them to conduct our ship into a better road. Soon after the king himself
repaired, accompanied with six grave and ancient persons, who did their
obeisance with marvellous humility. The king was a man of tall stature,
and seemed to be much delighted with the sound of our music; to whom,
as also to his nobility, our General gave presents, wherewith they were
passing well contented.

At length the king craved leave of our General to depart, promising the
next day to come aboard, and in the meantime to send us such victuals as
were necessary for our provision. So that the same night we received of
them meal, which they call _sagu_, made of the tops of certain trees,
tasting in the mouth like sour curds, but melteth like sugar, whereof
they make certain cakes, which may be kept the space of ten years, and
yet then good to be eaten. We had of them store of rice, hens, unperfect
and liquid sugar, sugar-canes, and a fruit which they call _figo_
(plantains), with store of cloves.

The king having promised to come aboard, brake his promise, but sent his
brother to make his excuse, and to entreat our General to come on shore,
offering himself pawn aboard for his safe return. Whereunto our General
consented not, upon mislike conceived of the breach of his promise; the
whole company also utterly refusing it. But to satisfy him, our General
sent certain of his gentlemen to the Court, to accompany the king's
brother, reserving the vice-king for their safe return. They were
received of another brother of the king's, and other states, and were
conducted with great honour to the castle. The place that they were
brought unto was a large and fair house, where were at the least a
thousand persons assembled.

The king being yet absent, there sat in their places 60 grave