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JOURNAL, R.A.S. (CEYLON). [VOL. XL 



enough to disturb the whole Island and endanger the safety 

 of the whole Portuguese Empire ; it would bring on a new 

 persecution of the Church, for he was a great enemy of the 

 Christians. 



They gave their votes for the General's decision, who, 

 aware of the necessity of the expedition and its danger, 

 hesitated not in coming to a speedy determination; for he 

 was afraid that there was some treachery, from a letter he 

 had received from the Viceroy of India. Notwithstanding 

 his suspicions against his better judgment, he prepared for 

 the campaign. 



Suspicion, says the great Philip II., is like some poisons, 

 which when tempered and given in small doses become 

 medicines, but taken simple and largely kill. It is an ordinary 

 fault of the Portuguese, which is excusable in them because 

 inborn, and as it springs from honour it serves to preserve it. 



It is needless to say that after Constantino de Sa had 

 decided on the expedition he had some inkling of the 

 conspiracy, and on finding out the truth he began it with great 

 distrust. He acted, therefore, with caution and prudence, for 

 if he had shown his suspicion by any sign he would have 

 lost the best opportunities. He in fact placed all his care in 

 investigating and searching, but found nothing he could lay 

 his hands on : although, as Plato says, there are no small 

 things in great matters ; and this being of such importance 

 the slightest suspicion should not be overlooked. For 

 in all secret and hidden treachery the truth is most difficult 

 to find out, unless the unity of the conspirators is undermined 

 by some servant of theirs ; which often happens, and then 

 the whole conspiracy is discovered and the plot laid bare. 



In March of the year we write of, [1]630, Don Miguel de 

 Narona, Count de Linares, arrived in India to govern with the 

 title of "Viceroy, bringing with him favours, presents, and 

 promises from His Majesty. He was a man of great parts, 

 endowed with ability and integrity, and in everything he did 

 in the king's service he behaved as a true knight. He 

 succeeded the Count de la Vidigueira, of not unequal merits. 



