51 it is forbidden by their idolatry. The water they drink is slightly yellow. This they keep in a cool place and look for all manner of ways to try and cool the water and always have cold water at hand. They always take a page whenever these noble squires andmerchants walk along paths. They invariably carry a cask of water, or a bottler adorned with silver. This they consider a symbol of their status and to serve them in this comfortable life. They are not well liked by women, for the majority always take young eunuch slaves with them to sleep with. All these distinguished Moors have got farms on the mainland where they often go for relaxation, especially in the summer. The city of Hormuz is very rich and well supplied with all provisions. It is nonetheless very expensive because everything has to be brought in. Especially from Persia and Arabia and other places, everything comes very quickly. There is nothing they can use on the island except salt. Even drinkin water is brought in from the mainland or from other nearby islands. This is done in small boats called terradas as I mentioned before. The markets are constantly full and abundant, as all the provisions and wood come from outside. Here, everything is sold by weight with very strict instructions and duties. When anyone cheats on the weight or does not pay his duties, there is an order for that person to be severy punished. Boiled and roasted meats are sold by weight, and all other foor is already prepared. This is so well carried out and clean, that many people do not have their food prepared in their houses, and eat instead from the market. The King is always in the city. Here, he has a very large palace next to the sea at one end of the city. Here he always stays and keeps all his treasure. The King has his governors and tax collectors, in all the places of Persia and Arabia, and the islands I mentioned and he has a governor in the city itself. This official keeps everything in order, and is above all the other governors in the entire kingdom. The governor has the King
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