it is reported
was thus. A Portugueze had been sent for to the City to be employed in
the Kings Service; to which Service he had no Stomach at all, and was
greatly afraid of, as he justly might be. For the avoiding therefore
of it he sends a Letter to this English Courtier, wherein he entreated
him to use his interest to excuse him to the King. The English man
could not read the Letter being writ in the Portugueze Tongue, but
gave it to another to read. Which when he knew the contents of thought
it not safe for him to meddle in that business, and so concealed the
Letter. The person to whom the English man had given it to read, some
time after informed the King thereof. Whereupon both the Portugueze
that sent the Letter, and the English man to whom it was sent, and
the Third Person that read it, because he informed no sooner, were
all three at one time and in one place torn in pieces by Elephants.

[The King sends special order concerning their good usage.] After this
Execution the King supposing that we might be either discontented in
our selves, or discountenanced by the People of the Land, sent special
order to all parts where we dwelt, that we should be of good cheer,
and not be discouraged, neither abused by the Natives.

Thus jealous is the King of Letters, and allows none to come or go. We
have seen how dear it cost poor Henry Man. Mr. William Vassal, another
of the Persia-Merchant men, was therefore more wary of some Letters
he had, and came off better.

[Mr. Vassals prudence upon the receit of Letters.] This man had
received several Letters, and it was known abroad that he had. Which
he fearing lest the King should hear of, thought it most convenient
and safe to go to the Court and present him himself; that so he might
plead in his own Defence to the King. Which he did. He acknowledged
to him that he had received Letters, and that they came to his hands
a pretty while ago: but withall pretended excuses and reasons to clear
himself. As first, that when he received them, he knew not that it was
against the Law and manner of the Countrey; and when he did know, he
took Council of a Portugueze Priest, (who was now dead) being old and
as he thought well experienced in the Countrey. But he advised him to
defer a while the carrying them unto the King until a more convenient
season. After this he did attempt, he said to bring them unto the
King, but could not be permitted to have entrance thro the Watches:
so that unt