the line, produced many
dangerous distempers. The most common was a pestilential fever,
accompanied with a kind of cancer, which bred in the mouth, and
ulcerated all the gums; the sick being crowded together, spread the
infection amongst themselves; and as every one was apprehensive of
getting the disease, they had been destitute of all succour, if Father
Francis had not taken compassion on them. He wiped them in their sweats,
he cleansed their ulcers, he washed their linen, and rendered them all
the most abject services; but, above all things, he had care of their
consciences, and his principal employment was to dispose them to a
Christian death.

These were his perpetual employments; being at the same time himself
seized with continued fits of vomiting, and extreme languishments, which
lasted two whole months. For his ease and refreshment, Sosa caused him to
be accommodated with a larger cabin than was first appointed for him: he
accepted of it, but it was only to lodge in it those who were most
desperately ill; as for himself, he lay bare upon the deck, without other
pillow than the tackling.

He received also the dishes which the viceroy sent him from his table,
and divided them amongst those who had most need of nourishment. So
many actions of charity gained him the surname of the Holy Father from
thenceforward, which continued to him all his life, even, amongst
Mahometans and idolaters.

While Xavier employed his time in this manner, the navy following its
course, met with rocks and tempests, and contrary tides. After five
months of perpetual navigation, it arrived at Mozambique, towards the end
of August.

Mozambique is a kingdom situated on the eastern coasts of Africa,
inhabited by negroes; a barbarous people, but less savage than their
neighbours the Cafres, by reason of the trade which they continually
maintain with the Ethiopians and Arabs. There is no port on all the shore
to secure shipping from the winds; only one little island is shaped into
a haven, both convenient and safe.

This isle, which is but a mile distant from the main land, bears the name
of Mozambique, together with the whole kingdom. It was formerly subject
to the Saracens, and a Xeriffe Moor commanded it; but since, the
Portuguese have made themselves masters of it, and built a fort, to
secure the passage of their vessels, and refresh their sea-beaten men,
who commonly stay there for some time.

The army under Sosa was constrained