PART II.

CHAP. I.

Of the present King of Cande.

[The Government of this Island.] Hitherto I have treated of the

Countrey, with the Provisions and Wealth of it: Our next Discourses

shall be of the Political Government there exercised. And here Order

will lead us to speak first of the King and Matters relating to him.

Antiently this Countrey consisted of Nine Kingdoms, all which had

their several Kings; but now by the vicissitude of Times and Things,

they are all reduced under one King, who is an absolute Tyrant, and

Rules the most arbitrarily of any King in the World. We will first

speak of him as to his Personal Capacity, and next as to his Political.

In his Personal Capacity, are to be considered his Birth and Parentage,

his Person, his Relations, his State, his Manners, his Pleasures and

Recreations, his Religion.

[The King's Lineage.] Radga-Singa is his Name, which signifies a

Lyon-King. He is not of the right Descent of the Royal-Blood. For the

former King deceased leaving his Queen a Widow, and two young Princes,

which he had issue by her. She was a Christian, having been baptized

by the Portuguez, and named Dona Catharina. She afterwards married to

the Chief Priest, whom in their Language they call Tirinanxy. And by

him had this Son, the present King. The Tirinanx his Father reigned

and ruled the Land during the minority of the young Princes: but

being aged, he divided the Countrey between the three Princes by Lot,

intending Conde Uda, which is the best part of the Land, for his

own Son, Radga-Singa. Which was obtained by this device. The names

of the three Kingdoms being written on three Papers, were put into

a Pot, and one was appointed, who knew the matter to take them out,

and deliver them one to each, beginning with the Eldest, craftily

delivering that which had Conde Uda written in it unto Radga-Singa;

and so it came to pass according to the old Kings determination. All

these three in the beginning of their Reigns joyned together against

the Portuguez, but soon after fell out among themselves, and this

King in the end prevailed, and got all the Countrey. Danna Polla

Rodgerah the youngest, King of Mautoly, being overthrown, fled down

to the Portuguez to Columba, who sent him to Goa, where he dyed. The

other named Comaure-Singa, King of Owvah, dyed in Cande.

[His Person, Meen and Habit.] As to the Person of the present King. He

is not tall, but very well set, nor of the clearest colour of their

complexion, but somewhat of the blackest; great rowling Eyes, turning

them and looking every way, alwayes moving them: a brisk bold look,

a great swelling Belly, and very lively in his actions and behaviour,

somewhat bald, not having much hair upon his head, and that gray, a

large comely Beard, with great Whiskers; in conclusion, a very comely

man. He bears his years well, being between Seventy and Eighty years

of age; and tho an Old man, yet appears not to be like one, neither

in countenance nor action. His Apparel is very strange and wonderful,

not after his own Countrey-fashion, or any other, being made after

his own invention. On his head he wears a Cap with four corners like a

Jesuits three teer high, and a Feather standing upright before, like

that in the head of a fore-horse in a Team, a long band hanging down

his back after the Portuguez fashion, his Doublet after so strange

a shape, that I cannot well describe it, the body of one, and the

sleeves of another colour; He wears long Breeches to his Anckles,

Shoes and Stockings. He doth not always keep to one fashion, but

changes as his fancy leads him: but always when he comes abroad,

his Sword hangs by his side in a belt over his shoulder: which no

Chingulays dare wear, only white men may: a Gold Hilt, and Scabberd

most of beaten Gold. Commonly he holdeth in his hand a small Cane,

painted of divers colours, and towards the lower end set round about

with such stones, as he hath, and pleaseth, with a head of Gold.

[His Queen, and Children.] His right and lawful Queen, who was a

Malabar, brought from the Coast, is still living, but hath not been

with him, as is known, this Twenty years, remaining in the City of

Cande, where he left her; She wants indeed neither maintenance nor

attendance, but never comes out of the Palace. Several Noble-mens

Daughters hold Land for this Service, viz. to come to her Court in

their turns to wait upon her Majesty. She bare him a Prince, but what

became of him, shall hereafter be shewn. He had also a Daughter by

Her, she came also in her Youth to a piteous and unfortunate death,

as I shall relate in its place.

[His Palace, Situation and Description of it.] He keeps his Court

at Digligy nour, whither he fled in a Rebellion against him. His

Palace stands adjoyning to a great Hill, which was before mentioned;

near unto that part of the Hill next abutting upon his Court none

dares presume to set his foot: that being for his safeguard to fly

unto in time of need. The Palace is walled about with a Clay Wall,

and Thatched, to prevent the Claye's being melted by the Rains, which

are great and violent: Within this Wall it is all full of houses;

most of which are low and thatched; but some are two Stories high, and

tyled very handsomely, with open Galleries for Air, rayled about with

turned Banisters, one Ebony, and one painted, but not much Prospect,

standing between two Hills. And indeed the King lives there not so

much for pleasure as security. The Palace it self hath many large and

stately Gates two leaved; these Gates, with their Posts excellently

carved; the Iron work thereunto belonging, as Bolts and Locks, all

rarely engraven. The Windows inlayd with Silver Plates and Ebony. On

the top of the houses of his Palace and Treasury, stand Earthen Pots

at each corner; which are for ornament; or which is a newer fashion,

something made of Earth resembling Flowers and Branches. And no

Houses besides, except Temples, may have these placed upon them. The

contrivance of his Palace is, as I may say, like Woodstock Bower,

with many turnings and windings, and doors, he himself having ordered

and contrived all these Buildings, and the manner of them. At all the

Doors and Passages stand Watches: and they who thus give attendance

are not to pass without special Order from one place to another,

but are to remain in that place or at that Gate, where the King hath

appointed them. By means of these contrivances it is not easie to know

in what part or place his Person is, neither doth he care they should.

[Strong Guards about his Court.] He has strong Watches night and

day about his Court. And they are his Grandees, who themselves in

person watch in certain places, where the King himself appoints them:

and they dare not be absent from thence, without it be to go to eat,

or upon such like occasions. At Night they all have their set places

within the Court, where they cannot one come to the speech of the

other, neither dare they that are near together, or in fight one of

the other, so much as come and sit together and talk, to pass away

the Nights. All these great men have Souldiers under them, and they

are also to come by turns to watch the Court. But at Night as their

Masters and Commanders watch within the Walls, so they must watch

without, in outward Courts and Guards; neither dare any of them be

seen within with their Commanders. At the end of every Watch there

are a multitude of Trumpets and Drums to make a noise; which is to

keep his People waking, and for the honour of his Majesty. There are

also Elephants, which are appointed all night to stand and watch, lest

there should be any Tumult; which if there should, could presently

trample down a multitude.

[Next his own Person Negro's watch.] He hath also a Guard of Cofferies

or Negro's, in whom he imposeth more confidence, then in his own

People. These are to watch at his Chamber door, and next his Person.

[Spies sent out a Nights.] At uncertain times he will send out a

Spy by Night, to see what Watch is kept. Who once finding one of the

Great Men asleep, took his Cap, his Sword and other Arms, and brought

them to the King; who afterwards restored them to the Owner again,

reproving him, and bidding him take more heed for the future. These

Spyes also are to hear and see what passes: neither is there any

thing said or done but he has notice of it. Formerly he used in the

Nights to disguise himself and walk abroad in the Streets to see all

passages, but now he will not adventure so to do.

[His attendants.] Most of his Attendants are Boyes, and Young Men,

that are well favoured, and of good Parentage. For the supplying

himself with these, he gives order to his Dissava's or Governors of

the Countreys to pick and choose out Boyes, that are comely and of

good Descent, and send them to the Court. These Boyes go bare-headed

with long hair hanging down their backs. Not that he is guilty of

Sodomy nor did I ever hear the Sin so much as mentioned among them.

[Handsom women belong to his Kitchin.] He hath many Women belonging to

his Kitchin, choosing to have his Meat dressed by them. Several times

he hath sent into the Countreys a Command to gather handsome young

Women of the Chingulayes to recruit his Kitchin, with no exceptions

whether married or unmarried and those that are chosen for that

Service never return back again. Once since my being on the Land, all

the Portuguez Women that were young and white were sent for to the

Court, no matter whether Maids or Wives; where some remained until

now, and some that were not amiable in his sight were sent home;

and some having purchased his displeasure were cast into a River,

which is his manner of executing Women. And some sent Prisoners in

the Countrey, being none admitted to speech or fight of them.

[His Women, and the Priviledg of the Towns where they live.] Concubines

he keepeth not many. Some are within his Palace. And those whose Office

is about his Kitchin are reported to be so, which is not improbable,

seeing he admits none but them that are young and very handsom to the

imployment. Other of his women dwell in Towns near to the City. Into

which no Stranger is permitted to go, nay it is dangerous to approach

near. These Towns have this Priviledg, that if any Slave flee from his

Master and come hither, he is safe and free from his Masters service,

but still remains a Slave there to them.

[His State when he walks in his Palace; or goes abroad.] Sometimes he

walketh about his Palace, where there are certain Pedestalls of Stone,

whitened with Lime and laid in Oyl, so that they look purely white,

made and set up in divers places, here he stands when he comes forth,

that he might be above the rest of the People, and see about him. But

when he is minded to go abroad, though it be never so little a way,

and he seldom or never goes far, Order is given some time before,

for all Soldiers of his Guards which are a great many, it may be

Thousands, together with a Dutch and Portugal Captain with their Flags

and Soldiers, Drummers, Trumpeters, Fifers, Singers, and all belonging,

as Elephants, Horses, Falkeners with their Faulkons and many others,

to stand at the Gate in a readiness to attend his pleasure. And tho

he means not to come forth, yet they must wait in this manner, until

he give order, that they may depart to their houses. Commonly all

this assembly are gathered together at the Palace three or four times

before he comes out once. And oftentimes he comes out when none there

are aware of it, with only those that attend on his person within his

Palace. And then when it is heard, that his Majesty is come forth,

they all run ready to break their necks, and place themselves at a

distance to Guard his Person and wait his pleasure. Sometimes, but very

seldom, He comes forth riding upon an Horse or Elephant. But usually

he is brought out in a Pallenkine; which is nothing so well made as

in other parts of India. The ends of the Bambou it is carried by,

are largely tipped with Silver, and curiously wrought and engraven:

for he hath very good workmen of that profession.

