Painful Passage: The Agonizing Search for Religious and Cultural Identity

By Charles Meyers

Dr. Heitor Nunes, a Portuguese Jewish physician, desperately desires to be accepted by the economic and social leadership in London. In order to attain these goals, he is willing to sacrifice the faith of his ancestors and culture by converting to Protestantism. His life story sends a painful message to people of all faiths throughout history.

Charles Meyers first work of historical fiction, Escape, was based on the life of a real man, Dr. Heitor Nunes, a Portuguese physician, who flees to England in approximately 1545/6. It depicted the Inquisitional interrogation and journey through an underground network that aided Jews to escape the burning pyres awaiting them.

Painful Passage is the second novel in a projected trilogy.

Charles Meyers new novel is a frightening depiction of the persecution of Jews in Portugal during the Inquistion. Heitor Nunes, the principal character, is truly an extraordinary man at once terrifying and heroic as he recommits himself to the faith of his ancesters.
Dr. Beer Prof Emeritus of History, Kent State University

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 8, 2010
• ISBN: 9781450250610

Charles Meyers

Charles Meyers has served the Criminal Justice system for more than 60 years and practiced in the discipline of Firearms and Tool Mark Identification (Forensic Ballistics) for over 50 years. His career includes 25 years with the Michigan State Police, 12 years with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and 5 years teaching. Since 1989 he has been an independent consultant. Charles has a BS degree from Michigan State University in Police Administration with a year of Police Science and a minor in Natural Science. He has been active in professional groups; is an Emeritus member and Past-President of the Association of Firearm and Tool Mark Examiners (AFTE), a Retired Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), a Member of the Southern Association of Forensic Scientists (SAFS), and a Kentucky Colonel. He is a Navy veteran of World War II and Korea. Since 2004, he has published three books, a memoir entitled Chasing Tail Lights to Forensic Ballistics, and two concerning case histories from Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Crime Laboratory Analysis (CLA) written as short stories; the first, Silent Evidence received the High Country Writers award for non-fiction book of the year, with a follow-up Wherever He Steps, Whatever He Touches… The Compilation brings together numerous anecdotes, many from the previous books, plus additional short stories based on actual homicide investigations, and appendices concerned with Firearms and Tool Mark Identification.

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Copyright © 2010 Charles Meyers

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. If there are only a few historical figures or actual events in the novel, the disclaimer could name them.

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Contents

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS

BACKGROUND

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

CHAPTER THIRTY

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

GLOSSARY

PORTUGUESE RECIPES

To Ms. Judith Jagoda, friend and colleague, without whom this book would not have been written and published

BIOGRAPHICAL DATA

Charles Meyers, an Elizabethan Crypto-Jewish historian received an undergraduate degree from Hunter College; an M.A. in Social Science from City College, and an M.L.S. in Library Science from Queens College, New York City. In addition, he has two years of doctoral work in English and European History at Kent State University in Ohio, where he was a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Fellow in Western Civilization. This was followed by extensive research in the archives of Portugal, Spain, and especially, England, focusing on the commercial activities of secret Jews (Marranos) residing in these countries in the sixteenth century. He has published papers in academic journals in Australia, England, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, and the U.S. In 2011, a new historical paper, The Denunciation of Peter Freire, will be published by Jewish Historical Studies in London. In 2001, he co-edited a volume of essays entitled, Troubled Souls, with Dr. Norman Simms of the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. His first work of historical fiction, Escape, based on the life of Dr. Heitor Nunes, who fled Portugal for the safe confines of England in approximately 1543, depicts his Inquisitional interrogation and the horrific land and sea journey that brought him to Bristol, England.

