The 13th I shewed our commodities to some merchants of Maioco, [Miaco] but they bought nothing, and seemed chiefly to desire to have gunpowder.  This day Semidono went to visit our ship, accompanied by several stranger gentlemen, and came afterwards to see our English house, where I gave them the best entertainment in my power.  The 19th at night began the great feast of the pagans, when they banquet and make merry all night by candle-light at the graves of their deceased kindred, whom they invite to partake.[28] It lasts three nights and the intermediate days; when, by command of the king, every house must new gravel the street before its door, and hang out candles all night.  I was not slack in obeying this order, and I was informed that a poor man was put to death and his house shut up, for neglecting to comply with the order.  On this occasion, the China captain furnished me with two very decent paper lanthorns.  Being informed that the kings intended to ride about the streets, and to make me a visit, I provided a banquet for them, and waited till after midnight, but they came not.  The 20th, 21st, and 22d, I sent presents to both the kings, being informed that such was the custom of the country, sending them wine and confections; as likewise to Nobesane the young king’s brother; to Semidono, the old king’s governor, and to Unagense, which were all very thankfully accepted.  Some cavalliers, or Japanese gentlemen, came to visit me during the festival, to whom I gave the best entertainment I could procure.

[Footnote 28:  This pagan feast is a kind of Candlemas or Allsouls.—­Purchas.]

The 23d we made an end of landing our gunpowder, being in all ninety-nine barrels, of which I advised our general by letter, requesting him to reserve a sufficiency for the ship, in case he sold it to the emperor.  We landed several other things, which the master thought had best be sent ashore, as our men began to filch and steal, that they might go to taverns and brothels.  This day Mr Melsham the purser and I dined with Semidono, who used us kindly.  The master and Mr Eaton were likewise invited, but did not go.  The great festival ended this day, when three troops of dancers went about the town, with flags or banners, their music being drums and pans,[29] to the sound of which they danced at the doors of all the great men, as also at their pagodas and at the sepulchres.

[Footnote 29:  Probably gongs, which very much resemble a brass frying-pan.—­E.]

The 24th at night, all the streets were hung with candles, as the young king and his brother, with Semidono, Nabesone, and many others, went in masquerade to dance at the house of the old king.  The young king and his brother were on horseback, having canopies carried over them, all the rest being a-foot, and they were accompanied by drums and kettles, as the before-mentioned dancers, Nabesone playing