The place where he goeth when he comes thus abroad, is to a

Bankqueting-house built by a Pond side, which he has made. It is

not above a Musquet shot from his Palace. Where he goeth for his

diversion. Which I shall by and by more particularly relate.

[His reception of Embassadors.] Another instance of his State

and Grandure will appear in his reception of Ambassadors. Who are

received with great honour and show. First he sends several of his

great men to meet them with great Trains of Soldiers, the ways all cut

broad, and the grass pared away for many miles: Drums and Trumpets,

and Pipes, and Flags going before them, Victuals and all sorts of

varieties are daily brought to them, and continue to be so all the

time they are in the Land, and all at free-cost. For the Custom here

is, Embassadors, stay they never so long, are maintained at the Kings

Cost and Charges. And being in the City, have their Victuals brought

them out from the Kings Palace, ready dressed. Presents, Goods or

whatsoever they please to bring with them, the King prepareth men to

carry. And when they are come to the House that is prepared for them,

which is hung top and sides with white Callico, they are kept under a

Guard, and great Commanders with Soldiers appointed to watch at their

Gates, which is accounted for a great honour. But these Guards dare

not permit any to come to the Speech of them, for the King careth

not that any should talk with Ambassadors, but himself, with whom

he taketh [His delight in them.] great delight to have conference,

and to see them brought before him in fine Apparrel, their Swords by

their sides with great State and Honour, and that the Ambassadors

may see and take notice of the greatness of his Majesty. And after

they have been there some times, he gives them both Men and handsom

young Maids for their Servants, to attend and also to accompany them:

often causing them to be brought into his presence to see his Sports

and Pastimes, and not caring to send them away; but in a very familiar

manner entertaining discourse with them.

CHAP. II.

Concerning the King's Manners, Vices, Recreation, Religion.

Under the Consideration of his Manners, will fall his Temperance,

his Ambition and Pride, his Policy and Dissimulation, his cruel and

bloody Disposition.

[Sparing in his Dyet.] He is temperate both in his Diet and his

Lust. Of the former, I am informed by those that have attended on his

Person in his Palace, that though he hath all sorts of Varieties the

Land affords brought to his Table, yet his chief fare is Herbs, and

ripe pleasant Fruits: and this but once a day. Whatsoever is brought

for him to eat or drink is covered with a white cloath, and whoever

brings it, hath a Mufler tyed about his mouth, lest he should breath

upon the Kings Food. [After what manner he Eats.] The Kings manner

of eating is thus. He sits upon a Stool before a small Table covered

with a white cloath, all alone. He eats on a green Plantane-Leaf laid

in a Gold Bason. There are twenty or thirty Dishes prepared for him,

which are brought into his Dining-Room. And which of these Dishes

the King pleases to call for, a Nobleman appointed for that service,

takes a Portion of and reaches in a Ladle to the Kings Bason. This

person also waits with a mufler about his mouth.

[Chast himself, and requires his Attendants to be so.] And as he is

abstemious in his eating, so in the use of women. If he useth them

'tis unknown and with great secrecy. He hath not had the Company of

his Queen this twenty years, to wit, since he went from Candy, where

he left her. He allowes not in his Court Whoredom or Adultery; and many

times when he hears of the misdemeanors of some of his Nobles in regard

of women, He not only Executes them, but severely punisheth the women,

if known: and he hath so many Spyes, that there is but little done,

which he knows not of. And often he gives Command to expel all the

women out of the City, not one to remain. But by little and little

when they think his wrath is appeas'd, they do creep in again. But

no women of any Quality dare presume, and if they would, they cannot,

the Watches having charge given them not to let them pass. Some have

been taken concealed under mans Apparel, and what became of them

all may judg, for they never went home again. Rebellion does not

more displease this King, then for his Nobles to have to do with

women. Therefore when any are admitted to his Court to wait upon

him, they are not permitted to enjoy the Company of their Wives,

no more then any other women. Neither hath he suffered any for near

this twenty years to have their Wives in the City, except Slaves or

inferior servants.

[He committed incest, but such as was allowable.] Indeed he was once

guilty of an Act, that seemed to argue him a man of most unbridled

Lust. For he had a Daughter that was with Child by himself: but

in Childbed both dyed. But this manner of Incest is allowable in

Kings, if it be only to beget a right Royal Issue, which can only be

gotten that way. But in all other 'tis held abominable, and severely

punished. And here they have a common and usual Proverb, None can

reproach the King nor the Beggar. The one being so high, that none

dare; the other so low that nothing can shame or reproach them.

[His Pride.] His Pride and affectation of honour is unmeasurable. Which

appears in his Peoples manner of Address to him, which he either

Commands or allows of. [How the people Address to the King.] When

they come before him they fall flat down on their Faces to the Ground

at three several times, and then they sit with their legs under them

upon their Knees all the time they are in his presence: And when he

bids them to absent, they go backwards, untill they are out of his

sight or a great distance from him. But of Christian People indeed

he requires no more then to kneel with their Hats off before him.

[They give him divine worship.] Nay, He takes on him all the Ceremonies

and Solemnities of Honour, which they shew unto their Gods; making his

account that as he is now their King, so hereafter he shall be one of

their Gods. And the People did call him God. Formerly since my being

on that Land, he used not to come out of his Palace into the sight of

the People but very seldom out of State and Haughtiness of Spirit;

but now of later times he comes forth daily. And altho he be near

fourscore years of age, yet his greatest delight is in Honour and

Majesty, being [Pleased with high Titles.] most pleased with high

and windy Titles given him. Such as Mauhawaul, a Phrase importing

Greatness, but not expressible in our Language. Hondrewné Boudouind,

Let your Majesty be a God. When the King speaks to them, they answer

him at every period, Oiboa, many Lives. Baula Gaut, the limb of a Dog,

speaking to the King of themselves: yet now of late times since here

happened a Rebellion against him, he fears to assume to himself the

Title of God; having visibly seen and almost felt, that there is a

greater power then His ruling on Earth, which set the hearts of the

People against Him: and so hath given command to prophane that great

Name no more, by ascribing it to him.

[An instance or two of the King's haughty stomach.] In Anno 1675, one

of the Kings greatest and most Valiant Generals, and that had been

notably successful against the Dutch, had done many pieces of good

service for the King, expelled the Hollander out of several Forts,

taking and killing many or them, this man the King was jealous of,

and did resolve to take away his Head as a reward of his Valour;

which he had some private Intelligence of, and so Fled, being then in

Camp against the Dutch, and got to Columba with his wife and goods. By

which the King had an invaluable Loss. [He slights the defection of one

of his best Generals.] Yet the King out of the height of his Stomach,

seemed not in the least to be vexed thereat, neither did he regard it;

as if it were beneath the quality of such a Monarch to be moved with

such a Trifle. But sent down another General in his place; And as for

the house and estate of him that Fled, and whatsoever he left behind

him, he let it lye and rot, scorning to esteem or regard it.

[He scorns to receive his Revenues.] To give you an Instance or two

more of this Princes Spirit. At the time of New-year, all his Subjects,

high and low, do bring him certain Presents, or rather Taxes, each

one a certain rate; which formerly he used constantly to take, but of

late years, He so abounds with all things, continually putting into

his Treasury, and but seldom taking out, and that but little, that he

thinks scorn to receive these his due revenues, least his people should

think it were out of necessity and want. Nevertheless the Great Men

still at the New-year, bring their Presents day after day before the

King at his coming forth, hoping it will please him to accept them,

but now of many years he receives them not. His mind is so haughty,

that he scorns to seem to value any thing in the world. When tydings

are sometimes brought him, that the Dutch have made an Invasion into

his Countrey, although he be well able to expel them, he will not so

much as regard it.

[The Dutch serve their ends upon his Pride by flattering him.] The

Dutch knowing his Proud Spirit make their advantage of it, by

Flattering him with their Ambassadors, telling him that they are his

Majesties humble Subjects and Servants; and that it is out of their

Loyalty to him, that they build Forts, and keep Watches round about

his Countrey, to prevent Forraign Nations and Enemies from coming. And

that as they are thus imployed in his Majesties service, so it is for

sustenance, which they want, that occasioned their coming up into his

Majesties Countrey. And thus by Flattering him, and ascribing to him

High and Honourable Titles, which are things he greatly delights in,

some times they prevail to have the Countrey (they have invaded,) and

he to have the Honour. Yet at other times, upon better Consideration,

he will not be Flattered, but falls upon them at unawares, and does

them great damage.

[The people give away to the King's foul cloaths.] Such a Veneration

does he expect from the People, that whatsoever things are carrying

to him which are known by the white Cloath they are wrapt up in,

all persons meeting them turn out of the way: not excepting the Kings

foul Cloaths. For when they are carried to washing (which is daily)

all even the greatest rise up, as they come by, which is known by

being carried on an hand heaved upwards, covered with a Painted cloth.

[His natural abilities, and deceitful temper.] He is crafty, cautious,

a great dissembler, nor doth he want wisdom. He is not passionate

in his anger. For with whomsoever he be angry, he will not shew it:

neither is he rash or over-hasty in any matters, but doth all things

with deliberation, tho but with a little advise: asking Counsel of no

body but himself. He accounts it Wit and Policy to lie and dissemble,

that his intents and purposes may the better be concealed; but he

abhorreth and punisheth those that lie to him.

