He was attired
after the manner of the country, but more sumptuously than the rest.
From his waist down to the ground was all cloth of gold, and the same
very rich; his legs were bare, but on his feet were a pair of shoes,
made of Cordovan skin. In the attire of his head were finely wreathed
hooped rings of gold, and about his neck he had a chain of perfect gold,
the links whereof were great, and one fold double. On his fingers he had
six very fair jewels; and sitting in his chair of state, at his right
hand stood a page with a fan in his hand, breathing and gathering the
air to the king. The same was in length two foot, and in breadth one
foot, set with eight sapphires richly embroidered, and knit to a staff
three foot in length, by the which the page did hold and move it. Our
gentlemen having delivered their message and received order accordingly,
were licensed to depart, being safely conducted back again by one of the
king's council. This island is the chief of all the islands of Maluco,
and the king hereof is king of 70 islands besides. The king with
his people are Moors in religion, observing certain new moons, with
fastings; during which fasts they neither eat nor drink in the day, but
in the night.
After that our gentlemen were returned, and that we had here by the
favour of the king received all necessary things that the place could
yield us; our General considering the great distance, and how far he was
yet off from his country, thought it not best here to linger the time
any longer, but weighing his anchors, set out of the island, and sailed
to a certain little island to the southwards of Celebes, where we graved
our ship, and continued there, in that and other businesses, 26 days.
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