_ 17 _ I say this because we all thought that the reply sent by the sheikh was so reasonable that it seemed unnecessary to ask anything more of him, Ormuz being the head and principal city which must agree or be broken. If it pleases God that it become a tributary of the King our master, then all his ports will be free and we cannot do him harm; but if Ormuz does not obey, then we make war openly on all his ports. But at present, without being sure of what Ormuz will do, it does not seen reasonable to make war on his towns, and it may be that because of this, thinking us to be unreasonable and proud people, the King of Ormuz and those of his council will be more prepared, and they will be afraid and think that they cannot reason with us, and will trust to war for their salvation. Therefore, sir, we ask you to agree matters and consult with all of us, since we have to share in the work and the dangers, in which through his mercy our Lord will give us victory and to you the honour you desire. The Captain-in-Chief was a very intelligent man but he was easily angered. He listened to the end to everything Afonso Lopes da Costa said, which was supported by all the other Captains except João da Nova, who did not join in. Then the Captain-in-Chief replied, saying “I have listened to all that you said, so I ask that you too will listen to me,
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