[His wise saying concerning Runnawayes.] Dutch Runnawayes, whereof

there are several come to him, he saith are Rogues that either

have robbed or killed, or else would never run away from their own

Nation. And tho he receiveth them, yet esteemeth them not.

[Naturally cruel.] He seems to be naturally disposed to Cruelty:

For he sheds a great deal of blood, and gives no reason for it. His

Cruelty appears both in the Tortures and Painful deaths he inflicts,

and in the extent of his punishments, viz, upon whole Families for

the miscarriage of one in them. For when the King is displeased with

any, he does not alwayes command to kill them outright, but first to

torment them, which is done by cutting and pulling away their flesh

by Pincers, burning them with hot Irons clapped to them to make them

confess of their Confederates; and this they do, to rid themselves of

their Torments, confessing far more than ever they saw or knew. After

their Confession, sometimes he commands to hang their two Hands

about their Necks, and to make them eat their own flesh, and their

own Mothers to eat of their own Children; and so to lead them thro

the City in public view to terrifie all, unto the place of Execution,

the [The Dogs follow Prisoners to execution.] Dogs following to eat

them. For they are so accustomed to it, that they seeing a Prisoner

led away, follow after. At the place of Execution, there are alwayes

some sticking upon Poles, others hanging up in quarters upon Trees;

besides, what lyes killed by Elephants on the ground, or by other

ways. This place is alwayes in the greatest High-way, that all may

see and stand in awe. For which end this is his constant practice.

[The Kings Prisoners; their Misery.] Moreover, he hath a great many

Prisoners, whom he keepeth in Chains, some in the common Gaol, some

committed to the custody of Great Men; and for what or for how long

time none dare enquire. Commonly they ly thus two, four or six years;

and some have Victuals given them, and some not having it, must ask

leave to go out and beg with a Keeper. It is according as the King

appoints, when they are committed. Or some of them being driven to

want do get food by work, such as, sewing, making Caps, Doublets,

Purses. This coming once to the Kings Ears, he said, I put them there

to torment and punish them, not to work and be well maintained; and so

commanded to take away their Sizzars and Needles from them. Yet this

lasted not long, for afterwards they fell to their work again. Those

that have been long there are permitted to build little Shops on

the Street side against the Prison, and to come out in the day time,

and sell their work as they make it; but in the Night time are shut

up again.

When the Streets are to be swept about the Palace, they make the

Prisoners come out in their Chains, and do it.

And after all their Imprisonment, without any examination, they are

carried forth and executed: and these not only the common sort, but

even the greatest and most nobly descended in the Land: For with whom

he is displeased, he maketh no difference.

[He punishes whole generations for the sake of one.] Nor is his

wrath appeased by the Execution of the Malefactor, but oftentimes

he punisheth all his Generation; it may be kills them alltogether,

or gives them all away for Slaves.

[The sad condition of young Gentlemen that wait on his Person.] Thus

he often deals with those, whose Children are his Attendants. I

mentioned before, that young Men of the best Families in the Land,

are sought out to wait upon the King in his Court. These after they

have served here some small time, and have as it were but seen the

Court, and known his Customs and Manners, he requiteth them by cutting

off their Heads, and putting them into their Bellies: other faults

none do know. Heretofore, as it is reported, he was not so Cruel,

but now none escapes, that serves in his Palace. Then he recruits

his Slain out of the Countries, by giving Orders to his Dissava's

or Governors to send him others to Court. Whither they go like an Ox

to the Slaughter, but with far more heavy hearts. For both they and

their Parents full well know what end the King's honorable Service

will bring them to. Howbeit there is no remedy. Being thus by Order

sent unto the Court, their own Parents must provide for and maintain

them, until the King is pleased to call them to his Use which it may

be will not be in some years. Sometimes it happens, that the Boys

thus brought, before the King makes use of them about his Person,

are grown too big, and so escape. But those that are employed in the

Palace, enjoy this favour, That all such Taxes, Customs, or other

Duties belonging to the King, which their Fathers were wont to pay,

are released, until such time as they are discharged from the King's

Employment; which is always either by Execution, or by being given to

somebody for perpetual Bondmen. During the time of the King's favour,

he is never admitted to go home to Visit his Parents and Friends. The

Malekind may come to see him, but no Women are admitted, be it his

Mother that bare him. And after he is killed, tho' for what no man

knows, he is accounted a Rebel and Traitor against the King: and then

his Father's House, Land and Estate is seized on for the King. Which

after some time by giving of Fees and Gifts to the great ones, they do

redeem again: And sometimes the whole Family and Generation perish, as

I said before. So that after a Lad is taken into the King's Palace, his

Kindred are afraid to acknowledge Alliance to him. But these matters

may more properly be related, when we come to speak of his Tyranny.

[His Pleasure Houses.] Sometimes for his Pleasure, he will ride or

be carried to his Banquetting-House, which is about a Musquet-shot

from his Palace. It stands on a little Hill; where with abundance

of pains and many Months labour, they have made a little Plain,

in length not much above an Arrows flight, in breadth less. Where

at the head of a small Valley, he hath made a Bank cross to stop the

Water running down. It is now become a fine Pond, and exceeding full

of Fish. At this Place the King hath several Houses built according

to his own appointment very handsom, born up with carved Pillars and

Painted, and round about Rails and Banisters turned, one Painted and

one Ebony, like Balconie. Some standing high upon a Wall, being for

him to sit in, and see Sport with his Elephants, and other Beasts,

as also for a Prospect abroad. Others standing over this Pond, where

he himself sits and feedeth his Fish with boiled Rice, Fruits and

Sweet-meats. They are so tame that they will come and eat in his hand;

but never doth he suffer any to be catch'd. This Pond is useful for

his Elephants to wash in. The Plain was made for his Horses to run

upon. For often-times he commands his Grooms to get up and ride in

his Presence; and sometimes for that good Service, gives the Rider

five or ten Shillings, and it may be a piece of Cloath. Always when

he comes forth, his Horses are brought out ready saddled before him;

but he himself mounts them very seldom. All of which he had from the

Dutch, some sent to him for Presents, and some he hath taken in War. He

hath in all some twelve or fourteen: some of which are Persian Horses.

[His Pastimes abroad.] Other Pastimes and Recreations he hath (for

this is all he minds or regards.) As to make them bring wild Elephants

out of the Woods, and catch them in his Presence. The manner how

they get them unto the City, I have mentioned already. Also when he

comes out of his Court, he Delights to look upon his Hawks, altho'

he never use them for his Game; sometimes on his Dogs, and tame Deer,

and Tygers, and strange kind of Birds and Beasts; of both which he

hath a great many. Also he will try his Guns, and shoot at Marks,

which are excellently true, and rarely inlay'd with Silver, Gold,

and Ivory. For the Smiths that make them dare not present them to his

hand, not having sufficiently proved them. He hath Eight or Nine small

Iron Cannon, lately taken from the Dutch, which he hath mounted in

Field-Carriages, all rarely carved, and inlay'd with Silver and Brass,

and coloured Stones, set in convenient places, and painted with Images

and Flowers. But the Guns disgrace the Carriages. He keeps them in an

House on the Plain. Upon some Festival times he useth them. I think,

they are set there chiefly for a Memorial of his late Victories: For

he hath many, and far better Guns of Brass that are not so regarded.

[His Diversion at home.] In his Palace he passeth his time with looking

upon certain Toyes and Fancies that he hath, and upon his Arms and

Guns, calling in some or other of his great Men to see the same,

asking them if they have a Gun will shoot further than that: and how

much Steel such a Knife, as he will shew them, needs to have in it. He

takes great delight in Swimming, in which he is very expert. And the

Custom is, when he goes into the Water, that all his Attendance that

can Swim must go in likewise.

[His Religion.] And now lastly for his Religion, you cannot expect

much from him. Of the Religion of his Countrey he makes but a small

Profession; as perceiving that there is a greater God, than those

that they thro long custom, have and do Worship. And therefore when

an Impostor, a Bastard Moor by Nation born in that Land; came and

publickly set up a new nameless God, as he styled him; and that he

was sent to destroy the Temples of their Gods, the King opposed it

not for a good while, as waiting to see which of these Gods would

prevail, until he saw that he aimed to make himself King, then he

allowed of him no longer: as I shall shew more at large hereafter:

when I come to speak of the Religion of the Countrey.

[How he stands affected to the Christian Religion.] The Christian

Religion, he doth not in the least persecute, or dislike, but rather as

it seems to me, esteems and honours it. As a sign of which take this

passage. When his Sister died, for whom he had a very dear Affection,

there was a very grievous Mourning and Lamentation made for her

throughout the whole Nation; all Mirth and Feasting laid aside,

and all possible signs of sorrow exprest: and in all probability,

it was as much as their lives were worth, who should at this time do

any thing, that might look like joy. This was about Christmas. The

Dutch did notwithstanding adventure to keep their Christmas by

Feasting. The News of this was brought to the King. And every body

reckoned it would go hard with the Dutch for doing this. But because

it was done at a Festival of their Religion, the King past it by,

and took no notice of it. The Value also that he has for the Christian

Religion, will appear from the respect he gives the Professors of it;

as will be seen afterwards.

CHAP. III.

Of the Kings Tyrannical Reign.

Wee have all this while considered this King, with respect unto

his Person, Temper, and Inclinations, now we will speak of him with

more immediate respect unto his Office and Government, as he is a

King. And here we will discourse of the manner of his Government,

of his Treasure and Revenues, of his Great Officers, and lastly,

of his Strength and Wars.

