_The next going ashore of the Sea-men, this _Bannyan_ (for
the injury was done him) caused a _Running_ a _Muck_,
that is, he instigated a great many people to kill
all they met of that ship. The loss of several men
thereupon: but he is out of danger, having cunningly
kept himself aboard that time. He afterwards had like to
have been killed by a _Crease_ the _Bannyan_ had hired
for that purpose. His enemies being destroyed, he
marrieth an _Indian Punce-woman_._
The next day, a great many of our men went ashore; and going into
_China-row_, (a street so called in _Bantam_) to drink Punce and Tea, a
great crew of Indians and Chineses (headed by this _Bannyan_) fell upon
them, killing whom they could, (not directing their revenge upon any
particular person, which they call a _Muck_:) so hot and sharp was this
Conflict, that many were killed on both sides, but more wounded. This
accident alarm’d the whole town, but most especially the English there
resident: but at last, with much ado, this grand uproar was calmed. It
was my good fortune, that I was not then among them, otherwise I might
have been made a sacrifice among the rest of my fellows. But I was
fore-warn’d, having been pre-inform’d that such broyls are usual upon
such occasions; wherefore I kept my self out of harms way for that time.
But not long after, thinking their malice blown over, I went ashore; and
walking with others of our Boats-crew in the same _Row_, (where most of
our men were us’d to resort, because of the liquor that was there to be
had, and a Whore to boot) a fellow came to me, with this _Bannyan_ I
cheated, and both of them with _Creases_, (a kind of Dagger of about a
foot and half long) would have stab’d me, had not my friends prevented
them, by striking up their heels, and afterwards with their own
_Creases_ stab’d them to the heart. After this, we could walk very
quietly without any disturbance, going any where without any danger.
Being very hot there, our usual pastime was to go up a little small
River (joyning to the Town) four or five miles to wash our selves: the
trees so covered it over like an Arbor, that the beams of the Sun could
not penetrate it; by which means it was fine and cool, which very much
refresht our parched bodies. I never came ashore, but I drank very
immoderately of _Punce_, _Rack_, _Tea_, &c. which was brought up in
great China-Jugs holding at least two Quarts: with every such Jug there
was brought in a Dish of Sweetmeats, not of one sort, but variety, and
excellent good, for which we paid a shilling English: and if you call’d
for another Jug, you paid no more, unless a Dish usher’d it in.
One house especially I much frequented, for the Indian womans sake that
kept it: for though she was black, or rather tawny, yet she was
well-featur’d and well-form’d, having long black hair (when she unty’d
the tresses) hanging down to her legs. She from the first shewed me as
much kindness as could be expected from that lump of Barbarism: and I
could discerne her inclinations, (in the same manner as a man may from
beasts, when they are prone to Generation) but yet it went against my
stomack to yield to her motions. However, she continued her love to me,
not letting me pay for anything I call’d for: and when there was no
necessity of being aboard, she would in a manner make me lie in her
house, (which, as their houses commonly are, had but one story:) the
beds they use are a kinde of Quilt, hard; for were they soft, the
hotness of the Climate would cause them to be very destructive to mans
body, even melting his very reins. Gold and Jewels she had great
quantity, with an house richly furnished after the Indian fashion. For
this consideration, I perswaded myself to marry her; and with several
arguments alleaged, I gained so much conquest over myself, that I could
kiss her without disgorging myself: and by accustoming my self to her
company, methought I began to take some delight in it. By degrees,
interest so over-power’d me, that I resolv’d to marry her. Thus many
(nay most) for Money, stick not to give themselves to the Devil. Having
one night (lying there) seriously considered of my resolution, and
liking it indifferent well, I fell asleep; but wonder’d when I awaked,
to see a thing lie by me _all black_, as if she had had a _Mourning
smock_ on. It seems she could hold out no longer: I pretended to flee
from her; but she held me fast in her arms, using what rhetorick she
could to perswade me to the contrary. I ask’d her what she meant? She
told me in a little broken English she had got, that she would _Money
me_; marry me, she meant: I, Money me, said I, that I like well; but
without it, let the Devil have married her for me. I ask’d her several
questions, to which she gave me satisfaction; and enjoyn’d her several
things, which she greedily condescended to: whereupon I gave her the
first-fruits of her desires. But ere I go farther, take something of my
Ryming fancie with you.