BOOK II.

The Alliance concluded betwixt the Kings of the Archipelago, and

particularly Vaygamano, Vaigeo, Quibibio, and Mincimbio, reigning

in the Islands Papuas, was follow'd by such an Accident, that tho'

the Minds of the Confederates had not been already so well dispos'd,

nor the Blood of those Innocent Kings so newly spilt, it would have

consummated the Hatred they had conceived against the Portuguese

Nation. All the Ports of the Molucco Islands were so well secur'd,

and the Passage for Provisions so wholly stopp'd up, that Tristan

de Atayde despairing of Relief, sent Captain Pinto to Mindanao,

[Pinto sent for Relief.] and the Neighbouring Islands, to furnish such

things as were absolutly necessary for the Support of Life, there being

nothing to be had within his Liberties. Pinto sailing in a good Ship,

arriv'd at Mindanao, visited the King, by whom he was well receiv'd;

and he having seen his Credentials, and consulted the Sangiacks

of his Council, establish'd Peace and Amity with him. He sold the

Commodities he carry'd at his own Rates, and buying and barterring,

loaded with Provisions to his own Content; thence he went over to the

Island Seriago, where he was no less successful with the King. In this

Island, that their Friendship might last for ever, they concluded

the Peace with a barbarous Ceremony, which when practis'd in those

Parts, they never break the Articles. The Parties being met, certain

Officers appointed for that Purpose, draw a Quantity of Blood from

[Barbarous Custome.] their Arms, and each drinks the other's, as a

Gage of Affection; believing they convey it into their Souls, by that

horrid Draught. This Contract so ratify'd, produc'd such Confidence,

that their Ships repair'd to our Ports, and ours to theirs, with all

possible Security, without any Let or Prohibition. Pinto perceiving

what a Multitude of the Natives resorted to his Ship, resolved to

make a Prey of them; and the last Day, Forty of them coming Aboard

to Trade, he perswaded them to go down into the Hold, on Pretence of

showing them its Bulk and Conveniencies, and as [Villany of Pinto.]

soon as they were down, shut the Hatches upon them; this he practised

several times, till at last, tho' he observ'd them close, one of them

forcing his Way out, leap'd into the Sea, and swam ashore. He went

directly to the King, whom he acquainted with the villanous Practice;

The King justly enrag'd, to see Friendship so newly contracted, and

confirm'd by the most sacred of Tyes, in his Opinion, so perfidiously

violated by the Portugueses, thinking Religion affronted, immediately

order'd all the Ships that were afloat to be brought together, and

such as were finish'd in the Docks, to be launch'd; all which being

well equipp'd, stor'd with Guns, and full of those furious Barbarians,

encompass'd the Portuguese Ship, attacking her on all Sides. Pinto

was beginning to weigh his Anchors, having seen the Ships in Motion,

and the Men hasting Aboard; he defended himself with only 25 Soldiers,

who had scarce time to handle their Arms; for the Natives of Seriago

began already to Board, and those who were Prisoners under Deck had

prevaild, but that the Mariners loos'd their Sails. At this time

there fell a dreadful Storm of Rain, with such amazing Thunder and

Lightning, as if the Heavens had been rent asunder. The Seriagos

quitted the Portuguese Ship, endeavouring to recover the Shore in

their own Vessels, with their Sails rent, the Hulls shatter'd, and the

Rigging disabled; and to get off the better, they threw over-board

their Cannon and Arms, being in danger of sinking. This Tempest

lasted two Days, during which Time, Pinto's Ship could not escape,

his Men and he being so far spent, that they had neither Strength

nor Courage to stand by their Tackle; they let the Ship drive with

the Sea, and threw over-board their Provisions, Merchandize, Guns,

Arms, Cloaths, and all they could come at; and being convinc'd of the

Justice of the Judgment, for having broken their Faith, and solemn

Engagement they had made, arriv'd at Ternate astonish'd, dumb, and out

of Countenance, thinking they were still in the Storm. Such are the

Effects of a guilty Conscience, which presently provokes God's Wrath.

All the Kings of the adjacent Islands were soon acquainted with

the [Leagues against the Portugueses.] Perfidiousness of those

few Portugueses, that they had transgress'd the sacred Laws

of Hospitality, and always made a mischievous Use of Benefits;

whereupon they immediately concluded their League, to be exercised

like desperate Men. They presently made Proclamation, forbidding,

under most severe Penalties, the conveying of any Provisions to the

Portugueses, either by Sea or Land, that so they might be reduc'd to

quit all those Provinces, and fly into India, and since they could not

batter the Fort, for Want of great Guns, they should starve it out;

enjoyning all Persons of all Ages, and both Sexes, to be vigilant

in observing this fatal Decree, that so the Trading Galeon might not

afford them the Comfort of hoping for Relief. Then considering that the

main Motive of their exercising such Tyranny, was the Spice of Cloves,

wherewith Ternate, and all the Moluccos abound, the Natives resolv'd

to set Fire to all the Trees, endeavouring that the Conflagration

should be so Universal, as that the Moluccos might ever after remain

barren. They well knew that this was contriving their own Ruin;

but they look'd upon it as a pleasing and advantageous Destruction,

so they might but be reveng'd of their Enemies.

[Reflection.] The Crop of Cloves makes the Wealth of the Molucco

Kings, much more than the Taxes their Subjects pay; and tho' Rage,

and Despair put Fire into their Hands, to burn their Country, it

might happen, as sometimes Mistakes prove advantageous, that what

they design'd to render their Fields Barren, might make them more

Fruitful. It is well known that course Ashes mix'd, and scatter'd on

the Face of the Earth often Fertilize it. Nothing is more frequent in

Europe than to burn the Stubble, and Straw upon barren Lands; because,

either the burnt Earth gathers some Unknown Strength, and produces

good Pasture, or else the Fire consumes its Rankness, and exhales

the superfluous Moisture. Perhaps the intense Heat opens several

Passages, and dilates the close Pores, and hidden Veins, thro' which

the Nourishment flows, and thence the Earth receives it in all Parts,

to make it capable of a new Product; or else it hardens, and closes

the Vents which were open'd, that so the thin Waters, or the continual

Intenseness of the Sun, or the piercing Cold of the North-East Wind,

which is chilling, may do it no Harm. Besides, Nature having chosen

that only Part of the World to produce this sort of Fruit, in which

there has never been observ'd any Failure, or Intermission, it could

not be believing that a Momentary Violence should utterly cause it to

cease. However the Design of those People was not to renew those Spicy

Groves, but entirely to destroy them. This shows how mischievously

they were bent against themselves, and against all Nations. It will

be therefore convenient in this Place to treat of the Cloves at large.

[Account of Cloves.] The first that made any Account of it, were

the Chineses, who attracted by the Scent, began to load their Junks

with it for the Gulphs of Persia and Arabia. Pliny was acquainted

with, and defines it, saying, It is a long Pepper; and calls it

Garyophillum. The Persians gave it since the Name of Calafur, it does

not belong to us to decide which of these Words was derived from

the other. The Spaniards formerly call'd it Girofe, and afterwards

Clavos, because they are like Nails, which bear the same Name. The

Head of the Clove, having four small Teeth that cross it, resembles

a Star. The Natives of the Moluccos call the Tree Siger, the Leaf

Varaqua, and the Fruit Chamque. The Plant is not unlike our Bay-Tree,

but bears a greater Head. When it begins to blossom, it spreads a

most delicious Fragrancy, and on the very Top like the Myrtle, from

one single Stock produces an infinite Number of Clusters, like those

of Elder, or the Honey-Suckle. At first coming out they are White,

as they grow up Green, and the third Season, when Ripe, makes them

Red; this Variety of Colours, by inward Virtue, showing the several

Terms that bring it to Perfection. Those that remain on the Clusters,

which they call Mother Cloves, continue there a year, growing larger

and stronger. They either thresh the Branches to gather them, or

else shake them with Cords they have made fast above, drawing from

below, after the Ground about is clean'd; but it is naturally clear

from Weeds, for this Sovereign Tree suffers no sort of Herb to grow

about it. It draws all the moisture so powerfully to it self, that

all Roots about are destroy'd, or starv'd. It bears at eight Years

standing, and lasts an hundred. Some say it would hold longer, were it

not strip'd with such Violence, which it avenges by growing Barren;

but they are mistaken, for in the Islands of Bachian, they lop the

Branches, that they may produce more Cloves, and the low Branches bear

least. From these they gather the Cloves with their Hands, and they

only bear when the Monson blows. They yield their Fruit from September

to February every two Years. Others say once in three; because when

they gather the Clove, besides that the Plant is much impair'd, they

break off those Buds, which produce the Blossoms of the Cloves; but

then they afford certain hopes of another Crop. The Truth of it is,

that Nature allows them a Year's respit, during which they rest like

the Olive-Trees in Europe. They are gathered when Ripe, and their

Ripeness appears by being Red. Being spread in the Sun, in three Days

they dry up, and contract a blackish Ash-colour. [Mistake of Avicen.]

Avicen, by his leave, was deceiv'd, when he said that the Gum

of the Clove Tree is answerable in its Virtue to Turpentine; for

Experience has prov'd the contrary. Besides, that Trees excessive

hot or cold, yield no Gum, but only those which are temperate between

both. Sea-Water Feeds, and Fresh does them Harm. A certain Historian

Writes, that they yield Fruit twice a Year; if by it he means the

middle Crop, which is very small, we grant it; but if he speaks of the

most Fruitful, as the Triennial, which with general Amazement produces

enough to serve all Nations, the Belief of his Assertion will remain

in the Author himself. These Plants make amends for their delay in the

Abundance of their Product; which is such, that after enriching all

Nations with it, the K. of Spain's Revenue out of it, Yearly amounts to

two Millions of pieces of Eight, little over or under. It is generally

reckon'd that only the five Molucco Islands produce all the Clove,

because of the prodigious Quantity they yield. They always amount to

Four Thousand Bars, each Bar of Ternate being four hundred Weight,

and three quarters, and this for that Island; but the third of the

whole taken for the King amounts to six thousand Bars, and every common

Bar is better than five hundred Weight of ours. Perhaps the Word Bar

might come from the Greek Baros, signifying a Load. The Cloves grow

also in the small Islands of Ires and Meytarana, about Ternate; those

of Pulo and Cavali near Tydore, and in Gilolo, Sabugo and Gamoconora,

Towns of Barachina; as also in the Islands of Amboyna and Veranula,

more in this last than in all the others, but they are weak, and

smaller. The Clove Trees grow up without any Help or Art, like all

Trees coming from Rocks, and they made the only Woods in these Islands,

which sucking in all the moisture Heaven affords, it is a wonder

to see any other Plant near. When they have a mind to Transplant a

Clove Tree, they set it where many Weeds grow, that it may thrive the

sooner, by the help of the Moisture, and Virtue it sucks from them,

and as the Tree thrives those Plants perish. For the same reason

Cloves are ill Neighbours to full Vessels. The Ring Doves, whereof

there are great numbers in Gilolo, eat many of those Cloves which

grow Old upon the Tree, then flying they purge in the Air with the

Motion, and from their Excrements dropping on the Ground Clove Trees

grow up. Heaven has given them so plentifully only to these Islands,

abstractly from all the World beside; being at first not valu'd, or

known by the Natives. This is what they would have destroy'd by Fire,

that it might be totally annihilated; because the Flames gather more

Strength among combustible Matter, than other Violences, to which

sublunary things are subject.

