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

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CHAP. X.

The Author's Progress in his Flight from Anarodgburro, into the Woods,
unto their arrival in the Malabars Countrey.


[They depart back again towards the River.] Now God of his Mercy
having prospered our Design hitherto, for which we blessed his Holy
Name, our next care was how to come off clear from the People of
Anarodgburro, that they might not presently miss us, and so pursue
after us. Which if they should do, there would have been no escaping
them. For from this Town to Colliwilla, where the Sheriff lived, with
whom we left our Goods, they are as well acquainted in the Woods as in
the Paths. And when we came away we must tell the People, that we were
going thither, because there is no other way but that. Now our fear
was, lest upon some occasion or other any Men might chance to Travel
that way soon after we were gone, and not finding us at Colliwilla,
might conclude, as they could do no otherwise, that we were run into
the Woods. Therefore to avoid this Danger, we stayed in the Town till
it was so late, that we knew none durst venture to Travel afterwards
for fear of wild Beasts. By which means we were sure to gain a Nights
Travel at least, if they should chance to pursue us.

[But first take their leave of the Governor here.] So we took our
leaves of the Governor, who kindly gave us a Pot of Milk to drink for
a farewel; we telling him, We were returning back to the Sheriff at
Colliwilla, to whom we had given some Gunpowder when we came from
him to shoot us some Deer, and we doubted not but by that time we
should get to him, he would have provided flesh enough for our lading
home. Thus bidding him and the rest of the Neighbours farewel, we
departed, they giving us the Civility of their accustomed Prayers,
Diabac, that is, God bless, or keep you.

[They begin their flight.] It was now the Twelfth day of October on
a Sunday, the Moon eighteen days old. We were well furnished with
all things needful, which we could get, Viz. Ten days Provision,
Rice, Flesh, Fish, Pepper, Salt, a Bason to boil our Victuals in, two
Calabasses to fetch Water, two great Tallipats for Tents, big enough
to sleep under if it should rain, Jaggory and Sweet-meats, which we
brought from home with us, Tobacco also and Betel, Tinder-Boxes two
or three for sailing, and a Deers Skin to make us Shooes, to prevent
any Thorns running into our feet as we travelled through the Woods;
for our greatest Trust under God was to our feet. Our Weapons were,
each man a small Axe fastned to a long Staff in our hands, and a good
Knife by our sides. Which were sufficient with God's help to defend us
from the Assaults of either Tiger or Bear; and as for Elephants there
is no standing against them, but the best defence is to flee from them.

In this Posture and Equipage we marched forward. When we were come
within a Mile of this River, it being about Four in the Evening, we
began to fear, lest any of the People of Anarodgburro from whence we
came, should follow us to Colliwella. Which place we never intended
to come at more: the River along which we intended to go, laying on
this side of it. That we might be secure therefore that no People came
after us, we sat down upon a Rock by a hole that was full of water
in the High-way; until it was so late, that we were sure no People
durst Travel. In case any had come after us, and seen us sitting
there and gotten no further, we intended to tell them, That one of
us was taken Sick by the way, and therefore not able to go. [They
come to the River along which they resolved to go.] But it was our
happy chance there came none. So about Sundown we took up our Sacks
of Provisions, and marched forward for the River, which under God we
had pitched upon to be our guide down to the Sea.

[Which they travel along by till it was dark.] Being come at the River,
we left the Road, and struck into the Woods by the River side. We
were exceeding careful not to tread on the Sand or soft Ground,
lest our footsteps should be seen; and where it could not be avoided,
we went backwards, so that by the print of our feet, it seemed as if
we had gone the contrary way. We were now gotten a good way into the
Wood; when it grew dark and began to Rain, so that we thought it best
to pitch our Tents, and get Wood for Firing before it was all wet,
and too dark to find it. Which we did, and kindled a fire.

[Now they fit themselves for their Journey.] Then we began to fit our
selves for our Journey against the Moon arose. All our Sale-wares
which we had left we cast away, (for we took care not to sell too
much) keeping only Provisions and what was very necessary for our
Journey. About our Feet we tied pieces of Deers-hide to prevent Thorns
and Stumps annoying our feet. We always used to Travel bare foot, but
now being to travel by Night and in the Woods, we feared so to do. For
if our feet should fail us now, we were quite undone. And by the time
we had well-fitted our selves, and were refreshed with a Morsel of
Portuguez Sweet-meats, the Moon began to shine. So having commended our
selves into the hands of the Almighty, we took up our Provisions upon
our shoulders, and set forward, and travelled some three or four hours,
but with a great deal of difficulty; for the Trees being thick, the
Moon gave but little light thro, but our resolution was to keep going.