AUTHOR’S COMMENTS

Painful Passage is the second novel of a planned trilogy that depicts the life of a baptized Jew, Heitor Nunes, struggling with his religious identity. He returns to Lisbon in 1545 after fleeing two years earlier in order to accumulate enough money to establish a medical practice in London catering to the rich and powerful. Scared and depressed, Heitor utilizes sarcasm as a shield to protect himself from his insecurities. Trusting no one, Heitor eats voraciously to soothe the pain that is a constant reminder of the guilt which he is experiencing for deserting his family in Evora when he fled Coimbra for the safe confines of Bristol, England, the home of his aunt, Beatriz Fernandes, and uncle, Dr. Henrique Nunes. Adding to the volatile mix is his desire for social acceptance which causes him to seriously contemplate conversion to Christianity so that his goal would be readily attained. His focus changes rather abruptly when he meets his aunt, Branca, and uncle, Felix, during transportation from a safe house run by Dr. Enrique Pessoa, merchant and physician. They inform him of the horrible deaths of his beloved parents, Pedro and Blanca, and the possibility that his sisters, Eleanora and Leonora, were still alive in Evora. This is confirmed by his late father in a dream. He tells Heitor that they were taken to a military brothel in Evora to service the sexual needs of senior military officers of King Joao III. Heitor casts aside his obsession with money and influence to concentrate on their rescue. Desperate, he turns to Hashem, the God of the Old Testament for the emotional fortitude that would enable him to be successful. The brutal deaths of his sisters, hardens his resolve to avenge himself upon the Portuguese military and religious leadership. A verbal rebuke by God does not have any impact upon his desire to realize this goal.

Dr. Nunes was born in Evora, Portugal in approximately 1520. Heitor attended the parish church of St. Antao. Surviving official records do not indicate the names of his parents or siblings. He left Evora in 1536 to attend the University of Coimbra where he received an undergraduate degree in 1540. Three years later on July 7, 1543, he earned a B.A. in Medicine. Heitor fled Portugal after graduation with the Inquisition nipping at his heels. In London, he established a successful mercantile operation which provided the financial resources to run an intelligence center in Flanders for the conveyance of economic and military intelligence concerning Portugal and Spain. This information was sent to Lord Burghley, Lord Treasurer of England, and his subordinate, Sir Francis Walsingham, the Principal Secretary and head of Queen Elizabeth I’s domestic and overseas intelligence operations, between 1577 and 1591. The crowning moment of his intelligence career is the transmission of information concerning Spanish preparations for the Armada to Walsingham in June 1587, a full year before the fleet sets sail for England’s shores.

This novel contains modernized versions of food recipes that were used in sixteenth century Portugal. Foods prohibited by the Old Testament such as pork, ham, bacon, and crustaceans, were consumed by the characters appearing in this novel, secret Jews posing as loyal Catholics. The directions have been writtens in a manner which allows the reader to utilize modern ovens and conveniences that were unavailable inthis time period. In addition, a separate section is provided to illustrate the different kinds of food prepared by Spanish Crypto-Jews in the privacy of their homes. Data on these recipes is derived from the Inquisitional interrogation records.

See: David M. Gitlitz, A Drizzle of Honey: The Lives and Recipes of Spain’s Secret Jews (New York: St. Martins Press, 1999).

Violence in the name of religion is man’s contribution to understanding and acceptance

BACKGROUND

Far from the moderate climate, wine, and music of his native Portugal, Heitor Nunes, an expatriate Jewish physician seeks to prepare himself for the vessel’s landing in London.

It seems that only moments ago Heitor was forced to flee his seedy room in the medical dormitory at the University of Coimbra, the night after graduation on July 8, 1543. In reality, many months have passed since an aging soldier of the Inquisition visited his room the evening after graduation on July 7, 1543. A brief interrogation in his squalid 8 by 10 room led to many hours of questioning in the offices of the Holy House the following morning. The intense examination set the stage for a surprise visit by a heavy-handed inquisitional zealot later that evening.

Lying in bed, Heitor heard the thud of heavy boots on the flimsy wooden floor. As the steps drew closer, he looked for a place to hide. A silent cry welled up in his throat as he sought to prepare himself for further interrogation and torture. Heitor knew that he would disappear into the dungeons of the Holy House never to be seen again.

