_ 38 _ it, and that you realised that some of the wrongs done to your people and administrators were of their own making as they had not behaved as you had ordered, and as behoved them. Finally, that as both sides have suffered so much which was never your intention - you will consider events of the past forgotten and deem it desirable that they live in peace with you. To that end, you will guarantee that, with the exception of specific places, their ships and people may trade when, where and as they wish without hindrance or harm from your officials who, on the contrary, are to provide all the assistance possible. If you wish to withstand this attack by the Mamelukes or Sultan against this land which is yours and represents a constant expense for you, then let them act as they think fit and may each provide you with some taxes. ......I am in favour of low taxes, but some consider these very low in comparison with those levied elsewhere and so I do not think as some would have me believe - that they do not pay taxes. It could be a great deal of money. It is not advisable to build fortresses in their areas even with their permission. The castle of Cochin is sufficient in India for as long as God so wishes for housing the people, storing impounded goods and repairing the naus. It is my opinion
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