hen
I came thence.

The rest of them follow Employments; some whereof Still Rack, and
keep the greatest Taverns in the City.

[The King uses means to reconcile the French to their
Ambassador.] Lately, a little before I came from the Island; the King
understanding the disagreements and differences that were still kept
on foot betwixt the Ambassador and the rest of his Company, disliked
it and used these means to make them Friends. He sent for them all,
the Ambassador and the rest, and told them, That it was not seemly
for Persons as they were at such a distance from their own Countrey,
to quarrel and fall out; and that if they had any love for God, or
the King of France, or himself, that they should go home with the
Ambassador and agree and live together. They went back together,
not daring to disobey the King. And as soon as they were at home,
the King sent a Banquet after them of Sweetmeats and Fruits to eat
together. They did eat the King's Banquet, but it would not make
the Reconcilement. For after they had done, each man went home and
dwelt in their own Houses as they did before. It was thought that
this carriage would offend the King, and that he would at least take
away their Allowance. And it is probable before this time the King
hath taken Vengeance on them. But the Ambassador's carriage is so
imperious, that they would rather venture whatsoever might follow
than be subject to him. And in this case I left them.

[The Author acquaints the French Ambassador in London, with the
condition of these Men.] Since my return to England, I presumed by a
Letter to inform the French Ambassador then in London of the abovesaid
Matters, thinking my self bound in Conscience and Christian Charity
to do my endeavour, that their Friends knowing their Condition,
may use means for their Deliverance. The Letter ran thus,

These may acquaint your Excellency, That having been a Prisoner
in the Island of Ceilon, under the King of that Countrey
near Twenty years; by means of this my long detainment
there, I became acquainted with the French Ambassador,
and the other Gentlemen his Retinue; being in all Eight
Persons; who was sent to Treat with the said King in the
Year MDCLXXII. by Monsieur De la Hay, who came with a Fleet
to the Port of Cotiar or Trinkemalay, from whence he sent
these Gentlemen. And knowing that from thence it is scarce
possible to send any Letters or Notice to other Parts, fo