Suddenly, the boots stopped. They paused at the door of his roommate, Miguel Perez. A voice thundered, Heitor Nunes, the Inquisition has a few more questions. Once they are answered, you will return to your room!

Heitor held his breath. A fist pounded on Miguel’s door. The harsh voice of the religious fanatic bellowed, Come out now. Do not force me to return.

Shoving his fist into his mouth, Heitor sought to prevent an agonizing scream. He placed his ear to the door and listened. The boots moved toward his room. Terrified, he could barely stand as his shoulders began to sag.

Abruptly, the inquisitional messenger of charity turned around and headed toward the wooden staircase. Pausing, he yelled out, Heitor Nunes, I will return with soldiers within the hour. We will search every room. You will be found. His boots caused a crescendo of noise as he trod heavily upon the steps. Reaching the bottom, he turned and shouted, Jewish pigs, all of you need to be sent to hell.

Reeling in panic, his emotions were overwhelmed by fear. His mind screamed, Leave right now, only torture and death await you if you remain, do not take anything with you. The underground will help you escape.

Exiting the building through a rear door, he arrived at a safe house nearby and knocked softly on the back window. A door opened and he entered and spoke briefly to a voice in the darkness. Heitor was given food and clothes and directed to the home of his guide, Ferdinando.

Heitor endured a lengthy and harrowing land journey to Lisbon marked by an unsuccessful attempt upon his life by bounty hunters hired by the Inquisition to apprehend him. A violent storm assailed the vessel as it traveled to London. Damage to the sails and a loss of water and rations forced the ship to land at a Spanish port, Porto Colom. The crew and its captain, Pedro Martinez, endured relentless questioning by a representative from the Holy House, Father Luis. Vowing to come back with soldiers and seize the vessel, he ordered them to remain in port. Martinez hoisted anchor and departed as bullets whizzed by their heads. He was determined to reach his destination without any further disruption but a helmsman’s error brought them to Plymouth, England. Problems with customs officials took time to resolve. Days later, the vessel arrived in London.

Charles Hawkins, his uncle’s servant met Heitor at the quay and brought him to Bristol. His uncle, Dr. Henrique Nunes and Aunt Beatriz, sought to compensate for his emotional turmoil by offering him a home filled with love and unconditional support. It was insufficient. Heitor could not overcome the guilt he felt for leaving his beloved parents and sisters behind in the arms of the Inquisitional maggots.

Seeking to stem Heitor’s descent into depression, Dr. Nunes offered him the opportunity to work with patients at his clinic and visiting homebound patients. Negative comments attacking his ethnic origin caused despair which led him to seriously consider becoming a Christian in order to be accepted as an Englishman. Heitor believed that in London, a city consisting of people from all walks of life, many of whom were immigrants, he could divest himself of the burden and shackles of his birth and former faith. There, he would begin the arduous journey to social and economic acceptance based solely on skill and merit.

Heitor’s desire to reject Judaism caused his aunt to condemn him as an apostate. He was unwilling to engage her in daily discussions on this sensitive issue. Heitor arranged with Alvaro Mendes, his aunt’s cousin, to obtain a position as a factor for his London syndicate. Amidst tears and a heavy heart, he departed Bristol aboard a vessel carrying spices to London. Fearful but resolute, Heitor knew that life would be a continuous struggle until he controlled his own destiny.

Lying down on a bunk, his troubled mind insisted, Heitor, a new life with your Christian brothers and sisters awaits you. You will attend and worship at their churches in London in the name of expedience. Conversion, monetary acquisition and support by the commercial and political elite will remove the stigma of your Portuguese birth. Acceptance will readily follow. *

Heitor closed his eyes and began to sleep…

*Scenes from, Escape

CHAPTER ONE

Suddenly, the door to Dr. Nunes’ cabin swings open and a voice shouts, "Get up, you must leave the White Dragon of Bristol before the custom authorities arrive and ask me why you’re on board the vessel? I will not endanger my cargo of spices for a damn Jew!"

