairs
350 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
of divers inventions, as also with a great many of silk banners,
and gorgeous coverings ; round about v^ere a great company of
halberdiers, and many other shews of greatness and majesty,
which made us believe that this prince was one of the mightiest
in the country. When we were come to a great gate, that
stood between two^ high towers, two hundred men which
guarded it no sooner saw the Qmetor, but they all fell down
on their knees. Through this gate, we entered into another
very long outward court, where the Kings second guard was,
composed of a thousand men, who were all in gilt arms, their
swords by their sides, and on their heads helmets wrought
with gold and silver, wherein stuck gallant plimies of several
colours. After we had past through the middle of all this
guard we arrived at a great hall, where there was a Mandarin,
uncle to the king, called the Mowvaganm, a. man of above
seventy years of age, accompanied with a great number of
nobility, as also with many captains and officers of the king-
dom. About him were twelve little boys richly clad, vnth
great chains of gold three or four times double about their
necks, and each of them a silver mace upon his shoulder.
Assoon as the ambassadour was come near him, he touched
him on the head with a Ventiloe that he held in his hand, and
behelding him. May thy entrance, said he, into tMs palace of
the Lord of the World be as agreeable to his eyes, as the rain is
to our field of rice, for so shall he grant thee all that thy King
demands of him. From thence we went up aa high pair of
stairs, and entered into a very long room, wherein there were
many great lords, who seeing the Mon/oaga/rvM stood up on
their feet, as acknowledging him for their superior. Out of
this room we entered into another, where there were 4
altars, very well accommodated with idols of silver; upon
one of these altars we saw the statue of a woman as big as a
giant, being eighteen spans high, and with her arms all abroad
looking up to heaven. This idol was of silver, and her hair
of gold, which was very long, and spread over her shoulders.
There also we saw a great throne, encompassed round about
with thirty giants of brass, who had gilded clubs upon their
shoulders, and faces as deformed as those they paint for the
devil. From this room we passed into a manner of a gallery,
OP FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 851
adorned from the top to the bottom with a number of little
tables of ebony, inlayed with ivory, and full of mens heads,
under every one of the which the name of him to whom it
belonged was written in letters of gold. At the end of this
gallery there were a dozen of iron rods gilt, whereon hung a
great many silver candlesticks of great value, and a number
of perfuming pans, from whence breathed forth a most ex-
cellent odour of amber, and calambiico, or Ugmim aloes, but
such as we have none in Christendom. There on an altar
environed all about with three rows of ballisters of silver, we
saw thirteen kings visages of the same metall, with golden
mitres upon their heads, and under each of them a dead mans
head, and below many candlesticks of silver, with great white
wax lights in them, which were snuffed ever and anon by little
boys, who accorded their voices to those of the Grepos that
sung in form of a letany, answering one another. The Grepos
told us that those thirteen dead mens heads which were under
the visages were the skulls of thirteen Galarrdnhans, which in
times past gained this empire from certain strangers, called
Eoparons, who by arms had usurped the same upon them of
the country. As for the other dead mens heads which we saw
there, they were the skulls of such commanders as by their
heroic deeds had honourably ended their days in helping to
recover this empire, in regard whereof it was most reasonable,
that though death had deprived them of the recompenoe which
they had merited by their action, yet their memory should not
be abolished out of the world. When we were gone out of the
gallery, we proceeded on upon a great bridge, that was in the
form of a street, railed on either sides with ballisters of
lattin, and beautified with a many of arches curiously
wrought, upon which were scutcheons of arms, charged with
several devices of gold, and the crest over them were silver
globes, five spans in circumference, all very stately and majes-
tical to behold. At the end of this bridge was another build-
ing, the doors whereof we found shut, whereupon we knoieked
4 times, they within not deigning to answer us, which is a
ceremony observed by them in such occasions. At the length
after we had nmg a bell 4 times more, as it were in haste, out
comes a woman of about 50 years of age, accompanied with 6
352 TEB TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
little girls, richly attired, and Bcymitars upon their shoulders
garnished -with flowers wrought in gold. This ancient woman
having demanded of the Moiwagcmm why he had rung the bell,
and what he would have, he answered her with a great deal of
respect, That he had there an ambassadour from the Eing of
Bramaa, the Lord of Tanguu, who was come thither to treat at
the feet of the Calaminhan about certain matters much import-
ing his service. By reason of the great authority which this
woman was in she seemed little to regard this answer, whereat we
wondred much, because he that spake to her was one of the
chiefest lords of the kingdom, and uncle to the Galaminhan,
as it was said. Nevertheless one of the 6 girls that accom-
panied her, spake thus in her behalf to the Motwaga/rim, My
Lord, may it please your greatness, to have a Utile patience till
we may know whether the time be fit for the hissing of the foot
of the throne of this Lord of the World, and advertising him of
the coming of this stranger, amd so according to the grace which
our Lord will shew him therein, his heart may rejoyce, and we
with hmn. That said, the door was shut again for the space of
three or four Credo's, and then the six girls came and opened
it, but the ancient woman that at first came along with them
we saw no more ; howbeit instead of her there came a boy of
about nine years of age, richly apparelled, and having on his
head an Hu/rfa/ngiM of gold, which is a kinde of mitre -(but
that it is somewhat more closed all about, and without any
overture) he had also a mace of gold, much like a sceptre,
which he carried upon his shoulder; this same, without
making much reckoning of the Monvaga/ruM, or of any of the
other lords there present, took the embassadour by the hand,
and said unto him. The news of thy a/rrival is come unto the feet
of Binaigaa the Calaminhan, and sceptre of the kings that govern
the earth, and is so agreeable to his ea/rs, that with a sm/iUng
look he now sends for thee to give thee a/uMence concerning that
which is desired of him by the King, whom he newly receives
into the number of his brethren, with the love of the son of his
enWals, that so he may remain powerfull and victorious over his
enemies. Thereupon he caused him, together with the Kings
uncle, and the other governours that accompanied him, to
come in, leaving all the rest without ; the embassadour then
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 358
seeing none of his train follow him, looked three or four times
back, seeming by his countenance to be somewhat discon-
tented, which the Moti/oagaruu perceiving, spake to the Qidetor,
who was a little behinde, that he should cause the strangers to
be let in, and none else ; the doors being then opened again,
we Portugals began to go in with the Bramaas ; but such a
number of others came thrusting in amongst us, as the
gentlemen ushers who were above twenty, had much ado to
keep the doors, striking many with battoons which they had
in their hands, and (of those) some that were persons of
quahty, and yet could they not therewith, neither with their
cries, nor menaces, stop them all from entering. Thus being
come in, we past along through the midst of a great garden,
made with such art, and where appeared so many goodly
things, so divers, and so pleasing to the eye, as words are not
able to express them. For there were there many alleys
environed with baUisters of silver, and many arbors of extra-
ordinary scent, which we were told had so much sympathy
with the moons of the year, that in all seasons whatsoever
they bare flowers and fruits ; withall there was such abundance
and variety of roses and other flowers, as almost passetb
belief. In the midst of this garden we saw a great many
young women, very fair, and well clad, whereof some past
away their time in dancing, and others in playing on sundry
sorts of instruments much after our manner, which they per-
formed with so much harmony, as we were not a little delighted
therewith: some also bestowed themselves in making of
curious needle-works and gold-strings, some in other things,
whilest their companions gathered fruit to eat ; and all this
was done so quietly, and with such order and good behaviour,
as made us admire it. At our going out of this garden, where
the MowoagwrvM would needs have the embassadour to stay a
while, that he might there observe something worthy to enter-
tain his king with at his return to Pegu, we went into a very
great antichamber, where many commanders and lords were
sitting, as also some great princes, who received the embassa-
dour with new ceremonies, and complements, and yet not one
of them stirred from his place. Through this antichamber
we came to a door, where there were six gentlemen ushers
24
864 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
with silver maces, by which we entered into another room
very richly furnished : in this was the Galaminhan seated on
a most majestical throne, encompassed with three rows of
ballisters of silver. At the foot of the degrees of his throne
sate twelve women that were exceeding beautifull, and most
richly apparelled, playing on divers sorts of instruments,
whereunto they accorded their voices. On the top of the
throne, and not far from his person, were twelve young damsels
about nine or ten years old, all of them on their knees round
about him, and carrying maces of gold in the fashion of
sceptres ; amongst them there was also another that stood on
her feet and fanned him. Below, all along the whole length
of the room, were a great many of old men, wearing mitres
of gold on their heads, and long robes of sattin and damask,
curiously embroidered, every one having silver maces on their
shoulders, and ranked in order on either side against the walls.
Over all the rest of the room were sitting, upon rich Persian
carpets, about two hundred young ladies, as we could guess,
that were wonderfull fair, and exceeding well-favom'ed. Thus
did this room, both for the marvellous structure of it, and for
the excellent order that was observed therein, represent so
great and extraordinary a majesty, as we heard the embassa-
dom' say afterwards, talking of it, that if God would grant
him the grace to return to Pegu, he would never speak of it
to the King, as well for fear of grieving him, as of being
taken for a man that reports thingSj which seem altogether
incredible.
Assoon as the embassadour was entered into the room
where the Galaminhan was, accompanied with the four princes
that coBduoted him, he prostrated himself five times on the
ground, vrithout so much as daring to behold the Calarmnhan,
in sign of the great respect he carried towards him, which the
Monvaga^iiM perceiving, willed him to advance forwajrd; so
that being arrived near to the first degree of his throne, with
his face still bending downward, he said to the Galaminhan,
with so loud a voice as every one might hear him ; The clouds
of the air, which recreate the fruits whereof we eat, have pub-
lished over the whole monarchy of the world the great majesty of
thy power, which hath caused my King, desiring to be honov/red.
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 355
with thy amity, as with a rich pea/rl, to send me for that purpose,
and to tell thee from him, that thou shalt much oblige him, if
thoupleasest to accept of him for thy brother, with the honour-
able obedience which he will always render to thee, as to him
that is the elder, as thou a/rt. And for that end it is, that he
sends thee this letter, which is the jewel of all his treasure that
he prizes most, and wherein his eyes take more pleasure, for the
honour and contentment they receive by it, then being lord of the
kings o/Avaa, and of all the precious stones of the mountmn of
Falent, of Jatir, and Pontau. Hereunto the Gala/mnhan made
him this answer following, and that with a grave and severe
countenance ; For my part, I accept of this new amity, thereby
to give full satisfaction to thy king, as to a son newly bom of nvy
inirals. Then began the women to play on instruments of
musiok, and six of them danced with Uttle children for the
space of three or four Credo's. After that, other six little girls
danced with six of the oldest men that were in the room,
which seemed to us a very pretty fantasticalness. This dance
ended, there was a very fine comedy represented by twelve
ladies, exceeding beautifull, and gorgeously attired, wherein
appeared on the stage a great sea-monster, holding in his
mouth the daughter of a king, whom the fish swallowed up
before them all, which the twelve ladies seeing went in all
haste weeping to an hermitage that was at the foot of a
mountain, from whence they returned with an hermit, who
made earnest supplications to Quday PaPwreu, God of the Sea,
that he would bring this monster to the shore, so as they
might come to bury the damsel according to her quality. The
hermit was answered by Qmay Patwreu, that the twelve ladies
should change their lamentations and complaints into so many
consorts of musick, that were agreeable to his ears, and he
would then command the sea to cast the fish upon the strand
to be done withall as they thought good; whereupon comes on
the stage six little boys with wings and crowns of gold upon
their heads, in the same manner as we use to paint angels, and
naked all over, who falling on their knees before the ladies,
presented them with three harps and three viols, saying, that
Quiay Patureu sent them these instruments from the heaven
of the moon, therewith to cast the monster of the sea into a
356 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
sleep, that so they might have their desire on him ; whereupon
the twelve ladies took them out of the hands of the little boys,
and began to play upon them, tuning them unto their voices
with so lamentable and sad a tone, and such abundance of
tears, that it drew some from the eyes of divers lords that
were in the room. Having continued their musick about half
a quarter of an hour, they saw the monster coming out of the
sea, and by little and little as it were astonished, making to
the shore where these fair musicians were ; aU which was
performed so properly, and to the life, that the assistants could
hardly imagine it to be a fable, and a matter devised for plea-
sure, but a very truth, besides the scene was set forth with a
world of state and riches. Then one of the twelve ladies
drawing out a poniard, all set with precious stones, which she
wore by her side, ripped up the fish, and out of the belly of it
drew the Infanta aUve, which presently went and danced to
the tune of their instruments, and so went and kissed the
Galaminhan's hand, who received her very graciously, and
made her sit down by him. It was said that this young lady
was his niece, the daughter of a brother of his ; as for the
other twelve, they were all the daughters of princes, and of
the greatest lords of the country, whose fathers and brothers
were there present. There were also three or four comedies
more like this, acted by other young ladies of great quality,
and set forth with so much pomp and magnificence, as more
could not be desired. About evening the Calaminhan retired
into another room, accompanied with women onely; for all
the rest they went along with the Momiaga/mu, who took the
embassadour by the hand, and led him back to the outermost
room of all, where with many complements, after their manner,
he took his leave of him, and so committed him to the Queitor,
who straightway carried him to his house, where he lodged all
the while that he was there, being two and thirty days, during
which time he was feasted by the principal lords of the court,
in a splendid and sumptuous manner, and continually enter-
tained with several sports of fishing, hunting, hawking, and
other such like recreations.
{Here follows a discov/rsh on the Christian religion between a
priest omd the ForPug'uese, pmitteirt]
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 857
CHAPTEE L.
An ample relation of the empire oJ the Calaminham, and of the kingdoms
of Pegu, and Bramaa, with the oontinuauoe of our voyage, and what we
saw among the same.
AMONETH after our arrival at this city of Timplan,
where the court then was, the ambassador demanded an
answer to his ambassie, and it was immediately granted him
by the Calaminham, with whom he spake himself, and being
graciously entertained by him, he referred him for his dispatch
to the Monvaga/ruu, that was, as I have heretofore delivered,
the chief man in governing the kingdom, who gave him an
answer on the behalf of the Calaminham, as also a present. in
exchange of that which the King of Bramaa had sent him,
withal he wrote him a letter [entering into the proposed alliance
with him] . The ambassador having received this letter,
departed from the court the 3rd of November, 1546, accom-
panied with certain lords, who by the express commandment
of the Calaminham went along with him to Bidor, where they
took their leave of him, after they had made him a great feast,
and presented him with divers gifts. But before I entreat of
the way which we held from this place till we came to Pegu,
where the King of Brwmaa was, I think it convenient and
necessary to make a relation here of certain things which we
saw in this country, wherein I will acquit my self as succinctly
as I can, as I have done in all other matters whereof I have
spoken heretofore ; for if I should discourse in particular of all
that I have seen, and of that which hath past as well in this
empire, as in othe'r kingdoms, where I have been during my
painful voyages, I had then need to make another volume far
bigger then this same, and be indued with a wit much above
that I have : howbeit that I may not whoUy conceal things so
remarkable, I am contented to say so much thereof as my
gross stile will permit me to deliver. The kingdom of Pegu
hath in circuit an htmdred and forty leagues, is scituate on the
south side in sixteen degrees, and in the heart of the country
towards the rhomb of the east it hath an hundred and forty
leagues, being invironed all above with a high ground, named
858 THE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
PangwviroM, where the nation of the Bramaas doth inhabit,
whose country is fourscore leagues broad, and two hundred
long. This monarchy was in times past one sole kingdom,
which now it is not, but is divided into thirteen estates of
sovereigns, who made themselves masters of it by poysoning
their king in a banquet which they made him in the city of
Ghaleu, as their histories relate: of these thirteen estates,
there are eleven that are commanded by other nations, who by
a tract of another great country are joyned to all the boTinds
of the Bramaas, where two great emperors abide, of which the
one is called the Siamon, and the other the Galaminliam, who
Is the same I purpose onely to treat of. According to report,
the empire of the prince is above three hundred leagues
breadth, and as much in length, and it is said that anciently
it contained seven and twenty kingdoms, the inhabitants
whereof spake all one language : within this empire we saw
many goodly cities, exceedingly well peopled, and abounding
with all provisions necessary for mans life, as flesh, fresh
water, fish, corn, pulse, rice, pastures, vines, and fruits ; the
chief of all these cities is Timplan, where this emperor, the
Calaminham, with his court commonly resides : it is seated
along by a great river, named Pituy, and invironed aU about
with two broad walls of earth, made up with strong stone on
either side, having very broad ditches, and at each gate a
castle with high towers. Certain merchants affirmed unto us,
that this city had within it some four hundred thousand fires ;
and albeit the houses are for the most part not above two
stories high, yet in recompence thereof they are bidlt very
stately, and with great charge, especially those of the nobility,
and of the merchants, not speaking of the great lords, which
are separated by great inclosures, where are spacious outward
courts, and at the entring into them arches after the manner
of China, as also gardens, and walks planted with trees, and
great ponds, all very handsomely accommodated to the plea-
sures and delights of this life, whereunto these people are very
much inclined. We were also certified, that both within the
inclosure of the city, and a league about it, there were six and
twenty hundred Pagodes, some of which, wherein we had been,
were very sumptuous and rich ; indeed (for the rest) the most
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 859
of them were but petty houses in the fashion of hermitages.
These people follow four and twenty sects, all different one
from another, amongst the which there is so great a confusion
of errors, and diabolical precepts, prinijipally in that which
concerns their bloody sacrifices, as I abhor to speak of them ;
but the idol which is most in vogue amongst them, and most
frequented, is that whereof I have already made mention,
called Quiay Frigau, that is to say. The God of the Moats of
the Sun; for it is in this false god that the Galaminham
believes, and does adore him, and so do all the chiefest lords
of the kingdom, wherefore the Grepos, Menigrepos, and Tala-
grepos of this false god, are honored far more then all others,
and held in the reputation of holy personages ; their superiours,
who by an eminent title are called Gdbizondos, never know
women, as they say ; but to content their bructish and sensual
appetites they want not diabolical inventions, which are more
worthy of tears then recital. During the ordinary fairs of this
city, called by them Ghaiiduhos, we saw all things there that
nature hath created, as iron, steel, lead, tin, copper, lattin,
salt-peter, brimstone, oyl, vermillion, honey, wax, sugar, lacre,
benjamin, divers sorts of stuffes and garments of silk, pepper,
ginger, oinamon, linnen cloth, cotton wool, alum, borax, corna-
Unes, cristal, camphire, musk, ivory, cassia, rhubarbe, turbith,
scamony, azure, woad, incense, cochenel, saffron, myrrhe, rich
porcelain, gold, silver, rubies, diamonds, emeraulds, saphirs,
and generally all other kind of things that can be named, and
that in so great abundance, as it is not possible for me to speak
that which I have seen, and be believed; women there are
ordinarily very white and fair, but that which most commends
them is, that they are of a good nature, chast, charitable, and
much inclined to compassion. The priests of all these four
and twenty sects, whereof there are a very great number
in this empire, are oloathed in yellow, like the BooUms of Pegu;
they have no money either of gold or silver, but all their com-
merce is made with the weight of cates, caeis, maazes, and
eonderins. The court of the Galaminham is very rich, the
nobihty exceeding gallant, and the revenue of the lords and
princes very great, the king is seated and respected in a mar-
vellous manner ; he hath in his court many commanders that
360 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
are strangers, unto whom he giveth great pensions, to servo
him for the safety of his person ; our ambassador was assured,
that in the city of Timplan, where most commonly the court
is, there are above threescore thousand horse, and 10000
elephants. The gentlemen of the country live very hand-
somely, and are served in vessels of silver, and sometimes of
gold, but as for the common people they use porcelain and
lattin ; in summer they are apparelled in sattin, damask, and
vprought taffeties, which come from Persia, and in winter in
gowns furred with marterns ; there is no going to law amongst
them, nor does any man enter into bond there ; but if there be
any difference among the common people, certain magistrates,
like to our aldermen of wards, do decide it ; and if contention
happens to arise between persons of an higher quality, then
they submit to the judgement of certain religious men, who are
expresly deputed for that purpose, and from them matters pass
on in manner of appeal to the Queitor of Justice, which is as
the superintendent thereof, from whose sentence there is no
appeal, how great and important soever the business be. The
monarchy of these seven and twenty kingdoms hath seven
hundred provinces, that is six and twenty in every kingdom ;
and in the capital town of each of those provinces doth a
governor preside, all of them being of like and equal power.
Now on every new moon, each captain is bound to muster the
souldiers that are under his charge, which ordinarily are two
thousand foot, five hundred horse, and fourscore fighting
elephants, one of the which is called by the name of the
capital town of the same province ; so that if one should make
a just computation of all those men of war that are in those
seven hundred companies of those provinces, they would
appear to be seventeen hundred and fifty thousand, whereof
there are three hundred and fifty thousand horse, and five and
fifty thousand elephants ; for in regard of the great number
that there are of those beasts in that country, this emperor
stiles himself, in his titles. Lord of the indomitable force of
Elephants. The revenue which the monarch draws from his
royal prerogatives, by them called, the price of the Scepter,
as also from his mines, amounts to twenty millions of gold,
without comprising therein the presents which are given him
OF FEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 861
by the princes, lords and captains, and a great quantity of
money that is distributed amongst the men of war, according
to every one's merit, which are not of that account. In all this
country, pearl, amber, and salt, are very much esteemed of,
because they are things that come from the sea, which is far
distant from the city of Timplan ; but of all other commodities
they have infinite store. The country of it self is very healthy,
the air very good, and likewise the waters. When they sneeze
they use to say, the God of truth is three and one, whereby one
may judge that these people have had some knowledge of the
Christian religionv
Being departed from the tovra of Bidor, we held on our
ooiu:se down the great river of Pituy, and the same day at
night we went and lodged at a certain Abby of the land of
Quiay Jarem, the god of married folks ; this abby is seated on
the bank of the river in a plain, where are a great many of
trees planted, and very rich buildings, here the ambassador
was well entertained by the Gahizondo and the Talagrepos ;
then continuing our voyage seven days longer, we arrived at a
town named Pa/oel, where we staid three days, to furnish our
vessels with some provisions which we needed ; in this place
the ambassador bought divers knacks of China, and other
commodities that were sold there at a very cheap rate, as
musk, fine porcelains, wrought silks, ermins, and many other
sorts of furs, which are much used in that country, because it
is extreme cold there ; these wares were brought thither by
great troops of elephants and rhinocero's from a certain far
distant province, as the merchants told us, called Friouca-
rarmm, beyond the which, they said, was a kind of people
called Calogens, and Funcaos, tawny men, and great archers,
having their feet like unto oxen, but hands like unto other
men, save that they are exceeding hairy, they are naturally
inclined to cruelty, and have below at the end of the backbone
a lump of flesh as big as ones two fists, their dwelling is in
mountains that are very high and rough on some parts, where
there are nughty deep pits, or caves, from whence are heard
in winter nights most dreadful cries, and doleful lamentations.
We were told likewise, that not far from these people there
were others, called Calouhos, Timfates, and Bugems, and a
332 THJH TBAVELS, VOYAOES, AND ADVENTUBES
good way beyond them some, named Oqtisns and Magores,
I who feed on wild beast3 which they cateh in hunting, and eat
'raw, as also on all kind of contagious cr,eatures, as lizards,
serpents, and adders ; they hunt those wild beasts mounted
on certain animals, as big as horses, which have three horns
in the midst of their foreheads, with thick short legs, and on
the middle of their backs a row of prickles, wherewith they
prick when they are angry, and all the rest of the body is like
a great lizard ; besides they have on their necks, instead of
hair, other prickles far longer and bigger then those on their
backs, and on the joynts of their shoulders short wings like to
the fins of fishes, wherewith they fly, as it were, leaping the
length of five or six and twenty paces at a jump. These
creatures are called Banazes, upon which these savages ride
into the country of their enemies, with whom they hold con-
tinual war, and whereof some pay them tribute in salt, which
is the thing they make most account of, in regard of the
need they have of it, for that they are very far distant from the
sea. "We spake also with other men called Bwmioens, who
live on high mountains, where there are mines of alum and
laore, and great store of wood ; of this nation, we saw a troop
conducting of above two thousand oxen, on [whom they had
put pack saddles, and so made them to carry their mer-
chandise ; these men were very tall, and had eyes and beards
like the GJdneses. We saw others likewise, that had reason-
able long beards, their faces full of freckles, and their ears and
nostrils pierced, and in the holes thereof small threds of gold
made into clasps, these were called Qinaphogaas, and the
province whereof they were natives Surobosay, which within
the mountains of the Lcmhos are bounded with the lake of
Ghiammay, and are cloathed with hairy skins, going bare-foot
and bare-headed, certain merchants told us that these had
great riches, and that all their traflfique was in silver, whereof
they had great store. We spake also with another sort of
men, called Tv/pmoens, who are tawny, great eaters, and much
addicted to the pleasures of the flesh ; these gave us better
entertainment then all the rest, and oftentimes feasted us.
Now because in a certain banquet, where we nine Porttigals
were with the ambassador, one of us, named Francisco Temuda,
OF PEBDINAND MENBEZ PINTO. 363
challenged them to drink, they taking it for a great affront,
caused the feast to continue the longer for the recovery of
their honour ; but the Porlmgal set on them so lustily, twenty
that they were, as he laid them all along drunk on the ground,
himself remaining still sober; when they were out of their
drink, the Sa/piton, that was their captain, and in whose house
the feast had been made, called his company together, which
were above three hundred, and, whether the Portugal would
or no, made him to mount upon an Elephant, and bo lead him
through all the town, accompanied with a great multitude of
people that followed him at the sound of trumpets, drums, and
other such instruments; the captain himself, as also the
ambassador, and the rest of us, together with all the Bramaas,
marching on foot after him, with boughs in our hands, and two
men before him on horseback, that rode crying, 0 all ye people,
pra/ise with gladness the beams which proceed from the midst of
the sun, who is the god that makes our rice to grow, for
that you home lived to see a man so holy, that knowing how to
drink better then all the men of the world, hath laid on the
ground twenty of the principal dnnkers of ov/r troop, to the end
his renown may be dayly more and more augmented, Where-
unto all the crowd of people that accompanied him, answered
with such cries and acclamations, as the very noise thereof
frighted all that heard it. In this equipage they lead the
Portugal to the ambassadors house, where they set him down
with a great deal of respect and many complements ; then on
their knees they rendred him to the ambassador, desiring him
to have a care of him as of an holy man, or the son of some
great king, for, said they, it cannot be otherwise, seeing God
hath bestowed so great a gift on him, as to know how to
drink so well. Whereupon having made a gathering for him,
they got together above two hundred lingots of silver, which
they gave him ; and until the time that we departed he was
continually visited by the inhabitants, whereof many presented
him with rich pieces of silk, and other gifts, as if they had
made an offering to some saint upon a solemn day of his
invocation. After these we saw other men that were very
white, named Pa/vilens, great archers, and good horsemen,
apparrelled in cassocks of silk like those of Japan, and that
364 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
carried their meat to their mouths with Uttle sticks, after the
mamier of the Ghineses ; these same told us that their country
was csJled Binagorem, and that it was distant from thence
about two hundred leagues up the river ; their merchandize
was store of gold in powder, liie to that of Meuancaho, of the
island of Sumatra, as also lacre, aloes, musk, tin, copper, silk,
and wax, which they exchanged for pepper, ginger, salt, wine,
and rice : the wives of these men which we saw there are very
white, of better conversation then all the rest of those
countrys, well natured, and exceeding charitable ; demanding
of them what was their law, and what was the divinity that
they adored, they answered us. That thew gods were the sun,
the heaven, amd the stars, for that from them they received by
an holy comnmnication all the good that they enjoyed v/pon
earth ; and furthermore, that the soul of man was but a breath
which ended in the death of the body, and that afterwards
tumbling up and down in the air she mingled her self with the
clouds, until such time as coming to be dissolved into water, she
dded again upon the earth, as the body had done before. I
omit an infinite many of such extravagances which were told
us, and that gave us good cause to wonder at the bhndness
and confusion of these wretches, and doth also oblige us to
render thanks continually unto God for deUvering us from
these errors, and this false beUef. Now from the diversity of
these unknown nations, which we saw in these parts, it is
easie to infer, that in this monarchy of the world there are
many countries yet undivided, and unknown to us.
