BOOK IV.

These Endeavours us'd by Spain to shut out the Monsters of Heresy,

dispell'd the Dread spread abroad by Drake, and his [Reasons for

Digressions.] Example in the North and South Seas. And since his

coming to Ternate, oblig'd us to write all these Particulars, we could

not, once they began to have any Place in this Relation, forbear

making it perfect by delivering the Success of them. A compleat

History is the Witness of Times, the Light of Truth, the Life of

Memory, and in fine the Mistress of Life. Therefore, to perform the

Duty incumbent on it from such important Employments, it is not to

spare any notable Digressions; especially when they deviate but little

from the main Subject, and have some Connexion with it. This here is

due to a most prudent Action of King Philip IId. and his Ministers;

and shows his Catholick Indignation against Sectaries, and his Zeal

for preserving the Faithful of his Indies untainted, and improving

the Disposition in the Souls of Idolaters, towards drawing them to

the Faith. It demonstrates how he compass'd the whole World by Means

of his Commanders, that he might introduce the said Faith in all

Corners thereof; to the Reputation of his Watchfulness in the Service

of this Mistical Empire, which is now Militant, in order to its being

Triumphant. For this Reason it is absolutely Necessary, not to conceal

Sarmiento's Resolution, nor to leave him in those remote Seas, till we

have brought him back to Spain, and then we will return to the Molucco

Islands, which were in the mean while busy about their own Destruction.

Sarmiento did not go up to the great City he discover'd at a Distance,

because he would not depart from his Ship, to which he return'd,

leaving us still desirous to be throughly satisfi'd of so strange a

Thing. By the Way he found two extraordinary long Cloaks, or Barbarian

Blankets, made of Sheep-Skins, with the Wooll on, and a pair of Shoes

made of raw Hides to bind about the Feet, which the Indians could

not carry off, thro' the fearful Precipitation of their Flight. They

continu'd their Discovery, [South Coast.] and the Wind oblig'd them to

strike over to the Southern Coast, five Leagues distant from Our Lady

of the Vale; and tho' the cold Winds blew, they found this Country more

Temperate than the others. It is inhabited by proper People, has wild

and tame Cattel, and Game, as was declar'd by Philip, so they call'd an

Indian they brought over, in Honour to King Philip. It produces Cotton,

a certain Sign of its being Temperate; and Cinnamon, by them call'd

Cabea. The Air is very serene, and the Stars appear bright, so that

they are plainly to be observ'd, lay'd down, and describ'd. Sarmiento

says it is useful in those Parts to observe the Crozier, which is 30

Degrees above the Antartick Pole, and that he made use of it, for

taking of Latitudes, as we do in our Hemisphere of the North Star,

[Observations for Sailors.] tho' with another Sort of Computation. And

in Regard that the Crozier does not serve all the Year, he sought out

another Polar Star, nearer to the Pole, of a shorter Computation, but

general and perpetual; and he us'd such Industry, that he discover'd,

and ascertain'd it by Observations, and Experiments of several clear

Nights. He settled the Stars in the Crozier, and two other Croziers,

and two other Polar Stars, which take a very small Compass; this he

did for the common Benefit of curious Sailors. Notwithstanding all

these Tokens, and the Incouragement of humane Curiosity, no Man has

ever gone to those Towns, which had such promising Signs of Civility;

tho' those rude Giants did not seem to confirm those Appearances of

a well-settled Country. Sarmiento ran along the Streight, [Sarmiento

comes into the North Sea.] never ceasing to sound, and lay it down

till he came to a Cape, he call'd, Of the Holy Ghost, from which

to that of the Virgin Mary, there are 110 Leagues from the South

to the North Sea. Here they began to order their Course with due

Difference. They saw Whales, and on the Shores, Thickets of several

unknown Plants. They ran thro' Storms and Dangers, surprizing even

to such experienced Sailors as they were. They all vow'd Offerings to

Churches, Alms, and Pilgrimages to Places of Devotion in Spain, with

other solemn Engagements, on which fearful Mortals in Danger, devoutly

ground and encourage their Hopes. The Tempest ceas'd, and on the 25th

of March, about Midnight, Sarmiento saw a low white Rainbow, opposite

to the Moon, which was moving against it; and it was occasion'd by

Repercussion of her Rays, which fell by Refraction on the opposite

Clouds. He says, That neither he nor any other Person, ever saw, heard,

or read of the like; but by his good Leave, in Albericus Vespusius's

Epitome of Voyages, we read that the same happen'd in the Year 1501,

in that same Place, where both of them taking the Sun's Altitude, they

found him in 23 Degrees large, which is as good as 15 Leagues. This

Day they were within the Tropick of Capricorn. Proceeding forward,

they lost their Reckoning, and the Hopes of recovering it, for Want of

Mathematical Instruments; but on the first of April, 1580, at Night,

they discover'd, and observ'd the Polar-Star of the Triangle in 21

Degrees; and on the 10th of the same Month, they saw the [Anchors

at the Island Ascention.] Island of the Ascention, at eight Leagues

Distance. They anchor'd there, found Water, and saw several Crosses,

erected by some Portugueses, who in their Way to India, were cast away

there by a Storm, and the Living, out of Devotion, set them up on the

Graves of those that dy'd. On one of them they found a Board nail'd,

with this Inscription, Don John de Castel Rodrigro, Commodore, arriv'd

here with five India Ships, on the 13th of May, 1576. Near to it,

Sarmiento set up another, as a Memorial, that the first Ship coming

from Peru, touch'd there, having pass'd thro' the Streight from the

South to the North-Sea, on the King's Account, with the Occasion of

his Voyage. This Island abounds in Sharks, which are [Ravenous Birds.]

Sea-Monsters, Fish, and a Sort of such greedy and troublesome Fowl,

that they make at whatsoever they see. They took the Ensigns Hat

off his Head, to snatch away a Letter he had stuck in it. He sav'd

his Hat, by clapping up his Hand immediately, but lost the Letter,

which they pull'd away by force; and afterwards they saw a Fray in

the Air, the others endeavouring to take it from that Harpy, which

first snatch'd it away. This Island lies in 7 Degrees and a half of

South Latitude, and it is very observeable, that tho' the Spaniards

were very attentive to their Compass, and took so many Precautions

for their Security, yet such was the Force of the several Currents,

that when they thought they were 60 Leagues from Pernambuco East and

West, at the River of Virtues, on the Coast of Brazil, they found

themselves 400 Leagues to the Eastward; so that the Currents deceiv'd,

and drove them 340 Leagues from the Point they had settled by the

Degree of Latitude. Sarmiento discourses largely upon this Effect,

charging the Sea-Charts with Falshood, and being ignorantly laid

down. Dreadful Tempests ensu'd, till on the 28th of April, on the

Coast of Guinea he discover'd Sierra Liona, abounding in Gold, and

Blacks. Then the Islands they call of Idols, and beyond them those of

Vixagaos, inhabited by stout Black Archers, who shoot poison'd Arrows,

wherewith, such as are wounded, presently dye raving. On the 8th of

May they all fell sick on the Coast of Guinea, of Fevers, Lameness,

Swellings, and Imposthumations in their Gums, which in that Country

prove Mortal, by Reason of the Excessive Heat, and then for Want

of Water; but Heaven reliev'd them with seasonable Rain. When they

labour'd to make the Islands of Cabo Verde for some Refreshment,

the Winds drove them off. They bore up without finding Land, or

any Ship, till on the 22d of May, being in 15 Degrees 40 Minutes of

North Latitude, they descry'd two Sail. Sarmiento believ'd they had

been Portugueses, and was desirous to make up to hale them; but upon

better Observation perceiv'd, the one was a Tall Ship, the other a

Sloop, both of them French, who pursu'd and endeavour'd to get to

Windward of him. The Sloop came foremost to view our Ship, which made

good its Advantage. When they [Fight with the French.] were come in

Sight of the Island of Santiago, the French held up a Naked Sword,

and then fir'd some Shot. The Spaniards answer'd with their Muskets,

which was then done by both Sides, and several French Men fell, tho'

on our Side never a Man was kill'd, but some wounded, and then they

fled more swiftly than they had pursu'd. Those on the Island beheld

the Ingagement, and thinking it had been Counterfeit, and both the

Ships French, they stirr'd not out to Succour either. When the Pirate

was quite fled, a Caravel of Algarve arriv'd coming from Portugal,

which discover'd the Pirate's Name, and Strength; declaring he had

85 Men in the Ship, and 25 in the Sloop, and among them a Portuguese

Pilot. That he had plunder'd four other Ships, and the said Caravel,

at Cape Blanco, on the Coast of Africk; and at the Island of May,

not far from Santiago, had sunk another Caravel, belonging to the

Royal Navy, which was sailing for Brazil, in order to People Paraguay;

where the English had of late Years built Towns, intermarrying with,

and being attracted by the Love, and Children they had by the Tapuyer

Indian Women.