Since we are now upon the Description of the Moluccos, and in regard

[Moluccos describ'd.] that those delightful Provinces are so remote

from us, we will go on with what is remarkable in them, to show

the desperate Fury of those People, who had condemn'd them to the

Flames. All the five Molucco Islands are almost round, and of the

same Shape. The compass of the biggest is not seven Leagues. They

have all Crags, of a wonderful Height, cover'd with an odoriferous

Fragrancy of wild Cloves; and about them several Cities, Towns

and Forts. Their exact Roundness is the Reason they have no good

Harbours for both the Monsons of Norwest and South. Only Ternate

forms the Port they call Talangame, and a League from it, that of

Toloco, where Ships ride safe, and with their Boats close to the

Shore. The Forts were not erected in either of them, because they

should not be remote from the King's Court. Both these Ports look

to the Eastward, and have ridges of Rocks that break off the Sea,

and secure the Vessels. That of Ternate, opposite to the Fort admits

of Caravels, at high Water and spring-Tides, which being unloaded

ride where they will. This Ridge of Rocks is of a sort of Stone,

that turns into Coral, which when old hardens, and shooting out

many Branches, knits together, and turns again into Stone, whereof

excellent Lime is made. It is so contriv'd that those who come to it

by Sea, think they see noble Structures erected for the Defence of

the Harbour. The Mountain, which rises in the midst of Ternate, two

[Burning Mountain.] Leagues in Height, and cover'd with Palm, and

other rare Trees, has on the Top of it a Mouth or Cave, that seems to

reach down to the very Center. A Man can hardly be seen from the one

side to the other. Within it is a Square Spot, like a Threshing-Floor,

made of Stones and loose Earth. Some curious Persons have view'd it,

and among them one Gabriel Rebelo Factor, and Alcayde of the Fort;

who having sounded it, tying together several long Fishing-Lines,

found it was 500 Fath. deep. At the Bottom gushes out a beautiful

Spring, tho' no Man has dar'd to Tast of it, or try whether it is

Sweet or Sower. The loose Floor shakes with the Fire in the Bowels of

the Mountain; whereof the first Account was given by Anthony Galvam,

who Observ'd it in the Year 1538, when he was Commander in Chief over

these Islands. He went up to see that Wonder in Nature, at a safe Time,

for he could not have done it in April, or September, when the Sun

moves from one Hemisphere to the other, and crosses the Equinoctial,

which cuts half a Degree of Ternate, because of the Winds then kindling

the Flames. Had Pliny, when he went out of Curiosity to see the Burning

of Mount Vesuvius, in Italy, taken another opportunity, he had not been

Burnt to Death, as his Nephew writ to Cornelius Tacitus. It stinks, and

casts out Smoke, Sulphur, and Red-Stones, as it were out of the Mouth

of a Canon; shewing the Mountain to be hollow at the Foundation. It

causes Earthquakes, and Noise; and the Flames, and burnt Stones, have

reach'd to the City, and Fort, and even to the Islands of the Meaos and

Casures, twenty Leagues from Ternate. The Smoke is of several Colours,

because the Moisture and Corruption of the Earth exhales it thick, and

diversify'd, which is help'd by the ill Quality of the Air, and that,

with the falling of the Excrements the Fire casts out upon the Springs,

corrupts the Waters, and destroys Health. Going up this Mountain two

thirds of the Height, it is all Green and Fruitful; but the Top is

excessive Cold, without any sort of Fowl, or Birds, but abundance

of Flyes. Thence is descry'd a spacious Sea, and an infinite Number

of Islands; because the Purity of the Air, free from Exhalations,

as is said of the Top of Mount Olympus, represents curious Objects

to the Sight, and favours it without any Let, the greater part of

the Year. Where the Thickness of the Trees Terminates, a Spring of

fresh Water gushes out, so very cold that there is no Drinking of it,

but by Sips. At the Top, some distance from the Mouth, which casts

out the Flames, they at this time tore away a piece of the Mountain,

whence for two Days abundance of Water flow'd; great pieces of Rocks

roul'd down the side of the Hill, to the Sea; forming Concavities,

and bearing down Trees, and Ruins. The same Mountain, on the Top,

has a spacious sweet Pool, encompass'd with Trees, wherein there are

blew, and gold-Colour Alligators, above a Fadom long, who, as soon

as they hear People stirring, plunge down to the Bottom.

These Islands know no Difference of Summer and Winter; nor is there

[Seasons.] any settled Rainy Season, but it generally Rains more

with the North-East, than with the South Wind. The Molucco Islands

breed Snakes above 30 [Snakes.] Foot long, and proportionably thick;

but they are neither Quick of Motion, nor Venomous. Those who have

seen them affirm, That when they want Sustenance, they chew a certain

Herb Nature has shown them, and climbing the Trees by the Sea-side,

cast into it what they have chew'd; many Fishes come to Eate it,

and being made Drunk, lye helpless upon the Water; then the Snakes

launch out upon them, and satisfy their Hunger, till they are full of

those stupify'd Fishes. The Crocodils on the Land are [Crocodils.]

the fiercest of Monsters; the Ancients write almost the contrary of

those of the Nile. These in the Sea are so Timorous, that they suffer

themselves to be bound under Water. A Crocodile has been taken that

had four Eyes, and a very little Heart. Here are also found certain

Insects, which they [Insect.] call Cuzos, living on Trees, on whose

Fruit they feed: They are like Rabbits, their Hair thick, harsh, and

curl'd, of a brightish Brown; their Eyes round and sprightly; their

Feet small; and a very long Tail, by which they hang, the better to

reach the Fruit; and they stink like Foxes.

In the Desert Parts there are Wild-Fowl; some of the Tame are the

same we have in Europe. The Parots, in their Tongue call'd Nores,

of several [Parots.] Colours intermixt, Cry excessively, but Talk

well. An Islander affirms, That at this time, when the People were

Conspiring, a Parrot in the Air cry'd, I Dye, I Die; and beating his

Wings, fell down Dead. A Relation tells us of another, that came from

Amboyna, on the Mast of a small Vessel, when they went to take him,

he cry'd out, Sebastian, Sebastian, who was his Master, and came

to his assistance. There are great flocks of [Birds and Fishes.]

black Geese, with Parrots Feet; Martins, Swallows, Feldefares,

Thrushes, and Sparrow-Hawks. The variety of Fish is infinite; the

Sea-Cow, like that of Brazil; a sort of Crab, one part whereof Eaten,

kills in 24 Hours; this is on the Sea-shore, under certain Trees, whose

shade suffers no Grass or Herb to grow; those who Sleep in it Sicken,

and it dries and parches up the very Ground. There is another sort

of Crabs, not unlike Lobsters, but with less Claws; they have strong

white Teeth, with which they break the Shels, to eat the Almonds;

they breed among Rocks, are taken at Night with Light; their Body,

Claws, and all the Flesh, is like that of a Lobster. Near the Tail

they have a Bag, full of a certain Substance delicious to the Tast,

for which they are as much valu'd as Pullets.

[Strange Sticks.] All over the Moluccos there grows a sort of reddish

Sticks, which burn in the Fire, raise a Flame, and are like a burning

Cole, without wasting; They look to be of a Stony Nature, moulder away

betwixt the Fingers, and are easily broken by the Teeth. Not far from

the Fort of Ternate, is to [Tree of Butter-Flies.] be seen the Plant

call'd Catopa, from which there drop Leaves less than the common sort;

the Stem whereof, on a sudden, is form'd into the Head of a Worm,

or Butter-Fly; the Body and Fibers coming from it, make Feet, and

the Leafy Part, Wings; so that it soon becoms a perfect Butter-Fly,

and at the same time a Leaf. This Tree buds out every Year, like a

Chestnut-Tree, and from the Buds proceed these Worms, which run upon

Threads fastened to the Leaves. Nature was profuse with those People;

especially as to the Cloves, which I distinguish from the Long-Peper

Pliny perhaps spoke of, when he nam'd the Garyophillum. But since

the Profit of that so highly valu'd Product, was to occasion such

bloody Wars, such incredible Voiages, from all Parts of the World,

that the real Dangers, are even beyond human Belief; it may well be

controverted, whether it were [A good Remark.] most for the publick

Tranquility, that this Spice should be known, or ever conceal'd;

for its Plenty and Virtue, which awaken'd the Avarice of the remotest

Nations, has glutted those Seas with the Wracks of Ships, and Fleets,

and call'd thither Armies of Rebels, making their passage through

Streights before unknown, in the Sight of Mountains cover'd with

blew Ice and Snow, as never reach'd by the Suns bright Beams; and

yet they venture at all, not out of any Zeal of promoting Religion,

or Civility, but only to load with that Spice, which has occasion'd

Disobedience and Superstition. This is the precious Commodity, which

gives Power and Wealth to those Kings, and causes their Wars. A Wonder

of Nature, which plainly shows it has created nothing so harmless,

but what is abus'd by human Malice. This is the true Fruit of Discord,

rather than the fabulous Apple of the three Godesses, since for it

there has been, and still is, more Fighting, than for the Mines of

Gold. Had this happen'd in the Days of the Greek, or Latin Poets,

how much more would thay have spoken of our Moluccos, than they did of

the Islands Gorgones in the Ethiopick Ocean? Let us stop a little to

reflect on the Dangers Mortals expose themselves to, rather, perhaps,

to please their wanton Appetites, than to confirm their Health.

[The Confederates meet.] The People of Ternate, Tydore, Bachian, and

all the Neighbouring Princes, being impatient to put in Execution their

desperate Design, chose the King of Tydore for their Head, to joyn

with him of Ternate, that had been expell'd on account of the Death of

Gonzalo Pereyra. Among the Relations usually collected by the Christian

Curiosity of the Religious Men of the Society, we find that these

Kings met in the little Island, which divides Ternate from Tydore,

before they went each of them to his proper Post for performing what

was stipulated in the Confederacy, and there the King of Tydore, as

Chief of the League, spoke to them in this Manner. I cannot mention the

Occasion of this our Union, without shedding Tears, for the Joy [King

of Tydore's Speech.] of the Success, which we look upon as present,

produces the same Effects it would do, were we already Victorious. Our

Forces are assembled to deliver us from the Spanish Yoke, punishing

those Men with the Hazard of our Total Ruin, whom neither our Benefits

could oblige, nor our Threats correct. They are the great Robbers of

the World, who usurp it, by shrowding their Avarice under specious and

godly Pretences. In vain have we endeavour'd to moderate their Pride

by Means of our Modesty and Submission. If they meet with Wealthy

Enemies, the Portugeses show themselves Covetous, if with Needy,

they are Ambitious; this is the only Nation that equally seeks after

others Wealth and Miseries. They rob, kill, and subdue, taking away our

Dominions under false Titles, and think they have no settled Peace,

till they have reduc'd the Provinces into Desarts. We possess the

most fruitful Islands in Asia, only to purchase Servitude and base

Subjection with their Product, converting this blessed Bounty of Heaven

into Tribute paid to the Ambition of Intruding Tyrants. Experience has

show'd us, how odious our Valour has been to the Christian Commanders,

whom, for the same Reason, we must never hope to find more modest,

or less our Enemies. Assure your selves then, and remember, both

Kings and Subjects, both you who seek Glory, and you who provide for

your Safety, that neither of these is to be had without Liberty, nor

this without War; nor is the War to be maintain'd without Courage and

Unanimity. The Power of the Portugueses is increased, and on it their

Reputation depends. Having then discover'd the Mystery, and Cause of

this Tyranny, who is there that will not prepare to try the utmost

of Fortune, to purchase the greatest of human Felicities, which is

Liberty. Other Nations, which when they hear of our Resolution, will

call it Despair and Savageness; if they weigh it with the Occasion,

will rather Commend than go about to find Excuses for us. Besides,

every Man knows what is fit for his Religion, his Honour and his

Country, better than those who judge of these Things at a Distance. In

short, What is Life worth without Liberty?