CHAPTEE LI.
Onr arrival at Pegu.
CONTINUING our course from this town of Pavel, we
came the next day to a village, called Luncor, invironed
about the space of three leagues, with a great number of trees
of Benjamin, which from this place is transported into the
kingdoms of Pegu, and Siam. From theaoe we sailed for nine
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 865
days together down that great river, all alongat the which we
saw many goodly towns; and then we arrived at another
river, called Ventrau, through the which we continued our
voyage to PenaucMn, the first borrough of the kingdome of
Jangwmaa, where the ambassador registred his vessels, and
all that were within them, because such was the custom of the
country. Being departed from thence, we went and lay that
night at the BcmMtens, which are two strong places belonging
to the Prince of Pancanor. Pive days after we came to a
great town, called Magdaleu, which is the country from
whence lacre is brought to Martabano ; the prince thereof,
during the time that we stayed there, shewed the ambassador
a general muster of all the men of war that he had levied
against the King of the Lauhos, with whom he was at
difference, because he had repudiated a daughter of his, which
he had married three years before, intending to espouse a
gentlewoman by whom he had had a son that he had legiti-
mated, and made choice of for heir of his kingdom, thereby
frustrating his nephew (by his daughter) of his right. Passing
on then through the streight of Mad/wr, wherein we sailed five
days, we arrived at a village called Mouchell, the first place of
the kingdom of Pegu ; there one Glialagomm, a famous Pyrat,
that went up and down robbing in this place with thirty
Seroos, well equipped, and full of warlike men, assailed us one
night, and fighting with us till it was almost day, he handled
us in such sort, as it was the great grace of God that we
escaped out of his hands ; nevertheless it was not without the
loss of five of the twelve vessels that we had, together with
an hundred and fourscore of our men, whereof two were PorH-
gals. The ambassador himself had a cut on one of his arms,
and- two wounds besides with arrow shot, which had almost
cost bim his life ; all of us likewise were cruelly hurt ; and the
present which the Calcmdnham sent to the King of Bramaa,
being worth above an hundred thousand ducates, was taken by
the pyrat, together vnth a great deal of rich merchandize that
was in the five vessels, whereof he had made himself master.
In this sad equipage we arrived three days after at the city of
Mourtahwno, from whence the ambassador vyrote the King a
letter, wherein he rendred him an account of all that had
366 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
hapned to him in his voyage, as also in his disaster. Where-
upon the King sent presently away a Meet of sixscore Seroos,
with a number of choice men, amongst which were an hundred
PorPugals in quest of this pyrat. This fleet having by good
fortune discovered him, found that he had put on shore his
thirty Seroos, wherewith he had assailed us, and was, with all
his forces retired into a fortress, which was full of divers
prizes that he had taken in several parts thereabout; our
men immediately attacqued the place, and carried it easily at
the very first assault, only with the loss of some few Bramaas
and one Portiigal, howbeit many were hurt with arrows, but
they recovered in a short time without the maiming of any
one. As soon as the fortress was gained, all that were
found within it were put to the sword, not sparing the life of
any, but that of the pyrat, and sixscore others of his company,
which were led aUve to the King of Bramaa, who caused them
to be cast to his elephants, that instantly dismembred them.
In the mean time the taking of this fortress was so advan-
tagious to the Portugals that were sent thither, as they
returned from thence all very rich ; and it was thought that
five or six of them got each of them the value of five and
twenty, or thirty thousand ducates apiece, and that he which
had least had the worth of two or three thousand for his
share. After that the ambassador was cured at Martabano of
the hurts which he had received in the fight, he went directly
to the city of Pegu, where, as I have declared, the King of
Bramaas court was at that time ; who being advertised of his
arrival, and of the letter which he brought him from the
Calaminham, (whereby he accepted of his amity, and aUied
himself virith him) he sent the Gha/mrdgrem, his foster-brother,
and brother-in-law, to receive him ; to which end he set forth,
accompanied with all the grandees of the kingdom, and four
battalions of strangers, amongst the which were a thousand
Portugals commanded by Antonio Ferrevra, born in Braguenca,
■a man of great understanding, and to whom this king gave
twelve thousand ducates a year pension, besides the presents
which he bestowed on him in particular, that came to httle
less. Hereupon the King of Bramaa seeing that by this new
league God had contented his desire, he resolved to shew
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 367
himself thankful for so great a favour, wherefore he caused
great feasts to be made amongst these people, and a number
of sacrifices to be offered in the temples, where there was no
spare of perfumes, and wherein it was thought there were
killed above a thousand stags, cows, and hogs, which were
bestowed for an alms among the poor, besides many other
works of charity, as the cloathing of five thousand poor folks,
and imploying great sums of money in the releasing of a
thousand prisoners which were detained for debt. After that
these feasts had continued seven whole days together, with a
most ardent zeal, and at the incredible charge of the King,,
lords, and people, news came to the city of the death of the-
Aixquendoo, BooUm of Mommy, who was as it were their
sovereign bishop, which caused all rejoicings to cease in art
instant, and every one to fall into mourning, vnth great
expressions of sorrow.
[Here follows a description of the funeral ceremonies and an
account of the installation of tlie new Boolim, ptnitteb,^
CHAPTER LII.
That which the King of Bramaa did after his arrival at the city of Fegu,
together with his besieging of Savady.
TWO and twenty dayes after the King of Bramaa arrived
at the city of Pegu, he perceived by the letter which his
ambassadour brought him from the Oalaminham, that he had
concluded the league with him against the Siamon ; yet in
regard the season was not fit for him, either to commence
that war, or to assail the kingdom of Avaa, as he desired, he
resolved to send his foster-brother, unto whom, as I have
ah'eady declared, he had given the title of lawfull brother, to
the siege of Savady, which was some hundred and thirty
leagues from thence to the north-east. Having assembled an
army then of an hundred and fifty thousand men, amongst
whom were thirty thousand strangers of divers nations, and
368 THE TBA7EL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
five thousand fighting elephants, besides three thousand others
that carried the baggage, and the victualls ; the Ghaumigrem
departed from Pegu with a fieet of thirteen hundred rowing
vessells, the 15th of the moneth of Ma/rch. Fourteen dayes
after he arrived in the sight of Savady; and having oast
anchor neer to a great plain, called Gwn/palaor, he arrived
there six dayes in attending the five thousand elephants which
were to come to him by land, which were no sooner arrived,
but he began to besiege the town; so that having begirt it
round, he assaulted it three times in the open day, and re-
treated still with very great loss, as well in regard of the
notable resistance which they within made against him, as
of the extream trouble his people were at in planting their
ladders against the walls, by reason of their bad scituation,
which was all of slate ; whereupon consulting with his com-
manders about what he should do, they were all of opinion to
have it battered with the canon on the weakest side, untill
that* by the overthrow of some part of the wall, a breach
might be made, whereby they might enter with more ease and
less danger. This resolution was as soon executed as taken,
BO that the ingineers fell to making of two maimer of bull-
works on the outside upon a great platform, composed of great
beams and bavins, which in five dayes they raised up to suoh
an height, as it surpassed the wall two fathom at the least.
This done, they planted on each bulwark twenty great pieces
of ordnance wherewith they began to batter the town so
valiantly, that in a little time they beat down a pane of the
wall; and besides those pieces of battery, there were above
three hundred falcons that shot incessantly, with an intention
only to kill those that were in the streets, as indeed they made
a great havoc, which was the cause that seeing themselves so
ill entreated, and their people slain in that manner, they re-
solved, like valiant men as they were, to sell their lives as
dearly as they could; so that one morning having sallied
forth by the same breach of the wall which the cannon had
made, they gave so vahantly upon those of the camp, that in
less then an hour they almost routed the Bramaas whole
army. Now because it began to be day, the Sawadis thought
it fit to re-enter into the town, leaving eight thousand of their
OF FERDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 869
enemies dead on the place. After this they repaired the
breach in a very little time by the means of a rampire of
earth, which they made up with bavins and other materialls,
that was strong enough to resist the cannon. Hereupon the
Chaumigrem seeing the bad success he had had, resolved to
make war, both upon the places neer about, as also upon the
frontiers that were furthest off from the town ; for which
purpose he sent Diosanay, high treasurer of the kingdom,
whose slaves we Portugals were, colonel of five thousand men,
to spoil a certain borrough, called Valeutay, which furnished
the besieged town with provisions ; but this voyage was so
infortunate unto him, that before his arrival! at the designed
place, his forces were by two thousand Savadis, whom he
incountred by the way, aU cut in pieces in less then half an
hour, not one escaping with life that fell into their enemies
hands. Nevertheless, it pleased our Lord that amidst this
defeat we saved our selves by the favour of the night, <g,nd
without knowing whither we went, we took the way of a very
craggy mountain, where we marched in exceeding great pain
three dayes and an half, at the end whereof we entred into
certain Moorish plains, where we could meet with no path or
way, nor having other company then tygers, serpents, and
other savage beasts, which put us into a mighty fear. But
as our God, whom incessantly we invoked with tears in our
eyes, is the true guide of travellers, He out of His infinite
mercy permitted, that at length we perceived one evening a
certain fire towards the east, so that continuing our course
towards that place where we saw this light, we found our
selves the next morning neer to a great lake, where there
were some cottages, which in all likelihood were inhabited by
very poor people; howbeit not daring to discover our selves
as yet, we hid us all that day in certain hanging precipices
that were very boggy, and full of horsleaehes, which made us
all gore blood. As soon as it was night we fell to marching
again untiU the next morning, when as we arrived neer to a
great river, all alongst the which we continued going for five
dayes together. At last vrith much pain we got to another
lake, that was far greater then the former, upon the bank
whereof was a little temple in the forin of an hermitage, and
25
370 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
there we found an old hermite, who gave us the best entertain-
ment that possibly he could. This old man permitted us to
repose our selves two dayes with him, during which time we
demanded many things of him that made for our purpose;
whereunto he alwayes answered according to the truth, and
told us, that we were still within the territories of the King
of Sa/vady, that this lake was called Oreguantor, that is to
say, the opening of the night ; and the hermitage, the God of
succowr. Whereupon being desirous to know of him the
signification of this abuse, he laid his hand on an horse of
brasse, that stood for the idol upon the altar, and said that
he often read in a book, which entreated of the foundation of
the kingdom, that some two hundred, thirty, and seven years
before, this lake being a great town, called Ootmhaleu, a king
that was named Avaa had taken it in war, that in acknow-
ledgement of this victory, his priests, by whom he was wholly
governed, counselled him to sacrifice unto Quiay Guator,
the god of war, all the young male children which had
been made captives ; and in case he did not so, they would
when they became men regain the kingdom from him. The
King apprehending the event of this threatning, caused all
these children, being fourscore and five thousand in number,
to be brought all into one place, and so upon a day that was
kept very solemn amongst them, he made them to be put
most inhumanely to the edge of the sword, with an intent to
have them burned the next morning in sacrifice ; but the
night following there came a great earthquake, and such
lightning and fire from heaven upon the town, as vrithin less
then half an hour it was quite demolished, and all that was
in it reduced to nothing ; so that by this just judgement of
God, the King, together vrith all his, were stricken dead, not
so much as one escaping ; and besides them thirty thousand
priests in like manner, who ever since during all the new
moons are heard to cry and roar so dreadfully, that all the
inhabitants thereabouts were ready to go besides themselves
with fear ; by reason whereof the country was utterly depopu-
lated, no other habitation remaining therein, save only four-
score and five hermitages, which were erected in memory of
the fourscore and five thousand children, whom the Fing had
caused to be butchered through the evill counsell of his priests.
OF FEBDINAND MENDER PINTO, 871
CHAPTBE LIII.
A. continuation of the success which we had in this voyage, with my depar-
ture from Goa to Zunda, and what passed during my abode there.
WE past two dayes in this hermitage, where, as I declared
before, we were very well entertained by the hermite ;
the third day after betimes in the morning we took our leave
of him, and departed from thence not a little afflicted with
that which we had heard, and so all the same day and the
night following we continued on our way along by the river ;
the next morning we arrived at a place where were a great
many of sugar canes, of which we took some, for that we had
nothing else to nourish us withall. In this manner we
marched still along by this river, which we kept for a guide
of our voyage, because we judged that how long soever it
were, yet would it at last ingulfe it self in the sea, where we
hoped that our Lord would raise us up some remedy for our
miseries. The day ensuing we arrived at a village called
Pommiseray, where we hid our selves in a very thick wood
from being descried by passengers, and two hours within night
we continued our design in following the current of the river,
being resolved to take our death in good part, if it should
please God to send it us, for to put an end to so many suffer-
ings as we had undergone day and night ; and without lying,
the apprehension and visions of this last end troubled us more
then death it self, wherewith we imagined our selves to be
already ensnared. At the end of seventeen dayes, that this
painfull and sad voyage had lasted, God shewed us so much
grace, that during the obscurity of a very rainy night we dis-
covered a certain light little more then a f aulcon shot before us;
the fear we were in at the first that we were neer some town,
made us to stand still for a good space, without knowing what
to resolve upon, untill we observed that this light seemed to
move, whereby we conjectured that it was some vessel which
went from one port to another ; as indeed half an hour after
we perceived one, wherein there were nine persons, who
approaching to the bank of the river, neel? to the place where
872 TEB TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
we were, landed all in a creek that was there in the form of
an haven, and presently making a fire, they began to prepare
their supper, which was no sooner ready, but they fell to
eating with great demonstrations of mirth, wherein they
bestowed a pretty good time. At length when they were
well replenished with meat and drink, it happened that all
nine of them, amongst whom there were three women, fell
fast asleep ; whereupon seeing that we could not find a more
favourable occasion to make our benefit of this adventure, we
went all eight of us very softly into the barque, that stuck
half in the ouze, and was tyed fast to a great stake, which
pushing forth vnth our shoulders we set aflote; and then
imbarquing our selves in it with all speed, we began to row
down the river with as little noyse as possibly we could make.
Now in regard the current of the water and the wind were
both very favourable unto us, we found our selves the next
morning above ten leagues from the place whence we parted,
namely, neer to a Pagode, called Quiay Hinarel, that is to say,
the God of Bice, where we met but only with one man and seven
and thirty women, the most of them old, and reUgionaries of
this temple, who received us with a great deal of charity,
although in my opinion they did it rather out of fear of us,
then any will that they had to do us good. Having questioned
them about many things which served for our purpose, they
could give us no pertinent answer thereunto, alledging still,
that they were but poor women, who upon a solemn vow had
renounced all things in the world, and confined themselves
into this inclosure, where they bestowed aU their time in
continuall prayer to Quiay Ponuedea, which moves the clouds
of heaven, that he would be pleased to give them rain, where-
by their grounds might be made fruitfvdl to produce them
abundance of rice. In this place we spent all the day in
caulking our barque, and furnishing our selves at these re-
ligious womens cost, with rice, sugar, French beans, onyons,
and some smoak-dried flesh, wherewith they were sufficiently
provided. Being parted from hence about an hour within
night, we continued our course with our oars and sails for
seven whole dayes together, without so much as once daring
to touch the land, so much were we in fear of some disaster
OF FBBDINAND MMNt)E2 PtNTO. 3?3
that might easily arrive to us from those places which we
saw all alongst the river. But as it is impossible to avoid
that here below which is determined there above, just at the
instant as we were continxiing on our course, all confused as
we were, and in a perpetuall alarm, by reason of the danger
that was alwayes present before our eyes, as well for that
which we saw, as for that we were in doubt of, our ill
hap would have it, that an hour before day, as we past
thorough the mouth of a channell, three Paraos of pyrats
assaulted us with such violence, and with so many different
sorts of darts, which they showred upon us, that within less
then two Credoes, they had kiUed three of our companions ; as
for us five that remained, we cast our selves into the sea, all
bloudy as we were with the wounds which we had received,
whereof two others died a little after. When as we were got
ashore we hid our selves in the woods, where we past all that
day in lamenting our present mishap after so many fortunes
as we had run thorough before time. Thus wounded as we
were, parting from thence in more hope of death then life, we
proceeded on our way by land, with so much pain and irreso-
lution concerning what we were to do, as we fell many times
a weeping, without being able to comfort one another, in
regard of the small likelihood there was of saving our lives
by any humane means. As we were reduced to this deplor-
able estate, with two of our companions ready to die, it
pleased our Lord (whose succour doth ordinarily supply our
defects) that in a place where we found our selves upon the
bank of the water, there chanced to pass by a vessel, wherein
there was a Christian woman, named Violenta, who was
married to a Pagan, to whom this vessel appertained, which
he had laden with cotton wooll to sell off at Cosmin; this
woman no sooner perceived us, but moved with pity at the
sight of us, Jesus, cried she, these are Christians tvhich I
behold ! that said, she caused the vessel wherein she was to
come to the shore, and leaping on land, together with her
husband, they fell both of them to imbracing us with tears
in their eys, and then made us to be imbarqued with them ;
presently whereupon this vertuous dame took a care to have
our wounds drest, and provided us of oloaths the best that
874 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
she could, rendring us many other good offices of a true and
charitable Christian. Then setting aside all fear, we parted
from this place with all speed, and five dayes after thorough
Gods grace we arrived safely at the town of Cosmin, which is
a part of the sea in the kingdom of Pegu, where in the house
of this good Christian woman we were so well looked unto,
that in a short time we found our selves thoroughly cured of
all our hurts. Now whereas there is never any want in the
grace which God doth to his creatures, it pleased Him that at
that very time we met in this port vrith a ship, whereof Luis
de Montorrayo was master, who was upon the poynt of setting
sail for Bengala ; so that after we had taken our leave of our
hostess, to whom we rendred many thanks for all the benefits
which we had received of her, we imbarqued our selves with
the said Lms de Montorrayo, who likewise entreated us ex-
ceeding well, and furnished us abundantly with all that was
necessary for us. At our arrivall at the port of Chatigan in
the kingdom of Bengala, where there was at that time many
Portugals, I instantly imbarqued my self in the foist of a
certain merchant, called Fernando Caldeyra who was bound
for Goa, where it pleased God I arrived in good health. There
I found Pedro de Faria, who had been Captain of Malaca, and
by whom I had been sent as ambassador to the Chaiubanliaa
of Ma/rtabano, as I have declared heretofore. To him I ren-
dred an exact accoimt of all that had past, for which he
shewed himself very sorrowful, and accommodated me with
divers things, whereunto his conscience and generosity obliged
him, in regard of the goods which I had lost for his occasion.
A little after, that I might not lose the opportunity of the
season, I imbarqued my self vrith an intention to go to the
southward, and once more to try my fortune in the kingdoms
of China and Japan, to see if in those countries where I had
so many times lost my coat, I could not find a better then
that I had on.
Being imbarqued at Goa in a junck that belonged to Pedro
de Fa/ria, which was bound in way of trade for Zunda, I
arrived at Malaca the same day that Buy vas Pereyra, termed
Marramaque died, who was then captain of the fortress there.
Being departed from that place to go to Zunda, at the end of
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 875
seventeen days I arrived at Banta, where the PorPugals are
accustomed to traffique. And because there was at that time
great scarcity of pepper over all the country, and that we
came thither of purpose for it, we were constrained to pass
the winter there, with a resolution to go for China the year
following. We had been almost two monetha in this port,
where we exercised our commerce very peaceably, when as
from the King of Demcia, Emperor of all the islands of Jaoa,
Angenia, Bala, Madv/ra, and of the rest of the islands of that
Archipelago, there landed in this country a widow woman,
named Nhay Pombaya, about the age of threescore years, who
came as ambassador to Tagaril, King of Zunda, that was also
his vassal as well as all the rest of that monarchy, for to tell
him that he was vrithin the term of six weeks to be in person
at the town of Ja/pa/ra, where he was then making preparation
to invade the kingdom of Passaruan, When this woman
arrived in this port, the King went in person to the vessel
where she was, from whence he carried her to his palace with
great pomp, and put her into the company of his wife for her
better entertainment, whilest he himself retired to another
lodging farther off to do her the more honor. Now that one
may know the reason wherefore this ambassage was executed
rather by a woman then a man, you must note, that it hath
always been the custom of the Kings of this kingdom to treat
of the most important matters of their state by mediation of
women, especially when it concerns peace, which they observe
not only in particular messages that are sent by the lords to
their vassals, (such as this was) but also in matter of publique
and general affairs, which is performed by ambassage from one
king to another ; and aU the reason they give for it, is ; That
God hath given more gentleness and inclination to cowrtesie, yea
and more authority to women then to men, who are severe, as
they say, and by consequent less agreeable to those unto whom
they are sent. Now it is their opinion, that every one of those
women which the kings are accustomed to send about affairs
of importance, ought to have certain quaUties for well execut-
ing of an ambassage, and worthily discharging the commission
which is granted to them : for first of all, they say, l^t ahfl
must not be a maid, for fear she chance to lose her honor irt
376 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
going out of her house, because that even as with her hea/uty she
contents every one, so by the same reason she may be a motive
of discord and unqtdetnes in matters where unity is required,
rather then an access to concord, and the peace which is pre-
tended unto. To this they add, that she must be married, or at
leastwise a widow after a lawful marriage ; that if she have had
'children, she must have a certificate how she hath given them all
sv/ik with her own breasts, alledging thereupon, that she who
hath born children, and doth not nourish them if she can, is
rather a carnal, voluptuous, corrupted, and dishonest woman,
then a true mother. And this custom is observed so exactly
over all this country, principally amongst persons of quality,
that if a mother hath a child which she cannot give suck unto
for some valuable consideration, she must make an attestation
thereof, as of a thing very serious, and much importing her
honor. That if being young too she happens to lose her
husband, and becomes a widdovy, she must for the better
testifying of her vertue enter into religion, to the end she may
thereby shew, that she did not formerly marry for the pleasure
which she expected from her marriage, but to have children,
according to the pure and honest intention, wherewith God
joyned together the first married couple in the terrestial
paradise. Furthermore, that there might be nothing to be
found fault with in the purity of their marriage, and that it
might be altogether comformable to the law of God, they say,
that after a woman is with child, she ought no longer to have
the company of her husband, because the same could not then
be but dishonest and sensual. To these conditions they add
many others which I will pass over in sUence, for that I think
it unreasonable to use prolixity in matters that I hold worthy
of excuse, if I do not relate them at length. In the mean
time after that Nhay Pombaya had delivered her embassage to
the King of Zunda, as I have declared before, and treated
with him about the occasion which brought her thither, she
presently departed from this town of Banta ; whereupon the
King having speedily prepared all things in readiness, he set
sail with a fleet of thirty Calaluzes, and ten Juripangoes, well
furnished with ammunition and victual, in which forty vessels
there were 7000 fighting men, besides the mariners and rowers.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 377
Amongst this number were forty Portugals, of six and forty
that we were in all, in regard whereof they did us many
particular favors in the business of our merchandize, and
publikely confessed, that they were much obliged to us for
following them as we did, so that we should have had little
reason to have excused our selves from accompanying them in
this war.
CHAPTEE LIV.
The expedition of the Pangueyran, Emperor of Jaoa, and King of Demaa,
against the King of Passeruan, and all that which passed in this war.
THE King of Zunda being departed from the port of
Banta the 5th day of January, in the year 1546,
arrived on the 19th of the same at the town of Jajpara, where
the King of Demaa, Emperor of this island of Jaoa, was
then making his preparatives, having an army on foot of
eight hundred thousand men. This prince being advertised of
the King of Zunda' s coming, who was his brother-in-law and
vassal, he sent the King of PaTuwuca, Admiral of the fleet, to
receive him, who brought along with him an hundred and
threescore Galaluees, and ninety Lanchares, full of Luffons
from the Isle of Borneo : with all this company he arrived
where the King of Zunda was, who entertained him very
courteously, and with a great deal of honor. Pourteen days
after our coming to this town of Japa/ra, the King of Demaa
went and imbarqued himself for the kingdom of Passaruan in
a fleet of two thousand and seven hundred sails, amongst the
which were a thousand high built juncks, and all the rest were
vessels with oars. The 11th of February he arrived at the
river of Hicandurea, which is at the entrance of the bar ; and
because the King of Panaruca, Admiral of the fleet, perceived
that the great vessels could not pass unto the port, which was
two leagues off, by reason of certain shelves of sand that were
in divers parts of the river, he caused all those that were in
them to be disimbarqued, and the other vessels with oars to go
and anchor in the road before the town, with an intention to
378 THE TRAVELS, V0YAGE8, AND ADVENTUBES
burn the ships that were in the port, which indeed waa
accordingly executed. In this army was the Emperor
Pangueyran in person, accompanied with all the grandees
of the kingdom ; the King of Zunda, his brother in law who
was General of the army, went by land with a great part of
the forces, and being all arrived at the place where they meant
to pitch their camp, they took care in the first place for the
fortifying thereof, and for placing the canon in the most
commodious places to batter the town, in which labour they
bestowed the most part of the day. As for the night ensuing
it was spent in rejoycings, and keeping good watch xmtil such
time as it was day, when as each captain applied himself to
that whereunto his duty obliged him, all in general imploying
themselves according to the ingineers directions, so that by
the second day the whole town was invironed with high
Pallisadoes, and their platforms fortified with great beams,
whereupon they planted divers great pieces of ordnance,
amongst the which were eagles and lions of metal, that the
Achems and Tti/rks had cast, by the invention of a certain
Benegado, born in the kingdom of Algarii^s, appertaining to
the crown of Portugal ; and by reason this wicked wretch had
changed his belief, he called himself Coia Geinal : for as for
the name which he had before when he was a Christian, I am
contented to pass it over in silence for the honor of his
family, being indeed of no mean extraction. In the mean
time the besieged having taken notice how ill-advised they had
been in suffering the enemies to labor two whole days together
peaceably in fortifying of their camp, without any impeach-
ment of theirs ; and taking the same for a great affront, they
desired their King to permit them to fall upon them the night
following, alledging how it was probable that men wearied
with labor, could not make any great use of their arms, nor
be able to resist this first impetuosity. The King, who at
that time commanded the kingdom of Passaruan, was yong,
and indued with many excellent qualities which made him
to be exceedingly beloved of all his subjects ; for as it was
reported of him, he was very liberal, no maner of tyrant,
exceedingly affable to the common people, a friend to the poor,
and so charitable towards widows, that if they acquainted
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 879
him with their necessities, he relieved them instantly, and did
them more good then they asked of him. Besides these
perfections that were so recommendahle, he possessed some
others so comfortable to mens desires, as there was not any
one that would not have exposed his life a thousand times for
his service if need had been. Furthermore he had none but
choice men with him, even the flower of all his kingdom,
besides many strangers, upon whom he conferred much
wealth, honor, and many graces, which he accompanied with
good words, that being indeed the means whereby the minds
both of great and small are so strongly gained, that they
make them lions of sheep, whereas carrying ones self other
ways, of generous lions, they are made fearful hares. This
king then examining the request which his people made unto
him, and referring himself to the advice of the antientest and
most prudent coimcellors of his state which were vnth him,
there was a great contention about the success that the affairs
might have ; but in the end, by the counsel of all in general,
it was concluded, T}iat in case fortune should be altogether
adoerse vnto them in this sally which they meant to make
against thei/r enenms, yet would it he a much less evil, and less
considerable affront, then to see the King so besieged by vile
people, who against all reason would reduce them by force to
quit their belief, wherein they had been bred by their fathers,
to imbrace another new one by the suscitation of the Farazes,
who place their salvation in not eating of swines flesh, and
ma/rrying of seven wives, whereby the best advised may easily
judge, that God was so much their enemy, as he would not assist
them in any thing, seeing that with so great offence, they would
under pretext of religion, and with reasons so full of contradic-
tion, compel their king to become a Mahometan, and render
himself tributary to them. To these reasons they added many
others which the King, and they that were with him, found to
be so good, as they all with one common consent agreed there-
unto, which is an evident mark, that it is a thing no less
natural for a good subject to expose his life for his king, then
for a vertuous wife to conserve her chastity for the husband
which God hath given her : this being so, said they, a matter
of so great importance was no longer to be deferred, but we
S80 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
all in general, and each one in particular, are by this sally to
make demonstration of the extreme affection which we bear
to our good king, who we are assured will never be unmindful
*)f them that shall fight best for his defence, which is all the
inheritance we desire to leave to our children. Whereupon it
was resolved that the night following they should make a sally
upon their enemies.
