12 
History of Ceylon 
ness hereafter ; but spared the Tirinanxy or high-priest, who 
had answered, that nothing was impossible to God, who was 
“ inclined to pardon.” 
After Raja Singa’s death, Don John found another compe- 
titor in his minister, Janiere Wandaar, who, having possession 
of his master’s treasures, proclaimed himself King, and applied 
to the Portuguese for succours, which were readily granted 
liim. Several of the petty princes of the island were also 
brought over to his interests ; and the Portuguese, having re- 
ceived a large reinforcement from Goa, marched against Don 
John, gave him a complete overthrow, and obliged him to 
take refuge in the woods. They began now to tamper with 
the inferior princes, and attempted to persuade the Ceylonese 
to own the sovereignty of the King of Portugal ; but the na- 
tives were loud and unanimous in their request that Donna 
Catharina, the daughter of their beloved Emperor, should be 
placed on the throne. To this proposal the Portuguese at last 
consented ; for the extreme youth of that prineess gave them 
reason to hope that they should be able to govern without 
controul under the mask of her authority. She was accord- 
ingly brought in great pomp from Manaar to Candy, attended 
by the principal Portuguese officers ; and was received by her 
new subjects with the loudest acclamations, and every expres- 
sion of joy. During the festivities which followed, Don John, 
in the disguise of a beggar, attempted to set fire to Candy; 
but being frustrated in his object, and a large reward offered 
for his apprehension, he with difficulty effected his escape. 
The Portuguese, thinking their power secure, began now to 
behave with their wonted perfidy and cruelty. The Ceylonese 
were treated with the most wanton insolence, and plundered 
