o be kept in Chains in the Countrey. It is
supposed, that they concluded him to have been the man that brought
Vassal his Letters. And thus much of the Captivity and Condition of
the Persia-Merchant men.

CHAP. V.

Concerning the means that were used for our Deliverance. And what
happened to us in the Rebellion. And how we were setled afterwards.

[Means made to the King for our Liberty.] All of us in this manner
remained until the year MDCLXIV. At which time arrived a Letter on
our behalf to the King from the Right Worshipful Sir Edward Winter,
Governour of Fort St. George, and Agent there. The Dutch Embassadour
also at that time by a Commission from the Governour of Columba
treated with the King for us. With Sir Edward's Message the King
was much pleased, and with the Dutch's mediation so prevailed with,
that he promised he would send us away.

[Upon which they all met at the City.] Upon this, he commanded us all
to be brought to the City. Whither when we came, we were very joyful
not only upon the hopes of our Liberty, but also upon the sight of one
another. For several of us had not seen the others since we were first
parted. Here also we met with the Persia Merchant men, whom until this
time we had not seen. So that we were nine and twenty English in all.

[Word sent them from the Court, that they had their Liberty.] Some
few days after our Arrival at the City, we were all called to
the Court. At which time standing all of us in one of the Palace
Court-yards, the Nobles by command from the King came forth and told
us, that it was his Majesties Pleasure to grant unto us our Liberty,
and to send us home to our Countrey, and that we should not any more
look upon our selves as Prisoners or detained men. At which we bowed
our heads and thanked his Majesty. They told us moreover, that the
King was intended to send us either with the Dutch Embassadour,
or by the Boat which Sir Edward Winter had sent; and that it was
his Majesties good will to grant us our choice. We humbly referred
it to his Majesties pleasure. They answered, his Majesty could and
would do his pleasure, but his will was to know our minds. After a
short consultation we answered, since it was his Majesties pleasure
to grant us our choice, with many Thanks and Obeisance we chose to
go with the Dutch Embassadour, fearing the Boats insufficiency, she
having, as we were well sensible, laid there a great while: and if we
had chosen the Boat,