Whereas the joy, which this designed sally brought to all
the inhabitants of the town, was general, they never stayed
till they were called, but two hours after midnight, and before
the time which the King had appointed, they assembled aU in
a great place, which was not far from the royal palace, and
where they of the country had accustomed to keep their fairs,
and to solemnize their most remarkable feasts on those
principal days which were destined to the invocation of their
Pagodes. The King in the mean time, wonderfully content to
see such heat of courage in them, of seventy thousand in-
habitants which were in the town, drew out twelve thousand
only for this enterprise, and divided them into four companies,
each of them containing three thousand, whereof an unkle of
the Kings was General, a man whom experience had rendred
very knowing in such undertakings, and that marched in the
head of the first company. Of the second was captain
another of the principal Mandarins ; of the third a stranger,
a Champaa by nation, and born in the island of Borneo ; and
of the fourth one called Panbacaluio ; all of them good
commanders, very valiant, and exceeding expert in matters
of war. When they were all ready, the King made them a
speech, whereby he succinctly represented unto them the
confidence which he had in them touching this enterprise.
After which, the better to encourage them, and assure them
of his love, he took a cup of gold and drunk to them all,
causing the chiefest of them to pledge him, and craving
pardon of the rest, for that the time would not permit them
to do the like. This gracious carriage of his so encouraged
the souldiers, that without further delay the most part of
them went and anointed themselves with Minhamundi, which
is a certain confection of an odoriferous oyl, wherewith these
people are accustomed to frote themselves with, when they
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 881
have taken a full resolution to die, and these same are
ordinarily called Amacos. The hour being come wherein this
sally was to be made, four of twelve gates that were in the
town were opened, thorow each of the which sallied forth one
of the four captains with his company, having first sent out
for spies into the camp six Orobalons, of the most vaUant that
were about the King, whom he had honored with new titles,
and with such special favors as use to give courage to them
that want it, and to encrease it in them that are endued with
some resolution. The four captains marched a httle after the
six spies, and went and joyned aU together in a certain place,
where they were to fight with the enemies : whereupon falling
into the midst of them with a marvellous impetuosity, they
fought so valiantly, that in less then an hours time, which
the fight endured, the twelve thousand Passa/ruans left about
thirty thousand enemies upon the place, besides those that
were wounded, which were in a far greater number, and
whereof many died afterwards. Furthermore they took
prisoner three kings, and eight Pates, which are as the dukes
amongst us; the King of Zunda too, with whom we forty
Portugals were, could not so save himself, but that he was
hurt with a lance in three places, a number being killed in
defending him. Thus was the camp put in so great disorder,
as it was almost destroyed, the Pangueyran himself being
wounded with a dart, and constrained to leap into the water,
where little lacked but that he had been drowned. Whereby
one may see what the force of a number of resolute and
fearless men is against such as are surprised when least they
think of it ; for before that the enemies could know what
they did, or the commanders could put their souldierS into
order, they were twice routed. The next morning, as soon as
the day gave them leave to know the truth of the business,
the Passeruans retired into the town, where they found that
they had not lost above nine hundred of their men, nor more
then two or three thousand hurt.
It is scarcely to be believed how much the King of Demaa
was grieved with the disaster of the former day, as well for
the affront which he received from those within by the loss of
his people, as for the bad success of the beginning of this
882 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
siege, •whereof he seemed in some sort to impute the fault
unto our King of Zunda, saying, that this fortune had hapned
by the bad directions he had given to the sentinels. Now
after he had commanded that the wounded should be drest,
and the dead buried, he called to councel all the kings,
princes, and captains of the forces that he had, both by
land and water, unto whom he said. That he had made a
solemn vow, and oath wpon the Mazapho of Mahomet, which
is their Alcoran, or the book of their law, never to raise the
siege from before this town, until he had utterly destroyed
it, or lost his oion state therein. Whereunto he added, That
he protested he would put to death whomsoever should oppose
this resolution of his, what reason soever he could alledge
thereupon ; which begot so great a terror in the minds of all
that heard him, as there was not one that durst contradict
his will, but contrarily they infinitely approved and com-
mended it. He used then all kind of diligence for the new
fortifying of the camp with good ditches, strong pallisadoes,
and divers bulworks made of stone and timber, garnished
on the inside with their platforms, where he caused a great
many of cannons to be planted, so that by this means the
camp was stronger then the town it self, in regard whereof
the besieged did often times jeer the sentinels without,
telling them. That it must needs be concluded they were
notorious cowards, since instead of besieging their enemies
like valiant men, they besieged themselves Uke feeble women,
wherefore they bid them return home to their houses,
where it was fitter for them to fall to spinning, then to
make war. These were the jeers which they ordinarily
put upon the besiegers, who were greatly offended with them.
This town had been almost three moneths besieged, and yet
had the enemies advanced but little ; for during all that time,
wherein there had been five batteries and three assaults given
to it, with above a thousand ladders planted against the
walls, the besieged defended themselves still like valiant and
oouragious men, fortifying themselves with counter-mires which
they opposed to the breaches, which they made with pieces of
timber taken from the houses; so that all the power of the
Pangv^yran, which (as I have declared) was about eight
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PlNTO. 883
hundred thousand men, whereof the number was much
diminished, was not able to give him entrance into it.
Hereupon the principal ingineer of the camp, who was a
renegado of Maillorque, seeing that this affair had not a
success answerable to what he had promised the King, he
resolved to take another far different course. To that effect,
with a great amass of earth and bavins he framed a kind of a
platform, which he fortified with six rows of beames, and
wrought so, that in nine days he raised it a fathom higher
then the wall; that done, he planted forty great pieces of
cannon upon it, together with a number of bases and faul-
eonets, wherewith he fell to battering the town in such sort, '
as the besieged were therewith mightily damnified, so that the
King perceiving that this invention of the enemy was the only i
thing in the world that could most incommodate him in the
town, he resolved by the means of ten thousand volunteers,
who had offered themselves unto him for that purpose, and to
whom for a mark of honor he gave the title of Tygers of the
World, to attacque this fort, and they that were upon it ; this
matter was no sooner resolved upon, but was presently put in
execution, and for the better incouragement of them, the King
himself would be their captain, albeit this whole enterprise
was governed by the four Panaricons, which had formerly
commanded in the first sally. Having put themselves into
the field then with the rising of the sun, they fought so
vaUantly without any fear at all of the dreadful ordnance,
which were planted on the platform, as in less then two
Credoes they got to the top of it, and there setting on the
enemies, who were thirty thousand in number, they defeated
them all in a very short time. The Pangueyran of Pate seeing
his forces thus routed, ran thither in person with twenty
thousand choice souldiers, intending to beat the Passeruans
from the place which they had gained ; but they defended it
so oouragiously, as it is not possible to express it in words.
This bloody battel having indured till evening, the Passeruan,
who had lost the most part of his men, made his retreat into
the town by the gate that was next to the platform, whereunto
having first set fire in six or seven places, it took hold of some
barrels of powder, whereof there was great store there,
384 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
which inflamed it eo terribly in several parts, as it was not
possible to approach unto it by the space of a flight shoot ;
this accident was very favorable to the besieged, because the
enemies were thereby kept from joyning together, and so the
town was for this time preserved from the great danger where-
withal it was threatned; howbeit the Passerimns scap't not
so scot-free, but that of the ten thousand volunteers imployed
in this service, six thousand remained dead on the top of the
platform. True it is, that in the Pangueyran part there was
above forty thousand killed, amongst the which were three
thousand strangers of divers nations, the most part Achems,
Turks, and Malabares, as also twelve Pates, or dukes, five
kings, with many other commanders, and men of quality.
CHAPTEE LV.
The death oi the King of Demaa by a very strange accident, and that which
ensued thereupon.
TO come again now to our history, you are to understand,
that the Pangueyran of Fata, King of Demaa, being
certified by some of the enemies whom his men had taken
prisoners, of the piteous estate whereunto the besieged were
reduced, the most part of them dead, their ammunition failing,
and their king dangerously hurt; all these things together
carried him more ardently than ever to the assault, which he
had purposed with himself to give to the besieged town. He
resolved then to scale it in plain day, and to assault it with
more violence then before, so that instantly great preparations
were made over all the camp, where divers Serjeants at arms,
on horseback, and carrying maces on their shoulders, went
proclaiming aloud, after the men of war had been made to
assemble together with the sound of trumpets. The Pangueyran
of Para by the power of him who hath created all things, Lord of
the Lands which inviron the Seas, being willing to discover unto
all in general the secret of his soul, doth let you know, that nine
days hetioe he will ha/oe you be in a readiness, to the end that
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO: 885
with the cowages of tygers, and redoubled forces, you assist him
in the assault which he intends to give unto the town, for a
recompence whereof he liberally promiseth to do great f amors, as
well in money, as in honorable and remarkable titles, to those
five souldiers which first of aM shall plant colours on the enemies
walls, or that shall perform actions which shall be agreeable to
him. Whereas, oontrarily, they which do not carry themselves
valiantly in this enterprise, conformably to his pleaswre, shall be
executed by the way of justice, without any regard had to their
condition. This ordinance of the kings, full of menaces, being
published over every part of the camp, put them into such an
alarm, as the commanders began incontinently to make them-
selves ready, and to provide all things necessary for this
assault, without scarce taking any rest either day or night,
making withal so great a noise, by interminghng their hues
and cries with the sounds of drums, and other instruments of
war, as it could not be heard without much terror. In the
mean time, whereas of the nine days, destined for the purpose
aforesaid, seven were already past, so as there rested no more
but two, at the end whereof an assault was to be given to the
town, one morning as the Pangueyran sate in cotmcel, to resolve
of the affairs of this siege with the principal lords of his army,
as also of the means, of the time, and places, whereby they
were to assault the town, and of other necessary things, it was
said, that from the diversity of opinions, which the one and
the other had, there arose so great a contention amongst
them, as the king was constrained to take every ones advice
in writing. During this time, whereas he had always neer
about him a young page, who carried Bethel, an herb whose
leaves are like imto plaintain, which these Pagans are
accustomed to chaw, because it makes them have a sweet
breath, and also purges the humours of the stomack ; he asked
this page then for some of it, who at first seemed not to hear
him, being much about twelve or thirteen years old, for I hold
it fit to make mention of his age, in regard of that I am to say
of birri hereafter. Now to return to the Pangueyran, as he
was continuing his discourse with his councel of war, thorow
much speaking, and somewhat in choler, his mouth became
dry, so that he asked the page again for some Bethel, which
26
386 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUEES
he ordinarily carried in a little box of gold, but lie heard him
no more this second time then he had done the first ; insomuch
as the King having asked him for some the third time, one of
the lords that was neer to the page pulled him by the sleeve,
and bid him give the King some Bethel, which immediately he
did, and falling on his knees he presented him with the box
which he had in his hands ; the King then took two or three
leaves of it, as he used to do, and without being otherwise angry,
giving him a light touch with his hand on the head, art thou
deaf, said he unto him, that thou couldst not hear me? and
thereupon re-entred into discourse with them of his councel.
Now because these Jacas are the most punctiUious and
perfidious nation of the world, and that withal they of this
country hold it for the greatest affront that can be done them,
when one gives them a touch on the head, this young page
imagining that the King had touched him so out of a mark of
so great a contempt, as he should thereby be made infamous
for ever, though indeed none of the company took notice of
it, he went aside weeping and sobbing by himself, and in the
end resolved to revenge the injury which the King had done
him, so that drawing out a little knife which he wore at his
girdle, he stabbed the King with it into the midst of the left
pap, and so because the blow was mortal, the King fell
instantly down oti the ground, not able to say any more then
these two or three words, I am dead : wherewith all those of
the council were so frighted, as it is not possible to express
it. After that this commotion was a little calmed, they fell
first unto looking to the King, to see if some remedy might not
be applied to his wound ; but because he was hurt just in the
heart there was no hope of recovery, so that he died within a
very short time after. Presently they seized on the page,
whom they put to torture, by reason of some suspitions which
they had upon this accident, but he never confessed any thing,
and said nought else, save, That he had done it of his own free
will, and to be revenged of the blow which the King had given
him on his head by way of contempt, as if he had struck some
dog that was barking up and down the streets in the night,
without considering that he was the son of the Pate Pondan,
Lord of Surebayaa. The page then was impaled aUve, with
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 887
a good big stake, which came out at the nape of his neck.
As much was done to his father, to three of his brothers, and
to threescore and twelve of his kinsmen, so that his whole
race was exterminated, upon which so cruel and rigorous an
execution, many great troubles ensued afterwards in all the
country of Jaaa, and in all the islands of Bale, Tymor, and
Madura, which are very great, and whereof the governours are
sovereigns by their laws, and from all antiquity. After the
end of this execution, question was made what should be done
with the Kings body, whereupon there were many different
opinions amdngst them; for some said that to bury him in
that place was as much as to leave him in the power of the
PasseruoMS ; and others, that if he were transported to Demaa,
where his tomb was, it was not possible but that it would be
corrupted before it arrived there ; whereunto was added, that
if they interred hinttso putrified and corrupted, his soul could
not be received into Paradise, according to the law of the
country, which is that of Mahomet, wherein he died. After
many contestations thereupon, in the end they followed the
coimsel which one of our Port/ugals gave them, that was so
profitable to him afterwards, as it was worth him above ten
thousand ducates, wherewith the lords rewarded him as it
were in vye of one other for a recompence of the good service
which he did then to the deceased. This counsel was, that
they should put the body into a coffin full of lime and camphire,
and BO bury it in a junck also full of earth ; so that albeit the
thing was not so mairveUous of it self, yet left it not to be very
profitable to the Portugals, because they all found it very good,
and well invented, as indeed the success of it was such, as by
means thereof the Kings body was carried to Demaa, without
any kind of corruption or ill savour.
As soon as the Kings body was put into the junck appointed
for it, the King of Zunda, General of the army, caused the
great ordinance and the ammunition to be imbarqued, and
with the least noyse that might be committed to safe custody
the most precious things the King had, together with all the
treasures of the tents. But whatsoever care and silence was
used therein, the enemy could not be kept from having some
iftkling of it, and from understanding how things went in the
388 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
camp, so that instantly the King marched out of the town in
person, with onely three thousand souldiers of the past
confederacy, who by a solemn vow caused themselyes to be
anointed with the oyl which they call MinhamiiM, as men
resolved, and that had vowed themselves to death. Thus
fully determined as they were, they went and fell upon the
enemies, whom finding busie in trussing up their baggage, they
entreated so ill, as in less than half an hours space, for no
longer lasted the heat of the fight, they cut twelve thousand
of them in pieces. Withal they took two kings, and five pates,
or dnikes, prisoners, together with above three hundred Turks,
Abyssines, and Achems, yea and their Gacismoubana, the sove-
reign dignity amongst the Mahometans, by whose counsel the
Pangtteyran was come thither. There were also four hundred
ships burnt, wherein were the hurt men, so that by this means
all the camp was neer lost. After this the King retreated into
the town with his men, whereof he lost but four hundred.
In the mean time the King of Zunda having caused the
remainder of the army to be re-imbarqued with all speed
the same day, being the 9th of Mmch, they set sail
directly for the city of Demaa, bringing along with them the
body of the Pangueyran, which upon the arrival thereof was
received by the people with great cries, and strange demon-
strations of an universal mourning. The day after a review
was taken of all the men of war, for to know how many were
dead, and there was found missing an hundred and thirty
thousand; whereas the Passeruans, according to report, had
lost but five and twenty thousand ; but be it as it will, and let
fortune make the best market that she can of these things, yet
they never arrive, but the field is dyed with the bloud of van-
quishers, and by a stronger reason vdth that of the vanquished,
to whom these events do always cost far dearer, then to the
others. The same day there was question of creating a new
Pangueyran, who, as I have said heretofore, the Emperour
over all the Pates and kings of that great Archipelago, which
the Chineses, Tarta/r, Japan, and Leqmo, historians are wont
to call Baterra VendoM, that is to say, the Eye-lid of the World,
as one may see in the card, if the elevation of the heights
prove true. Now because that after the death of the Panguey-
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 889
ran, there was not a lawfull successor to be found that might
inherit this crown, it was resolved that one should be made by
election ; for which effect by the common consent of all, eight
men were chosen, as heads of all the people, to create a Pcm-
gueyran. These same assembled then together in a house, and
after order had been taken for the pacifying of all things in
the city, they continued seven whole, days together without
being able to come to any agreement about the election ; for
whereas there were eight pretendents of the principal lords of
the kingdom, there were found amongst these electors many
different opinions, which proceeded from this, that the most
part, or all of them, were neerly allied to the eight, or to their
kinsmen, so that each one laboured to make him Pangueyran
which was most to his minde. Whereupon the inhabitants of
the city, and the souldiers of the army, making use of this
delay to their advantage, as men who imagined that this affair
would never be terminated, and that there would be no chas-
tisement for them, they began shamelesly to break out into
all kinde of actions full of insolency and maUce. And foras-
much as there was a great number of merchant ships in the
port, they got aboard them, and fell pell-mell to rifling both
of strangers and those of the country, with so much licen-
tiousness, as it was said, that in four days they took an
hundred junks, wherein they killed about six thousand men ;
whereof notice being given to the King of Pammuca, Prince of
Balambuam, and Admiral of the Sea of this Empire, he ran
thither with all speed, and of the number of those which were
convicted of manifest robbery, he caused fourscore to be
hanged all along the shore, to the terrour of those that should
behold them. After this action, Quiay Ansedeaa, Pate, or Duke
of Gherbom, who was Governour of the town, and greatly in
authority, taking this which the King of Panaruea had done
for a manifest contempt, because he had, said he, little
respected the charge of governour, was so mightily offended
at it, as having instantly got together about six or seven
thousand men, he went and fell upon this kings palace, with
an intent to seize upon his person ; but the Panaruea resisted
him with his followers, and as it was said, he endeavoured
with many complements to justifie himself to him all that ever
890 TEE TBAVMLS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
he could ; -whereunto Quiay Ansedeaa was bo far from having
any regard, as contrarily entring by force into his house he
slew thirty or forty of his men ; in the mean time so many
people ran to this mutiny as it was a dreadful thing to behold.
For whereas these two heads were great lords, one Admiral of
the fleet, the other Governour of the town, and both of them
alUed to the principal families of the country, the devil sowed
so great a division amongst them, as if night had not separated
the fight, it is credible that not one of them had escaped;
nevertheless the difference went yet much farther, and ended
not so, for the men of war, who were at that time above six
hundred thousand in number, coming to consider the great
affront which Quiay Ansedeaa, Governour of the town, had
done to their admiral, they to be revenged thereof went all
ashore the same night, the Panariica not being of power
enough to keep them from it, notwithstanding he laboured all
that he could to do it. Thus all of them animated and trans-
ported with wrath ; and a desire of revenge, went and set
upon Quiay Ansedeaa's house, where they slew him, and ten
thousand men ; wherewith not contented, they assaulted
the town in ten or eleven places, and fell to killing and
plundering all that ever they met with, so that they
carried themselves therein with so much violence, as in three
days alone, which was as long as the siege of this town
lasted, nothing remained that was not an insupportable object
to the sight. There was withall so great a confusion of howl-
ing, weeping, and heavy lamentation, as all that heard it could
think no other but that the earth was going to turn topsy-
turvy. In a word, and not to lose time in aggravating this
with superfluous speeches, the town was all on fire, which
burnt to the very foundations, so that according to report there
were above an hundred thousand houses consumed, above three
hundred thousand persons cut in pieces, and almost as many
made prisoners, which were led away slaves, and sold in divers
countries. Besides, there was an infinite of riches stollen,
whereof the value, as it was said, onely in silver and gold,
amounted even to forty millions, and all put together, to an
hundred millions of gold. As for the number of prisoners,
and of such as were slain, it was near five hundred thousand
OP FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 891
persons ; and all these tHngs arrived by the evil counsel of a
young king, bred up amongst young people like himself, who
did every thing at his own pleasure, without any body con-
tradicting him.
CHAPTEE LVI.
That which befell ns, antill out departure towards the port of Zunda, from
whence we set sail for China, and what afterwards happened unto us.
THREE days after so cruel and horrible a mutiny, whenas
all things were peaceable, the principal heads of this com-
motion fearing assoon as a Pcmgueyran should be elected, that
they should be punished according to the enormity of their
crime, they all of them set sail without longer attending the
danger which threatened them. They departed away then in
the same vessels wherein they came, the King of Pcma/ruca,
their admiral, being not possibly able to stay them, but con-
trarily was twice in jeopardy of losing himself in endeavouring
to do it with those few men that were of his party. Thus in
the space of two days onely, the two thousand sails that were
in the port went away, leaving the town still burning, which
was the cause that those few lords, which remained, being
joyned together, resolved to pass unto the town of Iwpwra,
some five leagues from thence towards the coast of the Med^,-
terranean Sea. This resolution being taken, they put it pre-
sently in execution, to the end that with the more tranquillity
(for the popular commotion was not yet well appeased) they
might make election of the Pangueyran, which properly signi-
fies Emperour. As indeed they created one, called Pate Sudayo,
Prince of Surubayaa, who had been none of those eight pre-
tendents of whom we have spoken; but this election they
made, because it seemed to them necessary for the common
good, and the quiet of the country. All the inhabitants too
were exceedingly satisfied with it, and they immediately sent
the Pana/ruca for him to a place some dozen leagues from
thence, called Pisarrmenes, where he at that time lived. Nine
days after he was sent for he failed not to come, accompanied
392 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
with above two hundred thousand men, imbarqued in fifteen
hundred Galaluzes and Jwipangos He was received by all the
people with great demonstration of joy, and a little after he
was crowned with the accustomed ceremonies, as Pangueyran
of all the countries of Jaoa, Bala, and MaMra, which is a
monarchy that is very populous, and exceeding rich and
mighty. That done, he returned to the town of Demaa, with
an intent to have it rebuilt anew, and to restore it to its
former estate. At his arrival in that place, the first thing he
did was to give order for the punishing of those which were
found attainted and convicted of the sacking of the tovra, who
proved not to be above five thousand, though the number of
them was far greater, for all the rest were fled away, some
here, some there. These vnretches suffered onely two kindes of
death, some were impaled alive, and the rest were burned in
the very same ships wherein they were apprehended ; and of
four days, wherein this justice was executed, there past not
one without the putting to death of a great number, which so
mightily terrified us PorPugals that were there present, as
seeing the commotion very great still over the whole country,
and no likelihood that things would of a long time be peace-
able, we humbly desired the King of Zunda to give us leave
to go to our ship which lay in the port of Banta, in regard to
the season for the voyage to China was already come. This
King having easily granted our request, with an exemption of
the customs of our merchandise, presented every of us besides
vfith an hundred ducates ; and to each of the heirs of fourteen
of ours, which were slain in the war, he gave three hundred,
which we accepted of as a very honourable reward, and worthy
of a most liberal, and good natured prince. Thus went we
presently away very well satisfied of him to the Port of Banta,
and there we remained twelve whole days together, during the
which we made an end of preparing our selves for our voyage.
After this, we set sail for China in the company of other four
ships, who were bound for the same place, and we took along
with us the same Joano Bodriguez, whom we encountred at
Passeruan, as I have before declared, that had made himself
a Brachman of a Pagode, called Quiay Nacprel ; and as for him
be had named himself Gauxitau Facalem, which is as much to
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 393
say as, the Council of the Saint. The same Joano Bodrigtiez
no sooner arrived at China, but he imbarqued himself for
Malaca, where (through the grace of God) he was reconciled
anew to the Catholick faith; and after he had continued a
year there, he died with great demonstrations of a good and
true Christian, whereby it seems we may believe that our
Lord received him to, mercy, since after so many years
profession of an infidel, He reserved him to come and die in
His service, for which be He praised for evermore. Our five
ships then, with which we parted from Zunda, being arrived at
Chmcheo, where the Portugals at that time traded, we abode
three moneths and an half there with travel and danger enough
of our persons ; for we were in a country, where nothing but
revolts and mutinies were spoken of. Withall, there were
great armies afoot all along the coast, by reason of many
robberies which the pirats of Japan had committed thereabout;
so that in this disorder there was no means to exercise any
commerce, for the merchants durst not leave their houses to
go to sea. By reason of all this we were constrained to pass
unto the port of Chdbaquea, where we found at anchor sixscore
juncks, who having set upon us, took three of our five vessels,
wherein four hundred Cluistians were killed, of which fourscore
and two were Portugals. As for the other two vessels, in one
of the which I was, they escaped as it were by miracle. But
because we could not make to land, by reason of the easterly
windes which were contrary to us all that same moneth, we
were constrained (though to our great grief) to regain the coast
of Jaoa. At length after we had continued our course by the
space of two and twenty days with a great deal of travel and
danger, we discovered an island called Pullo Condor, distant
eight degrees, and one third of heighth from the bar of the
kingdom of Camboya. Whereupon as we were even ready to
reach it, so furious a storm came from the south-coast, as we
were all in jeopardy to be cast away. Nevertheless driving
along we got to the Isle of Lingua, where a tempest surprised
us at west and south-west, with so impetuous a winde, as
strugling against the billow, it kept us from making use of our
sails ; so that being in fear of rocks and shelves of sand, which
were in the prow-side, we steered the other way, untill that
394 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
after some time the fore-keel of our poup opened within nine
hand-bredtha of the water, which was the cause, seeing our
selves so near unto death, that we were enforced to cut down
our two masts, and to cast all our merchandises into the sea,
whereby our ship was somewhat eased. This done, whereas
we had left our ship the rest of the day, and a good part of
the night, to the mercy of the sea, it pleased our Lord out of
an effect of His divine justice, that without knowing how, or
without seeing any thing, our ship ran her self against a rock,
with the death of seventy and two persons. This miserable
success so deprived us of all our understandings and forces,
that not so much as one of us ever thought of any way saving
himself, as the Chineses, whom we had for mariners in our
junck had done, for they had so bestirred themselves all the
night long, that before it was day they had made a raft of such
planks and beams as came to their hands, tying them together
in such sort with the cordage of their sails, that forty persons
might abide upon it with ease. Now whereas we were in an
imminent danger, and in a time wherein (as they say) the
father does nothing for his son, nor the son for the father, no
man took care but for himself alone, whereof we had a fair
example in our Chinese mariners, whom we accounted but as
our slaves ; for Martin Estevez, the captain and master of the
junck, having intreated his own servants who were upon the
raft, to receive him amongst them, they answered him, that
they could not do it at any hand, which coming to the ears of
one of ours called Buy de Moura, whereas he could not endure
that those perfidious villains should use us with so much
discourtesie and ingratitude, he got him up on his feet from a
place where he lay hurt, and made unto us a short speech,
whereby he represented unto us, That we were to remember how
odious a thing cowardice was; and withall, how absolutely it
imported us to seize wpon this raft for the saving of our Uves.
