214 Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 



after some time I lost sight of Ocan's Castle^ and followed on in the 

 same direction until the approach of night hrought me to a very big 

 lagoon, at the margin of which I observed a herd of cattle in move- 

 ment. I commenced approaching them in order to see if there were 

 anyone with them, who could tell me where I was, when suddenly I 

 saw two native youths coming to get the cattle together and drive 

 them to the top of the mountain where they had collected together 

 for safety, as also their parents, through fear of the English. I remained 

 there two days with them, receiving from them much courtesy, until 

 it became necessary that one of the youths should go to the town of 

 the Prince Ocan, in order to learn the news and any rumours that 

 might be current. This he did, and saw there the two Englishmen 

 going about furious with rage and in search of me, having had already 

 information of who I was, and inquiring of everyone who passed if 

 they had seen me. The youth was clever enough when learning 

 this to immediately return to their hut and give me notice of what 

 was taking place, so that I was obliged to leave the place ^ very early 

 in the morning and take the road in search of a certain bishop to be 

 met with some seven leagues from there, in a castle to which the 

 English had obliged him to fly and to remain there in order to be out 

 of their reach. The which bishop was reputed to be a truly good 

 Christian. I went my way dressed as a native (salvaje), so as to avoid 

 discovery, and I can assure you that I could not restrain my tears 

 when I reached his dwelling and kissed his hand. He had with him 

 twelve Spaniards whom he intended to pass over to Scotland, and he 

 was much gratified on my arrival particularly, when the soldiers 

 informed him that I was a captain. During the six days that I 

 remained with him he showed me every possible courtesy, and gave 

 orders that a boat fully equipped should be procured, so that we might 

 pass over to Scotland, a passage which usually takes two days.^ He 

 furnished us with provisions for our voyage, and said mass for us in 

 the castle. He conversed with me as to certain a:ffairs concerning 

 the loss of the kingdom, and spoke of the assistance which his Majesty 

 had afforded them, informing me that he intended going to Spain 

 so soon after our having landed in Scotland as he could. He counselled 

 us to live there very patiently and quietly, as the inhabitants were for 

 the most part Lutherans, and the Catholics very few. He was called 



1 See note 15, p. 189. ■ See note 16, p. 189. 



3 See note 17, p. 190. 



