Page:History of India Vol 9.djvu/384

326 general that the inhabitants, formerly populous, are now reduced to a few thinly inhabited villages, the chief part of whom have been baptized, for they will not suffer any Mussulman or Gentoo to live within the precincts of the city; and these few are unable to carry on the husbandry or manufactures of the country. The court of Portugal is obliged to send out annually a very large sum of money to defray the current expenses of the government; which money is generally swallowed up by the convents and soldiery. If other measures are not pursued, Goa must, in a very few years, sink to nothing. Although it is evident that the internal decay of the government has been occasioned by the oppression and bigotry of the priests and the expulsion of so many useful hands, yet the court of Portugal cannot be prevailed upon to alter its measures, although the flourishing situation of the English and other European settlements (and of which one cause is certainly the mild and tolerant principles adhered to in points of religion, provided it interferes not with the affairs of government) is continually before their eyes. The Nabob Tippu has lately shown an inclination to attack them, but was suddenly called off by the Marathas. The Portuguese much fear he will return; and should he, there is little doubt but that the place will surrender to him. The glorious times of Albuquerque are now no more; power and wealth have long since taken their flight from the discoverers of the East. There was formerly an inquisition at this place, but it is now abolished; the building still remains, and by its black