_ 490 _ The destiny of this oriental empire was threatened by the differences between the two main personalities, D. Francisco de Almeida and Afonso de Albuquerque, who was to succeed him as governor-general at the end of 1508. The Viceroy's reaction is evident in his letter to King Manuel: God knows that I am very glad....I had thought for some time that this might well come to pass; and he concludes. Everything Our Lord does is for the best, and He knows that Afonso de Albuquerque is as much my son as is Dom Lourenco and that I should be pleased that he does good in your service(A). Soon after writing to the King D. Francisco de Almeida betrayed his resentment against Afonso de Albuquerque for his conquest of Ormuz: I can well see that your capture of the kingdom and city deserves that books should be filled with it, and that His Highness should add to your honour with many rewards, because for the present it adds greatly to his prestige and will resound throughout the world; but I do not know what advantage can follow from it[...](B). The times were favourable for Afonso de Albuquerque, and the news of the conquest of Ormuz reinforced the royal decision to entrust to him the Governor-Generalship (A) V. below, doc.I, fo. 2v. (B) Cartas de Affonso de Albuquerque, vol.III, p. 242.
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