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lost the island of Hormuz, and its loss was the more felt, because it gave the Arabs of Omân courage and leisure to extend and to strengthen their influence in the Persian Gulf and in Eastern Africa. Portugal had no longer men like Albuquerque, capable of restoring the fallen influence of their country in those seas. All were now alike corrupt and incapable. In India and its waters, England and Holland had appeared, and with their appearance the star of Portugal had to sink to the horizon."

Some idea of the hostile relations which existed between the Portuguese and the natives towards the middle of the seventeenth century, may be gathered from an inscription over the gateway leading into the fortress of Mombâsa. I had not time to transcribe it during my short stay at that island in December 1860, but relied on a copy in my possession, which I believe was taken by Dr. Krapf. The following is a translation of the original Portuguese:—

"In 1635, Chief Captain Francisco de Xeixas de Cabreira, aged 27 years, after having commanded this fortress for four years, rebuilt it, and raised this corps-de-garde. And he reduced into submission to His Majesty the coast of Malindi, where a tyrant king had sprung up, and made the kings of Tondo, Mandra, Lazieva, and Jaca, tributaries. He also visited Paté and Sio with a punishment never before witnessed in India, levelling the walls thereof to the ground. He imposed a fine on the Muzungulos, and punished Pemba and its rebel people, killing the petty king, who had been set up by them and by others of note, obliging the Pariahs to pay to His Majesty the tribute which they had evaded for years. For these services, he was raised to the dignity of Fidalgo of His Majesty's Household, having previously received, for other similar services, the decoration of the Knight of the Order of Christ, an annuity of a thousand Reis, and six years' tenure