o. It has few inhabitants who are natives, almost no
provisions, and is so barren of itself, so uncultivated and so wild, that
it seems rather a place of banishment than of commerce. The Chinese had
permitted the Portuguese to trade thither, to buy their commodities, and
sell their own to them, without breaking their fundamental law, of
suffering no stranger to set foot within their country; so that the
Portuguese durst come no nearer the main land, for fear of hazarding
their lives, or at least their liberty. Neither was it permitted them to
build solid houses in the isle; they were only allowed to set up slight
cabins, covered with mats, and dressed about with boughs of trees, that
they might not always be shut up within their vessels.

Amongst these merchants there was one who was very rich, and infinitely
charitable, but of a gay humour, and pleasant in conversation, addicted
to all pleasure which decency permits, and loving not to deny himself any
thing which will make life comfortable;--for the rest, most affectionate
to Father Xavier: his name was Peter Veglio, the same Veglio who was with
the saint at Japan, and who returned in his company. Xavier being very
desirous of his friend's salvation, exhorted him, from time to time, to
mortify his natural inclinations, even sometimes to chastise his body for
the expiation of his sins. Veglio understood not that Latin; whether he
was too tender of his own person, or thought his sins were not of a
nature to deserve such severities, he could never find in his heart to
take up the discipline; but instead of macerations and penances, he gave
great alms; and Father Francis received from him very large supplies,
for the relief of such as were in want. One day, the Father having need
of a certain sum of money, to marry a young orphan virgin, who was
poor and handsome, and consequently in danger of being ruined, had
recourse to Veglio, according to his custom. He found him engaged in play
with another merchant; but the business being urgent, he forbore not to
request his charity. Veglio, who loved to be merry, made as if he were
angry with him, and answered thus; "Father Francis, when a man is losing,
he is in no condition of giving alms; and for a wise man as you are, you
have made a very gross mistake in this unseasonable demand." "It is
always in season to do good," replied Xavier; "and the best time for
giving money, is when a man has it in his hand." The merchant continuing