Michael Vaz negotiated so well with King John the Third, pursuant to the instructions of Father Xavier, that he obtained another governor of the Indies, and carried back such orders and provisions, signed by his Majesty’s own hand, as were in a manner the same which the father had desired.

These orders contained, That no toleration should be granted for the superstition of the infidels in the isle of Goa, nor in that of Salseta; that they should break in pieces all the pagods which were there, and make search, in the houses of the Gentiles, for concealed idols, and whosoever used or made them should be punished according to the quality of his crime; that as many of the Brachmans as were found to oppose the publication of the gospel, should be banished; that out of a yearly rent of three thousand crowns, charged on a mosque at Bazain, a subsistence should be made for the poor, newly converted from idolatry; that hereafter no public employment should be given to Pagans; that no exaction should remain unpunished; that no slaves should henceforth be sold, either to Mahometans or Gentiles; that the pearl fishing should only be in the hands of Christians, and that nothing should be taken from them, without paying them the due value; that the king of Cochin should not be suffered to despoil or oppress the baptized Indians; and, last of all, that if Sosa had not already revenged the murder of the Christians in Manar, who were massacred by the king of Jafanatapan’s command, Castro, who succeeded in his place, should not fail to see it done.

To return to Father Xavier;—­he put to sea at Cochin, and sailed towards Cambaya.  In the ship there was a Portuguese gentleman, much a libertine, and one of those declared atheists who make a boast of their impiety.  This was motive enough for the holy man to make acquaintance with him.  He kept him company, and was even so complaisant as to entertain him with pleasant conversation.  The Portuguese was much delighted with his good humour, and took pleasure in hearing him discourse on many curious subjects.  But if Xavier offered to let fall a word concerning the salvation of his soul, he laughed at it, and would hear no more.  If the father mildly reproved him for his profane and scandalous way of living, he flew out into a fury against the holy practice of the church, and swore he would never more come to confession.

These ill inclinations did not at all discourage Xavier from his undertaking.  He treated this hardened sinner after the manner that physicians use a patient raving in his sickness, with all manner of compassion and soft behaviour.  In the meantime, they came to an anchor before the port of Cananor, and, going ashore together, they took a walk into a wood of palm-trees which was near their place of landing.  After they had made a turn or two, the saint stripped himself to the waist, and taking a discipline, pointed at the ends with wire, struck so hard and so often on