_ 89 _ you do will always be well done and sure for ever. Because King Zafaruddin here present has promised obedience to the King of Portugal, the Lord of the seas and the Indias, and is thus his vassal, as a good ally he must help him guard and defend this city and all its ports from whomsoever may wish to do it harm. The better to defend this city, a fortress must be built, with soldiers and a fleet at sea, so that all the merchants who come to this city, and their ships will be free. The fortress and captain and men in it, and the fleet at sea, will all be paid for by fifteen thousand xerafins a year. He does not wish any further tribute to be paid, and he will inform the King of Portugal of this. In addition, the merchandise that the King’s factor here may buy, and sell shall be free of duty and the goods of the Portuguese will be free of entry duty only. Be pleased to grant this freedom, because they will be serving everyone who comes to Ormuz and even dying in their service as for the King their master. He asks you to do this, if it pleases you and is your own will, and that you should confer well with your men. If you are content with this, he asks you to send him a letter signed by yourself and by your Regents and council, undertaking that you and those who come after you will comply with this. It is all written down in
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