To these words he added many other such like, which so en-
couraged us, that with one accord, and with one and the same
resolution, whereunto the present necessity obliged us, being
but eight and twenty Portugals, we set upon the forty Chineses
which were upon the raft. We opposed our swords then to
their iron hatchets, and fought so lustily with them, as wo
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 895
killed them all in the space of two or three Credo's. It is
true indeed, that of na eight and twenty Portugals, sixteen
were slain, and twelve escaped, but so wounded that four of
them died the next day. This was an accident, whereof no
doubt the like hath seldom" been heard of, or seen, whereby
one may clearly perceive how great the misery of humane life
is, for it was not twelve hours before, when as we aJl embraced
each other in the ship, and behaved our selves like right
brethren, intending to die for one another ; and so soon after
our sins carried us to such great extremity, as hardly sus-
taining our selves upon four scurvy planks, tied together
with two ropes, we killed one another with as much bar-
barism, as if we had been mortal enemies, or something
worse. It is true, that the excuse which may be alledged
thereupon is, that necessity, which hath no law, compelled us
thereimto.
When as we were masters of this raft, which had cost us
and the CMneses so much bloud, we set upon it eight and
thirty persons of us that we were, of which there were twelve
Portugals, some of their children, our servants, and the
remainder of those that were hurt, whereof the most part
iied afterwards. Now forasmuch as we were so great a
lumber upon a very little raft, where we floated at the
nercy of the waves of the sea, the water came up to our
niddles, and in this fashion we escaped from that dangerous
ind infortunate rock, on Saturday, being Christmas day, 1547,
jvith one onely piece of an old counter-point, which served us
'or a sail, having neither neeile nor compass to guide us.
True it is, that we supplied this defect with the great hope
vhich we had in our Lord, whom we invoked incessantly with
jroans and sighs, that were accompanied with abundance of
lears. In this pitiful! equipage, we navigated four whole days
vithout eating anything, so that upon the fifth day necessity
sonstraioed us to feed on a Caphar which died amongst us,
vith whose body we sustained our selves five days longer,
vhich made up the nineth of our voyage; so that during
>ther four, wherein we continued in this case, we had nothing
ilse to eat but the foam and slime of the sea ; for we resolved
o die with hunger rather then feed on any of those four
396 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
Portugals whicli lay dead by us. After we had wandered thus
at the mercy of the sea, it pleased our Lord out of His infinite
goodness to let us discover land on the twelfth day, which was
so agreeable a sight to us, as the joy of it proved mortal to
some of ours ; for of fifteen of us that were still alive, four
died suddenly, whereof three were Portugals ; so that of eight
and thirty persons which had been imbarqued on the raft,
there was but eleven that escaped, namely, seven Portiigals,
and four of our boys. In the end, having got to land, we
found our selves in a shallow rode, fashioned much like to an
haven, where we began to render infinite thanks to God for
having thus delivered us from the perils of the sea, promising
our selves also, that through His infinite mercy He would
draw us out of those of the land. Having then made pro-
vision of certain shell-fish, as oisters, and sea-crabs, to nourish
our selves withall, because we had observed how all this country
was very desert, and full of elephants and tigres, we got up
into certain trees, to the end we might avoid the fury of these
beasts, and some others which we saw therd ; then when we
thought that we might proceed on our way with less danger,
we gathered us together, and went on through a wood, (where
to secure our lives) we had recourse to loud cries, and hoUow-
ings. In the mean time, as it is the property of the divine
mercy never to forsake the poor sufferers that are upon the
earth, it permitted us to see coming along in a channel of
fresh water, that ran ingulphing it self into the sea, a little
barque, laden with timber and other wood, wherein were nine
Negroes, Jaoas, and Papuas. As soon as these men saw us,
imagining that we were some devils, as they confessed to us
afterwards, they leapt into the water, and quite left the vessel,
not so much as one of them abiding in her. But when they
perceived what we were, they abandoned the fear they were
in before, and coming unto us they questioned us about many
particulars, whereunto we answered according to the truth,
and withall, desired them, for Gods sake, to lead us whither-
soever they would, and there to sell us as slaves to some that
would carry us to Malaca ; adding that we were merchants,
and that in acknowledgment of so good an office, they should
get a great deal of money for us, or as much in commodities
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 897
IS they would require. Now whereas these Jaoas are natu-
L-ally inclined to avarice, when they heard us talk of their
-nterest, they began to be more tractable, and gave us better
words, with hope of doing that which we desired of them ;
3ut these courtesies lasted no longer but till such time as they
jould get again into their barque, which they had quitted ; for
IS soon as they saw themselves aboard her, they put off from
the land, and making as though they would part without
taking us in, they told us, that to be assured of what we had
3aid to them, they would have us before they proceeded any
further, to yield up our arms to them, whereas otherwise they
would never take us in, no not though they saw us eaten up
with lions. Seeing our selves thus constrained by necessity,
and by a certain despair of finding any other remedy to our
present extremity, we were enforced to do all that these men
required of us, so that having brought their barque a little
nearer, they bid us swim to them, because they had never a
boat to fetch us from the shore, which we presently resolved
bo do. Whereupon two boys and one Portugal leapt into the
sea to take hold on a rope, which they had thrown out to us
Erom off the poup of the barque ; but before they could reach
it, they were devoured by 3 great lizards, nothing of the bodies
of these three appearing to us, but onely the bloud, wherewith
bhe sea was all dyed. Whilest this passed so, we the other 8 that
remained on the shore were so seized with fear and terrour,
9,8 we were not our selves a long time after, wherewith those
dogs which were in the barque were not a whit moved ; but
Bontrarily, clapping their hands together in the sign of joy,
bhey said in the way of jearing, O how happy are these three,
for that they home ended their days without paAn 1 Then when
a.s they saw that we were half sunk up into the ouze, without
so much strength as to get our selves out of it, 5 of them leaped
a shore, and tying us by the middle, drew us into their barque,
with a thousand injuries and affronts. After this setting sail
they carried us to a village called Gherbam, which was some
dozen leagues from thence, where they sold all eight of us,
namely, six Portugals, one Chinese boy, and a Capha/r, for the
sum of 13 pardains, which are in value 300 reals of our money.
He that bought us was a Pagan merchant of the Isle of Zele-
398 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
bres, in whose power we continued for six or eight and twenty
days, and without lying, we had no lack with him, either of
clothes or meat. The same merchant sold us afterwards for
twelve pistols to the King of Calapa, who used so great a
magnificence towards us, as he sent us freely to the port of
Zunda, where there were three Portugal vessels, where
Jeronimo Gomes Surmento was general, who gave us a very
good reception, and furnished us abundantly with all that was
necessary for us, untill such time as he put to sea from the
port, to set sail to China.
CHAPTBE LVn.
My passing from Zunda to Siam, where in the company of the Foitugals
I went to the war of Chiammay; and that which the King of Siam
did, untill he returned into his kingdom, where his queen poisoned
him.
AFTBE we had been very near a moneth in this port of
Zunda, where a good number of Portugals were assem-
bled together, so soon as the season to go to China was come,
the three vessels set sail for Chincheo, no more Portugals
remaining ashore, but onely two, who went to Siam in a junck
of Patana vrith their merchandise. I bethought me then to
lay hold on this occasion, and put my self into their company,
because they offered to bear my charges in this voyage, yea
and to lend me some money for to try fortune once more, and
see whether by the force of importuning her, she would not
use me better then formerly she had done. Being departed
then from this place, in six and twenty days we arrrived at
the city of Odiaa, the capital of this empire of Sa/rnwu, which
they of thiscountry"ordinarily call Siaam, wEere^we were
wonderfully well received and intreated by the Portugals,
which we found there. Now having been a moneth and
better in this city, attending the season for the voyage to
China, that so I might pass to Japan in the company of six
or seven Portugals, who had imbarqued themselves for that
purpose, I made account to imploy in comuK)dities some
OP FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 399
hundred ducates, which those 2, with whom I came from
Zunda, had lent me. In the mean time very certain news
came to the King of Siam, who was at that time with all his
court at the said city of Odma, thg4.Jhe_ King piCUarnmay,
atoaA.38f>th. the JPtmpco,itfeQ&JQga2g, and gzfcoi. people whiohjan
%®_.?L0^%--6?:st hold the _mo,st-, pj.£ QjL.tbat . country above
Caggiw^£X^SiB^P-assiloco, and are all sovereigns, exceeding rich
and mighty in estatesj hadlaifsiege to "the town of QuUeruan,
with, the^dsath of-.ahave, thirty thousaad men, and of ,g^a^
^MiW^Tj. Governour and Lieutenant General of all that
frontire. The King remained so much appalled with this
news, that without further temporising, he passed over the
very same day to the other side of the river, and never
standing to lodge in houses, he went and encamped under
tents in the open field, thereby to draw others to do the like
in imitation of him. Withall he caused proclamation to be
made over all the city. That all such as were neither old nor
lame, and so could not be dispensed with for going to this wa/r,
should he ready to march within 12 days at the uttermost, upon
pain of being hv/med aUve, with perpetual infamy for themsehes,
a/nd their descendants, and confiscation of their estates to the
Crown: to which he added many other such great an^-"'
dreadfull penalties, as the onely recital of them struck terrour,
not onely into them of the country, but into the very strangers,
whom the King would not exempt from this war, of what
nation soever they were, for if they would not serve, they
were very expresly enjoyned to depart out of his kingdom
within three days. In the mean time so rigorous an edict
terrified every one in such sort, as they knew not what counsel
to take, or what resolution to follow. As for us Portugals, in
regard that more respect had always been carried in that
Eountry to them, then to all other nations, this King sent to
iesire them that they would accompany him in this voyage,
(Therein they should do him a pleasure, because he would trust
bhem onely with the guard of his person, as judging them
more proper for it then any other that he could make choice
3f ; and to oblige them the more thereunto, the message was
iccompanied with many fair promises, and very great hopes
)f pensions, graces, benefits, favours, and honours, but above
400 THE TBA7EL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTVBES
all, with a permission which should be granted them to
build churches in his kingdom, which so^bliged us, that of
anJbusdjreiandJhirtj^Por^t^faZ^ which we were, there were
sixgcore of us that. affle&T together^ to go to this war. The
twelve days limited being past, the. King put himself into the
field with an. army of Jour _hundred thousand men, whereof
seventy thousand were, strangers, of .divers nations. They
imbarqued all in three hundred Seroos, Lauleas, and langas,
so that on the nineth day of this voyage the King arrived at a
frontier town, named ^wro^isem, some 12 or JLS.leagues horn.
Quitiruan, jyhich the enemies. Had'beiieged. There he abode
above seven days to attend four thousand elephants which
came to him by land. During that time, he was certified that
the town was greatly prest, both on the rivers side, which the
enemies had seized upon with two thousand vessels, as also
towards the land, where there were so many men, as the
number of them was not truly known, but as it was adjudged
by conjecture, they might be some three hundred thousand,
whereof forty thousand were horse, but no elephants at all.
This news made the King hasten the more, so that instantly
he made a review of his forces, and foimd that he had five
hundred thousand men ; for since his coming forth many had
joyned with biTn by the way, as also four thousand elephants,
and two hundred carts with field-pieces. With this army he
parted from Siiropisem, and drew towards Quitwucm, marching
not above four or five leagues a day. At the end of the third,
then he arrived at a valley called Siputay, a league and a half
from the place where the enemies lay. Then all these men of
war, with the elephants, being set in battel-aray by the three
masters of the camp, whereof two were IWfts by nation, and
the third a Portugal, named Dormngos de Soixas, they proceeded
on in their way towards Quitwuan, where they arrived before
the sun appeared. Now whereas the enemies were already pre-
pared, in regard they had been advertised by their spies of the
King of Sirnn's forces, and of the design which he had, they
attended bim resolutely in the plain field, relying much on their
forty thousand horse. Assoon as they discovered him, they
presently advanced, and with their vant-guard, which were the
said forty thousand horse, they so charged the King of Siam's
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 401
rsreward, composed of threescore thousand foot, that they
routed them in less than a quarter of an hour-, with the loss
of three princes that were slain upon the place. The King of
Siam seeing his men thus routed, resolved not to follow the
order which he had formerly appointed, but to fall on with
the whole body of his army, and the four thousand elephants
joyned together. With these forces he gave upon the battalion
of the enemies with so much impetuosity, as at his first shock
they were wholly discomfited, from whence ensued the death
of an infinite company of men; for whereas their principal
strength consisted in their horse, as soon as the elephants,
sustained by the harquebuses and the field-pieces, fell upon
them, they were defeated in less than half an hour, so that
after the routing of these same, all the rest began instantly to
retreat. In the mean time the King of Siam, following the
honour of the victory, pursued them to the rivers side, which
the enemies perceiving, they formed a new squadron of those
that remained of them, wherein there were above an hundred
thousand men, as well sound as hurt, and so past all the
same day there, joyned together in one entire body of an
army, the King not daring to fight with them, by reason he
saw them fortified with two thousand ships, wherein there
were great numbers of men. Nevertheless, as soon as it was
dark iiight the enemies began to march away with all speed
all along the river, wherewith the King was nothing displeased,
because the most part of his souldiers being hurt, they were
necessarily to be drest, as indeed that was presently executed,
and the most part of the day and the night following imployed
therein.
After the King of Siam had obtained so happy a victory,
the first thing that he did was to provide with all diligence for
the fortifications of the town, and whatsoever else he thought
to be necessary for the security thereof. After that he com-
manded a general muster to be made of all his men of war,
that he might know how many he had lost in the battel;
whereupon he found that some fifty thousand were wanting,
all men of little reckoning, whom the rigour of the King's
edict had compelled to serve in the war, ill provided, and
without defensive arms. As for the enemies, it was known
402 THE TMAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
the next day that an hundred and thirty thousand of them
had been slain. As soon as the hurt men were recovered, the
King, having put into the principal places of his frontier such
guards as seemed requisite to him, was counselled by his lords
to make war upon the kingdom oi^Choibem, which was not
above fifteen leagues thence on the north side, to be revenged
i on the Queen of Gmbem, for Shaving given free passage through
iher dominions to those of Ghiammay, in regard whereof he
attributed to her the loss of Oyaa Ca^pimper, and the thirty
thousand men that had been killed with him. The King
approving of this advice, parted from this town with an army
of four hundred thousand men, and went and fell upon one
of this queen's tovra, called Fumbacor, which was easily taken,
and all the inhabitants put to the sword, not one excepted.
This done, he continued his voyage till he came to Guitor,
the capital town of the kingdom of Gmbem, where the Queen
then was, who being a vndow governed the State imder the
title of Begent, during the minority of her son, that was about
the age of nine years. At his arrival he laid siege to the town,
and forasmuch as the Queen foimd not her self strong enough
to resist the King of Siam's power, she fell to accord with him
to pay him an annual tribute of five thousand Turmes of silver,
which are threescore thousand ducates of our money, whereof
she paid him five years advance in hand. Besides that, the
young prince her son did him homage as his vassal, and the
King led him away with him to Siam. Hereupon he raised
his siege from before the town, and passed on towards the
north-east to the town of Tc^fMOJUh. where he had news that
the King of Ghiammay was fallen off from league aforesaid.
In the mean time, whereas he had been six days march in the
enemies territories, he sacked as many places as he met vnthall,
not permitting the life of any male whatsoever to be saved.
So proceeding onward, he arrived at the lake of Singvpamwr, \
which ordinarily is called Ghiammay, where he staid six and '
twenty days, during the which he took twelve goodly places,
environed vdth ditches and bulwarks after our fashion, aU of
brick and mortar, vrithout any stone or lime in them, because
in the country it is not the custome to build so; but they had
no other artillery then some faulconets, and certain muskets
OF FEBBINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 403
of brass.* Now forasmuch as winter began to approach, and
that it was very rainy weather, the King too feeling himself not
very well, he retired back again to the town of QwiHriMn,
where he tarried three and twenty days and better, in which
space he made an end of fortifying it with walls, and many
broad and deep ditches, so that having put this town into an
estate of being able to defend it self against any attempt, he
imbarqued his army in the three thousand vessels which
brought him thither, and so returned towards Siam. Nine
days after he arrived at Odiaa, the chief city of his whole
kingdom, where for the most part he kept his Court. At his
arrival the inhabitants gave him a stately reception, wherein
they bestowed a world of money upon divers inventions, which
were made against his entry. Now whereas during the six
moneths of the King's absence, the Queen his wife had com-
mitted adultery vrith a purveyor of her house, named Uquwm-
cheniraa, and that at the Kings return she found her self gone
four moneths with childe by him, the fear she was in lest it
should be discovered made her, for the saving of her self from
the danger that threatned her, resolve to poison the King her
husband, as indeed, without further delaying her pernicious
intention, she gave him in a mess of milk, which wrought that!
effect, as he died of it within five days after ; during which 1
time he took order by his testament for the most important
affairs of his kingdom, and discharged himself of the obliga-
tion wherein he stood ingaged to the strangers which had
served him in this war of CMwmmay. In this testament, when
as he came to make mention of us Portugals, he would needs
have this clause added thereunto. It is my intent that the six-
score Portugals, which home always so faithfully watched upon
the guard of my person, shall receive for a recommence of their
good services, half a years tribute which the Queen of Guibem i
gives me; and that in my custom-houses their merchandise shall I
pay no custom for the space of three years. Moreover myj
intent is, that their priests may throughout all the towns of my
kingdom publish the law whereof they make profession, namely,
of a God made man for the salvation of manhinde, as they home
many times assured me. To these things he added many others
such like, which well deserire to be reported here, though I
404 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
pass them over in silence, because I hope to make a more
ample mention of them hereafter. Furthermore, he desired
all the grandees of his Court which were present with him,
that they would give him the consolation before he died, to
make his eldest son be declared king, which was incontinently
executed. For which effect, after that all the Oyaas, Con-
chalis, and Monteos, which are sovereign dignities over all the
rest of the kingdom, had taken the oath of allegiance to this
young prince, they shewed him out at a window to aU the
people, who were in a great place below, and they set upon
his head a rich crown of gold in the form of a mitre, and put
a sword into his right hand, and a pair of balances in his left,
a custom which they always observe in such a like ceremony.
Then Oya Passilico, who was the highest in dignity in the
kingdom, falling on his knees before the new king, said unto
him with l^ears in his eyes, and so loud that every one might
hear hivaf^lessed childe, that in so tender an age doth hold
from the good influence of thy star the happiness to be chosen by
heaven there above for Governor of this Empire of Sornau ; see
how God puts it into thy hand by me who am thy vassal, to the
end thou moist take thy first oath, whereby thou dost protest to
hold it with obedience to His divine will, as also to observe justice
equally to all the people, without having any regard to persons,
whether it be in chastising or recompensing the great or small,
the mighty or the humble, that so in time to come thou maist not
be reproached for not having accomplished that which thou hast
sworn in this solemn action. For if it shall happen, that humane
considerations shall make thee swerve from that which for thy
justification thou art obliged to do before so just a Lord, thou
shalt be greatly punished for it in the profound pit of the house
of smoke, the burning lake of insupportable stench, where the
wicked and damned howl continually with a sadness of obscure
night in their entrails. And to the end thou maist oblige thy self
to the charge which thou takest upon thee, say now Xamxaim-
pom, whdch is as nvuch as to say, amongst us. Amen. The
Passilico having finished his speech, the young prince said
weeping Xamxaimpom; which so mightily moved all the
assembly of the people, as there was nothing heard for a good
while together, but sighing and wailing. At length, after that
OF FSBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 405
this noise was appeased, the Passilico proceeding on with his
discourse in looking on the young king. This sword, said he
unto him, wMah thou holdest naked in thy hand, is given thee as
a scepter of sovereign power upon earth for the subdiling of the
rebellious, which is also to say that thou a/rt truly obliged to be
the support of the feeble and poor, to the end that they which
grow lofty with their power, may not overthrow them with the
puffe of their pride, which the Lord doth as much abhor, as he
doth the mouth of him that blasphemeth against a, Uttle infant
which hath never sinned. And that thou ma/yest in all things
satisfie the fair enamelling of the stars of lieaven, which is the
perfect, just, and good God, whose power is adnwrable over all
things of the world, say once again Xamxaimpom ; whereunto
the Prince answered twice weeping, MaxinoM, Maxirum, that
is to say, I promise so to do. After this, the Passilico having
instructed him in divers other such like things, the young
prince answered seven times Xamxaimpom, and so the cere-
mony of his coronation was finished, only there came first a
Talagrepo, of a sovereign dignity ahove aU the other priests,
named Quiay Ponuedea, who it was said was above an hundred
years old. This same prostrating himself at the feet of the
prince, gave him an oath upon a golden bason full of rice ;
and that done, they put an end to it, after they had created
him thus anew ; for time would not permit them to hold him
there longer, in regard the king his father was at the point of
death; besides there was so universall a mourning amongst
the people, that in everyplace there was nothing heard but
lamentations and wailing.
CHAPTBE LVIII.
The lamentable death of the King of Siam, with certain illustrious and
memorable things done by him during his life ; and many other
accidents that arrived in this kingdom.
WHEN as the day and the night following had been spent
in the manner that I have related, the next morning
about eight of the clock the infortnnate king^^eldedj^ the
406 THE TRAVELS, V07AQE8, AND ADVENTVBES
ghost in the presenoe^Hhe^most^ajdi..jelJheJords of his king-
dom, for^thewEich all the j)eople made so^jreatdemonstrations
of mourning, as every where there was nQtIiiftg..bMt-^ wailing
and weeping. Now forasmuch as this prince had lived in the
reputation of being charitable to the poor, liberall in his bene-
fits and recompences, pitifuU and gentle towards every one,
and above all incorrupt in doing of justice, and chastising the
wicked ; his subjects spake so amply thereof in their lamenta-
tions, as if all that they said of it was true ; we are to believe
that there was never a better king then he, either amongst
these Pagans, or in all the countries of the world.
[Here follows am account of the memorable things done by the
late king, 0tnitieii»]
It is not to be believed with what infinite sorrow, both all
the great lords, and generally all the subjects of this kingdom,
bewailed the death of their good king ; but at length an
assembly was made of all the priests of this city, who as it
was said, were twenty thousand in number ; by whose direc-
tion the principaU persons of the kingdom concluded upon the
funerall pomp, and ceremonies which were to be used there-
about, according to the custom of the country : whereupon a
mighty great pile was forthwith erected, made of sandal, aloes,
calembaa, and benjamin ; on the which the body of the
deceased king being laid, fire was put to it, with a strange
ceremony : during ^11 the time that the body was a burning,
the people did nothing but wail and lament beyond all expres-
sion ; but in the end, it being consumed to ashes, they put
them into a silver shrine, which they imbarqued in a Laulea
very richly equipped, that was accompanied with forty Seroos
full of Talagrepos, which are the highest dignity of their
Gentile priests, and a great number of other vessells, wherein
there was a world of people : after them followed an hundred
small barques laden with divers figures of idols, under the
forms of adders, lizards, tygers, lions, toads, serpents, bats,
geese, bucks, dogs, elephants, cats, vultures, kites, crows, and
other such like creatures, whose figures were so well repre-
sented to the life, as they seemed to be living. In another
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 407
very great ship was the king of all these idols, ■which they
called, The gluttonous Serpent of the profound pit of the house
of smoak. This idol had the figure of a monstrous adder, was
as big about as an hogshead, and writhed into nine circles ; so
that when it was extended, it was above an hundred spans
long ; it had the neck standing upright, and out of the eyes,
throat, and breast, issued flames of arfcificiall fire, which ren-
dred this monster so dreadfuU and furious, as aU that beheld
it trembled for fear. Now upon a theatre three fathom high,
and richly gilt, was a very beautiful little boy, about four or
five years old, covered all over with pearls, and chains, and
bracelets of precious stones, having wings, and a bush of hair
of fine gold, much after the manner as we use to paint angels.
This child had a rich curtelas in his hand ; by which invention
these Pagans would give to understand, That it was an angel of
heaven sent from God to imprison all those many devils, to the end
they should not steal away the kings soul, before it should arrive at
the place of rest, which was prepa/redfor it there above in glory,
for a recompence of the good works which he had done behw in
the world. In this order all these vessells got to land at a
Pagode, called Quiay Poutor, where after that the silver shrine,
in which the Eings ashes were, was placed, and the little boy
taken from thence, fire was put to all that infinite number of
idolls, just in the manner as they stood in the barques ; and
this was accompanied with so horrible a din of cries, great
ordnance, harquebuses, drums, bells, cornets, and other
different kinds of noyse, as it was impossible to hear it with-
out trembling. This ceremony lasted not above an hour ; for
whereas all these figures were made of combustible stuffe, and
the vessels filled with pitch and rozen, so dreadfull a flame
ensued presently thereupon, as one might well have said that
it was a very pourtraiture of hell ; so that in an instant the
vessells, and all that were in them were seen to be reduced to
nothing. When as this, and many other very lively inventions,
which had cost a great deal of money, were finished, all the
inhabitants, which were come thronging thither, and whereof
the number seemed to be infinite, retired back to their houses,
where they remained with their doors and windows shut, not
one appearing in the streets for the space of ten dayes, during
408 TEE TBAVELSy VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
whicli time all places were unfrequented, and none were seen
stirring but some poor people, who in the night went up and
down begging with strange lamentations. At the end of the
ten dayes wherein they had shut themselves up so, they opened
their doors and windows, and their Pagodes, or temples, were
adorned with many ensigns of rejoycing, together with a world
of hangings, standards, and banners of silk. Hereupon there
went through all the streets certain men on horseback,
apparelled in white damask, who at the soimd of very har-
monious instruments, cryed aloud with tears in their eyes. Ye
sad inhabitants of this Kingdom of Siam, hearken, hearken to
that which is made known to you from God, and with humble
and pure hearts praise ye all His holy name ; for the effects of
His Divine justice are great ; withall laying aside your mourn-
ing, come forth of yowr abodes wherein you are shut v/p, and
sing the praises of the goodness of your God, since He hath been
pleased to give you a new King, who fears Him, and is a friend
of the poor. This proclamation being made, all the assistants,
with their faces prostrated on the ground, and their hands
lifted up, as people that rendred thanks to God, answered
aloud weeping : We make the angells of heaven our attorneys,
to the end they may continually praise the Lord for us. After
this, all the inhabitants of the city coming out of their houses,
and thinking of nothing but dancing and rejoycing, went to the
Temple of QuA,ay Fanarel, that is to say, the god of the joy full,
where they offered sweet perfumes, and the poorest sort, fruits,
puUen, and rice, for the entertainment of the priests. The
same day the new king shewed himself over all the city with
a great deal of pomp and majesty, in regard whereof the people
made great demonstrations of joy and gladness. And foras-
much as the King was but nine years old, it was ordained by
the four and twenty Bracalons of the Government, that the
Queen his mother should be the Protectress or Eegent of him,
and that she should bear rule over all the officers of the crown.