Those incensed Kings made suitable Returns to these Words, and

having taken proper Measures to commence and carry on the War, went

away in their Vessels, without losing Time, or admitting of Delay;

as well knowing the many Dangers a great Undertaking is expos'd to,

which depends on Secrecy, and is imparted to many.

On the Day appointed, all the Natives departed the City of Ternate,

[Ternate City abandon'd and burnt.] with their Families, not in good

Order, as in Transmigrations, but raging, in Confusion, and loaded with

their Children, and a few Necessaries, having before sent away their

Effects to other Islands. To convince the Portugueses of their Design,

and that the People of Ternate abandon'd the Country, they set Fire to

the City in several Places; the Flames began to take hold and spread,

till they met, and of many small ones became one general Conflagration,

with hideous Noise and Cries; for not only the Houses were burnt, which

had for so many Ages belong'd to their Forefather, and Ancestors, but

all that attracts the Affection to our Native Country, the Temples,

all their worldly Treasure, and the Bounty of Nature; for the open

Country began now to feel the Desolation, the Caves, Lakes and Springs,

the Rocks, and the very Sea it self shin'd, boil'd up and crack'd,

and the Fire receiv'd into the subterraneous Caverns, lying in the

hollow Mountains, pierced into the deepest Recesses, roaring and

overturning Stones and Trees. In the mean while, the People travell'd

towards the Desarts, looking back to view the Effects of their Revenge.

[Resolution of the People.] Tristan de Atayde, amaz'd to behold

that dreadful Practice, having arm'd some Soldiers, sent Messages to

The Queen and Governours, to propose some Accommodation, and appease

that inhumane Rage. He promis'd to make Satisfaction, and that all

Things should be set right, but it avail'd nothing; for they rather

grew more furious, and would not hearken to any Proposal, or admit

of Treaty, that might make them slacken in their Resolution. Being

come to those Places which Nature has made strong among the Rocks,

they arm'd, and in Parties fell upon the Christians, lying in wait for

them when they went out for Wood or Water, and killing or wounding

them by Surprize. The Edict was put in Execution throughout all

the Islands at the same Time, destroying all the Portugueses that

were in them. In the City Momoya, they kill'd eight that were with

F. [Portugueses slaughter'd.] Francis Alvarez, but he fled to a Ship,

after receiving several Wounds. In the Island of Chion, the Head of

Moratay; they also slew the Priest, Simon Vaz; an Infidel rushing

into his Chamber, broke in Pieces the Picture of the Blessed Virgin,

he found there painted on a Board; but Heaven suffer'd him not to go

unpunish'd, for his Hands drop'd off on the Spot, and he dy'd a few

Days after. It was further observ'd, that within a Year there was not

one left alive of all his Race, which was destroy'd in War, and by

other Misfortunes and Calamities; as the last of them was fishing, a

Needle Fish sprung out of the Water, and struck him with the Snout in

the Eye, whereof he dyed. The whole Town perished miserably within a

few Years. Tristan de Atayde soon receiv'd the News of this Slaughter

of the Portugueses, and so successively of the others, throughout all

the Islands. He encourag'd his Men, and labour'd to hide his Concern

for being shut up among so many Enemies; he regulated the Distribution

of Provisions; sent out several Spies, to get Information of the

Enemies Motions and Designs: and order'd the Guard upon King Aerio,

who was in the Fort, to be always watchful, for the more Security,

leaving only the Nurses, and other Women that attended him. Then he

again employ'd other Persons to propose a Peace to the Queen, and the

King of Tydore, with ample Commission to offer advantageous Conditions,

which were to be immediately perform'd; but all prov'd ineffectual,

for an Accident which soon happen'd confirm'd the Enemies Obstinacy.

Catabruno, Governour of Gilolo, and Tutor to the Infant King, finding

[King of Tydore poison'd.] his Usurpation establish'd by Time, and a

good Disposition in the Minds of his Accomplices, poison'd the King;

and possessing himself of the Palace and Forts, ascended the Throne,

making the Subjects swear Allegiance to him. Tho' no Man in all those

Eastern Parts expected any other Event, yet was it look'd upon as

most certain, that Tristan de Atayde was consenting to the Poisoning,

and his Usurpation; besides other Circumstances produc'd so prove his

Guilt, it was notorious, that Atayde sent Catabruno a Robe of blew

Velvet, which he wore the Day he rebell'd, and was sworn King. God

so order'd it, that as soon as he was possess'd of the Kingdom,

he broke his Faith with Tristan de Atayde, and confederated with

the other United Princes, proving the greatest Enemy the Portugueses

had; for he fitted out numerous Fleets wherewith he warr'd on all the

Christians of those Islands, threatning and tormenting them that they

might renounce their Faith.

At this time the Governour of India, tho' there were some Troubles

at [Galvam sent to govern the Moluccos.] Goa, and in other Places,

sent Succours to Ternate, because it was towards the End of Summer,

and one must of Necessity go to succeed the Governour. Antony Galvam

was the Man appointed, who laid out above 10000 Ducats of his own

towards restoring the Places that had been burnt, by which it may be

truly said, he redeem'd the Moluccos. He was desirous, not only to

People, but even to enlarge Ternate, and to this Purpose he treated

with some poor marry'd Men, and needy Families, to go over with

him and their Wives and Children to those Islands; the same he did

with Men and Women, who were lewd Livers, that they might mend their

Lives in another Country, and embrace the legal State of Matrimony;

to which End, he lent them Money, and provided Necessaries for their

Voyage. In the meanwhile, the Tyrant Catabruno, assembled his Forces,

and mov'd against the City Momoya, where the Sangiack of it liv'd,

who had been before an ignorant Idolater, but then a Christian

Prince. He finding himself inferiour in Power, retired into a Fort,

with his Wife, Children [Momoya taken.] and Family. Some Portugueses

sent him by Tristan de Atayde, not daring to trust themselves shut

up there with him, withdrew into the Mountains, where they were soon

kill'd, pursuant to the Edict of the League. Catabruno enter'd the

City, without any Opposition, where he exercis'd his Cruelty, because

the wretched Inhabitants would not quit it; and many new converted

Christians recanted for Fear, or thro' the Violence of Torments. Being

Master of the City, he laid Seige to the Fort, giving it several

furious Assaults, which Don John withstood, making a resolute Defence,

and in some Sallies return'd Victorious; yet his Example prevailed

[Amazing Action of an Indian Convert.] not on his People, as it

usually does where it meets with generous Souls; so that this Prince

soon discover'd how faint-hearted most of them were; he suspected that

servile Fear would degenerate to such Baseness, that they would deliver

him up to his Enemy, and therefore like a brave Man, he presently bent

his Thoughts to secure the Salvation of his Soul. He knew Catabruno

valu'd himself upon his Zeal for the Law of Mahomet, and therefore

spar'd the Lives of all Christians that Apostatiz'd, putting to Death

such as prov'd stanch and constant; he fear'd his Wife and Children,

being pusilanimous, would fail in the Confession of their Faith,

and being fill'd with this Spirit, drew his Cimiter, ran to them,

and shedding Tears, which were not the Effect of Cowardice, slew

them one after another, first telling them his Reasons for so doing,

and that tho' in the Eyes of the World he might appear inhumane, yet

considering the Salvation of their Souls, what he did was a Religious

Magnanimity, and therefore they ought rather to thank him for it. This

was a mistaken Notion; and to go through stitch with it, he would,

still persisting in the same Error, have kill'd himself, but that he

was hinder'd by his own Servants, who to purchase the Tyrant's Pardon,

deliver'd up to him that Christian Prince, who had been so ill advis'd

by his Zeal. Being brought before Catabruno, who was inform'd how

cruelly he had slain his Wife and Children, he ask'd him, Why he had

undertaken so barbarous and inhumane an Action? Don John answer'd

him with great Courage and Undauntedness. At that Time, and in my

Thoughts, I had more regard to the Salvation of their Souls, than to

the preserving of their Lives. I mistrusted [His Words.] the Sex,

their Age, and your Torments, and would not hazard their persisting in

the true Faith. Souls are Immortal, and I took nothing from my Children

that they can feel the want of, or which Time, or your Sword would not

have depriv'd them of; the latter we should all have been thankful to,

as the Instrument of the Divine Will. But I much more dreaded your

Pardon and Mercy, by which you might have perverted their Minds, with

those Soothings which please frail Mortality. I being more resolute,

tho' expos'd to all your Fury, am so far from fearing the Effects,

either of your Torments or Intreaties, that I shall look upon you as

God's Executioner, and were it his Will, that you should take away

my Life, I should receive a greater Benefit from your Sword, than

from your Mercy. Catabruno, enrag'd at his Answer, order'd him to be

kill'd; but the Tyrant's own Friends, who lov'd Don John, the Sangiack,

carry'd him out of the Room, and contriv'd he should have his Liberty,

and be restor'd. Their Intreaties prevail'd on Catabruno, and he liv'd

many Years after in his own Dominions, with a Christian Constancy,

confessing his indiscreet Zeal, which had caused his own Sword to

deprive him of Wife and Children. A Mind truly worthy the best Part of

Europe, and not to be the Product of the most remote barbarous Nations;

and highly commendable, had it been directed by more solid Rules,

to curb that Fierceness, so opposite to all natural and divine Laws,

which looks upon such horrid Murders, as a Piece of Piety.

