The army under Sosa was constrained to winter in this island, not only
because the season was far spent, but also because the sick passengers
could no longer support the incommodities of the sea. The place
notwithstanding was not very proper for infirm persons, for the air is
unwholesome; which proceeds from hence, that the sea overflowing the
low-lands of the isle, at the spring tides, the mass of waters there
gathered and inclosed is corrupted by the heats; for which reason, the
inhabitants are commonly short-lived, but more especially strangers;
upon which occasion, Mozambique is generally called the sepulchre of the
Portuguese. Besides the intemperance of the air, at the same time, an
infectious disease was raging in the country.

Being come ashore, Sosa gave immediate orders to carry the sick of every
ship to the hospital, which is in the island, of which the kings of
Portugal are founders. Father Xavier followed them; and, with the
assistance of his two companions, undertook to attend them all. The
undertaking was beyond his strength; but the soul sustains the body of
apostolical men, and charity can do all things.

Animated with this new fervour, he went from chamber to chamber, and from
bed to bed, giving remedies to some, and administering the last sacrament
to others. Every one desired to have him by him; and all acknowledged,
that only the sight of his countenance availed them more than a thousand
medicines.

Having passed the day in continual labour, he watched all night with
dying men, or laid himself down by those who were in most danger, to
steal a short unquiet slumber, which was interrupted almost every moment:
at the least complaint, or even at a sigh, he was awake, and ran to their