. Homem
accordingly marched for the kingdom of _Chicova[400], which borders upon
the inland frontier of Monomotapa towards the north, having heard that
there were rich mines of silver in that country. Having penetrated to
Chicova, he inquired among the natives for the way to the mines; and as
they saw that it was in vain for them to resist, while they feared the
discovery of the mines would prove their ruin, they scattered some ore
at a place far distant from the mines, and shewing this to the
Portuguese told them that this was the place of which they were in
search. By this contrivance the Kafrs gained time to escape, as the
Portuguese permitted them to go away, perhaps because they were
unwilling the natives should see what treasure they procured. Homem
accordingly caused all the environs to be carefully dug up, and after a
vast deal of fruitless labour was obliged to desist, as provisions grew
scarce. Thus finding no advantage after all his fatigues and dangers,
Homem marched away towards the coast with part of his troops, intending
to return to his government at Mozambique, and left Antonio Cardoso de
Almeyda with 200 men to continue the researches for some time for the
treasures that were said to abound in that country. Cardoso suffered
himself to be again deceived by the Kafrs who had before imposed upon
Homem, as they now offered to conduct him to where he might find a vein
of silver. But they led him the way of death rather than of the mines,
and killed him and all his men after defending themselves with
incredible bravery.

[Footnote 399: No such place is laid down in modern maps, but rich gold
mines are mentioned in Mocaranga near mount _Fura_, which is nearly in
the route indicated in the text, between Sofala or Quiteve and
Chicoya.--E.]

[Footnote 400: Chicova is a territory and town of Mocaranga or
Monomotapa, in lat. 19 deg. N. at the north-west boundary of that empire on
the Zambeze; and is said to abound in mines of silver.--E.]

Thus ended the government and conquest of Monomotapa shortly after its
commencement, under two successive governors, who lost their object
almost as soon as it was seen. The first killed by a few rash words, and
the second expelled by a prudent stratagem. Yet peace and trade
continued between the Portuguese and the empire of Monomotapa. These
actions of Barreto and Homem took place during the time when Luis de
Ataide, Antonio de Noronha, and Antonio Moniz Barreto[401], were