Storia do Mogor 265.19.1

265.19.1

In the palace of the viceroys is a large hall, which is called the salla real (royal hall). At its end on the wall is a large picture, the portrait of the King of Portugal; beneath it the seat of the viceroy with a canopy. It is here that he receives ambassadors. Round the hall hang the portraits of all the viceroys who have ruled in India, with their names and their period of office. The Bijapur ambassador was received in audience in this hall. As he advanced very slowly he inspected minutely the features of the viceroys, and asked who they were. They replied that these were the conquerors and governors of India. On hearing this he shook his head, and said : ' I see none with their heads off; it is impossible they all ruled well, and a king who decapitates no one secures neither good decisions nor quiet government.' He instanced his own king, who beheaded anyone who governed badly. There was in Goa an archbishop, a man of virtue, who made attempts to put an end to so much disorder and evil practices. So they resolved to kill him ; and he being informed of their purpose, lived most cautiously. But all his efforts were of no avail, because they took his life through poison put into the sacred elements. It is sixty years ago, or thereabouts, that a viceroy named Conde Dovido ruled in India, and as he endeavoured to suppress the disorders existing in India, the gentry seized him, put him in chains, and sent him back to Europe.