Fresh Uproars caus’d by the Governour. Some Governours, says the Portuguese Historian, Couto, only study to enrich themselves, impoverishing the Provinces, and their King; for no Prince can be rich, if his Grandeur depends upon poor Subjects. The Governour now perceiving that all Things were quiet, and he had little or no Dependance on those People, made Proclamation, that none should buy Cloves in those Islands, but the King, his Master’s Factors. At the same Time he order’d, that his Officers should enter the Houses of marry’d Men, which are the Richest, and take away all their Cloves; and this not only among the Natives, but in the Habitations, and Colonies of the Portugueses, paying for it after the Country Rate; and that they should break all their Weights, Scales and Measures, and other Implements of this Sort, all which he caus’d to be publickly burnt. The Island was again in an Uproar, and the Portugueses were for quitting it, because it was to no Purpose to live there, if they were depriv’d of that Trade. Most of the Portugueses repair’d to the House of Ferdinand Lopez, a Priest, who was the Bishop’s Vicar in the Fort, and ought to have given them an Example of Modesty. There one Vincent Fonseca, a seditious Fellow, heading the Mutiniers, they resolv’d to require the Governour to permit them to live in their former Liberty; and in case he should not Consent, they would depart the Fort, and the Country, and go over to the Spaniards, or else to the Mahometans, and Idolaters Towns. Some there were, who boggled at the Crime of abandoning the Service of their King, together with the Portugueses mutiny. Fort; and voted it would be less Harm to procure the Governour’s Death, by Means of the Natives. Whilst they were thus unresolv’d, the Governour sent to seize Vincent de Fonseca, for some disrespectful Words he had spoken upon this Occasion, to another Soldier who was viewing the Guards. The Multitude, who had already given themselves up to the Direction of Fonseca, were as much concern’d at his Imprisonment, as if every one of them had been put into Irons; and as generally in such Mutinies, they are not without some specious Pretence, tho’ it be but superficial, many of the Seditious, being incens’d, and resolute, repair’d to the Queen’s Palace, where they were easily admitted, and some of them to more Privacy with certain Counsellors of her’s. There they represented the Hardship of depriving them of the Trade of Clove, without any Demerit on their Side. But, said they, they may as well deprive us of this common Air, of this Light, and of the Benefit of our Senses. Our Kings give no such Orders; but they proceed from the Avarice of the Governours and Commanders, who tyrannize over us, and this Man more than all his Predecessors, being come to destroy, that which he was sent to preserve. He has no Design to restore your Majesty your Son; but on the contrary we are satisfy’d he contrives to destroy both the Son and the Mother. Her he will secure, as soon as he has brought his Works to perfection, that he may not be again kept from Provisions. If you will stand up for your Country, and kill the Commander, we shall not obstruct it, but on the contrary shall be as vigorous to act against him, as we are ready to promise it.
The Queen and her Councellors were well pleas’d, hoping by that The Queen stirs up her People. means to get rid of Tyrants, as they call’d them, and therefore would not let slip so favourable an opportunity to compass their Ends. The Queen assembled the prime Men of the Island; represented to them the Condition it was in; put them in mind, how King Boleyfe her Husband, protected the Portugueses, who came thither in Distress; how they had sworn Amity, and solemnly given their Hands upon it; the Honour and Kindness he show’d them; and that for their sakes he forfeited the good will of the Neighbouring Princes; that after he had receiv’d them, he maintain’d Wars, and sustain’d losses, even to the hazard of his life, to protect them; that he treated them as affectionately as if they had been his own Children; and how they, in return for his Entertainment and Favours, as soon as the Breath was out of his Body, presum’d, said she, to lay violent Hands on me; from whose Tyranny and Oppression I escaped, by absconding long among the Rocks, and Brambles. My Children, they snatch’d from their Nurses Breasts, to confine them in Prison; in their own Kingdom, and among their Subjects. When Cachil Bayano came to age to govern, they poyson’d him. They now design after the same manner to destroy his Brother, a lawful King, as if he were some run-away Slave. See what regard a parcel of intruding Strangers have for your Fortunes, your Houses, your Daughters, and your Wives, in your own Country, and in my Presence. Any one of these things ought to be a sufficient motive to cast off the Yoke we laid upon our Necks through our own Credulity. What then will not they all together oblige us to do? But besides all this, what ought we not to do, seeing our Religion affronted? Our Temples polluted? Our Priests trampled on? And all our selves in general despis’d? Can you have a greater Testimony of the justice of your Cause, than to see the Portugueses themselves on your side? Do not let slip this Opportunity, my Friends, stand by them, since they promise to assist us. Deliver by their means your King, your Country, and your Religion; that all these may be afterwards rescu’d from them, and we may exclude such ungrateful Guests.
