The next going ashore of the Sea-men, this Bannyan (for the injury was done him) caused a Running a Muck, that is, he instigated a great many people to kill all they met of that ship. The loss of several men thereupon: but he is out of danger, having cunningly kept himself aboard that time. He afterwards had like to have been killed by a Crease the Bannyan had hired for that purpose. His enemies being destroyed, he marrieth an Indian Punce-woman.

The next day, a great many of our men went ashore; and going into China-row, (a street so called in Bantam) to drink Punce and Tea, a great crew of Indians and Chineses (headed by this Bannyan) fell upon them, killing whom they could, (not directing their revenge upon any particular person, which they call a Muck:) so hot and sharp was this Conflict, that many were killed on both sides, but more wounded. This accident alarm’d the whole town, but most especially the English there resident: but at last, with much ado, this grand uproar was calmed. It was my good fortune, that I was not then among them, otherwise I might have been made a sacrifice among the rest of my fellows. But I was fore-warn’d, having been pre-inform’d that such broyls are usual upon such occasions; wherefore I kept my self out of harms way for that time.

But not long after, thinking their malice blown over, I went ashore; and walking with others of our Boats-crew in the same Row, (where most of our men were us’d to resort, because of the liquor that was there to be had, and a Whore to boot) a fellow came to me, with this Bannyan I cheated, and both of them with Creases, (a kind of Dagger of about a foot and half long) would have stab’d me, had not my friends prevented them, by striking up their heels, and afterwards with their own Creases stab’d them to the heart. After this, we could walk very quietly without any disturbance, going any where without any danger.

Being very hot there, our usual pastime was to go up a little small River (joyning to the Town) four or five miles to wash our selves: the trees so covered it over like an Arbor, that the beams of the Sun could not penetrate it; by which means it was fine and cool, which very much refresht our parched bodies. I never came ashore, but I drank very immoderately of Punce, Rack, Tea, &c. which was brought up in great China-Jugs holding at least two Quarts: with every such Jug there was brought in a Dish of Sweetmeats, not of one sort, but variety, and excellent good, for which we paid a shilling English: and if you call’d for another Jug, you paid no more, unless a Dish usher’d it in.

One house especially I much frequented, for the Indian womans sake that kept it: for though she was black, or rather tawny, yet she was well-featur’d and well-form’d, having long black hair (when she unty’d the tresses) hanging down to her legs. She from the first shewed me as much kindness as could be expected from that lump of Barbarism: and I could discerne her inclinations, (in the same manner as a man may from beasts, when they are prone to Generation) but yet it went against my stomack to yield to her motions. However, she continued her love to me, not letting me pay for anything I call’d for: and when there was no necessity of being aboard, she would in a manner make me lie in her house, (which, as their houses commonly are, had but one story:) the beds they use are a kinde of Quilt, hard; for were they soft, the hotness of the Climate would cause them to be very destructive to mans body, even melting his very reins. Gold and Jewels she had great quantity, with an house richly furnished after the Indian fashion. For this consideration, I perswaded myself to marry her; and with several arguments alleaged, I gained so much conquest over myself, that I could kiss her without disgorging myself: and by accustoming my self to her company, methought I began to take some delight in it. By degrees, interest so over-power’d me, that I resolv’d to marry her. Thus many (nay most) for Money, stick not to give themselves to the Devil. Having one night (lying there) seriously considered of my resolution, and liking it indifferent well, I fell asleep; but wonder’d when I awaked, to see a thing lie by me all black, as if she had had a Mourning smock on. It seems she could hold out no longer: I pretended to flee from her; but she held me fast in her arms, using what rhetorick she could to perswade me to the contrary. I ask’d her what she meant? She told me in a little broken English she had got, that she would Money me; marry me, she meant: I, Money me, said I, that I like well; but without it, let the Devil have married her for me. I ask’d her several questions, to which she gave me satisfaction; and enjoyn’d her several things, which she greedily condescended to: whereupon I gave her the first-fruits of her desires. But ere I go farther, take something of my Ryming fancie with you.