Storia do Mogor 338.13.3

338.13.3

Here it was that the poor men had to endure more than ever. A very hot controversy arose among them as to whether they should or should not sign such a document. The greater number, eager to be relieved from that fantastic excommunication, were of the opinion that they ought to sign. Others, more wary, were against signing it on any terms, foreseeing that by so doing they risked a great danger. The dispute lasted some twenty days, during which a thousand atrocities were perpetrated upon them ; for the attorney whom they had called in to defend them turned against them, and became the worst weapon they encountered at San Thome. He there affronted them several times in the most opprobrious terms, without regard to the fact that the poor fellows, having confided in him, had put themselves entirely in his hands. Nor did he remember the fact that he had counselled all they had done, both in the defence of the plate and of their confraternity, helping them in the preparation of several documents and petitions on the subject.