[Sarmiento at Cabo Verde.] Sarmiento Landed at Cabo Verde,

the Custom-House of which City yearly is worth to the King 100000

Ducats. There are always in it 20000 Blacks, because of the settled

Trade for them. Before he Anchor'd, there came Boats from the Shore,

to view his Ship, and he telling them, he came from Peru, through

the Streights of Magellan, they were amaz'd. They return'd to give

an Account to their Governor Gaspar de Andrade, and told him, That

those that came in the Ship, were Men of several Shapes, Deform'd,

and Ill-look'd, and others with long tangled Hair and Locks. These

were some Indians of Peru and Chile. As for the Rest Sarmiento has

these Words, As to our being Ill-look'd, they did not wrong us; for

besides that we had no effeminate Countenances, the Powder and Sweat

of our Volleys of small Shot, a little before, had not set us off to

any Advantage; and, in short, we had more mind to some Water than to

look like Beaus. However, neither he nor his Men went Ashore, till

they had satisfy'd a Pratick Master that none of them were infected

with the Plague. The next Day they Landed bare-Foot, in Procession,

with Crosses, and Images, repairing to the Church of our Lady of the

Rosary, where they gave Thanks, Alms, and other effects of their

Vows, with extraordinary Joy; for every Storm is so much Honour,

when recounted in safe Harbour. They Confess'd, and receiv'd the

Blessed Sacrament at a Mass they had Vow'd to cause to be said. The

Governor, Don Bartholomew Leytao, Entertain'd, and made much of them,

tho' at first he would not believe they had pass'd the Streight. The

Sick were Cured, and the Ship and Boat which were much shatter'd,

re-fitted. The main Design of this Voyage, which was to Fight Drake,

and provide the proper Defence against the Designs of the Enemy,

had not been compass'd; and therefore Sarmiento, having Fought the

French Ship, and Sloop, which appear'd again, alarming that Coast,

and both of them flying back with all speed, after being Shatter'd and

Beaten, to the Island Mayo, or of May, the common Shelter of Robbers;

He redoubled his Watchfulness, and went on to get Intelligence of

the English, as well those that pass'd the Streight with Drake, as of

those new Planters in Brazil, or Paraguay; as also of the Inclination

of the Subjects of the Crown of Portugal, to submit to King Philip,

or Don Antony. A Pilot of Algarve inform'd him, That the [Intelligence

he receives.] Year before, betwixt Ayamonte and Tavira, two English

Merchants, speaking of the Indies, assured him, that Drake was gone

thro' into the South Sea; and by the Time, the News agreed with what

the Indians of the Streight had signify'd to him by Signs; and that

he arriv'd safe in England, with two Ships fraught with Gold and

Silver of that notable Robbery, which he presented to the Queen. She

fitted out five other Ships, with three Years Provision, to return

to the Streights of Magellan, to seek out those that had been lost

there; and Drake eight more. That the first five were already gone in

Decemb. last. That the Merchants had entrusted him with that Secret,

taking him for a Portuguese, and who, as such, would not discover

it to the Spaniards. By the French he was informed, That as soon as

they had brought off some Ships with Blacks from Castro Vedre, they

would go over to the Island Margarita, and thence to the North-ward,

from the Island of Santo Domingo to Yaguana, whence they came not

above four Months since, Loaded with Hides, and Sugar. That they had

kill'd Captain Barbudo, in the Island Margarita, in Revenge for the

English he had slain. That having taken the Governor of Brazil, they

again set him at Liberty. That all their Pilots are Portugueses. He

was also told by others who came from thence, and by Captains of

Reputation, who were [English in Paraguay.] returning thither, that

in the Bay of Paraguay, near Rio de Janeyro, which is in 21 Degrees,

12 Minutes South Latitude, there had been for eight Years last past,

Colonies of English among the Tapujers; with whom for the three last

Years, the Portuguese were at War, and had kill'd most of them.

That it is suppos'd the Natives, who are Man-Eaters, had devour'd most

of those that fled up the Country. He pick'd up other Intelligence

from England, concerning their Navies, their Colonies in those Parts,

and Design of Usurping the Molucco Islands with all their Strength,

and to render themselves Invincible Masters of the Spice. They

dispatch'd a Boat, with these Advices to the Viceroy of Peru; for

Sarmiento could not return himself by the way of Brazil and Paraguay,

because the force of the Currents had drove him away into the Main Sea,

East-ward. Before his Departure, [Sarmiento Strangles his Ensign,

and Punishes others.] he caus'd his Ensign to be Strangled, as a

Traytor to his King, to the Dishonour of his Post, and an Obstructor

of the Discovery. Two other Soldiers he Bannish'd, one of them from

the Indies, and shew'd Severity to some of the Company, on Account of

the same Crime, which, it was believ'd, had not been so fully prov'd

upon them, as is requisite for inflicting the usual Punishment.

From this Port he sail'd to the Westward, till he came to the Channel

between the Island Fuego and that of Santiago, where one of the Ships

that came out with him stay'd. Steering Norwest, one Point over or

under, [Advice-Boat sent the Viceroy of Peru.] for that is the Course

to the Island S. Anton, he thence dispatch'd the Advice Boat for the

Viceroy of Peru, with eight Men, commanded by Ferdinand Alonso. In

thirteen Days more he pass'd betwixt the Island Graciosa, one of the

Azores, small, but fruitful, and populous, and that of S. George,

in which he saw prodigious high Fires. Those he afterwards found

verified [Conflagration in the Island of S. George.] by the Bishop,

at Angra, where he resides. That on the first of June that same

Year, there were dreadful Earthquakes in the Island of S. George,

Voices of Devils were heard, and among other wonderful Effects, the

Earth open'd in three Places, whence Streams of Fire ran as far as

the Sea. Those continu'd, and seven more broke out, casting forth as

many Rivulets of Liquid Fire; one of which ran round an Hermitage,

and nine Men running to save some Bee-Hives from being burnt, another

Mouth open'd, which swallow'd seven of them, and sing'd the other

two. So much Ashes fell like Rain upon the Earth, that it was cover'd

a Span deep, and in short, all the Island was on Fire. Sarmiento held

on his Course, and on the 18th of June, arriv'd at the City Angra,

on the Island Tercera, the Chief of the Azores, where also came in a

Ship from the Town of Bernambuco, and another from Baya de todos os

Santos, in Brazil. These being ask'd, What they knew of the English,

assur'd him, That in November last past there came five White Men,

with fifteen Indians, who were going to Isleos, and the Portuguese

Towns by Land; and going along the Shore, they on a sudden, at Rio de

las Cuentas, lighted upon an English Sloop. Seven of the [Some English

in Brazil.] Men were ashore drying their Sails, and as soon as they

saw the Travellers they fled. The Portuguese persisted pursuing them;

but the English letting fly some Arrows, held on their Flight, two of

them up the Mountain, and the other five along the Coast, till they

got into the Sloop. They cut their Cables, and left behind them two

large Carriages for Guns.

The Travelers desir'd them to come ashore, and offer'd them Meat, and

all other Necessaries, assuring them they meant no Harm. They answer'd,

they would not come, and show'd Muskets, Cross-bows and Pikes, pointing

a small Gun, to fire at them. It was then Ebb, and they departed six

Leagues from thence, to sail near the River de las Cuentas. That at

the Island Cape, over-against Camamu, another Portuguese Ship, that

knew nothing of this Sloop, lighted on it, when there were only three

English Men left in her, the rest being kill'd ashore, with Arrows by

the Natives. In short, the Sloop was cast away, five Men of it being

taken, who declar'd, that it came with a Squadron of ten Ships, in

which a certain great Englishman [An English Squadron.] pass'd the

Streights of Magellan. That they return'd thence Coasting along, to

plant a Colony in the most convenient Place for their Purpose, the

Admiral having 500 Men aboard for that End. Four Hundred of them were

Soldiers, the rest Seamen, and other Mechanicks. That all this Squadron

Anchor'd in an Island of Cainbals, or Man-Eaters, and a Storm rising,

nine of them sail'd away, but the Admiral not being able to get from

her Anchors time enough, was Cast away, none being sav'd but those

that came [The Admiral cast-away.] in the Sloop, and they escap'd by

being then gone to Water. One of these five was 35 Years of Age, and

an able Mathematitian. He affirm'd, That those who escap'd the Storm,

would soon return to the Coast of Brazil, with a numerous Fleet. Among

other Particulars, he told them, that they found an Inscription with

the King of Spain's Arms, in that part of the Island Cananca, where

they were, which their Commander in chief took away, and set up in the

Place of it another, with those of England. Besides all this, three

of those Ships that escap'd the Storm, coming before the Portuguese

Town of Rio de Janeiro, to make the Cape, and find out the other six,

the Governor of that Place, sent out four Canoes to take Cognisance

of them, which on a sudden fell in with another Long-Boat belonging

to the English, who, as soon as they spy'd the Canoes, made away,

but could not do it so fast as to save all. They took Three, and the

Governor sent them to Bahia; but the Ships made away with all their

Sails. The Prisoners own'd, That in case they met with their Ships at

the Cape, they [English at Brazil.] were resolv'd to go to Parayba,

or Pernambuco. In other Respects they agreed with the Account given

by those in the Sloop. The English arriv'd at Brazil about November,

1579, at the same Time that Sarmiento was seeking for the Streight;

and this agrees with the confuse Signs the Brutish Indians of those

Parts made to him, as he Touch'd on their Coasts. His chief Care

being to enquire into these Matters, he was inform'd by the [Ship

of theirs cast-away.] Corregidor, that is the Governor in Civil

Affairs of Angra, that on the second of November, that same Year,

another English Ship was Cast-away at Gualva, a Town two Leagues

distant from that City, with six Men in it, two whereof, and a Black

were sav'd. It appear'd there had been 300 Men in the Ship, and much

Wealth, which was thrown into the Sea, during the Storm. That they

were going to plant Colonies in India, and most of the Men dy'd on

the Coast of Guinea; and perhaps this might be one of the nine Ships

aforesaid. The People of Gualva drew out of the Sea fifteen heavy

pieces of cast Iron Cannon, but could not get out several others. The

fifteen are of an extraordinary Magnitude, as it were for some settled

Fort. To conclude, he was inform'd, and Time has since verified it,

that they were preparing in those Northern Parts to rob us of the

Treasure of Metals, and Spice there is in those Countries, and in

exchange to Introduce their Sects. The final Success of both the

Spanish and the English Admirals, was that they arriv'd safe in their

respective Countries, forsaken [Drake's Treasure seiz'd.] by the

Vice-Admirals. Drake return'd to London, with an immense Treasure,

which the Queen seiz'd, alledging, That Don Barnardino de Menoza,

then the Spanish Embassador at that Court, demanded Restitution,

as belonging to his K. and the rest of it taken from his Subjects;

but she adjudg'd it to her own Cofers, in Recompence for the Dammage

sustain'd, when the Spaniards supported her Rebels in Ireland. Drake

was not enrich'd by his Robberies, nor did he gain any Reputation

by his Actions; but on the contrary he was slighted in England,

either because they knew what he did was not Honourable, or that

generally a Man's own Country is [Sarmiento in Spain.] ungrateful to

him. Sarmiento departing from Angra with a fair Wind, discover'd the

Coast of Spain on the 7th of August, and arriv'd at Cape S. Vincent,

full of Intelligence and News from so great a Part of the World, and

of the Designs of several Nations, and the Crown of Portugal. His

Arrival, and Account produc'd the fitting out of other Fleets, and

fresh Preparations in Spain, and in the Indies, which extended to

the Relief of the remotest Parts. One of them was the Reducing of

Ternate, and the sending over one hundred Spanish Families, arm'd,

provided and examin'd, as to Quality and Virtue, to be the first

Inhabitant of those Desarts upon the Streight. They carry'd Tools,

Arms, Instructions, and all Necessaries to fortifie the narrow Parts

of it. Sarmiento went as Chief, and Governour of those Dominions. This

Project prov'd unsuccessful, and in the general Opinion of all Men,

it was through the Fault of the Genéral Sancho Flores. Afterwards

Sarmiento was taken, and set at Liberty in England where he had

Conferences with the Queen and Drake upon this Subject, whence he

drew Information for the Execution of greater Designs.

