Book: An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies

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[They get three days journey Northward.] But we made a shift to
travail from Cande Uda downwards towards the North from Town to Town;
happening at a place at last which I knew before, having been brought
up formerly from Cooswat that way, to descend the Hill called Bocaul,
where there is no Watch, but in time of great disturbance. Thus by
the Providence of God we passed all difficulties until we came into
the County of Neurecalava, which are the lowest parts that belong to
this King; and some three days journey from the place whence we came.

[But return back again.] We were not a little glad that we were
gotten so far onwards in our way, but yet at this time we could go
no farther; for our ware was all sold, and we could pretend no more
excuses; and also we had been out so long, that it might cause our
Towns-men to come and look after us, it being the first time that we
had been so long absent from home.

[They attempted often to fly this way, but still hindred.] In this
manner we went into these Northern Parts eight or ten times, and once
got as far as Hourly a Town in the extremities of the Kings Dominions,
but yet we could not attain our purpose. For this Northern Countrey
being much subject to dry weather and having no springs, we were fain
to drink of Ponds of Rain water, wherein the Cattel lie and tumble,
which would be so thick and muddy, that the very filth would hang
in our Beards when we drank. This did not agree with our Bodies,
being used to drink pure Spring water only. By which means when we
first used those parts we used often to be Sick of violent Favors and
Agues, when we came home. Which Diseases happened not only to us,
but to all other People that dwelt upon the Mountains, as we did,
whensoever they went down into those places; and commonly the major
part of those that fall sick, dyes. At which the Chingulays are so
feared, that it is very seldom they do adventure their Bodies down
thither: neither truly would I have done it, were it not for those
future hopes, which God of his mercy did at length accomplish. For
both of us smarted sufficiently by those severe Favors we got,
when we should both lay Sick together and one not able to help the
other. Insomuch that our Countrymen and Neighbours used to ask us, if
we went thither purposing to destroy our selves, they little thinking,
and we not daring to tell them our intent and design.

[In those parts is bad Water, but they had an Antidote against it.] At
length we learned an Antidote and Counter-Poyson against the filthy
venomous water, which so operated by the blessing of God, that after
the use thereof we had no more Sickness. It is only a dry leaf;
they call it in Portugueze Banga, beaten to Powder with some of the
Countrey Jaggory: and this we eat Morning and Evening upon an empty
Stomach. It intoxicates the Brain, and makes one giddy, without any
other operation either by Stool or Vomit.

[They still improve in the knowledge of their Way.] Thus every Voyage
we gathered more experience, and got lower down, for this is a large
and spacious Countrey. We travailed to and fro where the ways led us,
according to their own Proverb, The Beggar and the Merchant is never
out of his way; because the one begs and the other trades wherever
they go. Thus we used to ramble until we had sold all our ware, and
then went home for more. And by these means we grew acquainted both
with the People and the Paths.

[Meets with his black Boy in these parts, who was to guide him to the
Dutch.] In these parts I met with my black Boy, whom I had divers years
before turned away, who had now Wife and Children. He proved a great
help to me in directing me in the ways; for he had lived many years
in these parts. Perceiving him to be able, and also in a very poor
and sad condition, not able to maintain his Family, I adventured once
to ask him if a good reward would not be welcome to him, for guiding
us two down to the Dutch. Which having done he might return again and
no Body the wiser. At which Proposition he seemed to be very joyful,
and promised to undertake the same: only at this time for reasons he
alledged, which to me seemed probable, as that it was Harvest time
and many People about it, it could not so safely and conveniently be
done now, as it might be some two Months after.

The Business was concluded upon, and the time appointed between us. But
it so fell out, that at the very precise time, all things being ready
to depart on the morrow, it pleased God, whose time was not yet come,
to strike me with a most grievous pain in the hollow on my right side,
that for five days together I was not able to stir from the fire side,
but by warming it, and fomenting and chafing it I got a a little ease.

[But disapointed.] Afterward as soon as I was recovered, and got
strength, we went down and carried one English man more with us for
company, for our better security, seeing we must travail in the Night
upon our Flight: but tho we took him with us, we dared not to tell him
of our design, because he had a Wife, intending not to acquaint him
with it, till the Business was just ready to be put into action. But
when he came expecting to meet with our guide, he was gone into another
Countrey; and we knew not where to find him, and we knew not how to
run away without him. Thus we were disapointed that time.

