In the year 1544, De Sousa fitted out a fleet of 45 sail, in which were embarked 3000 seamen and soldiers.  The design of this armament was kept a profound secret, which was to rob the pagoda of Tremele, 12 miles inland from St Thomas of Meliapour, in the kingdom of Bisnagar, for which express orders had been given by King John, under pretence that India was wasted, as if any pretence could justify robbery.  The design was however discovered, or as others say it was disappointed by contrary winds.  Yet the governor was persuaded to plunder other pagodas, where it was thought there were equal riches.  By the way, he sent a message to the king of Jafnapatam in the island of Ceylon, commanding him either to become tributary to the crown of Portugal, or to prepare for opposing the armament.  The king agreed to pay 4000 ducats yearly, glad to get off so easily.  A king called Grande near Cape Comorin, being in fear of the Portuguese, sent a present to the governor.  De Sousa proceeded to a pagoda named Tebelicate[364], near Calecoulam, although the Portuguese were at peace with the king of that country, and went into it with a small number of his confidants, whence they brought out two casks so heavy that they loaded many men.  These casks were reported to contain water, though some affirmed that it was gold and jewels; but the truth was never known.  It has been alleged by some writers that nothing was found but a golden vessel worth 4000 crowns, in which the idol used to be bathed, and which was ordered to be restored by the king of Portugal, who was much displeased at the conduct of De Sousa on this occasion; as if it were a greater crime to rob the pagoda of Tebilicare without orders, than that of Tremele with orders.  While the Portuguese were returning to their ships, the town and pagoda were set on fire, and they were attacked in a narrow defile by 200 Nayres, who killed 30 of them; but on getting into the open field, the Nayres were put to flight.  No danger terrifies avarice.  The Portuguese went on to another pagoda, from which a chest was brought out and opened publicly, and some silver money which it contained was distributed among the troops; but of so small account, that many believed the liberality was owing to that circumstance.

[Footnote 364:  Called afterwards Tebilicare.]

De Sousa was obliged to return in all haste to Goa, owing to the following circumstance, communicated to him by a message from Don Garcia de Castro. Aceda Khan, lord of the lands around Goa, intending to depose Adel Khan, prevailed on Don Garcia, by means of presents to deliver up to him Meale Khan the brother of Adel Khan, pretending that he held the kingdom wrongfully.  This gave just cause of complaint to Adel Khan, and occasioned considerable danger to the Portuguese.  The governor listened to the arguments and offers of both sides; but inclined more to favour Aceda Khan, who offered to cede the