Storia do Mogor 276.4

276.4

In their desire to conquer this very fertile island, the Portuguese warred continually against this king, while he ever entreated them to leave him alone amidst his mountains. He offered to enter into a treaty of perpetual peace, and concede to them a territory of a considerable extent up to a certain boundary; that he would put up the arms of the King of Portugal in the greatest of his palaces, and recognise him as his suzerain. The Portuguese were not satisfied and entered his country. Finding himself thus attacked, the King of Kandy did what he could to have peace and avoid war. He displayed humility, and erected an altar in the middle of the road by which the Portuguese must pass. Upon it was a crucifix, and he begged them by this venerable sign not to go farther, and he would concede to them all that they had taken if they would leave to him what remained. Otherwise he was determined and prepared for defence, if he saw no other course. This demand was not acceded to. The Portuguese divided their troops into two forces, giving them orders to enter the mountains, one in one direction, the other in another. The object was that they might advance more quickly and without hindrance, for they could not march all together, the roads not being open; by this division of forces they would also divert the enemy's attention.