Things past thus for the space of four moneths and an half,
during the whichJiLem. was no manner of disorder, but^allwas
peaceable in the^Mngdom ; howb^ at ihe^ end of that time,
the Queea comings to be delivered of a son which she had_ had
by her Purveyor, being displeased with the bad report that
OF FEEDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 409
went ofher, she resolved with her self _ to satisfie her desire,
which was to mat£jrj5aib.<.the father of this new son, for_that
she was desperately in love with him : and further^, she
wickedly enterprised to make away the new king, her lawfull
chil^to the end that by this means the crown might pass to
the l^aatard hy right, ni inheritance. Now to execute this
horrible design of hers, she made shew that the excess of her
affection to the young king her son kept her always in fear,
lest some attempt should be made upon his life ; so that one
day having caused all the CounceU of the State to be assem-
bled, she represented unto them, that having but this only
pearl enchaced in her heart, she desired to keep it from being
plucked from thence by some disaster ; for which effect she
thought it requisite, as well to secure her from her apprehen-
sions, as to prevent the great mischiefs which carelessness is
wont to bring in such like cases, that-&ere should be a guard
set about the palace, and the person of the ^hg. This affair
was mamediately debated in the CounceU, and accorded to the
Queen, in regard the matter seemed good of it self. The Queen
seeing then that her design had succeeded so well, took
instantly for the guard of the palace, and the person of her
son, such as she judged were proper for the executing of her
damnable enterprise, and in whom she most confided. She
ordained a guard then of two thousand foot, and^five hundred
horse,^ besides the^ordinary guard of henhouse, which were six
hundred CoMchins and Legmos, and thereof she made captain
(ffiS^aillfld T»:fe7/ito;^rt^^a^),,^^Jb9>.same Purveyor, by
whom she had had a child, to the end that by this mans favour
she might dispose of things as she pleased, and the more easily
bring to pass her pernicious design. Wherfijj.pQn..relying on
the great Ji^siOidiich-sheiad--akea4xLori.ber party, she.began
to revenge herself upon somg,of Jhe-gafeat-onesof -tkeJciags
dorn, because she knew they despised her, and held her not in
<J|jaiJi»fiStefiHi-8h£udiSESfl^ "TEeJwo first whomjj
be laid hands on were two deputies of lhe"Tjrovernment, making
use of this pretext, that they held secret intelligence with the
King of Chiammay, and were to give him an entry into the
kingdom thorough their lands ; so that under colour of justice
she caused *hem to be both executed, and confiscated their
410 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
estates, whereof she gave the one to her favourite, and the
other to a brother-in-law of his, who (it was said) had been a
smith. But in regard this execution had been done precipi-
tously, and without any proof, the greatest part of the lords of
the kingdom murmured against the Queen for it, representing
unto her the merit of them whom she had put to death, the
services they had rendred to the Crown, the quality of the
persons, and the nobility and antiquity of their extractions, as
being of the blood royall, and lineally descended from the
likings of Siam ; howbeit, she made no reckoning thereof, but
icontrarily a little after making shew as if she had not been
well, she jn^ajull Counoill renounced her regency, and_ con-
ferred it on UguumohenircM, her favourite, to the end thaFBy
this means bearing^iJe oror air others, lie^ might dispose of
the affairs of the kingdom at his pleasure, and give the most
impoftant charges thereof to. suah.a3 JSfauld be of his party,
which he thought to be the most assured way for him to usurp
this crown, and make himself absolute lord of the Empire of
Soman, whereof the revenue was twelve millions of gold,
besides other comings in, which amounted to as much more.
With all these inventions this Queen used so great diligence
for the contenting of the desire which she had to raise her
favourite to the royalty, to marry,her self to him, and to make
the illegitimate son, which- she tad^ had by Mm, successor jof
the_ crown, as within the space of eight mOTieths,_fQ£tBne
faXfiBQBgJ^?? A®?i§5§^' ^^^- liopi'ig morefnUy to execuiaJier
■picked plot, she caused most of . the great men ofjhe.kingdom
tobe puMo death, and confiscated jblLihigir lands, gopds_and
treasures, which she distributed amongst such ofher creatures
as she daily drew tojier party. Now forasmuch as the young
king her "son served for the.principall obstacle to her inten-
tions, this young prince could not escape her abominable fury,
for she her self ^oyseaed-hiaa -^ven as she had poysoned the
. king his father. That done, she married with Uqwwmoherdraa, i
who had been one of the purveyors of her house, and caused
him to be crowned King in the ^ity ol. Odiaa, ihe 11th of^.
November,.. X5i5. But whereas heaven never leaves vncked
actions unpunished, the year after, 1546, and on the 15th of
JauTMJi/ry, they were both of them slain by Oyaa PassiUco, and
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 411
the King of Gambaya, at a certain banquet which these princes
made in a temple, that was called Quiay Figrau, that is to
say, the God of the Atoms of the Sun, whose solemnity was that
day celebrated : so that, as well by the death of these two per-
sons, as of all the rest of their party, whom these princes also
killed with them, all things became very peaceable, without
any further prejudice to the people of the kingdom ; only it is
true, that it was despoyled of the most part of the nobiUty,
which formerly it had, by the wicked inventions, and pernicious
practices, whereof I have spoken before.
CHAPTBE LIX.
The King of Bramaa'a enterprize upon the Kingdom of Siam : and that
which past untill his amvall at the oity of Odia ; with his besieging of
it, and all that ensued thereupon,
THE Empire of Siam remaining without a lawfuU suc-
cessor, those two great lords of the kingdom, namely,
Oyaa PassiUco, and the King of Camba/ya, together with four
or five more of the trustiest that were left, and which had
been confederate with them, thought fit to chuse for king a
certain reUgious man, named PzsMsM, in regard he was Jthe
natoallJbrQ±her^_ihe decseased. prince, huihaadto Jhat jsaoked
queen_of,wh^n_IJiaye jggkgn ; y^rgiiponthigjcgligjgui^man,
wVm wa.H Tal,agrevoot a Pagode, caajedjQma^Jditran, from
whence he had not Ibudged for the space of thirty years, was
the day after drawn forth of it by Oyaa PassiUco, who brought
him on the 17th of Jcmuari/ into the city of Odiaa, where on
the l?th^ejvzafi_crownfid Mngj5i&^_new kind of ceremony,
and a world of magnificence, which (to avoid prolixity) I will
not make mention of here, having formerly treated of such like
things. Withall passing by all that further arrived in this
Kingdom of Siam, I will content my self with reporting such
things as I imagine will be most agreeable to the curious. It
happened then that the I&og^ of Bramaa,jwho at_ that time
reigned, tyrannically in Pe^fM, being advertjaedtof thedeplorable
estate whereinto the Empire of Somau was reduced, and of
€12 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
the death of the^greatest lorda of the country, as also that the
new kingoLihis monarchy -was,. a religious man, who had no
knowledge-eith©r-oi-arni3.JMLwar, and withall of a cowardly
disposition, a tyrant, and Ul^beloved of his subjects, he fell to
consult thereupon with his lords in the town_of Anajolm,
where at that time he kept his court. Desiring their advice
then upon so important an enterprise, they all of them told
him, that by no means he should desisi from it, in regard this
kingdom, was. one ot-the heat of the world, as welOnlri.ehBs,
as in abundance of aU things ; thereunto they added, that the
season which was then so favourable for IBim,' promised it to
him at so good a rate, as it was likely it would not cost him
above the revenue of one only year, what expencs soever he
should make of his treasure ; besides, if he chanced to get it,
he should remain monarch of all the emperours of the world,
I and^ ther ewithall he should be .^onoured^^with the sovereign
! title of Lord stL^thSLMMte Slephant; by which means the
s^enteen Kings of Cflpt??tper, who made profession of his law,
must of necessity-render him obedience. Thejjtold_hiH)LmQre-
over, that haying made so .great a_conquBSt, he might, thorough
the same, temtories, andjwith Ihe succour of the princes his
allies, pass into China, where was the great city of Pequin, the
incomparable pearl of all the .world; and against which the
great Cham of Tartcma, the Siamon, and the Galaminham, had
brought such prodigious armies into the field. The King of
Bramaa, having heard all these reasons, and many others
which his great lords alledged unto him, wherein his interest
was especially concerned, which alwayes works powerfully on
, every man, was perswaded by them, and resolved to undertake
this enterprise. For thjs^ effect he went directly to Martabawt,.
where injess then two moneths and an half, he raised an
army of eight hundred thousand men, wherein there were an
hundred thousand strangers; and amongst them a_thousand
PorUigals, which., were commanded by Diego Suarez d'
; Albergaria, called Galego by way of niok-name. This Diego
Sua/rez departed out of the kingdom of Portugal in the year
, 1538, and went into the Indias with the fleet of the Vice-roy,
Don Garcia de Noronha, in a junck, whereof Joano de
Sepuheda, of the town of Euora, was captain; but in the
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 418
time of which I speak, namely, in the year 1548, he had of
the King of Bramaa two hundred thpusafld-dafiiia. a year,
with the title of his brother, and governour of the kingdom
of Pegu. The Kingjaeparted then iiomJh6^tpwn_oi_Marta-
Sowojhe Sundaj^ter^Easter, being the 7th of il^r^Z 1548.,
His army, as I have already said, was eight hundred thousand
men, whereof only forty thousand were horse, and all the rest
foot, threescore thousajad aE_them being harquebuziers ; there
were moreover five thousand warhke-^lephants, with whom
they fight in those countries, and also a world of baggage,
together with a thousand pieces of cannon, which were drawn
by a thousand couples of buffles and rhinocerots; withall,
there was a like number of yokes of oxen for the carriage of
the victualls. Having taken the field then with these forces,
he caused his army to march still on, untiU at length he
entred into the territories of the King of Siam, where after
fiveJays—ha^cameJa-aJortress called Ta^purau, caataining
someiwo thousand^^res^omnoagded _^ a ^ej Mogor,
ayaliant man, and well yerst in matters of war. The King
of Bramaa having invested it, gave three assaults to it in the
open day, and laboured to scale it with a world of ladders
which he had caused to be brought thither for that purpose ;
but not being able to carry it, in regard of the great resistance
of them within, he retreated for that time. But having by
the counsel of Diego Suarez, who was generall of the camp,
and by whom he was whoUy governed, caused forty great
pieces of ordnance, whereof the most of them shot bullets of
iron, to be planted against it, he fell to battering it with so
much fury, as having made a breach in the wall twelve fathom
wide, he assaulted it with ten thousand strangers, Turks,
Abyssins, Moors, Malauares, Achems, Jaaos, and Malayos;
whereupon ensued so terrible a conflict between the one and
the other, that in less than half an hour, the besieged, which
were six thousand Siamites, were all out in pieces, for not so
much as one of them would render himself. As^ for the King
of Bramaa, he lost aboy.e.three. thousand of his men, ^^i^^jeat
he was so inraged, as that to be revenged ior this loss he
caused all the_women tojie^putiajhesword, which no doubt
was a strange kind of cruelty : aftertEiF'execution, he drew'
414 TEE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
directly Jjosgaxda-jihe town of Sacotay, which was nine leagues
beyond, desiring tp make himself ■niaster~prthat~aiS well as
o^Jhe_other. He arrived in the sight of this town on
Saturday about sun-set, and incamped all along the river of
Lebrau, which is one of the three that issue out of the lake
of Ghiammay, whereof I have formerly made mention, with
a design to march thorough it directly to Oiifla,Jhg.,caj^^l
city_qf the. empira of_.SamaM;„.for he had already been
advertised that the -King, was there in person, and that he
was making preparation to fight mth^hiiiu in. the., field ; he no
sooner received this advice, but his lords counselled him to
make no tarrying in any place, as well that he might not lose
time, as that he might keep himself from insensibly consuming
his forces, in lying before places which he pretended to take,
that were so well fortified as they wotild cost him dear if he
amused himself about them ; so that at his arrivall at Odiaa
he would find the most part of his men wanting, and his
victualls quite spent. The King having approved of this
advice caused his army to march away the next day thorough
woods that were cut down by threescore thousand pioners, j
whom he had sent before to plane the passages and wayes :
which with much ado they performed. "When he was come
to a place, called Tila/w, which is besides Juncalau, on the
south-east coast, neer to the kingdom aE_ Quedea, an hundred
and fortyJeagufis_from_;MaZaca, he took guides that were very
welTacquainted with the way, by whose means in nine days
journey he arrived in the sight of Odiaa, where he pitched
his camp, which he invironed with trenches and strong
pallisadoes.
During the first five days Jt.haijthe King of Bramaa haAbeen
before the city of OdAaa, he had bestowed labour, and pains
enough, as weU in making of trenches and. pallisadoes, as in
providing aU^tMngs necessary for_tibis_jiege; in all which time
the besieged never offered to stir, whereof Die^o^Sugj'ez, the
marshal! of the camp being aware, as also of the httle
reckoning which the Siamites made of so great a power as
was there assembled, and not knowing whereunto he should
attribute the cause of it, he resolved to execute the design
for which he came ; to which effect, of the most part of the
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 416
men which he had under his command, he madsutwo .separated
sqaadBons, in each of which there were six battalions of six
thousand a piece. After tliis manner he marched in battell
array, at the sound of many instrumentSj towards the two
poynts which the city made on the south side, because the
entrance there seemed more facile to him then any other
where. So upon the 19th day of June, in the year 1548. an
hoiuUj^E^^day. aTlThese men ofjgfarjliaving^ set 'up above a
thousand ladders againat jjiB^wailH, endeavoured..to^^moiiS"'up
on them; but the besiegedo^poseJ them so valiantly, that in
less than half an hour there remained dp.!^!^ .fl" t^P place ahov^
ten thousand on either part. In the mean time the King, who
incouraged his souldiers, seeing the ill success of this fight^
commanded JhsSfiJtfl-Xglseat, and then. made the wall to be
assaulted afresh, making use for that effect of five thousand
elephants of war which he had brought thither, and divided
into twenty troops, of two hundred and fifty apiece, upon
whom there were twenty thousand Moens and Ghaleus, choice
men, and that had double pay. ThejaJLihen-SEas-asaaojltad "j
by these forces with so terrible an impetaosity. asJ_3Eant j
words to express it. For whereas all the elephants carried
wooden castles on their backs, from whence they shot with
muskets, brass culverins, and a great number of harque-
buses a crock, each of them ten or twelve spans long, these
guns made such an havock of the besieged, that in less then
a quarter of an hour the most of them were beaten down;
the elephants withall setting their trunks to the target fences,
which served as battlements, and wherewith they within
defended themselves, tore them down in such sort, as not- one
of them remained entire ; so that^ by this means the wall was
abandoned of all defenca.3Qljiian.-daring^fl., shew I himself '
aJssjgj, Iiljliis sort was _the_entry jnto the^ city very easy to
thejjssailaats, who^being invited by so goo^ success to make
theit profit .of go favourable an .Jcffi^SonTset up their ladders
again which they had quitted, and mounting up by them to
the top of the wall, with a world of cries and acclamations,
they planted thereon, in sign of victory, a number of banners
and ensigns. Now because the Turks desired to have therein
a better share then the restj they besought the King to do
416 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
them so much favour as to give them the vantguard, which
the King easily granted them, and that by the counsell of
Diego Suaree, who desired nothing more then to see their
number lessened, always gave them the most dangerous
imployments. They in the mean time extraordinarily con-
tented, and proud to see themselves preferred before so many
other nations as were in the camp, resolved to come off with
honour from this service which they had undertaken. For
which purpose having formed a squadron of twelve hundred
men, wherein some Abyssins and Janizaries were comprised,
they mounted with great cries by those ladders up to the top
of the wall, which, as I have declared was at that time in the
power of the King of Bramaa's people. These Turks then,
whither more rash, or more infortunate then the rest, sliding
down by a pane of the wall, descended through a bulwark
into a place which was below, with an intent to open a gate,
and give an entrance imto the King, to the end they might
rightly boast, that they all alone had delivered to him the
capital city of the kingdom of Siam, and so might gain the
recompence which they might well expect for so brave an
action ; for the King had before promised to give unto whom-
soever should deliver up the city unto him, a thousand hisses
of gold, which in value are five hundred thousand ducates of
our money. These Turks being gotten down, as I have said,
/laboured to break open a gate with two rams which they had
/brought with them for that purpose; but as they were
occupied about it, upon a confidence that they alone should
gain the thousand hisses of gold, which the King had promised
to whomsoever should open him the gates, they saw them-
selves suddenly charged by three thousand Jaos, all resolute
souldfers, who fell upon them with such fury, as in little more
' then a quarter of an hour there was not so much as one Turk
' left ahve in the place, wherevnth not contented, they mounted
up immediately to the top of the wall with a wonderfuU
courage, and so flesht as they were, and covered over with the
bloud of the Turks, whom they had newly cut in pieces, they
set upon the Bramaa's men which they found there, and
fought with them so valiantly, that they durst not make head
against them, so that most of them were there slain, and the
NATIVES OF PEGU AND THE MOLUCCAS.
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 417
rest ttunbled down over the wall. The King of Bramaa re-
doubling his courage more then before, would not for all that
give over this assault, but contranl2_r^olved to unde£t$i,ke it
anew; so as imagimng__thLg4_&QSfi-JBlfijihants~-aloa&.would be
able to give him an entry into the city, he caused them once
again to approach unto the wall. At the noise hereof, Oyaa
Passilico, captain general of the city, ran in all haste to this
part_of^ the jwaU, accompanied with fifteen _thousand_^m,
whereof the most part were Luzons, Borneos, and Ghanwaa's
with some Menancabq's ^^gimQug, and caused the gate to be
presently opened, through whijoh the -Bramaa pretended to
enter, and then sent him word, that whereas be was given to
understand how his Highness had promised to give a thousand
bisses of gold to whomsoever should open him the gates, that
so he might thereby enter into the city, he had now performed
it, so that he might enter if he would, provided that like a
great king as he was, be would make good bis word, and send
him the thousand bisses of gold, which he stayed there to
receive. The King of Bramaa having received this jear, would
not vouchsafe to giye an answer, thereby to shew his contempt
of Oyaa Passilico ; but instantlyhe commanded the city-^to-be-
assaulted, which was presently executed, with a great deal of
fury ; for the fight began so terrible, as it was a dreadfull
thing to behold, the rather for that the violence of it lasted
above three whole hours, during the which time the gate was
twice forced open, and twice the assailants got an entrance
into the city, which the King of Siam no sooner perceived,
and that all was in danger to be lost, but be ran speedily to
oppose them with his followers, which were about tMrty
thousand in number, and the best souldiers that were in all
the city: whereupon the conflict grew much hotter then
before, and continued half an hour and better, during the
which I do not know what past, nor can say any other thing,
save that we saw streams of bloud running every whore, and
the air all of a light fire ; there was also on either part such
a tumult and noise, as one would have said the earth had been
tottering ; for it was a most dreadfull thing to hear the discord
and jarring of those barbarous instruments, as bells, drums,
and trumpets, intermingled with the noise of the great
28
418 TEE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
ordnance and smaller shot, and the dreadfull yelling of six
thousand elephants, whence ensued so great a terrour, that it
.took from them that heard it both courage and sense ; withall,
mat place at the city gate, whereof the Bramaa had been
master, was all covered over with bodies drowned in bloud,
a spectacle so horrible, that the very sight of it put us almost
besides oux selves.^ Diego Suarez then, seeing their forces
quite repulsed out of the city, the most part of the elephants
hurt, and the rest so scared with the noise of the great
ordnance, as it was impossible to make them return unto the
wall; as also that the best of those that had fought at the
gate were slain, and that the sun was almost down, came to
the King,j!ind_^oounseUed Wm to sound -ar--Eetrea(t,whereu9to
the King yielded, though .much. againsLhisjwill, Jbecause he
observed, that both he and the most part of the Porlmgals
were wounded, but it was with a purpose to return to the
same enterprise again the next morning.
The King being retired to his quarter, found himself
wounded with the shot of an arrow which he received in
that days conflict, and which he felt not untill then, by
reason of the heat of the fight. This accident hindred the
executing of the resolution he had taken to give another
assault to the city the next day; for he was constrained to
keep his bed twelve days together ; but at seventeen days end,
when he was fully cured of his hurt he undertook again the
prosecution of his design, and to effect that which he had so
resolved upon, namely, not to raise the siege from before the
city untill he had made himself master of it, though it cost
him both his life and his whole state. He gave then a second
assault unto the city, which proved like unto the former, for
he lost a world of men in it, so that he was forced to retreat ;
but his wilfulness was such, as nothing daunted with the great
slaughter of his men, he gave five assaults more to it in
the open day, wherein he made use of many warlike strata-
gems, which a Greek enginier daily invented for him; but
whatsoever he could do, he was always fain to retire with loss,
whereat he was greatly troubled. In the mean time, whereas
the siege of this city had already endured four moneths and
an half, he commanded a general muster of his sonldiers to be
OF FMEDINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 419
made, and he found that an hundred and forty thousand of
them were wanting. Whereupon seeing to what estate he
was reduced, for the putting of an end to the business, he
resolved to assault the city again with another new invention,
^'Jid^-iMs-aaaifllliJ!!^^ had..alrgady_giv§aJo.JJkr\
during the siege, which he enterprised by the council of war,
and that under the favour of the night ; for they alledged unto
him, that darkness would make the assault less dangerous,
and the scaling of the walls more facile. This resolution
taken, he instantly commanded all preparations necessary for
this design to be made, so that in seventeen days they built
up six and twenty castles of strong pieces of timber, whereof
each one was set upon six and twenty wheels of iron, which
facilitated the motion of so great a frame. Every castle was
fifty foot broad, threescore and five long, and five and twenty
high, and all of them were re-inforced with double beams,
covered over with sheets of lead. Moreover each of them
was full of wood, and had fastened to them before great iron
chains, and that were very long in regard of the fire. Things
thus prepared, on Friday about midnight, being very dark and
rainy, the King of Bramaa caused three times one after
another all the great ordnance of the camp to be discharged,
which, as I remember, I have already said, consisted of an
hundred and threescore great pieces, whereof the most part
shot iron bullets, besides a many of falconets, bases, and
muskets, to the number of fifteen hundred ; so that from all
these guns shot off together three times one after another,
proceeded so horrible and dreadfuU a noise, as I cannot think
that any where but in hell the hke could be ; for on what-
soever the imagination can be fixt, it cannot meet with any
thing that may be rightly compared thereunto. At this time,
it was not onely the great pieces of ordnance, whereof I have
spoken before, and the small ones too, which were shot off,
but the like was done by all the guns which were both within
the city, and without the camp, of what bigness soever they
were, being at least an hundred thousand in all ; for whereas
there were, as I have already said, threescore thousand
harquebusiers in the King of Bramaa' s army, there were thirty
thousand also in the city, besides seven or eight thousand
420 THE TBA7EL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
falconets and bases ; so that to hear all these shot off
continually for the space of three hours together, and inter-
mingled with thunder, lightning, and the tempest of the night,
was, to say the truth, a thing which was never seen, read of,
or Imagined, and such indeed as put every one almost besides
himself ; for some fell flat on the ground, some crept behind
walls, and others got into walls. During the great violence of
this horrible and furious tempest, they set fire on the six and
twenty castles which they had before brought close to the
walls, so that by the force of the winde, which was at that
time very great, and by the means of barrels of pitch that
had been put into them, they fell a flaming in such a strange
manner, as there was anew to be seen so dreadful a picture
of hell (for it is the onely name that can be given it, because
there is nothing upon earth that may rightly be resembled unto
it) that if even those which were without trembled at it, I
leave you to think with how much more reason were they to
fear it whom necessity constrained to abide the violence of it.
Hereupon began a most bloody conflict on either part, they
without falling to scale the walls, and the besieged ; who took
no less care for all things then they, valiantly to defend them-
selves, so that no advantage was to be found on either side, but
rather both of them were in a condition to be utterly destroyed ;
|for whereas the one and other reinforced themselves continu-
ilally with fresh supplies, and that the King of Bramaas ob-
Vstinacy was such, as he went himself in person amongst his
isouldiers, incouraging them with his speeches, and the great
'promises that he made them, the fight proceeded so far, and
increased so mightily, as being unable to deliver the least part
of that which passed therein, I leave it to the understanding
of every one to imagine what it might be. Four hours aftjr.,
midnight, th9.,six..^nd twenty castles being quitslfaoxftgdjo^il:?
ground, with go, terrible a blaze, as no man durst come within
a stones cast, of it, the King ot^M^maaa caused a retreat to be
sounded, at the req[uest of the captains of the strangers ; for
there were so many hurt men amongst them, as all the day,
and most part of the night following, was employed in dressing
of them.
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 421
CHAPTEE LX.
The King of Bramaa's raising his siege from before the City of Odiaa.
THE King of Bramaa, seeing that neither the great
ordnance wherewith he had battered the city, nor the
assaults which he had given unto it, nor his inventions of
castles, accompanied with so many artifices of fire, whereon
he had so much relied, had served him to any purpose for the
execution of that which he had so mightily desired, and being
resolved not to desist from the enterprise which he had
begun, he called a councel of war, wherein aU the princes,
dukes, lords, and commanders that were in the army were
present. Having then propounded his desire and intention
unto them, he required them to give him their advice there-
upon ; immediately the affair being put into deliberation, and
thorowly debated on either part, they concluded in the end,,
that the King was by no means to raise this siege, in regard j;
this enterprise was the most glorious, and most profitable of all'
that ever might be offered unto him ; they represented more-' ;
over unto biTn the world of treasure that he had imployedji
therein, and that if he continued battering the city vrithout
desisting from his assaults, at length the enemy would be
spent, because it was apparent (as they were informed) that
they were no longer able to withstand the least attempt that
should be made against them. The King being exceedingly
contented, for that their opinions proved to be conformable to
his desire, testified the great satisfaction that he received
thereby, so that he gave them many recompences in money,
and vowed to them, that if they could take the city, he would
confer upon them the greatest commands of the kingdom, with
very honorable titles and Revenues. This resolution being
taken there was no further question but of considering in
what manner the business should be carried ; whereupon by
the counsel of Diego Suarez, and of the ingineers it was con-
cluded, that with bavins and green turf a kind of platform
should be erected higher then the walls, and that thereon
should be mounted good store of great ordnance, wherewith the
principal fortifications of the city should be battered, since that
422 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
in them alone consisted all the enemies defence. Order then
was presently given for all that was judged necessary there-
unto, and the threescore thousand pioneers which were in the
camp were imployed about it, who in twelve days brought the
fort or platform into the estate which the King desired. There
were already planted on it then forty pieces of cannon for the
battering of the city the day ensuing, when as a post arrived
with letters to the King, whereby he was advertised, That the
Xemindoo being risen up in the Kingdom of Pegu, had cut
fifteen thousand Bramaas there in pieces, and had witlml seized
on the principal places of the country. At these news the
King was so troubled, that without further delay he raised
the siege, and imbarqued himself on a river, called PacaroM, \
where he stayed but that night, and the day following, which
he imployed in retiring his great ordnance and ammunition.
