Providing ourselves with presents, Hartog and I, attended by the ship's
officers, went ashore to pay our respects to the King, who accepted our
tribute graciously, and, looking up to heaven, said:
"I know that nothing happens to men which has not, long since, been
decreed by Fate. So bring your ship into the harbour and let your
companions land in safety, in order that, after so much tossing about
on the sea, and so many dangers, you may securely enjoy the comforts of
life on shore and recruit your strength."
Having thus spoken, the King laid aside his diadem, and embraced each
of us in turn. He then directed such refreshments as the country
produced to be set before us.
The people of the Moluccas cannot be classed as savages. They possess
an intelligence and form of government which lifts them above
aboriginal natives. Each island has its king, who is, nevertheless,
subservient to the chief Thedori, by whom we were received. This
monarch is a man of small stature, but reputed wise beyond the wisdom
of most men.
Certain it is he made wise laws for the good government of his kingdom,
one of which might, with advantage, be followed by law-makers in more
civilized nations.
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