_ 69 _ situated in the Bay of Cambay. As governor of these cities and Sea Admiral, he had a good income in gold and resided always in Diu, which is the best city in all the coast of Cambay. The Arabs and Persians call it Diu, and the Indians Debixa, it is situated at one of the ends of the Bay of Cambay on the north side, at a place which the sea has cut inland, forming an island which is almost joined to the mainland, So much so, that it only needs a stone bridge for the inhabitants to cross from one side to the other. The city is about the size of Evora and is surrounded by good walls, which on the western side are built over a great rock, which is next to the sea. There was a stronghold built on the sea by the shore, joined to the city walls by a very thick iron chain which could be raised or lowered, enabling the people to close off the harbor. In this way the ships in it were very safe, and no foreigner could enter it without the chain being lowered first, All the houses in this city are built of stone and whitewashed, possessing more than one storey. The harbour is very good and clean, except that there is a sandbank at its entrance. The city is inhabited by many merchants, both Arab and gentile. As a result it is a very busy trading post, larger than any other city on the coast of Cambay, and therefore very profitable to the King of Cambay. Meliquias would buy
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