Author’s Introduction. I write the Conquest of the Molucco Islands by King Philip the III. of Spain, and the reducing of their Kings to their former Subjection, to his Predecessors, by Don Pedro de Acunha, Governour of the Philippine Islands, and Admiral of the Spanish Fleet; a Victory worthy the Foresight of such a Godly Monarch, the Application of those worthy Statesmen that compose his supreme Council, and the Valour of our Nation; not so much on account of the Wealth, and Fertility of those Countries, as for that it took from the Northern Nations all occasion of Sailing in our Seas, and Debauching the new Converted Asiaticks, and the Inhabitants of our Colonies Trading among them. The Celerity with which the Expedition was concluded, does not in the least diminish the Glory of the Event; which, for that very Reason, might rather deserve a place in a more ample Relation. I am sensible of the Dangers I expose my self to; but am no less satisfy’d, that I shall find some to stand by me. The most famous Painters, and Carvers, have generally a great value for Heads, Arms, and other Limbs, which have been drawn to perfection from the Life, by which they compose all the Parts, when they design some excellent Piece. The ignorant in those Arts have no Esteem for such Fragments, being only taken with the entire Statue, or Picture, consisting of all its Limbs, without examining the Defects there may be in each of them. The Relation I undertake to write of these Islands will find the same Esteem, and be expos’d to no less Contempt; for the Judicious, who understand Kings of the Moluccos. Among the fourteen most potent Princes, who Lord it over the Archipelago of the Molucco Islands, under the Title of Kings, those of Ternate and Tydore boast of a Divine Original; such Liberty to be vain do Men take upon them, or so much do they ascribe to obscure Antiquity. A Fable of their Original. There is an ancient Tradition among those People, look’d upon as Sacred, That they were once Govern’d by a most Ancient Prince, called Bicocigara, who sailing along the Coast of Rachian, perceiv’d that among some craggy Rocks there were grown up abundance of Rotas, so they call a sort of solid Canes, which, when small, they make use of instead of Ropes. He lik’d them, and order’d they should be cut down, and brought into his Vessel. His Subjects going to fulfil his Orders, and having search’d all the place, return’d to their Master, desiring he would look again, least his Eyes deceiv’d him, for they could meet with no such Canes. Bicocigara, who saw them distinctly from his Boat, was positive with his incredulous People, and order’d them again to be brought; but to decide the matter, went himself Ashore, where immediatly they appeared to them all. He commanded them to be cut down, and as they went about it, Blood ran from the Canes that were cut. Being astonish’d at that Prodigy, he discover’d close to the Roots of them four Eggs, which look’d like a Snakes Eggs, and at the same time heard a Voice, proceeding from the hollow of the Canes cut down, which said, Keep those Eggs; for from them shall come four excellent Governours. He took up those fatal Eggs, with Religious Respect, and carry’d them home, where they were kept in the best place of his House. In a short time, from the four Yolks proceeded four Rational Chickens, being three Men, and one Woman, who afterwards Reign’d, the first of them Bachian, the second in Butan, and the third over the Islands call’d King Tydore Bongue’s Successor, was his Son Cachil Boleyfe, no less A false Prophesie.Supersticious than the Father, but in another way. He pretending to the Spirit of Prophecy, gain’d such Reputation, by the Experience and Foresight of his Riper Years, that he came to be Honour’d by his Subjects as a Prophet; or by the least Credulous, as a Person of singular Prudence, so that all Men gave Ear to him, as to an Oracle. Puffed up with this Vanity, he pretended to Fore-tell future Events; which when no particular Persons, or set Times are appointed, is a safe way of Predicting, without Danger of being found False; either because in process of Time something Accidentally happens, that may be adapted to the Prophecy, or in regard, that is always expected which will never come to pass. For this Reason, as in most Countries there are some current Notions of future Expectations, conceiv’d upon trivial Occasions, rather than any Observation of the Stars; therefore Boleyfe us’d to tell those about him, That the time would come, when Iron Men should arrive at Ternate, from the remotest parts of the World, and settle in its Territory; by whose Power the Glory, and Dominion of the Molucco Islands should be far extended. In the Reign of King John the first, of Portugal, his Son, Prince Henry, First Discoveries. having employ’d several Persons on Discoveries, John Gonzales, and Tristan Vaz found the Island of Madera, in the Year 1419, and others soon after those of the Azores, and Cabo Verde, and ran along the Coast of Guinea and Africk. Afterwards, in the Reigns of King Edward, and Alonso the V. those Discoveries were continu’d, till under King John the II. they proceeded as far as the Cape of Good Hope, and a Hundred Leagues beyond it, along the Coast, call’d Rio del Infante. The honour of this Discovery is due to that famous Seaman Bartholomew Diaz, if we may believe the Manuscript Memoirs of Duarte Resende, for the Historian Vasco de Gama discovers India.Vasco de Gama, employ’d by King Emanuel of Portugal, to Discover and Conquer India, prosecuted this Enterprize, look’d upon by Ptolomy, as impracticable; he travers’d the main Ocean, within the Portuguese Division, where he Discover’d, and since the Portuguese Commanders have Conquer’d so many Kingdoms, Nations, and Islands, so distinct in Customs, Manners, Laws, Languages, and Colours. They returning home admir’d what they had seen, and lay’d it down in Maps, but stretching out the Longitude, that is the Distance from West to East, beyond what it really was; thus Craftily providing for the Controversy which might arise upon this Occasion, as it soon happen’d, through the Falshood of the Sea Charts. Champan Iunck Champan Portugueses Pretentions to the Moluccos.By virtue of this practice, and by the Pope’s subsequent Authorizing of it, the Portugueses pretend that the Molucco Islands, and those of Banda, and Amboyna, are within their Bounds, as they were adjudg’d, and settled by experienc’d Sailers, calculating the Extent of that Meridian, and they even stretch it 15 Degrees further. Resende complains, That Magalhaens, whom the English call Magellan, magnify’d the Opinion conceiv’d of the Eastern Seas, when in the Year 1519 he went away Disgusted into Spain. Magellan grew up in the service of Queen Ellenor, then serv’d King Emanuel, and went over into India with that Alonso de Albuquerque, of whose Bravery, and Conduct, we have written Histories, besides what Fame, and Tradition have deliver’d. This Man, not satisfy’d with the first Conquests, sent Antony de Abreu, Francis Serrano, and Ferdinand de Magalhaens from Malaca, with three Ships, to Discover the Molucco Islands. All these three Commanders steer’d several Courses. We shall There the Tempest left the Portugueses, only their Lives and Arms sav’d, Serrano cast on the Islands of Lucopine. for their Junck, which is a sort of light Vessel, was Stav’d. The Lucopine Islands were Horrid, by reason of their want of Water, and being Desert; for their Rocks lying under Water, and the many Sea Robbers that frequent them, and always keep Sentinels posted to discover any Sailing by, that they may fall upon, and plunder them. Had not Hunger and Thirst threatned the Portuguses with speedy Death, they had reason to expect it at the Hands of those Pyrats; but that which had been the Destruction of others, at this time prov’d their Safety. Those Miscreants had observ’d the Shipwreck, and Rowing up in a Vessel call’d a Caracoa, as it were to a certain Booty, drew near to those who had so narrowly escap’d perishing in the Sea; but the Malaca Pilots, and Mariners were not ignorant of their design. They acquainted their Captain with the Danger, desiring him to take such Measures as might be for his own, and their Safety. Serrano, like a Man of Valour and Discretion, having view’d the Shore, conceal’d his Men in a hidden Place. The Pyrates landed to pursue them; but as soon as ever they were at some distance from the Shore, the Strangers rush’d out, and possess’d themselves of the Caracoa. The Barbarians thus surpris’d, reflecting on their Mismanagement, and perceiving they were lost Men, gave over the thoughts of Robbing, and had recourse to Intreaties, throwing down their Bows and Arrows, and begging they would not leave His Escape. them in that Island, but rather take pity, and pardon what they had done; and promising, if he would carry them off, to conduct him to another place, where Strangers were well receiv’d, and there was Trade. Serrano granted their Request, and admitted them, and having repair’d the shatter’d Junck, and Embarking together, they directed their Course to the Island of Amboyna, where they were well receiv’d by the People of Rucutelo, who were ancient Enemies to those of Veranula, a Neighboring City of Batochina, with whom those of Rucutelo coming to