The island is fair and large, and, as it seemeth, rich and fruitful,
and inhabited by the Portugals; but the mountains and high places of the
island are said to be possessed by the Moors, who having been slaves to
the Portugals, to ease themselves, made escape to the desert places
of the island, where they abide with great strength. Being before this
island, we espied two ships under sail, to the one of which we gave
chase, and in the end boarded her with a ship-boat without resistance;
which we found to be a good prize, and she yielded unto us good store
of wine. Which prize our General committed to the custody of Master
Doughty; and retaining the pilot, sent the rest away with his pinnace,
giving them a butt of wine and some victuals, and their wearing clothes,
and so they departed. The same night we came with the island called by
the Portugals _Ilha do Fogo_, that is, the burning island; in the north
side whereof is a consuming fire. The matter is said to be of sulphur,
but, notwithstanding, it is like to be a commodious island, because the
Portugals have built, and do inhabit there. Upon the south side thereof
lieth a most pleasant and sweet island, the trees whereof are always
green and fair to look upon; in respect whereof they call it _Ilha
Brava_, that is, the brave island. From the banks thereof into the sea
do run in many places reasonable streams of fresh water easy to come by,
but there was no convenient road for our ships; for such was the depth
that no ground could be had for anchoring.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25