_ 236 _ The Captain’s confessor found it necessary to warn him of this, and of the satisfaction he should give to the people. With the confidence and laughing manner normal for him in such situations, he replied: “Not until my hour comes”. Nevertheless, when the hour did come, and his people were in need, they began to find out, to realise what they owed to his great foresight. He arranged certain days of the week on which to prepare three or four guns for firing in accordance with need, so that no shadow of disorder or personal interest should arise. It was as if he were seeking to do the work of a Brother of Mercy. He ordered that provisions should be distributed in accordance with the needs of each person, and only at the prices they were worth. In all other places, prices had increased excessively. This operation was appreciated as it deserved, both by our own people and by the Moors, who recognised the foresight, courage and honesty with which the Captain had acted. At the time, the Viceroy, Dom Francisco Mascarenhas wrote to him in one of the chapters of his letters in the following terms: The quality of your government and your sagacity has not been recognised when the city of Ormuz was very prosperous and had an abundance of everything. I cannot undertake to pay you the compliments for the great work you have done when others are able to do it better.
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