_, those going to Nueva Espana], sail June
ten. Notwithstanding, this was the end or desire of the Dutchman's
navigation; for he determined to get information in Mindoro, to depart
thence to Macan, to send an ambassador to China, and to avenge the
insult offered by Don Pablos of Portugal in those provinces. Thence he
would lade pepper in Patane, then see if he could defeat the Chinese
ships at the strait of Sincapura [_i.e._, Singapore] on their way to
Malaca; and at all events, continue along that same route his return to
Holanda, laden with wealth. All this did the Dutch general communicate
to Antonio de Silva, as to one who would go to Holanda with him; for he
was a soldier and a skilled interpreter of both languages, and Estevan
Drage made much of him for that reason. Certain others who had fought
and escaped the slaughter of Tydore confirmed this news. Don Pedro
learned it, and grieved over it, as he was so zealous in the service of
the Church and of his king. He considered sorrowfully when he saw that
not even one turret of a fortress was left in Maluco to the crown of
Espana, and how securely a rebel to God and to his legitimate sovereign
held them.
Pages:
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375