The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16Dryden, John
History
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 16
Dryden, John
English literature
"We were at sea," says Rodriguez, "Father Francis, John Raposo, and
myself, when there arose a tempest, which alarmed all the mariners. Then
the Father drew from his bosom a little crucifix, which he always carried
about him, and leaning over deck, intended to have dipt it into the sea;
but the crucifix dropt out of his hand, and was carried off by the waves.
This loss very sensibly afflicted him, and he concealed not his sorrow
from us. The next morning we landed on the island of Baranura; from the
time when the crucifix was lost, to that of our landing, it was near
twenty-four hours, during which we were in perpetual danger. Being on
shore, Father Francis and I walked along by the sea side, towards the
town of Tamalo, and had already walked about 500 paces, when both of us
beheld, arising out of the sea, a crab-fish, which carried betwixt his
claws the same crucifix raised on high. I saw the crab-fish come directly
to the Father, by whose side I was, and stopped before him. The Father,
falling on his knees, took his crucifix, after which the crab-fish
returned into the sea. But the Father still continuing in the same humble
posture, hugging and kissing the crucifix, was half an hour praying with
his hands across his breast, and myself joining with him in thanksgiving
to God for so evident a miracle; after which we arose, and continued on
our way." Thus you have the relation of Rodriguez.
They staid eight days upon the island, and afterwards set sail for
Rosalao, where Xavier preached at his first coming, as he had done at
Baranura. But the idolaters, who inhabited these two islands, being
extremely vicious, altogether brutal, and having nothing of human in them
besides the figure, gave no credit to his words; and only one man amongst
them, more reasonable than all the rest, believed in Jesus Christ.
Insomuch, that the holy apostle, at his departure from Rosalao, took off
his shoes, and shook off the dust, that he might not carry any thing away
with him, which belonged to that execrable land.
Truly speaking, the conversion of that one man was worth that of many.
The saint gave him in baptism his own name of Francis; and foretold him,
that he should die most piously, in calling upon the name of Jesus. The
prophecy was taken notice of, which has recommended the fame of this new
convert to posterity, and which was not accomplished till after forty
years. For this Christian, forsaking his barbarous island, and turning
soldier, served the Portuguese, on divers occasions, till in the year
1588 he was wounded to death in a battle given by Don Sancho
Vasconcellos, governor of Amboyna, who made war with the Saracen Hiamo.
Francis was carried off into the camp; and many, as well Indians as
Portuguese, came about him, to see the accomplishment of the prediction,
made by the blessed Francis Xavier. All of them beheld the soldier dying,
with extraordinary signs of piety, and crying, without ceasing, "Jesus,
assist me!"
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