[His Government Tyrannical.] As to the manner of his Government,

it is Tyrannical and Arbitrary in the highest degree: For he ruleth

Absolute, and after his own Will and Pleasure: his own Head being

his only Counsellor. The Land all at his Disposal, and all the People

from the highest to the lowest Slaves, or very like Slaves: both in

Body and Goods wholly at his Command. Neither wants He those three

Virtues of a Tyrant, Jealousie, Dissimulation, and Cruelty.

[His Policy.] But because Policy is a necessary endowment of a Prince,

I will first shew in an instance or two, that he is not devoid of it.

[He Farms out His Countrey for Service.] The Countrey being wholly

His, the King Farms out his Land, not for Money, but Service. And the

People enjoy Portions of Land from the King, and instead of Rent,

they have their several appointments, some are to serve the King

in his Wars, some in their Trades, some serve him for Labourers,

and others are as Farmers to furnish his House with the Fruits of

the Ground; and so all things are done without Cost, and every man

paid for his pains: that is, they have Lands for it; yet all have

not watered Land enough for their needs, that is, such Land as good

Rice requires to grow in; so that such are fain to sow on dry Land,

and Till other mens Fields for a subsistence. These Persons are free

from payment of Taxes; only sometimes upon extraordinary occasions,

they must give an Hen or Mat or such like, to the King's use: for as

much as they use the Wood and Water that is in his Countrey. But if

any find the Duty to be heavy, or too much for them, they may leaving

their House and Land, be free from the King's Service, as there is

a Multitude do. And in my judgment they live far more at ease, after

they have relinquished the King's Land, than when they had it.

Many Towns are in the King's hand, the Inhabitants whereof are to Till

and Manure a quantity of the Land according to their Ability, and lay

up the Corn for the King's use. These Towns the King often bestows

upon some of his Nobles for their Encouragement and Maintenance,

with all the fruits and benefits that before came to the King from

them. In each of these Towns there is a Smith to make and mend the

Tools of them to whom the King hath granted them, and a Potter to

fit them with Earthen Ware, and a Washer to wash their Cloaths, and

other men to supply what there is need of. And each one of these

hath a piece of Land for this their Service, whether it be to the

King or the Lord; but what they do for the other People they are

paid for. Thus all that have any Place or Employment under the King,

are paid without any Charge to the King.

[His Policy to Secure himself from Assassination or Rebellion.] His

great Endeavour is to Secure himself from Plots and Conspiracies of

his People, who are sorely weary of his tyrannical Government over

them, and do often Plot to make away with him; but by his subtilty

and good fortune together, he prevents them. And for this purpose he

is very Vigilant in the Night: the noise of Trumpets and Drums, which

he appoints at every Watch, hinders both himself and all others from

sleeping. In the Night also he commonly does most of his Business,

calling Embassadors before him, and reading the Letters; also

displacing some of his Courtiers, and promoting others, and giving

Sentence to execute those whom he would have to live no longer; and

many times Commands to lay hold on and carry away great and Noble men,

who until that instant knew not that they were out of his favour.

[Another point of his Policy.] His Policy is to make his Countrey as

intricate and difficult to Travel as may be, and therefore forbids

the Woods to be felled, especially those that divide Province from

Province, and permits no Bridges to be made over his Rivers: nor the

Paths to be made wider.

[Another, which is to find his People work to do.] He often employs

his People in vast works, and that will require years to finish, that

he may inure them to Slavery, and prevent them from Plotting, against

him, as haply they might do if they were at better leisure. Therefore

he approves not that his People should be idle; but always finds

one thing or other to be done, tho the work be to little or no

purpose. According to the quantity of the work, so he will appoint

the People of one County or of two to come in: and the Governor of the

said County or Counties to be Overseer of the Work. At such times the

Soldiers must lay by their Swords, and work among the People. These

works are either digging down Hills, and carrying the Earth to fill up

Valleys; thus to enlarge his Court, which standeth between two Hills,

(a more uneven and unhandsom spot of ground, he could not well have

found in all his Kingdom); or else making ways for the Water to run

into the Pond, and elsewhere for his use in his Palace. Where he hath

it running thro in many places unto little Ponds made with Lime and

Stone, and full of Fish.

[A vast work undertaken and finished by the King.] To bring this

Water to his Palace, was no small deal of labour. For not having a

more convenient way, they were forced to split a great Mountain in

twain to bring the Water thro, and after that to make a Bank cross a

Valley far above a Cables length, and in height above four Fathom,

with thickness proportionable to maintain it, for the Water to run

over the top. Which at first being only Earth, the Water would often

break down; but now both bottom and sides are paved and wrought up

with Stone. After all this, yet it was at least four or five Miles to

bring this Water in a Ditch; and the ground all Hills and Valleys, so

that they were forced to turn and wind, as the Water would run. Also

when they met with Rocks which they could not move, as this Ground

is full of them, they made great Fires with Wood upon it, until it

was soundly hot; and hereby it became so soft, that they could easily

break it with Mawls.

[The turning this water did great injury to the People.] This Water

was that which nourished that Countrey, from whence it was taken. The

People of which ever since have scarce been able to Till their

Land. Which extremity did compel the People of those Parts to use a

means to acquaint the King how the Countrey was destroyed thereby,

and disabled from performing those Duties and Services, which they

owed unto the King; and that there was Water sufficient both for His

Majestie's Service, and also to relieve their Necessities. Which the

King took very ill from them, as if they would seem to grudge him a

little Water. And sure I am, woe be to him, that should mention that

matter again.

[But he little regards his Peoples good.] So far is he from regarding

the good of his Countrey that he rather endeavours the Destruction

thereof. For issue he hath none alive, and e're long, being of a great

Age Nature tells him, he must leave it. Howbeit no love lost between

the King and his People. Yet he daily contriveth and buildeth in his

Palace like Nebuchadnezzar, wet and dry, day and night, not showing the

least sign of Favour to his People. Who oftentimes by such needless

Imployments, are Letted from the seasonable times of Ploughing and

Harvest, to their great prejudice, and sometimes utter undoing.

[The king by craft at once both pleased and punished his People.] After

the Rebellion, when the People that lived at a further distance,

saw that the King intended to settle himself near the Mountain

to which he fled, Viz. Digligy, and not to come into the old City

again, it being very troublesom and tedious to bring their Rents and

Taxes thither, they all jointly met together, being a great number,

and sent an Address to intimate their Desires to him; which was with

great Submission, That His Majesty would not leave them destitute of

his Presence, which was to them as the Sun, that he would not absent

himself from them to dwell in a Mountain in a desolate Countrey;

but seeing there was no further danger, and all the Rebels destroyed,

that he would return to his old Palace again, vowing all Fidelity to

him. The King did not like this Message, and was somewhat afraid there

being such a tumultuous Company met together, and so thought not fit to

drive them away, or publickly to declare his displeasure at them; but

went to work like a Politician. Which was to tell them that he thanked

them for their love and affection towards him; and that he was desirous

to dwell among them in such a part of their Countrey as he named: and

so bad them all go to work to build him a Palace there. The People

departed with some Satisfaction, and fell to work might and main:

and continued at it for near two years together, felling Timber, and

fetching it out of the Woods, laying Foundations, hewing Stone, till

they were almost killed with labour. And being wrought quite tyred,

they began to accuse and grumble at one another for having been the

occasion of all this toil. After they had laboured thus a long while,

and were all discouraged, and the People quiet, the King sent word to

them to leave off. And now it lies unfinished, all the Timber brought

in, rots upon the place, and the building runs to ruin.

[In what labours he employs his People.] And this is the manner how

he employs his People; pulling down and building up again, equalling

unequal grounds, making sinks under ground for the passage of water

thro' his Palace, dragging of great Trees out of the Wood to make

Pounds to catch Elephants in his Presence; altho' they could catch

them with far less labour, and making houses to keep them in, after

they are taken.

[He Poysons his only son.] He stands not upon any Villainy to establish

himself, or strike terror into his People. This made him cut off his

only Son, a young man of about Fifteen years. After the Rebellion the

Kingdom being setled in the King's hands again, and knowing that the

hearts of the People disaffecting him, stood strongly bent towards the

Prince, and fearing his own safety as the Prince grew to riper years,

to prevent all, he poisoned him. For about a year after the rebellion,

his Son was Sick, the King takes this Opportunity to dispatch him by

pretending to send Physic to him to Cure him. The People hearing of

the Death of the Prince, according to the Custom of the Land when any

of the Royal Blood is deceased, came all in general towards the City

where he was, with black or else very dirty Cloaths, which is their

Mourning, the Men ail bare-headed, the Women with their hair loose

and hanging about their Shoulders, to mourn and lament for the Death

of their young Prince. Which the King hearing of, sent this word unto

them, That since it was not his fortune to live, to sit on his Throne

after him and Reign over the Land, it would be but in vain to mourn;

and a great trouble and lett unto the Countrey: and their voluntary

good will was taken in as good part as the mourning it self, and

so dismist the Assembly; and burned the Princes dead Body without

Ceremonies or Solemnities.

[The extraordinary lamentation at the Death of his Sister.] Yet the

Death of an old Sister which he had, caused no small lamentation. It

was she that carried the Prince away in the Rebellion. Which I shall

relate by and by. Countrey after Countrey came up to mourn, giving

all signs of extraordinary sadness, both in Habit and Countenance;

the King himself was seen to weep bitterly. The White men also came,

which the King took well. Insomuch that the Hollanders supposing the

King himself to be dead, came up to take Possession of the Countrey;

but hearing the contrary and understanding their mistake returned

back again. The King and all his Countrey for more than a years time

went in mourning. And her Body was burnt with all the Honour and

State that could be. Yet notwithstanding all the love and respect

he bare unto her, he did not once Visit her in all the time of her

Sickness. And it is now for certain reported that there is not one

of his Generation left.

