[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Indian literature](https://indike.org/pramana/in) › [Dark Ages](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages) › [Travellers (1500–1858)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel) › [Mongolicae legationis commentarius](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate) › [The Commentary of Father Monserrate (Hoyland)](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland) › 2.5 # The Commentary of Father Monserrate 2.5 The Commentary of Father Monserrate (Hoyland) 2.5 - **Language:** English ### [2.5.1](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.1) One would have thought that Baba Capurius would have been heartily blamed for snoring his days away in this fashion, and for such disgraceful idleness. However he firmly believed that he would be honoured for his wonderful chastity, and held up to admiration rather than to blame. Nor was this hope ill-founded, as it proved, benighted though his mind truly was. For the nature of this drink is such that it numbs and freezes the impure desires of the flesh. Whence it has come about that this man has been so honoured for his sanctity as to be given a grand tomb and even a temple in this city. At least thirty of his followers are always on watch at this tomb, or rather are constantly asleep there, with no care for the morrow. This new leader of the Epicureans has countless admirers and followers, amongst whom are many princes and even the great king Zelaldinus himself. All these consider themselves to be honoured by the name Postinus, which is given to them from the drink, which is commonly known as post. ### [2.5.2](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.2) After leaving Goaleris the river Sambalus was reached, which passes near Daulpurum. This is the boundary between the province of Malwa and that of Delinum, or rather of Indicum. The passage of the river has been excellently fortified both by nature and also by the careful labour of men. For in times gone by, before Malwa and Delinum were combined under one emperor, this river was the stoutest bulwark of Delinum, just as Goaleris was of Malwa. The nature of the place is such that cavalry can here achieve nothing worthy of warlike praise. For though the ground appears to those who look at it from a distance to be far-reaching, level and open, it is in reality so cut up and rugged, with such sudden defiles and deep gullies, that if anyone wanders from the path, he runs a grave risk either of only being able to return to it by a wide detour along rough and exceedingly narrow tracks, or of falling into the hands of the enemy or of brigands. Daulpurum will be the 'White City' in Latin. The Sambalus is a large river and flows westwards towards the coast of Gedrosia. It is equidistant (i.e. a two days' journey) from Agara, which is the capital of the empire, and from Fattepurum where the great King resides. The Fathers were conducted by the ambassador to the latter city. ### [2.5.3](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.3) In commenting on the journey that was thus brought to a conclusion, one may notice in the first place that the country from the coast northward rises, as it were, in a series of terraces, such as are seen in gardens placed on a slope. The mountain-ranges represent the walls of these terraces. Secondly it should be observed that the religious zeal of the Musalmans has destroyed all the idol temples, which used to be very numerous. But the carelessness of these same Musalmans has on the other hand allowed sacrifices to be publicly performed, incense to be offered, oil and perfumes to be poured out, the ground to be sprinkled with flowers, and wreaths to be hung up, wherever—either amongst the ruins of these old temples or elsewhere—any fragment of an idol is to be found. Thirdly, in place of the Hindu temples, countless tombs and little shrines of wicked and worthless Musalmans have been erected, in which these men are worshipped with vain superstition, as though they were saints. This moved the Fathers to deep pity, not unaccompanied by tears and heart-felt grief. For who would not deeply pity these who—to the destruction of their souls—give reverence to vices instead of virtues, to crimes instead of miracles, to abandoned wretches instead of holy saints? ### [2.5.4](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.4) When the Fathers perceived from afar the city of Fattepurum, they gave hearty thanks to the Eternal God who had brought them safe to their destination. They then began to gaze with the keenest delight upon the great size and magnificent appearance of the city. On entering the city they became the cynosure of all eyes on account of their strange attire. Everyone stopped and stared in great surprise and perplexity, wondering who these strange-looking, unarmed men might be, with their long black robes, their curious caps, their shaven faces, and their tonsured heads. ### [2.5.