[Meeting with an Elephant they took up for that night.] Now it
was our chance to meet with an Elephant in our way just before us:
which we tryed, but could not scare away: so he forced us to stay. We
kindled a Fire and sate down, and took a Pipe of tobacco, waiting till
Morning. Then we looked round about us, and it appeared all like a
Wilderness, and no sign that People ever had been there: which put us
in great hopes that we had gained our Passage, and Were past all the
Inhabitants. Whereupon we concluded that we were now in no danger of
being seen, and might Travel in the Day securely. There was only one
great Road in our way, which led to Portaloon from the Towns which by
and by we fell into; this Road therefore we were shy of, lest when
we passed it over, some Passengers travelling in it, might see us;
and this Road we were in expectance about this time to meet withal,
secure, as I said before, of all other danger of People. [They fall
in among Towns before they are aware.] But the River winding about to
the Northward brought us into the midst of a parcel of Towns called
Tissea Wava, before we were aware. For the Countrey being all Woods,
we could not discern where there were Towns, until we came within
the hearing of them. That which betrayed us into this danger was,
that meeting with a Path, which only led from one Town to another,
we concluded it to be that great Road above mentioned; and so having
past it over, we supposed the Danger we might encounter in being seen,
was also past over with it; but we were mistaken; for going further we
still met with other Paths, which we crossed over, still hoping one or
other of them was that great Road; but at last we perceived our Error;
viz. That they were only Paths that went from one Town to another.

And so while we were avoiding Men and Towns, we ran into the midst
of them. This was a great trouble to us, hearing the Noise of People
round about us, and knew not how to avoid them; into whose hands we
knew if we had fallen, they would have carried us up to the King,
besides Beating and Plundring us to boot.

We knew before that these Towns were here away, but had we known
that this River turned and run in among them, we should never have
undertaken the Enterprize. But now to go back, after we had newly
passed so many Paths, and Fields and places where People did resort, we
thought not advisable, and that the danger in so doing might be greater
than in going forward. And had we known so much then, as afterwards
did appear to us, it had been safer for us to have gone on, than to
have hid there as we did; which we then thought was the best course
we could take for the present extremity: viz. To secure our selves in
secret until Night, and then to run thro in the dark. All that we now
wanted was a hole to creep in to lye close, for the Woods thereabouts
were thin, and no shrubs or bushes, under which we might be concealed.

[Their fright lest they should be seen.] We heard the noise of
People on every side, and expected every moment to see some of them
to our great terror. And it is not easie to say in what Danger, and
in what apprehension of it we were; it was not safe for us to stir
backwards or forwards for fear of running among People, and it was
as unsafe to stand still where we were, lest some body might spy us:
and where to find Covert we could not tell. [Hid themselves in a hollow
Tree.] Looking about us in these straits we spyed a great Tree by us,
which for the bigness thereof 'tis probable might be hollow. To which
we went, and found it so. It was like a Tub, some three foot high. Into
it immediately we both crept, and made a shift to sit there for several
hours, tho very uneasily, and all in mud and wet. But however it did
greatly comfort us in the fright and amazement we were in.

[They get safely over this Danger.] So soon as it began to grow dark,
we came creeping out of our hollow Tree, and put for it as fast as our
Legs could carry us. And then we crossed that great Road, which all the
day before we did expect to come up with, keeping close by the River
side, and going so long till dark Night stopped us. We kept going the
longer, because we heard the Voice of Men hollowing towards Evening:
which created us a fresh disturbance, thinking them to be People that
were coming to chace us. But at length we heard Elephants behind us,
between us and the Voice, which we knew by the noise of cracking the
Boughs and small Trees, which they break down and eat. These Elephants
were a very good Guard behind us, and were methought like the Darkness
that came between Israel and the Egyptians. For the People we knew
would not dare to go forwards hearing Elephants before them.

[They dress Meat and lay down to sleep.] In this Security we pitched
our Tents by the River side, and boiled Rice and roasted flesh for our
Supper, for we were very hungry, and so commending our selves to God's
keeping laid down to sleep. The Voice which we heard still continued,
which lasting so long we knew what it meant; it was nothing but the
hollowing of People that lay to watch the Corn Fields, to scare away
the wild Beasts out of their Corn. Thus we past Monday.

