Chapter IX: Book IV (1)

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.