_ 527 _ Because I know that you are acquainted with the lack of justice and the great evil of these people, I shall say no more to you about them. As for your telling me that I should attend to this business before it becomes too big, because their intention is merely to come to this fortress, I can assure you that if they do,they will receive what they deserve. The fortress of Diu has witnessed how the Portuguese can punish their arrogance. But as it is our custom and our God orders us to help anyone in need, I am keeping myself ready, not because of the fear that I have of those detestable people, nor because of the profit that I can draw from this business, but only so as to do what you ask me to help the King of Basra, with whom we have been friends for so many years. The blame for these vile people daring to come to Baghdad rests with the King of Basra, because I wrote to him many days ago that he should fulfill his duty by going to capture the fortress of [Zaquia], and that I would go and help him, because if I went with a fleet by sea and he with men by land, it would be impossible for it to be defended. He has not even answered me now that my factor has come from there. He did not write to me even to ask for help,though it was very much needed. But returning to the point, I state that I was getting myself ready and that
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