For He Invaded And Subdued The Great Cities Of _Gogia, Pati_, And _Crava[117]_, And Also The Goodly Island Of _Sacutara_, [Socotoro,] Where A Fortress Was Erected By Order Of The King Of Portugal.

I omit also to speak of many islands which we saw by the way, such as the island of _Cumeris_, or Curia Muria, and six others, which produce plenty of ginger, sugar, and other goodly fruits, and the most fruitful island of _Penda_, which is likewise subject to the Portuguese.

[Footnote 115: Probably of the year 1508. - E.]

[Footnote 116: It is hardly necessary to remark, that the term Ethiopia is here applied to the western coast of Africa on the ocean. - E.]

[Footnote 117: The Gogia of the text is probably Oja, on the coast of Africa, 17 leagues from Melinda, and Pati may possibly be some corruption of Paniany, both of these places having been reduced by de Cunna. Crava may be an error for Brava, on the western coast of Africa. - E.]

From the island of Mozambique, which belongs to Portugal, it brought much gold and ivory, but these come from the continent of Ethiopia. This island is not large, but has a commodious port, and is inhabited by black Mahometans[118], who are in great want of all the necessaries of life, having no corn or provisions but what are brought from the continent. We landed on the continental part of Ethiopia to see the country, where we saw a barbarous Vagabond people of blacks, both men and women going entirely naked, except covering their parts of shame with leaves of trees.

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 227 of 842
Words from 61453 to 61722 of 230997