Travels in India (Tavernier) 32.2.1

32.2.1

They arrived at Goa on the 19th of February 1649, and the vessel had scarcely reached port when St. Amant came on board on the part of the Viceroy, both to receive the letters and to get news of what was going on in China. His surprise was great on seeing Du Belloy in this condition, and learning that the captain would not allow him to land till he had made him over to the Inquisitor. Nevertheless, as St. Amant then possessed great authority, by force of his entreaties he obtained permission from the captain for Du Belloy to go with him to the town. Du Belloy purposely again put on his old clothes, which were all in rags and full of vermin, and St. Amant, who knew that it would not do to play with the Inquisition, went first to present him to the Inquisitor, who, seeing this gentleman in so poor a condition, took some pity on him, and allowed him the run of the town as his prison till he should see what had been written regarding him, on condition that he should return when required to do so. After these proceedings St. Amant brought Du Belloy to my lodging, as I was on the point of going out to see the Bishop of Mire (i.e. Myra in Lycia), whom I had formerly known at Constantinople when he was guardian of the Franciscans of Galata. I asked them to wait my return for a while, and to dine with me, which they did, after which I offered board and lodging to M. du Belloy, who stayed with me, and I ordered three suits of clothes and whatever linen was necessary for him.