Storia do Mogor 347.2.3

347.2.3

But this did not end the discussion. The greatest impediment in this affair, they considered, was not knowing how, having no money, they could pay every month nearly one pataca (two rupees) to the person who would have to raise, fix, and lower the flag. This new difficulty caused the officials to ask for time before deciding. [52] Finding there was great delay in giving the desired answer, the Bishop, after waiting eight days, sent again for the same officials and held forth to them at great length. He said to them that in olden days the city of San Thome was much renowned, and held in respect by both Mahomedans and Hindus. Let them not forget that at this city the Apostle St. Thomas had converted many men to Christianity. Thus it was fitting to raise aloft the standard of his Portuguese Majesty, and secure for him respect in these regions. Some of the officials explained that the year before, while the flag was flying, the Mahomedans had come into the Portuguese ward and murdered some of the inhabitants, whereby up to the present the matter had remained in suspense. But to wind up with, the real difficulty in preparing the new Royal Standard was that the person who looked after the old flag demanded his pay for the year and a half then due to him. To start with, it was necessary to pay him, seeing there was no one else throughout the city fit for this duty.