14 
History of Ceylon 
on revenge, pursued and overtook them. An obstinate contest 
ensued ; but the Ceylonese, attacking in great numbers, and 
with the most furious determination from several quarters at 
once, the Portuguese, in spite of their skill and bravery, were 
in the end overpowered. The greater number was killed ; and 
the rest, among whom were the young Empress and the Por- 
tuguese general, taken prisoners. The general, De Souza, dying 
of his wounds, recommended his son to the protection of Don 
John, who sent him to Columbo. Don John followed up his 
victory ; made himself master of all the forts of the interior ; 
compelled the princes to sue for mercy on their knees; and 
completed his career by marrying Donna Catharina, then twelve 
years of age. 
Being now acknowledged by the natives as lawful Sovereign 
of the island, he began to secure himself against the future 
attacks of the Portuguese, by building forts, and strengthening 
the passes. The Portuguese sometime afterwards marched to 
Wallanee, with an intention to surprise Candy, but were de- 
feated in their purpose by Don John, who, by the great su- 
periority of his numbers, compelled them, after a severe en- 
gagement, to retreat. The Portuguese here shewed what disci- 
pline and resolution could effect; for although pressed on every 
side by the troops of Don John, during a retreat of five days 
to Columbo, they still maintained their ranks entire, and en- 
tered the fort in good order. They, however, left many of 
their men; and their general, who was wounded, owed his 
life to the King of Cotta, one of the petty princes. Don John 
now destroyed a number of forts which had been erected by 
the Portuguese in the lowlands, and cut all the garrisons to 
pieces. Sometime afterwards the Portuguese again penetrated 
