Paravas

The Paravas were under a terrible consternation at the sight of those robbers, whose very name was formidable to them, not daring so much as to gather into a body, nor to hazard the first brunt of war.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

The Paravas, who were his first children in Jesus Christ, were overjoyed at the sight of their saint, and good Father, as they called him.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

The holy man, encouraged by so happy a beginning, followed his way with more cheerfulness, and came to Tutucurin, which is the first town belonging to the Paravas.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

Whether those considerations prevailed upon the prince of the blood-royal, or that the spirit of God wrought powerfully on his heart, lie consented to what the Paravas desired, and put himself into the hands of Father Henriquez to be instructed.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

A year and more was already past since Xavier had laboured in the conversion of the Paravas; and in all this time, his two companions,

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

The rulers of the Christians on the fishing coast having afterwards made up an army, supplied with what ammunitions of war, and other provisions which the country could furnish, passed over into the Isle of Ceylon, under the conduct of the prince and the forty lords; but the usurper was so well established in his possession, that the Paravas were forced to retire with speed into their own country.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

The receivers of the king's revenues, who were to pay the Paravas of the coast of Fishery, constrained those poor fishers to deliver their pearls almost for nothing; and thus the exaction of a lawful tribute, in the constitution, became tyranny and oppression in the management.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

The misfortunes of his dear Paravas touched him in the most tender part.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

In the mean while, Xavier judging that the exposition of the Christian doctrine, which he had made for those of Molucca, might be of use to his dear Paravas, ordered a Malabar priest, who was well versed in the Portuguese, to translate it into his own language.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808

He obtained twenty barks, laden with all manner of provision, and himself brought it to their places of retreat, where the poor Paravas, as many as were left alive of them, were languishing without hope of comfort, and expecting death to end their misery.

The Works of John Dryden Dryden, John, 1631-1700 1808