[They fear wild Men, which these Woods abound with.] But nevertheless
next Morning so soon as the Moon shone out bright, to prevent the
worst we took up our Packs, and were gone: being past all the tame
Inhabitants with whom we had no more trouble. But the next day we
feared we should come among the wild ones; for these Woods are full of
them. Of these we were as much afraid as of the other. For they would
have carried us back to the King, where we should be kept Prisoners,
but these we feared would have shot us, not standing to hear us plead
for our selves.

[They meet with many of their Tents.] And indeed all along as we went,
by the sides of the River till we came to the Malabar Inhabitants,
had been the Tents of wild Men, made only of Boughs of Trees. But God
be praised, they were all gone, tho but very lately before we came:
as we perceived by the Bones of Cattle, and shells of Fruit, which
lay scattered about. We supposed that want of water had driven them
out of the Countrey down to the River side, but since it had rained a
shower or two they were gone again. Once about Noon sitting down upon
a Rock by the River side to take a Pipe of Tobacco and rest our selves;
[Very near falling upon the wild People.] we had almost been discovered
by the Women of these wild People, coming down, as I suppose, to wash
themselves in the River. Who being many of them, came talking and
laughing together. At the first hearing of the noise being a good
distance, we marvailed what it was; sitting still and listning, it
came nearer a little above where we sat; and at last we could plainly
distinguish it to be the Voices of Women and Children. Whereupon we
thought it no boot to sit longer, since we could escape undiscovered,
and so took up our Bags and fled as fast as we could.

[What kind of travelling they had.] Thus we kept travelling every day
from Morning till Night, still along the River side, which turned and
winded very crooked. In some places it would be pretty good Travelling,
and but few Bushes and Thorns, and in others a great many. So that
our Shoulders and Arms were all of a Gore, being grievously torn and
scratched. For we had nothing on us but a clout about our Middles, and
our Victuals on our Shoulders, and in our hands a Tallipat and an Ax.

[Some account of this River.] The lower we came down this River, the
less Water, so that sometimes we could go a Mile or two upon the Sand,
and in some places three or four Rivers would all meet together. When
it happened so, and was Noon, the Sun over our head, and the Water
not running, we could not tell which to follow, but were forced to
stay till the Sun was fallen, thereby to judge of our course. We
often met with Bears, Hogs, Deer, and wild Buffaloes, but all ran so
soon as they saw us. But Elephants we met with no more than that I
mentioned before. The River is exceeding full of Aligators all a long
as we went; the upper part of it nothing but Rocks. Here and there
by the side of this River is a World of [Ruins.] hewn Stone Pillars,
standing upright, and other heaps of hewn Stones, which I suppose
formerly were Buildings. And in three or four places are the ruins
of Bridges built of Stone; some Remains of them yet standing upon
Stone Pillars. In many places are Points built out into the River like
Wharfs, all of hewn Stone; which I suppose have been built for Kings
to sit upon for Pleasure. For I cannot think they ever were employed
for Traffick by Water; the River being so full of Rocks that Boats
could never come up into it.

[The Woods hereabouts.] The Woods in all these Northern Parts are
short and shrubbed, and so they are by the River side, and the lower
the worse; and the Grounds so also.

[How they secured themselves a nights against wild Beasts.] In the
Evenings we used to pitch our Tent, and make a great Fire both before
and behind us, that the wild Beasts might have notice where we lay;
and we used to hear the Voices of all sorts of them, but, thanks be
to God, none ever came near to hurt us. Yet we were the more wary
of them, because once a Tiger shewed us a cheat. For having bought
a Deer, and having nothing to salt it up in, we packed it up in the
Hide thereof salted, and laid it under a Bench in an open House, on
which I lay that Night, and Stephen layd just by it on the Ground,
and some three People more lay then in the same House; and in the
said House a great Fire, and another in the Yard. Yet a Tiger came
in the Night, and carried Deer and Hide and all away. But we missing
it, concluded it was a Thief. We called up the People that lay by
us, and told them what had happened. Who informed us that it was
a Tiger, and with a Torch they went to see which way he had gone,
and presently found some of it, which he let drop by the way. When
it was day we went further, and pickt up more which was scattered,
till we came to the Hide it self, which remained uneaten.