[King Henry of Portugal dyes.] This Year King Henry Dy'd in Portugal,

when he had Reign'd but thirteen Months. Five Governours had the

Administration during the Interregnum, and were disturb'd by the

Arming of Don Antonio, within the Kingdom, and by King Philip's Forces

already advancing into the Frontiers. So that neither Government

could do any more than consult about the present Exigencies; which

at that Time were neither perfect Peace nor open War, there being

Hopes that they would lay down their Arms, and joyn with their true

Prince, whom the Portuguese is wont to Love, as a Father, rather than

as a King. However there were some Troubles, and Commotions. Private

Discord is an inseparable incident to all Governments, and that draws

the Thoughts of Men after it, and is often the Original of general

Calamities, tho' it be moderated, or justify'd by a sincere Zeal.

King Philip enter'd Lisbon supporting his Right by his Power, and

[King Philip the II. at Lisbon.] whilst the other Provinces, which

compose that Monarchy in Spain, Africk, Asia, and the East-Indies

submitted to him, he bestow'd Favours, gave Laws, confirm'd the Old,

ratified Priviledges, and gain'd Affections by his Presence, and a

General Pardon, which he extended to those who had offended him. On

the 15th of November 1582, he swore to observe those Laws establish'd

by his Predecessors, and particularly by King Emanuel, as then next

Heir to the Crowns of Spain, for himself and his Son, Prince Michael,

whom God took to a better Kingdom in his Infancy. Those Laws were

afterwards sworn to by King Sebastian, and all of them imported,

that all Honours, Employments, Benefices, and the Management of

the Revenue of the Crown, with all other Commands by Sea and Land,

in Portugal, Africk, India, the Islands and all other Parts already

conquered, or to be conquer'd by that Crown, shall be in the Hands

of Natural born Portugueses. And by the 24th Chapter of these Laws,

it was establish'd, that in fitting out Fleets [He Swears to maintain

the Laws.] for India, or otherwise for Defence of the Kingdom, or

suppressing of Pyrates, the King should take the necessary Measures

with the Kingdom of Portugal, though he should use the Assistance of

his Majesties other Dominions. They were sensible that this favourable

Law, without infringing the Antient Laws, made way for employing

the Forces of the Crown of Castile, in the Recovery, or Preservation

of the Kingdoms of the Eastern Archipelago, where at that Time the

Christians suffer'd Martyrdom, without any Opposition. And the King

for the Recovery of Ternate, especially consider'd the Conveniency

of the Philippine Islands, which lie more opportune than India;

the Justness of which Reflection has been confirm'd by the Event.

India at this Time was govern'd by the Viceroy Fernan Tellez, to

whom King Philip the second Writ, representing how favourable an

Opportunity he had to do God good Service, to secure the Tranquility

of Christendom, and settle Peace, which inestimable Advantages would

be owing to his Fidelity and Care, if through them those Provinces

should be united to the Monarchy, without any Trouble, by continuing

Loyal, and providing that the Tributary Kings should do the same. He

put him in Mind that Services [India submits to him.] become the

more valuable by the surmounting of the greatest Difficulties, and

gave him good Hopes of a Reward, which would have been fulfill'd,

had he come home to see the Effects of them and his Services. But

Fernan Tellez had no need of any such Promises, or of the Perswasions

which are as good as Commands, contain'd in Letters from Ministers of

State, and sent with the King's Letter. These being sent over Land,

came [Tellez the Viceroy Loyal.] to his Hands in six Months, and he

either preserving, or gaining their Affections had so much Forecast

as to confirm the King, Princes, and Sangiacks, who, in those remote

Parts, pay subjection to the Crown of Portugal; before he knew any

thing of the Orders sent him, or of the additional Estate the King

was pleas'd to confer on him. By his Authority he disappointed some

Projects of Confederacies, set a foot for the recovering of their

Former Liberty, hoping by the Example of the King of Ternate, that the

Revolutions in Europe might turn to their Advantage. But in despight

of these Contradictions and Changes, Fernan Tellez so far prevailed,

as that the Religious Mendicants, and the Jesuits, continu'd the

preaching of the Gospel, with such Fervour, that they defy'd even

Tyranny it self. The Conversions of Idolater Princes are truly and

elegantly related in the Writings and Books of the Missions of the

Society, and other Ecclesiastical Histories; so that they excite,

and inflame Devotion in the Breasts of such as read them. There may

be seen, how the Truth was embrac'd, with all possible Affection;

how hastily, and eagerly they learn'd the Catechism; what Rejoycings

the Catechumens made on the Day they were baptiz'd; Queens, and

Princesses worshipping the Images of Saints; and sweeping the new

Churches, and Chappels with their own Hands; with what Attention,

and Exactness they honour'd the Ceremonies of the Church, and lastly,

how they frequented the Sacraments, and improv'd in Christianity.

All this was Persecuted, and Extirpated by the King of Ternate; who

was now so far from enduring any neighbouring Empire, that he struck

a Dread into the remotest; insomuch, that tho' they were all sensible

they [King of Bachian kill'd.] ought in all good Policy to support

the Kingdoms of Tydore and Bachian, yet they became lookers on, as it

were on a Stage, to behold the Assaults given, and the Cruelties acted

at the Sieges. And in the latter of them, whilst throughout India the

Standards were display'd in submission to Spain, the King of Ternate

enter'd Bachian, and press'd on so vigorously, that he took the Forts

by main Force, and made the principal Sangiacks Prisoners. At the

Taking of the City of Bachian, the King of the Island was slain in

Fight, with all the Portugueses that assisted him; and the Prince,

his Son, taken, who was then a Christian, but soon after, having taken

an Oath of Fealty to the Conquerer, and Apostatiz'd from the True

Religion, he was miserably Restor'd to his Kingdom, exchanging the

Hopes of his Souls Salvation, for the Pernicious Fables of the Alcoran,

to which he has adhear'd till this time; tho' in Temporals he now owns

the sovereign Dominion of our King. The War with the Tydores lasted

longer, the two Navies fighting with indifferent Success, and Victory

changing sides, according [Molucco way of Fighting.] to various

Accidents. These Princes method of making War depends on Ambushes,

and Stratagems, where Subtilty supplies the place of Strength. It is

rare that either side is much weakned; because as soon as sensible

of the others Advantage, the Weaker flyes, and reserves himself for

better Fortune; nor do they look upon it as Dishonourable to fly, for

in those Parts they have but rude Notions of the Laws of Honour. The

last Action, after they had sustain'd the Siege with extraordinary

Magnanimity, was a Sally made by the Portuguese and Tydores from the

Fort, with much Order and Conduct, Attacking the Enemies Camp with

such Bravery, that [Battle of Tydores and Ternates.] tho' they were

much superior in number, they could not stand the Fury of the King

of Tydore. The Ternates being put to Flight, imbark'd after a great

Slaughter of their Men, and never stopp'd till they came to Talangame,

so they call the Harbour of Ternate on that side. The Tydores pursu'd,

and being flush'd with Victory despis'd the Succours the Ternates

had ready in that Place, which Addition made them renew the Fight

with fresh Vigour, and wrest the Victory which then inclin'd to the

Tydores. These without breaking their Order, retir'd and imbark'd;

and hasting back in their Carcoas came to Tydore, where they fortify'd

themselves against what might happen. The King of Ternate return'd

to this City in Triumphant Manner, making a Show of some Prisoners.

The News of the Union of Portugal to Castile, was now known throughout

all those Eastern Parts, and so well receiv'd, that instead of offering

at any Opposition, they all joyfully submitted, hoping they should be

protected by a more powerful Arm, than they had been before. Nor were

they deceiv'd in their Expectation, for, pursuant to what the King had

sworn at Lisbon, concerning the Fleets, for suppressing of Pyrates,

and Garrisoning the Coasts of Africk, he granted his Royal Order, for

all the Governours of the Philippine Islands to take Care to relieve

the Moluccos, and all other the Dominions in India, belonging to the

Crown of Portugal, making use of New Spain, and all other Kingdoms

subject to the Crown of Castile, there being more conveniency for

supplying them from thence, than even from India.

