NO. 41. — 1890.] REBELION DE CEYLAN. 



501 



Madune, and that Cangarache and Barreto (both brave, 

 vigilant, and industrious) were bringing over to his aid 

 many of the natives, they [the Sinhalese] boldly took the 

 field, not as guerilla robber bands, or like other tumultuous 

 gatherings in the mountains, but as an army with the firm 

 resolve to conquer or to die. 



With this Constantino decided to draw the sword and 

 make war against Madune and his followers until he had 

 destroyed and rid the Island of them ; yet aware of how 

 important it is for a Commander, who takes upon himself 

 the charge of an expedition, to beign with caution, 

 and to weigh every consideration and advice to succeed 

 well (since any disaster at the beginning would weaken 

 his authority and cause contempt both amongst his own men 

 and strangers), and being desirous to add fame to his name 

 by some signal victory ; for both in numbers, power, and 

 boldness the enemy exceeded (us) more than they ever had 

 at any other time before. It was not only a war for conquest, 

 but the fate of the Portuguese was more at stake than in 

 any other war in the East, considering the power and valour 

 of his adversaries and the small number of his own Portu- 

 guese. He therefore did not wish to give battle without the 

 consent of the Captains who assisted him, because of their 

 great experience in these wars, their knowledge of the 

 country, its customs and condition, and of the character of 

 the princes and people of the various kingdoms — a know- 

 ledge which not only made them good soldiers but also wise 

 councillors. 



Calling them round him he explained to them the glory 

 they would obtain if they conquered, and that a victory in 

 the beginning would give confidence to their own soldiers, 

 and spread fear into the ranks of their enemy ; for on it 

 depended their reputation for good or for evil. It being 

 decided to march against the enemy, he asked them as to 

 the manner he should go about it. They all were of opinion 

 that it was both difficult and dangerous because of the great 

 strength of the enemy ; but animated by the General's 



