[Footnote 137:  It is scarce possible to conceive how Faria could gravely make this observation, when the Portuguese had imposed an annual tribute on the king of Ormuz, and were actually building a fortress to keep the capital under subjection.—­E.]

While the fort of Ormuz was building, or rather finishing, Albuquerque persuaded the king that it would contribute to the safety of the city to put all their cannon into the fort to defend them against their enemies, but in reality to disable them from resisting the Portuguese domination.  Security is a powerful argument with those who are in fear, so that the king and his governor reluctantly consented to this demand.  Thus the rich and powerful kingdom of Ormuz was completely subjected to the Portuguese dominion, yet more to the advantage than detriment of its native princes; who were more oppressed before by the tyranny of their ministers, than afterwards by the tribute they had to pay to the Portuguese, besides the security they enjoyed under protection of the Portuguese arms.  Yet liberty is sweeter than all other conveniences.

Albuquerque dispatched his nephew Don Garcia de Noronha with most of the fleet to Cochin, with orders to send home the ships of the season with the trade to Portugal, remaining behind to conclude such arrangements as seemed to require his presence.  He soon afterwards fell sick, and was persuaded by his attendants to return to India for the recovery of his health, which he consented to, and left Pedro de Albuquerque in the command of the fort at Ormuz.  His departure gave great concern to the king, who loved him as a father.  While on the voyage to Goa, he got notice that 12 ships were arrived in India from Portugal with orders for his return to Europe, Lope Soarez who commanded that fleet being appointed his successor.  He was likewise informed that Diego Mendez and Diego Pereyra, both of whom he had sent home as prisoners for heinous crimes, had come back to India, the one as governor of Cochin and the other as secretary to the new viceroy.  These news gave him much dissatisfaction, and he is reported to have vented his distress on the occasion to the following purpose.  “It is now time for me to take sanctuary in the church, having incurred the kings displeasure for the sake of his subjects, and their anger for the sake of the king.  Old man! fly to the church!  Your honour requires that you should die, and you have never yet omitted any thing in which your honour was concerned!” Then raising his hands and eyes to heaven, he gave God thanks that a governor had come out so opportunely, not doubting that he should soon die.  He fell into a profound melancholy, and arrived at Dabul almost in the arms of death, at which place he wrote the following letter to the king.  “This, Sir! is the last letter your highness will receive from me, who am now under the pangs of death.  I have formerly written many to your highness full of life and vigour, being then free from the dread thought of this last hour, and actively employed in your service.  I leave a son behind me, Blas de Albuquerque, whom I entreat your highness to promote in recompence of my services.  The affairs of India will answer for themselves and me.”