Heitor looks up unsure where he is or who is speaking to him. He receives a ready answer as pain races through his kidneys. Roderigo Lopes, the ship’s master, had delivered a blow to this sensitive area with a clenched fist. Heitor screams in pain, Why did you do that? I am not a threat to you or your vessel. You could have awakened me without physical means!

Welcome to London, Dr. Nunes. Get your things and leave right now. They did not pay me to be your nursemaid!

Heitor Nunes takes his meager possessions and ventures off the vessel. A forlorn figure, he stands on the dock and waits for Alonso de Basurto, a colleague of Alvaro Mendes, his aunt’s cousin, to take him to a rented room in a tenement. He is nowhere to be found. Shrugging off this minor inconvenience, Heitor begins to walk toward a block of grey-faced buildings in the distance.

A voice in the dense fog greets him in a harsh whisper, Are you, Nunes? He turns around and stares at a short dark pot-bellied figure. The stranger introduces himself, I am Alonso. Your cousin told me to meet you at the quay. I apologize for being late. Hurry, we must leave before the night watch spots us.

Heitor walks a bit before pausing. Annoyed, Alonso insists, Why are you stopping? We have to walk quite a distance and it’s getting darker!

I am hungry. It has been a long voyage. I haven’t eaten in hours. Is it possible to get a meal before you take me to my room?

Alonso begins to object but changes his mind, There is a tavern nearby. I must warn you that the fare is simple. At this time of night, we will have to be satisfied with a chicken or meat pie and a pint of ale.

Heitor readily agrees. The look on Alonso’s face informs him that this was the only food that he would get. His visage does not brook any opposition.

Alonso and Heitor enter the Sparrow, a long cavernous timbered structure, dotted with rough hewn oak tables full of half pints of unfinished ale. The chairs hold tipsy diners attempting to eat fish and bread before closing time.

The tavern owner, Charles Adams, hurries over and greets them in a brusque tone, "Gentlemen, it’s late. All we have left is a bit of fish, manchet, bread, and ale. There isn’t anything else."

Heitor complains This is a meager selection for hungry men.

Infuriated, Adams tells both of them, This is all that we can offer. We are closing soon. If it’s insufficient, feel free to depart.

Alonso tells the tavern keeper, Please bring us two plates of fish and bread. My colleague hasn’t learned proper manners and an appreciation for English food. He will have to to adapt quickly or starve!

Turning to Heitor, Alonso murmurs, This is London. It isn’t Bristol or Evora, if you will not eat their food, how can you learn to be flexible in your dealings with English and foreign merchants as a factor for the syndicate? Heitor doesn’t respond.

Toward the end of their meal, Adams commences putting out the candles. Alonso turns to Heitor and says, Finish the food on your plate. He has to close the tavern at a specific hour or get in trouble with the local authorities. The night watch will be checking. If you’re found here, I will be unable to help you. A dozen years of residence hasn’t improved my situation, I am still considered a damn Portuguese!

When will we be tolerated in England? I told Aunt Beatriz, it’s time for dramatic action by secret Jews residing in this paradise of equality. Conversion will allow us to be accepted as Englishmen with all the prerequisites of citizenship. If you add affluence and influential patrons to the mix, we will be immune from any official mistreatment. I am willing to make that sacrifice. Will you follow my lead, Alonso?

I do not possess your insecurities, Dr. Nunes. Being my own man, I do not have to confront the demons that you possess. Hopefully, you will learn to adjust. We have a long walk ahead of us.

Trudging after Alonso, Heitor is very careful where he steps in the darkness. He passes through mud cesspools that are called streets. His feet become entangled in piles of animal manure. He falls and yells, Damn these English avenues in this bastion of enlightenment. How can you compare London to our fair Iberian cities, Alonso?

