_ 103 _ than one for which one is prepared; I say this with regard to Aden, which we are about to attack; for its inhabitants do not remotely suspect that we are on our way, thinking as they do that we have too much to keep us busy in India. They will therefore be unprepared. The less they expect us, the more afraid they will be when we arrive, for they know how much Our Lord has helped us in India, Praise be to Him. In this way they will think that we will do to them what we have already done to others in India. As a result of our reputation, they will be even more afraid if we attack as soon as we arrive, than if we delay the combat. For if there is any delay, they might take hold of their senses they will remember that they are men, that they possess offensive and defensive weapons, and they will wish to prove themselves, specially as they are very close to other cities which will be able to send them reinforcements very quickly. Therefore, we shall, if nothing prevents us, descend on them upon our arrival; we can either break down their gates with battering rams, if they close them, or else scale the walls with ladders, As soon as this had been settled he sailed away, but as he left Socotra behind there suddenly blew a tempest from the south-south-east. The winds were
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