Then having set fire on all the pallisadoes, and lodgings of the
camp, he parted away on Tuesday, the 15th of October, 1548,
ifor to go to the town of Martaiano. Having used all possible
speed in his voyage ; at seventeen days end he came thither,
and there was amply informed by the Ghalagonim, his captain
!sof all the Xemindoos proceedings, in making himself King, and
|seizing on his treasure ; by killing fifteen thousand Bramaas,
and that in divers places he had lodged five hundred thousand
men, with an intention to stop his passage into the kingdom.
This news very much perplexed the King of Bramaa, so that
he fell to thinking with himself what course he should take
for the remedying of so great a mischief as he was threatned
with. In the end he resolved to tarry a while at Martabano, to
attend some of his forces that were still behind, and then to
go and fight a battel with his enemy ; but it was his ill luck,
that in the space of fourteen days onely which he abode there,
of four hundred thousand men which he had, fifty thousand
quitted him. For whereas they were all Pegties, and conse-
quently desirous to shake off the Bramaas yoke, they thought it
best to side with the new King the Xemindoo, who was a Pegu
as well as they ; and they were the rather induced thereunto,
by understanding, that this prince was of an eminent condi-
tion, liberal, and so aflfable to every one, that he thereby won
most men to be of his party. In the mean time the King of
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 423
Bramaa, fearing lest the defection of his souldiers should daily
more and more increase, was advised by his counsel to stay no
longer there, in regard the longer he should tarry, the more his
forces would diminish, for that a great part of his army was
Pegues, which were not likely to be very faithful unto him.
This counsel was approved of by the King, who presently
marched away towards Pegu, neer unto which he was no
sooner arrived, but he was certified that the Xemindoo, being
advertised of his coming, was attending ready to receive him.
So these two kings being in view of one another, incamped in
a great plain, some two leagues from the city of P^u, the
Xemindoo vnth six hundred thousand men, and the Bramaa
vnth three hundred and fifty thousand. The next day these
two armies being put into battel array, came to joyn together
on Friday, the 16th of November, the same year, 1548. It
was about six of the clock in the morning when first they
began their incoimter, which was performed vrith so much
violence, as a general defeat ensued thereupon, yet fought they
vnth an invincible courage on either part ; but the Xemdndoo
had the worse, for in less than three hours his whole army was
routed, with the slaughter of three hundred thousand of his
men, so that in this extremity he was forced to save himself
onely vnth six horse in a fortress, called Battelor, where he
stayed but one hour, during the which, he furnished himself
with a little vessel, wherein he fled the night fensuing up the
river to Oedaa. Let us leave him now flying, until we shall
come to him again when as time shall serve, and return to
the King of Bramaa, who exceedingly contented with the
{victory which he had gotten, marched the next morning against
/the city of Pegu ; where as soon as he arrived, the inhabitants
*rendred themselves unto him, on condition to have their lives
and goods saved. Whereupon he took order for the dressing
of them that were hurt ; as for those that he lost in this battel,
they were found to be threescore thousand in number, amongst
the which were two hundred and fourscore Portugals, all the
rest of them being grievously wounded.
[^Here follows a description of the Kingdom of Siam, omittelif.J
424 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
CHAPTBE LXI.
A continuation of that which hapned in the Kingdom of Pegu, as well
during the life, as after the death of the King of Bramaa.
TO return now unto the history which hitherto I have
left, you must know that after the King of Bramaa
had obtained that memorable victory neer to Pegu, as I
have declared heretofore, by means whereof he remained
peaceable possessor of the whole kingdom, the first thing
he imployed himself in was to punish the offendors, which
had formerly rebelled ; for which effect he cut off the heads
of a great many of the nobiUty, and commanders, all whose
estates were confiscated to the crown, which (according
to report) amounted unto ten millions of gold, besides plate
and jewels, whereby that common proverb, which was common
in the mouths of all, was verified, namely. That one mans
offence cost many m^n very dear. Whilest the King continued
more and more in his cruelties, and injustice, which he exe-
cuted against divers persons during the space of two moneths
and a half, certain news came to him, that the city of Ma/rtabano
was revolted, with the death of two thousand Bramaas, and
that the Chalogomin, governour of the same city, had declared
himself for the Xermndoo. But that the cause of this revolt may
be the better understood by such as are curious, I will (before
I proceed any further) succinctly relate, how this Xemindoo
had been of a religious order in Pegu, a man of noble extrac-
tion, and (as some af&rmed) neer of kin to the precedent king,
whom this Bramaa had put to death twelve years before, as I
have already declared. This Xemindoo had formerly to name
Xoripam Xay, a man of about forty-five years of age, of a
great understanding, and held by every one for a saint : he
was withal very well versed in the laws of their sects and false
religion, and had many excellent parts, which rendered him so
agreeable unto all that heard him preach, as he was no sooner
in the pulpit, but all the assistants prostrated themselves on
the ground, saying at every word that he uttered, Assuredly
God speaks in thee. This Xemindoo, seeing himself then in
such great credit with the people, spurred on by the generosity
OF FERDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 425
of his nature, and the occasion •which was then so favourable
unto him, resolved to try his fortune, and see to what degree
it might arrive. To this end, at such a time as the King of
Bramaa was fallen upon the kingdom of Siam, and had laid
siege to the city of Odiaa, the Xemindoo preaching in the
temple of Gonquiay at Pegu, which is as it were the cathedral
of all the rest, where there was a very great assembly of people,
he discoursed at large of the loss of this kingdom, of the
death of their lawful king, as also of the great extortions,
cruel punishments, and many other mischiefs which the
Bramaas had done to their nation ; with so many insolences,
and with so many offences against God, as even the very
houses which have been founded by the charity of good people,
to serve for temples wherein the., divine word might be
preached, were all desolated and demolished ; or if any were
found still standing, they were made use of, either for stables,
lay stalls, or other such places accustomed to lay filth or dung
in. These, and many other such like things, which the
Xemifidoo delivered, accompanied with many sighs and tears,
made so great an impression in the minds of the people, as
from thenceforward they acknowledged him for their lawful
king, and swore allegeance unto him ; so that instead of calUng
him, as they did before, Xori^am Xay, they named him
Xemindoo, as a sovereign title which they gave him above all
others. Seeing himself raised then to the dignity of king, the
first thing during the heat and fury of this people, was to go
to the King of Bramaas palace, where having found five
thousand Bramaas, he cut them all in pieces, not sparing the
life of one of them ; the like did he afterwards to all the rest
of them that were abiding in- the most important places of the
state, and withal he seized on the King's treasure, which was
not small. In this manner he slew all the Bramaas that were
in the kingdom, which were fifteen thousand, besides the
women of that nation of what age soever, and seized on the
places where they resided, which were instantly demolished ;
so that in the space of three and twenty days onely he became
absolute possessor of the kingdom, and prepared a great army
to fight with the King of Bramaa, if he should chance to return
upon the bruit of this rebellion, as indeed he fought with him to
426 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
his great damage, being defeated by him, as I have heretofore
declared. And thus having methinks said enough for the in-
telligence of that which I am to recount, I will come again to
my first discourse. This King of Bramaa being advertised of the
revolt of the town of Martabano, and of the death of those two
thousand Bramaa's, gave order immediately to all the lords
of the kingdom for their repair imto him with as many men
as they could levy, and that within the term of fifteen days at
the furthest, in regard the present necessity would not endiure
a longer delay.. This done,-bjB, parted the day followifl.g with a
small train from the city of Pegu^to give example lo others to
do the like, and went and lodged at a town cailled Moiichan,
with an intention to tarry "there TihoSe "fifteen days he had
Umited the lords to come unto him. Now when as six or
seven of them were already past, he was advertised that Xemin
de Satan, governour of a town so named, had secretly sent a
great sum of gold to the Xemindoo, and withaU had done him
homage for the same town where he commanded. This news
somewhat troubled the King of Bramaa, who devising vnth
himself of the means which he might use to meet with the
mischief that threatned him, he sent for Xemin de Satan,
who was then in the said town of his government, vrith a
purpose to cut off his head ; but he, betaking himself to his
bed, and making shew of being sick, answered, that he would
wait upon the King assoon as he was able to rise. Now in
regard he found himself to be guilty, and misdoubting the
cause wherefore he was sent for, he communicated this affair
to a dozen of his kinsmen who were there present with him,
who all of them concluded together, how since there was no
better way to save himself then in kilhng the King, that
without further delay it was to be put in execution ; so that
all of them offering secretly to assist him in this enterprise,
they speedily assembled all their confidents, without declaring
unto them at first the occasion wherefore they did it ; and
withall, drawing others unto them with many fair promises,
they made up, all being joyned together, a company of six
hundred men. Whereupon being informed that the King was
lodged in a certain Pagode, they fell upon it with great
violence; and fortune was so favourable unto them, that
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 427
finding him almost alone in his chamber, they slew him
without incurring any danger. That done, they retired into
an outward court, where the Kings guard having had some
notice of this treason, set upon them, and the conflict was so
hot between them, that in half an hours space, or thereabout,
eight hundred men lay dead in the place, whereof the most
part were Bramaa's. After this Xemin de Satora maJdng^away
with, fouar-hundred of his followers, went to a place of large
extent^ calledPowiSiir, whither all those of the country round
about resorted untiriiiin7 who "Being advertised of the death of
the King of Bramaa, whom they mortally hated, made up a
body of five thousand men, and went to seek out the three
thousand Bramaa's which the King had brought thither with
him. And forasmuch as these same were dispersed in several
places, they were all of them easily slain, not scarce so much
as one escaping. With them also were slain fourscore of three
hundred Portugals that Diego Sttarez had with him, who, to-
gether with all the rest which remained with their Uves saved,
rendered themselves upon composition, and were received to
mercy, upon condition that for the future they should faithfully
serve Xemin de Satan, as their proper king, which they easily
promised to do. Nine days after this mutiny, the rebell seeing
himself favoured by fortune, and such a multitude of-people at
his devotion, which were come to him out of this province, to
the number of thirty thousand men, caused himself to be
declared the King of Fegu, promising great reoompences to
such as should follow and accompany him, untill he had
whoUy gotten the kingdom, and driven the Bramaa's out of
the country. With this design he retired to a fortress called
Tagalaa, and resolved to fortifie himself there out of the fear
he was in of the forces which were to come to the succour of
ythe deceased king, thinking to finde him alive, having been
advertised that many were already set forth from the city of
Pegu for that purpose. Now of those Bramaa's which Xemin
de Satan had slain, one by chance escaped, and cast himself
all woimded as he was into the river, and swimming over,
never left travelling all that night, and the day following, for
fear of the Pegu's, untill he arrived at a place, called Coutasa-
rem, where he encountred with the Chammgrem, the deceased
428 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
Sings J8ateE=brother, who was encamped there with an army
of an hiindred and foTorscore thousand men, whereof there
were but onely thirty thousand Bramaa's, all the rest Pegu's ;
finding him then upon the point of parting from thence, in
regard of the heat that would be within two hours after, he
acquainted him with the death of the King, and all that had
past besides. Now though the news greatly troubled the
GhoMmigrem, yet he dissembled it for the present with so
much courage and prudence, as not one of his followers
perceived any alteration in him. But contrarily, putting on
a rich habit of carnation sattin, embroidered with gold, and
a chain of precious stones about his neck, he caused all the
lords and commanders of his army to assemble before him,
and then speaking to them with the semblance of a joyfull
man, Gentlemen, said he, this fellow which you saw come to wje
hut now in such haste, hath brought me this letter, which I have
here in my hand, from the King, my Lord and yours ; and
although by the contents thereof he seeemeth to blame us for our
ca/relesness in lingring thus, yet I hope ere long to render him
stuih an account of it, as his Highness shall give us all thanks
for the service we have done him. By this letter too he certifies
me, that he hath very certain intelUgetice, how the Xemindoo
hath raised an army, with an intent to fall upon the towns of
Cosmin and Dalaa, and to gain all along the rivers of Digon
and Meidoo, the whole province of Danapluu even to Ansedaa ;
wherefore he hath expresly enjoyned me, that as soon as possibly
I may, I put into those places {as the most important) such
forces as shall be able to resist the enemy; and that I taki
heed nothing be lost through my negligence, because in that
case he will admit of no excuse. This being so, it seems to me
very important and necessary for his service, that you my Lord
Xemimbrum go instantly without all delay, and put your self
with your forces into the town of Dalaa ; and you/r brother-in-
law Bainhaa Quern into that of Digon, unth his fifteen thousand
men ; as for Colonel Gipray and Monpocasser, they shall go
with their thirteen thousand souldiers into Ansedaa, and
Danapluu, and Ciguamcan, with twenty thousand men shall
march along to Xaraa, and so to Malacou; moreover Quiay
Brazagaran, with his brethren and kinsmen, shall go for General
OF FERDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 429
of the Frontier, with an crnny of fifty thousand men, to the end
that assisted with these forces he may in person give order
wheresoever need shall be. Behold, what the King hath written
to me, whereof I pray you let us make an agreement, and all
sign it together, for it is no reason that my head should answer
for your want of care, and imprudence. His commanders
presently obeyed him, and -without longer tarrying there, each
of them went straight to the place whither his commission
directed him. The Ghaumigrem, by the means of this so
cunning and well dissembled a sleight, rid himself in less
then three hours of all the hundred and fifty thousand Pegu's,
who he knew, if once they came to hear of the Kings death,
would fall upon the thirty thousand Bramaa's that he had
there with him, and not leave one of them alive. This done,
assoon as it was night, turning back to the city, which was
not above a league from thence, he seized with aU speed on
the deceased Kings treasure, which amounted, according to
report, unto above thirty millions of gold, besides jewels that
were not to be estimated; and withall, he saved all the
Bramaa's wives and children, and took as many arms and as
much ammunition as he could carry away. After this, he set
fire on all that was in the magazines, caused all the lesser
ordnance to be rived asunder, and the greater, which he could
not use BO, to be cloyed. Furthermore, he made, seven
thousand,., elephants -that- were- in » the country to Jbe_ kiUed,
reserving onely^ two thougand for the^ carriage of hia. treasure,
ammunition, -ami-baggage. As for aU the rest, it_was con-
sumed with fire,_. so that,_ neither in Jhe palace,^ where were
ctambera all-siel-ei witlj. gold, npr Jn the magazines^anA
arsenals, nor on the river where were two thousand rowing
vessels^ remained ought that was not reduced to ashes. After
this execution, he departed in all haste, an hour before day,
and 'drew directly towards Tanguu, which was his own
country, from whence he came some fourteen years before
to the conquest of the kingdom of Pegu, which in the heart
of the country was distant from thence about an hundred and
threescore leagues. Now whereas fear commonly adds wings
to the feet, it made him march vnth such speed, as he and
his arrived in fifteen days at the place whither they were
430 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
a going. In the mean time, whereas the Ghaumigrem had
cunningly sent away the hundred and fifty thousand Pegu's,
as I have declared already, it happened that two days after
they understood how the King of Bramaa was dead. Now in
regard they were mortal enemies of that nation, sixscore
thousand of them in one great body turned back in haste for
to go in quest of the thirty thousand Bramaa's ; but when
they arrived at the city, they found that they were gone from
thence three days before; this making them to follow in
pursuit of them with all the speed that possibly they could,
they came to a place, called Guinacoutel, some forty leagues
from the city whence they came ; there they were informed,
that it was five days since they passed by ; so that despairing
of being able to execute the design which they had, of cutting
them in pieces, they returned back to the place from whence
they were parted, where they consulted amongst themselves
about that which they were to do, and resolved in the end,
since they had no lawfull King, and that the land was quite
freed of the Bramaa's, to go to Xemin de Satan, as incon-
tinently they did, who received them, not onely with a great
deal of joy and good entertainment, but promised them mighty
matters, and much honour, by raising them to the principal
commands of the kingdom, assoon as time should serve, and
that he was more peaceably setled. Thereupon he went
directly to the city of Pegu, where he was received with the
magnificence of a king, and for such crowned in the temple
of Comquiay, which is the ehiefest of all the rest.
CHAPTEE LXII.
That which arrived at the time o{ Xeuim de Satan, and an ahominahle case
that befell to Diego Suarez ; together with the Xemindoo's Expedition
against Xenim de Satan ; and that which ensued thereupon.
THBEE moneths and nine days had this tyrant Xenim de
Satan already peaceably possessed the city and kingdom
of Pegu, when as without fearing any thing, or being contra-
dicted by none, he fell to distributing the treasure and revenues
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 481
of the crown to whomsoever he pleased; whereupon great
scandals ensued, which were the cause of divers quarrels and
divisions amongst many of the lords, who for this cause, and
the injustice which this tyrant did them, retired into several
forreign countries and kingdoms. Some also went and sided
with the Xemindoo, who began at that time to be in reputation
again. For after he had fled from the battel onely with six
horse, as I have'declafed heretofore, he jgailBkjJbta..iaiii^lQjn
ixTMsedaa, where as well bv the efficacy of his sermons, as
jby me^authorilyarhis person, he won so many to his devo-
tion, as assisted by the favour and forces of those lords as
adhered to him, he made up an army of threescore thousand
men, with which he marched to Meidoo, where he was very
well received by those of the country. Now setting aside
what he did in those parts, during the space of four moneths
that he abode there, I will in the mean time pass to a strange
accident which in a few days fell out in this city, that one
may know what end the good fortune of the great Diego
Sua/rez had, who had been Govemour of this kingdom of
Pegu; and the recompence which the world is accustomed
to make at last unto all such as serve and trust in it, under
the semblance of a good countenance which she shews them
at first. The matter past in this sort. There was in this city
of ffeg.ii.a. metghant, g&Q§§^JlQ^(igoqa, a rich man, and that
of good reputation in the country. This same resolved to
marry a daughter of his to a young man, the son of a worship-
full and very rich merchant also, named Manicaniandarim, j
about that time that Diego Sua/rez was in the greatest height I
of his fortune, and termed the Kings brother, and in dignity ^
above all the princes and lords of the kingdom. So the fathers
of this young couple being agreed on this marriage, and of
the dowry that was to be given, which by report was three
hundred thousand ducates; when as the day was come
wherein the nuptials were celebrated with a great deal of
state and magnificence, and honoured with the presence of
most of the gentlemen of chiefest quality in the city, it
happened that Diego Stiarez, being come a Uttle before sun-
set from the royal palace, with a great train both of horse
and foot, as his manner was to be always well accompanied,
432 THE TRAVELS, jVOYAQES, AND ADVENTURES
passed by Mambg^ssslA.Aoox, where hearing the musick and
rejoicing that was in the house, asked what the matter was,
whereunto answer being made him, that Mambagoaa had
married his daughter, and that the wedding was kept there,
he presently caused the elephant on which he was mounted
to stay, and sent one to tell the father of the bride, that he
congratulated with him for this marriage, and wished a long
and happy life to the new married couple; to these words
be added many others by way of complement, yea and made
him many offers if he would make use of him ; wherewith the
old father of the bride finding himself so exceedingly honoured,
as not knowing how to acknowledge it, in regard the person
who did him so much honour was no less than the King him-
self in greatness and dignity, the desire which he had to
satisfie this obligation in part, if he could not wholly do it,
made him go and take his daughter by the hand, accompanied
with many ladies of quaUty, and so leading her to the street
door, where Diego Suarez was, he prostrated himself on the
ground with a great deal of respect, and with many comple-
ments, after his manner, thanked him • for the favour and
honour that he had done him. Thereupon the new married
bride, having taken from off her finger a rich ring, presented
> it on her knees by her fathers express commandment, to
Diego Suarez ; but he that naturally was sensual and lasci-
vious, instead of using civility, whereunto the laws of generosity
and friendship obHged him, having taken the ring which the
maid presented unto him, he reached out his hand, a.nd plucked
her to him by force, saying, God forbid that so fair a maid as
you should fall into any other hands but mine ; whereupon the
poor old man seeing^ Dieg'o Suarez hale his daughter sojadely,^
lifting up both his hands to heaven, with his knees on the
ground, and tears in his eyes. My lord, said he imto him, I
humbly beseech thee for the love and respect of the great God,
whom thou adorest, and which was conceived without any spot
of sin in the Virgin's womb, as I confess and believe, according
to that which I ha/ve heard thereof, that thou wilt not forcibly
take away my daughter ; for if thou dost so, I shall assuredly
die with grief and dn,spleasv/re at it ; but if thou desire of me
that I should give thee her dovm/, together with all that is in
OF FEBDINAND MBNDEZ PINTO. 438
my liouse, and that I deliver wp my self unto thee for. a sla/ve,
I will instantly do it, provided thou wilt $errmt that her
husband may possess her, for I have no other good in the world
but she, nor mil I han)e any other as long as I Ime. "Where-
upon offering to lay hold on his daughter, Diego Suaree,
making no answer to him, turned himself about to the
captain of his guard, who was a Turk by nation, and said
unto him. ,^^;{^. t.hix dog. THa Tur\ prp.sentlv dresL-out bis
scymitar to^kill thajooruld man, but Jbe_ suddenly fled away,
leaving his daughter with all her hair alDout her ears in Diego
§ua/rez his hands. In the mean time the bridegroom came
running to this tumult, with his cheeks all bedewed with
tears ; but he was scarcely arrived there, when as these
barbarians slew him, and his father too, with six or seven
other of his kinsmen. Whilest this past so, the women made
such fearfull cries in the house as terrified all those that heard
them, so that even the earth and the air seemed to tremble at
it, or to say better, they demanded vengeance of God for the
little respect which was had to His divine justice, and for so
great a violence as this was ; and truly, if I do not more^
amplj.report the particularities of so^,^l§jCt4aijo^bominahJe
an action. I deske_to, be, excused, in regard I pass them_byi
foju-the^^iauauiu, of. .the. Portugal nation. Wherefore it shall
suffice me to say, that this poor maid seeing her self upon
the poiat to be forced, strangled her self with a string that
she wore about her middle for a girdle ; which she chose
rather to do, then suffer this sensual and brutish man to
carry her away with him by force ; but he was therewith so
displeased, as he was heard to say, that he repented him
more for that he had not enjoyed her, then for using her in
that sort as he did. Now from the day of this abhorred act,
till four years after, the good old man, the father of the
bride, was never seen to go out of his house ; but at length
to give a greater demonstration of his sorrow, and to shew
his extreme resentment of the matter, he covered himself
with an old tattered mat, and in that sad equipage went up
and down, begging an ahns of his very slaves, never eating
any thing, but lying all along naked, and his face fixed on the
ground. Thus continued he in so sad a manner of hfe, untUl
29
434 TSB TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
in the end he saw that the season invited him to have recourse
unto justice, which he demanded in this sort; perceiving that
in the kingdom there was another king, other governours, and
other jurisdiction, alterations which time ordinarily produceth
in every country, and in all kinde of affairs, he went out of his
I house in the wretched fashion he had so long used, having a
big cord about his neck, and a white beard, reaching almost
down to his girdle, and got him into the midst of a great place,
where stood a temple called Quiay Fantareu, that is to say,
the God of the afflicted ; there he took the idol from off the
altar, and holding it in his arms, he returned out of the temple,
to the said great place, where having cried out aloud three
times to draw the people together, as accordingly they came
flocking in unto him, he said with tears in his eyes; O ye
people, ye people 1 who with a clean and peaceable heart make
profession of the truth of this god of the afflicted, which you see
here in my arms, come forth like lightning in a dark and rainy
night, and joyn with me in crying so loud, that our cries may
» pierce the heavens, to the end the pitifull ear of the Lord may he
drawn to hear our hea/oy lamentations, and by them he may know
the reason we have to demand justice against this accursed
stranger, as the most wicked man that ever was bom in the
world ; for this abominable wretch hath not been contented with
spoiling us of our goods, but hath also dishonoured our families;
wherefore whosoever shall not with me accompany the god which
I hold in my hands, and water with my tears, in detesting so
horrible a crime, let the gluttonous serpent of the profound pit
of smoke abridge his days miserably, and tear his body in pieces
at midnight. This old mans words so mightily terrified the
assistants, and made so deep an impression in their minds,
that in a short time fifty thousand persons assembled in that
. place, with so much fury and desire of revenge, as was won-
derfull to behold. Thus the number of the people still more
and more increasing, they ran thronging strait to the Kings
palace, vrith so horrible a noise, as struck terrour unto all that
heard them. In this disorder, being arrived at the outward
court of the palace, they cried out six or seven times with a
dreadfull tone ; Oh King come out of the place where thou art
shut up, to hearken to the voice of thy god, who demands justice
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 435
of thee by the mouth of thy poor people. At these cries the
King put forth his head out of the window, and affrighted with
so strange an accident, would needs know of them what
they would have ? whereunto they all answered unanimously
with such loud cries, as seemed to pierce the heavens, JmPice,
justice, against a wicked infidel, who to spoil us of owr goods hath
killed owr fathers, our children, our brothers, and our kinsmen.
The King having thereupon inquired of them who it was : It is,
answered they, an accwsed thief, participating with the works
of the serpent, who in the Fields of Delight abused the first man
that God created. Is it possible, said he unto them, that there
slwuld be any sv,ch thing as you tell me ? Whereunto they all
replied. This same is the most accursed man that ever was bom
on the earth, and is so out of his wicked nature and inclination,
wherefore we all of us beseech tJiee in the name of this God of
the afflicted, that his veins may be as much emptied of his bloud,
as hell is filled with his wicked works. At these words the King
turning towards them that were about him. What do you think
hereof, said he unto them ? What am I to do ? and how am I
to carry my self in so strange and extraordinary a matter ? To
which they all answered. My lord, if thou wilt not hearken to
that which this God of the afflicted comes to d&mand of thee, it
is to be feared that he will take care no longer to a/id thee, and
will refuse to support thee in tJi/y dignity. Then the King turn-
ing himself again to the multitude that were below in the court,
bade them go to the place where the great market was kept, and
he would give order that the mam whom they required should be
delivered unto them to be disposed of at their pleasu/re. Whereupon
having sent to the Chirca of Justice, who is as the sovereign
superintendent thereof above all others, he commanded him to
go and apprehend Diego Sua/rez, and deliver him bound hand
and foot to the people, that they might do justice upon him,
for he feared if he did otherwise, that God would^ execute it
upon him.
The Chkca of Justice went immediately to Diego Suarez hia
house, and told him that the King had sent for him ; he in the
mean time was so troubled to see the Ghirca come for him, that
he remained a pretty while not able to answer him, as a man
that was almost besides himself, and had lost his understand-
486 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
ing ; but at length being somewhat come to himself again ; He
earnestly desi/red him to dispense with him at this time for going
with him, in regard of a great fain that he had in his head, and
that in acknowledgment of so good an office, he would gi/ue Mm
forty hisses of gold. Whereunto the Chirca replied, The offer
which thou mahest me is too little for me to take v/pon me that
great padn which thou safest thou hast in thine head, wherefore
thou must go along with me, either by fair means or hy force,
since thou obligest me to tell thee the truth. Diego Suaree then,
seeing that there was no means to excuse him, would have
taken along with him six or seven of his servants, and the
Chirca not permitting it ; I must, said he unto him, fulfill the
Kings command, which is, that thou slmlt come alone, and not
with six or seven men, for the time is now past wherein thou
wert wont to go so well accompanied, as I have oftentimes seen
thee do ; all thy support is gone by the death of the tyroMt of
Bramaa, who was the qmll wherewith thou blowedst up thy self
to unsupportable pride, as is apparent by the wicked actions
which thou hast committed, which at this present accuse thee
before the justice of God. This said, he took him by the hand,
and led him along with him, environed with a guard of three
hundred men, whereat we remained very much dismayed.