Tristan de Atayde was troubl'd at these Misfortunes, which were almost

[Several Actions.] under his Eyes; tho' he wanted not for others

nearer, for the People of Ternate being now Masters of the Island,

burnt all the new and old Towns, belonging either to themselves, or

the Christians, and amongst others, those of Trutupalate, Calamata,

and Isico, yet they met with brave Opposition in them all, and they

cost much Blood. Twice our Men went out to Fight the Tydore Fleet,

which came within sight of the Fort, and tho' they both times retir'd

Shatter'd, and well Beaten, the Barbarians had not much cause to Boast

of their Victory, for Abundance of them were kill'd, and scarce any

went off unhurt. The Confederates fitted out other numerous Fleets,

wherewith they much Streightened the Christians in the Fort, till

Antony Galvam arriv'd, who was at this time Sailing. But Relief came

before, Don Stephen de Gama, sending a Galeon laden with Provisions

and Ammunition to Ternate, under the Command of Simon Sodre. The

Galeon arriv'd safe, and with it the Support of those Disconsolate

People. They took Heart, and ventur'd to go abroad, spreading

themselves about the Island, and going into the Woods, met with ruin'd

Buildings, the remains whereof still smoked, and when it was Dark,

they observ'd the high Flames on the Mountains. However they made

Incursions upon the Barbarians and throughout all the Islands there

were hourly Engagements, either with the Christian Inhabitants, or

the Soldiers of the Forts; and at Sea they heard the Martial Musick,

which Sounded whilst they Sail'd, or Fought Manfully, and at that

time was dreadful.

In the mean while Captain Alvarado, a Spanish Gentleman, sent by

Ferdinand Cortes to Ternate, that the Valour he had shown in those

Parts, serving [Spaniards at the Papuas.] God and his King, might

not lie idle, discover'd the Islands of the Papuas, and fought those

Barbarians with Resolution, tho' the Portuguese Histories assign

the Honour of this Discovery to Don George de Meneses who arriv'd at

them in the Year 1526, as we have seen. The great Commander Alvarado

also Discover'd other Islands, call'd Gelles, in one Degree of North

Latitude, and East from Ternate, 125 Leagues from Batochina. The

Natives of those Islands are like those of the Moluccos in Colour,

Habit, and Customs, differing only in Language, which is peculiar

to themselves.

Antony Galvam sail'd from Malaca with the proper Monson, with [Galvam

Fights at Sea.] the Men, and all Necessaries to fight, and settle

Colonies. When he was past the Island Borneo, and the ridges or Rocks

which lie under Water, in sight of that Coast, as F. Marta, the Jesuit,

writes to the Governor Gomez Perez, and appears by his Papers, in

Sight of Malaca he Discover'd a great Fleet of Carcoas, and other

Chinese Ships, with Sails made of Canes, and Palm-Tree Leaves wove

together. He was soon satisfy'd, that they were the Auxiliaries which

had joyn'd the Janguas of Tydore and Catabruno, who, with the expell'd

King of Ternate, were Cruzing to meet the Portugueses, or Spaniards,

that should come into their Seas. Galvam order'd his Men to be in a

Readiness, to clear his Guns, and prepare all Things, doing the Duty

of a Commander, and of a Soldier. The Enemy drew up in three Lines,

each of its particular Nation, as if the Portugueses had many Ships. He

was himself in the Trading Galeon, and with it a Pink, and another

small Vessel, wherein, among the Marry'd Men, and Families unfit

for that Service, there were some few that could take up Arms. The

Infidels drew near, but without Artillery, the Gilolo Archers let fly

a great number of Arrows upon our Men, and then one Line shearing off,

the other discharg'd, the Air resounding, being peirc'd by the Darts,

and Calabays, or Staves hardned at the Fire. Galvam not regarding the

Danger, tho' at first he defended himself with Fights and Planks;

when he thought they had spent most of those flying-Weapons, among

which they fir'd some Muskets, he began to play his great Guns,

tearing their Vessels, and destroying the Men. He Sunk a considerable

number, and Took several, because they fought disorderly, relying,

as it were a Land-fight, on the Multitude of their Soldiers, as ours

did on their Valour, and Experience. But Galvam, whose Business it

was to get to Ternate, held on his Voyage, and arriv'd [Arrives

at Ternate.] there as he desir'd. His Men landed in that dismal

Solitude, among Smoke and Ruins. The Joy of those who were in the

Fort, and the extraordinary Relief, coming quite unhop'd for, were

an Encouragement to them all. The Clergy came out to receive him, the

Soldiers shouting amidst the Divine Hymns, confounding the Procession,

and their Satisfaction. It was a Pleasure to behold, and they gazed

on him as a Deliverer sent from Heaven. Tristan de Atayde resign'd

his Post, and Antony Galvam took Possession, enquir'd into the Nature

of the Confederacy, and the Fame of his Arrival being spread Abroad,

Things began to mend. To this Purpose he arrested Tristan de Atayde,

and afterwards sent him to Goa. He had before sent Messengers to the

Queen, to acquaint her with his Arrival, and the End of it, which

was to serve her, and retrieve all the Mischiefs an inordinate Desire

of Revenge had occasion'd. In the mean while he began to repair the

City, the Colonies, Churches, Keys, and Houses, distributing those

Families he had brought with him. Nor did he neglect Husbandry,

but planted Vines brought from Portugal, which he soon saw grown

up into substantial Vinyards. He deliver'd to the Clergy the new

Constitutions drawn up by Cardinal Henry, afterwards the last K. of

the House of Portugal. He offer'd Peace to all that would comply,

sent Religious Men to inculcate to those who liv'd like Outlaws, the

Love of their Country, its re-establishment, and how dishonourable

it was to them to make choice of a Life like that of wild Beasts,

only for a cruel Satisfaction.

[Strength of the Natives.] The Queen, who not to speak of her

natural Fierceness, expected to see her Son restor'd, and set at

Liberty, and to drive away the Portugueses, would not give Ear to any

Accommodation. The greatest Burden of the War lay then upon Tydore,

where the Confederate Kings, with the deposed Dayalo, a most Fierce

Man, gather'd above Fifty Thousand Fighting Men; but they had not yet

enclosed that City with a Wall and Ditch, being satisfy'd with having

built a Fort upon high Rocks, whence they spread abroad to pick up

the Fishermen, and other Portugueses that went out from Ternate to

get Provisions, and thence they infested that dangerous Coast. Galvam

fearing lest the Prolonging of the War should reduce him to the former

difficulties, sent other Messengers to treat of Peace, and perswade

those obstinate Kings, to Publish an Oblivion of all past Wrongs,

without taking Notice of the late engagement, offering them mighty

Presents, to purchase Commerce at the Price of them. They being puffed

up with some good Success, and their mighty Power; would not hearken

to any Proposals Peace; but on the contrary, as Maffæus Writes, they

return'd an Answer very abusive to the Portugueses. Galvam imploring

the Assistance of Heaven, so managed the Affair, that it was look'd

upon as amazing, even by such as view Things impartially. Nor would

it be credible, unless comfirm'd [Galvam sails over to Attack them.]

by other Enterprizes of his suitable to this. He had only four Tall

Ships, and a few smaller Vessels in the Port; these he speedily form'd

into a Squadron, putting in 400 Men, 170 of them Portugueses, the rest

to make up the Number, Slaves, and the common sort of Ternate. He

left Tristan de Atayde with some Men to defend the Fort, and secure

Sultan Aerio, and sail'd away himself for Tydore, without meeting any

Enemy, the reason of it not known, and lay by in a safe Place, about a

Musket-shot from that Island. Being come to an Anchor, he took a full

View of the Multitude that guarded the Shores, considering the Nature

of the Country, and Situation of the City. Having called a Council

of War, he resolv'd to Storm the Fort on the high Rock, then little

regarded, the Confederates thinking themselves safe. He made a Speech

to them in plain Terms, without any Rhetorical Ornaments. These are the

same People, said he, we have so newly Vanquish'd, to restore whom to

the Liberty they desire, would be a matter of small moment, did they

when possessed of it allow the Freedom of preaching the Gospel. This

is the Cause we are imbark'd in. Who then can doubt of Victory, or

not wish to Die for the obtaining of it? As these Enemies are the

same we Defeated, so are we the same Victors; so that I need not have

Recourse to Foreign Examples, to encourage you. Their Disobedience

and Restlessness is of a long standing; it will be but reasonable

that our Arms add one Victorious Day to so many Turbulent Years, that

so we may lay the Ax to the Root of Rebellion. They call us Tyrants;

that does not at all trouble me; because after the Victory, we shall

have the Opportunity of dispelling that Slander by our Moderation.

They would not suffer Galvam to put an end to his Speech, all of them

[The manner of the Attack.] pressing earnestly to Fight, and he

resolving to make himself Master of the Rock, as he had contriv'd,

pick'd out 120 Portugueses, and made out 300 from among the Rest,

leaving the Remainder to secure the Ships, and keep the Enemy in

Play, if they should attack them; making show of a greater Number,

by appearing in several Places, and shouting, by which such as fear

are easily imposed upon. In the mean while, Galvam having taken a

Native of Tydore, and oblig'd him to serve for a Guide, set out at the

fourth Watch in the Night with his Men, through by-ways remote from

the City, over-grown with Brambles, and scarce practicable, and with

the greatest silence he could came to the Top of the Mountain. The

Portugueses had march'd the greatest Part of the Way by the first

Dawn of Day, and resting them a little from the Fatigue, descry'd

the Enemy's shining Helmets and their Feathers on them. Galvam

then beginning, all the rest raised the Cry, To Arms, to Arms. The

Confederates, with Horrid Shouts, which resounded on the Rocks,

and in the Woods, made ready for their Defence, notwithstanding the

surprize; but soon perceived they should fall a Prey to our Men. The

Fight began, and King Dayalo, enrag'd for that he had been depos'd,

appear'd the foremost with some Troops, to secure the Passes, and

advanced to meet the Portugueses in a Plain. They avoided him not,

and both Parties mixing, much Blood was spilt. Dayalo was visible by

his bright Helmet, adorn'd with Variety of standing high Feathers,

[King of Ternate Kill'd.] and his Body cover'd with a Steel Coat of

Mail, brandishing with both Hands a Lance, as like a small Yard of a

Ship, and charging with desperate Fury; but happ'ning to rush in among

our Pikes and Musketiers, unadvisedly, he receiv'd several Wounds on

all Sides, and fell down raging. He was wonderful strong, and started

up immediately; concealing his Wounds and Pain, and beginning a fresh

Charge in the first Ranks, for fear of discouraging his Men. He Fought

a considerable Time; but not being Dress'd, and the Action causing

the Blood to run the faster, his Eye sight fail'd him, and he dropt

a second Time, saying to his Guards, Move hence as fast as you can,

and carry me carefully that the Dogs, so he call'd the Portugueses,

may not have the Satisfaction of cutting my Body in Pieces. His

Soldiers did so, not without great Danger; and he soon after he had

been carry'd off, gave up his haughty Soul. His Forces daunted by

this Accident, turn'd their Backs, hiding themselves among the Rocks

and Brambles, [The Indians routed.] throwing down their Arms, and

getting off through almost inaccessible Ways. Others return'd to the

City, and meeting some Troops that march'd to their Assistance, made

them return another Way. The Portugueses follow'd the Chace, killing

such as fled, and Galvam came to the Fort, with the Loss of only

one Slave. This Victory, which happen'd on the Feast of St. Thomas,

the Apostle, in the Year 1537, humbled the Pride of the Confederates;

was ascrib'd to the Intercession of that Apostle, and they observ'd

a solemn Thanksgiving. The Fort was fired with good Advice, for the

Citizens and Traders, seeing the Flames so near, abandon'd their

Houses, and departed the City with the flying Multitude. Galvam was

now coming down from the Hill, having drawn together his Men, and

form'd them into small Bodies, with sound of Trumpets and Singing,

to make his Victorious Entry into that City, now void of Defendants,

and full of Wealth. Considering that the Avarice of the Victorious

Soldiers spur'd them on to take Possession of that inestimable Booty,

for all the [Tydore burnt.] Merchants had brought their Effects to

Tydore, as the safest Place. Galvam order'd to set Fire to the Houses,

all which were consum'd with their harmless Treasure, in Sight of

those who had hop'd to be Masters of it; only the Provisions being

providentially sav'd.