[They pass the River that divides the King's Countrey from the
Malabars.] We had now Travelled till Thursday Afternoon, when we
crossed the River called Coronda oyah which was then quite dry;
this parts the King's Countrey from the Maladars. We saw no sign
of Inhabitants here. The Woods began to be very full of Thorns,
and shrubby Bushes with Clifts and broken Land; so that we could not
possibly go in the Woods; but now the River grew better being clear
of Rocks, and dry, water only standing in holes. So we marched along
in the River upon the Sand. Hereabouts are far more Elephants than
higher up: by Day we saw none, but by Night the River is full of them.

[After four or five days travel they come among Inhabitants.] Friday
about Nine or Ten in the Morning we came among the Inhabitants. For
then we saw the footing of People on the Sand, and tame Cattel with
Bells about their Necks. Yet we kept on our way right down the River,
knowing no other course to take to shun the People. And as we went
still forwards we saw Coracan Corn, sowed in the Woods, but neither
Towns nor People; nor so much as the Voice of Man. But yet we were
somewhat dismayed, knowing that we were now in a Countrey inhabited
by Malabars. The Wanniounay or Prince of this People for fear pay
Tribute to the Dutch, but stands far more affected towards the King
of Cande. [But do what they can to avoid them.] Which made our care
the greater to keep our selves out of his hands; fearing lest if he
did not keep us himself, he might send us up to our old Master. So
that great was our terror again, lest meeting with People we might be
discovered. Yet there was no means now left us how to avoid the Danger
of being seen. The Woods were so bad, that we could not possibly
Travel in them for Thorns; and to Travel by Night was impossible,
it being a dark Moon, and the River a Nights so full of Elephants
and other wild Beasts coming to drink; as we did both hear and see
laying upon the Banks with a Fire by us. They came in such Numbers
because there was Water for them no where else to be had, the Ponds
and holes of Water, nay the River it self in many places being dry.

[As yet undiscovered.] There was therefore no other way to be taken
but to Travel on in the River. So down we went into the Sand, and put
on as fast as we could set our Legs to the ground, seeing no People
(nor I think no body us), only Buffaloes in abundance in the Water.






CHAP. XI.

Being in the Malabar Territories, how they encountred two Men,
and what passed between them. And of their getting safe unto the
Dutch Fort. And their Reception there, and at the Island Manaar,
until their Embarking for Columbo.


[They met with two Malabars. To whom they relate their Condition.] Thus
we went on till about three of the Clock afternoon. At which time
coming about a Point, we came up with two Bramins on a sudden, who were
sitting under a Tree boyling Rice. We were within forty paces of them;
when they saw us they were amazed at us, and as much afraid of us as we
were of them. Now we thought it better Policy to treat with them than
to flee from them; fearing they might have Bows and Arrows, whereas
we were armed only with Axes in our hands, and Knives by our sides;
or else that they might raise the Countrey and pursue us. So we made
a stand, and in the Chingulay Language asked their leave to come near
to treat with them, but they did not understand it. But being risen up
spake to us in the Malabar Tongue, which we could not understand. Then
still standing at a distance we intimated our minds to them by signs,
beckoning with our hand: which they answered in the same Language. Then
offering to go towards them, and seeing them to be naked men and no
Arms near them, we laid our Axes upon the ground with our Bags, lest
we might scare them, if we had come up to them with those weapons in
our hands, and so went towards them with only our Knives by our sides:
by signs with our hands shewing them our bloody Backs we made them
understand whence we came, and whither we were going. Which when they
perceived they seemed to commiserate our condition, and greatly to
admire at such a Miracle which God had brought to pass: and as they
talked one to another they lifted up their hands and faces towards
Heaven, often repeating Tombrane which is God in the Malabar Tongue.

[They are courteous to them.] And by their signs we understood they
would have us bring our Bags and Axes nearer; which we had no sooner
done, but they brought the Rice and Herbs which they had boiled for
themselves to us, and bad us eat; which we were not fitted to do,
having not long before eaten a hearty Dinner of better fare; yet
could not but thankfully accept of their compassion and kindness,
and eat as much as we could; and in requital of their courtesie,
we gave them some of our Tobacco. Which after much entreating they
did receive, and it pleased them exceedingly.

