wever, to carry them out, but
before doing so he set to work to obtain all the information in his
power. On consulting a Jewish astronomer, Zacato, he learned the cause
of the ill success many of the expeditions had met with. He could not
understand why some of his captains had in certain latitudes encountered
storms, while others had passed through them in fine weather. The Jew
suggested that as the ocean is very large, in some parts it is summer
and in others winter, and that his ships following the same course, some
might arrive in a region where winter prevails and meet with storms, and
when the other reaches the same latitude it may be summer, and perfectly
fine weather be enjoyed. Thus, he continued, when navigators have
obtained more experience, they will know when to sail so as to obtain
summer during the whole of the voyage, and will then be able to come
from and go to the Cape of Good Hope without difficulty.

Notwithstanding the valuable information the astronomer Zacato had given
the King, he was compelled, with other Jews, to fly from Portugal, on
account of the persecution to which they were subjected. The King, Dom
Manoel, at once gave orders for the completion of the ships which Dom
Joao had commenced, and directed that they should be as strong and
serviceable as possible. The sailors who had gone on a previous
expedition were collected, and the ships were supplied with double the
usual amount of sails and tackling, as well as with artillery,
munitions, and provisions, including all sorts of fruits, especially
preserves, for the use of the sick, nor were priests for confession
forgotten.

Rich merchandise, and gold and silver articles, goblets, swords and
daggers, shields and spears, all highly ornamented, fit to present to
the rulers of the countries to be visited, were also collected. All the
slaves to be found, who could speak Eastern languages, were purchased,
that they might act as interpreters. The King having made these
preparations, had next to fix on a leader for the expedition. Among the
cavaliers who attended his Court was one who had already seen much
service at sea, Vasco da Gama, a man of noble lineage, son of Estevan da
Gama, formerly Comptroller of the Household of King Dom Alfonso. The
King, summoning Vasco into his presence, offered him the command of the
squadron he proposed sending out to discover a way to the East Indies by
sea.

The cavalier at once gladly accepted the