land of Taprobana, or Ceylon, which according to Pliny is
exceedingly rich in gold, gems, and ivory. Thus by our anxious endeavours,
we shall lay open the whole of India to our trade. By letters from thence,
it appears that our merchandize is not much valued in these parts, and
that _crusadoes_ ought to be sent out, if we wish to have our affairs
speedily conducted, as other goods remain long in hand: For the Indians
purposely procrastinate, that they may beat down the value of our
commodities. The Indians give a high price for brass and alum; but this
last must be white not red, and in large pieces, as they despise the
small. They do not care for coral, unless large and finely wrought, which
otherwise bears no value. Lead is valued, if in large bars. Quicksilver
and amber are in no request. Wrought brass bears a low price, as it is
always manufactured over again in their own fashion, so that the cost of
manufacturing in Europe would be thrown away. All other goods besides
these mentioned are in no demand, and will therefore bring small profit.

[1] This letter has no date, but must have been very early in the
sixteenth century, probably in 1504, from the circumstance to which it
alludes at its commencement. Although said to be from _Spain_, there
is every reason to suppose it was written from Lisbon, as we find
Portugal frequently considered as _in_ Spain, which it actually is in
the most extensive geographical sense.--E.

[2] This, as formerly observed, alludes to the Mameluk sultan of Egypt,
through whose dominions the trade between India and Europe was
entirely carried on before this era. This treaty of peace and alliance
between Portugal and Calicut, may possibly have been proposed at this
period, but certainly was not then agreed to; as there were long wars
with the zamorin before his power was reduced under the influence and
dominion of the Portuguese.--E.

[3] This is rather an anachronism, as at this period the Portuguese had
no fortress on the Red Sea.

[4] The _Castor_ of the text was probably musk, and its _amber_ ambergris.
--E.

[5] This alludes to the misfortune of Vincente Sodre and his squadron,
already more distinctly related in the preceding chapter.--E.

[6] The expression of the original, _ex centenario lucro quadrugenarium_,
is not easily understood: It is here translated a quarter part of the
return cargo, conformably with the