That Although The Zamorin Had A Great Army, Yet
Victory Did Not Always Follow Numbers, As A Few Valiant Men Were Often
Victorious Over Great Odds, Especially Having Justice On Their Side.
He
therefore desired the factory to remain, and to pray God to give him the
victory.
The Portuguese now offered to give him such aid as their small
number would allow; but he declined allowing them to expose themselves to
any danger on the present occasion, as his credit depended upon the
preservation of their lives, that they might witness, for his faithful
adherence to the treaty of amity which he had formed with their nation.
Upon this he placed them under the safeguard of certain naires in whom he
had confidence. After this, the rajah called all his nobles into his
presence, together with the chief naires, who were the cause of all the
murmurs against the Portuguese, and addressed the assemblage to the
following effect:
"I am much concerned to find that truth and loyalty should be wanting
among men of your quality. I do not wonder at the present misconduct of
the lower orders, who are often constrained by their poverty and
wretchedness to commit all manner of wickedness. But that naires, who
have always been noted for fidelity, should desire me to forfeit the
promise which I have made, to the captain-general in behalf of the
Portuguese, to defend them to the utmost of my power against all violence
as my own subjects, astonishes and distresses me beyond measure.
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