These and other Exhortations made by the Queen, as Mafeus writes in Conspiracy against the Governor. his Latin History, were receiv’d with Abundance of Tears, and they all engag’d to put their helping hands to the execution of what had been concerted; and fixt the day and hour. Great Dissimulation was us’d, and the Queen forwarded the work of the Fort with much application, without sparing any Cost, giving out, so as it might come to the Governour’s Ears, That the King her Sons Liberty depended on the finishing of the Fort. This was the effect of Motherly Affection. The appointed Day being come, the Natives appear’d in Arms, just during the scorching Heat of the Noon-day; Some hid themselves in a Mosque, behind the Fort; others in a Wood, not far off, all of them ready to assault it, upon a Signal given, they being to enter at a Breach, which was not yet made up. Some of the Arm’d Islanders slily mixt themselves among the Masons, and Labourers, and among the King’s Servants, who were going and coming with kind Messages between the Son and the Mother, and by this means convey’d him his Arms, and being us’d to talk to him freely at other times, they had then the Opportunity of acquainting him with the Design, and advising to be in a readiness to fall on boldly in due time. Thence they went to the Governour’s Apartment, where he was taking his Afternoons Nap in all possible Security, his whole Family being asleep. The Ternates burst the Doors open with their Shoulders, and rush’d upon the Governour, whom the noise had awak’d. He defended himself with his Sword and Buckler for a considerable space; but his Enemies being numerous, and all His Death. pressing forwards, they cut him in pieces. A Woman-slave of his hearing the Hubbub, shreek’d out, which with the other Noise brought the Islanders out of the Mosque, without expecting the Signal. They laid hold of a Portuguese they met, but he broke loose, and escap’d their Fury by flight. The Slave continu’d crying out, Moors, Moors. With this the Governour’s Servants came running arm’d, and going up to the chief Tower, where their Master was wont to divert himself, found all the Murderers there, whom they laid hold of, and cast down headlong, and then shut the Gates of the Fort. Then they rang the Bell, the sound whereof, and their not hearing the Signal, discourag’d the Ternates who lay in Ambush, so that they slunk away into the City.
The Portugues Conspirators went slily dissembling into the Fort, and finding the Governour dead, requir’d the rest in his place to admit of the Alcayde, or Constable of the Fort, because the King of Portugal had so order’d. They refus’d him, and particularly the Vicar, who took upon him Fonseca made Governour. to head them all, and prevail’d so far that they chose Vincent de Fonseca for their Governour, who immediately took Possession of the Fort, and beginning to go on in the Tyrannical Design of Gonzalo Pereyra, left the Trade of Clove as it was before; but secur’d King Dayalo. No notice was taken of the Governour’s Death, as being executed by the consent of them all. The Queen insisted to demand her Son, since she had furnish’d all Necessaries for that Work; Vincent Fonseca refer’d the Answer to the Marry’d Men. All those Nations are of opinion that the discreetest among them are the Marry’d Men, both on account of their Age, and as more faithful Councellors, because they have a greater interest in the publick Good, and therefore it is usual to refer to them all Debates and Answers in matters of Difficulty. They all voted, That the Queen should not have her Son deliver’d to her, because it was convenient to keep him as an Hostage, fearing the second part of what had been concerted, and that their Friendships would last no longer than till it could be executed. But to palliate the true cause of detaining him, they answered, That they must first acquaint the Governour of India. In the mean while the Mother did not cease to weep, and to intreat. She fed upon these Hopes, grounded on the Hatred the Portugueses still retain’d for Pereyra, and on the Generosity she had us’d in restoring the Trade of Clove, and other means. The most prevalent of these seem’d to be the gaining the affections of the Marry’d Portugueses, to whom that Affair was referred, and under-hand of Vincent Fonseca himself, by rich Presents, and extraordinary Gifts. But she was soon undeceived, for Fonseca offered her such Reasons or Excuses, as proved his Tyrannical Design; alledging, that having already sent to consult the Governour of India about the King’s Liberty, it was not in his power to come to any Resolution in that affair, till the Answer came from Goa, for they would cut off his Head, should he go about to act of himself. The Queen perceiving that neither Gifts, nor Intreaties would prevail to get her Son, she resolv’d to use Force.
