pel
to that flourishing and vast empire; and when he had subdued it to Jesus
Christ, then they would also think of turning Christians."

In the meantime, a Portuguese vessel, commanded by Edward de Gama,
arrived at the kingdom of Bungo, and news came to Amanguchi, that this
ship, which was sailed thither from the Indies, would be on its way back
again in a month or two. Xavier, to learn what truth there was in this
report, sent Matthew to those parts, who was one of the Japonian
converts, which accompanied him, and gave him a letter, directed to the
captain and merchants of the vessel. The saint desired them to send him
word, who they were, from whence bound, and how soon they intended to
return; after which he told them, "That his intentions were to return to
the Indies, and that he should be glad to meet them, in case they were
disposed to repass thither." In conclusion, he desired them earnestly,
that they would borrow so much time from their affairs of merchandize as
to think a little on their souls; and declared to them, that all the
silks of China, whatever gain they might afford them, could not
countervail the least spiritual profit which they might make, by a daily
examination of their consciences. The ship was at the port of Figen,
about fifty leagues from Amanguchi, and within a league of Fucheo, which
some call Funay, the metropolis of Bungo. The Portuguese were overjoyed
to hear news of Father Xavier. They sent him an account of theirs, and
withal advertised him, that, in the compass of a month at farthest, they
should set sail for China, where they had left three vessels laden for
the Indies, which were to return in January, and that James Pereyra, his
familiar friend, was on board of one of them. Matthew came back in five
days time; and, besides the letters which he brought the Father from the
captain, and the principal merchants, he gave him some from Goa; by which
the Fathers of the college of St Paul gave him to understand, that his
presence in that place was of absolute necessity, for the regulation of
affairs belonging to the Society.

Then Xavier, without losing time, after he had recommended the new
Christians to the care of Cosmo de Torrez, and John Fernandez, whom he
left at Amanguchi, put himself upon his way towards Mid-September, in the
year 1551. He might have made this voyage easily by sea, but he loved
rather to go by land, and that on foot, according to his custom. He took
for his companio