[An Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies by Robert Knox]@TWC D-Link bookAn Historical Relation Of The Island Ceylon In The East Indies PART II 63/97
Into which when they are once fallen, no means without mony can get them out again.
But be the fact never so hainous (Murther it self) they can put none to death.
[None can put to death but the King.] The sentence of death being pronounced only by the King.
They also are sent upon expeditions in War with their Soldiers, and give Attendance, and watch at Court in their appointed Stations. These Dissauva's are also to see that the Soldiers in their Countries do come in due season and order for that purpose. [These Dissauva's are durante bene placite.] They are appointed by the King himself, not for life, but during his good pleasure.
And when they are dead or removed, oftentimes their places lay void, somtimes for months, somtimes perhaps for years; during which time the Adigar rules and governs those Countries; and for his labour receiveth all such Incoms and Profits as are accustomed and of right do belong to the Governour. [Whome the King makes Dissauva's And their Profits and Honours.] The King when he advances any to be Dissauva's, or to any other great Office regards not their ability or sufficiency to perform the same, only they must be persons of good rank, and gentile extraction: and they are all naturally discreet and very solid, and so the fitter for the Kings employment.
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