the second hand.

[Concerning the Portugueze. Their Power and Interest in this Island
formerly.] We now proceed unto the Europaean Nations. And we begin
with the Portugueze, who deserve the first place, being the oldest
Standers there.

The Sea-Coasts round about the Island were formerly under their Power
and Government, and so held for many years. In which time many of the
Natives became Christians, and learned the Portugueze Tongue. Which
to this day is much spoken in that Land: for even the King himself
understands and speaks it excellently well. The Portugueze have
often made Invasions throughout the whole Land, even to Cande the
Metropolis of the Island. Which they have burnt more than once,
with the Palace and the Temples: and so formidable have they been,
that the King hath been forced to turn Tributary to them, paying
them three Elephants per Annum. However the middle of this Island,
viz. Cand' Uda, standing upon Mountains, and so strongly fortified,
by Nature, could never be brought into subjection by them, much less
by any other, but hath always been under the Power of their own Kings.

[The great Wars between the King and them, force him to send in for
the Hollanders.] There were great and long Wars between the King of
Ceilon and the Portugueze: and many of the brave Portugal Generals
are still in memory among them: of whom I shall relate some passages
presently. Great vexation they gave the King by their irruptions
into his Dominions, and the Mischiefs they did him, tho oftentimes
with great loss on their side. Great Battels have been lost and won
between them, with great destruction of Men on both parts. But being
greatly distressed at last, he sent and called in the Hollander to
his aid. By whose reasonable assistance together with his own Arms,
the King totally disposessed the Portugueze, and routed them out of
the Land. Whose rooms the Dutch now occupy, paying themselves for
their pains.

[The King invites the Portugueze to live in his Countrey.] At the
Surrender of Columbo, which was the last place the Portugueze held,
the King made Proclamation, That all Portugueze, which would come
unto him, should be well entertained. Which accordingly many did,
with their whole Families, Wives, Children, and Servants, choosing
rather to be under him than the Dutch, and divers of them are alive
to this day, living in Cande Uda; and others are born there. [Their
Privileges.] To all whom he alloweth monthly mainte