[His craft and cruelty shewn at once.] Once to try the hearts of

his Attendants, and to see what they would do; being in the Water a

swimming, he feigned himself to be in extremity, and near Drowning,

and cryed out for help; upon which two young Men more venturous and

forward than the rest, immediately made way and came to his help:

who taking hold of his Body brought him safe to Land. At which he

seemed to be very glad. Putting on his Cloaths he went to his Palace:

then he demanded to know who and which they were that had holpen him

out of the Water. They, supposing by his Speech it was to give them

a reward for the good Service they had so lately done him, answered,

We were they. Whereupon he Commands to call such a great Man. (For

it is they whom he appoints always to see Execution done by their

Soldiers.) To whom he gave Command, saying, Take both these, and lead

them to such a place, and cut off their Heads, who dared to presume

to lay their hands on my Person, and did not prostrate themselves

rather that I might lay my hand on them for my relief and safety. And

accordingly they were Executed.

CHAP. IV.

Of his Revenues and Treasure.

[The King's rents brought three times in the year.] Three times in the

year they usually carry their Rents unto the King. The one is at the

New-year called Ourida cotamaul. The other is for the First fruits,

Alleusal cotamaul. And the last is at a certain Sacrifice in the Month

of November to their God, called Ilmoy cotamaul. But besides these,

whatsoever is wanting in the King's House at any other time, and they

have it, they must upon the King's Order bring it. These Rents are but

little Money, but chiefly Corn, Rice, or what grows out of the Ground.

[The first is accompanied with a great Festival.] To speak a little

of first time, Viz. at the beginning of the New year, when the King's

Duties are brought him. Their New year is always either the 27th,

or the 28th, or the 29th of March: At this time upon a special and

good day (for which the Astrologers are consulted) the King washes

his head, which is a very great Solemnity among them. The Palace is

all adorned with Tor-nes, a sort of Triumphal Arches, that make a very

fine shew. They are high Poles standing in rows before all the Gates

of the Palace, either nine or seven in a row, the middlemost being

the highest, and so they fall lower and lower on each side. Thro

the middle of them there is an arched passage which serves for a

Door. On the top of the Poles are Flags flying, and all about hung

full of painted Cloth with Images, and Figures of Men, and Beasts,

and Birds, and Flowers: Fruits also are hanged up in great order and

exactness. On each side of the entrance of the Arch stand Plantane

Trees, with bunches of Plantanes on them as if they were growing.

There are also in some places single Poles of an exceeding height

standing by, with long Penons of divers colours flying, and a Bell

at the end of each, as in the Figure B. And now they say, The Palace

is adorned beyond Heaven.

All the Army is summoned in to stand and wait at the Palace, for

the greater State. In the mean time he goes to his Washing-houses,

houses built on purpose for him to wash in, called Oulpungi, here

are Baths, and Streams and Conveyances of Water, and many Servants,

whose Office it is to wait upon the business of these houses. Here he

washes his head. Which when he has done, he comes forth into Public

view, where all his Militia stand in their Arms. Then the great Guns

are fired. [How the Nobles bring their Gifts, or Duties.] Now all the

great Men, the Nobles and the Governors of the Countrey make their

appearance before him with their Dackini, their New-years Gifts,

which are due and accustomed Presents, for Persons in their Places

and Offices to give. There is a certain Rate for it. Their manner of

bringing these Gifts or rather Duties is thus, Their Servants bring

them wrapt up in white Cloth to the Court, and then they take them at

their hands, put them upon their heads, and so come in humble manner,

and lay them at the King's feet. These Presents are Gold, Jewels,

Plate, Arms, Knives, Cloth, each one by a rate according to the Place

he is in, and the Countrey he hath under him: And most of them are to

present a Sum of Money besides. And if they can procure any precious

Stone, or Rarity, or any other thing, which they think the King will

accept, that also they bring, and glad they are to be honoured with

the favour of his acceptance. These New-years Gifts for these many

years he thinks scorn to receive, and bids them carry them away again

till another time. Thus they come with them time after time presenting

them, which he as often refusing; at last they bring them no more.

[Inferior Persons present their New-years Gifts.] All sorts of

Tradesmen also, and such as by their Skill can any ways get Money,

at the New year are to pay into the Treasury each one a certain

rate. Which now adayes he accepts not, though formerly he always did.

[What Taxes and Rents the People pay.] At this and the other times the

things which the People carry as their Rents and Taxes, are Wine, Oyl,

Corn, Honey, Wax, Cloth, Iron, Elephants Teeth, Tobacco, Money. They

bring themselves, and wait at Court with them commonly divers Months,

before they be received. The great Officers tell the King, the People

have brought their Rents. The King saith, 'Tis well. But if he give

no order withal to receive the things brought (as he seldom does)

there is no remedy, but there they must wait with them. And this

he doth out of State. The Rents and Duties brought at the two other

times are after the same manner; the great Men do only bring theirs

once at the New year.

[The accidental Incomes of the Crown.] There are other Revenues the

King hath, which are accidental; but bring in great wealth; That

whensoever any man dies, that hath a stock of Cattel, immediately

out thence must be paid a Bull and a Cow with a Calf, and a Male and

Female Buffalo, which tax they call Marral. And there are Officers

appointed, whose place it is, to come and carry them away. Also at

Harvest yearly there is a certain rate of Corn to be paid by every

man according to the Land they hold and enjoy. Heretofore the King

granted, that upon Payment of a Sum of Money, they should be clear

from this yearly Tax of Corn so long, till the present Possessor

died, and the Land descended to his Son or some body else. And then

the Estate became liable again to the forementioned Duties. But now

of late there is no mention of any discharge by Money. [The Profits

that accrue to the King from Corn-Lands.] So that in time all Houses

and Families in the Kingdom will be liable to the Payment of this

Tax of Corn; which will bring in no small quantity of Provision to

the King. Only Soldiers that are slain in the Wars, their Lands are

free from the Payment of this Tax; but if they die naturally they

are not. The Farmers all in general, besides their measures of Corn,

pay a certain Duty in Money, with their Rents.

If they Sell or Alienate their Inheritances, the Kings accustomed

Duties must not be diminished, whosoever buyeth or enjoyeth

them. Neither is here any Land which doth not either pay, or do some

Duty to the King. Only one case excepted, and that is, if they give

or dedicate Land to a Priest, as an Alms or Deed of Charity in God's

Name. On that there is never any more Tax or Duty to be imposed,

as being Sacrilegious to take ought from one that belongs to the

Temple. [Custom of goods imported formerly paid.] Formerly the King

had the Benefit of the trade of two Ports Cotiar and Portalone, unto

each of which used to come yearly some twenty or thirty Sail of small

Vessel, which brought considerable Customs in. But now the Hollander

has deprived him of both, suffering no Vessels to come.

[His Treasuries.] The King hath several Treasure-houses, in several

places, in Cities and Towns, where always are Guards of Soldiers to

watch them both day and night. I cannot certainly declare all that is

contained in them. There are Precious Stones such as his Land affords,

many, but not very much, Cloth, and what he hath got by Shipwrack,

Presents, that have been sent him from other Nations, Elephants-teeth,

Wax, good store of Arms, as Guns, Bowes and Arrows, Pikes, Halberds,

Swords, Ammunition, store of Knives, Iron, Tallipat-Leaves, whereof one

will cover a large Tent, Bedsteads, Tables, Boxes, Mats of all sorts. I

will not adventure to declare further the Contents of his Treasuries,

lest I may be guilty of a mistake. But sure I am he hath plenty of all

such things, as his Land affords. For he is very Provident, and Careful

to be well furnished with all things. And what he does abound with,

he had rather it should lye and rot, then be imbezelled and wasted,

that is, distributed among his Servants, or Slaves; of which he hath

great store.

[He has many Elephants.] He hath some hundreds of Elephants, which he

keepeth tame, and could have as many more as he pleaseth; but altho

not catched, yet they are all his, and at his Command when he pleaseth.

[Great Treasure thrown into the River formerly.] It is frequently

reported and I suppose is true, that both he and his Predecessors,

by the distress they have been driven to by the Portuguezes, have

cast some store of Riches into the great River, Mavelagonga, running

by the City, in deep holes among Rocks, which is irrecoverable,

and into a made Pond by the Palace in the City of Cande, or

Hingodegul-neur. Wherein are kept to this day two Alligators, so that

none dare go into the water for fear of being devoured by them. And

often times they do destroy Cows, that go to drink there. But this

Pond by cutting the Bank might easily be drained.

[The Treasure he most valueth.] To conclude, the Land that is under

his jurisdiction, is all his, with the People, their Estates, and

whatsoever it affords, or is therein. But that which he doth chiefly

value and esteem, are Toys and Novelties, as Hawks, Horses, Dogs,

strange Birds, and Beasts, and particularly a spotted Elephant,

and good Arms, of which he hath no want.

CHAP. V.

Of the Kings great Officers, and the Governours of the Provinces.

[Two greatest Officers in the Land.] There are two, who are the

greatest and highest Officers in the Land. They are called Adigars,

I may term them Chief Judges; under whom is the Government of the

Cities, and the Countries also in the Vacancy of other Governours. All

People have liberty in default of Justice to appeal to these Adigars,

or if their causes and differences be not decided by their Governours

according to their minds.

To these there are many Officers and Sergeants belonging. All which,

to be known, carry staves in their hands like to Bandyes, the crooked

end uppermost, which none but they dare carry. The sight of which

staves upon what message soever they be sent, signifies as much as

the Adigars Hand and Seal. If the Adigar be ignorant in what belongs

to his place and office, these men do instruct him what and how to

do. The like is in all other places which the King bestows: if they

know not what belongs to their places, there are Inferiour Officers

under them, that do teach and direct them how to Act.