You must be quiet. Do you really want to summon the local militia? Pick yourself up. You can clean your clothes once we get to the tenement. It’s only a block away.

They reach a three story wooden structure whose hallways smell of urine and human waste. Alonso leads the way with a candle cupped in the palm of his right hand. Grasping the flimsy wooden banister, they climb to the third floor. Walking gingerly through the trash filled hallway, Alonso pauses at a room without a door.

Is this my room, Alonso? Even the dormitory room at the University of Coimbra had a door. How can I fall asleep in such a dreadful place? I can be attacked or killed.

Stop your whining. You need to get some sleep. I will wake you early in the morning so hat we will have time to eat breakfast before beginning work. My room doesn’t have a door either!

The room is very dark. Alonso has taken the candle to his room. All he can do is as lie there and think. His mind would not let him sleep. It begins to castigate him for his present predicament, Heitor, why are you in such a squalid room? Do not bother to answer. You have been stubborn and arrogant. If you had swallowed your pride and been more flexible, you would be in a warm bed at your uncle’s house in Bristol in Bristol. When will you understand that snapping your fingers will not cause people to drop what they are doing and fulfill your desires? Your cravings must be earned by personal effort.

Snarling, Heitor shouts, I will not change. Why should I, a physician, bend to anyone’s will, people should be subservient to my needs. With these words, he closes his eyes and attempts to sleep.

His mind however, would not allow sleep to enter. Heitor, your food demands cannot be met. Flexibility is required to reside in this glorious garden of humanity called England. Can you adapt to your new environment without raising another idiotic outcry?

Heitor responds, I will duly note your opposition tomorrow!

Heitor’s reply is unaaceptable. The voice snarls, You will not sleep tonight unless we reach an understanding now..

Heitor’s silence generates further condemnation, Alvaro will be unhappy when he is informed of your negative attitude. Your contrary behavior is a sign that you aren’t committed to the growth and future of the syndicate!

Burying his head in the foul-smelling pillow is useless. The shrill tone grows in intensity. In frustration, Heitor begs, Let me rest. I will mount a concerted effort.

Tension in his body subsides and he begins to sleep.

CHAPTER TWO

It seems as if only a moment has passed before Heitor feels a gentle hand on his shoulder. Alonso whispers, It’s five a.m. You must get up, wash your hands and face in the basin. I will be back in fifteen minutes. Breakfast will be purchased from food carts in the street. I expect prompt re-payment after you receive your salary. I do not believe in charity for grown men capable of working long hours. You will not eat dinner until 11 a.m. Do not complain that you are hungry or thirsty.

They walk down pitch black flights of stairs and reach the exit. As they leave the building, shouts of Get your fresh bread, cheese, and milk here. Only one penny, greets them.

Alonso buys bread, cheese, and hot milk from a friendly country maid. He tells Heitor, You will have to eat the food as we walk toward the quays. There aren’t any fancy tables for you to sit down and eat leisurely. The poor must eat in this manner. This is the life that you wanted to pursue in London.

Sounds of chewing and swallowing could be heard from men and women in the streets. In the darkness, none of them could see where they were walking. Curses and shouts are heard as people lose their balance. Food and drink slip from their hands and join animal residue in the muddy streets of London. A few foolish souls attempt to retrieve soiled bread and cheese. They fall into the mud as their friends laugh heartily at their discomfort.

Alonso shouts, Hurry. There isn’t any time to watch these knaves. We have tasks to complete. You aren’t being paid to gawk at this nonsense.

They reach the office of the syndicate, a cubicle with few furnishings. A rough hewn wooden table and a bench provide a sense of civility. The broken window allows a modicum of light and foul air. Alonso reviews details of the cargo arriving aboard a vessel from Antwerp that morning.

Once he finishes, Alonso turns to Heitor and asks, Do you know what a bill of lading is?

Heitor stands with a puzzled look on his face.

