Storia do Mogor 265.19.2

265.19.2

The accusations against him included many falsehoods. The complaints were rejected, and to punish such a rebellion they sent to Goa as viceroy the Conde de Sargides. He tried to reduce the rebel gentry (fidalgos), but in a few months he was poisoned. It is also related of another viceroy who wanted to decide uprightly that the insolent gentry, accustomed to disobey, took counsel together to have him assassinated. The viceroy knew of this plot, to be executed when he passed in his boat a place called ' Beco de bacharel ' (Bachelors' Alley). It is near the river bank, where they collect materials for ships. He knew that at this spot the traitors meant to carry out their plot, therefore he told off a servant to take his place in the boat. As the boat passed close to that landing the blunderbuss men slew the servant, fancying he was [221] the viceroy. They were delighted, and rumour reported throughout the city that the viceroy was dead. Hence throughout that night confusion prevailed; but at dawn the viceroy came forth, and ordered the traitors to be arrested. During the execution of these orders some were found, but the rest escaped. The well-born among them were sent back to Portugal in custody. For such men could not be beheaded in India, and those who were not well-born were put to death by hanging.