Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra17181886roya).pdf/230

 LIZ to imitate the conduct of ZOPIRUS at Babylon. Being accordingly mutilated, Tûan MAXILIZ fled with some companions to Malacca, giving out that he had escaped from the tyrannical cruelty of his sovereign. RUY DE BRITO, who then commanded in the citadel of Malacca, credited his story, and reposed so much confidence in his fidelity that he was admitted at all times into the fortress. At length, having appointed a particular day for the execution of his long-concerted enter- prise, on which MAHMUD was to send a party to second his efforts or to bring him off, he and his accomplices got admit- tance into the fort as usual, and immediately began to assassi- nate the Portuguese garrison by means of their daggers, and had actually slain six before they were able to stand to their defence. BRITO, who happened to be asleep when the alarm was given, immediately collected his men, and drove the traitor and his companions from the fort, at the very moment when a party of armed Malays came up to second their efforts. The commander of his party, named Tûan CALASCAR, On learning the miscarriage of Tûan MAXILIZ, pretended that he came to the assistance of BRITO, and by that means was per- mitted to retire.

Soon after this, PEDRO DE FARIA arrived at Malacca from the Straits of Sabam, bringing with him ABDELA King of Campar, who, being no longer able to endure the insolence of his father-in-law MAHMUD, came to reside in security under the protection of the Portuguese in Malacca. This was in the month of July, 1543, shortly after the arrival of GEORGE DE ALBUQUERQUE from Goa to command at Malacca, By instruction from the viceroy, ABDELA was appointed Bendara, or Governor of the natives, which office had till then been enjoyed by NINACHETU, who was now displaced on account of some miscarriage or malversation. NINACHETU, who was a Gentoo, so much resented this affront, that he resolved to give a signal demonstration of his fidelity and concern. He was