[Dutch permitted to Trade at Amboyna.] The Amboynese Admiral ask'd them, What they came for, and who they were, and having heard their Answer, gave them leave to go ashore, and expose their Commodities, allowing them free Commerce, contrary to his Majesty's Prohibition, which us'd to be more punctually observ'd in this Island. The Dutch Vice-Admiral went ashore, where he was well received, and conducted to a Seat cover'd with Sails of Ships, supported by Trees, full of Fruit not known in Europe. He easily prevail'd with the Governors, to allow him full Liberty to Trade. Their Success was forwarded [King of Ternate's Brother assists the Dutch.] by Cachil Azude, Brother to the King of Ternate, who happen'd to be there then, celebrating his Nuptials, being newly come with his Bride, who was the Daughter of a Sangiack of Batochina. He had long courted, and desir'd to be marry'd to her, but was oppos'd by the Father, who had promised her to the King of Bachian. We shall say no more of their Love, nor of what became of the Prince, because it is no essential Part of this History. He presently repair'd to the Dutch, and order'd them to be furnish'd with those Loaves made of Sugar, Almonds and Rice, with Coco-Nuts, Bananas, and Wine made of Rice, and this so lavishly, that the Dutch [Plenty of Provisions.] Relations own they had scarce Room to lay up such Plenty of Provisions. The same would have been, had they bought them, for they had so much for a Pewter Spoon, that they knew not what to do with it. The Amboynese Admiral went aboard the Ships again, was pleas'd to see the great Guns, and the Variety and Plenty of Merchandise. The Prince of Ternate did the same, and both of them at their coming and going were saluted by the Cannon. They had private Conferences with him, and other Noblemen of the Moluccos, who attended him. They erected Factories in several Parts of Amboyna, and agreed that the two Ships, Guelder and Zealand, should Sail for Banda, whilst the other two lay two Months to load and rest at Amboyna. We shall mention hereafter what befel these in Ternate, let us now return to the other two.
[Two Dutch Ships sail for Banda.] They sail'd with a fair Wind, but one of them stuck in the Flats of Ceru, so that she could scarce be got off. Below Jealau, they met a Portuguese Ship at Naesau, the Inhabitants of which Place eat Mans Flesh. They pass'd on merrily by Poelsetton, two Leagues short of Banda, on that Side. It is desert, and uninhabited, infamous, for stronger Reasons, than the Greeks alledge against the Acroceraunian Rocks. There are Cryes, Whistles, and [Island of Devils.] Roarings heard in it at all Times, and dreadful Apparitions are seen, with Fires ascending through the Air; and long Experience has shown, that it is inhabited by Devils. Therefore Sailors, when they pass in Sight of it, which seldom happens without Storms, make all the Sail they can to get far off, from the very Wind that blows on it. The Dutch chief Pilot knowing so much, furiously took such fast hold of the Helm, that all the rest could not put him from it; He drew it to him violently, thinking that Force drove on the Ship; his Face grew fiery, and his Breast not being able to contain his Wind, he breath'd fast, and groan'd, till being past the [Dutch Pilot frighted by the Devil.] Island, he grew merry, and whistling loud, scoff'd at the Devil, because he could not cast away the Ship; yet soon after he was in Disorder again, and dropt the Helm; they recover'd him, and made all sail to go forward. [Trade at Banda.] They arriv'd at Banda, near the River, on the fifteenth of the Month. Several Bandese Boats came out, offering their Spice. The Dutch landed, carrying with them sundry Commodities, which they expos'd in Shops. A rich Turk, who was in Esteem, entertain'd them. They built Houses on the Island, and a few Days after hear'd News of their Admiral, by some Chinese Ships, that came from Amboyna; and were inform'd, that the Portugueses were already at War with the Natives, for entertaining and allowing them Factories.