509 - 517; But
Are Inserted In This Place As Calculated To Render This First Account Of
The English Trade In Japan A Complete And Unbroken Narrative.
- E.]
[Footnote 27: John Japan seems a fabricated name; perhaps a Japanese
Christian named John, and the addition of Jurebasso may signify that
he acted as interpreter. - E.]
Next day, I went to wait upon the two kings, as from our general, to
thank them for having so well provided for his journey, which they took
in good part. I suspect the old king had notice that some of our men had
behaved ill last night; as he desired me to remind the master to look
well to the people on board, and that I should look carefully to the
behaviour of those on shore, that all things might go on as well in the
absence of the general as when he was present, otherwise the shame would
be ours, but the dishonour his. On the 9th, a Japanese boy named Juan,
who spoke good Spanish, came and offered to serve me for nine or ten
years, and even to go with me to England if I pleased, asking no wages
but what I was pleased to give. I took him into my service, and that the
rather, because I found Miguel, the jurebasso left with me by Mr
Adams, was somewhat stubborn, and loved to run about at his pleasure,
leaving me often without any person who could speak a word of the
Japanese language. This Juan is a Christian, most of his kindred
dwelling at Nangasaki, only one living here at Firando, who came along
with him and passed his word for his honesty and fidelity. Juan had
served a Spaniard at Manilla for three years, where he had acquired the
Spanish language. I engaged him, and bought for him two Japanese
garments, which cost me fourteen mas.
The 13th I shewed our commodities to some merchants of Maioco, [Miaco]
but they bought nothing, and seemed chiefly to desire to have gunpowder.
This day Semidono went to visit our ship, accompanied by several
stranger gentlemen, and came afterwards to see our English house, where
I gave them the best entertainment in my power. The 19th at night began
the great feast of the pagans, when they banquet and make merry all
night by candle-light at the graves of their deceased kindred, whom
they invite to partake.[28] It lasts three nights and the intermediate
days; when, by command of the king, every house must new gravel the
street before its door, and hang out candles all night. I was not slack
in obeying this order, and I was informed that a poor man was put to
death and his house shut up, for neglecting to comply with the order. On
this occasion, the China captain furnished me with two very decent paper
lanthorns. Being informed that the kings intended to ride about the
streets, and to make me a visit, I provided a banquet for them, and
waited till after midnight, but they came not.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 32 of 474
Words from 16243 to 16756
of 247546
