signs be so certain that the next day after, if the wind serve, they see land, which we did to our great joy; when all our water (for you know they make no beer in those parts) and victuals began to fail us. And to Goa we came the 24th of October 1570; there being received with surpassing great charity.
The people be tawny, but not disfigured in their lips and noses as the Moors and Kaffirs of Ethiopia. They that be not of reputation, or at least the most part, go naked, save an apron of a span long and as much in breadth before them, and a lace two fingers broad before them, girded about with a string, and no more: and thus they think themselves as well as we with all our trimming.
Of the fruits and the trees that be here I cannot now speak, for I should make another letter as long as this. For hitherto I have not seen any tree here, whose like I have seen in Europe; the vine excepted, which nevertheless here is to no purpose, so that all the wines are brought out of Portugal. The drink of the country is good water, or wine of the palm tree or of a fruit called cocoas.
And this should suffice for this time. If GOD send me my health, I shall have opportunity to write to you once again. Now the length of my letter compelleth me to take my leave, and thus I wish your most prosperous health.
From Goa, the tenth of November 1579.
Your loving Son,
THOMAS STEVENS.
