Departure to Cochin.

This Kingdom of Cochin lies over 110 Miles from Calicuth, on the Sea; and has a Heathen King, of the very same Sect as he of Calicuth. This King of Cochin received our ships (we speak now with the words of the Portuguese) very kindly; and while we conducted our Trade here, two Brothers came, Indian Christians, born in the City of Caranganor, situated about twenty Miles from Cochin.

Two Brothers, Indian Christians, come to them.

They declared that they had a very great desire to visit the Western Lands. They had also made a Vow to perform a pilgrimage to Rome and Jerusalem. They went voluntarily onto our ships, and sailed away with us.

And depart with them to Lisbona; where one arrived; the other had died on the way.

At the same time, a strong Fleet from Calicuth came toward us to destroy our ships. But when we became aware of their intention, we betook ourselves, as quickly as we could, to the High Sea; having with us the mentioned two Brothers, along with some hostages, given to us against those whom we had left as guarantors inside Cochin to conduct their trade there. Thus we sailed to Lisbona, and on the way, one of the Indian Brothers died. The other still lives. Finally, we arrived in Lisbona in June of the Year 1501; from where Joseph the Indian, with the King’s permission, traveled to Rome; from there betook himself to Venice, and came again to Lisbona. From him we have learned many very remarkable things; which we shall here present to the Reader.

CHAPTER I.

Fatherland, Figure, and Nature of Joseph the Indian.

Joseph the Indian had the City of Caranganor, by others spelled Cranganor, as his place of birth. At the time he found himself in Lisbona, he counted about forty Years of his age. His Complexion was Ash-colored; his stature middling; a sensible and very credible Man;