LOSS, BY FIRE, OF THE PRINCE. 173 
were still tormented by hunger and thirst, and in cruel sus^ 
pense whether we should find this coast inhabited by men 
susceptible of sentiments of compassion. 
We were deliberating which way we should direct our 
course, when about fifty Portuguese, most of whom were arm- 
ed, advanced toward us, and inquired the reason of our landing. 
The recital of our misfortunes was a sufficient answer, at onee 
announced our wants, and strongly claimed the sacred rights 
of hospitality. Their treasures were not the object of our de- 
sire, the necessities of life were all that we wanted. Touched 
by our misfortunes, they blessed the power that had preserved 
us, and hastened to conduct us to their habitations. Upon the 
way we came to a river, into which all my companions ran 
to throw themselves, in order to allay their thirst ; they rolled 
in the water with extreme delight, and bathing was in the se- 
quel, one of the remedies of which we made the most frequent 
use, and which at the same time contributed most to the res- 
toration of our health. 
The principal person of the place came and conducted us 
to his house, about half a league distant from the place of our 
landing. Our charitable host gave us linen shirts and trow- 
sers, and boiled some fish, the water of which served us for 
broth, and seemed delicious. After this frugal repast, though 
sleep was equally necessary, yet we prepared to render solemn 
thanks to the Almighty. Hearing that, at the distance of half 
a league, there was a church dedicated to St. Michael, we re- 
paired thither, singing praises to the Lord, where we pre- 
sented the homage of our gratitude to Him to whom ^ve were 
so evidently indebted for our preservation. The badness of 
the road had fatigued us so much that we were obliged to rest 
in the village ; our misfortunes, together Avith such an edifying 
spectacle, drew all the inhabitants around us, and every one 
hastened to fetch us refreshments. After resting a short time^ 
we returned to our kind host, who at night furnished us with 
another repast of fresh fish. As we wanted more invigorating 
food, we purchased an ox, which we had in exchange for 
twenty-five quarts of brandy. 
We had to go to Paraiba, a journey of fifteen leagues, bare- 
footed, and Avithout any hope of meeting v/ith good provisions 
on the way ; we therefore took the precaution of smoke-dry- 
ing our meat and adding to it a provision of flour. After rest- 
ing three days, we departed under an escort of three soldiers. 
We proceeded seven leagues the first day, and passed the 
night at the house of a man who received us kindly. The 
15* 
