_ 399 _ and on account of the love and kindness with which he treats us. Because of this and because of the trust that I know that he has in us and I have always had in his name since I came to this land, I am quite convinced that you are all happy and we are proud that in our time something happens whereby, by performing great and outstanding service to God and His Majesty, you may show the love and loyalty to which your nature inclines you and for which we are indebted. If many exploits and feats of great consequence are performed in India, none can compare with this one in the greatness of the enterprise and of the individuals [involved]. I hope in Our Lord that this is done, so that Diu and the other fortresses may be called special members of India. Ormuz needs help because it is in danger, according to what I have been told and learnt about a Turkish fleet bearing down on her, for the body receives strength from all its members though they may be separate because, apart from the revenue that Your Highness receives from India, most comes to you from this city. Nor would it be possible for India to feed itself with the trade of Ormuz. From this it can be inferred that the entire State of India depends on its defense and security.
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