A bill of lading is an itemized receipt of the cargo destined for our London operation, signed by Alvaro’s factor in Antwerp. You must use that list to confirm that each barrel and box contains the cargo sent to us. This means opening them up in order to ensure that the actual contents are there. Are you sure that you know what to do? Perhaps it will be helpful if I take the lead this time and you observe how I handle matters.

"I can handle it. You may remain with me when we board the Ass of Antwerp and speak with the captain. Before the cargo is brought to the quay, I will check out everything. You will be there to supervise. Let me talk to him."

Can we assume that you speak and read Flemish?

I know the language well. You may stand beside me while I deal with this mariner.

Boarding the vessel, Heitor speaks to the ship’s master, Adriaan Lambrecht, and explains that Alvaro Mendes’s factor in Antwerp, Pedro Rodriguez, has sent a cargo of sugar and molasses from Barbary for sale in London. Heitor asks, Where is the bill of lading so that I may check the barrels and boxes for these items? I will not sign my name until each item is checked off the list.

Lambrecht looks at the callow brown-haired youth before him and sneers, Do you know whom you are talking to? I have been a master many years. Probably, before you were born. Here is the bill of lading. Scrutinize each item on the list.

As Heitor begins to peruse the bill of lading, Lambrecht continues his verbal attack, Master factor, have you arranged to transfer the cargo to your warehouse? You realize that once the cargo has been checked by your august presence, it must be removed from this vessel immediately. I do not rent space to snot-nosed children.

You are quite clear, Lambrecht. However, until I inspect all of the items, nothing will be moved. Unless you want the owner of this vessel to forfeit transportation charges, I suggest you keep a civil tongue and remain quiet until the task is completed.

Lambrecht doesn’t reply. He watches Heitor conduct a thorough search of the consignment before signing the document. Once that is done, he demands, Have you brought men to transport the cargo from the hold?

A sharp voice interrupts their hostile conversation, "Master, who gave you the power to supersede his majesty’s customs officials? I am Peter Williams, a waiter, one of the customs officials in charge of your vessel."

Turning to Heitor and Alonso, he declares, "You aren’t going anywhere with your cargo unless the customs and alien duties owed to King Henry VIII have been paid.

Hand me the bill of lading for your cargo. I will determine how much money is owed. Your cargo will remain on board until I return. Leave the vessel now. I will inform you of my decision.

Heitor turns to Alonso and starts to speak to him in Portuguese, Who is this simpleton? Why can’t we take the cargo and bring it to the warehouse and…

"Dr. Nunes, the syndicate doesn’t welcome any unwanted attention from the authorities. Your tone of voice will enable this feeble minded official to seize the cargo based on suspicion. His colleague, the searcher, will sell it and they will share the proceeds. No one will be the wiser."

Continuing, Alonso insists, "Come with me. We will go to the Mermaid tavern on Bread Street in Cheapside where you can assuage your slighted feelings by eating enormous quantities of food."

"We must get back to the vessel quickly. I do not trust the waiter."

Your words of condemnation are meaningless. We have to work with him. He may be a country boor in your eyes but power resides in his hands. Our cargo will not be released until the charges are paid.

Heitor retorts, Your words indicate a lack of assertiveness. This is why you are still laboring as a poorly paid clerk for the syndicate. I will visit the Custom House and demand to speak to Customer Smythe. We have our rights. This is our cargo.

Alonso sneers, My university trained colleague, what kind of response do you think will be forthcoming with such unmitigated gall? Will they bow before you and grant your immediate wish?

Raising his voice, Alonso continues, Have you forgotten who and what you are? In their eyes, you are a Portuguese alien and practicing Roman Catholic. We are tolerated for the extra monies that foreigners pay to ship their goods into this glorious realm. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be welcomed by the English government. As for the London merchant community, they do not want us here.

Exasperated, Heitor challenges Alonso’s words, Why aren’t we welcomed here? We bring goods that our English compatriots can sell for a profit.

Yes, English merchants do make a profit from our goods, yet they would prefer to import the goods to their fair shores without paying us a share of the profit!

