Storia do Mogor 338.5.2

338.5.2

This command the poor creatures could not comply with, for they found themselves in the same inability as their superior, being forbidden by the gentlemen of the government to leave Madras. The piece had not been badly aimed, since with one discharge they demolished three priests — two of Madras, by prohibiting the exercise of their holy functions and the administration of the sacraments, and Father Friar Esprit by making him go to Madras. When he had got entry there, he must inevitably intimate the orders he brought from his Excellency. These orders having been communicated to them, the English gentlemen would never pardon him for doing it, and the very least they would do would be to kick him out of Madras. Should he neglect to communicate the interdicts, he could be made subject to an interdict himself. It would be seen whether the wretched man could escape some such blow if he once got into the town. But Our Lord, the protector of the innocent, would not permit that such great evil should prevail on this occasion. For when the father reached the gates the sentries stopped him from entering until they had reported his arrival to the Lord Governor. This gentleman, as they told Father Esprit, fell into a great rage, wanting to know what was the use of so many priests who did nothing but come and go. They told him he bore a letter from Monsieur Martin for his Lordship (as the father had told them).