_ 174 _ They are taking an extra five orphan boys with them. Four are beginners in grammar, and the rest know plainsong and some of the music of the organ. Their task is to rebuke swearing, cure the sick and instruct however many young men and children there are. They are of immense benefit. They provide great edification in this fleet, greatly embarrass the men in their sins and, in my opinion, they are instruments through whom the Lord is disposed to accomplish a great deal. They can become members of the Society in a year's time. News of the Kingdoms of Prester John of Ethiopia: his errors and customs are being sent to Portugal in a transcript(A), according to reliable information I received from some Portuguese who came from there this year. They tell me that the King(B) is well disposed towards our Portuguese people. He wrote a letter this year to the King of Portugal(C). There is great knowledge in that country, according to what I have been told by a young Abyssinian, member of the King's council, whom I taught and instructed in these parts and who fled there. (A) Barzeu’s account of Ethiopia is edited by Camara Manoel 97-112 and Beccari X 23-34. (B) Claudio (Galâwdêwos), who ruled in the years 1540-59. (C) This letter has been lost (cf. doc. 118a). Barzeu was ordered by Xavier to write to the King (EX II 427, 29) and, in fact, of the two letters one (version) still exists (see doc. 119).
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