She stir’d up all the Neighbouring Kingdoms against the Portugueses; The Queen recovers her Son by force. and order’d the Provisions to be all remov’d, that none might come to the Fort, either by Sea or Land. Those within began to feel the want of all Necessaries, to such a degree, that they su’d to the Queen for Peace, which was concluded, and they gave up her Son, which was the only thing she aim’d at, without regarding the inconveniency of losing the Fort. The Queen having obtain’d the King’s Liberty, granted the Portugueses all the Conditions they demanded, and was so throughly appeas’d that the Christians continu’d their Settlements and Colonies, and Trade, and Provisions were restor’d. The Queen put the Government into the hands of her Son, who at first shew’d some Severity and Harshness towards the prime Men, and discover’d some Weaknesses, which till then his Confinement had either conceal’d, or suppress’d. These things render’d him so odious, that the case was alter’d, and they would have been glad he had been Prisoner again. The Mother could not curb his ill Inclination, for the extravagant Youth’s deprav’d Nature would not allow of it.
At this time three mean Fellows of the Portugueses Colony, went to those of the Natives to rob; besides which they ravish’d some Women. The Portuguese Robbers kill’d. Islanders would not bear with that Insolence; but those who had been wrong’d in revenge kill’d the Offenders. Vincent de Fonseca hearing of it, magnify’d the Heinousness of the Fact, without mentioning his Countrymens Guilt, and order’d strict Enquiry to be made after the Slayers. What Care ought Princes to take to secure the Affection of their Subjects. The King was so hated, that certain Natives went to the Governour, and being conducted into a private part of the Fort, because they were Men of Quality, they assur’d him that the King had been the Occasion of the killing of those Portugueses, grounding the Accusation on their own Surmises, and aggravating the Offence with other Circumstances, in such manner, that had Fonseca lov’d the King, he could not but have believ’d them. He presently contriv’d to seize him; but being impatient, and despairing of securing him by Art, had recourse to Force. The King did the like, tho’ King of Ternate flies. sensible how little Assistance he could expect from his People, however he arm’d a few Vessels, and falling upon some Christian Towns, took several Prisoners. The Governour on the other Hand, without sparing Ternate, attacked what Towns he could, so that Cruelty and Rapine were again in use, even to assaulting of Cities, the very Sufferers approving of it, and pleas’d with their Losses, that so they might be reveng’d of their King. He fearing that the Hatred they bore him, might occasion his being seiz’d and deliver’d up to Fonseca, went over to Tydore, where that King for the present entertain’d and assisted him, as a Friend and Relation. The Governour sent with speed to call the King’s younger Brother, named Sultan Tabarija, who was fled with some Malecontents, and with the consent of Sultan Tabarija made King. all the rest of the People, who were before no less dissatisfy’d, proclaim’d him King, with all the Forms and Ceremonies us’d in that case. Many approv’d of it, yet some were scandaliz’d. The same Division reign’d among the Portugueses, remembring the unjust Election of Vincent de Fonseca, and that he was the first and main instrument of the Death of Gonzalo Pereyra. Fonseca himself was not at Peace with his own Conscience; but so full of Apprehensions and Dread, that he was never unarm’d, disconsolate, melancholy, and attended by all those ill Symptoms, the Memory of Guilt produces in the Mind; and he could wish he were discharg’d of the Burden he had taken upon him. The new King Tabarija began his Reign shewing Kindness to all Men, and cherishing the Portugueses, which offended his absent Brother; and administer’d occasion to irritate the Kings of Tydore and Ternate against him so hastily, that he immediately broke the Peace, and declar’d himself their Enemy.
