Page:Journal of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society (IA journalofstra17181886roya).pdf/233

 thus succeeded in his mission, COELLO was forced by stress of weather upon the coast of Pahang, where he was received in a friendly manner by the king, who voluntarily submitted to bc- come a vassal to the crown of Portugal, and to pay a cup of gold as an annual tribute. This was done more from hatred to the king of Bintang than from love to the Portuguese.

The kingdom of Siam at that time was one of the greatest in the East, the two other of greater consequence being China and Bisnagar. The great river Menam runs through the middle from North to South, having its source in the great lake of Chiamay, in lat 30° N., and its mouth in lat 13° N., so that the length of this kingdom is 330 leagues. On the west it joins Bengal, on the south Malacca, on the north China, and on the cast Cambodia. The territory contains both moun- tains and plains, and it is inhabited by many different races of people, some of whom are extremely cruel and bar- barous, and even feed on human flesh. Among these, the Guci ornament themselves with figures impressed with hot irons. Siam abounds in elephants, cattle, and buffaloes. It has many sea-ports and populous cites, Hudia being the metropolis or residence of the Court. The Siamese build sumptuous tem- ples, in which they have images of vast size. They are very religious, sparing in their diet, much given to divination, and addicted to the study of astrology. The country is extremely fertile, and abounds in gold, silver, and other metals. The memorable services of the subjects are recorded, that they may be read to the kings.

In the year 1518, the king of Bintang again attacked Malacca by land, with 1,500 men and many elephants, while 60 vessels blockaded the harbour. The Portuguese garrison consisted only of 200 men, many of whom were sick, but the danger cured them of their fevers, and every one ran to repel the enemy. After a severe encounter of three hours, the