But as formerly, we went to and fro until we had sold our ware; and
so returned home again and delivered the man to his wife; but never
told him any thing of our intended design, fearing lest, if he knew
it, he might acquaint her with it, and so all our purposes coming
to be revealed might be overthrown for ever afterwards. For we were
resolved by Gods help still to persevere in our design.

[An extraordinary drought for three or four years together.] Some eight
or nine years one after another we followed this Trade, going down
into this Countrey on purpose to seek to get beyond the Inhabitants,
and so to run away thro the Woods to the Hollanders. Three or Four
years together the dry weather prevented us; when the Countrey was
almost starved for want of Rain: all which time they never tilled the
Ground. The Wells also were almost all dry; so that in the Towns we
could scarcely get Water to drink, or Victuals to eat. Which affrighted
us at those times from running into the Woods, lest we might perish
for Thirst. All this while upon the Mountains, where our dwelling was,
there was no want of Rain.

We found it an inconvenience when we came three of us down together,
reckoning it might give occasion to the people to suspect our design,
and so prevent us from going thither again. Some of the English
that followed such a Trade as we, had been down that way with their
Commodities, but having felt the smart of that Countries Sickness,
would go there no more, finding as much profit in nearer and easier
Journeys. But we still persisted in our courses this way, having some
greater matter to do here than to sell Wares, viz. to find out this
Northern Discovery; which in Gods good time we did effect.







CHAP. IX.

How the Author began his Escape; and got onward of his Way about an
Hundred miles.


[Their last and successful attempt.] Having often gone this Way to
seek for Liberty, but could not yet find it; we again set forth to try
what Success God Almighty would now give us, in the Year MDCLXXIX,
on the Two and twentieth of September, furnished with such Arms as
we could well carry with safety and secrecy, which were Knives and
small Axes; we carried also several sorts of Ware to sell as formerly:
the Moon being seven and twenty dayes old. Which we had so contrived,
that we might have a light Moon, to see the better to run away by:
having left an Old Man at home, whom I had hired to live with me,
to look after my House and Goats.

[The way they went.] We went down at the Hill Bocawl, where there
was now no Watch, and but seldom any. From thence down to the Town
of Bonder Cooswat, where my Father dyed; and by the Town of Nicavar,
which is the last Town belonging to Hotcurly in that Road. From
thence forward the Towns stand thin. For it was sixteen miles to the
next Town called Parroah, which lay in the Country of Neure Cawlava,
and all the way thro a Wilderness called Parroah Mocolane, full of
wild Elephants, Tigres and Bears.

[They design for Anarodgburro.] Now we set our design for Anarodgburro,
which is the lowest place inhabited belonging to the King of Cande:
where there is a Watch alwayes kept: and nearer than twelve or fourteen
miles of this Town as yet we never had been.

[They turn out of the way to avoid the King's Officers.] When we came
into the midst of this Countrey, we heard that the Governor thereof had
sent Officers from the Court to dispatch away the Kings Revenues and
Duties to the City, and that they were now come into the Country. Which
put us into no small fear, lest if they saw us they should send us back
again. Wherefore we edged away into the Westernmost Parts of Ecpoulpot,
being a remote part of that Countrey wherein we now were. And there
we sate to knitting until we heard they were gone. But this caused
us to overshoot our time, the Moon spending so fast. But as soon as
we heard they were departed out of the Countrey, we went onwards of
our Journey, having kept most of our Ware for a pretence to have an
occasion to go further. And having bought a good parcel of Cotton
Tarn to knit Caps withal, the rest of our Ware we gave out, was to
buy dryed flesh with, which only in those lower Parts is to be sold.

[Forced to pass thro the Chief Governours yard.] Our way now lay
necessarily thro the chief Governors Yard at Colliwilla. Who dwells
there purposely to see and examine all that go and come. This greatly
distressed us. First, because he was a stranger to us, and one whom
we had never seen. And secondly, because there was no other way to
escape him: and plain reason would tell him, that we being prisoners
were without our bounds. Whereupon we concluded, that our best way
would be to go boldly and resolutely to his house, and not to seem
daunted in the least, or to look as if we did distrust him to disallow
of our Journey, but to shew such a behaviour, as if we had authority
to travail where we would.

