_ 132 _ which are sown in their souls so that they will not be saved as believers(A). The Turks and Mamluks(B) go unashamedly through the Strait(C) and Arabia, and we have news that they have departed in nine galleys, and some fustas; the three came to Diu(D) and Muscat, and took three naus belonging to merchants(E). Seven paraus(F) of the Malabari dared to pass the Cape of Comorin and run the length of the coast of Pesqueria [the Pearl Fisheries] and Bengal, and have taken some fine booty although Ceylon(G) was quiet for some time during the rule of Don Luis(H) it is beginning so they say to grumble. Thus while all are shouting for power, may it please Our Lord that those of Portugal, by their cunning and design, are not party to hindering the good which (A) Cf Mc 16, 16. (B) le ‘Romans’ or Turks. (C) Couto, Dec X, Book 1, c 11 ‘Concerning what happened at that time in the straits of Mecca and Persia’. (D) Couto says nothing about Diu. (E) Couto, Dec X, 1. 1, cc 11-12, where may things can be read about the invasion of the port of Muscat by the Turks. (F) ie ‘parau, Indian warship’. (G) Cf Couto, Dec X, 1. 1, c 10. (H)ie D Ludovico de Ataide, viceroy, who had died in Goa on 9 March 1581. The town of Colombo had been besieged during 1579-81.
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