[But loathe to conduct them to the Hollander.] After these civilities
passed on either side, we began by signs to desire them to go
with us and shew us the way to the Dutch Fort: which they were very
unwilling to do, saying, as by signs and some few words which we could
understand, that our greatest danger was past, and that by Night we
might get into the Hollanders Dominions. Yet we being weary with our
tedious journey, and desirous to have a guide, shewed them Money to
the value of five Shillings, being all I had; and offered it them to go
with us. Which together with our great importunity so prevailed, that
one of them took it; and leaving his fellow to carry their Baggage he
went with us about one Mile, and then began to take his leave of us and
to return. Which we supposed was to get more from us. Having therefore
no more Money, we gave him a red Tunis Cap and a Knife, for which he
went a Mile farther, and then as before would leave us, signifying
to us, that we were cut of danger, and he could go no further.

Now we had no more left to give him, but began to perceive, that what
we had parted withall to him, was but flung away; and altho we might
have taken all from him again being alone in the Wood, yet we feared
to do it, left thereby we might exasperate him, and so he might give
notice of us to the People, but bad him farewel, after he had conducted
us about four or five Miles. And we kept on our journey down the River
as before, until it was Night, and lodged upon a Bank under a Tree:
[In danger of Elephants.] but were in the way of the Elephants; for
in the Night they came and had like to have disturbed us, so that
for our preservation we were forced to fling Fire brands at them to
scare them away.

The next Morning being Saturday as soon as it was light, having eaten
to strengthen us, as Horses do Oats before they Travail, we set forth
going still down the River; the Sand was dry and loose, and so very
tedious to go upon: by the side we could not go, being all overgrown
with Bushes. The Land hereabouts was as smooth as a bowling-green,
but the Grass clean burt up for want of Rain.

[They overtake another man, who tells them they were in the Dutch
Dominions.] Having Travailed about two hours, we saw a Man walking in
the River before, whom we would gladly have shunned, but well could
not, for he walked down the River as we did, but at a very slow rate,
which much hindred us. But we considering upon the distance we had
come, since we left the Bramin, and comparing with what he told us,
we concluded we were in the Hollanders jurisdiction: and so amended
our pace to overtake the Man before us. Whom we perceiving to he free
from timerousness at the sight of us, concluded he had used to see
White-men. Whereupon we asked him, to whom he belonged. He speaking
the Chingulay Language answered, To the Dutch; and also that all the
Country was under their Command, and that we were out of all danger,
and that the Fort of Arrepa was but some six miles off. Which did
not a little rejoyce us, we told him, we were of that Nation, and
had made our escape from Cande, where we had been many years kept in
Captivity; and having nothing to give him our selves, we told him,
that it was not to be doubted, but the Chief Commander at the Fort
would bountifully reward him, if he would go with us and direct us
thither. But whether he doubted of that, or no, or whether he expected
something in hand, he excused himself pretending earnest and urgent
occasions that he could not defer: but advised us to leave the River,
because it winds so much about, and turn up without fear to the Towns,
where the People would direct us the way to the Fort.

[They Arrive at Arrepa Fort.] Upon his advice we struck up a Path
that came down to the River, intending to go to a Town, but could
find none; and there were so many cross Paths that we could not tell
which way to go: and the Land here so exceedingly low and level,
that we could see no other thing but Trees. For altho I got up a Tree
to look if I could see the Dutch Fort, or discern any Houses, yet I
could not; and the Sun being right over our heads neither could that
direct us: insomuch that we wished our selves again in our old friend,
the River. So after so much wandring up and down we sat down under a
Tree waiting until the Sun was fallen, or some People came by. Which
not long after three or four Malabars did. One of which could speak
a little Portugueze. We told these Men, we were Hollanders, supposing
they would be the more willing to go with us, but they proved of the
same temper with the rest before mentioned. For until I gave one of
them a small Knife to cut Betel-nuts, he would not go with us: but for
the lucre of that he conducted us to a Town. From whence they sent
a Man with us to the next, and so we were passed from Town to Town,
until we arrived at the Fort called Arrepa: it being about four of the
Clock on Saturday afternoon. October the eighteenth MDCLXXIX. Which
day God grant us grace that we may never forget, when he was pleased
to give us so great a deliverance from such a long Captivity, of
nineteen years, and six Months, and odd days, being taken Prisoner
when I was nineteen years old, and continued upon the Mountains among
the Heathen till I attained to Eight and Thirty.

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