SOME OLD MALAY MSS. 109 
beth, was written in Arabic, and that the text here given is the 
Malay translation of it. This supposition would account for the 
absence of those forms of address which are usually found in 
Malay letters and can be seen in B, which is a very similar let- 
ter of authority. The letter to Queen Elizabeth is dated 1011 
A. H., which is the year 1602 of the Christian era. The Malay 
letter of authority to trade was probably of the same date, 
and some such document is evidently referred to in the closing 
paragraphs of the letter to Queen Elizabeth, where it is stated 
‘‘we have incorporated them into one corporation and common 
dignity ; and we have granted them liberties, and have shown 
them the best course of traffic.’ The following is the transla- 
tion of the king of Acheen’s letter to Queen Elizabeth which is 
given in Purchas. 
THE LETTER OF THE KING OF ACHEEN TO THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND. 
Glory be to God, who hath magnified himself in His works. ordained 
Kings and Kingdoms; exalted himself alone in power and majesty. He is 
not to be uttered by word of mouth ; nor to be conceived by imagination of 
the heart: He is no vain phantom; no bound may contain him ; nor 
any similitude express him. His blessing and His peace is over all, His 
Goodness in the creature: He hath been proclaimed by His prophet here- 
tofore, and since that.often; and now again by this writing at this present. 
inferior unto none. For this city, which is not slack to shew their love. hath 
manifested it, in the entertainment of that Society, which filleth the horizon 
with joy. and hath confirmed it to the eye by a sign. which bringeth know- 
ledge of remembrance of it generally, and particularly: and for that their 
request is just. with purpose for exchanges ; and they themselves of honest 
carriage, and their kindness great in doing good in general to the creatures ; 
helping the creature in prosperity and adversity jointly ; giving liberally 
unto the poor, and such as stand in need of their abundance ; preserving the 
creature in their uttermost. with a willing mind: which for them now is 
extended unto Jndia and Arach ; sending forth the chiefest men of discretion 
and note, calling all the best of the creatures to Council herein. 
This is the Sultana. which doth rule in the Kingdom of England, 
France, Ireland, Holland and Frizeland, God continue that Kingdom and 
that Empire long in prosperity. 
And because that he, which hath obtained the writing of these letters 
from the King of the Kingdom of Ashey, who doth rule there with an 
absolute power ; and for that, there came unto us a good report of you. 
declared and spread very joyfully by the mouth of Captain James Lancas- 
ter; ( God continue his welfare long!) And for that, you do record that in 
your letters, there are commendations unto us, and that your letters are 
patent privileges; Almighty God advance the cause of this honourable 
consociation, and confirm this worthy league. 
