ursed fully with him concerning the present condition of
the Indies, and recommended particularly to him the affairs of religion.
He likewise gave him in charge, to visit the fortresses of the
Portuguese, and take notice how God was served in them; and withal to
give him an account of what more was requisite to be done for the
establishment of Christianity in those new conquests; and to write
frequently on that subject, not only to his ministers, but to his own
person.

After this he presented him the four briefs, which had been expedited
from Home the same year; in two of which, our Holy Father had constituted
Xavier apostolical nuncio, and endued him with ample power for the
extending and maintenance of the faith throughout the East; in the third,
his Holiness recommended him to David Emperor of Ethiopia; and in the
fourth, to all the princes who possessed the isles of the sea, or the
continent from the Cape of Good Hope, even beyond the Ganges.

John III. had requested these briefs, and the Pope had freely granted
them, with design thereby to make the mission of Father Francis the more
illustrious and authentic. The father received them from the hands of the
king with profound respect; saying, that as much as his weakness was
capable of performing, he should endeavour to sustain the burden, which
God and man had laid upon him.

Some few days before he went to sea, Don Antonio d'Ataida, count of
Castagnera, who supervised the provisions of the naval army, advertised
Xavier to make a note of what things were necessary for him in order to
his voyage; assuring him from his majesty, that he should be furnished to
his own desire. They want nothing, replied the father with a smile, who
have occasion for nothing. I am much obliged to the king for his
liberality, and to you for your care of me; but I owe more to the Divine
Providence, and you would not wish me to distrust it.

The count of Castagnera, who had an express order from the king, to make
a large provision for Father Xavier, was very urgent with him, and
importuned him so strongly to take something, for fear, said he, of
tempting Providence, which does not every day work miracles, that Xavier,
not to appear either obstinate or, presumptuous, demanded some few little
books of devotion, for which he foresaw he should have occasion in the
Indies, and a thick eloth habit against the excessive colds, which are to
be endured in doubling the Cape.

The count, amazed t