SUMATRA. 
In the year 16P3, he lefolved to divide the charge of government with 
his intended heir, as he found his extraordinary age began to render him 
unequal to the tafk, and accordingly in vetted him with royal dignity ; 
but the effect which might have been forefeen quickly followed this mea- 
fure.P The Ton, who was already advanced in years, became impatient 
to enjoy more compleat power, and thinking his father had poffeffed the 
j6o4' crown fufHciently long, he confined him in a prifon, where his days 
were foon ended.** He was then ninety five years of age,* and dcfcribed 
to be a hale man, but extremely grofs and fat* His con fti tut ion mu£t 
have been uncommonly vigorous, and his mufcular ftrength is indicated 
by this ludicrous circumftance, that when he once condefcended to em- 
brace a Dutch admiral, contrary to the ufual manners of his country, 
the prefTurc of his arms was fo violent as to caufe exceiEve pa'm to the 
perfon fo honored. He was paffionately addidtcd to women, gaming, 
and to drink, his favorite beverage being arrack. By the fe verity of 
his puniihments he kept his fubjedts in extreme awe of him ; and the 
merchants who traded to his pons were obliged to fubmit to more exac- 
tions and oppreflions than were felt under the government of his pre- 
deceflbrs. 
The new king proved himfelf, from indolence or want of capacity, 
unfit to reign. He was always furroundcd by his women, who were not 
only his attendants but his guards, and carried arms for that purpofc. 
His occupations were the bach and the chafer and the affairs of ftate 
were negle«Eted; infomuch that murders, robberies, oppreflion, and an 
infinity of diforders took place in the kingdom, for want of a regular 
and ftricl adminiftration of juflice.'^ A fon of the daughter of Aladin 
had been a great favorite of his grandfather, at the time of whofe death 
P Collcdion of Dutch voyages- S Jolin DavB. 
♦ According to Beaulicu* Davis fays be was about an hundred i md the Dtttdi voyaget meiu 
tien that hia great age prevented his e«r appearing out o£ his paLice, 
f Putch voyages. Betutitu* 