Heitor chooses to change the subject by peppering Alonso with numerous questions, "How long before we reach your glorious tavern, the Mermaid? What do they serve there? Can they provide a hungry patron with his native food? I would like a plate of bacalhau, salt cod and Alcatra, beef marinated in red wine and garlic together with bread, a good glass of sherry, and perhaps dessert."

An incredulous look appears on Alonso’s face. In a sarcastic tone, he asks, How will you pay for this feast? Do you think that an English tavern will prepare foreign food to meet your taste buds? Have you forgotten where you are Dr. Nunes?

I will not listen to your verbal nonsense, my stomach demands food that I am familiar with. If they want me to return, the food not only has to be edible but spicy. I will not accept anything less.

This tavern does not need your business. They serve English food to many customers. Once you open your mouth and speak with a foreign accent, they will be suspicious. We will eat and depart. I would suggest that you follow my directions. Hurry, we’re almost there.

Picking their way through mounds of garbage and animal refuse, they reach the Mermaid. Opening the door, they are confronted with servers rushing about with platters of poached salmon, chicken and meat pies, and huge tankards of ale.

Laborers mingle with writers, lawyers, and government officials. Shouts from half- drunken men reverberate throughout the timbered room. Raising his voice Alonso shouts, "Follow me. I see a table in the back. Hurry before someone else sits down.

Heitor sits down and begins to mutter, Where is our server? He must be taking a break.

Look around you. Are any of them resting? They are serving customers. We must be patient. They will be here soon. This tavern is very popular. We have to eat fast. Lines are already forming outside.

As soon as Alonso finishes speaking, a server appears. In a monotonous tone, he says, "We have poached salmon, chicken and meat pies, date fritters, manchet bread, ale, and sherry. What will you have?"

Heitor starts to reply in Portuguese. The server promptly interrupts him by exclaiming, Another damn alien. If you want to be served, speak English or leave.

Furious, Heitor begins to get up from his chair. Alonso pulls him down and says, We do not need any unwelcome attention. I will order for us. Turning to the server, he says, "We will have a poached salmon, two chicken pies, manchet bread, and some sherry please."

As the server departs, Alonso chastises Heitor. Speak in a soft tone at all times. We are unwelcome guests in England. Even if you gain a measure of power and influence, always remember your place.

Heitor snarls, My place? The term is abhorrent to my sensibilities. I will create my own destiny. Success will force men of influence and wealth to deal with me as an equal. Compromise is not an option unless it’s forced upon me.

"We have to eat quickly. Perhaps, the waiter will be waiting for us at the quay with a bill for customs and alien penalties. We can bring the consignment to the warehouse and store it properly after payment."

Discussion ceases once the food arrives. Heitor and Alonso become engrossed cutting, chewing, and digesting the salmon and chicken pies. Once they finish eating, loud burping erupts. They wipe their greasy fingers on the cotton tablecloth. Alonso pays for the meal and they depart.

Alonso takes the lead and walks briskly to the quay on the Thames. Heitor cannot maintain the rapid pace. He falls heavily in the mud and lets out a loud curse, these blasted roads are like the food served. No concern for the quality of life.

Speaking with disdain, Alonso reminds Heitor, You fled Coimbra with your head between your legs like a whimpering puppy. Professional opportunities in Bristol were rejected. You wanted carve out your own destiny among the Christian hordes in London. This is why you are here. Stop complaining. We are almost there.

Once they arrive, Alonso asks Heritor, Dr. Nunes, did you rent a wagon and mules to transport the goods?

Heitor yells, Why are you placing this responsibility on my shoulders, Alonso? I have just arrived here. How would I know where mules and wagons are kept? Have you forgotten that I am new to this den of iniquity?

Alonso bites his tongue to prevent a cascade of insults before replying, Dr. Nunes, follow me to the nearest barn. May I assume that you can handle a wagon with mules or are you completely helpless? Heitor doesn’t answer.

