Notable Voyagers, From Columbus to NordenskioldKingston, William Henry Giles
History
Notable Voyagers, From Columbus to Nordenskiold
Kingston, William Henry Giles
Explorers; Voyages and travels
The Castilian then strongly advised that the Captain-Major should not go
on shore without proper hostages, and promised to give a sign as to
which was a good one of those offered. After this he retired, begging
as he had entered. The factor wrote to the Captain-Major, warning him
of the treachery intended, and a message was conveyed to the King
intimating that Vasco da Gama would not come until proper hostages were
delivered up. Three nairs were accordingly sent to the factory, one of
whom the Castilian pointed out as the King's nephew, and advised that he
especially should be strictly watched. On the arrival of the hostages
on board, they were received with due honour and conducted into one of
the cabins, where a watch was set over them.
As he was about to depart, Vasco da Gama received information that the
King had gone into the country, where he would receive him. The
hostages soon afterwards requested to be allowed to go on shore to eat;
but this Vasco da Gama would not allow, observing that as he had
received them from the King, he could only return them by the King's
command.
He had, in the meantime, sent word by a messenger, that he could not
present himself as an ambassador before the King, except at his own
royal palace. At length the messenger returned, saying that his Majesty
had returned to the city, and was now ready to receive the embassy.
Upon this the Captain-Major embarked in his barge, accompanied by Davane
as interpreter, taking with him several large Indian boats, loaded with
packages.
Arriving at the factory, he dressed himself in a tawny-coloured cloak
coming down to his feet, and underneath a short tunic of blue satin,
with white buskins, and on his head he wore a blue velvet cap, having a
white feather in it, fastened with a jewel; a richly enamelled collar on
his shoulders, and a sash with a handsome dagger completed his costume.
He had also a page habited in red satin. Before him went a file of men,
handsomely dressed, then other men carrying the various gifts; in front
of all the chair, carried upon Davane's head, while at their head
marched trumpeters sounding their instruments, the whole being conducted
by the factor, with a cane in his hand and his cap off.
As they proceeded through a long street the crowd was so great, many
among the people being Moors, with swords and shields, that it was with
difficulty the Portuguese could make their way, until several nairs
arrived and drove the rabble aside.
The factor, having entered the palace, presented each of the articles to
the King, who expressed great satisfaction, especially with the chair,
on which he took his seat.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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