_ 64 _ were reduced. Until today, there is more merchandise than enmity in India, and viceroys, who formerly went to make their reputation in the State now go there in search of the means to increase their income in Portugal by many thousands. And once the Moors and Hindus of those parts found in us evidence of covetousness and interest, we began to lose esteem in their eyes, so to that extent the State is now lost to us. In the most important ports on this coast, there are thirty-six fortresses and cities with fortresses and adequate barricades so that the Portuguese can defend or attack. Because we can do this, powerful neighboring rulers send well-escorted ambassadors to visit the viceroys and captains, bringing many valuable gifts. Some years ago, the Jesuit Fathers obtained from King Sebastião, a decree that they should receive these presents, and they accumulated them, or made agreements with the viceroys that they should be given a certain sum for them each year. Rulers of the first gulf In all this maritime empire, we have to postdate a different hemisphere and climate for each gulf because each differs from the other two in some way, both as to rational beings and as to the rest of the main operations of nature. Given this, I would say, that the Cape of Good
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