[The Method they used to prevent his suspicion of them.] So we went
forward, and were forced to enquire and ask the way to his house,
having never been so far this way before. I brought from home with
me Knives with fine carved handles, and a red Tunis Cap purposely
to sell or give him, if occasion required, knowing before, that we
must pass by him. And all along as we went, that we might be the
less suspected, we sold Caps and other Ware, to be paid for at our
return homewards. There were many cross Paths to and fro to his
house, yet by Gods Providence we happened in the right Road. And
having reached his house, according to the Countrey manner we went
and sate down in the open house; which kind of Houses are built on
purpose for the reception of Strangers. Whither not long after the
Great Man himself came and sate down by us. To whom we presented
a small parcel of Tobacco, and some Betel. And before he asked us
the cause of our coming, we shewed him the Ware we brought for him,
and the Cotton Yarn which we had trucked about the Country; telling
him withall how the case stood with us: viz. That we had a Charge
greater than the Kings allowance would maintain; and that because
dryed Flesh was the chief Commodity of that Part, we told him, That
missing of the Lading which we used to carry back, we were glad to
come thither to see, if we could make it up with dryed Flesh. And
therefore if he would please to supply us either for such Ware as
we had brought, or else for our Money, it would he a great favour,
the which would oblige us for the future to bring him any necessaries
that he should name unto us, when we should come again unto those
Parts, as we used to do very often: and that we could furnish him,
having dealings and being acquainted with the best Artificers in Cande.

At which he replyed, That he was sorry we were come at such a dry
time, wherein they could not catch Deer, but if some Rain fell,
he would soon dispatch us with our Ladings of Flesh. But however,
he bade us go about the Towns, and see whether there might be any
or no, tho he thought there was none. This answer of his pleased us
wondrous well, both because by this we saw he suspected us not, and
because he told us there was no dryed Flesh to be got. For it was
one of our greatest fears that we should get our Lading too soon:
for then, we could not have had an excuse to go further. And as yet
we could not possibly fly: having still six miles further to the
Northward to go before we could attempt it, that is, to Anarodgburro.

[Their danger by reason of the ways they were to pass.] From
Anarodgburro it is two dayes Journey further thro a desolate Wilderness
before there is any more Inhabitants. And these Inhabitants are
neither under this King nor the Dutch, but are Malabars, and are under
a Prince of their own. This People we were sorely afraid of, lest they
might seize us and send us back, there being a correspondence between
this Prince and the King of Cande; wherefore it was our endeavour by
all means to shun them; lest according to the old Proverb, We might
leap out of the Frying pan into the Fire.

[They still remain at the Governours, to prevent suspition.] But we
must take care of that as well as we could when we came among them,
for as yet our care was to get to Anarodgburro. Where altho it was our
desire to get, yet we would not seem to be too hasty, lest it might
occasion suspition: but lay where we were two or three dayes: and one
stay'd at the Governors House a knitting, whilst the other went about
among the Towns to see for Flesh. The Ponds in the Country being now
dry, there was Fish every where in abundance, which they dry like red
Herrings over a fire. They offered to sell us store of them, but they,
we told them, would not turn to so good profit as Flesh. The which,
we said, we would have, tho we stayed ten dayes longer for it. For
here we could live as cheap, and earn as much as if we were at home,
by our knitting. So we seemed to them as if we were not in any hast.

[An accident that now created them great fear.] In the mean time
happened an Accident which put us to a great fright. For the King
having newly clapped up several Persons of Quality, whereof my old
Neighbour Ova Matteral, that sent for me to Court, was one, sent down
Souldiers to this High Sheriff or Governor, at whose house we now
were, to give him order to set a secure Guard at the Watches, that no
suspitious persons might pass. This he did to prevent the Relations of
these imprisoned persons from making an Escape, who thro fear of the
King might attempt it. This always is the Kings custome to do. But
it put us into an exceeding fear, lest it might beget an admiration
in these Soldiers to see White men so low down: which indeed is not
customary nor allowed of: and so they might send us up again. Which
doubtless they would have done, had it not been of God by this means
and after this manner to deliver us. Especially considering that
the King's Command came just at that time and so expresly to keep a
secure Guard at the Watches, and that in that very Way that alwayes we
purposed to go in: so that it seemed scarcely possible for us to pass
afterwards, tho we should get off fairly at present with the Soldiers.

