2 6 History of Ceylon 
vessels to cruize between Cape Comorin and Ceylon ; these 
succeeded in capturing several Portuguese trading vessels of 
different sizes that were employed in plying between the con- 
tiiient and the west coasts of tlie island. 
- In i6l3 the King, finding his end approaching, summoned 
all tlie princes together. He fervently recommended to them 
peace and unanimity among themselves, perseverance in their 
efforts for the total expulsion of the Portuguese, and a strict 
uiaintenance of their alliance with the Dutch. He appointed 
the '"Princes of Ouv6 and Migomme guardians of his young .sons 
and of the Princesses the daughters of the late King. These 
princes, for the sake of greater security, immediately after his 
death conveyed their young charge to Cokele Corle, a distant 
and strong province. The Portuguese, hearing of the King’s 
death, began to form hopes of retrieving their affairs; and for 
this purpose they without delay began to foilient discontents 
and jealousies among the Candian princes. They succeeded in 
gaining over to their interest the governor of Cokele Corle, 
where the young princes of the royal blood had been placed 
for security ; but the princes of Ouve and Migomme having 
discovered his treachery, surprised his forces and cut them off; 
' while he himself, with some of his followers who were taken 
prisoners, was torn to pieces by elephants. 
In the following year, the Portuguese assisted by some rebel- 
lious Candian chiefs, defeated the royal forces, and surprised the 
camp of the Prince of Ouve, who received a severe wound in the 
attack. Having now received reinforcements from Goa, they 
were much superior in the field to the Candians ; but being 
convinced of the impracticability of subduing these mountaineers, 
who found a secure refuge in every emergency amidst their 
