_ 305 _ requisitions them from the Controller of Exchequer. All sales and payments will be carried out in accordance with the rules which the Controller will issue for this purpose, and you will execute these in every particular. Item: One thing you can do in the greater service of the King, our Lord, and whereby you can gain the greatest honour, and also do as I myself wish, is to leave Aden very early, so that you can arrive in Diu or Bassein at the end of April. This will enable you to visit all these fortresses and fill them with people if they need them; and you will show them favour, for, if any ill-feeling prevails among the inhabitants, it will disappear when they know of your arrival. And if you find them all in peace and harmony, without delaying a moment you should make for Goa, where I should be. Remember that you will enter the city showing great prowess if you do so as soon as possible, without waiting to be overtaken by storms and misfortunes. Remember, too, however, that many men of India would see it as a virtue if you approach the coast very late and enter the port with your ships half under water. I am not of this opinion, and do not wish you to be. I want you to work for the safety of your fleet and your people, and to bring them back safe and sound. Neverthe-
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