Ric. Cocks.
[159] India Office. Original Correspondence, vol. iii, no. 342.
Richard Wickham to Richard Cocks.[160]
(Extract.)
Meaco, le 22th May, 1616.
Many report that the Emperor is dead, but the report from most of credit saye he is recovered and in resonabel good health. He hath bestowed great presents upon the chefe nobylity whome he hath despatched very honorably for theyr contery. Shimash Dono came yesterday to Fuxame, and will be imbarked within this 4 daies at furdest from Osacay. Frushma Tayo Dono came to Meaco 4 dayes since, having leave to goe for his contery after 5 yeares attendance at the court. He is much honored heare in these parts. Shongo Sama is departed from Serongaue 23 dayes since for Eado, and it is said that he will come and visit his douory in Meaco in June or July next. During the Emperors sicknes he caused his chefe phesition to be cut in peces for telling him, being asked by the Emperor why he
could not soner cure him, that in regard he was an ould man his medesen could not worke so efectualy upon his body as apon a yong man. Wheareupon without saying any more to him commanded Cogioodon to cause him to be bound and cut in peces. Upon the which Ximas Dono sent him his phesition, the China, who did him much good, as it is reported; which maketh me thinck that the Emperor is living by reason Ximas Dono his peopell doe report. You may be sure the China would not kepe any such secret from his master Ximas Dono, yet nether Ximas Dono nor Tozo Dono nor any nobel man since the going up hath sene the Emperor, nether of his Counsell hath any this many dayes bene admited to his presents, there being none but Cogi Dono, 2 weomen, and 2 phesitions sufered to com in his sight, which maketh many to suspect that he is dead, as they saye it is the maner to conceale the death of the Emperor a whole yeare or more before it be knowne publik.
[160] India Office. Miscellaneous Records, T. c., no. 43.