[209] These branches and leaves were carried to Portugal, as we learn from the king’s letter (see Appendix A), but they had most certainly not been taken from true cinnamon trees, for only an inferior cassia is found in that part of India. [210] Barros and Goes say that the leader of these vessels was a pirate named Timoja, whose head-quarters were at Onor. He subsequently rendered valuable services to the Portuguese. (See Stanley’s _Vasco da Gama_, p. 244.) [211] This island was the largest of the Anjediva. [212] Three lingams, emblems of the generative power? [213] The _fusta_ is a galley or undecked rowing boat, with one mast. For an illustration see Linschoten’s _Itinerarium ofte Schip-vaert_, etc. [214] Tambaram, in Malayalam, has merely the meaning of lord or master. [215] This man subsequently became known as Gaspar da Gama. See Appendix E. [216] The Sabayo or Governor of Goa. [217] The original MS. uses the verb “perguntar”, that is, to question; but Barros says that he was tortured, and this would account for his attempting to make himself understood by “gestures”, when previously he had spoken very fluently, and had been understood. [218] September 24 to October 5 is twelve days, both days inclusive. [219] From October 5 to January 2. [220] At Mombaça. [221] The MS. says “February” but this is an obvious mistake. [222] From Moçambique to Madagascar is only 60 leagues; 300 leagues would carry a ship as far as the Seychelles. [223] Mukhdisho of the Arabs, Madisha of the Somal, in lat. 5° N. The town was founded by Arabs, perhaps on the site of a more ancient city, in 907, and attained the height of its prosperity under the dynasty of the El Mdofer, which was expelled by the Abgal Somal, probably in the sixteenth century. [224] Whether merely as a sign of rejoicing or in wanton enmity is not clear. [225] Pate is an island in 26° 5´ S., with a town of the same name. [226] The author says the 9th, but Monday was the 7th. The stay of five days extended from the 7th to the 11th. [227] “Vasco da Gama’s Pillar”, now to be seen at Malindi, close to the town (to the left of it as seen from the sea) and at the extremity of a narrow rocky promontory of only a few feet in height, is certainly not the padrão erected by the great navigator, though it probably occupies its site. When Cabral arrived at Malindi in 1501 the pillar had been removed, it having proved a “stone of offence” to the people of Mombaça. The king, however, had stowed it away carefully, and had even caused the royal arms to be repainted. João de Sá, who had been with Gama, identified it.