CHAPTER I - Dom Vasco da Gama, second Viceroy of India, who went thither this year—1524

Summary

On the eleventh of September there arrived at the bar of Goa, Dom Vasco da Gama, who discovered India, as viceroy of India; he had been made Count of Vidigueira, and admiral of the Indian seas, and he came this year in the ship St. Catherine of Mount Sinay, and with him there came two sons; the elder named Dom Estevan da Gama, who was captain-major at sea, and later was governor of India; and the other named Dom Paulo da Gama, who was killed in the war of Malacca. The said Dom Vasco brought with him great state, and was served by men bearing silver maces, by a major-domo, and two pages with gold neckchains, many equerries, and body servants, very well clothed and cared for; he also brought rich vessels of silver, and rich tapestry of Flanders, and for the table at which he sate, brocade cloths. They brought to him at table large dishes, as if to the king, with his napkin-bearer bringing him the ewer, and all the forms of precedence of a king. The ornaments of his wardrobe, bed, and chapel were very complete, with much show and arrangement. He had a guard of two hundred men, with gilt pikes, clothed with his livery. He kept a splendid table; all the gentlemen and honourable persons ate with him. He brought out with him complete power of justice and revenue, like the King's self, over all persons who might be found beyond the Cape of Good Hope. He was a very disdainful man, and ready to anger, very rash, much feared and respected, very knowing and experienced in all matters.