Chapter V: Book II (1)

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.