[The next great Officers.] Next under the Adigars, are the Dissauva's,

who are Governours over Provinces and Counties of the Land. Each

Province and County has its Governour; but all Governours are not

Dissauva's, nor other great Officers known by other names or Titles,

as Roterauts and Vidanies. But all these Generals or Chief Commanders,

who have a certain number of Soldiers under them. These great men

are to provide, that good orders be kept in the Countries over which

they are placed, and that the Kings accustomed dutie be brought in

due season to the Court. They have Power also to decide controversies

between the People of their Jurisdiction, and to punish contentious

and disorderly persons, which they do chiefly by amercing a Fine

from them, which is for their Profit for it is there own: and also by

committing them Prison. Into which when they are once fallen, no means

without mony can get them out again. But be the fact never so hainous

(Murther it self) they can put none to death. [None can put to death

but the King.] The sentence of death being pronounced only by the

King. They also are sent upon expeditions in War with their Soldiers,

and give Attendance, and watch at Court in their appointed Stations.

These Dissauva's are also to see that the Soldiers in their Countries

do come in due season and order for that purpose.

[These Dissauva's are durante bene placite.] They are appointed by

the King himself, not for life, but during his good pleasure. And when

they are dead or removed, oftentimes their places lay void, somtimes

for months, somtimes perhaps for years; during which time the Adigar

rules and governs those Countries; and for his labour receiveth all

such Incoms and Profits as are accustomed and of right do belong to

the Governour.

[Whome the King makes Dissauva's And their Profits and Honours.] The

King when he advances any to be Dissauva's, or to any other great

Office regards not their ability or sufficiency to perform the same,

only they must be persons of good rank, and gentile extraction: and

they are all naturally discreet and very solid, and so the fitter

for the Kings employment. When he first promotes them, he shews them

great testimonies of his Love and Favour, (especially to those that

are Christians, in whose service he imposeth greater confidence than

in his own people, concluding that they will make more conscience

of their ways, and be more faithful in their Office) and gives them

a Sword, the hilt all carved and inlaid with Silver and Brass very

handsomly, the Scabberd also covered with Silver, a Knife and Halberd;

and lastly, a Town or Towns for their maintenance. The benefit of

which is, that all the Profits which before the King received from

those Towns, now accrues unto the Kings Officer. These Towns are

composed of all sorts of Trades and People that are necessary for his

service to whom the King hath given them a Potter, a Smith, a Washer,

And there is a piece of Land according to the ability of the Town,

which the Townsmen are to Till and manure, and to lay up the Corn for

his use. Which matters I mentioned before in the third Chapter. And

besides the Customs or Taxes that all other free Towns pay to the

King, there is a due, but smaller, to be paid to the Governour out

of them. But these are not all his advantages.

[Other Benefits belonging to other Officers.] When there is a new

Governour made over any Countrey, it is the Custom that that whole

Countrey comes up to appear before him at the Court, for there his

Residence is. Neither may they come empty handed, but each one must

bring his Gift or Present with him. These also are expected at other

times to be brought unto him by the people, tho they have no business

with him, no suits or causes to be decided: even private Soldiers

at their first coming tho to their due watch, must personally appear

before their Commander, and if he have nothing else, he must Present

him with forty leaves of green Betle, which he with his own hand

receiveth, and they with both their and delivers into his, which is

taken for an honour he vouchsafes them.

[They must always reside at Court.] These Governours, nor any other

admitted to Court into the Kings service, are never after to return

home, altho they are not employed at present, and might be spared,

neither are they permitted to enjoy their wives: and they are day and

night to stand guard in certain stations, where the King appoints them.

[The Officers under them.] Things thus standing with them, they

cannot go in Person to visit and oversee their several Charges

themselves. They have therefore several Officers under them to

do it. The chief of whom is the [Courlividani.] Courlividani. This

person beside his entertainment in the Countrey unto which he is sent

to Govern under the Dissauva, hath a due revenue, but smaller then

that of the Governour. His chief business is to wrack and hale all

that may be for his Master, and to see good Government, and if there

be any difference or quarrel between one or other, he takes a Fine

from both, and carrieth to the Governour, not regarding equity but

the profit of himself and him that imploys him. But he hears their

case and determines it. And if they like not his sentence, they may

remove their business unto the Governour himself, whose desire is not

so much to find out the right of the cause, as that that may be most

for his own interest and profit. And these carriages cannot reconcile

them much love among the people; but the more they are hated by the

people for their rigorous government, the better they please the

King. For he cares not that the Countrey should affect the Great men.

The Dissauva's by these Courlividani their Officers do oppress and

squeez the people, by laying Mulcts upon them for some Crimes or

Misdemeanors, that they will find and lay to their Charge. In Fine

this Officer is the Dissauva's chief Substitute, who orders and

manages all affairs incumbent upon his Master.

[Congconna, Courti-atchila.] Next to him is Congconna, An Overseer. Who

is to oversee all things under the Courlividani. But besides him,

there is a Courti-A-chila like our Cunstable, who is to put that in

execution that the Governour orders, to dispatch any thing away that

the Land affords for the Kings use, and to send persons to Court,

that are summoned. And in the discharge of this his Office, he may

call in the assistance of any man.

[The Liannah.] The next Officer under the Governor is the Liannah, The

Writer. Who reads Letters brought, and takes accounts of all Business,

and of what is sent away to the Court: He is also to keep Registers,

and to write Letters, and to take notice of things happening.

[The Undia.] Next to him is the Undia. A word that signifieth a

lump. He is a Person that gathers the King's Money: and is so styled

because he gathereth the King's Monies together into a lump.

[The Monnannah.] After him is the Monnannah, The Measurer. His Place

is to go and measure the Corn that grows upon the King's Land. Or

what other Corn belongeth to him.

The Power of these Officers extends not all a whole County or Province

over, but to a convenient part or division of it. To wit, so much

as they may well manage themselves. And there are several sets of

the like Officers appointed over other Portions of the Countrey. As

with us there are divers Hundreds or Divisions in a County. To each

of which are distinct Officers belonging.

[Some Towns exempt from the Dissauva's Officers.] These Officers

can exercise their Authority, throughout the whole Division over

which they are constituted, excepting some certain Towns, that are of

exempt jurisdiction. And they are of two sorts. First, such Towns as

belong to the Idol-Temples, and the Priests, having been given and

bestowed on them long ago by former Kings. And secondly, The Towns,

which the King allots to his Noblemen and Servants. Over these Towns,

thus given away, neither the forementioned Officers, nor the chief

Magistrate himself hath any Power. But those to whom they are given

and do belong to, do put in their own Officers, who serve to the same

purposes as the abovesaid do.

[Other Officers yet.] But these are not all the Officers; there are

others, whose place it is, upon the Death of any Head of a Family to

fetch away the King's Marrals, Harriots as I may call them; Viz. a

Bull and a Cow, a Male and Female Buffalo, out of his Stock. Which is

accustomably due to the King, as I have mentioned before. And others,

who in Harvest time carry away certain measures of Corn out of every

Man's Crop according to the rate of their Land.

[These Places obtained by Bribes.] These Inferior Officers commonly

get their Places by Bribery; Their Children do pretend a right to

them after their Father's Death, and will be preferred before others,

greazing the Magistrate.

[But remain only during pleasure.] None of these have their Places for

life; and no longer than the Governor pleaseth. And he pretty often

removes them or threatens to do so upon pretence of some neglects,

to get Money from them. And the People have this privilege, that upon

Complaint made of any of these Officers, and request that they may be

changed and others made, They must be displaced, and others put in;

but not at their Choice, but at the Choice of the Chief Magistrate,

or Owner of the Town.

[Countrey-Courts.] For the hearing Complaints and doing Justice among

Neighbours, here are Countrey-Courts of Judicature, consisting of

these Officers, together with the Head-Men of the Places and Towns,

where the Courts are kept: and these are called Gom sabbi, as much as

to say, Town-Consultations. But if any do not like, and is loath to

stand by what they have determined, and think themselves wronged,

they may [They may appeal.] appeal to their Head-Governor, that

dwells at Court; but it is chargeable, for he must have a Fee. They

may appeal also from him to the Adigars, or the Chief Justices of the

Kingdom. But whoso gives the greatest Bribe, he shall overcome. For

it is a common saying in this Land, That he that has Money to see the

Judge, needs not fear nor care, whether his cause be right or not. The

greatest Punishment that these Judges can inflict upon the greatest

Malefactors, is but Imprisonment. From which Money will release them.

[Appeals to the King.] Some have adventured to Appeal to the King

sometimes; falling down on the ground before him at his coming

forth, which is the manner of their obeisance to him, to complain of

Injustice. Sometimes he will give order to the great ones to do them

right, and sometimes bid them wait, until he is pleased to hear the

Cause, which is not suddenly: for he is very slow in all his Business:

neither dare they then depart from the Court, having been bidden to

stay. Where they stay till they are weary, being at Expence, so that

the Remedy is worse than the Disease. And sometimes again when they

thus fall before him, he commands to beat them and put them in Chains

for troubling of him; and perhaps in that Condition they may lay for

some years.

[How these great Officers Travel upon publick Business.] The King's

great Officers when they go abroad into the Countries about the

King's Business, they go attended with a number of Soldiers armed

both before and behind them; their Sword if not by their side, a Boy

carrieth after them, neither do they carry their Swords for their

safety or security. For in travelling here is little or no danger

at all. But it is out of State, and to shew their greatness. The

Custom is that all their journey Victuals be prepared for them ready

dressed; and if their Business requires hast, then it is brought on a

Pole on a Man's shoulder, the Pots that hold it hanging on each end,

so that nothing can be spilt out into the road; and this is got ready

against the great Man's coming. So that they are at no charge for Diet:

It is brought in at the charge of the Countrey. But however this is

not for all his Soldiers that attend him (they must bring their own

Provisions with them) but only for himself, and some of his Captains.

