holy man, and inspired with vigour, which had something in it of more
than human, were of a quite contrary judgment. They unanimously
protested, that they had rather die than violate that faith, which they
had solemnly engaged to Jesus Christ. "For the rest," said they, "what
have we more to fear this day than we had yesterday? our number is not
diminished, though we have one vessel less, and we shall fight as well
with six foysts, as we should with seven. But, on the other side, what
hopes ought we not to conceive, under the auspices and promise of Father
Francis?"

Then Xavier taking the word, "The lost galley shall be soon made good,"
said he with a prophetic voice; "before the sun goes down, there shall
arrive amongst us two better vessels than that which perished; and this I
declare to you from Almighty God." This positive prediction amazed the
whole assembly, and caused them to put off the determination of the
affair until the day ensuing. The remaining part of the day was passed
with great impatience, to see the effect of the Father's promise. When
the sun was just on the point of setting, and many began to fear the
accomplishment of the prophecy, in the very minute marked out by the
Father, they discovered, from the clock-house of our Lady del Monte, two
European ships, which were sailing directly from the north. Melo sent out
a skiff immediately to hail them, being informed that they were
Portuguese vessels, one belonging to James Soarez Gallego, and the other
to his son Balthazar, who came from the kingdom of Patan, but who took
the way of Pegu, without intentions of casting anchor at Malacca, to
avoid paying customs. He went in search of Father Francis, who was at his
devotions in the church del Monte, and told him, that his prophecy would
be accomplished to little purpose, if the ships came not into the port.
Xavier took it upon himself to stop them; and, going into the skiff which
had hailed them, made directly to the two vessels. The masters of the