a Battle, they obtain’d Arrives at Amboyna. the Victory, through the Assistance of the New-comers. The Fame of this Success flew over to the Molucco Islands, at the Time when Boleyse Reign’d in Ternate, and Almanzor in Tydore, who were both not long before Idolaters, and then Mahometans. These two were at Variance about the Limits of their Dominions, and understanding that the Portugueses were at Amboyna, each of them desiring to Strengthen himself against his Enemy, sent Embassadors, and Ships, to invite, and bring over to them those Forreign Soldiers; thinking it also convenient upon other accounts, to enter into Alliance with those People, whose great Actions were then so fresh in the Mouths of all Men. Boleyse was quicker than Almanzor, and sent ten Ships for Serrano, with a Thousand well Arm’d Soldiers for their Defence, the whole under the Command of his Kinsman Cachil Coliba. The Tydore Embassadors return’d from Rucutelo disappointed. It is but a short Cut between Amboyna, and Ternate, and therefore Boylese’s Ships soon return’d with the Portugueses. That King went out attended by his Archipelago describ’d. The Eastern Archipelago, not to speak of the Division of those Oriental Parts into Northern, and Southern, Contains so many Islands, that the certain Number of them is not yet known. Hence Modern Authors distribute it into five Divisions, being so many Archipelagos, under the names of Molucco, Moro, Papuas, Celebes, and Amboyna. The Name of the First, in their Language, is Moloc, signifying, the Head, because it is the Chief of all about it. Others will have to be Malucco, which, in Arabick, imports, the Kingdom, as the Principal of them. It Contains five most Remarkable Islands, all of them under the same Meridian, one in sight of another, their whole Extent being 25 Leagues; the Equinoctial crossing them, so that the most Northern of them has but half a Degree of Latitude that way, and the most Southern, one Degree on the other side. Near to them, on the East, is the Island Gilolo, by the Portugueses call’d Batochina de Moro, and by the Moluccos, Alemaera. Among all the others lying about them, call’d also Moluccos, as we say the Canaries, the Terceras, or the Oreades, these are the most Remarkable, for their great Plenty of Spice. The Names of them, beginning with the Northermost, are, Ternate, Tydore, Motiel, Machian, and Bachian; by the ancient Heathens call’d, Cape, Duco, Moutil, Mara, and Seque. This last, which is Bachian, is divided into many Islands, seperated from one another by little Channels, Navigable only in small Vessels; for which reason, as also because it is under one Soveraign, it has but one Name, and all the Molucco Islands are Subject to three Kings. They are divided by small Arms of the Sea, and some Desert little Islands, as also by their Antient Enmity. The Coast both near the Shore, and farther off at Sea, full of Dangerous Shoals; among which there are some Inlets, where the Ships Ride in Safety. The Soil of them all is generally Dry and Spungy, sucking up all the Water, tho’ it Rains never so much, and in many Places the Brooks that run down from the Mountains do not reach the Sea. According to that grave Historian John de Barros, these Islands afford an ill Prospect, and are no way pleasant to behold; because the Sun being always so near them, sometimes passing over towards the Northern, and some times towards the Southern Solstice, the natural Damp of the Earth fills them so full of Trees, and Providence has stor’d these Spice-Islands with Bananas, Coco-Nuts, Product of the Moluccos. Oranges, Lemmons, Lignum-Aloes, Sanders, Cinamon, Mace, Mastick-Trees, but above all, with abundance of Cloves, and other Plants; all of them valuable for their Fruit, or delightful for their Ornaments. They have neither Wheat nor Rice; but Nature gave them Industry, and Matter to supply this Defect. They beat a sort of Tree, like the Wild-Palm, with Mallets made of strong Canes; and those dry Trunks, so batter’d, yield an extraordinary white Flower, coming from the bruized Pith; which they mould up in square Pipkins, and this is the Sagu, or Landan, so made into square Loaves, Sagu. like the Castile Sope. This Plant is about Fifteen Foot high, and from the Top of it sprout out some Branches, like those which produce the Tamarinds. These bear a Fruit like the Cypress-Nuts, in which there are certain fine Hairs, which if they touch a Man’s Flesh, burn it. From the tender Branches of the same Plant cut, flows the Liquor which serves them for Drink, putting the Ends of the said Branches so cut into narrow Mouth’d Vessels, which are fill’d in a Night, and the Liquor so gather’d, is like Milk Whipped, and Frothy, which they call Tuac. When Drank new, it is Sweet and very Fat’ning; boil’d like new Wine it tastes like Wine, and after grows sharp as Vinegar. The same Advantage they reap from two other Plants call’d Nipo, and Coco; the last of them yields also Oyl, Boards, and Timber to build Houses. They also Drink another pleasant Liquor, which Nature has shut up in the Hollow of the Canes they call Bambooes, so large that the Knots are a Yard a sunder. They abound in Flesh; but the People are more affected to Fish; notwithstanding Hugo, the Dutchman, says they want both. Providence afforded them no Mines, either of Gold, or Silver; whether it was a Punishment, or Mercy we do not decide. Neither have they found any, of other less precious Metals; but not far from them is Lambuco, an Island abounding in Iron and Steel; whence, and from the Mines of Sula and Butva, the people of the Maluccos bring them, to make their Caampilanes, which are sharp heavy Cymiters, and their Crises, being small Daggers. The Portugueses and Dutch have now furnish’d those Islands with small Fire-Arms, and Cannon of all sorts known among us. Ternate is the Capital City, and Court of that King, near to which a A burning Mountain in Ternate. dreadful burning Mountain Flames out, about the Equinoxes, because at those Times the Winds blow; which kindle that natural Fire, on the Matter that has fed it so many Ages. The Top of the Mountain, which exhales it, is cold, and not cover’d with Ashes, but with asort of light cloddy Earth, little different from the Pomice-Stone burnt in our Fiery Mountains. People of Ternate. The Natives Differ from one another, as it were through a Miraculous Bounty of Nature; for it has made the Women Fair and Beautiful, and the Men, of a darker Colour than a Quince; their Hair lank, and many anoint it with sweet Oyls. Their Eyes are large, the Eyebrows long, which, and their Eye-lashes, they colour Black. Of Body they are Strong, much addicted to War, and sloathful for all other Employments. They are long Liv’d; grow grey earlie; and are as Active by Sea as by Land; Officious, and Courteous to Strangers; but when they grow Familiar, Importunate, and Troublesome in their Requests; in their Dealings, all bent upon Interest; Jealous, Fraudulent, and False. They are Poor, and therefore Proud; and to name many Vices in one, Ungrateful. Religion, Manners, Laws. The Chineses possess’d themselves of these Islands, when they subdu’d all those Eastern Parts; and after them the Javeneses, and the Malayes, and lastly the Persians, and Arabs; which last, together with their Trade, Introduc’d the Mahometan Superstition among the Worship of their Gods; from whom some Families boasted they were descended. Their Laws are Barbarous: They have no limited Number of Wives. The King’s chief Wife, call’d in their Language Putriz, enables and gives the Right of Succession to which her Sons are preferr’d, tho’ younger than those by other Mothers. Theft is not pardon’d, tho’ never so inconsiderable; but Adultery easily. When the Dawn appears, Officers appointed by Law for that purpose, beat a sort of broad, flat Tabors about the Streets, to awake Marry’d People, who they think deserves this Care from the Government, on account of Procreation. Most Crimes are punish’d with Death; in other Respects they Obey the Will, or Tyranny of the Conqueror. Their Habit. The Men, on their Heads, wear Turkish Turbants of several Colours, with abundance of Feathers on them. The King’s ends above like a Miter, and serves instead of a Crown. For their other Garb they all wear Wastecoats, which they call Cheninas, and Blew, Crimson, Green, and Purple Breeches. Of the same they make their Cloaks, or Mantles, which are short, Soldier-like, thrown over, or knotted on the Shoulder, after the Ancient Roman manner, known by the written Descriptions, Statues, and other Monuments of those Times. The Women are Proud of their Hair; sometimes they spread, and sometimes they plat it, sticking abundance of Flowers among the Ribbons, which hold it together; so that in their Dress, they are not encumber’d with loose Viels, Plumes, or Feathers. All that variety adorns them without Art; they wear Bracelets, Pendants, and Necklaces of Diamonds and Rubies, and great Strings of Pearls, which are not forbid even the meanest, no more than Silks, wherein the Women particularly are Clad after the Persian and Turkish Fashion; and all this costly Attire is the Product of the Neighbouring Lands and Seas. Both Men and Women in their Habit show their natural Haughtiness. the Habit of ye Molucco Islands. the Habit of ye Molucco