_ 24 _ go immediately and present myself in Ormuz, since it was the King's wish that I should serve him as guazil. I, Your Highness's slave, made my excuses but could offer no excuse that they were willing to hear. The leaders of the Portuguese were present and they ordered me to take up the post as it was in the King of Portugal's interests that I should not do the opposite. No matter how many excuses I made, they had no desire whatsoever to accept them, nor were they in any way to my advantage. It is now two years the day since I have been acting as guazil. During the time that the Arab guazils served, all the Persians left Ormuz. The present Captain of Ormuz, whom I came to serve praises God and Your Highness, because everything belonging to the King is now profitable. Seven fortresses surrendered to you immediately, because we serve Your Highness very loyally with our persons and property. Now I hope for reward, honour and favour from Your Highness. As for the business of the Ormuz customshouse and its revenues, praise to be God, they are better than in the time of the Arabs, who were lacking in prudence and squandered and wasted the profits of the customshouse, in any way that suited them. I your slave produce good income from the customshouse and with it I pay the pareas and discharge other obligations.
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