But our
General, as he had always hitherto shewed himself courageous, and of a
good confidence in the mercy and protection of God, so now he continued
in the same. And lest he should seem to perish wilfully, both he and
we did our best endeavour to save ourselves; which it pleased God so to
bless, that in the end we cleared ourselves most happily of the danger.
We lighted our ship upon the rocks of three tons of cloves, eight pieces
of ordnance, and certain meal and beans; and then the wind, as it were
in a moment by the special grace of God, changing from the starboard to
the larboard of the ship, we hoisted our sails, and the happy gale drove
our ship off the rock into the sea again, to the no little comfort of
all our hearts, for which we gave God such praise and thanks, as so
great a benefit required.
The 8th of February following, we fell with the fruitful island of
Barateve, having in the mean time suffered many dangers by winds and
shoals. The people of this island are comely in body and stature, and of
a civil behaviour, just in dealing, and courteous to strangers; whereof
we had the experience sundry ways, they being most glad of our presence,
and very ready to relieve our wants in those things which their country
did yield. The men go naked, saving their heads and loins, every man
having something or other hanging at their ears. Their women are covered
from the middle down to the foot, wearing a great number of bracelets
upon their arms; for some had eight upon each arm, being made some of
bone, some of horn, and some of brass, the lightest whereof, by our
estimation, weighed two ounces apiece.
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