Islands. Language. The variety of Languages among them is great, for sometimes one Town does not understand the People of the next; the Malaye Tongue is most The Kings, Boleyfe, of Ternate, and Almanzor, of Tydore, contended about Entertaining Serrano, and each of them courted him to build a Fort in his Island. It is well worth Observation, To see how eagerly these Kings sought after, and begg’d for that which they were soon after to be averse to. They writ about it to the King of Portugal; but Antony de Miranda coming to the Moluccos, besides a wooden Fort, or House he built at Talangame, erected another at Machian, an Island belonging to the two Kings, by which means he satisfy’d the Request of both. Soon after Cachil Laudin, King of Bachian, made Application to Don Tristan de Meneses, on the same account. Don Tristan was come to the Moluccos to Load Spice, and with a design to carry away Francis Serrano, and to induce Boleyfe to consent to it, he perswaded him, it was requisite that Serrano should go to Portugal, to prevail upon King Emanuel to order the Fort he desir’d, to be built upon Ternate, and not elsewhere. Boleyfe approv’d of his design, and to that end, sent Cachilato, as his Embassador, with Brito at the Molucco’s. Antony de Brito, appointed by the Governour of India to succeed Serrano in that Post, Sail’d from Cape Sincapura, through the Streights of Sabam, with 300 Men, and some experienc’d Commanders. He touch’d at Tuban, a City in the Island of Jaua, and went over to another, call’d Agazim, a Mart in those Parts, opposite to the Island Madura. Its nearness inviting him, he sent a Roving Vessel thither to get some Information what Course he was to Steer. Seventeen Men there were in the Vessel Landed on the Coast, and went up along the side of a River, cover’d with beautiful Trees, whose Fruit deceiv’d the Sailers; for they attracted with the pleasant sight, and unexpected satisfaction, forgot to secure their Vessel. The Natives observing the Opportunity, first took the Vessel, and then all the Men, whose Ransom prov’d afterwards difficult, tho’ the Lord of the City favour’d it. Brito sail’d directly for the Moluccos, and touching at Bachian, sent Simon de Abreu in all haste to burn a Village, and kill all the Inhabitants, in Revenge for Simon Correa’s Companions slain there; that King Laudin might understand, they should not escape unpunish’d, who wrong’d the Portuguese, and that since his Island was the first that took up Arms King of Ternate Dies. against them, it should also be the first that felt their Vengeance. He executed his severity without any Loss, tho’ that King did not forget the Obligation he laid on him. Brito went on to Tydore, and was Inform’d by Almanzor of the Disorders there were at Ternate, because Boleyfe was dead, and it was suppos’d he had been Poyson’d. He being near his Death order’d, That during the Minority of his eldest Son Cachil Bohat, or Boyano, the Queen his Wife, who was Daughter to the King of Tydore, should Govern; and that Cachil Daroes, Natural Son to the said Boleyfe, should Act jointly with her. The Queen who was Crafty, suspecting that her Father Almanzor might under that colour aim st some Advantage, to the Detriment of her Son, call’d her Subjects together and told them, That it was enough for her to take care of her Sons Education; and therefore she laid the greatest stress of Government on Cachil Daroes. The King, and the Governour Daroes, expected the Commander Antony Brito, as the Kingdoms, and the young Kings Protector. They went out to A Fort Built at Ternate. meet him in a Fleet of Carcoas, with the Noise of that Barbarous Musick of Brass Basons, and Tabors. He Landed, shewing State, and appearing worthy of that Applause; visited the Queen, the King, and his Brothers; and after the Ceremony of Condoling the Death of Boleyfe, ordering Affairs in Conjunction with Daroes, he approv’d of that Form of Government, and upon all occasions Defended his Province against that of Tydore. To do this with the greatest Security, he pitch’d upon a proper spot of Ground, according to the Rules of Fortification, which were not then very perfect, no more than Military Discipline. The Foundation being dug, Brito, in the presence of the King, and all the People, laid the first Stone of the new Fort, with his own Hand. This happen’d on Midsummer Day, and therefore At the same time Magellan having Sail’d 600 Leagues towards Malaca, Magellan goes over to Spain. was in certain Islands, whence he corresponded with Serrano; who having thriv’d so well in Ternate, with Boleyfe, sent his Friend word what Kindness, and Wealth he had receiv’d from him; advising him to return to his Company. Magellan consenting, resolv’d to go to the Moluccos; but in case his Services were not Rewarded in Portugal, as he expected, he would take the way directly for Ternate, under whose King Serrano grew so Rich in Nine Years. He consider’d, that since the Moluccos were 600 Leagues East from Malaca, which make 30 Degrees, little more or less, they were out of the Portuguese Limits, according to the antient Sea Chart. Returning to Portugal, he found no Favour, but thought himself wrong’d, and resenting it, went away into Castile, carrying with him a Planisphere, drawn by Peter Reynel; by which, and the Correspondence he had held with Serrano, he perswaded the Emperor, Charles V. that the Molucco Islands belong’d to him. It is reported, That he Confirm’d his Opinion with Writings, and the Authority of Ruy Faleyro, a Portuguese Judiciary Astrologer, and much more with Serrano’s. Hereupon the Emperor gave him the Command of a Squadron, with which he sail’d from Sanlucar, on the 21st. of September, 1519. He stay’d Sets out on his Discovery. four days at the Canaries, where a Caravel overtook him, with private Intelligence, that his Captains went with a Design not to Obey him particularly John Cartagena, who had the same Commission as Magellan. He bravely seem’d to take no notice, and sailing away with a fair Wind, being pass’d Rio de Janeyro, in the Province of Santa Cruz, commonly call’d Brazil, the Sea growing very cold, and much more the River of Plate, which is in 35 Degrees of South Latitude, the Captains question’d him about the Voyage, since they could nor find the Cape, or Streight, they went in search of. He answer’d, as to Men that were entirely Subordinate to his Direction and Authority, That they must go on, for he knew what he was about, and the Coasts of Norway and Ireland were in a greater Latitude, and yet Ships sailed along them. These Contests lasted almost all the Voyage, and increas’d with the cold and dreadful Winds, and the hideous sight of the Mountains of Snow and Ice, grown old, which they met in the Latitude of 52 and 53 Degrees. They magnify’d these Difficulties, alledging, That it requir’d six, or seven Months to come from Castile, The Astrologer, Ruy Faleyro, being Distracted, was left in the Mad-House He discovers the Streight of his Name. at Sevil; and in his Place went Andrew de San Martin, to whom Magellan gave Ear, as to what he said of the Weather; but not in other Cases, as some lay to his Charge, and with such Moderation and Integrity, as becomes Christian Piety. Nor is it to be believ’d, That Magellan should consult such a Deceitful a Science as Judiciary Astrology, upon such difficult Points, or should prefer it before Astronomy, amidst such dreadful Dangers. The Hardships became intollerable; and Discord so far prevail’d with the Captains, John de Cartagena, Gaspar Quesada, and Lewis de Mendoza, that they resolved either to Kill, or Secure Magellan. This Conspiracy coming to his Ears, as he lay at the Mouth of the River of St. Julian, having contriv’d what was to be done, as John de Barros writes, he caus’d Lewis de Mendoza to be Stab’d, which was done by Gonzalo de Espinosa. Next Gaspar de Quesada was Quarter’d Alive; and a Servant of his, who was concern’d, had his Pardon. Cartagena he condemned to a lingering Death, leaving him in that Desert Country, with a Clergy Man, guilty of the same Crime, which was High Treason against their King. So say the Portuguese Histories; but the Spanish inform us, That they were privately proceeded against, and the Judgment was Read to them. This done he made some Speeches to Justify the Fact, and Comfort his Companions. Cartagena, and the Clergy-Man, who were left with some Provisions, got away a few days after, in one of the Ships of the same Squadron, which return’d to Spain. Magellan overcoming incredible Difficulties, found the Streight, and Passage, which makes the Communication between the two Seas, and preserves his Name to this Day. He there took Giants above fifteen Spans high, who wanting raw Flesh, which they us’d to feed on, soon Dy’d; then he passed the Streight successfully. But tho’ he got under the Equinoctial, either by reason of the Currents, or the Faultiness of the Sea Charts, he Sail’d round about, and almost in sight of the Molucco Islands, yet could never come at them. He Touch’d at others, where he was oblig’d to Fight; and went on to those of Zebu, or the Manilas. At this same time his Friend Serrano was sailing for India, and tho’ it happen’d in several Places, yet they both Dy’d on the same Day, and much after the same Manner. It would be superfluous to dilate upon the Story