Tristan de Atayde Governour of Ternate. At this time Tristan de Atayde came to Ternate, whose Presence brought all Things into better Form. He appeas’d the Queen, and commending Tabarija’s Government, gain’d his Affection. Trade went on without any Obstruction. Vincent de Fonseca imbark’d for India, and was seiz’d by the Viceroy of Goa, for the heinous Crimes he had committed in the Molucco Islands, whence a full Account of them was sent with him; yet he was not punish’d, but liv’d quietly for the future. Ternate flourish’d under this mild Government; the King, his Subjects, and the Portuguese Officers being united; but all those Garrisons so remote from the Head, being Receptacles of seditious Persons, who are contriving Innovations to disturb the Peace, and thrive by Discord, there wanted not some Promoters of such Changes, who perverted Tristan de Atayde, and divested him of his former Mildness. About the beginning of his Government two Carcoas of Barbarians plunder’d and almost destroy’d the City Momoya, the Inhabitants whereof were Idolaters, in the Island Moro. The Lord of it a powerful Sangiack, and good Moral Man, tho’ a Heathen, made his Escape. Gonzalo Velloso, a Portuguese, was then not far from his City, following his Trade, and going thither, upon his paying a Visit to the Sangiack, he told him the Havock that had been made, complaining of the dangerous Neighbourhood of the other Islanders, and asking his Advice, how he might be reveng’d and secur’d for the future. Velloso, God directing his Tongue, told him, That the surest way was to sue for Peace to the Commander in chief of the Moluccos, and entertain Amity with the Portugueses, for if his Enemies once saw he was supported by their Power, no King nor Sangiack would dare to offend him. He assur’d him that the King of Portugal sent them for that End, being oblig’d to put down Tyranny and Oppression; but that for the obtaining that benefit more fully, it was requisite he should become a Christian; for by that means he would save his Soul, and secure his Escape, which was the least important of the A Sangiack converted. two. Velloso said so much to this Point, and the Spirit which directed, suggested such important Truths, that the Sangiack at first admiring them, approv’d and submitted to them, and grew very earnest to be admitted to Baptism. He desir’d Gonzalo Velloso to be assisting to him, and gathering some of his Family and Friends, they set out for Ternate, the Sangiack himself staying behind for their Answer. The Heathens came with Velloso to Ternate, where they were generously received, and entertain’d by Tristan de Ataide. Having heard what they came about, he put them all into the Christian Habit, appointing Clergy-men to instruct and Catechize them. Being thus prepar’d, they receiv’d Baptism with extraordinary satisfaction, the Commander in chief being their God-father. Then he commended the Sangiack’s Resolution, shewing how advantageous it would be to him to become a Son of the Church, and reject the abominable and foul Ceremonies of Idolatry, in which he had liv’d. He sent him word, to appoint the Day and Place for being Baptiz’d, and he would see all perform’d as he should direct, for which Reason he left it to his Choice. The Messengers returning to Momoya, were not only proud of having embrac’d the Christian Faith, but of the good Usage they receiv’d from the Governour and other Christians, telling the Sangiack all that had happen’d, and the Answer they brought him. The Sangiack, led by his own inclination, and encourag’d by their Account, imbark’d in some Carcoas with the greatest Splendor of Musick and Gayety he was able. Being come in Sight of Ternate, Tristan de Ataide went out to meet him with no less Pomp. He lodg’d and entertain’d him accordingly, and order’d a Learned and Religious Man to Catechize and instruct him. Some Days after when the Cathecumens were fitted for it, they receiv’d Baptism, with publick Rejoycings, and greater Solemnity than had ever been seen in Ternate. There was not a Christian but what brought Palm-Branches and Flowers from that natural Garden of the Island; besides Musick, Dancing, Firing of great Guns, and even the very Barbarians rejoyc’d. The Sangiack in Baptism took the Name of Don John; he stay’d some Days rejoycing and Feasting with the Portugueses, and then return’d home, taking along with him the Priest that instructed him, call’d Simon Vaz, to improve him in the Knowledge of the Faith. That Priest liv’d with him some Years in his City, leading an Exemplar Life, and exercising himself in Works of Officious and pure Charity, by which means he converted great Numbers of Heathens, and particularly the Inhabitants of Momoya. But being alone, and the Number of those God was pleased for his Glory, to bring to him increasing very fast, he sent to Tristan de Atayde for another Priest to assist him in that Function, and he accordingly sent F. Francis Alvarez. They both in a short time converted the Infidels of that Part, throwing down all the Pagodes, so they call’d their Idols, cleansing those Places, and converting the Houses of Abomination and Darkness into Churches of the living God. Tristan de Atayde so far favour’d the new Don John, as to send along with him some Portuguese Soldiers to defend his Person and Fort, and this Prince maintain’d very friendly Correspondence with him. His End we shall soon see and admire in the Sequel of this History.