Of the People of Tydore as many were taken as did not in Time save

themselves by Flight; as also a Junk in the Port, and several other

small Vessels. The Enemies afterwards perish'd in other smaller

Actions. The daunted King, hasted Home to secure their own Lands,

disolving the Confederacy, and being sufficiently warn'd, gave Ear to,

and [Peace concluded.] embrac'd Proposals of Peace; taking leave of

him of Tydore, and agreeing with Galvam, whose Vertue and Discretion

gain'd so much upon Cachil Rade, that King's Brother, that he came to a

Conference with him and concluded a Peace upon certain Conditions. The

King of Tydore oblig'd himself to restore Galvam the Cannon; not to

assist the Enemies of Portugal; not to permit the Clove to be dispos'd

of into any other Hands than the Portuguese Officers; and to sell it

as was usual at Ternate. Galvam went over next to subdue Gilolo, and

the other Kings, all which he compass'd successfully. The Queen also

submitted, either on Account of the King of Tydore's Falshood, or that,

as she said, she grew weary of the War, or else because the depos'd

King was kill'd. Catabruno was appeas'd by Galvam's good Behaviour,

and accepted of Conditions, among which the chiefest was, that Galvam

should set Sultan Aerio at Liberty. Thus the Confederacy was dissolv'd,

and the Maluccos laying down Arms, submitted again. Provisions were

furnish'd as before, and the Crops, and Trade of Spice were restor'd.

[Sultan Aerio King of Ternate.] Sultan Aerio attended by the

Christians and Gentiles, Dancing, and making other demonstrations

of Joy, went from the Fort to his Palace, where he remain'd with

his Guard, and Family. Before he Marry'd, tho' he never wanted for

Concubines, he in Person took a Progress to the principal places

in his Dominions of Ternate, Moutil, and Machian. Those in the Fort

attended and assisted him, together with the Sangiacks, who went all

about that Archipelago, first on that side they call Del Moro, that

is towards Batochina, and is distant from the Moluccos 60 Leagues

Northward, beginning at the Isles of Doe, two Leagues to the Point

of Bicoe. All these are Inhabited by Wild People.

[Batochina, that is Gilolo describ'd.] Batochina is 250 Leagues

in Compass, and Subject to two Kings, which are those of Gylolo,

and Lolada. This last is Ancienter than all those of the Moluccos,

or in those Seas, and formerly was the most Powerful; but now the

Weakest. The Inhabitants of the North part of Batochina are Savage,

without any King, Laws, or Towns, living in Deserts. Those on the

East-side have populous Towns, on the Sea Shore; and tho' they speak

several Languages, yet they understand one another. This Coast they

call'd Morotia, that is, Land Moor. The other Islands opposite are

call'd Morotay, that is, Sea-Moor, and all those Isles breed deceitful,

brutal and dastardly Men. Only the City Moncoya is Warlike. It ever

wanted Laws, Weights, Measures, Coin, Gold, Silver, and all other

Metals, and a King; but it is overstock'd with Provisions, Arms, Idols,

and Devils speaking in them. The Women Till the Land. Each of these

Towns is Govern'd by a Magistrate chosen by the People; they pay him

no Taxes, but have Regard to his Descent. The Molucco Kings conquer'd

them, and every one kept what he could get; the better part belongs

to him of Ternate, and less to the King of Tydore, whose Dominions

were enlarg'd by the Power of Spain. They went on to establish their

Possessions among the Papuas, or Papous, East from the Moluccos,

being Islands little resorted to, because many of them are all

encompass'd with Flats and Shoals. The Natives of them are Black,

like the Cafres; they wear their Hair wound about in large curl'd

[Papuas, or Papous.] Locks, their Visages lean and ugly. The Name

of Papuas in their Language signifies Blacks, being a stern People,

enur'd to Labour, and fit for any piece of Treachery. All their

Islands are subject to Kings, and abound in Gold, which they do

not Transport, because no Man lays up any more of it than is us'd

in their Ornaments. Among these Black-men there are some as White

and fair as the Germans; if these go out in the Sun, they are struck

blind, tho they do not look at it. Those in Spain are call'd Albinos;

yet some of them are strong, and can behold any Object. Among these

Papuas there are many deaf. As to the Extent of this Country, if we

may believe the Accounts of Spanish Pilots, who have sail'd that way,

these Islands run along a vast Continent, which terminates at the

Streights of Magellan. These Kings entertain Friendship with Ternate,

whither they sent Embassadors, and as much as was here subject to

the Moluccos, had no Share in the desperate Fury of the League. So

did those of Celebes to the Westward, being many notable Islands, the

great Island Celebes it self, as also Mindanas; so those of Bisaya,

abounding in Iron; Mascaga, and Masbate, which have much Gold, as

well as Mindanas; that of Sologo, and others producing Provisions,

Spice, Sanders, Eaglewood, [Other Islands.] Cinnamon, Camphire,

Tortoshell, Ginger, and Long Pepper. Some of these Islands are subject

to the King of Borneo, others to those of Tydore and Bachian, but

the most to him of Ternate. The People are generally treacherous;

many of them go naked, painting their Bodies in Falcage, and other

Figures; their Hair long, hanging on their Backs, or else knotted,

and cut short over the Forehead, like our Peasants; their Faces large;

their Teeth well shap'd and black; and their Ears bor'd. The Natives

of [Celebes.] Celebes are filthy, and vile in their Behaviour; the

Æquinoctial passes over their Island, which is full of little Towns;

a whole Race living in every House. On their Walls they hang the Hair

of those they have kill'd in War; and the greatest number of them

is most Honourable. There are among them several sorts of Monstrous

Productions. One of these is a Tree bearing a vast Head, the shade

whereof kills any Man that lyes down under it on the West-side, unless

he immediately lye down on the East-side; the same shade at only a

Yard distance being an Antidote against its opposite Malignity. In

these Towns there are horrid Stews of Sodomy; tho there are no such

at Ternate; but they have gone as far as Amboyna, which lyes South

of it. Among the Moluccos there are many Islands subject to their own

Chiefs, full of excellent Waters, and delightful Banks. Formerly they

were free, afterwards conquer'd by the Kings of Ternate and Tydore;

against whom they also rebell'd, and submitted to the Queen of Japara,

and many Christian Towns were subject to the Portugueses. They yield

above 2000 Hundred Weight of Cloves Yearly; which the Jaos are Masters

of, none being to obstruct them; they go over and Barter, and carry

it away in their Junks. We speak elsewhere of their Fertility. Our

Relations tell us, they produce a fort of Reeds, or Canes, above

fifty fathom long, and no thicker than a mans little finger. South

from Amboyna lye the Islands of Banda; and about 300 Leagues to

the Eastward; some affirm, there is one which is all over an entire

Mine of Gold, and the Natives not above a Yard high. If this be so,

and these the true Pigmies, who will look upon the Battels mention'd

in Homer's 3d Iliad, betwixt them and the Cranes, as Fabulous. Those

scatter'd Dominions were again united and submitted to Sultan Aerio,

whose Marriage Solemnities, Building of Masques, Publick Festivals,

and other Works of Peace, we must pass over in silence, as not proper

for our purpose, they being only a pleasing sort of Digressions.

[Mezquita Governs at Ternate.] The Kings of Portugal sent several

Commanders in Chief to Ternate, and last in the Year 1570; James Lopez

de Mezquita, who had commanded on the Molucco Seas, took Possession

of the Fort. In his Time Sultan Aerio, a courteous and affable Man,

continu'd in Subjection to Portugal, valuing himself upon being true

to his Word in all his Actions. Nevertheless, there wanted not some

ill-meaning Persons, who mislik'd his Government, and pretended that

he did not exercise his Power legally. They said, he had given way

to those Vices, into which luxurious Princes are wont to fall; those

being generally the Fruits of a long Peace. They fancy'd, he retained

the Memory of past Tragedies; and particularly his Mother's inhuman

End, and therefore persecuted our Religion; tho at the [Pretences

to destroy King Aerio.] same Time the Memories of those Days do

not charge him with any Temporal Disobedience, or want of Fidelity;

but they rather compar'd him to Massinissa, King of Numidia; and say

the Portugueses ought to have respected him, as the Romans did the

other. The Commander hearing of those Abuses, and fearing greater might

ensue, some Religious Men encreasing his Jealousie, he endeavour'd to

redress them by Friendly Admonitions, and other Contrivances. Those

Methods had no effect on him, for he answer'd, he was in his own

Dominions, where, without offence to the Portuguese Sovereignty, he

might live as he pleas'd. Mezquita resolving to try harsher means,

since the others did not at all move the King, nor make him uneasie,

as relying on his Innocency; began to deprive him of his Revenue,

and the Income of the Spice; threatning also, that he would, in all

other Respects, execute the last Will made by his Brother Tabarija,

wherein he appointed the King of Portugal for his Heir; or at lest

would treat him so like an inferior Person, that he should scarce be

able to assume the Name of King; for such is the Punishment they are

lyable to, who do not observe that Decorum which was inviolable in

their Ancestors.

Cachil Babu, Son to Sultan Aerio, taking a Progress about this Time,

through his Father's Islands, a Subject came to complain to him

against certain Portugueses, who had taken away his Daughter; for

which fault he order'd them all to be kill'd, as if they had been

accessary to the ravishing of the Maid. He had no Directions, nor

so much as the consent of King Aerio for this exorbitant Command,

which took no effect. On the contrary he afterwards so generously

resented it, that he order'd the Prince to be seiz'd, and would have

punish'd him severely, had he not been hindred by those the wrong was

offer'd to. This plain Demonstration was [The Portugueses seize and

send him to Goa.] not sufficient to divert the Portuguese Commander

from imputing the Sons Fault to the Father, contrary to all Reason

and Likelihood. All discreet Methods us'd by well-meaning Persons to

reconcile them two, failing; James Lopez by his King's Authority, which

generally is most unreasonable, the farther it is from the Prince,

from whom it is deriv'd, presum'd to imprison the Sultan; being dragg'd

away from a Pleasure-House, where he was passing the Heat of the Day,

among his Women; His Subjects lov'd him, and their Resentment for this

wrong was proportionable to their Affection; nor did the Portugueses

approve of the Fact. The Commander perceiving that all Men were against

him, and that after all Enquiries and Examinations, the King's Cause

still appear'd the better, and his Fidelity was more visibly made out,

he gave him his Liberty, to the great Satisfaction of his Kingdoms,

which were attentive to the Event; but upon Condition he should go to

Goa to clear himself, where he expected they would cut off his Head,

upon the Informations he would send against him. The King set out,

and before he came to Malaga, the Viceroy [The Viceroy acquits him.]

writ to him, begging he would return to his Kingdom, for he was fully

convinc'd of his Innocence, and promis'd to punish the Causer of those

Troubles; but at that Time, for some Considerations, was satisfy'd

with reproving him. The K. returning to Ternate, the Commander was

sent Prisoner to Goa, and had been more severely punish'd; but that

Fortune preserv'd him, to be an Instrument of the loss which has

lasted till our Days.

