m. He received
them graciously. He was dressed like his countrymen, but far more
sumptuously. His garments from the waist downward were of cloth of gold
of the richest description; his legs were bare, but on his feet he wore
red slippers; his head-dress was a sort of turban twisted through wide
gold rings, and somewhat resembled a crown. Round his neck he wore a
massive gold chain; on his left hand four magnificent rings, adorned by
a diamond, an emerald, a ruby, and a turquoise; and on his right an
unusually large turquoise in one ring, and in another ring many diamonds
of a smaller size artistically arranged.

While he sat in his chair of state, on his right side stood a page
holding a large fan, richly embroidered and set with sapphires, with
which he constantly fanned his master. The heat was excessive, both on
account of the sun's rays and the number of persons assembled.

The officers, having delivered their message, received permission to
take their departure. Before retiring to the boats, they had time to
examine the castle, which was very ill fortified. It had only two guns,
which had been captured from the Portuguese, and they were not mounted.
The present King had lately succeeded his father, who had been killed by
the Portuguese. Having driven them out of the country, he greatly
increased his strength, and was contemplating an attack on Tidore, from
which he hoped to expel them.

While the _Golden Hind_ remained off Ternate, a stranger came on board,
very well dressed, and of courteous manners. He described himself as a
Chinese, related to the Emperor of China. He said that being accused of
a crime of which he was innocent, he thought it prudent to quit his
country and travel, after having obtained permission from the King, that
should he bring back anything curious, he should obtain his pardon.

Having described the unbounded wealth of China, he entreated Drake to
visit the country before returning to Europe. Drake, however, having
already more than wealth enough on board his ship, and wishing to get
back to England as soon as possible, declined his offer.

On the 9th of November, having shipped all necessary stores and
provisions, the _Golden Hind_ proceeded on her voyage. It was
necessary, however, before she could attempt to cross the wide expanse
of the Indian Ocean, and to encounter the storms off Cape Horn and in
the Atlantic, which might be expected, to careen and thoroughly repair
h