An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 438 pages of information about An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies.

An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 438 pages of information about An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies.

Whether I had any Acquaintance or Discourse with the great Men at Court?  I answered, That I was too small to have any Friendship or Intimacy, or hold Discourse with them.

How the common People used to talk concerning them?  I answered, They used much to commend their Justice and good Government in the Territories, and over the People belonging unto them.

Whether the King did take Counsel of any, or rule and act only by his own will and pleasure?  I answered, I was a Stranger at Court, and how could I know that?

But, they asked further, What was my Opinion?  I replied, He is so great, that there is none great enough to give him counsel.

Concerning the French, If the King knew not of their coming before they came?  I answered, I thought, not, because their coming seemed strange and wonderful unto the People.

How they had proceeded in treating with the King?  I answered, as shall be related hereafter; when I come to speak of the French detained in this Land.

If I knew any way or means to be used whereby the Prisoners in Cande might be set free?  I told them, Means I knew none, unless they could do it by War.

Also they enquired about the manner of Executing those whom the King commands to be put to Death.  They enquired also very curiously concerning the manner of our Surprizal, and Entertainment or Usage among them.  And in what parts of the Land we had our Residence.  And particularly, concerning my self:  in what Parts of the Land, and how long in each I had dwelt, and after what manner I lived there, and of my Age; and in what Part or Place when God sends me home, I should take up my abode.  To all which I gave answers.

They desired to know also, how many English men there were yet remaining behind.  I gave them an account of Sixteen Men, and also of Eighteen Children born there.  They much enquired concerning their Embassadors detained there, and of their behaviour and manner of living; also what the King allowed them for Maintenance; and concerning several Officers of Quality Prisoners there, and in general about all the rest of their Nation.  And what Countenance the King shewed to those Dutch men that came running away to him?  I answered, The Dutch Runnawayes the King looks upon as Rogues.  And concerning the Portugueze they enquired also.  I told them, The Portugueze were about some fifty or threescore persons, and six or seven of those, Europe men born.

They asked me moreover, How we had made our Escape, and which way, and by what Towns we passed, and how long we were in our Journey?  To all which I answered at large.

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An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon in the East Indies from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.