personages, all which were said to be of the king's council. There were
besides four grave persons, apparelled all in red, down to the ground,
and attired on their heads like the Turks; and these were said to be
Romans [probably Greeks] and ligiers [resident agents] there to keep
continual traffic with the people of Ternate. There were also two Turks
ligiers in this place, and one Italian. The king at last came in guarded
with twelve lances, covered over with a rich canopy with embossed gold.
Our men, accompanied with one of their captains called Moro, rising to
meet him, he graciously did welcome and entertain them. He was attired
after the manner of the country, but more sumptuously than the rest.
From his waist down to the ground was all cloth of gold, and the same
very rich; his legs were bare, but on his feet were a pair of shoes,
made of Cordovan skin. In the attire of his head were finely wreathed
hooped rings of gold, and about his neck he had a chain of perfect gold,
the links whereof were great, and one fold double. On his fingers he had
six very fair jewels; and sitting in his chair of state, at his right
hand stood a page with a fan in his hand, breathing and gathering the
air to the king. The same was in length two foot, and in breadth one
foot, set with eight sapphires richly embroidered, and knit to a staff
three foot in length, by the which the page did hold and move it. Our
gentlemen having delivered their message and received order accordingly,
were licensed to depart, being safely conducted back again by one of the
king's council. This island is the chief of all the islands of Maluco,
and the king hereof is king of 70 islands besides. The king with
his people are Moors in religion, observing certain new moons, with
fastings; during which fasts they neither eat nor drink in the day, but
in the night.

After that our gentlemen were returned, and that we had here by the
favour of the king received all necessary things that the place could