of Magellan, his tedious Navigation, and the many Difficulties he met with, before and after he pass’d through his Streight into the Pacifick, or South-Sea; his Arrival at the Island of Zebu, and perswading the Idolatrous King to embrace the Christian Faith, and the Battles he fought on his account, with his Enemies; for besides that these things are Related by very good Authors who Treat of the Discovery of the Molucco Islands, which was the main Object of his desperate Undertaking, we must be brief in repeating them, to show how eager several Princes, and Nations were for these Islands, and the Notion they had of what great Consequence they would be to them. The King of Zebu was Baptiz’d, rather to make his Advantage of the The Soldiers appear’d well Arm’d, who having spy’d our Ship, acquainted Soldiers of Borneo, and Reception of Spaniards. their King with it. He order’d 2000 of his Guard to go out, and receive them, before they reach’d the City. These Men came brandishing their Bows and poison’d Arrows, Trunks, Cymitars, and Sheilds, and wore Breast-plates made of Tortois Shells, and encompass’d an Arm’d Elephant, on whose Back there was a wooden Castle. When the Spaniards came up the Elephant stoop’d down, and six arm’d Men coming out of the Castle, put Gonzalo Gomez de Espinosa, who was then General, into it. Thus attended, he went to Visit the King, in whose Presence his Secretary spoke to him through a Trunk, and Espinosa gave him an Account of the King of Zebu’s Perfidiousness. All condol’d the Accident, and our Men taking Leave Sail’d away for the Molucco Islands, being reliev’d with what they wanted, and furnish’d with able Pilots. Not far from Borneo, they met 150 Sail, whereof they took two Junks, Spaniards at Tydore. in which they found an Hundred Men, five Women, a Son of the King of Luzon, and an Infant two Months Old. This they thought would be a sufficient Ransom to recover their Companions; so they let go the Prince upon his Parole, he promising to restore them the Captive Spaniards. They had some Storms; but arriv’d at Tydore, on the 8th of November 1521. When Almanzor heard the salute of the Canon, he sent to enquire what People they were, and presently after he came to our Ships in a little Boat. His Shirt appear’d woven with Gold and Silk, a white Cloth which trail’d being girt over it. About his Head a fine Veil of several Colours, made like a Persian Miter: Being Aboard the Commodore, the Relations of that Voyage say, he stopp’d his Nose with his Fingers, either at the Smell of our Meat, or of the Ship. Mahometanism was newly come into his Island, and most of his Subjects, especially those Inhabiting the Mountains, ador’d Idols. He bid our Men wellcome, gave them good Words, and afterwards was as kind in his Actions; and being inform’d of their past Sufferings, gave them leave to load Cloves. They presented him with a Chair of Crimson Velvet, a Robe of Yellow Velvet, a great Loose Coat of false Cloth of Gold, a piece of Yellow Damask, four Yards of Scarlet Cloth; Handkercheifs, and Towles, wrought with Silk, and Gold; Drinking-Glasses, Glass Beads, Looking-Glasses, Knives, Scizers, and Combs. They gave his Son another parcel of Gifts, and a Cap, and did the like by his Cachiles and Sangiacks. When they ask’d the Kings leave in the Emperors Name to Trade, he granted it, adding they should kill any that offer’d to hinder them. He seriously view’d his Majesty’s Picture and Arms on the Standard, and desired to see our Coin. And pretending to be an Astrologer, or Soothsayer, or as others say, having Dreamt, or Guess’d it, or being told it by Chinese Priests, he said, He knew the Christians were to come to his Lands for Spice; and desired that they would not leave him. Ally with that King. They treated about an Alliance, and when they were agreed, two Tydores brought something in their Hands to the Ships, which they afterwards understood was the Alcoran, tho’ at first they did not, because cover’d with Silks, and Strings. Almanzor lay’d his Hands on it, and then on his Head, and Breast; and this was the Ceremony of his Swearing Friendship, and Fealty to the Crown of Castile, and that he would allow them Cloves, and all Commerce for ever. Then the General Espinosa, in the Emperor’s Name, before an Image of the blessed Virgin, swore to protect them both in Peace and War, and presented King Almanzor with Thirty Indians he had taken Prisoners. Soon after, as some Authors affirm, Corala, Prince of Ternate, Nephew to Almanzor, came to Tydore to swear Fealty in like manner, as did Luzuf, King of Gilolo, of whom it is Written, That he had Six Hundred Sons, and that Almanzor had Two Hundred Wives. These Kings Writ to the Emperor; ratifying their Fealty, and Sebastian del Cano sail’d away in the Ship, the Victory, by the way the Portugueses use, with the Letters and Instruments; the General Espinosa returning towards Panama, for Castilla del Oro on the Continent of America, to pass thence to Spain. At this time the new Governor, Don Garcia Henriquez, was under Sail, to succeed Antony Brito, and being come to Banda, waited for the Monson Cachil Daroes endeavour’d to obstruct this Peace, as Tutor, and Governor, fearing the Trade of Cloves would be transferr’d to Tydore, to the Destruction of the Infant King’s Dominions. But notwithstanding this Opposition, the Peace was concluded, upon certain Conditions, as, That the King of Tydore should deliver a Ship he had taken, the Canon, and some More of their Outrages. runaway Portuguese. Almanzor, who stood in need of a Peace, and the Friendship of the Portuguese, to gain the Affection of Cachil Daroes, propos’d to Marry him to one of his Daughters. Don Garcia believing that this Union among them would produce that of their Forces, and less Submission to the Portuguese’s Dominion, to obstruct this dangerous Alliance, sent to the King of Tydore to borrow the Canon. That King excus’d himself, alledging, that he had lent it a few days before, to the King of Bachian. Cachil Daroes complying with him, agreed to all the Articles. Don Garcia being dissatisfy’d, waited an opportunity to break all that Contrivance, and be Reveng’d. Almanzor fell Sick, and desir’d Don Garcia to send him a Physician; who sent an Apothecary, and he either not understanding Physick, or, as was believ’d, by order of Don Garcia, kill’d the Patient. Manifest tokens of Poyson afterwards appear’d. The Funeral was order’d, and at the same time the Commander, Don Garcia, appear’d in the Morning, in a parcel of Carcoas, before Tydore. He sent Baldaya, the Clerk of the Fort, to demand the Canon, threatning War, in case of denial. The Regents excusing themselves at that time, with just Reasons, and particularly the Funeral Solemnity, when they were in the Height of the Ceremony of Burying their King, they heard the Shouts of Don Garcia’s Men giving the Assault. The Portuguese enter’d the City, firing the Houses, plundering and killing, which oblig’d the Tydores to abandon their Spanish Ship first round the World. The Ship Victory returning into Spain, with the Letters from the King of the Molucco Islands, which the Emperor receiv’d, he was more fully convinc’d, that these Islands were within his Limits. Their Wealth, and his Right to them were so lively represented to him, that he order’d another Squadron of four Ships, two Galloons, and an Advice Boat to be made ready at Corunna, to be Commanded by the Commendary Fray Garcia de Loaysa, a Gentleman of Biscay, and under him, as Vice-Admiral, Sebastian del Cano, and the Captains Don Rodrigo de Acunna, James de Vera, &c. They Sail’d on the Eve of St. James the Apostle, 1525, touch’d at Gomera, and running along the Coast of Guinea, could not make Cape St. Augustine for want of Wind. By reason of this Calm, all agreeing to it, he alter’d his Course to the Cape of Good Hope. A Portuguese Ship guided them to Another Squadron passes Magellans Streights. the Island of St. Matthew, which is Desert, and full of lofty Orange Trees, where they saw Hens, the Track of wild Boars, and some Portuguese Words carv’d on Trees, which shew’d they had pass’d that way. The Ships leaving them, they pass’d Cape St. Augustine, making for the Streights of Magellan. In this Course they endur’d Storms, and Err’d in their Accounts. Sebastian del Cano struck on a Shoal, and was reliev’d. The Galloons and Advice Boat made New Spain. The Admiral, by the Advice of Cano, pass’d the Equinoctial, upon information, That in 12 Degrees of South Latitude, he would find certain Islands that were rich in Gold and Silver. All the Men sickn’d, the Admiral, and Cano dy’d, with some others. The remains of the Squadron choosing Toribio de Salazar for their Commander, return’d under the Line; but he dy’d at the Islands de las Velas, now call’d Ladrones, or of Thieves. After some Strife, Martin Iniguez, and Ferdinand de Bustamante succeeded him, and agree’d to Command by turns. Thus divided they came in sight of Mindanao, and thence to the Molucco Islands, took in some Refreshment at Cope, a Town of the Island Moratay, whence they went on to Camafo, of Morotoja, whose Sangiack is Subject to the King of Tydore. War betwixt Spaniards and Portugueses. They proceeded through the Gulph of Camafo, where they were Inform’d by the Ship of Don George de Meneses, who had