diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/42551.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/42551.txt | 12797 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 12797 deletions
diff --git a/old/42551.txt b/old/42551.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b73dd81..0000000 --- a/old/42551.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12797 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom -of China, Volume II, by Juan Gonzalez de Mendoza - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The History of the Great and Mighty Kingdom of China, Volume II - and the Situation Thereof. - -Author: Juan Gonzalez de Mendoza - -Editor: George T. Staunton - -Translator: R. Parke - -Other: The Hakluyt Society - -Release Date: April 16, 2013 [EBook #42551] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KINGDOM OF CHINA, VOL II *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Tom Cosmas and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Italic text displayed as _Text_. -All small caps text was converted to Mixed Case text. - - - - - WORKS ISSUED BY - - The Hakluyt Society. - - - -----+------ - - - MENDOZA'S HISTORIE OF THE - - KINGDOME OF CHINA. - - - VOL. II. - - - NO. XV - - - - - THE HISTORY - - OF THE - - GREAT AND MIGHTY - - KINGDOM OF CHINA - - AND - - The Situation Thereof - - COMPILED BY THE PADRE - - JUAN GONZALEZ DE MENDOZA - - AND NOW REPRINTED FROM THE EARLY TRANSLATION OF R. PARKE. - - EDITED BY - - SIR GEORGE T. STAUNTON, Bart. - - With an Introduction - - BY - R. H. MAJOR, ESQ. - - VOL. II. - - BURT FRANKLIN, PUBLISHER - NEW YORK, NEW YORK - - - - - ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY - - REPRINTED BY PERMISSION - - - Published by LENOX HILL Pub. & Dist. Co. (Burt Franklin) - 235 East 44th St., New York, N.Y. 10017 - Originally Published: 1854 - Reprinted: 1970 - Printed in the U.S.A. - - S.B.N.: 8337-23626 - Library of Congress Card Catalog No.: 73-141353 - Burt Franklin: The Hakluyt Society First Series 15 - - - - - THE HAKLUYT SOCIETY. - - - SIR RODERICK IMPEY MURCHISON, G.C.St.S., F.R.S., - Corr. Mem. Inst. Fr., Hon. Mem. Imp. Acad. Sc. - St. Petersburgh, &c., &c., President. - - The EARL OF ELLESMERE. } Vice-Presidents. Capt. C. R. - DRINKWATER BETHUNE, R.N., C.B. } - Rear-Admiral Sir - FRANCIS BEAUFORT, K.C.B., F.R.S. - Captain BECHER, R.N. - CHARLES T. BEKE, Esq., Phil. D., F.A.S. - WILLIAM DESBOROUGH COOLEY, Esq. - BOLTON CORNEY, Esq., M.R.S.L. - The Right Rev. LORD BISHOP OF ST DAVID'S. - Rt. Hon. Sir DAVID DUNDAS. - Sir HENRY ELLIS, K.H., F.R.S. - JOHN FORSTER, Esq. - R. W. GREY, Esq. - JOHN HOLMES, Esq. - JOHN WINTER JONES, Esq. - Sir CHARLES LEMON, Bart., M.P., F.R.S. - P. LEVESQUE, Esq., F.A.S. - Sir JOHN RICHARDSON, M.D. - The EARL SOMERS. - Sir GEORGE STAUNTON, Bart. F.R.S. - - R. H. MAJOR, Esq., F.R.G.S., Honorary Secretary. - - - - - THE SECOND PART - OF THE - HISTORIE - OF THE - MIGHTIE KINGDOME OF CHINA, - THAT IS DIUIDED INTO THREE PARTS. - - -_The first containeth such thinges as the fathers, frier Martin de -Herrada, prouinciall of the order of Saint Augustine, in the Ilands -Philipinas, and his companion fryer Geronimo Martin, and other souldiers -that went with them, did see and had intelligence of in that kingdom._ - -_The second containeth the miraculous voiage that was made by frier -Pedro de Alfaro, of the order of S. Francis, and his companions, vnto -the said kingdome._ - -_The third containeth a briefe declaration by the said frier, and of -frier Martin Ignacio, that went out of Spaine vnto China, and returned -into Spaine againe by the Orientall India, after that he had compassed -the world. Wherein is contained many notable things that hee did see and -had intelligence of in the voiage._ - - - - -THE ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST PART. - - -Wherein is declared the cause that moued frier Martin de Herrada and -frier Geronimo Martin, and such souldiers as went in their companie, for -to passe from the Ilands Philipinas, vnto the kingdome of China, in the -yeare 1577; and of the entrie they made therein, and what they did see -there for the space of foure monethes and sixteene daies that they -remained: and of what they vnderstood, and of al things that happened -vnto them, till they returned againe vnto the ilands from whence they -went: all the which are notable and strange. - - - - - HISTORIE - OF THE - MIGHTIE KINGDOME OF CHINA, - - SECOND PART. - - - - -CHAP. I. - - _The Spanyards departe from Mexico vnto the Ilandes - Phillipinas, where they had intelligence of the - mightie kingdome of China._ - - -Gouerning in the kingdom of Mexico, Don Luys de Velasco, who was -viceroye, and lieftenant in that place for the Catholike king Don Philip -king of Spaine, was commanded by his maiestie to prepare a great armie -in the South Sea, and to leuie souldiers necessarie for the same, and to -send them to discouer the ilands of the west, those which that famous -captaine Magallanes did giue notice of when he did compasse the world in -the ship called the Victorie. - -The viceroy with great care and diligence did performe the kinges -commandement. This fleete and armie being prepared readie (which was not -without great cost), hee caused them to depart out of the port at -Christmas time in the yeare of 1564; and sent, for general of