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.5) At length they were taken before the King, who having looked at them from his high dais, ordered them to come nearer to him, and asked them a few questions. Thereupon they presented to him an Atlas, which the Archbishop of Goa had sent as a present. This he graciously received. He was greatly pleased to see them, but was not too warm in his greeting, and shortly afterwards withdrew, partly in order to hide his true feelings and partly to preserve his dignity. Having retired for a short time into an inner apartment, he ordered them to be conducted to him there, (i.e. to the hall which is known as Capur Talau), in order that he might exhibit them to his wives. Then he took them to another courtyard called the Daulatqhana, where he seized the opportunity presented by a sudden rain-storm and put on Portuguese dress — a scarlet cloak with golden fastenings. He ordered his sons also to don the same dress, together with Portuguese hats. This he did in order to please his guests. He also ordered 800 pieces of gold to be presented to them; but the Fathers replied that they had not come there to get money. Nothing that he could say would persuade them to accept the present, whereupon he expressed admiration at their self-control, and ordering the money to be distributed to certain attendants of Tavarius, who had remained behind, he retired to the inner part of the palace. ### [2.5.6](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.6) The Fathers were delighted at the King's kindly reception and were conducted rejoicing to their quarters. For they were persuaded that these signs foretold the speedy conversion of the king to the true religion and the worship of Christ. On the next day we were most kindly entertained by the priest who had been summoned from the country near Gangaris (as has been mentioned above), and who was then in residence at Fattepurum. As it was Lent, the diet was simple, fish only. After dinner we enquired from our host what was the state of the King's mind regarding Christianity. He replied that Zelaldinus reverenced Christ and the Virgin, and was not far from paying divine honours to Christ. Moreover he not only approved, but warmly praised those portions of the Gospel story which he (Pereira) had recounted to him. He was astonished that Christians paid so much attention to chastity of life as to forbid a man to have more than one wife and to enjoin complete celibacy on their priesthood. But, as the King himself said, his judgment was dulled and clouded, as it were, when he heard that there are three persons in one God, that God had begotten a son from a virgin, had suffered on the Cross, and had been killed by the Jews. He might, however, be led to acknowledge the truth of these doctrines if they could persuade him that the Gospel had indeed come from God. He listened gladly to the story of Christ's miracles, and believed in them. ### [2.5.7](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.7) His sentiments with regard to Muhammad were very different ; for he believed him to have been a rascally impostor, who had deluded and infatuated men by his lies. In his dining-hall he had pictures of Christ, Mary, Moses and Muhammad ; when naming them he showed his true sentiments by putting Muhammad last ; for he would say ' This is the picture of Christ, this of Mary, this of Moses and that of Muhammad.' In brief, this priest's description of the king's state of mind enlightened the other Fathers as to the necessity for a more thorough investigation regarding the course they must adopt. Before the coming of the Fathers, Aegidius — for that was the name of this priest—had made zealous attempts to instruct the King, and in this he had been greatly assisted by the King's own decided leanings towards Christianity. However, he had been prevented from making much progress by the ignorance of his interpreter, and had hence been induced several times to make a resolute offer to undergo the ordeal of fire, in order that he might thus establish the truth of his faith and avoid the difficulties of theological debate. ### [2.5.8](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5.8) Fattepurum (that is the city of victory) had been recently built by the King on his return to the seat of government after the successful termination of his Gedrosian war. It is placed on a spur of the mountain range which in former times was called, I believe, Vindius, and which stretches westwards for a hundred miles towards Azmiris. The site is rocky and not very beautiful, near to an old town which for this reason is called Purana Siquiris, (for Purana means 'old' in the vernacular, and Siquiris is the name of the place). In the past nine years the city has been marvellously extended and beautified, at the expense both of the royal treasury and of the great nobles and courtiers, who eagerly follow the King's example and wishes. --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5](https://indike.org/pramana/in.darkages.travel.monserrate~en-hoyland.2.5) · Pramāṇa