been forc’d thither by the Currents, that the Portugueses held the Fort of Ternate, and Don Garcia made War on Tydore. Iniguez, and Bustamante offer’d them the Assistance of Spain, by which, coming so opportunely, they gain’d the Affections of them all, and furnished themselves with Necessaries. Don Garcia being already provided against the new Enemy, gather’d some Carcoas, and tho’ he could not perswade Daroes, the Tutor, to go along with him, oppos’d the Spaniards. First the Portuguese sent an Admonition, wherein he offer’d them Peace, and Entertainment, as Subjects to the Emperor, who was so near Ally’d to the King of Portugal; protesting, That the Molucco In the Philippine Islands they give the Name of Carcoas to a sort of Carcoas, what sort of Vessels, and others. Vessels that use Oars, open, and bigger than our Barks, and are Steer’d by two Rudders, the one ahead, and the other astern. The Ternates call’d them Janguas, which differ from the Carcoas only in having two Half-Moons of Wood, Painted, or Guilt, rising above the Keel at the Head and Poop. About 100 Men Row in each of them, to the sound of a Tabor, and a Bell. They carry twenty Soldiers, and six Musketiers. The rest are employ’d about four or five little Brass Guns. Both the Men that Row, and the Soldiers are Arm’d with Campilanes, that is Cymiters, and Shields, and abundance of Calabays, and Sagus, being long Canes burnt in the Fire, to harden them; which they throw, without tacking, as the Moors do their Darts. Their way of Fighting is to come within Gun-shot, and as soon as they have Fir’d, both sides fly with all speed, till they have Loaded again, and then return to the same Post. They set three Men to each Gun, the one Levels, the other Charges, and the third Fires it. This is the way among the Islanders; for when they have to do with Europeans, our Example has Improv’d them in the Art of War. But in their Carcoas they are always expos’d to be kill’d by our Cannon, because they have no Fights to cover them; and the same is in the Champanes, which differ but little from the others. The Victory we have spoken of Encourag’d the Tydores, and with the Assistance of the Spaniards, they Arm’d, and falling upon Gaca, a Town of Ternate, Plunder’d and Burnt it; but at their Return, they met with Martin Correa, whom they Fought, plying their Carcoas, the Success remaining doubtful. Whilst this War was at the hottest, Don George de Meneses Don George de Meneses at Ternate. came from the Papuas to Ternate, to whom Don Garcia presently resign’d the Post, tho’ the Hostilities continu’d, with Burning and Slaughter on both sides, which it was expected would be greater when the Portuguese Succours came from Malaca, and the Castilian from Spain. The new Portuguese Commander in Chief, and Martin Inniguez came to a Conference, and with much Courtesy, and desire of Peace, concluded a Truce, which lasted not long, tho’ not on account of the main cause. There were many Battles between the Spanish and Portuguese Nations, King of Tydore makes Peace. The King of Tydore was less Supported by Spain than he had been before, and was therefore oblig’d to sue for Peace, laying some Burden of Tribute, on his own Revenue proceeding from the Cloves. He also promis’d never to admit of any Spanish Succours; besides some other Conditions, which put an end to the Wars for a time. We have already observ’d, That Cachil Boleyfe, King of Ternate, left three lawful Sons, viz. Cachil Bayano, Cachil Dayalo, and Cachil Tabarija. The Eldest of them was not above six Years of Age; besides whom there Daroes, and the Queen govern Ternate. were seven Bastards, the Eldest of them, Cachil Daroes, was Governor of the Kingdom, in Conjunction with the Queen. When Brito, in the Year 1521, Built the Fort, to secure the Subjection of the Island, tho’ he had another Pretence for it, he took the Infant King, and the Queen his Mother, into it. She generously resenting this Violence, as not able to endure, that they should oppose the course of her Government, which she manag’d, together with her Step-Son, loudly Complain’d, and Threatned, as a Queen, and as a Mother. She wanted no Conveniencies for the Education of the Children; but there being Wrong disguiz’d among all that seeming Kindness, neither her Family, nor the Nurse, nor the Perswasions of Great Persons, could appease her Anger. The Natives observ’d the Difference of the Portuguese Domination, and that since their building of that Fort, they us’d intolerable Rigor, and consequently began to grow cold in their Affection, Portuguese Insolent. and to slacken in their Respect; especially when they perceiv’d that Brito’s Successor continu’d to keep the Royal Family under Oppression. The young King was bred up in the Fort, till he was of Age to enter upon the Government of his Kingdom; and being 18 years old, soon dy’d, not without the usual suspition of Poison, but it was affirm’d to be given by private order of Cachil Daroes. O the wonderful Effects of the Desire of Rule! Sultan Bayano being Dead, order was taken that the People should immediatly Swear Cachil Dayalo; but Don George found also means to get him into the Fort; the Mother demanding him, as fearing his Death, by the example of the Elder. Don George condescended, not so much in compliance They Insult the Natives. to her Fears, as to oblige Cachil Daroes, with whose Government he was well-satisfy’d; and it was he that had interven’d in, and advis’d that way of Breeding the Princes. Soon after there happen’d an Accident, which broke off their good Intelligence; for Daroes grew jealous of the Commander in chiefs Behaviour, observing him much to favour Cachil Bayaco, a Man of note, whose Friendship he was suspicious of, and he with reason fear’d, that the Commander would in time value Bayaco more than him. This well grounded Fear grew up in his Breast, till it turn’d to down right Hatred, and he contriv’d to kill Don George. The Design could not be carry’d on so private, as to be conceal’d from him, and he to disappoint it, retir’d into the Fort. Daroes puffed up with the Applause of the People, sent immediatly to require him to deliver up Bayaco, to try This Accident, which as a Disgrace to their Religion, exasperated the People, was seconded by another much worse, which quite render’d the Portugueses Odious. The contrary Winds kept back the Trading Galeon, Portugueses become odious for Rapine, &c. that us’d to carry the Soldiers Pay, and their Wants increasing, they began to seek Relief, breaking into the Natives Shops, and Store-Houses, and taking away their Provisions, without Paying for them. Daroes, offended at it, order’d, That no Provisions should be brought into the City to sell, and that the Shops which dealt in them, should be shut up. This was accordingly done, and reduc’d those in the Fort to such Distress, that the Soldiers mutinying, rail’d at their own Commander, and the Governour of India, demanding Relief with their Arms in their Hands. Don George being hard press’d, and blaming the Avarice of his Country Men, sent some Conspiracy to destroy the Portugueses. This Action brought them into general Hatred, and all the People of the Molucco Islands being exited by Cachil Daroes, contriv’d to kill Don George, with all the Portugueses and Spaniards, and so deliver themselves from their Yoke. Daroes undertook to Unite all the Kings of those Islands in a League against the Christians; sent away trusty Persons to stir up the Confederates; and particularly to Cachil Catabruno, Governor of Gilolo, during that Kings Minority, advising him, at a Time appointed, to rise in Arms against the Spaniards inhabiting his Dominions, and then to kill the Infant King, and Usurp the Crown; for the compassing whereof he promis’d his Assistance, for they should both make that their common Cause, because he design’d the same Slaughter upon the Portugueses, and upon the Infant King Sultan Dayalo, whom he would Succeed in the Throne, and never submit The Queen and all the Natives, were so terrify’d by this Action, that Natives fly, and streighten the Portugueses. they fled out of the City, to a craggy strong Mountain at the Town of Toruto: Thence the Queen sent to demand her Son, whom the Governour kept as a Prisoner; but he not answering her Letter, she was so offended at, and jealous of his Silence, that she caus’d Proclamation to be made, forbidding all the People of the Island, upon Pain of Death, to sell any Provisions, or other Necessaries, to the Portugueses. Her Orders were readily obey’d, and the Portugueses press’d by Hunger, found it a more powerful Enemy, than those they had wrong’d. Their Skins began to shrivel, they grew Lank and Weak, and must have perish’d, had not Gonzalo Pereyra arriv’d then with the Trading Galeon. Gonzalo Pereyra came from Malaca to succeed Don George de Meneses in the Post of Ternate; and improving the Opportunity, touch’d at Borneo, where he visited the King, with whom, the Spaniards not obstructing, he settled perpetual Peace and Amity; thence he set out immediately for Ternate, where he arriv’d in Safety. He presently took Possession of the Fort, and paid the weak Soldiers. The Queen went to visit him, and to complain of Don George, New Governour. and demand her Son Cachil Dayalo, which was her greatest Concern. Gonzalo Pereyra