we had walked to and fro, and had seen the city; they carried us to their landlady's house, where we were kindly treated both with victuals and drink; and returned to the trumpeter's house as he had desired us when we went out. In the evening, came a boy from the Governor's house to tell us, that the Governor invited us to come to supper at his house: but we—having dined lately with our countrymen and their friends—had no room to receive the Governor's kindness; and so lodged that night, at the trumpeter's.
The next morning, the Governor—whose name was RICKLOF VAN GONS, son of RICKLOF VAN GONS the General of Batavia—sent for us to his house. Whom we found standing in a large and stately room, paved with black and white stones: and only the Commander of Jaffnapatam, who brought us from Manaar, standing by him; who was to succeed him in the government of that place. On the further side of the room, stood three of the chief Captains bareheaded.
First, "he bade us welcome out of our long captivity," and told us "That we were free men: and that he should have been glad if he could have been an instrument to redeem us sooner; having endeavoured as much for us as for his own people." For all which, we thanked him heartily: telling him, "We knew it to be true."
The Governor perceiving I could speak the Portuguese tongue, began to inquire concerning the affairs of the King and country very particularly; and oftentimes asked about such matters as he himself knew better than I. To all his questions, my too much experience enabled me to give a satisfactory reply. Some of the most remarkable matters he demanded of me, were these.
First, they inquired much about the reason and intent of our coming to Kottiaar: to which, I answered them at large.
Then they asked, "If the King of Kandy had any issue?" I told them, "As report went, he had none."
And, "Who were the greatest in the realm, next to him?" I answered, "There were none of renown left, the King had destroyed them all."
"How the hearts of the people stood affected?" I answered, "Much against their King: he being so cruel."
