it had been
examined and discussed again thoroughly, all these members agreed,
_nemine discrepante,_ that, from everything observed up to the present,
we held Maluco rightly. Now because, as you will understand, since
all the members of my Council say the same thing, I ought to believe
them, and it would neither be honest nor reasonable to disregard their
opinion, especially in a matter upon which I acting alone could not
nor can be well informed, I commanded that, according to the above,
their opinion would be the answer to the said ambassadors, giving
them to understand thoroughly the causes and reasons abovesaid,
and others, which although clear and evident, the ambassadors would
not accept. Rather they continued to persist that Maluco ought to
be surrendered to them. They said they had information that Maluco
had been found by the King of Portugal, and by his ships. But that
information being unauthorized and in the same the witnesses being
subjects of the King of Portugal, (you see how much advantage, honor,
and increase it is to this nation to succeed in this undertaking),
and it being a thing beyond the bounds of reason, and a matter of no
credence or damage, we did not permit examination of it; for even
though the evidence should prove damaging to the King of Portugal,
he could not be compelled to abide by it, as it had not been presented
in a regular court of law, nor sufficiently empowered by him. It was a
departure from the principal matter of negotiation. And then too the
said ambassadors, although other information better than their own
was offered on my part, would not accept it, nor would they abide by
it. Although, as you see, I ought not to depart from the said treaty,
which was the only petition made me by the said ambassadors, they not
wishing to stick to the truth, persisted obstinately in so doing,
and then it was sufficient to have satisfied themselves as to its
full observance.

But paying no heed to this, nor to the harm ensuing to us in
persuading them, on account of my great affection to my cousin, the
said most serene King of Portugal, and those causes already declared,
proposals were made to the said ambassadors in my behalf, to wit,
that it be considered immediately by the court of demarcation, and
for this persons be appointed in accordance with the said treaty and
the prorogation of it, and within a convenient period, which would
not lengthen greatly the business in hand, nor be so short