Within a Year after his Imprisonment he was restor'd to his Command

in Ternate, where be again practic'd against that King; for there

are some [Pretended Reconciliation.] Dispositions which never part

with the Jealousies they have once conceiv'd. Ternate was as it were

the Metropolis in Religious matters, and King Aerio had never offer'd

any Affront to us either in Spirituals or Temporals, for which Reason

there never wanted some grave Persons in his Court. These Zealously

reconcil'd them two, and that perfectly, as to outward Appearance,

and that their renew'd Amity might be lasting, the King assur'd

the Commander upon Oath, according to his Sect, that he would never

privately harbour the least Jealousie of him; but before he admitted

of any, would discover it to him, that so he might either receive,

or make Satisfaction; to the end no Accidents might revive any

Mistrusts. The [Falshood of Mezquita.] Commander made the King the

same solemn Promise, both of them being thus pacify'd, and in the

Opinion of all those who mediated betwixt them, so Friendly, that

none could imagine such perfect Amity could ever be dissolv'd. But

there being nothing less permanent among Men than Reconciliations, the

Portuguese Commander reassuming the Hatred which never was extinct,

or perhaps so much as lay'd aside, resolv'd to destroy Sultan Aerio

when only five Days were elaps'd since the Re-establishment of their

Friendship sworn to on both sides. This could not be kept so private,

as not to come to the Sultan's Ears; but the Consideration that he

was a King, his own Sincerity, and the fresh Reconciliation, made

him think he was secure. But if the Nature of Man be such as not

to forgive when it has done a Wrong, what can be less secure than

injur'd Innocence? The Commander feigns himself Sick, and sends to

desire the King, that since he is not able to wait on him in his

Palace, he will be pleas'd to honour him with a Visit in the Fort,

there to confer with his Highness about some important Affairs

which concern the King of Portugal, his Master, and are not fit to

be communicated to any other. All the Answer the King return'd,

was to go himself to Visit the Sick Man, tho' he had Information

better grounded than on bear Surmises, that Martin Antonio Pimentel,

the Commanders Nephew, had Orders to murder him, as soon as ever he

came into the Fort. [Aerio's Innocent Bravery.] He could not prevail

upon himself to believe a Treacherous Design; so far does Innocence

prevail over a generous Soul. But when he saw that at the Gate, they

stopp'd his Guards, the Sangiacks and Cachiles, that attended him,

he then began to be convinc'd of the Villany, yet went on without

being disorder'd, and showing an undaunted Countenance. And tho' he

could not forbear dropping some Tears, when he took leave of his Sons,

however he presently compos'd his Countenance, so that he was not at

all dismay'd, tho' in the Commanders Nephew's Looks he saw visible

Tokens of his Unkles Commission. He would have complain'd to the

Commander of the Disrespect of those who stopp'd his Attendance, but

they would not suffer him to go on. The Mask being now laid aside, and

the true Design appearing, in Violence he call'd out to the Sangiacks,

but the Gate was shut against him and them. Pimentel came up to him

with a Naked Ponyard, and begg'd his Pardon like an Executioner. The

King, without showing any Surprize, or Disorder, Bid him consider what

he was going to do; for there were many left to revenge his Death,

besides his Sons and Subjects, all the Kings of the Archipelago, as

well the Sovereigns who were in Alliance, as those who ow'd Fealty

to the Crown of Portugal. This Instance, said he, will make them

dread every Capricious Humour of a Commander in chief. If still that

Jealousie survies, which has so often been prov'd groundless, I will

deliver my self up to the King of Portugal; and if my Death be of such

Consequence to you, yet respite the Execution but a little, for at my

Age, Time will soon perform what your Swords are to do. They [He is

murder'd.] now began to fall upon him, and he seeing a Brass Cannon,

on which were the Arms of Portugal, clasping his Arms about it, said,

Christians, at least show some respect to these Arms; for you kill

a King that has paid the greatest Deference to your Crown. This last

Testimony of his Innocence was of no Force to appease those Murderers;

though formerly in Rome, the embracing the Statues of the Emperors was

sufficient to deliver Slaves from being punish'd by their Masters. It

may be a Question whether his Soul was sav'd; for there are those

who affirm, he intreated the Murderer to permit him to be Baptiz'd;

who answering, It was then too late, without granting his Request,

or any Respite, ran furiously upon that Antient Prince, who made

no Resistance, and stabb'd him in several Places. They carry'd the

Body into a Vault. The King's Kindred and Servants heard the Noise,

and suspecting the worst; went away in great Disorder, to the City,

where there was already a confused Rumour of what had happen'd, and

being Distracted, ran shrieking about the Streets, where nothing was

to be heard but Weeping, Threats, Complaints and Disorder.

The Principal Queen, with the Kings other Wives, and Slaves, his

Sons, and Brothers, laying a side all State, came out of the Palace,

already surrounded by the Multitude, in Confusion and Dispair,

and being follow'd by most of the Portugueses, who no less abhorr'd

the Fact, ran to the Fort, crying out to let them see their King,

as still doubting of what they heard. [Mezquita's Inhumanity.]

The Commander appear'd in Armour on the Wall, and said, They should see

him immediatly; and then came up a Soldier, bringing the Kings Head

with the Royal Turbant on it. After him came others, with his Arms,

Legs, and Body cut into small pieces, all which they hung upon the

Battlements in the sight of his People. Afterwards they Salted them,

as if the perpetuating of the Wrong had been requisite. This was

what most provok'd the injur'd People, who no longer able to behold

so inhumane a Spectacle, and being beside themselves, and fearing

more Mischief, return'd with their Family. The Sons out of Respect

to their Fathers Body, went away from Ternate to several Islands,

tho' in Reality they departed to excite others by their Presence,

representing the Hideousness, and Horror of the Fact; and to dispose

their Revenge. For the present they were satisfied with sending to

complain of the Commander in Chief.

[Complain'd of at Goa.] Their Embassador arriv'd at Goa clad in White,

which is the Mourning of the Molucco Islands, and upon the Faith of

his Credentials, acquainted the Viceroy with the whole matter; proving

the Innocency of the Murder'd Sultan; representing the Wrong done to,

and the Sorrow of his Family, and Kingdoms, who so passionately Lov'd

him; and beseeching him, in the name of them all, to Right them against

the Man, who with the Power and Authority of the Portuguese Arms, had

Violated the publick Faith and the Laws of Nature. The Viceroy gave

him a favourable hearing, tho' by that Time the matter was otherwise

represented at Goa, at least among the Portuguese Nation. They said,

That King Aerio going to visit the Commander [False pretences of the

Portugueses.] in Chief, Martin Antonio Pimentel, went in with him,

and they contended in Words upon some Point, when the Portuguese

answering him angrily, they fell to their Weapons, and the King was

kill'd in the Quarrel. They added, That he was Advis'd so to do,

by some of our Religious Men, who were offended at the Persecution

of the Christians, and the Obstructing of the King of Portugal's

Service. Pimentel made his Defence with the Original Letters, of

those who perswaded him to commit the Fact, and who afterwards sav'd

him. However the Viceroy did not Reject the Plaintifs; but promis'd to

Right them; and to shew that he design'd them farther satisfaction than

a bare Promise, he sent away the necessary Supplies for the Security

of the Fort of Ternate, and Nunno Pereyra de la Cerda, a Gentleman

of Courage, and the necessary Sagacity to succeed the other in a Post

where all things were in Confusion. He also writ to King Sebastian of

Portugal, acquainting him with the Death of King Aerio; how Cruelly

and Unjustly he had been kill'd; what a Revolution there was cause

to fear it might produce; whom he had sent to succeed Mezquita; the

Orders he had to Secure him, as also Pimentel, if he could find him.

[Pereyra succeeds Mezquita.] Nunno Pereyra arriv'd at Malaco with

the Molucco Embassador, whence, at the proper Season, they Sail'd to

Ternate, where as soon as they Landed, order was taken for Correcting

the Insolency of those in the Garrisons, who robb'd, and obstructed

Trade. When he had settled these Affairs, he seiz'd the late Commander

in Chief, James Lopez; but did not punnish him there, in the sight

of those who had been wrong'd, which would have appeas'd them. The

new Commander sollicited the Kings Sons to return to Ternate, and

endeavour'd to give them, and the Kingdom Satisfaction. He easily

convinc'd them, that the Publick was no way guilty of their Fathers

Death, but only the Commander Mezquita, who should be severely

punish'd. That [He fawns.] he deliver'd them the Kings Body, to

be Bury'd with due Honour. That they should settle the Succession,

offering it to Cachil Guarate, Aerio's Eldest Son. He told them,

the King of Portugal did not send his Commanders to be Enemies, but

Protectors of the Royal Family and State of Ternate, and therefore

they should make use of his Arms, as their own. They return'd apparent

Thanks for what Pereyna did, and being indifferently satisfy'd with his

Promises, took the Kings Body. A few Months after, on the Day appointed

for the Barbarous Obsequies, Embassadors from the neighboring Kings,

and Kingdoms landed at the City, who all repair'd to the Palace,

clad in White, with the dead Kings Sons, and Brothers, the Sangiacks

and Soldiers, and the Chiefest of them, going into the Room where

the Coffin was before the Mourners, who are Officers of the Grave,

began their Lamentations [Revenge vow'd.] and Cryes, they all swore

upon the dead Body, to take a Revenge suitable to the Wrong; but

because this Resolution requir'd a more deliberate Preparation, they

suspended it for a Year. It is reported, that Heaven anticipated them

within that time, punishing Pimentel, striking him to the Heart with

the Disease call'd Berber, whereof he dy'd swelling up, and raving.