The King of Ternate, being sensible of the Change of Times, and

how much greater Forces threatned him than before; and that he

should not be suffer'd to reign, without submitting to a Superior,

he grew better advis'd, [Nayque Embassador for Spain.] and sent an

Ambassador to Lisbon. The Ambassador was Cachil Nayque, well known

for the Antiquity of his Family, and brave Actions. Nayque signifies

a Tribune, or Commander. He embark'd with much Wealth of those Parts,

as Porcelane, Chinese Silks, Calico's and Muslins, Spice, Fruit,

Aromatick Woods and Barks, and Preserves of the same; and passing

between the Islands of Pangicaz and Manado, near to that of Celebes,

keeping off from the Equinoctical, coasted it and cross'd the Line

[His Voyage.] again, till he came to Borneo. There he visited the

King, who was at Tayaopura, and deliver'd him Letters from his Master,

attempting by Word of Mouth, to unite him to the Molucco Nation against

the Crown of Spain. Contenting himself with the first Hopes, he pass'd

on betwixt Cremato and Surato, and cross'd the Islands Pulo and Linga,

in sight of the greater Java, thence thro' the Streight of Malaca,

by the great Ones of Banca and Bintam, in the Port whereof were then

the 20 Ships, which are sent from Sumatra every Year, loaded with

Pepper. He barter'd away much of what he had in his own Ship, and

propos'd a general Revolt to all [Streights of Sincapura and Sabao.]

Nations. There are two Streights there; the one of Sincapura, so

call'd from that City built on the Coast of Malaca; and the other of

Sabao, from an Island of that Name, and this leads to Sumatra. Nayque

steer'd this Course, and soon put into the Harbour which lies going

out of the Channel.

This great Island, opposite to Malaca, and divided from it by a Bay

full [Sumatra describ'd.] of Ridges, of Rocks and Shoals, and above a

thousand smaller Islands, was formerly a Peninsula, and contiguous to

Malaca, as Sicily is said to have been to Italy, Ancient Geographers

call'd it Trapobana, the Modern Sumatra. The Ancients also call'd it,

the Golden Chersonesus, and the most curious Searchers into Antiquity,

Ophir, whence Solomon gather'd that vast Mass of Treasure. According to

the Portugueses it is 80 Leagues in Length, and 30 in Breadth. (Here

seems to be some Mistake in the Author, for the Island is well known

to be above 80 Leagues in Length.) Italian Writers say it is 2100 in

Circumference. The Dutch, who have traded and made War there, do not

contradict it, and all agree it is the largest in all the East, and

the most fruitful we know of. It lies thwarting from North to South,

in the Torrid Zone, and the Equinoctial Line cuts it in the Middle;

so that one Part falls to the Northern Hemisphere, and takes up five

Degrees, and the other to the Southern, extending seven Degrees. This

Island is, according to some, divided into four Kingdoms; others

say ten, and some 29; but we know of eight, which are, Pedir, Pacem,

Achem, Camper, Menancabo, wealthy in Gold Mines, and Zaude; and up the

Inland the other two of Andragide, and Auru, the Natives whereof are

Idolaters and Man-Eaters. They devour, not only Strangers, but their

own Brothers, and Fathers. In short, among these barbarous People,

Hunger produces the same Effects as Passion. The King of Achem is the

most Powerful of them, and they all pay Homage to the [Nayque stirs

up Princes to revolt.] Crown of Portugal. Nayque enter'd the Court

of Achem, attended by his own Men, and follow'd by the Multitude of

Chinese, Japonese, Malay, Persian, and Turkish Merchants; all of them

flattering themselves with the Expectation of new Commotions. He first

worshipp'd the King in a Temple, where there were monstrous Idols,

notwithstanding that the People are Mahometans. He had afterwards

private Conferences with him at Court, and in a few Days brought

him over to his Party, with his Wealth, as if he had been a poor

Man. After delivering his Master's Letters, he told him, that before

he went over into Europe, whether he was sent to discover the Power

of Spain in its Origin, or Source, at a Time when it was distracted

by such Revolutions, it was convenient that most wealthy Part of Asia

should be restor'd to its former Condition, a Matter of no Difficulty,

if they were firmly united among themselves. That none were so able

to overthrow the Neighbouring Monarchy, which from Malaca had,

as it were, fetter'd so many Provinces, as the Kings of Sumatra,

if they, considering of what Moment it was to them, would stand by

one another. That since he had successfully besieg'd that hateful

City, assaulted its Walls, and Forts, and valu'd himself on being

an Enemy to the Portugueses, he ought not to let slip so favourable

an Opportunity, which offer'd him compleat Victory. That he should

remember the several Expeditions of the Viceroys against Sumatra,

and that they always breed up Adelantados, or Lords-Lieutenants,

with their Soldiers in Pay against those Kingdoms. And that since,

till then they had not been able to make him uneasy, it was too

much Forbearance to suffer a perpetual [The King of Achem complies.]

Threat of Thraldom to subsist so near him. The King of Achem, listen'd

to him with Satisfaction, as one, who, with all his Nation, hates the

Haughtiness of the Portuguese Behaviour; yet he neither promis'd, nor

perform'd any more than obstructing the Trade of Malaca, till he had

reduc'd it to Want. Nor did he keep the Secret, for they had soon an

Account at Malaca and Goa of these Contrivances. He farther promis'd;

That whensoever the King of Ternate should make a greater Invasion,

or go about to extend, or enlarge himself, as far as he pretended

he had a right, he would continue to give the Diversion, as far as

stood with his Conveniency, and that he should have the Liberty of his

Ports, and all Supplies for his Ships in his Kingdom. Nayque return'd

Thanks, and extended his Negociation, endeavouring to bring in the

other Tyrants of Sumatra, as for the Publick Good. Then sailing away

through the Streight of Sunda, so call'd from the Name of a City in

the furthest Part of the Province, beyond the Line; he proceeded

to the greater Java, no less Fertile than the other in the same

Medicinal, and Odoriferous Growth, at the Time when Thomas Candish,

an English Commander was arriv'd there, coming from the North-Sea,

by the Way of New Spain.

Nayque went up the Country to visit, and found him in a populous

City, where he was loading Pepper, which is excellent in Java, with

that King's Leave, he being a Friend to the English, who had already

settled a Factory. [Candish in Java presented by Nayque.] He found him

on the Banks of a River of such a Nature, that it presently converts

any Wood whatsoever cast into it into Stone, as solid and hard as our

Pebbles. He bore the Englishman Company to the Port of Sunda Calapa,

viewed his Ship, and made as much of him as he could. Among other

Things he presented him a Pavillion, artificially wove all with sweet

scented Cloves, and not black, which was not only fit to keep out the

excessive Cold of England, but even to dry up over moist Bodies that

slept under it. There is daily Experience of its atractive Virtue at

Ternate, by placing great Vessels full of Water in the middle of the

Rooms where the Cloves [Clove atracts Water, as does China Silk.]

are kept, and in the Morning they find the Heaps of Cloves damp,

and the Vessels empty and dry. The same Essential Heat is in the

Skeins of China Silk, which therefore those who deal in it keep at a

small Distance from the Water, yet they suck it, without touching,

and by this Fraud they weigh the heavier. Captain John Lopez de

Ribera carry'd such a Pavillion of Cloves, as is above mention'd,

and presented it to the Earl of Coruna, who was then Viceroy. Nayque,

like a Flash of Lightning which burns all that stands in its way,

endeavour'd to stir up those who before were kept peaceable by the

Valour of Fernan Tellez, and to encourage the Turbulent, but without

staying to see the effect of his Negociation, he made directly towards

the Cape of Good-Hope, yet it is more likely, and even positive,

that he went first to Malaca, and thence in the India Ships to Spain.

Whilst Nayque was at Sea, the Marques de Santa Cruz had in the Ocean

fought the Fleet Commanded by Philip Strozzi, in which was Antony

the Bastard, Pretender to the Crown of Portugal, and destroy'd it,

[Antony the Bastard Defeated.] Chastizing the French, who with real,

or counterfeit Commissions from their King, had oppos'd King Philip's

just Possession. He arrived victorious at the Island of S. Michael,

cut off the Heads of the French Gentlemen, and condemn'd the Rest

to the Galleys. Strozzi dy'd of his Wounds, and Don Antonio escap'd

in a Boat, and return'd to Zealand, to solicite fresh Succours in

England and France. In the mean while, the King of Achem perform'd his

Promise. His Kingdom lies next the first Promontory of the [Kingdom

of Achem.] Island, in four Degrees and a half of North Latitude,

and consequently his Ships easily made themselves Masters of all the

Streight between Sumatra and Achem, which they so entirely possess'd,

that they suffer'd none of the Ships to pass to Malaca, which brought

Merchandize and Provisions from China, Japan, Camboxa, nor even from

the Moluccos, obliging them to Coast about several Islands, to the

great Loss of the Merchants. But the Portuguese Dealers in the City of

Pedir, eight Leagues from Achem, sustain'd much greater Dammage. Most

of them fled to Malaca, and tho' Fernan Tellez was then upon his

Departure, he gave the necessary Orders at Goa for their Relief. He

sunk some of the Enemies Ships, and took one loaded with Daggers, they

call Crizes, made at Menancabo, and a numerous Artillery, a Thing well

known, and cast in Sumatra, many Years before the Europeans brought

them into those Parts. This appears by the Victory the Portugueses

obtain'd over that Nation, during the Blockade of Malaca.