[Their Titles and Signs of State.] The greatest Title that is

allowed in the City to be given to the greatest Man is Oussary, which

signifieth Worshipful. But when they are abroad from the King, men call

them Sihattu and Dishondrew, implying, Honour and Excellency. These

Grandees whensoever they walk abroad, their manner is in State to

lean upon the arm of some Man or Boy. And the Adigar besides this

piece of State, wheresoever he goes, there is one with a great Whip

like a Coach-whip goes before him slashing it, that all People may

have notice that the Adigar is coming.

[The misery that succeeds their Honour.] But there is something comes

after, that makes all the Honour and Wealth of these great Courtiers

not at all desirable: and that is, that they are so obnoxious to

the King's displeasure. Which is a thing so customary, that it is no

disgrace for a Nobleman to have been in Chains, nay and in the Common

Goal too. And the great Men are as ready when the King Commands,

to lay hold on one another, as he to command them: and glad to have

the Honour to be the King's Executioners, hoping to have the Place

and Office of the Executed. When any of these are thus dispatched,

commonly he cuts off or imprisoneth all the Male kind, that are near

of kin, as Sons or Brothers, fearing they should plot revenge, and

seizes on all the Estate. And as for the Family, after Examination

with Punishment to make them confess where the Estate lyes, they have

Monthly Allowance out of the same. But the Wife or Women-Kindred

are now nothing at all in esteem for Honorable Ladies as they were

before. Yet sometimes he will send for the Sons or Brothers of these

whom he hath cut off for Traitors, and remand them out of the Prisons

where he had committed them; and prefer them in honorable Employment.

[The foolish ambition of the Men and Women of this Countrey.] It

is generally reported, and I have seen it so, that those whom he

prefers unto the greatest and weightiest Imployments are those

whom he intends soon to cut off, and contrariwise those whom he

doth affect, and intends to have longer Service of, shall not be

so laden with Places and Honours. Howbeit altho they know and see

this before their eyes daily, yet their hearts are so haughty and

ambitious, that their desires and endeavours are to ascend unto the

highest degrees of honour: tho that be but one remove from Death

and utter Destruction. And the Women's ambition is so great also,

that they will put their Husbands on to seek for Preferment, urging

how dishonorable it is for them to sit at home like Women, that so

they may have respect, and be reputed for great Ladies.

CHAP. VI.

Of the King's Strength and Wars.

[The King's Military Affairs.] It remains now that I speak a little

of the King's Military Affairs. His Power consists, in the natural

Strength of his Countrey, in his Watches, and in the Craft, more than

the Courage, of his Soldiers.

[The natural strength of his Countrey.] He hath no Artificial

Forts or Castles, but Nature hath supplied the want of them. For

his whole Countrey of Cande Uda, standing upon such high Hills, and

those so difficult to pass, is all an Impregnable Fort: and so is

more especially Digligy-neur his present Palace. These Places have

been already described at large; and therefore I omit speaking any

further of them here.

[Watches and Thorn-gates.] There are constant Watches set in convenient

places in all parts of the Countrey, and Thorn-gates: but in time of

danger, besides the ordinary Watches, in all Towns, and in all places

and in every cross Road, exceeding thick, that 'tis not possible for

any to pass unobserved. These Thorn-gates which I here mention and

have done before, are made of a sort of Thorn-bush or Thorn-tree,

each stick or branch whereof thrusts out on all sides round about,

sharp prickles, like Iron Nails, of three or four inches long: one

of these very Thorns I have lately seen in the Repository at Gresham

College: These sticks or branches being as big as a good Cane, are

platted one very close to another, and so being fastned and tyed to

three or four upright spars, are made in the fashion of a Door. This

is hung upon a Door-case some ten or twelve foot high, (so that they

may, and do ride thro upon Elephants) made of three pieces of Timber

like a Gallows, after this manner the Thorn door hanging upon the

transverse piece like a Shop window; and so they lift it up, or clap

it down, as there is occasion: and tye it with a Rope to a cross Bar.

[None to pass from the Kings City without Pasports.] But especially

in all Roads and Passages from the City where the King now Inhabits,

are very strict Watches set: which will suffer none to pass not having

a Passport: which is the print of a Seal in clay: It is given at the

Court to them that have Licence to go thro the Watches. The Seals are

different, according to the Profession of the Party: as to a Soldier

the print of a man with a Pike on his Shoulder: to a Labourer, a

Man with two Bags hanging on each end of a Pole upon his Shoulder,

which is the manner they commonly carry their Loads. And to a white

man, the Passport is the print of a Man with a Sword by his side,

and a Hat on his head. And so many Men as there are in the Company,

so many prints there must be in the Clay. There is not half the

examination for those that come into the City, as for those that go

out, whom they usually search to see what they carry with them.

[Their Soldiery.] To speak now of their Soldiery, their Expeditions

and manner of Fight. Besides the Dissauvas, spoken of before, who

are great Generals, there are other great Captains. As those they

call Mote-Ralls; as much as to say, Scribes. Because they keep the

Rolls or Registers of certain Companies of Soldiers, each containing

970 Men, who are under their Command. Of these Mote-Ralls, there are

four principal. But besides these, there are smaller Commanders over

Soldiers; who have their Places from the King, and are not under the

Command of the former great ones.

[All Men of Arms wait at Court.] All these both Commanders and common

Soldiers must wait at the Court. But with this difference. The great

Men must do it continually: each one having his particular Watch

appointed by the King. But the private Soldiers take their turns of

Watching. And when they go, they do carry all their Provisions for the

time of their stay with them upon their Backs. These Soldiers are not

listed, (listing Soldiers being only upon extraordinary occasions) but

are by Succession the Son after the Father. [The Soldiers have Lands

allotted them instead of Pay.] For which Service they injoy certain

Lands and Inheritances, which is instead of Wages or Pay. This duty

if they omit or neglect they loose or forfeit their Inheritance. Or

if they please to be released or discharged, they may, parting with

their Land. And then their Commander placeth another in their room;

but so long as the Land lies void, he converts the Profits to his own

proper use. And he that after takes it, gives a Bribe to the Commander,

who yet notwithstanding will not permit him to hold it above two or

three years, unless he renew his Bribes.

[To prevent the Soldiers from Plotting.] The Soldiers of the High

Lands called Cande Uda, are dispersed all over the Land; so that one

scarcely knows the other, the King not suffering many Neighbours and

Townsmen to be in one Company; which hath always heretofore been so

ordered for fear of Conspiracies.

[The manner of sending them out on Expeditions.] When the King sends

any of these Commanders with their Armies abroad to War or otherwise,

sometimes they see not his face, but he sends out their Orders to them

by a Messenger; sometimes admits them into his Presence, and gives

them their Orders with his own mouth, but nothing in Writing. And when

several of them are sent together upon any Design, there is not any

one appointed to be Chief Commander or General over the whole Army;

but each one as being Chief over his own Men, disposeth and ordereth

them according to his pleasure; the others do the like. Which sometimes

begets disagreement among themselves, and by that means their Designs

are frustrated. Neither doth he like or approve, that the great

Commanders of his Soldiers should be very intimate or good Friends,

lest they should conspire against him, nor will he allow them to

disagree in such a degree that it be publickly known and observed.

[The King requires all the Captains singly to send him intelligence

of their Affairs.] And when there is any tidings to send the King,

they do not send in general together by consent, but each one sends

particularly by himself. And there common custom and practice is to

inform what they can one against another, thinking thereby to obtain

the most favour and good will from the King. By this means there can

nothing, be done or said, but he hath notice thereof.

[When the War is finished they may not return without order.] Being

in this manner sent forth, they dare not return, altho they have

performed and finished the Business they were sent upon, until he

send a special Order and Command to recall them.

[The Condition of the common Soldiers.] When the Armies are sent

abroad, as he doth send them very often against the Dutch, it goeth

very hard with the Soldiers; who must carry their victuals and Pots

to dress it in upon their Backs, besides their Arms, which are Swords,

Pikes, Bows and Arrows, and good Guns. As for Tents, for their Armies

alwayes ly in the Fields, they carry Tallipat leaves, which are very

light and convenient, along with them. With these they make their

Tents: Fixing sticks into the ground, and laying other pieces of

Wood overthwart, after the manner of the roof of an House, and so

lay their leaves overall, to shoot the Rains off. Making these Tents

stronger or slighter, according to the time of their tarriance. And

having spent what Provisions they carried out with them, they go home

to fetch more. So that after a Month or two a great part of the Army

is always absent.

[He conceals his purpose, when he sends out his Army.] Whensoever

the King sends his Armies abroad upon any Expedition, the Watches

beyond them are all secured immediately, to prevent any from passing

to carry Intelligence to the Enemy. The Soldiers themselves do not

know the Design they are sent upon, until they come there. None

can know his intentions or meaning by his actions. For sometimes he

sends Commanders with their Soldiers to ly in certain places in the

Woods until farther order, or until he send Ammunition to them. And

perhaps when they have laid there long enough, he sends for them back

again. And after this manner oftentimes he catches the Hollanders

before they be aware, to their great prejudice and dammage. He cares

not that his great Men should be free-spirited or Valiant; if there

be any better than the rest, them to be sure suddenly he cuts off,

lest they might do him any mischief.

[Great exploits done, and but little Courage.] In their War there

is but little valour used, altho they do accomplish many notable

Exploits. For all they do is by crafty Stratagems. They will never

meet their Enemies in the Field, to give them a repulse by Battel,

and force of Arms: [They work chiefly by Stratagems.] neither is the

Enemy like to meet with any opposition at their first goings out to

invade the King's Coasts, the King's Soldiers knowing the adverse

Forces are at first wary and vigilant, as also well provided with all

Necessaries. But their usual practice is to way lay them, and stop up

the wayes before them: there being convenient places in all the Roads,

which they have contrived for such purposes. And at these places the

Woods are not suffered to be felled, but kept to shelter them from

the fight of their enemies. Here they lye lurking, and plant their

Guns between the Rocks and Trees, with which they do great damage to

their Enemies before they are aware. Nor can they then suddenly rush

in upon them, being so well guarded with Bushes and Rocks before

them, thro which before their Enemies can get, they flee carrying

their great Guns upon their Shoulders and are gone into the Woods,

where it is impossible to find them, until they come them selves to

meet them after the former manner.