[Assembly of the Indians to consent.] The Funeral Rites being

perform'd, the Prince took leave of Nunno Pereyra, to go over to

the Island Ires, where they have a most stately Country-House, and

the principal Mosque. There they all met on pretence of Diverting

themselves after their Sorrow, tho it was now almost two Years since

the occasion of it happened. The Cachilas and Sangiacks repair'd

thither under the same Colour, and without loosing any Time, they

proposed the Uniting the Forces of their Kingdoms, and shaking off

the Portuguese Yoke. What shall we, said they, value the Portugueses,

if once we come to be sensible of our own Strength? What can we Fear,

or not Dare to attempt? The Portugueses value him who Robs most, and

is guilty of the greatest Crimes and Enormities. The forcing away of

our Product, their one lewd Pleasures, and our Wrongs, are Occasion

for them to make War; ours are our Country, and the Defence of our

Parents, our Wives, our Children, and our Liberty. It is necessary to

expedite the Execution, because a Secret is not lasting among many,

and in Affairs of this Nature, there is more Danger in Consulting,

than even in Execution. We have been already too long in Confusion,

without a Head. No Man contradicted; but neither Cachil Guarate,

the Eldest of the Brothers, nor the Second, durst take upon them so

difficult an Enterprize. Cachil Babre, the Third, undertok it, with the

usual Ingagement, either to Conquer, or to Dye. They presently lifted

him up, with general Applause, and his Election being made publick,

the Kingdom easily submitted to him, through the desire of Revenge;

tho' according to the Custom of the Molucco Islands, as soon as the

King has any Son born, they swear him his Successor, in his turn,

and there was then no need of any other Oath, yet they again swore to

Cochil Babu. This done, they went out to their Mosque, in Procession,

to offer Sacrifice. A Boy went foremost with a naked Sword on his

Shoulder, and with the other Hand [Sacrifice.] leading a Kid, which

was to be the Victim, with the little Horns Gilt. The Alcoran forbids

Sacrifising; but these Islanders receive the Rites of Mahometanism

so confus'dly, that with them they also retain those of their ancient

Idolatry, and intermix the Ceremonies. He that conducts the Sacrifize,

is, according to their Custom, follow'd by part of the Kings Soldiers,

with their Pikes advanc'd, and after them goes one holding up on high a

small Gold Vessel, or Pan, with burning Coals in it, the Frankincense

they throw in Smoking. Next to him was the new King, over whose Head

they always carry an Umbrello, made of Feathers of several Colours,

in shape of a large Semicircle. The King was encompass'd by those

Soldiers, that are given him by his Subjects by way or Acknowledgement,

like the Turkish Janizaries. In this Order they came to the Mosque,

at whose Gates, whensoever they are to enter, they find Kettles

and Pots full of Water, to wash their Hands and Feet before they go

in. As soon as the King was upon the Threshold the Musick play'd,

and they spread Milk-white Carpets, as is the Custome: Kneeling on

them, they mutter out their vain Prayers, bowing their Heads down to

the Ground. In the midst of the Mosque stands a Pulpit, cover'd with

white Cloth. Instead of a Bell, there hangs up the holy great flat

Drum, which they beat with Sticks; tho each Mosque has a great Bell,

without a Clapper, which they strike with a Stone, or piece of Iron,

when requisite. All that hear it, of what Condition soever, repair to

the Temple, with Pikes, Shields, Cymitars, and Muskets. The profane

Sacrifice being ended, they conducted the new King to the Harbour; he

went into his Carcoa, with his Family, and the other Sangiacks, and

[The King's Carcoa.] great Men, into many others. The King's is so

contriv'd, that there is a Gang-way all round it, made of Canes. There

are two Slaves to each Oar; others do the Service of the Vessel, and

near every one lies a Number of Arrows. Instead of Oars they use a

sort of great Paddles, like Spoons, with which they also lade out the

Water the Vessel takes in. On the upper part they make Musick with

their Tabors, and Sounding-Basons of Metal, according to which they

Row faster or slower, as we Dance to our Musick. In the same Place

there are seven Brass Guns; a considerable number of Pikes advanc'd,

longer than ours, and a Bed adorn'd with Quilts interwoven with Gold,

and by it hung the King's Helmet, Breast, and Back Plates. He sat,

or lay on that rich Bed, the Servants of his Bed-Chamber Fanning him

with a large Wing, made of various colour'd Feathers of the Birds

that fly about his Islands; thus he Coasted about, the Sea and Shore

resounding with Guns, Shouts, and Barbarous Instruments.

At the same time that they seem'd to be wholly taken up with Sports and

Diversions, in the Island Ires, they Vow'd an irreconciliable Enmity

[War Proclaim'd.] to the Portuguese Nation, with the same Solemnity

as they had sworn Allegiance to their King; and this Secret having

been inviolably observ'd, when the new K. thought convenient he caused

it to be Publish'd throughout all his Dominions, which consists of

seventy two Islands in that Archipelago, betwixt those of Mindanao,

on the North; Bima and Corca on the [Dominions of Ternate.] South;

and the Continent of the Papuas, or Papous, otherwise call'd New

Guinea on the East: The Inhabitants whereof pay him their Tribute

in Gold, Amber, and Birds of Paradise; all which Provinces have

been Usurped from other Kings, on whose Ruins his Pride is swollen

so high, that he stiles himself in his own Language, Emperor of the

Archipelago. In most of them there were at that Time some Christian

Towns, Churches, and Preachers, and the Gospel was receiv'd in the

eight principal Nations. Idolater and Mahometan Embassadours came

from them all to acknowledge, and swear Fealty to Cachil Rabu. In this

great Assembly the Desire of Revenge was made the Cause of Religion,

and in it began the longest Persecution the true Faith has undergone

in our Days. It will be therefore requisite, distinctly to describe

the remote, and neighbouring Countries and Nations that carry'd it on;

and the Strength, and standing Forces, [Forces of the Kings of Ternate

and Provinces.] they have ready at all times upon any Occasion.

The sixteen greater Towns of Ternate furnish their K. with 3000 Arm'd

Men; the Island of Montil, distant from it six Leagues South, 200; that

of Machian, eight Leagues distant, 1500; that of Caioa four Leagues

from Mechian, the same way, 300; those of Gazea, twelve Leagues from

Caioa, 300; those of Xula, fifty Leagues from Ternate, 4000; those

of Burro, seventy Leagues distant, 4000; those of Veramula eighty

Leagues from Amboina, and are the same Number of Leagues in compass

50000; those of Buaro, and Manipa, lying betwixt those of Veranula

and Burro, 3000; those of Na, Nolo, and New Guinea, which are many,

and very populous, fifty Leagues East from Ternate, send no certain,

but numerous Forces; that of Ires, where the King then was, 400;

and pays Tribute in Amber, and Birds of Paradise. Those of Meaos and

Tasure, on the North, 400. Those of Doe, distant thirty Leagues some

way, 900. Those of Rao and Saquita, seventy Leagues North, 1000. The

great Batochina, or Gilolo, four Leagues from Ternate, 10000. The

large Island Matheo, contains several Kingdoms, thirty Leagues to the

Westward, each of them subject to its own King, and all of them to him

of Ternate; send him Arm'd Troops. Totole and Bool 6000 Men; Guayduda

7000; Gorontano and Iliboto, 10000; Tomine, 12000; Manado, 2000; Dondo,

700; Labague, 1000; Fulo, and Jaqua, 10000; Gape, Tobuquo, and Butu

are all subject to him, and the number of their supplies is uncertain;

but Sanguien and its King, 40 Leagues from Ternate, serve him with

3000 Men. This was not the standing Force, which without adding to it

the uncertain number, nor the multitude of slaves, amounts to 120300

Men. This particular F. Martin sent to the Governor Gamez Parez,

and the original was deliver'd to me. Since then, that Kings Power

is increased, and because more Formidable, by reason of his Alliances

with several Princes, entering Amity with some, and Oppressing others,

and practising the Rules of Tyranny among them all, as Artfully as

was formerly done by Greece, Rome, and Carthage. Of their Game, Fish,

Rice, Sagu, and other Stores of Fruit and Spice, and the Royal Mines,

we shall speak when the Subject in Hand requires it; and so of their

Weapons, of which last it is to be observ'd once for all, that those

they Dart, are all poison'd, and the Fire-Arms differ not from ours.

For managing of this great Design, the King privately sent about

his Brothers, [Pereyra prepares his Defense.] and Sangiacks; but

so great an Army could not be contracted from such distant Parts,

without being heard of by the Christians, and particularly Nunno

Pereyra. He suspecting that the Desire of Revenge still prevail'd in

the injur'd Parties, and that the first Effects of it would fall upon

his Fort, tho' the Sultan's Murderer was not then in it, strengthned

it proportionably to the Siege he expected. Prudence supplies the

Place of Prophesy. The Fort was not then erected, which is since to

be seen in Ternate, on a high Ground of difficult Ascent, next the

Sea, and the Back of it defended by a Lake, next the Mountain; being

three Miles distant from the first Fort: It was afterwards built

to defend themselves against great Fleets; not satisfy'd with that

they had before on the Plain, [The Portuguese Fort.] next the Sea,

made of dry Stones, without Mortar; which being since improv'd in all

Respects, is now built with Lime, the Walls a Yard and half thick,

and Fifteen in Height; Forty in Length next the Sea, with a round

Tower at each Angle, like the ancient Spanish Fortresses. Nunno

Pereyra endeavour'd with all possible Diligence, to shut up in it

the greatest Number he could of all the Christian Families, and to

be in a Readiness to stand the Siege, which soon ensu'd. He sent

Advice to India and Portugal of the Intelligence he had receiv'd,

demanding Succours, as in a certain Danger; but it could never have

come in Time; for some Part of those Forces being assembled in the

Island Ires, the Rest staying on Botochina, in that Part which is

properly call'd Gilolo, and is remote from the Portugueses, they

there began to persecute Christianity by publick Decree.

The Apprehension of these Mischiefs, had much perplex'd all the

Governours of those Provinces, because it was daily confirm'd by

visible Proofs of an open Insurrection. James Lopez de Marquita was

already kept Prisoner in the Fort of Benastarim at Goa, those confin'd,

and the Viceroy expected Orders from Spain to dispose of him, and the

Forces; because it was fear'd the King of Ternate might make use of

the great Supplies which could be sent him from China; especially if

that were certain which was then discoursed in Spain. It was reported,

[Project of abandoning the Philippine Islands.] That the Council of

State, observing that the Philippine Islands were rather an Expence,

than an Advantage to the Crown, being many, and hard to be maintain'd,

had propos'd to King Philip, to quit them, and withdraw the Court of

Justice, and the Garrisons that defend them. They added the Example of

the Chineses, who abandon'd them, tho' they are such near Neighbours,

and can relieve them with as much Ease, as if they were joyning to

their Continent. That as Spain governs them, the Loss they occasion

is considerable, without any Hopes that it can ever be alter'd for

the better; a vast Quantity of Silver being sent thither from New

Spain, both for the usual Expences, and to buy Commodities; that so

all that Treasure is convey'd by the Hands of the Chineses into the

Heart of those Dominions, render'd intractable by the Severity of

their Laws, by [Reasons for it.] which they are trench'd in, as it

were with Fortification, against all Commerce with Strangers. They

alledg'd that a Monarchy dispers'd, and divided by so many Seas, and

different Climates, could scarce be united; nor could humane Wisdom,

by settled Correspondence, tye together Provinces so remov'd from one

another by Nature. That these Arguments are not the Ofspring of Wit,

but of Experience, and Truths obvious to the Senses. That all such as

might be urg'd against them, were only grounded upon Honour, and full

of a generous Sound, but difficult in the Execution; and therefore the

best Expedient, was for the King to strengthen himself in Europe, where

his Forces can be ready to meet all Dangers, without being expos'd to

the Hazards of the Sea, and the Dominions of others. Each of these

Arguments was so fully represented by the Officers of the Revenue,

that the Proposal was thought worthy to be debated and consider'd;

and had God permitted the King to exclude the Philippine Islands his

Monarchy, leaving them expos'd to the first that would take Possession,

the Moluccos had so far been strengthen'd, as to become unconquerable.