The People of Ternate at the same time took another Course, for they Portugueses serve the King. hating Sultan Tabarija, and desiring his Death, talk’d with the Governour in private, and gave him to understand that his Life was in Danger, for Tabarija contriv’d to kill him, as had been done by Gonzalo Pereyra, that so he might seize the Fort, turning out the Portugueses. The Governour hearing his Life, and the Fort were both in Jeopardy, and calling to mind the yet fresh Example of his Predecessor, easily believ’d the Design, but cunningly dissembled. He contriv’d that some Portugueses on account of real or pretended Differences should have Recourse to the King’s Favour, as sometimes they us’d to do, and should prevail upon him to come to the Fort to speak for them. He was apply’d to by some, and like an innocent Man suspecting nothing, went to the Fort to intercede for them. He was immediately seiz’d and loaded with Irons, and being brought to Trial, the same Persons that contriv’d his Imprisonment, appear’d as Witnesses against him. After a tedious Examination, or show of it, the Result was, that he should be sent to India to justifie himself. He imbark’d with a safe His Conversion and Death. Conscience, and his Cause being examin’d before the Viceroy Antony Barreto at Goa, he was clear’d, and confessing the Holy Spirit had taken that method to draw him to Salvation, was Baptiz’d in that City with great Satisfaction, by the Name of Don Emanuel. In his Return homewards, expecting the Monson at Malaca to put to Sea, he dy’d with extraordinary Tokens of a sincere Christian; and having no lawful Heir, appointed King John the Third of Portugal to succeed him in all his Kingdoms. The Will was afterwards carry’d to Ternate, where the great Ones and Commonalty accepted of it, owning King John for their Soveraign. This was perform’d with Acclamations in the Streets and publick Places, as also in the Courts of Judicature, taking Possession with the Royal Standard of Portugal display’d, and all other usual Solemnities and Ceremonies. In the Year 1549, Jordan de Freytas carry’d the publick Instruments of the Possession to Lisbon.
To return to the Course of the History when Tristan de Atayde had Imbark’d King Tabarija for India, he sought out for a Bastard Brother of his call’d Aerio, born of a Javanese Mother. The Lad was then ten years of Age, bred by his Mother in a retir’d manner, at a Pleasure-House encompass’d with perpetual Greens, the natural Disposition being improv’d The Melancholy Tree, and Flower. by Art, which so far prevail’d that the Flower so wonderful for its Fragrancy and manner of growing call’d Triste, or melancholy; found only in Malabar and Malaca, abounded in this Ladies Gardens. She ador’d the Sun, and brought up her Child in that Folly, that he might forget the Rudiments he learnt at Goa, when in the Colledge of the Jesuits. The Idolaters believe, or feign, that a most beautiful Daughter of Parizataco, a Satrapa, or Nobleman, fell in love with the Sun, and that he after complying with, and obliging her, setled his Affections on another, and the first not able to endure that another should be preferr’d before her, kill’d her self. From her Ashes, for in those parts they still retain the Custom of burning dead Bodies, sprung that Melancholy Tree, say they, whose Blossoms or Flowers still preserving the Memory of their Original, have such a Hatred for the Sun, that they cannot bear his Light. This Plant is call’d in the Canarine Tongue Parizataco, from the Indian Womans Father, who was Metamorphos’d like Daphne, tho’ on other Account. The Malayes call it Singadi; the Arabs, Guart; the Persians and Turks, Gul; the Decanines, Pul; and the Portuguese, Arvore Triste; that is, the Melancholy Tree. It shoots out abundance of slender Branches, regularly divided by Knots, from each of which two Leaves sprout, opposite to one another, like those of the Plum-Tree, but soft like Sage, and cover’d with a white Down. From each Leaf sprouts a Nib, or Nipple, whence five Heads shoot out small at the end, each of them adorn’d with four smaller round Leaves; from each little Head proceed five Flowers, the fifth in the midst of the other four; among them the white Flowers visibly grow out, being bigger than Orange Flowers, and so fast after Night fall, that the Motion of them is perceptible. This Fruitfulness lasts all the Night, till the Appearing of the Sun renders it barren, and causes all the Flowers and Leaves to drop off, the Boughs remaining wither’d. On a sudden all that Fragrancy ceases, which enrich’d the Air with all the sweet Odours of Asia, included in this alone; till the Sun leaving the Horizon again, the Plant again flourishes in its beloved Darkness, as if it then retriev’d the Wrong it receiv’d from the Light. The Asiaticks are excessively fond of Perfumes, which is an Argument of their Lasciviousness. Great Taxes are laid in several Provinces, on all sweet Scents.