Likewise they prepare against the enemies coming great bushy Trees,

having them ready cut hanging only by withs which grow in the Wood;

these as they march along they let fall among them with many shot

and Arrows.

Being sent upon any design they are very circumspect to keep it

hidden from the Enemies knowledg; by suffering only those to pass,

who may make for their Benefit and advantage; their great endeavour

being to take their Enemies unprovided and at unawares.

[They understand the manner of Christian Armies.] By the long wars

first between them and the Portugueze, and since with the Hollander,

they have had such ample experience, as hath much improved them

in the art of War above what they were formerly. And many of the

chief Commanders and Leaders of their Armies are men which formerly

served the Portugueze against them. By which they come to know the

disposition and discipline of Christian Armies. Insomuch as they

have given the Dutch several overthrows, and taken Forts from them,

which they had up in the Countrey.

[They seldom hazzard a battel.] Heretofore for bringing the head of

an Enemy, the King used to gratify them with some reward, but now the

fashion is almost out of use. The ordering of their battel is with

great security, there being very few lost in Fight. For if they be

not almost sure to win the battel, they had rather not fight, than

run any hazzard of loosing it.

[If they prove unsuccessful, how he punishes them.] If his men do

not successfully accomplish the design he sends them upon, to be sure

they shall have a lusty piece of work given them, to take revenge on

them; for not using their weapons well he will exercise them with

other tools houghs and pickaxes, about his Palace. And during the

time they stay to work, they must bring their Victuals with them not

having monies there to buy: They cannot carry for above one month,

and when their Provisions are all spent, if they will have any more,

they must go home and fetch them. But that is not permitted them

without giving a Fee to the Governour or his Overseer. Neither can

they go without his leave, for besides the punishment, the Watches

which are in every Road from the Kings City will stop and seize them.

CHAP. VII.

A Relation of the Rebellion made against the King.

[A Comet ushered in the Rebellion.] For the Conclusion of this Part,

it will not be improper to relate here a dangerous rising of the

People against the King. It happened in the year 1664. About which time

appeared a fearful Blazing-Star. Just at the Instant of the Rebellion,

the Star was right over our heads. And one thing I very much wondred,

at, which was that whereas before this Rebellion, the Tail stood away

toward the Westward from which side the Rebellion sprung, the very

night after (for I very well observed it) the Tail was turned and stood

away toward the Eastward. And by degrees it diminished quite away.

[The intent of the Conspirators.] At this time, I say, the people

of this land, having been long and sore oppressed by this Kings

unreasonable and cruel Government, had contrived a Plot against

him. Which was to assault the Kings Court in the night, and to slay

him, and to make the Prince his Son, King. He being then some twelve

or fifteen years of age, who was then with his Mother the Queen in the

City of Cande. At this time the King held his Court in a City called

Nillemby. The Situation of which is far inferior to that of Cande,

and as far beyond that of Digligy where he now is. Nillemby lyeth

some fourteen miles southward of the City of Cande. In the place where

this City stands it is reported by Tradition an Hare gave chase after

a Dog, upon which it was concluded that place was fortunate, and so

indeed it proved to the King. It is invironed with Hills and Woods.

[How the Rebellion began.] The time appointed to put their design

in action was the one and twentieth of December 1664. about Twelve

in the night. And having gotten a select company of men, how many

well I know not, but as is supposed, not above two hundred, neither

needed they many here, having so many Confederates in the Court;

in the dead of the night they came marching into the City. The Watch

was thought to be of their confedracy: but if he were not, it was not

in his power to resist them. Howbeit afterwards, whether he were not,

he was executed for it. The said men, being thus in the City, hastened

and came down to the Court; and fell upon the great men, which then

laid without the Palace upon Watch: since which by the Kings order

they lye allways within the Palace. For they were well informed before

who were for them and who not. Many who before were not intrusted to

know of their design, were killed and wounded; and those that could,

seeing the slaughter of others, got in unto the King. Who was walled

about with a Clay-wall, thatched: that was all his strength. Yet these

people feared to assault him, laying still until the morning. At

which time the [The King Flyes.] King made way to flee, fearing to

stay in his Palace, endeavouring to get unto the mountains, and had

not with him above fifty persons. There were horses went with him,

but the wayes were so bad, that he could not ride. They were fain

to drive an Elephant before him, to break the way through the Woods,

that the King with his followers might pass.

[They pursue him faintly.] As he fled, they pursued him, but at a

great distance, fearing to approach within shot of him. For he wanted

not for excellent good Fowling-pieces, which are made there. So he

got safe upon a Mountain, called Gauluda, some fifteen miles distant,

where many of the Inhabitants, that were near, resorted to him. Howbeit

had the people of the Rebel-party been resolute, who were the major

part (almost all the Land;) this Hill could not have secured him,

but they might have driven him from thence; there being many ways by

which they might have ascended. There is not far from thence a high

and peaked hill called Mondamounour, where there is but one way to

get up, and that very steep, at the top are great stones hanging in

chains to let fall when need requireth. Had he fled hither, there

had been no way to come at him. But he never will adventure to go,

where he may be stopped in.

[They go to the Prince and Proclaim him King.] The People having

thus driven away the old King, marched away to the City of Cande,

and proclaimed the Prince, King: giving out to us English who were

there, that what they had done they had not done rashly, but upon good

Consideration, and with good advice; the King by his evil Government

having occasioned it, who went about to destroy both them and their

Countrey: As in keeping Ambassadours, disanulling of Trade, detaining

of all people that come upon his Land, and killing of his Subjects

and their Children, and not suffering them to enjoy nor to see their

Wives. And all this was contrary to reason, and as, they were informed,

to the Government of other Countries.

[The carriage of the Prince.] The Prince being young and tender, and

having never been out of the Palace, nor ever seen any but those that

attended on his person, as it seemed afterwards, was scared to see so

many coming and bowing down to him, and telling him that he was King,

and his Father was fled into the mountains. Neither did he say or

act any thing as not owning the business, or else not knowing what

to say or do. This much discouraged the Rebells, to see they had no

more thanks for their pains. And so all things stood until the five

and twentieth of December, at which time they intended to march and

fall upon the old King.

[Upon the Prices Flight, the Rebells scatter and run.] But in the

Interim, the Kings Sister Flyes away with the Prince from the Court

into the Countrey near unto the King; which so amazed the Rebells,

that the mony and cloth and plunder which they had taken, and were

going to distribute to the Strangers to gain their good will and

assistance, they scattered about and fled. Others of their Company

seeing the Business was overthrown, to make amends for their former

fact, turned and fell upon their Consorts, killing and taking Prisoners

all they could. The people were now all up in arms one against another,

killing whom they pleas'd, only saying they were Rebells and taking

their goods.

[A great man declares for the King.] By this time a great man had drawn

out his men, and stood in the Field, and there turned and publickly

declared for the old King: and so went to catch the Rebells that were

scattered abroad. Who when he understood that they were all fled,

and no whole party or body left to resist him, marched into the City

killing all that he could catch.

[For eight or ten days nothing but killing one another to approve

themselves good Subjects.] And so all revolted, and came back to

the King again: whilst he only lay still upon his mountain. The

King needed not to take care to catch or execute the Rebells, for

they themselves out of their zeal to him, and to make amends for

what was past, imprisoned and killed all they met; the Plunder being

their own. This continued for some eight or ten days. Which the King

hearing of, commanded to kill no more, but that whom they took they

should imprison, until examination passed; which was not so much to

save innocent persons from violence, as that he might have the Rebells

to torment them, and make them confess of their Confederates. For he

spared none that seemed guilty: some to this day lye chained in Prison,

being sequestred of all their Estates, and beg for their living. One

of the most noted Rebells, called Ambom Wellaraul, he sent to Columba

to the Dutch to execute, supposing they would invent new Tortures

for him, beyond what he knew of. But they instead of executing him,

cut off his chains, and kindly entertained him, and there he still

is in the City of Columba, reserving him for some designs they may

hereafter have against the Countrey.

[The King poysons his Son to prevent a Rebellion hereafter.] The King

could but not be sensible, that it was his rigorous government that

had occasioned this Rebellion, yet amended it not in the least; but on

the contrary like to Rehoboam added yet more to the Peoples yoak. And

being thus safely re-instated in his Kingdom again, and observing

that the life of his Son gave encouragement to the Rebellion, resolved

to prevent it for the future by taking him away. Which upon the next

opportunity he did by Poysoning him, which I have related before.

[His ingratitude.] But one thing there is, that argues him guilty of

imprudence and horrible ingratitude, that most of those that went along

with him when he fled, of whose Loyalty he had such ample experience,

he hath since cut off; and that with extreme cruelty too.

[Another Comet, but without any bad effects following it.] In the

year 1666 in the month of February, there appeared in this Countrey

another Comet or stream in the West, the head end under the Horizon,

much resembling that which was seen in England in the year 1680 in

December. The sight of this did much daunt both King and People,

having but a year or two before felt the sad event of a Blazing-Star

in this Rebellion which I have now related. The King sent men upon

the highest mountains in the Land to look if they could perceive the

head of it, which they could not, being still under the Horizon. This

continued visible about the space of one month, and by that time

it was so diminished, that it could not be seen. But there were no

remarkable passages that ensued upon it.