The King of Achem sending a Daughter to be Married to the King of Zor,

not far from Malaca, in the Country of Siam, among other rich Gifts,

[Monstrous Piece of Cannon.] by way of Portion, presented him a

Brass Cannon of such a bigness, that the like had never been seen

in Europe. This prodigious Gun, and the Princess that was to be

Queen of Zor, fell into the Hands of the Portugueses. The taking

of this Prize, and some others, clear'd the Sea of that Fleet; and

that extraordinary piece of Cannon, which serv'd to Ballast a Ship,

was brought as a Present to the King of Spain, for its Monstrous Size,

but a Storm oblig'd them to leave it in the Island Tercera, where it is

now seen and admir'd. The City Zor was also Taken by the Portugueses,

and in it they found 1500 pieces of Cannon, Artificially Cast, with

curious Figures and Flowers of Rais'd-Work on them. The Molucco

Embassador [Molucco Embassador at Lisbon.] being come to Lisbon,

obtain'd Audience of the King; who, tho' he was fully inform'd of

the Embassadors Falshood, and the Practices of his Nation, yet gave

him a favourable Hearing, after he had shew'd his Credentials to the

Ministers of State. He in a long Speech recounted, from its Original,

the constant Fidelity or the Molucco Kings, and how particularly

Remarkable it had been in Sultan Aerio, and that the wicked Commander

[His Speech.] in Chief in putting him to Death, had equally wrong'd

the Crown of Portugal. That since the Murderer was not punish'd,

to satisfy the dead Man's Children and Kingdoms, it might well

be concluded, that so Cruel and Undeserv'd an Execution had been

by the Direction of some higher Power than the Governor Mesquita,

and that even in case the Crime had been Notorious it had been more

Prudence to charge it upon some private Person. That King Cachil Babu

intreated his Majesty to punish the Offender in such manner as might

give Satisfaction, and be an Example and Security to all the Asiatick

Kings, that own the Dominion of Spain. In Return for that Favour,

and Justice, he promised to Restore the Fort of Ternate, and his

other Kingdoms, which were Alienated, and that they would return

to their former Subjection, as they had promis'd to the Governor

Pereyra de la Cerda; so remarkably correct their Behaviour, that

there should be visible Effects of a Royal, and Humble Gratitude,

both in respect to his Majesties service, and the security of the

Garrisons, and to the Advantage of the neighbouring Provinces,

belonging to other Kings, who were his Subjects, about Malaca, the

Philippine Islands, and Parts Adjacent. He also ingaged to Restore

the Churches, and Christian Religion, and much more than had been

agreed upon with Pereyra. The King having heard his Request, as if

he were ignorant that the Ternates did not deserve the satisfaction

they requir'd, since they had taken it themselves so fully, that

it exceeded even the bounds and examples of Revenge, he Answer'd,

That [The King's Answer.] all the Accessaries to that Fact should

be found out, it being prov'd that the Principal was already Dead,

and none of them should escape Unpunish'd, as would have been done

by King Sebastian, had he Liv'd. That Cachil Babu must prepare to

Restore all Things into the same Posture they were in before, if he

intended to partake of the general Amnesty, which blotted out all

past Offences throughout the Dominions of that Crown. Nayque had some

private Audiences, and some Ministers of State had Conferences with

him, with a Design to find out how the People of India were dispos'd.

At this same Time Don Gonzalo Ronquillo, pursuant to the Orders he

[Ensign Duenas from Philippines to the Moluccos.] had receiv'd from

Spain, sent the Ensign, Francis de Duenas, from the Philippine Islands,

where he was Governor, to the Moluccos, to pry into the Inclinations

of the Kings, and People, Governors, and other Portugueses at Ternate,

Tydore, and Bachian, as to submitting to the King of Spain. He set

out in the Habit of a Chinese, and was much assisted by his Knowledge

of those Countries, and their Languages, and much more by his bold

Spirit, sufficiently try'd in those Wars. He artfully Learnt what Hopes

there might be of the Recovery of Ternate, and how firm the People of

Tydore stood. He first inquired what Leagues were carrying on in the

Archipelago, what Intelligence they had with, and expected from the

Northern Fleets, with whom they had now familiar Correspondence. He

Travell'd about the Islands, like a Sangley, or Chinese, in the

Janguas, or Trading [The Intelligence he got.] Vessels of the Malay,

and Philippine Merchants, and had the Opportunity of viewing them

all, so far as to take the Dimensions of strong Places, compute what

Stores and Ammunition the Barbarians had, and discover the Humours

and Inclinations of the Portugueses who Traded, or Govern'd there;

and returning to the Philippine Islands, his Account, and Relation,

first Encourag'd and gave Hopes that more Advantagious Enterprizes

might be undertaken in those Parts, than about Malaca, tho' it were

but only Supporting the Portugueses and Tydores, then hard press'd

by the King of Ternate. King Philip receiv'd this Intelligence at

Lisbon, whence the Molucco Embassador was then gone, ill satisfy'd

with the Answer he had; but Sultan Babu, on whom the Word of so great

a Monarch, and the Authority of his Promise might perhaps have had

great Effect, dy'd long before the said Embassador could come to

his Presence. [Sultan Babu Dies.] The small Remains of Christianity

still left in his Kingdom, took a little Heart, and had our Arms but

appear'd upon the Revolution caus'd by his Death, the only Noise of

them might have gain'd the Victory. It is Reported that furious King

Babu dy'd by the excess of his Love, or rather of his inordinate Lust,

in the Arms of one of his Mistresses. Some say she kill'd him with

Charms, or Poison, which is the Tyrant-Slayer among those Nations,

impatient of one Mans long Rule. He was Succeeded by his Brother,

who was Illegitimate, as we are told by Cachil Tulo, in the Letter,

which, as we shall see hereafter, he writ to the Governor of the

Philippine Islands. The new King took the Name of Cachil Sultan Nait

Dini Baraca [Sultan Nait succeds.] Xa, before whom Cachil Madraca

ought to have been preferr'd, as being Son to the principal Queen. As

soon as Enthron'd he offer'd Peace to his Neighbours; on this Security,

and that of a clear Conscience, Cachil Gava, King of Tydore, paid him

a visit. He was received with publick Rejoycings in one of the greatest

Squares of Ternate, and attended to a mighty lofty Arbour, provided to

offer Sacrifize in, a (Chappel suitable to the Priesthood) and there

to decide Controversies, and give Audience to his Subjects. When the

first Complements were over, and the King of Tydore [Murders the King

of Tydore.] least suspected any thing, the Ternate Guards, hearing

the Signal given by their K. drew their Campilanes, or Cymiters, and

without allowing the Guest time to cry out, fell upon, and cut him

into Pieces; tho' he was the Man thro' whose Means the K. of Ternate

had the Crown given him, contrary to the Opinion, and Designs of his

Unkles. But whensoever great Returns are due to a Favour receiv'd,

Ungrateful Souls convert the Obligation into Hatred, and nothing can

occur to them more odious than the Sight of the Benefactor. Next he

turn'd his Fury against that murder'd Princes Family, and such of

his Servants as could not make their Escape to Tydore, were either

Kill'd, or remain'd Prisoners at Ternate, or absconded wheresoever

Fortune, and their own Confusion lead them. This cruel Fact, which

some assign'd to his Father, Cachil Babu, Reconcil'd the Murderer

and his Unkles. But he immediately acquainted them, how he expected

to be Invaded on two Sides; that it was of the utmost Consequence,

that Subjects should own their Sovereign, and fortify his Islands,

especially all the upper Parts; and that since he had such Powerful

Unkles, it was Reasonable, and Convenient, the People should be

acquainted how firmly they were United to their Nephew. Then extolling

their Valour, he with the sweetness of their Commendations so blinded

and amused them, that they could not perceive the profound Jealousie

he shrouded under them. Thus he divided them, that they might attend

the Fortifications in distant Places; whilst [New King of Tydore.]

he in Person carry'd on the War against the Tydores. They presently

set up a Brother of their late King in his Stead; who, tho' he govern'd

with Bravery, and stuck close to the Portugueses, yet had some strong

Places taken from him by the King of Ternate, which were afterwards

restor'd, in our Kings Name, by Don Pedro de Acuna to the King now

reigning. This Prince lived but a short Time, yet so long that Cachil

Mole, who was a Child when the King his Father was murder'd, grew

up, and in him the Revenge of the Injury receiv'd. He never thought,

or talk'd of any other Thing, till he brought it to Execution.

In the mean while the new King of Tydore, assisted by the Spaniards he

had in his Forts, provided to oppose, and attack his Enemy. They all

expected Succours from India, where it was certain they must think

it necessary to support Tydore, in order to recover Ternate. Their

Behaviour was so brave, as to defend themselves, tho' ill furnish'd

with Arms and Provisions against those who attack'd them with Plenty

of all Things. Hector Brito was come with a Galleon from India to

their Assistance, and [He is taken by him of Ternate.] it being known

at Tydore that a Storm had oblig'd him to stay on the farther Coast

of Borneo, the King fitted out four Carcoas, and went to meet him,

but was forced back to his Island by contrary Winds. He of Ternate

watch'd to improve all Opportunities against his Enemy, and therefore

would not let this Slip, nor trust to any other; but Man'd out nine

Carcoas, and going in Person fell upon him. The Tydores wanted not

Courage to defend themselves, and the Fight began with that Fury,

which always arms those two Nations against one another; but tho' the

Tydore fought desperately, he was taken, and his Men either kill'd,

or dangerously wounded. This Misfortune griev'd the Portugueses no

less than the Indians, because they all lov'd him. For this reason

they gather'd the Remains of that Disaster, and all the other Forces

they could make, offering their Service to Cachil Aleazen, Brother to

the Captive King, a very hopeful Youth. [Fidelity of the Tydores.]

He thank'd them, and was so dexterous in gaining the Affections,

and confirming the Fidelity of the Subjects, that through his Care,

no Man was wanting to his Duty. This Industry was of good Use, for

the Conqueror did not return immediately to Ternate; but went about

to his Enemies Islands, perswading the People in each of them to take

an Oath of Allegiance to him, showing them their Captive King, whose

Life was at his disposal; but the Tydore Towns, being furnish'd with

all Necessaries, and believing they might with Safety practice that

Hatred and Rage Nature has fill'd them with, would not give Ear to his

Proposals, though they were mix'd with Intreaties, and Threats, and on

the contrary dismiss'd him with their usual Fierceness. He perceiving

that the Ostentation of his Victory, and the Sight of the Captive

King availed him but little, Sail'd away for Ternate. At his Arrival,

he was received with Trumpets, Kettle-Drums, and Basons they beat on,

and with Songs they make for such like Occasions. The Heads and Limbs

of the Tydores slain in Battel, were fix'd [Cruelties of Ternates.]

upon the Spears they have advanc'd in the Carcoas on the Poops and

Prows, and other high Places of them, and particularly the Kings. This

is their way of erecting Trophies. Of the Skulls they make Cups to

drink out of; like the Scithians, who, according to Herodotus, practice

the same; or like the Germans, as Tacitus tells us, of the Heads of

the Uri they slew, and that was a Token of Nobility. He would not

trust the keeping of the King in any of his Forts; but turn'd a strong

House into a Goal, and appointed him a Guard of Gilolo Islanders, well

arm'd. Sometimes he show'd Severity, and otherwhiles Tenderness; but

all Men knowing his Disposition, expected the End of the Captive King;

tho' at the same time they believ'd, he would mitigate his Revenge

out of Respect to his Sister, the Princess of Tydore. Hector Brito,

Commander of a Galeon, [Hector Brito at Tydore.] came now to Tydore;

but his Arrival did not much mend the Posture of Affairs, tho' those

in the Fort were Encourag'd to hold out, and at least, he added some

Reputation to the Cause, and inclin'd the Ternates to listen to some

Overtures. However what could not be compass'd by force of Arms nor

Treaty, was effected by the Resolution of an Amorous Soul.

