It is also said that the captain was already suffering from headaches at that time due to much watchfulness and hard work, carrying more than all the others. And being in this state, and thinking that the natives might be planning some treachery, he drew his sword and threatened the natives who were rowing, saying: “Dogs, where are you taking me?”

Seeing the naked sword, the natives jumped into the sea, and there was a risk of losing them. Then his wife and some who were with them told him not to harm the natives, as they would be lost. Indeed, anyone who knew Manoel de Sousa and was aware of his discretion and gentleness, and saw him do that, could well say that he was no longer in his right mind, as he was usually discrete and well-considered. From then on, he governed his people in a way that was never as effective as it had been before. And upon reaching the other side, he complained greatly of a headache, and they tied cloths around his head, and everyone reassembled there.

Already on the other side, preparing to start moving, they saw a group of natives, and seeing them, they prepared for a fight, thinking that they were coming to rob them. When the natives came closer, they began to converse with each other, and the natives asked.

They asked our people who they were or what they were looking for. They replied that they were Christians who had been shipwrecked and asked to be guided to a large river further ahead, and if they had provisions, they would buy them. Through a native, who was from Sofala, the natives told them that if they wanted provisions, they should go with them to a place where their king was, who would receive them well.

At this time, there would still be one hundred and twenty people, and by then, Miss Leonor was one of those walking on foot. As a noblewoman, delicate and young, she was traversing those rough paths as laboriously as any strong man of the field. She often consoled her companions and helped carry their children. This was after there were no slaves left for the litter in which she was traveling. It truly seems that the grace of Our Lord was sustaining her, for without it, a woman so weak and unaccustomed to hardship could not endure such long and harsh journeys, always with so much hunger and thirst, having already traveled over three hundred leagues due to the many detours.

The Lazy Man - Jules Renard

The lazy man wakes up late, but not because he overslept—getting up requires an immense effort. First, he opens his eyes. A considerable achievement, which already tires him. Then, he contemplates getting out of bed. The mere thought of it is exhausting.

He rolls to the other side of the bed and, if he could, he would send a note to the world declaring that he will not be attending today. But writing requires effort, and getting up to deliver the note would be an unbearable contradiction.

Laziness is not a flaw but a philosophy of life. The lazy man does not rush, does not worry, does not get agitated. He is fully aware that any unnecessary movement is a waste of energy. He watches the world bustle around him and smiles, knowing that the urgency of others has no impact on his serenity.

If someone offers him work, he refuses with innate wisdom. Working is a mistake made by those who failed to find a good excuse. He, on the other hand, is a master of evasion. When pressured to do something, he sighs deeply—a sigh so burdened with exhaustion that anyone immediately realizes forcing him to act would be a crime against nature.

At the end of the day, the lazy man feels triumphant. He has survived yet another day without giving in to society’s expectations. For him, true success is not conquering the world but making sure the world leaves him alone.