the crews of some barks that lay in the harbour were unlading with
all possible diligence, to prevent the cargo from falling into our
hands, very much indeed to the dissatisfaction of many of our
soldiers, who having engaged in this expedition, with no other view
than of filling their pockets, were, before the return of our
Abyssin, for treating them like enemies, and taking them as a lawful
prize. We were willing to be assured of a good reception in this
port; the patriarch therefore sent me to treat with them. I dressed
myself like a merchant, and in that habit received the four captains
of gelves which the chec sent to compliment me, and ordered to stay
as hostages, whom I sent back, that I might gain upon their
affections by the confidence I placed in their sincerity; this had
so good an effect, that the chec, who was transported with the
account the officers gave of the civilities they had been treated
with, came in an hour to visit me, bringing with him a Portuguese,
whom I had sent ashore as a security for his return. He informed me
that the King his master was encamped not far off, and that a chec
who was then in the company was just arrived from thence, and had
seen the Emperor of Aethiopia's letters in our favour; I was then
convinced that we might land without scruple, and to give the
patriarch notice of it ordered a volley of our muskets to be fired,
which was answered by the cannon of the two ships that lay at a
distance, for fear of giving the Moors any cause of suspicion by
their approach. The chec and his attendants, though I had given
them notice that we were going to let off our guns in honour of the
King their master, could not forbear trembling at the fire and
noise. They left us soon after, and next morning we landed our
baggage, consisting chiefly of the patriarch's library, some
ornaments for the church, some images, and some pieces of calico,
which were of the same use as money. Most of the soldiers and