The Princess Quisayra, Sister to King Gapabaguna, that was the

Prisoner's [Remarkable Story of the Captive King's Liberty.] Name,

had so great an Opinion of herself, as to hope that her Beauty would

prevail to bring about that good End, which was then of Consequence

to all Parties, on several Accounts. She knew she was belov'd by the

King of Bachian, by him of Sian, a brave Youth, by him of Ternate her

Enemy, and by other prime Sangiacks of his Kingdom, and his Kinsmen,

who all publickly vy'd in doing her Honour. She was discreet enough

dexterously to feed them all with such Hopes, as lay no Obligation on

the Party that gives them, and yet encourage those who value them. She

gave out that she would marry none but the Man that [Contrivance of

Quisayra, Princess of Tydore.] should set her Brother at Liberty,

and deliver him to her alive, or dead. This Part of the Declaration,

tended to the Promoting of her Design. The Promise work'd upon all

her Admirers; tho' it was most certain, that her naming herself as a

Reward of the Enterprize, proceeded from the Affection she bore Ruy

Diaz d' Acunha, a Portuguese Gentleman, and Commander in Chief of

the Fort of Tydore. She thought he would attempt the Rescuing of the

King, and that such Success would entitle her [She is in Love with

the Portuguse Commander.] to marry him, tho' many suspected there

was already a mutual Obligation, as well as Desire, and that they

were reciprocally in Love. It was known, that they had discours'd

together several Times in the House of Quinchana, a great Lady,

Aunt to Quisayra, whether Ruy Diaz was wont to go frequently; and

that with her Interposition the Matter had been so far concerted,

that the Princess promis'd she would embrace Christianity to marry

him. This made not his Rivals dismay, and the King of Ternate, upon

these profer'd Hopes, offer'd to give her Brother his Liberty. However

he was not regarded, because Quisayra was as averse to be beholding

to him, as she was desirous to be oblig'd by Ruy Diaz. This powerful

Passion informs barbarous Minds. Her Disdain caus'd the King of Tydore

to be more close confin'd, and his Body to be loaded with heavy Chains,

being more narrowly observ'd than before.

[Cachil Salama a Lover of Quisagra, his Bravery.] Cachil Salama,

a Subject and near Kinsman of his, well known for his Valour in

the Wars, was more deep in Love with Quisayra than all the Rest,

and listen'd to all the Reports of their endeavouring to comply with

her Expectation. He entirely keeping his own Council, a Thing rare in

Lovers, to be secret without Affectation, that no Notice might be taken

of him, one Night fitted out a Baroto, so they call a Sort of small

Boat, putting into it five Tydore Soldiers, he could confide in. Thus

he cross'd over the Channel to the Leeward, and landed on Ternate;

where he left the Boat ready, but hid on the Shore. Then Cachil

Salama, conceal'd among the Croud of trading People in the City,

went to the chief Part they call Limathas, and set Fire to a House

in that Ward he thought stood most convenient for his Purpose. The

Flame, which had taken hold of the Roof gathering Strength, threatned

a greater Conflagration. Having done this Mischief, whilst the People

flock'd together, and endeavour'd to put a Stop to it with Water,

and other means, Cachil return'd to his Boat, on the Inside the Ridge

of Rocks there is about the Island, and went away to the other Side

of the Fort, where he began to beat an Alarm, to cause the greater

Confusion. This done he went ashore again, with only his Campilan,

or Cimiter, ordering three of his Men to follow him at some small

Distance. He found the King's Prison almost abandon'd, the Guards

being gone to help at the House that was a Fire. He went in boldly,

breaking open Doors, and Bolts, till he came to the Prisoners Chamber,

[He rescues the King of Tydore.] who scarce believing what he saw,

ask'd him, with much Amazement, how he came thither, and whether the

Fort of Tydore was lost? Cachil answer'd, he must be quick, and go

along with him, and should afterwards be satisfy'd as to his Questions;

for if he refus'd he would strike off his Head. Then laying hold of

the end of the Chain, and the other three Tydores being now come up to

them, they forc'd their Passage out of the House, making way with their

Swords and killing such as offer'd to oppose them. The same Valour

and good Fortune carry'd them through the Streets, to the Port, and

leaping into their little Boat, put all their Hands to the Oars. In

those Islands it is usual for Kings to row, without being compell'd

to it by Necessity; for as in Spain the Nobility learn to ride,

so the Island Princes in all those Eastern Parts value themselves

upon handling the Oars, and Sails. They cross'd over the Streight,

and being pursu'd too late, by the light Vessels of Ternate, arriv'd

unexpected at Tydore. The Fame of his arrival was soon spread abroad,

and when certainly known, the Cannon was fir'd, the flat Drums in

the Temples were beaten, and the Bells rung, the Sound whereof uses

to draw the People of the Moluccos together, and in short there was

a general Rejoycing, without quitting their Arms. All Men cry'd up

Cachil Salama to the Skies, calling him the Deliverer of Tydore,

and Neza Maluco, Neza signifies a Spear, and Maluco a Kingdom, and

both together the Spear, that is, the Defence of the Kingdom.

Only Quisayra was troubled at this Event, because the general Promise

[Quisayra contrives to murder Cachil Salama.] she had made of

marrying, whosoever perform'd it, was only design'd for Ruy Diaz

de Acunha. She was not able to conceal this Truth; especially when

Cachil Salama boldly press'd the Performance of the Promise, the

King himself seconding him. She delay'd him, alledging some specious

Pretences to gain Time. She would willingly have made her Complaint

to Ruy Diaz himself, either to shame, or provoke him to Passion. She

easily compass'd to meet him at her Aunts, where, as soon as she began

to Discourse, there was nothing but Tears, Complaints, Excuses, and

Contrivances to murder Salama, to conclude a Reconciliation. Rocque

Pinheyro the Commander's Nephew, and a Soldier of reputed Valour,

was present at this Discourse. Quisayra trusting him with her secret

Thoughts, he [Pinheyro undertakes to murder him and his own Unkle.]

boldly, and with Art, gave her to understand that his Unkle was

as slack as before; and since he had been so in the other Affair,

what could be expected from him in what he now promis'd. He said,

if she could prevail upon her self to be sensible of the Ingratitude

of Ruy Diaz, and to substitute him in his Place, he would not only

murder Cachil, but his own Unkle too. That out of the Respect due to

her high Qualities, he had not till then presum'd to let her know how

deeply he was in Love with her Beauty; but that he now thought himself

absolv'd from all human Tyes, and wholly confin'd by that. Pinheyro

had a full hearing, an Advantage not far remote from being admitted;

and tho' he was not commanded to murder his Unkle, yet he perceiv'd

he had not left him so well in the Princesses Esteem as he was before.

In the mean while, Cachil Salama was not idle, pressing the Business

hastily, [Salama convey'd into Quisayra's Bed Chamber.] and having

got some Inkling, or suspecting the Cause of the Delay, like a true

Lover who is seldom deceiv'd in this Sort of Jealousy, he found out

the Truth. By the Contrivance of one of Quisayra's Women, he durst

presume to hide himself in her Bedchamber; and in the dead of the

Night, he suddenly appear'd before her, his Fiercness being overcome

by a Superior Power. The Princess was surpriz'd, but dissembled it,

and prepar'd to defend herself in Case Violence were offer'd. She

threatned to cry out; utter'd Complaints with Tears, and bewail'd the

loss of her Reputation, saying, how could they think her Innocent,

who saw him either come in, or go out. Salama all the while in humble

Posture, and on his Knees, assur'd her he had no other Design,

than to put her in Mind of the Obligation she lay under, and that

since it was known he was to be her Husband, his being seen was of no

Consequence. That her Reputation suffer'd more, by the delaying of the

marriage; and that to convince her of his Affection, he would be gone

as obediently as he had always done. He went [He gains her Affection.]

out immediately, comforted with Thanks, and Hopes; and deliver'd her

from the Fear she had conceiv'd of him. She was so taken with this

Courteous Action, that resolving it in her Mind, it wrought so much,

as to settle her Affection on Salama; so that she would have marry'd

him, tho' he had not oblig'd her before.

At this time Pinheyro, who was already engaged in her Love, either

to obtain its Reward, or because his Unkle did not Favour him as

he expected, [Pinheyro murders his Unkle, and is kill'd by Salama.]

or for both Reasons, contriv'd his Death. As he was going one Day to

the Palace, to acquaint Quisayra that the Murder was already committed,

Cachil happened than to come from a Fort to see his Mistress. He seeing

Pinheyro coming out of her Apartment, drew his Campilan, or Cymiter,

and tho' the Youth fought Manfully, and like a Lover, yet Cachil,

who had the same Qualifications, and was Jealous over and above,

at the first onset clove his Head, so furiously, that he dropt down

dead of the Wound. Then proceeding as he had begun, he went in where

Quisayra was, whom [He marries Quisayra.] he easily perswaded to be

gon with him, and leaving the Palace full of Confusion, they Imbark'd

in the Baroto, or small Boat that brought him. They Marry'd with

the good liking of the King and Kingdome, and the Loss of those two

Gentlemen's Lives. And since among the Portuguese Nation, as much

Account is made of Honour gain'd, or lost in Love Affairs, as was

formerly of Victories obtain'd in Greece, at the Olympick Games,

the Vindication of these Lovers shall be left to the Management of

those who are well skil'd in that Matter, to whom we refer our selves.