Thus marching from one street to another, he arrived in the
end at the Bazor, which was a publick place where all kinde
of wares was sold ; but as he was going thither, he met by
chance with Balthazar Suarez his son, who came from a mer-
chants house, whither his father had sent him that morning to
receive some money that was owing to him. The son, seeing
his father in this plight, alighted presently from his horse, and
casting himaelf at his feet ; What means this, my lord, said he
unto him with tears in his eyes, and whence comes it that you
are led along in this sort ? Ask it of m/y sins, answered Diego
Suarez, and they mil tell thee, for I protest unto thee, my son,
that in the case I am in, all tMngs seem dreams unto me.
Thereupon embracing one another, and mingling their tears
together, they continued so, untill such time as the Chirca
commanded Balthazar Suarez to get him gone, which he would
not do, being loth to part from his father ; but the ministers of
justice haled him away by force, and pushed him so rudely, as
OF FERDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 487
he fell and broke his head, yea and withall they gave him many
blows besides, whereat his father fell into a swomi. Being
come again to himself, he craved a little water, which he had
no sooner taken, but hfting up his hands to heaven, he said
with tears in his eyes. Si iniqmtates observaberis, Domine,
Domine qms sustiiiebit ? But, 0 Lord, added he, out of the
great confidence I ha/ve in the infinite price of Thy precious bhud,
which Thou hast shed for me upon the cross, I may say with
more asswance, Misericordias Dormni in cetemmn cantdbo.
Thus altogether desolated as he was in this last affliction,
when he was come in sight of the place whither the King had
commanded him to be conducted, it is said, that perceiving so
many people, he remained so exceedingly dismayed, that turn-
ing himself to a Portugal, who was permitted to accompany
bjm, Jesus, said he unto him, have all these accused me to the
King ? Whereunto the Chirca made him this answer, It is no
longer time for thee to think of this, for thou hast wit enough to
know, that the people are of so unruly a hmrumr, that they
always follow evil whereunto they a/re natwrally inclined. It is
not that, replied Diego Suarez with tears in his eyes, for I know
that if there be any unruliness in them, it proceeds from my sins.
Thou seest thereby, said the Chirca, that this is the ordinary
recompertce which the world is accustomed to give to them, who
during this Ufe have lost the memory of the dmine justice, as
thou iiast done, and God give thee the grace that in this Uttle
time thou hast to Ime thou mayest repent thee of the fanilts thou
hast committed, which possibly may avail thee more then all the
gold that thou leavest behinde thee, for an inheritance to him,
who peradoenture is the cause of thy death. Here Diego Suaree
falling down on his knees, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, 0
Lord Jesus Christ, cried he, my true Bedeemer^ I beseech Thee
by the pains which Thou hast suffered upon the cross, to permit
that the accusation of these hundred thousand himger-sta/rred
dogs against me, may serve to satisfie tlie chastisement of Thy
dmine justice in rwy behalf, to the end that the inestimable price
which Thou hast imployed for the salvation of my soul, without
any merit of mine, may not be unprofitable unto me. This said,
he ascended the stairs which led to the market-place, and the
Portugal that assisted him told me, how at every step he
438 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
kissed the ground, and called upon the Name of Jesus; at
length -when he was come to the top, the Manbagoao, who held
the idol in his arms, animating the people with great cries, said
unto them. Whosoever shall not for the honowr of this god of
the afflicted, whom I have here in my arms, stone this accursed
serpent, let him for ever he miserable, and let the brains of his
children be consumed in the mMst of the night, to the end that
by the punishment of so great a sin, the righteous judgement of
the Lord above may be justified in them. He had no sooner
'^made an end of speaking thus, but there fell so great a shower
of stones on Diego Su^rez, as in less then a quarter of an hour
he wa,s buried^under' them, and they that ^ung^them- at him
did it ao indiscreetly, as the most part of them hurt one another
therewith. An hour after they drew, forth the poor Diego
Suarez from under the stones, and with another new tumult of
cries and voices they tore him in pieces, with so much fury and
hatredTof the whole. people in general, as there was not he
which did not believe that he did a charitable and holy work
in giving a reward to the most mutinous amongst those which
dragged his members and entrails up and down the streets.
This execution done, the King willing to confiscate his goods,
sent men to his house for that purpose, where the disorder was
so great, in regard of the extreme avarice which these hungry
dogs had, they left not a tile unmoved ; and because they found
not so much as they expected, they put all his slaves and
servants to torture, vrith such an excess of cruelty, as eight
and thirty of them remained dead in the place, amongst them
were,sexenteeii Epriugals, who bore the pain of a thing where,
of they were not guilty. In all this spoil there were no more
then six hundred hisses of gold found, which are in value three
hundred thousand duoates, besides some pieces of rich hous-
hold-stuff, but no precious stones, nor jewels at all, which
perswaded men that Diego Suarez had buried all the rest;
howsoever it could never be found out, notwithstanding all the
search that was made for it, and yet it was verified by the
judgement of some who had seen him in his prosperity, that
he had in means above three millions of gold, according to the
eupputation of the country. Behold what was the end of the
great Diego Suarez, whom fortune had so favoured in this
UIP FMBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 489
kingdom of Pegu, as she had raised him tip to the deg.ee of
the King's brother, the highest and most absolute title of all
others, and given him withall two hundred thousand ducates
/yearly rent, with the charge of general of eight hundred
[ thousand men, and sovereign over all the other govemours and
vice-roys of fourteen kingdoms, which the King of Bramaa had
at that time in his possession. But it is the ordinary course of
the goods of this world, especially of such as are ill gotten,
always to serve for a way to disgraces and misfortunes.
f I return now to the Xemindoo^ of whom I have not spoken
U long time. 'Whereas thai,^wai.ariA^y^^
de /Sa<ara_gaye„„ daily nen, JflSSSfess? Jo ^he cruelties and
tyrannies which he exercised-asBiBsLalLsorts e£ persongjieyej:
ce^iSing. ■ki.Uijtg-and.^inhbiag (indiffgcfin±]34-thase, whojEgre,
thought tohavajGoney; nor sparing aa.yjthing„that he could
laj ]hi,H bf|iii,ds on. his rapines proceeded so .far, as itwas th3it-in
the space of seven moneths onely, wherein he was peaceable
possessour of this kingdom of Pegu, he put. to .death, six
thoftsand.-y.e.ry^rich. merchants, .bg§id.eiL many ancient, lords pf
t^ country > „whQ, by Jway„of., right jof-inheritance held their
estat^.frgmj^a^ crown. These extortions rendered him~so
odious, as the most part of those that were with him^bandoned
hkntp side with the Xemindoo, who had for him at that time
the towns ,of Diaotk..Meic[oo, I)a?att.'a»nd (laiLlam., even to the
confines of ..Smif^. from whence he parted in haste to go and
besiege this tyrant with an army of two hundred thousand
men, and five thousand elephants. When he was arrived at
the city of Pegu, where Xemin da Satan then kept his court,
he invested it round about with palisadoes and very strong
trenches, yea, and gave some assaults to it, but he could not
enter it so easily as he believed, in regard of the great
resistance he found from them within; wherefore, judging
it requisite for him to alter his minde, being prudent
as he was, he came very subtilly to a truce of twenty
days with the tyrant upon certain conditions, whereof
the principal was, that if within the term of those twenty
days he gave him a thousand hisses of gold, which are in
value five hundred thousand ducates, he would desist froiR
440 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
the pretention and right which he had to this kingdom ; and
all this he did (as I have already said) cunningly, hoping by
this means to bring him to hia bowe with less peril. So the
time of the truce beginning to run on, all things remained
peaceable on either side, and the besiegers feU to communicate
with the besieged. During this pacification every morning
two hours before it was day, they of the Xemindoo's camp
played after their manner upon divers sorts of instruments
very melodiously, at the sound whereof all they of the city ran
to the walls to see what the matter was. Whereupon those
instruments ceasing to play, a proclamation was made by a
priest, accounted by every man a holy personage, who said
these words with a very sad voice, 0 ye people, ye people ! unto
whom Nature hath given ears to hear, hea/rlcen to the voice of the
holy captain Xemindoo, of whom God will make use for the
restoring you to yov/r liberty and former quiet ; in order where-
unto he admonisheth you from Qviiaj_,Nivand&l,- ^/se God of
battels and of the fieldYitau, that none of you be so hardy as to
lift up your hand against him, nor against this holy assembly
wMoh he hath made, out of a holy seal towards these people of
Pegu, as brother, that he is, to the least of all the poor. Other-
wise whosoever shall come against the army of the servants of
God, or shall home the mil to do them any harm, let him be
accursed for it, and as deformed amd vile as the children of the
night, who foaming with poyson make horrible cries, and be
delivered into the burning jaws of the dragon of discord, whom
the true Lord of all the Gods hath cv/rsed for ever ; whereas
contrarily, to those that shall be so happy as to obey this pro-
clamation, as his holy brethren and allies, shall be granted in
this life a perpetual peace, accompanied with a great deal of
wealth and riches ; and after their death their souls shall be no
less pure and agreeable to God, then those of the saints which go
dancing amidst the beams of the sun in the celestial repose of the
Lord Almighty. This publication made, the musick began to
play again with a great noise as before, which made such an
impression in the hearts of them that heard it, as in seven
nights that it continued above threescore thousand persons
went and rendered themselves to the Xemindoo ; for most of
them which heard those words gave as much credit thereunto,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 441
as if an angel from heaven had spoken them. Jjuthfi.HaeaB
time the besieged tyrant, seeing that these seg^gLpsoalamatians
QLibe-enemsLgaM-aot-preiudicial untp_.him, as. they cOBM.noL,
chasaJbaiu-tiirnJio hij ntter ruine, brake_the truce. at twelve
da3K^ ftiT(^^-n.nd dp.1ihArfli,adl,wit,h hfa nnnnoil. -tyTiftt Ifffi ahonld
do^j^ojadvised^imbjjBO^aana ta sul^ir^WimseUJft. j^eiaain
any longer besieged, for fear lest the inhabitants should mutiny,
and fall from him to the enemy ; and that the best and surest
vyay was, to fight with the Xemindoo in the open field, before
he grew to any further strength. This resolution being approved
of by Xenim de Satan, he prepared himself for the execution of
it; to which effect he, two days after, before it was day,
sallied out at five gates of the city, with fourscore thousand
men, which then he had, and charged the enemies with strange
fury. They then, in the mean time, who always stood upon
their guard, received them with a great deal of courage;
whereupon ensued so cruel a conflict between them, that in
less then half an hour, for so long lasted the heat of the fight,
there fell on both sides about forty thousand men ; but at the
end of that time the new Kinp; Xewim was-born from bis
'^kphai'i^' ^y atuharqufibuae. shot. dischargfid^aJLhim byia Por-
t^igal,Jaam^£lmwaIaJil£^£l^^h.ioh. caused all the rest to render
themselves, and the city likewise, upon condition that the
inhabitants should have their goods and lives saved. By this
means the Xemindoo entred peaceably into it, and the very
same day, which was a Saturday, the 23rd of Febnia/ry, 1551,
h_fl^p.ansed himself to be crowned King of Pegu in thegreatest
temple of the city. As for Go-ncalo iVe?57~Ee~gave him in
recompence for killing the tyrant twenty hisses of gold, which
are ten thousand ducates ; and to the other Port'ugals, being
eighty in number, he gave five thousand ducates, besides the
honours and priviledges which they had in the country ; he
also exempted them for three years from paying any custome
for their merchandise, which was afterwards very exactly
observed.
442 TEE TBAVBLS, VOYAGES, AND AD7ENTUBE8
CHAPTEE LXIII.
That which the Xemindoo did, after he was crowned King of Pegu, with
the Chaumigrems ; the King of Bramaa'a foster-brothers coming against
him, with an army ; and divers other memorable things.
THE Xemindoo seeing himself crowned King of Pegu, and
peaceable lord of all the kingdom, began to have thoughts
far different from those which Xemin de Satan had had, being\
raised to the same dignity of King ; for the first and principal
thing wherein he imployed himself with all his endeavour, was
to maintain his kingdom in peace, and to cause justice to
flourish ; as, indeed, he established it with so much integrity,
as no man how great soever he was, durst wrong a lesser then
himself : withall in that which concerned the government of
his kingdom, he proceeded with so much virtue and equity, aa
it filled the strangers that were there with admiration, so that
one could not without marvel consider the peace, the quiet,
and union of the wills of the people ; during the happy and
peaceable estate of this kingdom, which continued the space of
a year, and better ; at the end whereof the Chaumigrem, foster-
brother to the same King of Bramaa, whom Xemin de Satan
had slain, as I have before declared, having received adver-
tisement, that by reason of the rebellions and wars, which
since his departure from thence had happened in the kingdom
of Pegu the principal men of state there, had lost their lives ;
and the Xemindoo who then reigned was unprovided of all
things necessary for his defence ; he resolved once again to
adventure upon the same enterprise which had formerly been
undertaken by his late king. With this design, he enter-
tained into his pay a mighty army of strangers, unto whom
he gave a tineal of gold by the moneth, which is five ducates
of our money ; when as he had prepared all things in a readi-
ness, he departed from Tanguu, the place of his birth. On
the 9th day of March, 1552, with an army of three hundred
thousand men, whereof onely fifty thousand were Bramaa's,
and all the rest Mans, Ghaleus, Galaminlums, SoAmnis, Pam-
crus, and Auaas. In the mean time the Xemindoo, the new
King of Pegu, having certain inteUigence of these great forces,
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 443
which were coming to fall upon him, made preparation to go
and meet them, with a design to give them battel ; for which
effect he assembled in the same city where he was, a huge
army of nine hundred thousand men, which were all Pegu's by
nation, and consequently of a weak constitution, and less war-
like then all the others, whereof I have spoken; and on
Tuesday the 4th of April, about noon, having received advice
that the enemies army was encamped all along the river of
Meleytay, some twelve leagues from thence, he used such
expedition, as the same day, and the next night, all his
souldiers were put into battel-aray, for whereas they had
prepared every thing long before, and had also been teained
by their captains, there needed no great ado to bring them
into order. The day ensuing, all these men of war began
about nine of the clock in the morning, to march at the sound
of an infinite number of warlike instruments, and went and
lodged that night some two leagues from thence near to the
river Pota/reu. The next day, an hour before sun-set the
Bramaa Ghct/umigrem appeared with so great a body of men,
as it took up the extent of a league and an half of ground ;
his army being composed of seventy thousand horse, of two
hundred and thirty thousand foot, and six thousand fighting
elephants, besides as many more which carried baggage and
victuals ; and in regard it was almost night, he thought fit to
lodge himself all along by the mountain, that he might be in
the greater safety. Thus the night past with a good guard,
and a strange noise that was made on eith-er part. The day
following, which was a Saturday, the 7th of April, in the
year 1553, about five of the clock in the morning, these two
armies began to move, but with different intentions ; for the
design of the Bramaa was to pass the ford, and recover an
advantageous piece of ground, which lay near to another
river; and the Xendndoo had a desire to keep him from it,
and to stop his passage; upon this contention, some skir-
mishes ensued, which continued most part of the day, and
wherein above five hundred men on the one side and the other
were slain, howbeit the advantage remained with the Chaumi-
grem, because he gained the place whereunto he pretented,
and passed all the night there in banquetting, and making
444 TEB TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
great bonfires for tliis good successe. The next day, betimes
in the morning, the Xemindoo, King of Pegu, presented the
battail to his enemies, who did not refuse it; so that they
encountred one another with all the fury that a cruel hatred
is accustomed to kindle in such like cases ; the two vantgards
then, who were the best souldiers amongst them, fell so lustily
unto it, that in lesse then half an hour, all the field was covered
with dead bodies, and the Pegties began to lack courage.
Whereupon the Xeimndoo, seeing his men give ground, came
to succour them with a body of three thousand elephants,
wherewith he set upon the seventy thousand horse so
couragiously, and to the purpose, as the Bramaa's lost all
that they had gained; which perceived by the Chcmmigrem,
who was better experienced in matters of warre, knowing full
well what he was to do, to recover all again, made shew of
retyring, as if he had been vanquished ; the Xemindoo there-
upon, who understood not this stratagem, and that thought
of nothing but the victory, pursued his enemy about a quarter
of a league : but incontinently the Bramaa facing about with
all his forces, fell upon his enemy with such violence and
horrible cryes, as not only men, but even the very earth, and
aU the other elements seemed to tremble at it. By this means
the conflict renewed in such sort, as in a little time the ayre
was seen all on fire, and the ground watered all over with
bloud; for the Pegu lords and commanders, beholding their
King so farre ingaged in the battle, and likely to lose the day,
ran instantly to his succor ; the like did the Panonsaray, the
Bramaa's brother, on his side, with fourty thousand men, and
two thousand elephants ; so that there ensued betwixt them
so bloudy and dreadfull a fight, as words are not able to
expresse the truth of it ; wherefore I shall say no more, but
that half an hour, or there about, before sun-set, the army
of nine hundred thousand Pegues was utterly discomfited;
and (as it was said) four hundred thousand of them were
left dead on the place, and all the rest, or the most part of
them, grievously wounded ; which the Xemindoo seeing, fled
out of the field, and so escaped. Thus did the victory remain
unto the Gha/wmigrem, who thereupon caused himself to be
crowned King of Pegu, with the same royal ensignes, magni-
OF FERDINAND MENDBZ PINTO. 445
ficence, and triumph, as the other King of Bramaa, whom
Xemi7i de Satan slew, had formerly been. And in regard it
was abeady night, they bestowed the time in no other thing,
but in dressing the hurt men, and keeping good watch in the
camp.
The next day, as soon as it was light, aU the victorious
Bouldiers, as well wounded as unwoimded, ran to the spoil of
the dead bodies ; wherewith divers amongst them were
mightily enriched ; for they found there great store of gold
and jewels, by reason the custome of those Gentiles is, (as I
think, I have heretofore delivered) to carry all their wealth
about them to the war. The souldiers being well satisfied in
this particular, the new king of this miserable kingdome parted
forthwith from the place were he had gotten the victory, and
marched towards the oitie of Fegu, distant some three leagues
from thence. Now forasmuch as he would not that day enter
into it, for certain considerations which I will relate hereafter,
he set himself down in the view of it, about half a league
off, in a plain, called Sunday Patir : and after he had thus
encamped his army, he gave order for the guard of the four
and twenty gates thereof, by placing at each of them a Bramaa
commander with five thousand horse. In this manner he
remained there five dayes, without being able to resolve to
enter into the citie, out of the fear he was in, lest the
strangers should require of him the pillage of it, as indeed, he
was obliged to grant it to them by the promise which he had
made them for it at Tangim. Now the custom of men of war,
who live but upon their pay, being to have regard to nothing
but their interests, these six nations seeing the King thus
defer his entry into the citie, which they could not brook,
began to mutinie, and this by the instigation of a Portugal,
named Christonano Surnento, a man of a turbulent spirit, but
otherwise a good and valiant commander ; and this mutinie
proceeded so far, as the King of Bramaa for his own safty was
constrained to retire into a Pagode, where he fortified himself
with his Bramaa' s, untill that the next morning about nine
of the clock he came to a truce with them, and causing
them to assemble together, from the top of a wall he
spake to them in this sort. My worthy friends, and vaUant
446 THE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
commanders, I heme coMsed you to come to this holy resting-
place of the dead, to the end that with a solemn oath I
may discover unto you my intentions ; whereof, with my
knees on the ground, and my eyes Uft up unto heaven, I
take to witness Quiay Nivandel, the God of battel of the field
Vitau, beseeching him to be judg of this between you and me,
and to strike me dumb, if I do not tell you the truth. I very
well remember the promise I made you at Tanguu, which was,
to give you the pillage of this tumultuous citie ; as well because
I believed you/r valour would be as it were the minister of my
revenge, as in some sort to satisfie your amarice, wherewnto I
know you are naturally very much inclined. Now having given
you this promise for a gage of my faith, I acknowUdg that I
am altogether obliged not to break my word with you. But
when, on the other sid^e, I come to consider the great incon-
veniences which may accrue to me thereby, and the strict account
which I shall one day render for it before the equitable and
rigorous justice of the Lord above, I must confesse unto you,
that I am very much affraid of cha/rging my self with so heavie
a bv/rthen : wherefore reason advises me to render my self foMlty
towards men, ratJier than to fall into the displeasure of God.
Besides, it is not reasonable that tlie innocent should pay for the
guilty, and of whom I am sufficiently satisfied with the death
which they ha/oe received in this last battel by your hands.
Behold, how I earnestly intreat you, as children that you are of
my bowels, that having regard to my good intention, you will not
kindle this fire wherein my soul will be burnt, since you see well
enough how reasonable that is which I desire of you, and how
unjust it would be for you to refuse it me. Nevertheless, to the
end you may not remain altogether without recompense, I do
here promise you to contribute thereunto all that shall seem
reasonable to you, and so supply this defemlt in part with my
own goods, with my person, with my kingdom, and with my
state. Hereupon the commanders of those six nations hear-
ing the King's justification, and the promise which he made
them, yeelded to agree unto wliatsoever he would do : howbeit,
they prayed him above all things to have regard unto souldiers
pretensions, who were not at any hand to be discontented,
but greatly to be made account of. Whereunto the King
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 447
replyed, That they had reason, and that in all things he would
endewoour to conform himself to whatsoever they should judg
reasonable. In the mean time, to avoid disputes which might
ensue hereupon, it was concluded, that they should referr
themselves to arbitrators : for which effect the mutiners were
to name three on their side, and the King three others on his,
which made six in all, whereof three were to be religious men
and the rest strangers, that so the judgment might be given
with lesse suspicion. This resolution being taken between
them, they agreed together, that the three reUgious men
should be the Menigrepos of a Pagode, that was named Quia/y
Hifaron, that is to say, the God of Povertie ; and that for the
other three strangers, the King and the mutiners should cast
lots, to see who should ohuse one or two of them on his side.
The election being fallen to the King, he made a choice of two
Portaigals, of an hundred and forty that were then in the
citie; whereof the one was Gonsah Pacheco, the King our
masters factor for lacre, a worthie man, and of a good con-
science ; and the other a worshipful merchant, named Nuno
Fernandez Teixeyra, whom the King held in good esteem, as
having known him in the life time of the deceased king. By
the same means the commanders of the mutiners elected
another stranger, whose name I do not know. Things thus
concluded, the judges destined for the resolution of this affair
were sent for, because the King was not willing to stirre out
of the place where he was, untill the matter was determined ;
to the end he might dismisse them all peaceably before he
entred into the citie, for fear lest if they entred with him, they
should not keep their word. For this purpose then the King
about midnight sent a Bramaa on horseback to the Portugals
quarter, who were in no lesse fear then the Pegues of being
plundered and killed. After that the Bramaa was come into
the citie, and that he had asked aloud (for so they use to do
when, they come from the King) where the caftain of the
Portugals was, he was presently conducted to his lodging,
where being arrived. It is a thing (said he to the captain) as
proper to the nature of that Lord above, who hath created the
armament and the whole heavens, to make good men for the
conversion of the wicked, as it is ordinary with the pernioiom
448 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
dragon to nourish in his hosome spirits of commotion and, tumult,
to bring disorder unto the peace which conserves us in the holy
law of the Lord. I mean hereby (continued he) that amongst
all those of your nation there is one wicked man found, vomiting
out of his infernal stomach flames of discord and sedition, by
means whereof he hath caused the three strange nations of the
Chalons, Meleytes, and Savadis to nmtinie in the King my
masters a/rmy, whereupon hath ensued so great a mischief, that
besides almost the utter rmne of the camp, three thousand
Bramaa's have been slain, and the King himself hath been in
such danger, as he was fain to retire into a fort, where he hath
remmned three dayes, and still is there, not da/ring to come out,
beccmse he cannot put any trust in those strangers. Howbeit,
for a remedy of so great unquietnesse, it hath pleased God, who
is the true Father of concord, to inspire the King's heart with
patience to endwe this injurie, being prudent as he is, to the end
he may by that means pacific the tvmuU and rebellion of these
three turbulent nations, who inhabit the most desa/rt parts of the
mountains of Mons, and a/re the most accti/rsed of God amongst
all people. Now, to make an entry into this peace and union, a
treaty hath been had betiveen the King a/nd the commanders of
the mutiners, whereby it hath been concluded on either part,
with an oath. That to exempt this city from the plundering
which had been promised to the souldiers, the King shall give
them out of his own estate, as rrmoh as six men, deputed for
that purpose, shall award ; of which number there a/re already
four; so that to make up the whole six, there wants none hut
thee, whom the King hath' chosen for him; a/nd another Portugal,
whose name is written in this paper, whereby thou shalt be
ascertained of that which I have said unto thee. Thereupon he
delivered a letter unto him from the King of Bramaa ; which
Gonsalo Paoheco received upon his knees, and laid upon his
head, with exterior complements so full of oivilitie and cour-
tesie, as the Bramaa remained very much contented and
satisfied therewith, and said unto him, Sv/rely, the King m/y
master must needs have a great knowledge of thee, in that he
hath chosen thee for a judge of his honour amd estate. Here-
upon Gonsalo Pacheoo read the letter aloud before all the
Portugals, who heard it standing, with their hats in their
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 449
hands. The contenta of it were to this effect, Captain Gon-
salo Pacheoo, my dear friend, and that appears before my eyes
like a precious pearl, as being no less vertuous in the tranqmlUtie
of thy life, them the holiest Menigrepos which live in the desa/rts ;
I, the ancient Chaumigrem, and now King of fourteen states,
which God hath now put into my hands by the death of the holy
King my master, do send thee a smile of my mouth, to the end
thou mayest be as agreeable to me, as those whom I cause to sit
at my table, in a day of joy and feasting. Know (hen, that I
ha/oe thought good to take thee for a judge of the affair that is in
question, and therefore ha/ve sent for thee, together with my good
friend, Nuno Fernandez Teixyra, to come presently unto me, for
to give an end to this business, which I wholly comndt unto your
trust. And for so much as concerns the secv/rity of yov/r persons,
in regan-d of the fear you may be in of the late mutiny, I do
engage my word, and swea/r to you by the faith which a king
ought to have, whom God himself hath anointed, that I will take
you, and all those of your nation, with all others that beleeve in
you/r God, into my protection. After that this letter was read,
to the great astonishment of all us that heard it, we could
beleeve no other, but that by divine permission it came from
heaven for the assurance of our Uves, whereof we stood in very
great doubt until then, Gonsalo Pacheco and Nuno Fernandez,
with ten other Portugals, which were chosen for that pur-
pose, instantly prepared a present of divers rich pieces to carry
to the King, unto whom they went that very same night an
hour before day, in the company of the Bramaa who brought
the letter, in regard, the haste the King was in would brook
no delay.