The same Thing has been propos'd at other Times, and in the Days of

King Philip the IIId. who sticking to his Father's Answer, has always

rejected that [King Philip rejects it.] mischievous Advice. That most

prudent Monarch answer'd, That the Philippines should be maintain'd,

in the same Manner they were, and the Court should be invested with

more Authority, that Justice might prevail, for he laid the Stress of

Government, on its being upright, and impartially administer'd. That

in the same manner the Troops should be kept up there, and maintain'd

out of the Revenues of New-Spain, or any other of his Kingdoms,

since all the Treasures discover'd, or still hid in the Bowels of the

Mines, ought to be apply'd to the Propagation [His Reasons.] of the

Gospel. For what would the Enemies of Christ say, if they perceived

that the Philippine Islands were left destitute of the true Light,

and its Ministers to propagate it, because they did not produce rich

Metals, and other Wealth, like the Rest of the fruitful Islands in Asia

and America? That all the Power of Kings, ought to be subservient to

this Sovereign End, as becomes Sons of the Church, and Promoters of the

Apostolical preaching, which is continu'd by Succession. That since

he had refused to mitigate the least Point of his Severity towards

his Northern Subjects, or to grant them Liberty of Conscience; why

should he remit any thing among Heathens, and Mahometans, which were

the Harvest God had assign'd him, to enrich the Church with those

Children, so remote? Thus the Project was put down, and this has

always been the glorious Resolution, when mistaken Zeal, or worldly

Interests have propos'd the quitting of those Dominions. This seems

to have been a peculiar Providence of Heaven, which knew how soon

they were all like to belong to the same Master, and that the Right

and Conquests should be all United in his Person, the one being the

Means to recover the other, as has been seen in our Days.

[Product of Asia.] King Philip was govern'd by this Religious Motive;

but there were others urg'd by such as were acquainted with the Riches

of Asia, which are chiefly Diamonds, Rubies, large and Seed Pearl,

Amber-Greece, Musk, Civet, Camphir of Borneo and China, Vermillion,

Coral, Quick-Silver, Copper, fine Muslins, and Calicoes of Cambaya and

Bengala, Carpets, Coverlets, and fine Quilts. Persian Silks, Brocard,

Ivory, Rheubarb, Cardamome, Cassia Fistula, Frankincense, Benjamin,

Wax, China-Ware, [Arguments against quitting the Philippines.]

Lake for dying, and Physick, Cloves, Mace, Gold, Silver, Medicinal

Plants, Aloes, Eagle Wood, Calamba, Ebony, and very many more rare

Trees, Drugs, Spices, and Ornaments. All this they said, Venice lost,

when the Trade was remov'd to Portugal; and this same stir'd up the

Sultan of Egypt, as well knowing therein consisted all substantial

Wealth, to enter into a Confederacy with all the Kings of India; who

were already alarm'd by the Portuguese Fleets; so that they at the

common charge fitted out a Navy of Galleys, and other Vessels, in the

Port of Suez furnish'd it with Cannon, and put aboard 3000 Mamelucks,

besides a great Number of Venetian and Genoese Renegadoes. With this

Power the Sultan enter'd India, in the Year 1508, and tho' the King

of Cambaya assisted him, he was vanquish'd by the Portugueses in the

Port of Chaul. They urg'd, That at present these Riches are still more

valuable, and that if the Trade of them were once brought into the

Way of the Philippine Islands, it would save all the Dangers met with,

by the way of Amboyna, Banda, Borneo, and the many Shoals about them,

as also the many Storms those narrow Seas are subject to. For the Clove

particularly was brought by the Portugueses, in their Trading Galeon,

which goes from Goa to the Moluccos, to pay their Garrisons. In this

Ship they every year carry'd away to Malaca and Goa, 24000 Quintals,

or Hundred Weight of Cloves, little more or less. At those Ports it

was dealt to Persians, Turks, Chineses, and Africans, so that scarce

the third Part came to Europe. The King of Achem, in Sumatra, secur'd

another Part, whence it was sent to Alexandria. All these Commodities,

when they come to Malaca, pay eight per Cent. The Spice that comes

into Spain is distributed into all the Kingdoms of Europe; and it

might be easily contriv'd, say these People, to bring the greatest

Part to Spain from the Philippine Islands; which would be one of the

noblest Projects, that will be thought of for the improving of the

Revenue, considering what a great Price Clove bears in Spain, and how

cheap it is in the Molucco. This was the Opinion when those Islands

belong'd to another Master, and it was no easie Matter to divert the

Trade of Spice, and other Goods, from the usual India Voyage. Besides

the Religious Men of the Orders of St. Augustin and St. Dominick,

had already propagated the Faith in those and other Islands, whence

that which flourish'd, and advanc'd in Ternate and Tydore was Fed.

Cachil Babu sail'd with his Brothers, and a great Number of Vessels

from Ires for Ternate, with much Joy, and forebodings of Victory;

greater Forces continually joyning him, through the earnest Desire they

had all of delivering those Parts from the Portuguese Domination. As

soon as ever they arriv'd at Ternate, they landed, and immediately

invested the Fort, which they call'd the Seat of Servitude. [Portuguese

Fort besieg'd.] They assaulted the Houses of the Portugueses, and

that so suddenly, that though they had Notice before, and lived in

Fear, they scarce stood upon their Defence. Rage and Success made a

more than Barbarous Havock. They set Fire to the Houses with Fury,

and popular Tumult; so that whatsoever was not within a Wall and

Ditch, perish'd that Day. Those in the Fort attempted to succour

their People; but greater Numbers of Ternates coming on, kill'd

some of those, who had sally'd out, not only with Darts of solid

Canes, which they cast most dexteriously, with Arrows, Cymiters and

Shields, which they us'd when Idolaters; but with Muskets and other

Fire Arms. The rest of the Portugueses routed, fled to their Fort;

for those who had gain'd Reputation by so many brave Exploits, were

that Day depriv'd of their Courage, by the Injustice of the Action

they had been concern'd in. They sent again to Goa to desire Relief,

and to represent the [Desolation.] Distress, not only of the Fort

of Ternate, but of all the others the King of Portugal held in those

Eastern Parts; for they had cast off Subjection to him in most of

them. They forgot not to mention the persecution of the Religion,

and the scarcity of Arms and Provisions, of both which the Ternates

had deprived them. These News were flown into India and Spain by

other Ways; and all the while the Siege lasted Goa sent Succours

to the Moluccos, in their trading Galeons; but [Tydore and Ternate

mortal Enemies.] the vast Distance, the many Shoals, and the violent

Storms those Seas are subject to, occasion'd the Loss of those Ships,

or put them by their intended Voyage.

The Commanders in those Eastern Ports, who follow'd the Example of

those of Ternate were not Idle; for the Portuguese, tho' the reducing

of those Rebels succeeded not at that Time, did not miss of obtaining

other Victories, which should we relate them here, would make this

look more like a History of all India than of one small part of it;

besides that the Portugueses Nation has not wanted Learned Authors,

who have transmitted them to us, where they may be seen at large. The

Spaniards have also done the like, in a much more loftier Stile than

mine. We must therefore circumscribe our selves, and return to the

Moluccos, where the Besieged, as it were forsaken, and abandon'd by all

the Earth, endure the Hardships and Perils of Places so streightned.

Thus all their Hopes, under Heaven, depended on their own Valour,

and the inviolable Friendship of the King of Tydore, so implacable

an Enemy to him of Ternate, that neither the Neighbourhood of the

Kingdoms, divided only by an Arm of the Sea, a League and half over,

in the midst whereof is a small Desart Island, which almost joyns them,

nor the ancient and reiterated Alliances, do in the least abate of

their Hatred, which seems to be fatal, and consequently unavoidable

betwixt those two Kings and Nations.

However, the Ternates being always intent upon War, and thinking no

Practice [Practices of Babu with Tydore.] unlawful, that may secure

their Success, they ply'd their Weapons on one Hand, and on the Other,

carry'd on their Intrigues, for a Pacification with the King of Tydore;

not so much out of any Desire of coming to a Conclusion with him, as

to the End that being amaz'd with the Hopes of Peace, he might grow

slack in Relieving and Assisting the Besieged. They offer'd to restore

him some Places, taken from him during the late Wars; and to give him

those and others, as a Portion with a Daughter to the King of Ternate;

besides other Advantages, of which Accommodation the King of Bachian

was the chief Manager. To these fair Offers, they added Threats; and

both the Kings and their Nations agreeing in Religion, and it being

easy to cover any Occasion of War under fair Pretences; it happen'd

that the Tydores, at least while this Politick Game was playing,

did not afford their Succours with the same Zeal as they had done

at first; and that King, who till then had been a constant Friend,

upon another Consideration, deferr'd [Policy of the K. of Tydore.]

his coming to a Resolution. He waited, as well as the Besieged,

the Arrival of the Portuguese Succours, and several of his Carcoas

often touch'd at the Islands of Borneo, to enquire what Ships pass'd

that Way from India. They examin'd every Vessel they met, and every

slight Intelligence puff'd them up, or quite cast them down. In short,

both Parties protracted the Time, with so little Regard to any other

Principles, that all their Courage and Fidelity, depended on it alone.

This is so certain, that the King of Tydore being just at the Point

of accepting the Wife, and Lands offer'd him by the Enemy, fell off

upon the News brought him, that a Galleon was seen sailing for the

Molucco Islands, and he rejected all the Proposals. It was afterwards

known to be bound for the Philippine Islands, and belong'd neither to

the Portuguese nor Spaniards; but to Venetian Merchants, who traded

between Manila and China, with several Commodities of their own

Country, and other Parts of the Levant; so that the King of Tydore,

and the Besieged themselves began to make fresh Reparations, like

Men that sharpen their Weapons, and fit their Armour.

These Succours encourag'd them to several bold Attempts. The Besieged

made [Sallies, and the Length of the Siege.] a Salley, to nail up

the Enemies Cannon, and tho' few in Number, several Times assaulted

their Camp, still returning Victorious, without any considerable

Loss. They dismounted all their Cannon from the Walls, their Works

nothing availing them, because they were not made according to Art. The

Siege lasted five Years, the Portugueses sustaining it with notable

Resolution, and the Indians pressing with no less Obstinacy; nor would

the Hunger, Thurst, Nakedness, and the Hardships of the Seasons have

been tollerable, had not they been common to both Parties. Extream

Want, was the Occasion of several signal Exploits of that Valour,

wherewith they defended their Lives, and the Fort. This produc'd

Rage and Admiration in the Enemy; and an affectionate Compassion

in the Women of the Island; among whom they found Advice, Secrecy,

Intelligence and known Favour. So great is the Power of Persecuted

Virtue, that it prevails, even upon those Enemies, who harbour the

Memory of a Wrong, to convert it, first into a Desire of forgetting

it, and without long Interposition of Time, produces a Zeal to support

that Valour they first hated.

The End of the Second Book.

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Discovery and Conquest

OF THE

Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.