The Portugueses were much griev'd at this Disaster, as being Publick,

and the King was so incens'd, that one of them having accidentally

kill'd [A Portuguese hang'd.] a Horse he had a great Value for, he

caus'd him to be Hang'd, without hearkning to any thing that could be

said for him. This gain'd Cachil Mole so generally the Affections of

all Men, that tho' Cachil Cota was Elder, and Son to the principal

Queen, by them call'd Putriz, under colour that the latter was a

Friend to the King of Ternate, and about to contract Affinity with him,

the other gain'd the greater Party, which advanc'd him to Succeed in

the Throne of Tydore, as we shall soon see.

The Portuguese Galeons arrived at Malaca, and in them Cachil Naique

returning from Spain, and having stay'd there some Months for

the Monsons, [Nayque returns to Ternate.] he had a good Voyage,

and arrived safe at Ternate, when he had by the way sollicited the

Javaneses, and the People of Achem and Borneo, not to admit of the

Spanish Domination. He brought no acceptable Answer from King Philip,

and found the King who had employ'd him Dead, and in his Place another,

so different from the Former, that he entertain'd no Thoughts of

restoring the Forts to the Portugueses, but on the contrary, aim'd

at casting off all Obedience, and obliterating their Name. To this

effect he Confederated with the English, who, with other Northern

[English at Ternate.] Nations, Lorded it in the Island. Five Leagues

from it lay at Anchor an English Ship, waiting for two others that

came out with her. They Anchor'd in the Port, and went ashore, as if

they had been in London, being well receiv'd by the Sultan, with whose

Leave they settled a Factory in the City, where they left Officers,

who under the name of Trade, were more absolute Masters of it than

the Natives. They dispers'd to gather in the Clove for the Goods they

brought to Barter; and on the 21st. of August dispatch'd their Ships,

loaded with that Spice, and with those Nuts they call of Molucco,

and excellent Preserves of them both. In these Ships went Embassadors

to Queen Elizabeth, and to the Prince of Orange, carrying Presents

suitable to those Persons, of the most valuable Things in India. They

were order'd to offer the Queen his Kingdome in Vassalage, and his

Friendship to the Prince of Orange. The Advantage of these Embassies

afterwards appear'd; yet he did not on that Account give any hopes

of Restoring Christianity; for besides that the Persecution grew

more violent, he had at that time brought over into his Kingdome,

a great number of Arabian and Persian false Prophets, all of them

Mahomet's Priests and Ministers, [Mahometan Preachers at Ternate.]

to strengthen that Sect. Besides, being inform'd by his Spies, That

it was given out in the Philippine Islands, That they would make War

on him that way, and that in Spain the King promis'd the Union of the

two Crowns should produce the Conjunction of their Power and Arms,

for the punishing of disobedient Tyrants, he slighted no Alliance, nor

contemn'd the Weakest Enemy. For this Reason, he gave Entertainment,

and allow'd the planting of Colonies to Europeans, and Leagued with

Idolaters and Mahometans, who hate Spain, as their common Enemy. The

English Ships now frequented India, facilitating the Passage, and

shewing an Example to the French and Dutch, which encourag'd them

all to venture out far from their Countries, and seek for Treasure

in strange ones.

Sultan Capabaguna did not long enjoy his Liberty at Tydore. He was

[King of Ternate dies.] taken ill at an Entertainment. Some believe he

had a slow Poison given him; because he was very moderate in Eating,

and those motions of his Arms, the gnashing of his Teeth, and losing

of his Senses, which attend the Falling-Sickness, and are Simptoms

of Apoplexies, could not naturally proceed from his Temperate way of

Living; but are always caused by much Excess, which Occasions this

violent Distemper. He came to himself after that first Fit, but his

Vigour wasted, and he linger'd on to the end of his Life. Cachil

Cotta should have Succeeded him, but they were suspicious of his

Correspondence with the Ternates; and they all so openly favour'd his

Brother Cachil Mole, that there was not the least Difficulty made about

the Succession. He often remember'd his Fathers unfortunate Death, and

in Regard that this raging Desire of Revenge, might prove instrumental

for the Recovery of Ternates; as soon as his Unkle Dy'd, which was on

the 24th of April 1599, the Portuguese Commander in Chief, Ruy Gonzalez

de Sequeyrao repair'd to his Palace, and by Means of the Portuguese

[Cachil Mole King of Tydore.] Power and Arms, caused Cachil Mole to be

sworn King, as being a most faithful Friend to his Nation, and no less

an Enemy to the Ternates. He immediatly dispatch'd Captain Palma with

this News to Manila, and with it an Account of the Molucco Islands,

of their Neighbours, and of their Preparations; because they were

then providing in the Philippine Islands for this War, to extirpate

this Receptacle of Sects, where all sorts of Apostasies are admitted,

and particularly the vile Doctrines of Mahomet. Ever since the Year

1555, when the Dutch enter'd those Seas, they have not, till this Time,

ceas'd bringing in Sectaries, and Captains of Pyrates: These Men carry

away the Wealth of Asia, and in Lieu of it leave behind them that false

Doctrine, which renders the Conversion of so many Souls Fruitless.

The Forgetfulness, or Contempt the Governours of India show'd for

[Moluccos slighted at Goa.] the Molucco Islands, seem'd fatal;

since they refus'd, or with-held the usual Succours, abandoning the

Commanders, and Forts, for so many Years, as if they had not been in

the World. This was not remedy'd by the Union of the Crowns of Spain

and Portugal; on the contrary, the great Success of the Adelantado,

or Lord Lieutenant Legaspe, in the Islands Luzones, which he call'd

Philippines, being known in Spain, King Philip the IId. thought fit

as we shall soon see, that the Molucco Islands, and Parts adjacent,

whither he was Zealous to send Evangelical Preachers, should be

sensible of the Advantage of his Neighbouring Empire. This was [Relief

order'd from the Philippines, and why.] speedily order'd, and tho'

the Effects were not sutable, by Reason of the many Accidents great

Undertakings are liable to, yet Time has shown how convenient it was

to fix that Resolution. For the better understanding of the Reasons

on which it was grounded; since one of them proceeded from the various

Disposition, Qualities, and Interests of the Nations throughout those

Seas and Lands; it will be absolutely necessary in this Place to make

them known, before we come to Particulars.

[Description of China.] The Country of the Sinæ, whom we call

Chineses, is the uttermost of the Continent of Asia. On the East

and South it is encompass'd by the Ocean, which the Ancients call'd

Sericus. On the West, it reaches to the Borders of the farther India;

and on the North to those of the Massagetes and Scythians. Their

Ancient Annals, Writings and Traditions informs us, that the Chineses

extended their Empire much further. This is verify'd by the Remains

of sumptuous Structures; and not only in Ruins, wherein their former

Magnificence is still apparent, but even in Cities, which Time has

preserv'd, tho' not inhabited, and yet to be seen in the Provinces

they have excluded their Limits. There are many which take there

Denomination, and own their Original from China. For that immense

Empire finding it self labouring under its own Power, and overburden'd

with its Magnitude, like a judicious Patient, to prevent more Harm, it

breath'd the Veins, and brought down the Redundancy of the Body. The

same we read the Carthagenians did, when in the like Condition, and

for the same Reasons. It confin'd it self to a narrower Compass,

proportionable to the Extent of humane Providence, that so their

Prince's Light might reach to shine over, and be communicated to them;

which cannot be, when the Circumference is too great for the Darting

of the Beams. They publish'd indispensable Decrees against such as

go out [Chineses contract their Empire.] of China, without leave

from the Magistrates. They abandon'd vast Provinces, which being left

expos'd to Tyranny, and Infidelity, after tedious Wars, submitted to

the most Potent. Hence the Kings of India took their Original, being

oblig'd never to lay down their Arms, nor keep any Faith, so to support

themselves one against another, till a greater Power subdues them.

[15 Kingdoms in China.] In China they reckon 15 maritime Kingdoms,

or Provinces of an extraordinary Extent, with each its Metropolis,

or Capital; the rest are up the Inland. The most part of it lies

within temperate Climates, and receives into its pure and open

Bosome the Sun's vital Rays, having a healthful, and serene pleasant

air. This favourable Disposition renders it so fruitful, [Fertility,

Air, Populousness.] that it yearly yields two or three crops. The

great Industry of the Tillers, is a considerable Addition to its

Fertility. The Number of them is infinite, being a People that daily

multiply exceedingly, because they are forbid going into foreign

Countries. Neither is any among such a numerous Multitude of Men

allow'd to live idle. Idleness is not only exposed [Idleness punish'd.]

to private Contempt, and the Scoffs of Neighbours, but punish'd

by publick Custome and Law. Thus the Peasants leave not the least

Spot of Ground untill'd. The Hills and deep Bottoms produce Vines

and Pine-Trees; the Plains, Rice, Barley, Wheat, and other common

Grain. Tho' they do not press the Grapes for the Wine, as we do, yet

they keep them [Product, Tea.] to eat; and of the Herb call'd Chia,

they make a wholesome hot Liquor. This they drink, as do the Japoneses,

and it preserves them from Colds, Head-Aches, Rheums in the Eyes,

and makes them live long and healthy. Some Parts of the Country want

Olive-Trees, but they are not destitute of other Plants, which yield

a Liquor to anoint them. There is a perpetual Abundance of Pasture,

Fruits, Flowers, and all Products of Gardens. [Rivers, Ports, &c.]