[But get fairly rid of it.] Which we did. For they having delivered
their Message, departed, shewing themselves very kind and civil unto
us. And we seemed to lament for our hard fortune, that we were not
ready to go upwards with them in their good company: for we were
Neighbours dwelling in one and the same County. However we bid them
carry our commendations to our Countrymen the English, with whom they
were acquainted at the City, and so bad them farewel. And glad we
were when they were gone from us. And the next day in the morning we
resolved, God willing, to set forward. But we thought not fit to tell
our Host, the Governor, of it, till the very instant of our departing,
that he might not have any time to deliberate concerning us.

That Night he being disposed to be merry, sent for people whose trade
it is to dance and shew tricks, to come to his house to entertain
him with their Sports. The beholding them spent most part of the
Night. Which we merrily called our Old Host's Civility to us at our
last parting: as it proved indeed, tho he, honest man, then little
dreamed of any such thing.

[They get away fairly from the Governour.] The morning being come,
we first took care to fill our Bellies; then we packed up those
things which were necessary for our Journey to carry with us, and
the rest of our Goods, Cotton Yarn, and Cloth and other things;
that we would not incumber our selves withall, we bound up in a
Bundle, intending to leave them behind us. This being done, I went
to the Governor, and carried him four or five charges of Gunpowder,
a thing somewhat scarce with them, intreating him rather than we
should be disappointed of Flesh, to make use of that and shoot some
Deer; which he was very willing to accept of, and to us it could
be no wayes profitable, not having a Gun. While we, we told him,
would make a step to Anarodgburro to see what Flesh we could procure
there. In the mean time, according as we had before layd the business,
came Stephen with the Bundle of Goods, desiring to leave them in his
house, till we came back. Which he was very ready to grant us leave
to do. And seeing us leave such a parcel of Goods, tho, God knowes,
but of little account in themselves, yet of considerable value in
that Land, he could not suppose otherwise but that we were intended
to return again. Thus we took our leaves, and immediately departed,
not giving him time to consider with himself, or consult with others
about us. And he like a good natured man bid us heartily farewel.

Altho we knew not the way to this Town, having never been there in
all our lives, and durst not ask, lest it might breed suspition;
yet we went on confidently thro a desolate Wood: and happened to go
very right, and came out directly at the place.

[In their way they meet with a River which they found for their
purpose.] But in our way before we arrived hither, we came up with a
small River, which ran thro the Woods, called by the Chingulayes Malwat
oyah: the which we viewed well, and judged it might be a probable guide
to carry us down to the Sea, if a better did not present. Howbeit we
thought good to try first the way we were taking, and to go onward
towards Anarodgburro, that being the shortest and easiest way to get
to the Coast: and this River being as under our Lee, ready to serve
and assist us, if other means failed.

[They come safely to Anarodgburro. This Place described.] To
Anarodgburro therefore we came, called also Neur Waug. Which is not
so much a particular single Town, as a Territory. It is a vast great
Plain, the like I never saw in all that Island: in the midst whereof
is a Lake, which may be a mile over, not natural, but made by art,
as other Ponds in the Country, to serve them to water their Corn
Grounds. This Plain is encompassed round with Woods, and small Towns
among them on every side, inhabited by Malabars, a distinct People
from the Chingulayes. But these Towns we could not see till we came
in among them. Being come out thro the Woods into this Plain, we stood
looking and staring round about us, but knew not where nor which way to
go. At length we heard a Cock crow, which was a sure sign to us that
there was a Town hard by; into which we were resolved to enter. For
standing thus amazed, was the ready way to be taken up for suspitious
persons; especially because White men never come down so low.

