ted, knowing
well its contents and purpose, he deemed it fitting to answer said
letter in a manner that would undeceive him in this important matter;
and for that purpose he had dictated a reply which he would have read
to them afterward. It begins by giving the emperor an account of the
death of his father and of other events which he would be bound to
learn, but which might be reported to him in a distorted form. After
this he thanks him for the confirmation of amity; and then, with
some heat and no less truth, calls his attention to the uncertainty
of the prophecy concerning his rule over the world, enlightening him
by the way as to some matters of our holy faith. In conclusion, with
reference to the acknowledgment of subjection which he had supposed
us to make, the letter states that our trust was wholly in God and in
our obedience to Him, while our allegiance to our most Christian king
admitted of no other allegiance, and of no other subjection, dominion,
or acknowledgment of vassalage. And finally, in order to appease him
somewhat at the end of the letter, a complete confirmation of peace and
amity is offered him; and he is told that the king will be notified,
and that in this, and in sending someone hence, and receiving persons
from there, and in other tokens of friendship, good treatment, and
a good understanding, his subjects would find this peace and amity
here and on the part of his Majesty. The answer was immediately read,
and is as follows:

_Reply to the letter_

The letter addressed by your Grandeur to my father was received by
me as the person left in charge of the government of this land at
his death, which occurred on the way to Maluco. He was treacherously
killed while sleeping one night, without apprehension or precaution,
as one who did not dream of having enemies or traitors with him. The
traitors were the Sangleys, whom he took with him to work his
galley. Like the ineffably low, vile, and cowardly people that
they are, they killed my father because he trusted them and set
them loose for their own comfort. The news of this event reached
me far from the place of its occurrence, while I was awaiting him
with the fleet and troops, that we might depart. Although after his
death I endeavored to continue my journey, I was prevented because
of several events and considerations. I came back here desirous of
hearing news from your Grandeur, and of seeing your letter replying
to those sent by my father t