There are many Navigable Rivers, carrying Ships of great Burden,

and full of excellent Fish; the Banks cover'd with perpetual Greens,

spacious Harbours, and a Trade in them of all Things necessary for

humane Life. The Fowl are of various colour'd Feathers, and pleasant

and nourishing to eat; great Numbers of large Deer; vast Lakes, Woods

and Mountains, and Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, and other Metals;

besides Pearls and precious Stones. Its Purcelane, or Earthen Ware,

is not to be imitated in the World; and it affords rich Furs against

the Cold, Silks, Wooll, Cotton, and Flax; nor is there any End of its

Sugar, Honey, Amber, Vermilion, and Lake. Musk, whereof no mention

is found among Greek and Latin Authors, is more plentiful in China

than in other Parts.

The People are most passionately addicted to Delight, and

Lasciviousness. [The People.] They alone always sell all Things;

they buy nothing that Nature or Art affords, either for Sustenance,

or Cloathing, except some Perfumes for their Cloaths, and Pepper

out of India; nor would there be any Place for Foreign Trade,

did not an insatiable Avarice of Gold and Silver predominate among

the Chineses. What they draw out of the Bowels of the Mines, they

conceal as carefully as if it were still in them; and even that they

bring from remote Provinces, they heap up, and bury. Their publick

and private Structures would make up a Narration of extraordinary

Length. We are told of 200 Cities of an extraordinary Magnitude,

[Cities.] and many more of inferior Degree, besides Towns, Castles,

and Villages, containing above 3000 Families each, built of Bricks made

of the same Clay as our Purcelane, or China Ware, and these encompass'd

with continu'd Woods, Springs and Rivers. In all these there are Towers

with stately Pinnacles, Pleasure-Houses, and Temples, tho' hideously

painted, yet costly, with Variety of deform'd Images, through which the

Devils give their Answers. But these are not in all Parts, for many

of them know no God, nor Religion. Life, they say, was from Eternity

common to, and alike in all living Creatures. That at first Men drank

[Barbarous Opinions.] humane Blood, and eat raw Meat. That afterwards

the Use of Reason provided for Necessity, and Pleasure; inventing

the Ways of dressing, and seasoning Meat at the Fire, in Vessels

and other Utensils. The same, they say, happen'd in Regard to Man's

Nakedness. So that Man is indebted to himself alone for what he enjoys,

and therefore whosoever lay'd on him the Burden of Religion, and the

owning of a Cause Superior to Nature, only aim'd at the dejecting

him, and exercising a Tyranny over his Liberty. With these impious

Notions, and destructive Atheism, they oppose their Eternal Salvation,

which our Arms, and our Preachers invite them to. They only regard

Generation; but not without Distinction. Lawful Matrimony entitles

Women to be Mistresses of their Families. The Matrons [Chastity.]

value themselves upon being highly Chast. Concubines are kept in Houses

apart. They do not want for Plays, and such Representations; and they

delight in seeing their Traditions, whether true or fabulous, acted

on the Stage. They use Entertainments, and have Tables and Chairs of

Ebony, and other precious Materials; as also Shipping, Shows, Carts,

Horse-Litters, and the Exercise of Arms, and Riding.

[Customs, and Manners.] It were no difficult Matter to give an

Account here of their private Customs and Manners, were they to our

Purpose. Something shall be said of the Publick and Political, for the

better Understanding of some Things that happen'd in the Philippine

Islands, from whence the Recovery of the Moluccos, in our Times,

had its Beginning. They call their great [Government.] Men Loyties,

from among whom the King chuses his Judges and Counsellors. There is

almost an infinite Number of inferiour Magistrates, who exercise the

Regal Power and Authority, even in the most inconsiderable Cases. In

every Town there are five, that have the greatest Power, and these are

Strangers in the Place, that they may be free from Partiality. [Tutan

a Viceroy.] The Head of them all, is call'd Tutan, being the same

as a Viceroy in [Poncasio.] Europe. The next in Dignity is the

Poncasio, who has Charge of the King's Taxes, and Royal Treasure,

with a great Number of Clerks, and other [Ancasio.] Officers; and

he pays all Salaries and Pensions. Next follows the Ancasio, [Aitan.]

who is chief Justice, in Criminal Cases of Consequence. The Aitan has

the Inspection of all Martial Affairs, he musters the Armies, builds

the Ships, and his principal Duty is to observe the Guards, that no

Stranger [Luitisio.] may pass into the Inland Country. The Luitisio

is next to the Aitan in Dignity, and is to be expert in War, in which

he is employ'd by the Aitan. I know there are other Magistrates,

and their Names and Dignities, which I must pass over in Silence. All

of them except the Luitisio, keep great State. There are ten chosen

Persons of the Council, tho' not equal in Authority. Five of them sit

on the Right, the others on the Left. The King often thrusts in among

the Judges and Parties in Disguize, to pry into the Causes, and their

Decisions, and be certainly inform'd of both. When he thinks fit, he

sometimes makes himself known; and the Moment he discovers himself,

they all stand Mute, full of Respect and Astonishment, listening to

what he shall command. Then he commends or reproves either Party, and

rewards, or punishes before he [Mandarines.] departs the Court. His

Mandarines, and Prime Ministers are so highly respected, that no Man

dares look them in the Face, and they always look so Stern, that it

would be thought a great Disorder to lose the least of their Gravity,

tho' it were but with a modest Smile. This they observe, when they

pass thro' the Streets, in Sight of the People. The greatest Honour

among them is to wear a Cymiter with a gold Pommel, and a yellow Hat.

When the President of the Council Dies, the eldest Judge succeeds

him. [Judges.] These go Circuits thro' the Provinces, and reform

Abuses, and all of them wear the King's Badge on their Shoulders,

and Breasts, being a Golden Dragon wove in the Cloth. When they go

these Progresses, they save, or lessen the Charge by circumscribing the

State. When first elected, at their taking Possession of their Posts,

they generally go out attended by Troops of Horse and Foot, with all

Sorts of Musick, and Splendour. Their Pomp appears in the Hanging,

and other Ornaments of the Streets and Houses. All the expence of

Law Suits, Courts, and other Perquisites is allow'd out of the King's

Exchequer. The Mandarines are Governors, and Viceroys. In China there

are no Dukes, Marquesses, or Earls, nor do they own any Dignity,

but what is deriv'd from the King's Authority. Though in the Parts

next to Scythia, or Tartary, some People are Mahometans; yet in all

[Religion.] others they are either Idolaters, or look upon the Notion

of a God as a meer Jest. They believe the Life and Death of Men and

Beasts are alike. There is nothing they are more attentive to, than

the obstructing of any foreign Religion, and this under the politick

Pretence, that they are jealous of Innovation. But above all they

oppose the true Religion, hating that they know nothing of; and are

as much afraid of it, as if its Ministers went arm'd to preach it,

and with the Noise of Drums, and Trumpets, and regular Armies. They

are frighted at a few bare-foot, and almost naked Men who profess

Poverty, and preach up Morality, and supernatural Virtues, grounded

on Humility and Peace. They have such an Aversion for them, that

were it proper to our Subject, or were there not printed Relations

thereof already, we would recount several Instances, to show their

unreasonable Hatred. Hence may be inferr'd, how much more Need of

the special Grace of Heaven these Nations stand in, with those in the

Neighbourhood, which are expos'd to the Infection and Danger of their

Obstinacy. The Reader ought also to consider, that tho sometimes, the

Avarice, and other Crimes of our Commanders, and Soldiers interfere

with the Preaching of the Gospel, yet their Offences do not lessen

the Iustice of the Cause. He is also to reflect, that, allowing his

Majesty, for weighty Reasons of State should, as we have said was

propos'd, resolve to abandon those Parts of Asia, as the Chineses

did, and circumscribe the Compass of his Monarchy; yet the Cause

of Religion would not permit it. Our Kings are its Ministers, and

Sons of the Catholick Church, and any War made for the Propagation

of the Gospel, is of the greatest Consequence, and highly gainful,

tho' it be to acquire, or recover desert Provinces. Besides that the

Philippine Islands have shown us how tractable their Natives are, and

how much they improve with the Example, and Society of the Spaniards,

and how affectionately they have imbrac'd the Faith, and assist the

Religious Men, who dilate, and carry it over into China, Japan,

Camboxa, Mindanao, the Moluccos, and other Islands, where still

Idolatry continues, or the Friendship with the Devils left them

by their antient Masters, when they excluded them their Dominions,

or else the Mahometan Fictions, which they have since imbrac'd.

This is the Principal End of keeping those Provinces; and the Revenues

and Wealth which is consum'd upon them, and several others, are laid

out upon the Forces, and Preparations Spain makes for the Preaching

and Security of the Ministers of the Church. Besides, that as Times

have alter'd, [Rumours of Chinese Invasions.] so they have often in

China chang'd their Opinion, and show'd they repented their having

diminish'd their Empire. No Year passes over with out Threats of

Chinese Armies; of their Listing Men; of building Ships; of their

solemn consecrating, or dedicating them to their carv'd Gods, or to

the Sun, Moon, and Stars, which are ador'd in some Parts, begging

Success in their vain Prayers against the Spaniards, who are possess'd

of those Countries they abandon'd, thro' their own Indiscretion. This

short Account of the Chineses, or Sangleys, is here inserted, for the

better understanding of those Actions we shall soon treat of. They

not only oppose the Truth; but tho' they are wholly addicted to their

Interest, and Slaves to Gain, and tho' it be so absolutely requisite

for the attaining of those Ends through their Industry and Trade,

to maintain Amity with their Neighbours, yet there is nothing less

to be reliy'd on than their Faith, or to give it a more proper Name,

their Dissimulation. Happy those People, if when China withdrew its

Dominion, it had also with drawn the Errors of its Worship.

The End of the Fourth Book.

THE

HISTORY

OF THE

Discovery and Conquest

OF THE

Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.