_ 124 _ detail in order to serve you, because I know for certain that I am conversant with Ormuz and its affairs. I am now sending a request for a favour to Your Highness, because the great Captain Afonso de Albuquerque, God rest his soul, is already dead. He knew me well and he made me crown judge of Ormuz, against my will, because he knew me through and through and he was well aware of how much there was and in what I could serve. If he were alive, I could be forgiven for asking why he had bullied me. But be that as it may , I kiss Your Highness hands............ and may the judge remember the law.......... he always made and makes of those who serve him well, as I believe I do. From this, Sir, I shall receive many favours and I shall always pray to God for your life and royal estate. Done in your port of Cochin, where I am at present bound for Ormuz, today, 12th January 1519. From your crown Judge in Ormuz, Alvaro Pinheiro.(A) (A) Translator’s Note: The words in italics reflect those in the printed text. A footnote says that the document is very badly defaced and in parts unreadable. The bits in italis are conjectural.
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