Although The Rajah Of Cochin Was Quite Sensible
Of The Inferiority Of His Military Force, And Was Convinced What The
Zamorin Threatened Might Readily Happen, He Yet Determined To Remain Firm
To His Engagements, And Sent The Following Answer:
"If you had required with civility what you have proudly commanded me, I
should not have esteemed your valour lessened by your courtesy:
For with
men of wisdom and power there is no need for insolent vaunts. I have not
as yet so sinned against God, that I should humble myself to vain
boasting, or think that he should grant you the victory over me and those
brave men who fight on my side. In spite of all your pride, I trust even
with the small number I have to defend me in my just quarrel, that I
shall be enabled to overcome you and all my enemies. However much you may
have practised deceit and injustice, it has ever been my rule to avoid
shame and dishonour, and I will never consent to deliver up the
Christians or their goods, which I have engaged to defend."
The zamorin was much offended by this answer from the rajah of Cochin,
and vowed to destroy his whole country in revenge: Leaving, therefore,
the isle of Repelim on the last day of March, he entered on the
territories of Cochin, yet refrained from doing any injury, as he now
occupied those parts which belonged to the chieftains who had joined him
against their own sovereign.
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Words from 192978 to 193229
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