Page 455
An.1687
The Sultan of Bouton; his Device and Guards.
is a little Man, about 40 or 50 years old, and hath a great many Wives and Children.
About an hour after we came to an anchor, the Sultan sent a Messenger aboard, to know what we were, and what our business. We gave him an ac- count, and he returned ashore, and in a short time after he came aboard again, and told us, that the Sultan was very well pleased when he heard that we were English; and said, that we should have any thing that the Island afforded; and that he himself would come aboard in the morning. Therefore the Ship was made clean, and every thing put in the best order to receive him.
The 6th day in the morning betimes a great ma- ny Boats and Canoas came aboard, with Fowls, Eggs, Plantains, Potatoes, &c. but they would dispose of none till they had order for it from the Sultan, at his coming. About 10 a clock the Sul- tan came aboard in a very neat Proe, built after the Mindanao fashion. There was a large white Silk Flag at the head of the Mast, edged round with a deep red for about 2 or 3 inches broad, and in the middle there was neatly drawn a Green Griffon, trampling on a winged Serpent, that seemed to struggle to get up, and threatned his Adversary with open mouth, and with a long Sting that was ready to be darted into his Legs. Other East Indian Princes have their Devices also.
The Sultan with 3 or 4 of his Nobles, and 3 of his Sons, sate in the House of the Proe. His Guards were 10 Musqueteers, 5 standing on one side of the Proe, and 5 on the other side; and be- fore the door of the Proe-house stood one with a great broad Sword, and a Target, and 2 more such at the after part of the House; and in the head and stern of the Proe stood 4 Musqueteers more, 2 at each end.
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