answer’d her generously, promis’d to do her Justice; and to begin, secur’d Don George in the Principal Tower, to appease the Queen, engaging i i. Word, That he would restore her Son, as soon as the Fort was in a good Posture. He sent to intreat her to return to the City, and former Amity; that Justice might be peaceably administer’d. She seeing some Effects of his Promise, in the Imprisonment of Fresh Uproars caus’d by the Governour. Some Governours, says the Portuguese Historian, Couto, only study to enrich themselves, impoverishing the Provinces, and their King; for no Prince can be rich, if his Grandeur depends upon poor Subjects. The Governour now perceiving that all Things were quiet, and he had little or no Dependance on those People, made Proclamation, that none should buy Cloves in those Islands, but the King, his Master’s Factors. At the same Time he order’d, that his Officers should enter the Houses of marry’d Men, which are the Richest, and take away all their Cloves; and this not only among the Natives, but in the Habitations, and Colonies of the Portugueses, paying for it after the Country Rate; and that they should break all their Weights, Scales and Measures, and other Implements of this Sort, all which he caus’d to be publickly burnt. The Island was again in an Uproar, and the Portugueses were for quitting it, because it was to no Purpose to live there, if they were depriv’d of that Trade. Most of the Portugueses repair’d to the House of Ferdinand Lopez, a Priest, who was the Bishop’s Vicar in the Fort, and ought to have given them an Example of Modesty. There one Vincent Fonseca, a seditious Fellow, heading the Mutiniers, they resolv’d to require the Governour to permit them to live in their former Liberty; and in case he should not Consent, they would depart the Fort, and the Country, and go over to the Spaniards, or else to the Mahometans, and Idolaters Towns. Some there were, who boggled at the Crime of abandoning the Service of their King, together with the Portugueses mutiny. Fort; and voted it would be less Harm to procure the Governour’s Death, by Means of the Natives. Whilst they were thus unresolv’d, the Governour sent to seize Vincent de Fonseca, for some disrespectful Words he had spoken upon this Occasion, to another Soldier who was viewing the Guards. The Multitude, who had already given themselves up to the Direction of Fonseca, were as much concern’d at his Imprisonment, as if every one of them had been put into Irons; and as generally in such Mutinies, they are not without some specious Pretence, tho’ it be but superficial, many of the Seditious, being incens’d, and resolute, repair’d to the Queen’s Palace, where they were easily admitted, and some of them to more Privacy with certain Counsellors of her’s. There they represented the Hardship of depriving them of the Trade of Clove, without any Demerit on their Side. But, said they, they may as well deprive us of this common Air, of this Light, and of the Benefit of our Senses. Our Kings give no such Orders; but they proceed from the Avarice of the Governours and Commanders, who tyrannize over us, and this Man more than all his Predecessors, being come to destroy, that which he was sent to preserve. The Queen and her Councellors were well pleas’d, hoping by that The Queen stirs up her People. means to get rid of Tyrants, as they call’d them, and therefore would not let slip so favourable an opportunity to compass their Ends. The Queen assembled the prime Men of the Island; represented to them the Condition it was in; put them in mind, how King Boleyfe her Husband, protected the Portugueses, who came thither in Distress; how they had sworn Amity, and solemnly given their Hands upon it; the Honour and Kindness he show’d them; and that for their sakes he forfeited the good will of the Neighbouring Princes; that after he had receiv’d them, he maintain’d Wars, and sustain’d losses, even to the hazard of his life, to protect them; that he treated them as affectionately as if they had been his own Children; and how they, in return for his Entertainment and Favours, as soon as the Breath was out of his Body, presum’d, said she, to lay violent Hands on me; from whose Tyranny and Oppression I escaped, by absconding long among the Rocks, and Brambles. My Children, they snatch’d from their Nurses Breasts, to confine them in Prison; in their own Kingdom, and among their Subjects. When Cachil Bayano came to age to govern, they poyson’d him. They now design after the same manner to destroy his Brother, a lawful King, as if he were some run-away Slave. See what regard a parcel of intruding Strangers have for your Fortunes, your Houses, your Daughters, and your Wives, in your own Country, and in my Presence. Any one of these things ought to be a sufficient motive to cast off the Yoke we laid upon our Necks through our own Credulity. What then will not they all together oblige us to do? But besides all this, what ought we not to do, seeing our Religion affronted? Our Temples polluted? Our Priests trampled on? And all our selves in general despis’d? Can you have a greater Testimony of the justice of your Cause, than to see the Portugueses themselves on your side? Do not let slip this Opportunity, my Friends, stand by them, since they promise to assist us. Deliver by their means your King, your Country, and your Religion; that all these may be afterwards rescu’d from them, and we may exclude such ungrateful Guests. These and other Exhortations made by the Queen, as Mafeus writes in Conspiracy against the Governor. his Latin History, were receiv’d with Abundance of Tears, and they all engag’d to put their helping hands to the execution of what had been concerted; and fixt the day and hour. Great Dissimulation was us’d, and the Queen forwarded the work of the Fort with much application, without sparing any Cost, giving out, so as it might come to the Governour’s Ears, That the King her Sons Liberty depended on the finishing of the Fort. This was the effect of Motherly Affection. The appointed Day being come, the Natives appear’d in Arms, just during the scorching Heat of the Noon-day; Some hid themselves in a Mosque, behind the Fort; others in a Wood, not far off, all of them ready to assault it, upon a Signal given, they being to enter at a Breach, which was not yet made up. Some The Portugues Conspirators went slily dissembling into the Fort, and finding the Governour dead, requir’d the rest in his place to admit of the Alcayde, or Constable of the Fort, because the King of Portugal had so order’d. They refus’d him, and particularly the Vicar, who took upon him Fonseca made Governour. to head them all, and prevail’d so far that they chose Vincent de Fonseca for their Governour, who immediately took Possession of the Fort, and beginning to go on in the Tyrannical Design of Gonzalo Pereyra, left the Trade of Clove as it was before; but secur’d King Dayalo. No notice was taken of the Governour’s Death, as being executed by the consent of them all. The Queen insisted to demand her Son, since she had furnish’d all Necessaries for that Work; Vincent Fonseca refer’d the Answer to the Marry’d Men. All those Nations are of opinion that the discreetest among them are the Marry’d Men, both on account of their Age, and as more faithful Councellors, because they have a greater interest in the publick Good, and therefore it is usual to refer to them all Debates and Answers in matters of Difficulty. They all voted, That the Queen should not have her Son deliver’d to her, because it was convenient to keep him as an Hostage, fearing the second part of what had been concerted, and that their Friendships would last no longer than till it could be executed. But to palliate the true cause of detaining him, they answered, That they must first acquaint the Governour of India. In the mean while the Mother did not cease to weep, and to intreat. She fed upon these Hopes, grounded on the Hatred the Portugueses still retain’d for Pereyra, and on the Generosity she had us’d in restoring the Trade of Clove, and other means. The most prevalent of these seem’d to be the gaining the affections of the Marry’d Portugueses, to whom that Affair was referred, and under-hand of Vincent Fonseca himself, by rich Presents, and extraordinary Gifts. But she was She stir’d up all the Neighbouring Kingdoms against the Portugueses; The Queen recovers her Son by force. and order’d the Provisions to be all remov’d, that none might come to the Fort, either by Sea or Land. Those within began to feel the want of all Necessaries, to such a degree, that they su’d to the Queen for Peace, which was concluded, and they gave up her Son, which was the only thing she aim’d at, without regarding the inconveniency of losing the Fort. The Queen having obtain’d the King’s Liberty, granted the Portugueses all the Conditions they demanded, and was so throughly appeas’d that the Christians continu’d their Settlements and Colonies, and Trade, and Provisions were restor’d. The Queen put the Government into the hands of her Son, who at first shew’d some Severity and Harshness towards the prime Men, and discover’d some Weaknesses, which till then his Confinement had either conceal’d, or suppress’d. These things render’d him so odious, that the case was alter’d, and they would have