After these, King _John_ of _Portugal_ sent _Jaques Cano_ with a Fleet, who Sailing, found the River _Zaires_, where he erected a Pillar with an Inscription, _Latin_ and _Portuguese_, signifying by whom, and in what Kings Reign these _African_ Coasts were discover’d: Here he also met some of the Natives, who more civiliz’d than the rest, told him, That they had a mighty King, who Raigning over them, kept his Court some few days Journey up in the Countrey, to whom _Cano_ sending his Agents, detain’d four _Africans_ as Pledges, which he carry’d with their free consent to _Portugal_, promising to bring them back in fifteen Months, who before that time having got some smatterings of their Tongue, inform’d them, that their Native Soyl was call’d _Congo_, whither returning by the appointed time, they were according to their agreement, exchang’d for the _Portuguese_, and _Cano_ address’d himself with rich Presents to their King, whom he found sitting in their manner on an Ivory Throne, being from the middle upward Naked, his nether parts cover’d with long Silken Skirts, a Golden Armlet on his left Arm, athwart his Shoulders hung a Horses Tail, their Badge of Royal Dignity: _Cano_ humbly laid the Presents down at the Kings feet, amongst which was a Gilded Flag, or Pennon with a Cross, which Pope _Innocent_ the Eighth had Consecrated with great Ceremony. After this, many of that Nation became Christians, and the King himself receiv’d Baptism. But in short time, by the Instigations of their Diabolical Priests, and others, Christianity loosing ground, grew out of countenance: Mean while, King _John_ the Second vigorously Prosecuted the business of Discovery, sending _Jews_ and _Christians_ by Land from _Alexandria_ and other parts of _Egypt_ to _India_, and from thence to explore the Coasts on the Eastern side of _Africa_, to the _Great-Cape_; if so a way might be found fit for Navigators, having doubled that Point, to Traffick with the Oriental parts of the World. [Sidenote: _Vasques de Gama_, his expedition.] After this Princes Death the Work lay sill a while, but in short time, King _Emanuel_ his Successor freshly undertook the business once more, sending _Vasques de Gama_ with four Ships, who passing through many Dangers with great Difficulties, Anchor’d at last before _Calecut_, and was the first of the _Europeans_ that found a way to the _East-Indies_. [Sidenote: _Christopher Columbus_’s.] [Sidenote: Dividing of the earth.]