_ 195 _ ships may sail safely and their trade be more profitable, and that those of Calicut may be prevented from sailing and trading. Consider, Sir, the friendship that you have with the King of Cochin. Let his port, from which you receive so much benefit, be an outlet for the cargoes of your ships. Act like the King of Cochin, who makes peace with the caimals and nobles of the land of Malabar, who support the King of Calicut. Thus, he receives both pepper and merchants from Repelim into his port, but crooked dealers do not come from Calicut with precious stones. Neither Cannanore nor Cochin wants to commit themselves either to war or peace. They want us to do so but they have no desire to help us. Be on your guard, Your Highness, against letters from your officials because they are the ones who hinder an agreement with Calicut and anger the Kings of Cochin and Cannanore, receiving enormous bribes from the Moors. Sir, make Calicut safe by building a fortress there if you are so allowed. Do not renew your treaty with Cannanore, which is of no benefit. It has neither port nor river suitable for naus and galleys, nor has it merchandise, precious stones, or merchants that trade in your factory.
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