Gonsalo Pacheco, Nuno Fernandez, and the other Portugals,
arrived at the camp an hour before sun-rising, and the King
sent to receive them one of the chiefest Bramaa commanders
that he had, and in whom ho very much confided, who was
accompanied vrith above an hundred horse, and six Serjeants
at armes that carried maces. This same received the Portu-
gals, and lead them to the King, who did much honour unto
Gonsalo Pacheco, and Nuno Fernandez ; and after he had talked
with them of divers matters, he put them in miad of the
importance of the businesse for which he had sent for them,
30
450 THE TRAVELS, VOYAQES, AND ADVENTUBE8
and willed them by any means, to leane rather to the
commanders then to him, assuring them that he should be
very well contented therewith, and said many things to them
to that purpose. Then he caused them to be conducted by
the same Bramaa lord to the tent, where the other four
arbitrators were with the high treasurer, and two registers;
when as they had commanded silence to all that were without,
they fell to debating of the businesse for which they were
assembled together; whereupon there were many opinions,
which took up the most part of the day, but at last all six
came to conclude ; that albeit on the one side the King, by
the promise which he had made at Tanguu to the forreigne
souldiers, for to give them the spoil or pillage of the places
which he should take by force, was exceedingly obliged to the
performance thereof, yet seeing that on the other side this
promise was of great and notable prejudice to the innocent,
because it could not be put in execution without greatly
offending God; these things considered, they ordained by
their award ; That the King, in rega/rd of the promise which he
had made them, should pay unto them a thousand hisses of gold
out of his own treasure ; and that upon the souldiers receiving
thereof they should passe over to the other side of the river, and
retire directly into their countries ; hut that they should first he
also paid all that was due to them before this mutiny hegan, and
that they should he furnAshed with victuals sufficient for twenty
daies. This award being published was received with much
content to either party ; so that the King commanded it to be
instantly and punctually executed; and for a greater testimony
of his liberaUty, after he had payed them all this sum of
mony, he bestowed upon the commanders and officers of each
company many bountifull rewards, wherewith they were all of
them very well pleased, and satisfied. In this sort were these
three mutinous nations discharged ; for the King would by no
means trust, or make use of them any longer. Howbeit, he
would not suffer these strangers to go all away together, but
caused them to be divided into troups, each of them consisting
of a thousand men, to the end that by this means they should
give the lesse suspicion in their return, and should be less able
to plunder the open towns, by which they were to passe ; and
OF FEBDINAND MFNDEZ PINTO. 451
thug the next day they departed As for Gonsah Pacheoo,
and Nuiio Fernandez Teixyra, the King gave them ten biases
of gold, for being his arbitrators in this affair, whereunto he
added a passport written with his own hand, whereby the
PoHugals were permitted to retire freely into the Indies,
without paying any custome or duty for their merchandize,
whereof we made more account then of all the mony could
have been given us ; because that, for three years before, the
precedent kings had retayned us in this country, with exceed-
ing much vexation and tyranny, whereby we were oftentimes
in great danger of our lives, by reason of the suocesse of that
which I have spoken heretofore. This done, there were pro-
clamations made by men on horseback, to give notice that the
day following, the King would enter into the city in a peaceable
manner, threatning all such as should do the contrary, with a
cruell death. Accordingly, the next morning at nine of the
clock the King parted from the Pagode, whither he had retired
himself ; and about an hour after arrived at the city, whereinto
entring by the chiefest gate, he was received by an assembly
(in form of a procession) of six thousand priests of all the
twelve sects which are in this kingdome; by one of whom,
called Gapizundo, an oration was made unto him, whereof the
preface was thus. Blessed and praised be that Lord, who ought
truly to be acknowledged of all men for such, in rega/rd of the
holy works which He hath made with His Divine hands, testified
to us by the light of the day, the shming of the night, and all
the other magnificences of His mercy which He hath produced in
us ; proAsed he He, I say, for that by the effects of His infinite
power, which a/re agreeable unto Him, He hath been pleased to
establish thee on the ea/rth above all the kings that govern it ;
and seeing we hold thee for His faworite, we humbly beseech
thee our lord, that thou wilt never more remember the foMlts amd
offences which we have committed a^amst thee, to the end that
these thy afflicted people mmj be comforted with the promise
thereof, which they hope thy Majesty will make them at this
present. This same request was likewise made unto him by
the six thousand Grepos, all prostrated on the ground, and
with their hands lifted up to heaven, who with a dreadful!
tumult of voices said unto him ; Gramt, our Lord and King,
452 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
peace and pardon for that is past to all tht, people of this thy
kingdom of Pegu, to the end they may not be troubled with the
fear of their offences, which they confesse publikely before thee.
The King answered them that he was contented so to do, and
swore to them by the head of Quiay Nivandel, the God of Battle
of the field Vitau, for the confirmation thereof. Upon this
promise all the people prostrated themselves with their faces
on the ground, and said unto him ; God make thee to prosper
for infinite years in the victory over thy enemies, that thou
mayest trample their heads under thy feet. Hereupon for a
token of great gladness, they fel to playing on divers instru-
ments after their manner, though very barbarously, and
untunably; and the Grepo Capizondo set on his head a rich
crown of gold and precious stones of the fashion of a mitre,
wherewith the King made his entry into the city, with a great
deal of state and triumph, causing to march before him all the
spoLLe of the elephants and chariots, as also the statue of the
Xemindoo, whom he had vanquished, bound with a great iron
chain, and forty colours trayled on the ground ; as for him, he
was seated on a very mighty elephant, harnessed with gold,
and invironed with forty Serjeants at armes bearing maces :
there marched likewise all the great lords and commanders on
foot, with their soymitars covered with plates of gold, which
they carried on their shouldiers, and three thousand fighting
elephants, with their castles of divers inventions, besides a
world of other people, as well foot as horse, which followed
him without number.
CHAPTEE LXIV.
The finding of the Xemindoo, and bringing of him to the King ; with the
manner of his execution and death ; and other particularities concerning
the same.
AFTEE that the King of Bramaa had continued peaceably
in this citie of Pegu for the space of six and twenty dales,
the first thing he did was to make himself master of the prin-
cipal places of this kingdome, which not knovring the defeat of
the Xemindoo, held still for him. To this purpose, having
OF FEBDINAND MENDED PINTO. 453
given commission to some commanders for it, he wrote to the
inhabitants of those places divers courteous letters, wherein
he called them his dear children, and gave them an abolition
of all that was past. He also promised them, by a solemn
oath, to maintain them in peace for the time to come, and
alwayes to minister justice to them, without any imposts or
other oppression; but that he would (contrarily) do them
new favours, as to the very Bramaas which served him in the
warres. To these words he added many others, very well
accommodated to the time and his desire ; for the better
crediting whereof, they that were already reduced under his
obedience wrote their letters also unto them, wherein they
made an ample relation of the franchises and immunities
which the King had granted to them. All this, accompanied
with the fame which ran thereof in all parts, wrought so great
an effect, as all those places rendred unto him, and put them-
selves under his obedience : so that, in imitation of them all,
the other cities, towns, states and provinces that were in the
kingdom, did the like. For my part, I hold, that this king-
dome whereof the King of Bramaa made at this time a new
conquest, is the best, the most abundant, and richest in gold,
in silver, and precious stones, that may be found in any part
of the world. Things being thus accomphshed, to the great
advantage of the Bramaa, he dispatches divers horsemen with
all speed into all parts, to go in quest of the Xemindoo ; who
(as I have already declared) had escaped from the past battel,
and was so unhappy, that he was discovered in a place named
Fcmlau, a league from the town of Potem, which separates the
kingdom from Aracam : presently whereupon, he was lead with
great joy, by a man of base condition, to this King of Bramaa,
who in recompence thereof gave him thirty thousand ducates
of yearly rent. Being brought before him, bound as he was
with an iron collar, and manacles, he said unto him, in way of
derision, Thou art welcome {King of Pegu) and maist well kisse
the ground which thou seest ; for I assure thee, I have set my
foot on it ; whereby thou rrwyest ;perceive how much I am thy
friend, since I do thee an honour which thou couldst never
imagine. To these words the Xemindoo made no answer ; so
that the King falling to jeer this miserable man anew, who lay
454 THE TBAVEL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
before him with his face on the ground, said unto him, What
means this ? Art thou amazed to see me, or to see thy self in so
great honour ? Or what is the matter, that thou dost not answer
to that which I demand of thee ? After thia affront, the
Xermndoo, whether it were that he was troubled with his
misfortunes, or ashamed of his dishonour, answered him in
this sort ; If the clouds of heaven, the sun, the moon, and the
other creatures, which cannot expresse in words that which God
hath created for the service of man, and for the bea/utifying of
the firmament, which hides from us the rich treasures of His
power, could naturally with the horrible voice of their dreadful
thunder explain to them which now look upon me, the estate
whereunto I see my self reduced before thee, and the extreme
affliction which my soul doth suffer, they would answer for me,
and declare the cause I have to be mute in the condition wherein
my sins have set me : and whereas thou canst not be judg of that
which I say, being the party that accusest me, and the minister
of the execution of thy designe, I hold my self for excused, if I do
not make thee an answer, as I would do before that blessed Lord,
who, how faulty soever I could be, would ha/ve pitie on me, moved
with the least tear that I should shed. This said, he fell down
with his face on the ground, and twice together asked for a
little water: whereupon the King of Bramaa, the more to
afflict him, commanded that the Xemindoo should receive this
water from the hand of a daughter of his, (held by him as a
slave) whom he exceedingly loved, and had at that time of his
defeat promised to the Prince of Nautir, son to the King of
Avaa. The princesse no sooner saw her father lying in that
manner on the ground, but she cast her self at his feet, and
straitly embracing him, after she had kissed him thrice, she
said to him with her eyes all bathed in tears, 0 my father, my
lord, and my king, I intreat you for the extreme affection which
I heme alwayes born you, and for that also which you have at
all times shewed to me, that you will be pleased to lead me with
you, thus Embracing you as I do, to the end that in this sad
passage you may have one to comfort you with a cup of water,
now that for my sins the world refuses you that respect which is
due unto you. It is said, that the father would fain have
answered to these words, yet could not possibly do it, so
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 465
much was he oppressed with grief and anguish of mind, to
see this daughter whom he so dearly loved, in such a taking ;
but fell as it were in a swoun, and so continued a good
while ; wherewith some lords that were there present were so
moved, as the tears came into their eyes ; which observed by
the King of Bramaa, and that they were Pegues, who had for-
merly been the Xemindoo's subjects, fearing lest they should
betray him in time to come, he caused their heads to be
presently strucken off, saying with a disdainfuU and fierce
countenance, Seeing you hwve so great pitie of the Xemindoo
your King, get you before and prepare a lodging for him, and
there he will pay you for this affection which you testifie to ha/ve
for him. After this, his wrath redoubled in such sort, as
instantly he caused this very daughter to be killed in her
fathers arms ; which truly was more then a brutish and
savage cruelty, in seeking to hinder the affections which
nature hath imprinted in us. Then no longer enduring the
sight of the Xemindoo, he commanded him to be taken from
thence, and to be carried to a close prison, where he passed
all the night following under a sure guard.
The next morning, proclamation was made over all the city,
for the people to be present at the death of the unhappy
Xemindoo. Now, the chiefest reason why the Bramaa did
this, was, that the inhabitants seeing him dead, might for ever
lose all hope of having him for their king, as all generally
desired ; for whereas he was their countryman, and the Bramaa
a stranger, they were in extreame fear, lest the Bramaa should
become in time like unto him whom Xemdn de Satan slew,
and that had been during his reign a mortal enemy to the
Pegues ; entreating them with such extraordinary cruelty, as
there scarcely passed a day, wherein he did not execute
hundreds of them; and all for matters of small importance,
and which deserved no punishment, had they been proceeded
against by the waies of true justice. About ten of the clock,
the unfortunate Xemindoo was drawn out of the dungeon where
he was, in the manner ensuing. Before him marched through
the streets, by which he was to passe, forty men on horseback
with lances in their hands, to prepare and clear the waies ;
there were as many behind as before him, which carried naked
456 TEE TBAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBES
swords, crying aloud to the people, whereof the number was
infinite, to make room: after them followed about fifteen
hundred harquebusiers with their matches lighted; next to
these last, which they of the country use to call, the avant
courev/rs of the Kings wrath, went an hvmdred and threescore
elephants armed with their castles, and covered with silk
tapestry, marching by five and five in a rank ; after them rode
in the same order, by five in a rank, fifteen men on horse-
back, which carried black ensignes all bloudy, crying aloud, as
it were by way of proclamation ; Let those miserable wretches,
which are the slaves of hunger, and are continually persecuted
by the disgrace of fortune, hearken to the cry of the arm of
wrath, executed on them that have offended their king, to the
end that the astonishment of the pain, which is ordained them
for it, may he deeply imprinted in their memory. Behind these
same were other fifteen, clothed with a kind of bloudy
garment, which rendred them dreadful and of a bad aspect ;
who at the sound of five bells, which they rung in haste, said
with so lamentable a voice, as they that heard them were
moved to weep : This rigorous justice is done by the living God,
the Lord of all truth, of whose holy body the hairs of our heads
are the feet. It is he that will have the Xemrndoo put to death,
for usu/rping the estates of the great Kiiig of Bramaa, Lord of
Tanguu. These proclamations were answered by a troupe of
people, which marched thronging before with such loud cryes,
as would have made one tremble to hear them, saying these
words; Let him die without having pity on him, that hath
committed su^h an offence. These were followed by a company
of five hundred Bramaa horse, and after them came another of
foot, whereof some held naked swords and bucklers in their
hands, and the rest were armed with corselets, and coats of
maile. In the midst of these came the poor patient, mounted
on a lean ill-favoured jade, and the hangman on the crupper
behind him, holding him up under both the armes. This
miserable prince was so poorly clad, that his naked skinne was
every where seen; withaU, in an exceeding derision of his
person, they had set upon his head a crowne of straw, hke
unto an urinaU case ; which crowne was garnished with
muscle-shells, fastned together with blew thred; and round
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 457
about his iron collar were a number of onions tyed. Howbeit,
though he was reduced to so deplorable an estate, and that his
face was scarce like to that of a living man, yet left he not (for
all that) from having something of I know not what in his
eyes, which manifested the condition of a king. There was
besides observed in him a majestical sweetnesse, which drew
tears from all that beheld him. About this guard which
accompanied him there was another of above a thousand
horsemen, intermingled with many armed elephants. Passing
thus thorow the twelve principal streets of the city, where
there was a world of people, he arrived at last at a certain
street called Gabam Bainhaa, out of which he went but two
and twenty days before, to go and fight with the Bramaa, in
such pomp and greatness, as by the report of them that saw it,
and of which number I was one, it was (without doubt) one of
the most marvellous sights that ever hath been seen in the
world ; whereof notwithstanding I will make no mention
here, either in regard I cannot promise to recount rightly how
all past, or for that I fear some will receive these truths for
lies; neverthelesse mine eyes having been the witnesses of
these two successes, if I do not speak of the greatnesse of the
first, I will at leastwise declare the miseries of the second, to
the end by these two so different accidents, happening in so
short a time, one may learn what little assurance is to be put
in the prosperities of the earth, and in all the goods which are
given to us by inconstant and deceitful fortune. When as the
poor patient had past that street of Cabam Bainhaa, he arrived
at a place where Gonsalo Pacheco our captain was, with
above an hundred Portugals in his company; amongst the
which there was one of a very base birth, and of a mind yet
more vile, who having been robbed of his goods some years
before, as he said, at such time as the patient reigned, and
complained to Tiim of those who had done it, he would not
vouchsafe to give him audience ; so that thinking to be revenged
on Viim for it now, with extravagant and imseemly speech ; as
soon as this poor prince came where Gonsalo Pacheco was,
with all the other Portugals, the witlesse fellow said aloud to
him, that all might hear him, 0 Bobber Xemindoo, remember
how when I complained to thee of tJwse that had robbed me of
458 THE TBA7EL8, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
my goods, thou wouldest not do me justice ; but I hope that now
thou shalt satisfie what thy works deserve : for I will at supper
eat apiece of that flesh of thine, whereunto I will invite two dogs
that I have at home. The sad patient having heard the words
of this hair-brained fellow, lifted up his eyes to heaven, and
after he had continued a while pensive, turning himself with a
severe countenance towards him that uttered them. Friend,
said he unto him, I pray thee, by the great goodness of that Gfid
in whom thou believest, to pardon me that for which thou
accusest me, and to remember that it is not the part of a
Christian, in this painful estate wherein I see my self at this
present, to put me in rrdnd of that which I have done heretofore ;
for besides that, thou canst not thereby recover the loss which
thou sayest thou hast sustained, it will but serve to afflict and
trouble me the more. Paoheco having heard what this fellow
said, commanded him to hold his peace, which immediately he
did ; whereupon the Xemdndoo with a grave countenance made
shew that this action pleased him ; so that seeming to be more
quiet, it made him to acknowledge that with his mouth which
he could not otherwise requite, I must confess, said he unto
him, that I could wish, if God would permit it, I might have one
hour longer of life to profess the excellency of the faith wherein
you Portugals live ; for, as I ha/oe heretofore heard it said, your
God alone is true, and all other gods are lyers. The hangman
had no sooner heard these words, but he gave him so great a
buffet on the face, that his nose ran out with bloud, so that the
poor patient stooping with his hands downward. Brother (said
he unto him) suffer me to save this bloud, to the end thou moist
rwt want some to fry my flesh with all. So passing on in the
same order as before, he finally arrived at the place where he
was to be executed, with so little life as he scarcely thought of
any thing. When he was mounted on a great scaffold, which
had been expresly erected for him, the Chirca of Justice fell to
reading of his sentence from an high seate, where he was
placed ; the contents whereof were in few words these : The
Uving God of our heads, Lord of the crown of the Kings of
Avaa, commands, that the perfidious Xemindoo be executed as
the pertv/rbator of the people of the earth, and the mortal enemy
of the Bramaa Nation. This said, he made a sign with his
OF FEBDINAND MENDE2 PINTO. 459
hand, and instantly the hangman out off his head at one blow,
shewing it to all the people, which were there without number,
and divided his body into eight quarters, setting his bowels and
other interior parts which were put together, in a place by
themselves ; then covering all with a yellow cloth, which is a
mark of mourning amongst them, they were left there till the
going down of the sun, at which time they were burnt in the
manner ensuing.
[Mendez Pinto embarks for Malacca, and thence for Ja/pan,
with a strange accident that occurs at the Port of Fucheo,
CHAPTEE LXV.
Our passing from the iawa of Fucheo, to the port of Hiamangoo ; and that
which befell us there ; together with my departure from Malaca and
arrival at Goa.
APTBE that this revolt had taken an end by the death of
so many men on the one and the other side, we few
- Portugals that remained, as soon as time would permit us, got
to the port of the town, where seeing the country desolated,
the merchants fled away, and the King resolved to leave the
town, we lost all hope of selling our commodities, yea and of
being safe in this harbour, which made us set sail, and go
ninety leagues further to another port, called Hiamangoo,
which is in the bay of Canguexvmaa ; there we sojourned two
months and an half, not able to sell anything at all, because
the country was so full of Chinese commodities, as they fell
above half in halt in the price : for there was not a port or
road in all this island of Japan, where there were not thirty or
forty junhs at anchor, and in some places above an hundred ;
so that in the very same year, at least two thousand merchants
ships came from China to Ja;pan. Now most of this mer-
chandise consisted in silk, which was sold at so cheap a rate,
that the piece of silk which at that time was worth an hundred
tales in China, was sold in Ja;pan for eight and twenty, or
thirty at the most, and that too with much adoe ; besides, the
460 THE TRAVELS, VOYAGES, AND ADVENTURES
prices of all other commodities were so low, as holding our
selves utterly undone, we knew not what resolution or counsell
to take. But whereas the Lord doth dispose of things according
to his good pleasure, by waies which surpasse cor under-
standing ; he permitted, for reasons only known to himself,
that on the new moon in December, being the fifth day of the
month, there arose so furious a tempest of wind and rain, as
all those vessels, saving a few, perished in it : so that the losse
caused by this storm amounted unto a thousand, nine
hundred, and seventy two junks ; amongst the which were
six and twenty Portugals ships, wherein five hundred and two
of our nation were drowned ; besides, a thousand Christians of
other countries, and eight hundred thousand ducates worth of
goods cast away. Of Chinese vessels, according to report,
there were a thousand; nine hundred, thirty and six, lost,
together with above two millions of gold, and an hundred and
threescore thousand persons. Now from so miserable a
ship-wrack not above ten or eleven ships escaped, of which
number was that wherein I was imbarqued, and that almost by
miracle ; by reason whereof these same sold their commodities
at what price they would. As for us, after we had uttered all
ours, and prepared our selves for our departure, we put to sea
on a twelfth day in the morning ; and although we were well
enough contented in regard of the profit we had made, yet
were we not a little sad, to see things fall out so to the cost of
so many lives and riches, both of those of our nation, and of
strangers. But when we had weighed anchor, and hoisted our
sailes for the prosecution of our course, the ties of our main
sail brake ; by which means, the saU-yard falling down upon
the prow of the ship, brake all to pieces ; so that we were
constrained, by this accident, to recover the port again, and to
send a shallop on shore to seek for a sail-yard, and shipwrights
to fit it for us. To this effect, we sent a present to the captain
of the place, that he might suddenly give us necessary succor,
as accordingly he did ; so that the very same day, the ship was
put into her former estate, and better then before. Never-
thelesse, as we were weighing anchor again, the cable of our
anchor broke ; and because we had but one more in the ship,
we were forced to endeavour all that we might for the recovery
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 461
thereof, by reason of the great need we stood in of it*; now, to
do this, we sent to land for such as could dive, who in con-
sideration of ten ducates that we gave them, fell to diving into
the sea, where they found our anchor in six and twenty f athome
depth ; so that by the means of the cordage which we f astned
unto it, we hoisted it up, though with a great deal of labour,
wherein we all of us bestowed our selves, and spent the most
part of the night. As soon as it was day, we set saile, and
parting from this river of Hia/mangoo, it pleased God, that in
fourteen dales, with a good wind, we arrived at Chincho, which
is one of the most renowned and richest ports of the kingdome
of China ; there we were advertised, that at the entrance of
this river, there lay at that time a famous pirate, called Gheo-
pocheca, with a mighty fleet, which put us into such a fear,
that in aU haste we got away to Lamau, where we made some
provision of victuals, which lasted us untill our arrivall at
Malaca.
[Here follows the narration of Mendez Pinto's adventures
until his arrival at the port of Zequa with a letter from the
King of Japan, otttitteif.]
CHAPTEE LXVI.
What past after onr departure from Zequa, till my arrival in the Indiaes,
and from thence into the Kingdom of Portugal.
FEOM this port of Zequa we continued our course with
northerly winds, which were favourable unto us in this
season ; and on the 4th of December we arrived at the port of
Lampacau, where we met vnth six Portugal ships, whereof
was general a certain merchant, called Francisco Martinez, the
creature of Francisco Barreto, at that time Governour of the
State of the Indiaes in the place of Don Pedro Mascwrenhas.
And because that then the season for navigation into Indm
was almost past, our Captain Don Francisco Masca/renhas
stayed no longer there than was necessary for providing of
victual. We departed then from this port of Lampacau a
462 THE TBAVEL8, VOTAGES, AND ADVENTUBE8
little before Christmass, and arrived at Goa the 17tli of
February. The first thing I did there was to go to Francisco,
Barreto, unto whom I gave an account of the letter which I
brought from the King of Japan : but he having referred it to
the day following, I failed not to deliver it to him the next
morning, together with the arms, the scymitars, and the other
presents which that pagan king had sent. Whereupon, after
he had seen all at leasure, addressing himself unto me, I
assure you, said he unto me, that I prize these arms which you
have brought me, as much as the Government of India : for I
hope that by the means of this present, and this letter from the
King of Japan, I shall render my self agreeable to the King our
Sovereign Lord, that I shall be delivered from the fortune of
Lisbon, where almost all us that govern this state, do go and
land for our sins. Then, in acknowledgment of this voyage,
and the great expence I had been at, he made me many large
offers, which I would by no means accept of at that time.
Nevertheless I was well contented to justifie before him by
attestations, and acts past expresly for it, how many times I
had been made a slave for the service of the king our master ;
and how many times also I had been robbed of my mer-
chandize : for I imagined that this would suffice to keep me,
at my return into my country, from being refused that which I
believed was due to me for my services : as indeed, the Vice-
roy past me an act of all these things, adding thereunto the
certificates which I presented unto him : withal, he gave me
a letter, addrest to the king, wherein he made so honorable a
mention of me and my services, that relying on these hopes,
grounded as they were on such apparant reasons as I had on
my side, I imbarqued my self for to return into the kingdom
of Portugal; so contented with the papers which I carried
along with me, that I counted them the best part of my estate ;
at leastwise, I believed so, because I was perswaded that I
should no sooner ask a reoompence for so many services, but
it would be presently granted me. Upon this hope being put
to sea, it pleased our Lord, that I arrived safely at the city of
Lisbon, the 22nd of September, 1558, at such time as the
kingdom was governed by Madam Katherina, our queen of
happy memory. Having deUvered her the letter then from
OF FEBDINAND MENDEZ PINTO. 463
the Vice-roy of the Indiaes, I told her by word of mouth all
that I thought was important for the good of my business :
whereupon she referred me to the minister of her state, who
had the charge of deaUng in her affairs. At first he gave me
very good words, but far better hopes, as indeed I held them
for most assured, hearing what he said unto me. But in/
stead of letting me see the effect thereof, he kept me these/^
miserable papers of mine four years and an half ; at the end^
of which, all the fruit I reaped thereby was no other, then thel
labour and pains which to no purpose I had imployed in these)
vain sollicitations, and which had been more grievous unto
me, then all the troubles I had suffered during my voyages.
Wherefore seeing of what little profit all my past services were
unto me, notwithstanding all the suit I could make, I resolved
to retire my self, and remain within the terms of my misery,
which I had brought along with me, and gotten by the means
of many misfortunes, which was all that was resting to me of
the time and wealth which I had bestowed in the service of
this kingdom, leaving the judgement of this process to the
Divine Justice. I put this design of mine then in execution,
not a little grieved that I had not done it sooner, because I
might thereby peradventure have saved a good piece of money.
For a conclusion, behold what the services have been which I
have done for the space of one and twenty years, during which
time, I was thirteen times a slave, and sold sixteen times, by
reason of the unlucky events of so long and painful a voyage,
whereof I have made mention amply enough in this book.
But although this be so, yet do I not leave to believe, that the
cause why I remaiaed without the recompence whereunto I
pretented for so many services and travels, rather proceeded
from the Divine providence, which permitted it to be so for
my sins, then from the negligence and fault of him whom the
duty of his charge seemed to oblige to do me right. For it
being true, that in all the kings of this kingdom, who are the
lively source from whence all recompence do flow, though
many times they ran through pipes more affectionate then
reasonable, there is always found an holy and acknowledging
zeal, accompanied with a very ample and great desire, not
onely tc recompence those which serve them, but also to con-
46-4" TEE TRAVELS OF MENDEZ PINTO.
fer great estates on them which render them no service at all ;
whereby it is evident, that if I, and others, have not been
satisfied, the same happens by the only fault of the pipes, and
not of the source; or rather, it is a work of the Divine
Justice, which cannot fail, and which disposeth of all things
for the best, and as is most necessary for us ; in regard where-
of, I render infinite thanks to the King of Heaven, whose
pleasure it hath been, that His Divine will should be this way
accomplished, and do not complain of the kings of the earth,
since my sins have me unworthy of meriting more.
Finis.
UNWIN BBOTHEEB, THE OBEBHAM PBBSS, WOKINO AND LONDOH.
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