Truly speaking, the conversion of that one man was worth that of many.  The saint gave him in baptism his own name of Francis; and foretold him, that he should die most piously, in calling upon the name of Jesus.  The prophecy was taken notice of, which has recommended the fame of this new convert to posterity, and which was not accomplished till after forty years.  For this Christian, forsaking his barbarous island, and turning soldier, served the Portuguese, on divers occasions, till in the year 1588 he was wounded to death in a battle given by Don Sancho Vasconcellos, governor of Amboyna, who made war with the Saracen Hiamo.  Francis was carried off into the camp; and many, as well Indians as Portuguese, came about him, to see the accomplishment of the prediction, made by the blessed Francis Xavier.  All of them beheld the soldier dying, with extraordinary signs of piety, and crying, without ceasing, “Jesus, assist me!”

The island of Ulate, which is better peopled, and less savage than those of Baranura and Rosalao, was not so deaf nor so rebellious to the voice of the holy man.  He found it all in arms, and the king of it besieged in his town, ready to be surrendered, neither through want of courage, nor of defendants, but of water; because the enemy had cut off the springs, and there was no likelihood of rain; insomuch, that during the great heats, both men and horses were in danger of perishing by thirst.

The opportunity appeared favourable to Father Xavier, for gaining the vanquished party to Jesus Christ, and perhaps all the conquerors.  Full of a noble confidence in God, he found means to get into the town; and being presented to the king, offered to supply him with what he most wanted.  “Suffer me,” said he, “to erect a cross, and trust in the God, whom I come to declare to you.  He is the Lord and Governor of nature, who, whenever he pleases, can open the fountains of heaven, and water the earth.  But, in case the rain should descend upon you, give me your promise, to acknowledge his power, and that you, with your subjects, will receive his law.”  In the extremity to which the king was then reduced, he consented readily to the Father’s conditions; and also obliged himself, on the public faith, to keep his word, provided Xavier failed not on his part of the promised blessing.  Then Xavier causing a great cross to be made, set it up, on the highest ground of all the town; and there, on his knees, amongst a crowd of soldiers, and men, women, and children, attracted by the novelty of the sight, as much as by the expected succour, he offered to God the death of his only son, and prayed him, by the merits of that crucified Saviour, who had poured out his blood for the sake of all mankind, not to deny a little water, for the salvation of an idolatrous people.