The Portugueses came arm’d to that House, where the aforesaid Princess Portuguses sent to fetch Aerio. bred her Son, and demanded him in the Name of Tristan de Atayde; she would willingly have hid him, but could not, and therefore began to excuse her self, and beg they would leave him. It avail’d nothing, for the Messengers had Orders not to return without him, and to gain her Consent, swore they would carry him to reign in the stead of Tabarija, and that as soon as he came to the Fort, he should be received as King, both by the Ternates and Portugueses. Some Relations tell us, that then the Mother, shedding Abundance of Tears, streightly embracing the Prince, cry’d out, saying, Were I assur’d that you took him away to reign peaceably, His Mother’s Speech to keep him. without any Opposition, or Apprehension, well belov’d and obey’d by his Subjects, and in settled Prosperity, undisturb’d by any Frights; yet would I rather see him grow up and continue in a private Life, without burdening himself with any publick Concern, than that he should reign to please your Humour; this was my Intention in retiring with him, and I would gladly conceal him from all humane Conversation. If so, what can I think of what you now promise me? Will it be reasonable, that I deliver you my Son to receive the Crown, and that you at the same time design him for Imprisonment and Fetters, from which nothing shall, or can possible deliver him but Poison and false Accusations, which have brought his Brothers and Parents to their End? What Security have I from Fortune, that she will in this Child be reconciled to that Family, which she has condemned to immortal Enmity with the Europeans, in Requital for having friendly entertain’d them; and decreed that, instead of the Protection it hop’d to find in your Arms, you should lay on it an intollerable Yoke? Leave us then, both Mother and Son, to employ our selves about the Works of Nature, since costly Experience has so fully undeceived as to the Effects of Fortune. Permit us to divert the Thoughts of them, with the Quiet, and Improvements of these Gardens. Let us be allow’d to want that which so many seek after. James de Couto, in his Decades relates this Fact, and the Mother’s Lamentation, and Words. The Portugueses, no longer able to give Ear to those dismal Reflections, which did not savour of a barbarous Woman, ran up to her, and forc’d away her Son, whom she struggled to defend. He, says the same Author, observing his Mother’s Tears, and the Reasons she alledg’d for not parting with him, and having some anticipated Notion of the Sweetness of Reigning, which he had not yet tasted, stood gazing on her and them, full of Confusion. The Rudeness, and Insolence of the Soldiers put an End to all; for tho’ they had no such Orders from their Commander, being deaf to, and weary of hearing the Complaints of The Portuguese murder her. a Disconsolate Woman; they at the same time seiz’d the Son, and laying hold of the Mother, cast her headlong out at the Window: The new King was carry’d to the Fort, and at the same time that the Subjects swore Fidelity to him, they with general Lamentation celebrated his Mother’s Obsequies, which were perform’d with greater Solemnity, than even those of the Principal Queens. This Inhumanity exceeding even the Canibals, and consequently unworthy the pretended Portugueses Bravery; being bruited Abroad in the Neighbouring Provinces, produc’d that just Hatred which was of Force to unite; and actually drew into a Confederacy all the Kings of the Archipelago, against the Portugueses. They assembled Confederacy against them. in Council, and in the Meeting concerted their Design, declaring that the Oppression they were under, was intollerable, the Portugueses making and deposing Kings to their own Humour and Fancy, insulting those Crowns which had given them the Power they had abus’d, contrary to all Laws of Humanity, without allowing the Natives so much as a Vote in Elections. Having agreed upon the Enterprize, they provided all Things for the Execution, whilst the appointed Time came, which they diligently made as short as might be, and expected with Dissimulation.