been glad he had been Prisoner again. The Mother could not curb his ill Inclination, for the extravagant Youth’s deprav’d Nature would not allow of it. At this time three mean Fellows of the Portugueses Colony, went to those of the Natives to rob; besides which they ravish’d some Women. The Portuguese Robbers kill’d. Islanders would not bear with that Insolence; but those who had been wrong’d in revenge kill’d the Offenders. Vincent de Fonseca hearing of it, magnify’d the Heinousness of the Fact, without mentioning his Countrymens Guilt, and order’d strict Enquiry to be made after the Slayers. What Care ought Princes to take to secure the Affection of their Subjects. The King was so hated, that certain Natives went to the Governour, and being conducted into a private part of the Fort, because they were Men of Quality, they assur’d him that the King had been the Occasion of the killing of those Portugueses, grounding the Accusation on their own Surmises, and aggravating the Offence with other Circumstances, in such manner, that had Fonseca lov’d the King, he could not but have believ’d them. He presently contriv’d to seize him; but being impatient, and despairing of securing him by Art, had recourse to Force. The King did the like, tho’ King of Ternate flies. sensible how little Assistance he could expect from his People, however he arm’d a few Vessels, and falling upon some Christian Towns, took several Prisoners. The Governour on the other Hand, without sparing Ternate, attacked what Towns he could, so that Cruelty and Rapine were again in use, even to assaulting of Cities, the very Sufferers approving of it, and pleas’d with their Losses, that so they might be reveng’d of their King. He fearing that the Hatred they bore him, might occasion his being seiz’d and deliver’d up to Fonseca, went over to Tydore, where that King for the present entertain’d and assisted him, as a Friend and Relation. The Governour sent with speed to call the King’s younger Brother, named Sultan Tabarija, who was fled with some Malecontents, and with the consent of Tristan de Atayde Governour of Ternate. At this time Tristan de Atayde came to Ternate, whose Presence brought all Things into better Form. He appeas’d the Queen, and commending Tabarija’s Government, gain’d his Affection. Trade went on without any Obstruction. Vincent de Fonseca imbark’d for India, and was seiz’d by the Viceroy of Goa, for the heinous Crimes he had committed in the Molucco Islands, whence a full Account of them was sent with him; yet he was not punish’d, but liv’d quietly for the future. Ternate flourish’d under this mild Government; the King, his Subjects, and the Portuguese Officers being united; but all those Garrisons so remote from the Head, being Receptacles of seditious Persons, who are contriving Innovations to disturb the Peace, and thrive by Discord, there wanted not some Promoters of such Changes, who perverted Tristan de Atayde, and divested him of his former Mildness. About the beginning of his Government two Carcoas of Barbarians plunder’d and almost destroy’d the City Momoya, the Inhabitants whereof were Idolaters, in the Island Moro. The Lord of it a powerful Sangiack, and good Moral Man, tho’ a Heathen, made his Escape. Gonzalo Velloso, a Portuguese, was then not far from his City, following his Trade, and going thither, upon his paying a Visit to the Sangiack, he told him the Havock that had been made, complaining of the dangerous Neighbourhood of the other Islanders, and asking his Advice, how he might be reveng’d and secur’d for the future. Velloso, God directing his Tongue, told him, That the surest way was to sue for Peace to the Commander in chief of the Moluccos, and entertain Amity with the Portugueses, for if his Enemies once saw he was supported by their Power, no King nor Sangiack would dare to offend him. He assur’d him that the King of Portugal sent them for that End, being oblig’d to put down Tyranny and Oppression; but that for the obtaining that benefit more fully, it was requisite he should become a Christian; for by that means he would save his Soul, and secure his Escape, which was the least important of the A Sangiack converted. two. Velloso said so much to this Point, and the Spirit which directed, suggested such important Truths, that the Sangiack at first admiring them, approv’d and submitted to them, and grew very earnest to be admitted to Baptism. He desir’d Gonzalo Velloso to be assisting to him, and gathering some of his Family and Friends, they set out for Ternate, the Sangiack himself staying behind for their Answer. The Heathens came with Velloso The People of Ternate at the same time took another Course, for they Portugueses serve the King. hating Sultan Tabarija, and desiring his Death, talk’d with the Governour in private, and gave him to understand that his Life was in Danger, for Tabarija contriv’d to kill him, as had been done by Gonzalo Pereyra, that so he might seize the Fort, turning out the Portugueses. The Governour hearing his Life, and the Fort were both in Jeopardy, and calling to mind the yet fresh Example of his Predecessor, easily believ’d the Design, but cunningly dissembled. He contriv’d that some Portugueses on account To return to the Course of the History when Tristan de Atayde had Imbark’d King Tabarija for India, he sought out for a Bastard Brother of his call’d Aerio, born of a Javanese Mother. The Lad was then ten years of Age, bred by his Mother in a retir’d manner, at a Pleasure-House encompass’d with perpetual Greens, the natural Disposition being improv’d The Melancholy Tree, and Flower. by Art, which so far prevail’d that the Flower so wonderful for its Fragrancy and manner of growing call’d Triste, or melancholy; found only in Malabar and Malaca, abounded in this Ladies Gardens. She ador’d the Sun, and brought up her Child in that Folly, that he might forget the Rudiments he learnt at Goa, when in the Colledge of the Jesuits. The Idolaters believe, or feign, that a most beautiful Daughter of Parizataco, a Satrapa, or Nobleman, fell in love with the Sun, and that he after complying with, and obliging her, setled his Affections on another, and the first not able to endure that another should be preferr’d before her, kill’d her self. From her Ashes, for in those parts they still retain the Custom of burning dead Bodies, sprung that Melancholy Tree, say they, whose Blossoms or Flowers still preserving the Memory of their Original, have such a Hatred for the Sun, that they cannot bear his Light. This Plant is call’d in the Canarine Tongue Parizataco, from the Indian Womans Father, who was Metamorphos’d like Daphne, tho’ on other Account. The Malayes call it Singadi; the Arabs, Guart; the Persians and Turks, Gul; the Decanines, Pul; and the Portuguese, Arvore Triste; that is, the Melancholy Tree. It shoots out abundance of slender Branches, regularly divided by Knots, from each of which two Leaves sprout, opposite to one another, like those of the Plum-Tree, but soft like Sage, and cover’d with a white Down. From each Leaf sprouts a Nib, or Nipple, whence five Heads shoot out small at the end, each of them adorn’d with four smaller The Portugueses came arm’d to that House, where the aforesaid Princess Portuguses sent to fetch Aerio. bred her Son, and demanded him in the Name of Tristan de Atayde; she would willingly have hid him, but could not, and therefore began to excuse her self, and beg they would leave him. It avail’d nothing, for the Messengers had Orders not to return without him, and to gain her Consent, swore they would carry him to reign in the stead of Tabarija, and that as soon as he came to the Fort, he should be received as King, both by the Ternates and Portugueses. Some Relations tell us, that then the Mother, shedding Abundance of Tears, streightly embracing the Prince, cry’d out, saying, Were I assur’d that you took him away to reign peaceably, His Mother’s Speech to keep him. without any Opposition, or Apprehension, well belov’d and obey’d by his Subjects, and in settled Prosperity, undisturb’d by any Frights; yet would I rather see him grow up and continue in a private Life, without burdening himself with any publick Concern, than that he should reign to please your Humour; this was my Intention in retiring with him, and I would gladly conceal him from all humane Conversation. If so, what can I think of what you now promise me? Will it be reasonable, that I deliver you my Son to receive the Crown, and that you at the same time design him for Imprisonment and Fetters, from which nothing shall, or can possible deliver him but Poison and false Accusations, which have brought his Brothers and Parents to their End? What Security have I from Fortune, that she will in this Child be reconciled to that Family, which she has condemned to immortal Enmity with the Europeans, in Requital for having friendly entertain’d them; and decreed that, instead of the Protection it hop’d to find in your Arms, you should lay on it an intollerable Yoke? Leave us then, both Mother and Son, to employ our selves about the Works of Nature, since costly Experience has so fully undeceived as to the Effects of Fortune. Permit us to divert the Thoughts of them, with the Quiet, and Improvements of these Gardens. Let us be allow’d to want that which so many seek