Reaching a barn in Tower Ward, both men enter and Heitor speaks loudly demanding, I need to rent a sturdy wagon and strong mules now.

Stretching his angular body, tired with blood-shot eyes, the stable boy, Adrian Wilson, emerges from a pile of straw where he has been taking a nap. Snarling, he shouts, You woke me up. This had better be good. What do you want?

If you had been awake, wastrel, I would not have to repeat our request for a wagon and mules. Do you have both available?

Yes, for English money. The rental will cost you five pence With these words, Wilson extends his hand and waits.

Heitor looks in his pocket and says, "I only have Portuguese reals. You will have to pay, Alonso."

Angered, Alonso asks, When will you have money to take care of our daily expenses, Dr. Nunes? I am running out of funds!

Heitor mutters in Portuguese, Blame Alvaro not me.

Alonso tells Wilson, Here is the money, bring the wagon and mules ready to depart within ten minutes, otherwise, we will go elsewhere.

There aren’t any other barns nearby that have mules and wagons for rent.

Just bring the wagon to us as soon as possible. We will be waiting.

Wilson retreats to the back of the barn, finds a wagon, and saddles the mules. He brings them forward and waits for payment. Alonso thrusts the five pence into his grimy hands and says, We will be back at the end of the day.

Turning to Heitor, Alonso says, Get aboard the wagon, you are in charge. I will give you the directions as we proceed. We must get there quickly. I am sure that lout, Peter Williams, will be busting a gut with impatience.

"Hold it, have you forgotten that we need men to help us unload the cargo from the vessel and transport it to our warehouse? We cannot meet with the waiter until they are hired."

Irritated, Alonso yells sharply, Where will I find men at this time of day who are able to work? They are probably drunk already.

Heitor responds, I would head to the nearest dining establishment and ask if any man wants to earn some money. Do we have any other choice?

"I know of a place, the Golden Bull. Follow this road until you reach Mermaid Lane and then turn right. It’s only a short distance from here. Whip the mules to make these wretches move faster."

What does the place look like? You know that I cannot read signs in this melodic language.

I will tell you where to turn. Look for a wooden structure set among tall trees amidst grey tenements

Once they arrive, Alonso orders Heitor, Stay with the wagon. I will take care of the hiring.

Alonso enters a dimly-lit building and heads toward the center of the room. He spots a man with slicked charcoal-grey hair standing at a bar with bottles of wine and sherry. Are you the host of this worthy establishment?

I am but why is that important? If you want a meal or a drink, you have come to the right place, otherwise, depart!

Alonso replies, I am looking for are two strong men who would like to earn some money for a few hours of labor. Can you recommend anyone here?

Who are you? How do I know that you can be trusted? You could be here to kidnap English mariners.

My name is Alonso de Basurto, a Spanish merchant, seeking aid to unload cargo from a vessel. Can you point out two men who may be interested in earning some easy money? Time is of the essence.

You look like a Papal lover to me.

Here is a shilling for your trouble, take me to the men now.

He takes the coin and bites it. Satisfied, he places it in his shirt pocket, and tells Alonso, Follow me.

Approaching their table, the host says, Gentlemen, I am sorry to disturb your drinking but this man would like to hire you for a few hours of labor. I did not promise that you would go. Speak with him if you so desire, I am leaving. My customers are waiting.

I need two strong men for a few hours. I can pay you 10 pence for the job.

If we leave our meal and drinks, we want 10 pence each. We do not need the money you understand. Consider it a simple favor for another human being.

Furious, Alonso looks as if he would kill them outright but he maintains his calm demeanor by agreeing to their payment demands, Ten pence each it will be. Can you come now? The wagon is waiting.

You did not tell us your name foreigner. We will not leave unless we know beforehand. Perhaps, the town watch is looking for you. Ten pence each isn’t enough money if it means trouble and…

"My name isn’t of any importance. Are you turning