ABSTRACT
SOMETIME after these visits and disputes, Echebar, learning that the house in which the Fathers were lodged was inconvenient for them, owing to the din and bustle of the crowded thoroughfare in which it was situated, provided a more suitable residence for them within the precincts of his own palace. He did this partly from a desire to have them near at hand, so that he could visit them more often, or send for them whenever he wished, or had leisure to see them,
In this lodging the Fathers fitted up, as well as they could, a small chapel, in which they held divine service; and here, on several occasions, they were visited by the King. His Majesty entrusted his second son to them that they might teach him Portuguese, and to read and write after the European style, at the same time instructing him in the mysteries of the Christian faith. It may here be mentioned that in the year 1582, when these Fathers were at his court, Echebar had three sons and two daughters. The eldest son, who has since succeeded him on the throne, was then about 17 or 18 years of age. 2 His proper name was Scieco [Shaikhu]; but he was always known as Sciecogio, the word Gio [ji] being added as a title of honour, just as in certain parts of Europe the word Dom is placed before the names of persons of rank or distinction. In the language of these people, Gio signifies ‘soul’; so that Sciecogio is equivalent to the soul, or the person, of Scieco. The second son, whose name was Pahari, was 13 years of age. It was he who was placed under the Fathers to learn Portuguese and the rudiments of Christianity, to the study of which he showed himself well inclined. He was a lad of considerable promise, being both intelligent and docile. 3 The last of the three was called Dan, which is the same as Daniel.