[The People stand amazed at them.] Being entred into this Town,
we sate our selves under a Tree, and proclaimed our Wares, for we
feared to rush into their Yards, as we used to do in other places,
lest we should scare them. The People stood amazed as soon as they
saw us, being originally Malabars, tho Subjects of Cande. Nor could
they understand the Chingulay Language in which we spake to them. And
we stood looking one upon another until there came one that could
speak the Chingulay Tongue: Who asked us, from whence we came? We
told him, From Cande Uda. But they believed us not, supposing that
we came up from the Dutch from Manaar. So they brought us before
their Governor. [They are examined by the Governour of the Place.] He
not speaking Chingulais, spake to us by an Interpreter. And to know
the truth, whether we came from the place we pretended, he inquired
about News at Court; demanded, Who were Governors of such and such
Countreys? and what was become of some certain Noble-men, whom the
King had lately cut off? and also What the common people were employed
about at Court, for it is seldom that they are idle. To all which we
gave satisfactory answers. Then he enquired of us, Who gave us leave
to come down so low? We told him That priviledg was given to us by
the King himself full Fifteen Years since at his Palace at Nellemby,
when he caused it to be declared unto us, that we were no longer
prisoners, and (which indeed was our own addition) that we were free
to enjoy the benefit of Trade in all his Dominions.

To prove and confirm the truth of which, we alledged the distance of
the Way that we were now come from home, being near an hundred miles,
passing thro several Counties, where we met with several Governors
and Officers in their respective Jurisdictions; who had they not been
well sensible of these Priviledges granted us, would not have allowed
us to pass thro their Countries. All which Officers we described to
him by name; and also that now we came from the High Sheriff's House
at Colliwilla, where we had been these three dayes, and there heard
of the Order that was come to secure the Watches; which was not for
fear of the running away of White men, but of the Chingulayes. These
Reasons gave him full satisfaction, that we were innocent Traders,
seeing also the Commodities that we had brought with us: this further
confirmed his opinion concerning us.

[Provide things necessary for their flight.] The People were very
glad of our coming, and gave us an end of an open house to ly in:
but at present they had no dryed Flesh, but desired us to stay two
or three days and we should not fail: which we were very ready to
consent to, hoping by that time to come to the knowledg of the way,
and to learn where about the watch was placed. To Prevent the least
surmise that we were Plotting to run away, we agreed, that Stephen
should stay in the house by the things, while I with some few went
abroad; pretending to enquire for dryed Flesh to carry back with us
to Cande, but intending to make discoveries of the way, and provide
necessaries for our Flight, as Rice, a Brass Pot to boil our Rice
in, a little dryed Flesh to eat and a Deers-skin to make us Shooes
of. And by the Providence of my gracious God, all these things I
happened upon and bought. But as our good hap was, Deers-Flesh we
could meet with none. So that we had time enough to fit our selves;
all People thinking that we stayed only to buy Flesh.

[They find it not safe to proceed further this way.] Here we stayed
three days; during which we had found the great Road that runs down
towards Jafnapatan, one of the Northern Ports belonging to the Dutch,
which Road we judged led also towards Manaar a Dutch Northern Port
also, which was the Place that we endeavoured to get to, lying above
two or three days Journey distant from us. But in this Road there
was a Watch lay, which must be passed. Where this Watch was placed,
it was necessary for us punctually to know, and to endeavour to get a
sight of it. And if we could do this, our intent was to go unseen by
Night, the people being then afraid to travayl, and being come up to
the Watch, to slip aside into the Woods and so go on untill we were
past it; and then strike into the Road again. But this Project came
to nothing, because I could not without suspition and danger go and
view this Watch; which layd some four or five miles below this Plain;
and so far I could not frame any business to go.

But several inconveniences we saw here, insomuch that we found it
would not be safe for us to go down in this Road. For if we should
have slipt away from them by Night, in the Morning we should be
missed, and then most surely they would go that way to chace us,
and ten to one overtake us, being but one Night before them. Also
we knew not whether or no, it might lead us into the Countrey of the
Malabar Prince, of whom we were much afraid.

[Resolve to go back to the River they lately passed.] Then resolving
to let the great Road alone, we thought of going right down thro the
Woods, and steer our course by the Sun and Moon: but the Ground being
so dry we feared we should not meet with Water. So we declined that
Counsel also. Thus being in doubt, we prayed God to direct us, and to
put it into our hearts which way to take. Then after a Consultation
between our selves, all things considered, we concluded it the best
course to go back to Malwat oyah, the River we had well viewed that lay
in our way as we came hither. And back thither we resolved to repair.

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