after. James de Couto, in his Decades relates this Fact, and the Mother’s Lamentation, and Words. The Portugueses, no longer able to give Ear to those dismal Reflections, which did not savour of a barbarous Woman, ran up to her, and forc’d away her Son, whom she struggled to defend. He, says the same Author, observing his Mother’s Tears, and the Reasons she alledg’d for not parting with him, and having some anticipated Notion of the Sweetness of Reigning, which he had not yet tasted, stood gazing on her and them, full of Confusion. The Rudeness, and Insolence The Spanish and Portuguese Fleets at this Time continu’d their Voyages to the Archipelago, their several known Ways; the Spaniards from New Difference about the Moluccos, between Spain and Portugal. Spain to the Phillippine Islands; the Portugueses along the Coasts of Africk, and so to Malaca. Both Sides exercised their Power, and carry’d on their Trade with Ambition, and, as some say, with Cruelty; but the most bloody Theatre of continual Tragedies, was Ternate and all the Molucco’s. There both Nations of Castile and Portugal decided their Quarrel by the Sword, whilst their Kings in Europe only contended by Dint of Cunning, and Cosmography. At this time the Matter was not so plain, as when the Cosmographers and Commissioners on both Sides, lay’d down the Meridian, whereby to assign each of them one half of the World to their King. For the Admiral Christopher Columbus returning from his first Discovery of the West-Indies, in the Year 1493, Pope Alexander the VIth. granted the Investiture of them, for the Crown of Castile, to their Catholick Majesties, King Ferdinand, and Queen Isabel, or Elizabeth; and to obviate the Differences that might arise between the two Crowns, to the obstructing the Propagation of the Gospel, by the same Apostolical Authority, which in that spiritual Capacity is not limited to any part of the Globe, he divided it betwixt those two Crowns, ordering a Line to be drawn along the Heavens to cut both the Poles, distant on the Earth one hundred Leagues from the Islands of the Azores and Cabo Verde. By Vertue of this Division, the Emperor pretended that the Molucco Islands were within his Limits, ever since Gonzalo Gomez de Espinosa, his Commander in chief, Sebastian del Cano, and his Companions, who went with Magellan, took Possession of them for his Crown. Pretending at the same Time, that they were the first Christians that arriv’d at the Moluccos, and that then he was own’d as Sovereign by Sultan Corala, King of Ternate, who reign’d before Sultan Bongue; by Sultan Almanzor, King of Tydore, by Luzuf, King of Gilolo, and other Princes, who all swore In Answer to this, King John of Portugal, deny’d the Fact of the Discovery, Portuguese Answer. as to its Precedency; for Serrano’s was in the Year 1511, and that of Magellans Companions nine Years later, in 1520. He declar’d the Globes, Astrolabes, and Sea Charts to be partial, and that in Case they were rectify’d, drawing the aforesaid Meridian, according to Rules of Astrology, his Limits would not only comprehend the Moluccos, but reach far beyond the Philippine Islands. He offer’d King Tabarija’s last Will on his Behalf; and said, that if the Line were fairly drawn, observing Eclipses, as had been done sometimes, the Truth of his Assertion would appear. To this they added, the Papers of the Geographer and Astrologer, Andrew de S. Martin, by which it appear’d, that he sailing with Magellan, his before unattempted Voyage, had observed several Eclipses, and Oppositions. Among the rest, on the 17th of December, 1519. He in the River call’d Rio de Janeyro, took an Observation of a Conjunction of Jupiter and the Moon; on the first of February 1520, another of the Moon and Venus; soon after another of the Sun and Moon, after passing the Streights, another Opposition of the Sun and Moon, and others at other times; all which, tho’ calculated by him to the Meridian of Sevil, avail’d nothing to his Design, which was to prove that the Molucco Islands did not belong to Portugal; for which Reason he found Fault with John de Monteregio’s Tables and Almanacks. All these Papers were preserv’d by Edward Resende Factor at the Moluccos, a learned and curious Man. They said, that since there was then a Treaty about the Possession of those Islands; in a Case of that Consequence it was not proper, to avoid alledging, and examining the Grounds of their Property, to prevent the Decision of the Sword, which was the Court where that Controversy was pleaded; and when once it comes to that pass, there was no Possibility of standing to speculative Writing, which not being made good by Experience, must at least be look’d upon as uncertain. The Possession of the Molucco Islands was of great Consequence to the King of Portugal, for carrying on the Trade of Spice, and being inform’d of the War still maintain’d between his Subjects and the Emperor’s, in those Parts, he daily us’d fresh Endeavours to bring that Business to some Conclusion, that so the War might cease. The Emperor had not so By Relations Written in those Days it appears, that the Emperor consulting Spaniards against quitting the Moluccos. Peter Ruyz de Villegas, a grave and learned Gentleman, about this Mortgage; his Answer was condemning it, and declaring, That his Majesty had better to have Mortgaged any other of his Kingdoms, than that of the Moluccos, Trapobana, or Malaca, or any other in the East; all which, in his Opinion, belong’d to his Majesty; and the great uncertainty of State Affairs. Many others advised the Emperor to repay that great Sum to the King of Portugal; and what is yet more, the Representatives in the Cortes of Castile, propos’d that the Emperor should make over to them the Molucco Islands for six Years, by way of Farm, and they would pay King John the Mortgage Money, and bring the Trade of Spice to Coruna, and after the six Years his Majesty should carry on that Trade. The Emperor hearing of this Innovation, order’d a stop to it, and that no further Progress should be made in fitting out the Fleet design’d for the Moluccos, under Simon de Alcazova, and forwarded by the Bishop of Ciudad Rodrigo. Orders, and Letters Patents, were drawn and sealed, for both Nations to forbear Hostilities, but the Emperor’s Subjects never receiv’d Commands from him to withdraw their Forces for any other Enterprize, nor did they War ceases between Spaniards and Portugueses. know what had been agreed on in Spain, any other way than by the Account they had from the Portugueses who had receiv’d Orders from their King, to conclude a Peace, and to Ship off the Spaniards by the way of India for Spain. This Agreement put an End to all Judicial, and Military Contention. Since then the Vicissitude of Times has invested all the Right, and Title in our King. So that, according to grave Civilians, he This Accommodation being concluded, the Portuguese Fleets, without Portugueses Possession of the Moluccos. any Opposition from those of Castile, peaceably possess’d themselves of the Islands of Ternate, Tydore, Bachian, and the others about them. From the first of these, as their Head in Spirituals, our Priests went Abroad to preach the Word of Truth, which was receiv’d by several Kings and Nations, leaving but inconsiderable Remains of Idolatry, and other Sects. Whole Cities, whose Soveraigns chose to continue in their Darkness, not regarding their Prince’s Example, which uses to have the Force of a Law, threw down their Idols, and consecrated Profaneness, dedicating their Temples to the True God. The Kings of Portugal built Garrisons, and Factories for the Christians to inhabit; sending their Commanders and Officers, who curbed the Kings, and the Sangiacks their Subjects. Some Governours there were, who besides the Care they took of propagating Conversions. the Gospel, and maintaining Peace in those Parts, endeavour’d by endearing Means to attract the Barbarians to love our Habits, to affect our Ways of Entertainment, and the European Affability and Conversation, and gently inclin’d them to our Customs and Manners, which in some Places made them look upon that as a Sort of Equality, when it was no better than Servitude. The powerful Union of Justice and Religion was however the most prevalent; but the Commanders and Governours being defective in the first of these Virtues, on which inward Felicity and Government depend; the Subjects lost the second, and return’d to their former Blindness, as appears by what has been already said, and more fully by what is to follow, since we are now come to the Election of Sultan Aerio, in whose Days Ternate was utterly lost, and could never be recovered either by Force or Art, till the Reign of our Sovereign Lord the King; a just Reward of his Piety and Zeal. The lawful Queen, by those People call’d Putriz, was as much concern’d for Aerio’s Mother’s Death, as for any of her own Sons. She was present at her Funeral, and lamenting immoderately, curs’d the Domination of the Portugueses, calling it Tyranny. All the Machinations of those who study’d Revenge were known to her, and she forwarded them with her Advice; for as they said, nothing now remain’d of the former Moderation of the Governours sent thither out of Europe, nor of that Regard and Respect they used to have for them. The End of the First Book. |