the same -fleet and for gouernour of that countrie which they should discouer, the -worthie Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, who afterwarde died in the said Ilande -with the title of Adelantado, a yeare after that the fathers Fryer -Martin de Herrada and Fryer Geronimo Marin and their companies did enter -into China. - -So after that our Spaniardes hadde discouered the sayde ilandes, and -some of them populared to the vse of his maiestie, but in especiall that -of Manilla, which is fiue hundred leagues in circuit; in the which is -situated the citie of Luson, and is also called Manilla, and as the -metropolitane of all the iland, whereas the gouernours haue ordeined -their place of abiding euer since the first discouery. They haue also -founded in that citie a cathedrall church, and erected a bishopricke. - -And for bishops of the same, his maiestie did ordaine the most reuerend -fryer Don Domingo de Salazar, of the order of preachers, in whom was -comprehended some holinesse, good life, and learning, as was requisite -and necessarie for that prouince: and was consecrated in Madrid the -yeare of 1579. - -At this present there be three monasteries of religious men in that -iland, the one of the order of S. Austen, and were the first that by the -commandement of his maiestie did enter into this iland, preaching the -law of the gospell, which was great profit vnto those soules, yet great -trauaile vnto them, and cost many of them their liues in dooing it: the -other monasterie is of barefoote fryers of the order of S. Francis, of -the prouince of S. Joseph, who haue beene great examples, with great -profit vnto them of those portes. The third are of the order of S. -Dominicke or preachers, who haue done their dutie in all things so well -as the other. These three orders were alonely in those ilands for -certaine yeares, till now of late time haue gone thither Jesuites, which -haue bin a great aide and helpe vnto their religion. - -When these Spaniardes were come vnto these ilands, they had strightwaies -notice of the mightie kingdome of China, as well by the relation of them -of the ilands (who tolde vnto them the maruels thereof), as also within -a fewe daies after they did see and vnderstand, by ships that came into -those ports with marchants, that brought marchandise and other things of -great curiositie from that kingdome, and did particularly declare the -mightinesse and riches thereof: all which haue been declared vnto you in -the first three bookes of this historie. This beeing knowen vnto the -religious people of S. Austin, who at that time were alone in those -ilands, but in especiall vnto the prouinciall, Frier Martin de Herrada, -a man of great valour and wel learned in all sciences, who seeing y^e -great capacitie or towardnesse which the Chinos had more than those of -the Ilandes in all things, but in especiall of their gallantnesse, -discretion, and wit, he straightwaies had a great desire to go thether -with his fellow to preach the gospell vnto those people, of so good a -capacitie to receiue the same: who with a pretended purpose to put it in -vse and effect, he began with great care and studie to learne that -language, the which he learned in a few daies, and did make thereof a -dictionarie. Then afterwards, they did giue great entertainment and -presents vnto the merchants that came from China, for to procure them to -carie them thether, and many other things, the which did shew their -holie zeale; yea, they did offer themselues to bee slaues vnto the -marchants, thinking by y^t meanes to enter in to preach: but yet none of -these diligences did take effect, till such time as the diuine maiestie -did discover a better way, as shalbe declared vnto you in this chapter -following. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - _A rouer of this kingdome of China called Limahon, - doth make himselfe strong at the sea, and doth - ouercome an other rouer of the same countrie called - Vintoquiam._ - - -[Sidenote: Where Limahon was borne.] - -The Spaniards did enioy their new habitation of Manilla in great -quietnesse, voide of all care of any accident that might disquiet them, -or any strange treasons of enimies for to offend them; for that those -Ilandes were in great quietnes, and in obedience vnto the Christian king -Don Phillip, and in continuall traficke with the Chinos, which seemed -vnto them a sufficient securitie for the continuance of the quietnesse -they liued in. And againe, for that they vnderstoode that they had a law -amongst them (as hath bin told you in this historie), y^t it was -forbidden to make any wars out of their owne countrie. But being in this -security and quietnes, vnlooked for, they were beset with a mightie and -great armada or fleete of ships, by the rouer Limahon, of whose vocation -there are continually on y^t coast, the one by reason y^t the country is -full of people, wheras of necessitie must be many idle persons; and the -other and principall occasion, by reason of the great tyranny y^t the -gouernors doo vse vnto the subjects. This Limahon came vpon them with -intent to do them harme, as you shal vnderstand. This rouer was borne in -the citie of Trucheo, in the prouince of Cuytan, which the Portingals do -call Catin. He was of mean parentage, and brought vp in his youth in -liberty and vice: hee was by nature warlike and euill inclined. He would -learne no occupation, but all giuen to robbe in the high waies, and -became so expert that many came vnto him and followed that trade. He -made himself captain ouer them which were more then two thousand, and -were so strong y^t they were feared in all that prouince where as they -were. This being knowen vnto the king and to his councell, they did -straight way command the viceroy of the prouince where as the rouer was, -that with all the haste possible he should gather together all the -garrisons of his frontyers, to apprehende and take him, and if it were -possible to carrye him aliue vnto the citie of Taybin, if not his head. -The viceroy incontinent did gather together people necessarie and in -great haste to followe him. - -[Sidenote: One rouer robbed another.] - -The which being knowen vnto Limahon the rouer, who saw that, with the -people he had, he was not able to make resistance against so great a -number as they were, and the eminent danger that was therein, he called -together his companies, and went from thence vnto a port of the sea, -that was a few leagues from that place; and did it so quickly and in -such secret, that before the people that dwelt therein could make any -defence (for that they were not accustomed to any such assaultes, but -liued in great quietnesse), they were lordes of the port and of all such -ships as were there: into the which they imbarked themselues -straightwaies, wayed anker and departed to the sea, whereas they thought -to bee in more securitie than on the lande (as it was true). Then hee -seeing himselfe lorde of all those seas, beganne to robbe and spoyle all -shippes that he could take, as well strangers as of the naturall people: -by which meanes, in a small time, hee was prouided of mariners and other -things which before hee lacked, requisite for that new occupation. He -sacked, robbed, and spoyled all the townes that were vpon the coast, and -did verie much harme. So he finding himselfe verie strong with fortie -shippes well armed, of those he had out of the port, and other that he -had taken at the sea, with much people such as were without shame, their -handes imbrued with robberie and killing of men, hee imagined with -himselfe to attempt greater matters, and did put it in execution: he -assaulted great townes, and did a thousand cruelties: in such sort, that -on all that coast whereas hee was knowen, he was much feared, yea and in -other places farther off, his fame was so published abroad. So he -following this trade and exercise, he chanced to meete with an other -rouer as himselfe, called Vintoquian, likewise naturally borne in China, -who was in a port voide of any care or mistrust, whereas Limahon finding -opportunitie, with greater courage did fight with the shippes of the -other: and although they were threescore ships great and small, and good -souldiers therein, hee did ouercome them, and tooke fiue and fiftie of -their ships. So that Vintoquian escaped with five ships. Then Limahon, -seeing himselfe with a fleete of nintie fiue shippes well armed, and -with many stout people in them, knowing that if they were taken, they -should be all executed to death: they therefore setting all feare a -part, gaue themselues to attempt new inuentions of euill, not onely in -robbing of great cities, but also in destroying of them. - - - - -CHAP. III. - - _The kinge of China doth arme a fleete of shippes - against the rouer Lymahon, who withdraweth himselfe to - Touzuacaotican, whereas he hath notice of the - Philippinas._ - - -[Sidenote: One hundred and thirtie great ships of warre with fortie -thousand men.] - -The complayntes increased euerie day more and more vnto the king and his -counsell, of the euils doone vnto the Chinos by this rouer Lymahon. For -the which commandement was giuen straightwaies vnto the uiceroy of that -prouince (whereas he vsed to execute his euill), that with great -expedition he might be taken (for to cut off this inconuenience), who in -few dayes did set foorth to sea, one hundred and thirtie great shippes -well appointed, with fortie thousand men in them, and one made generall -ouer them all, a gentle man called Omoncon, for to go seeke and followe -this rouer, with expresse commandement to apprehende or kill him, -although to the executing of the same he put both shippes and men in -danger. - -[Sidenote: They do more esteeme honor than losse of ships or men.] - -Of all this prouision, Lymahon had aduertisement by some secrete -friends, who seeing that his enemies were many, and he not able to -counteruaile them, neither in shippes nor men, determined not to abide -the comming, but to retire and depart from that coast: so in flying he -came vnto an ilande in secrete called Touznacaotican, which was fortie -leagues from the firme land, and is in the right way of nauigation to -the Ilands Philippinas. - -In this iland was Lymahon retyred with his armie a certaine time, and -durst not returne to the firme land, for that he knew that the kinges -fleete did lie vpon the coast to defende the same. And although he did -send foorth some ships a robbing, yet did they not doo any thing of -importance, but rather came flying away from the mightie power of the -kinges. From this ilande they did goe foorth with some of their ships, -robbing and spoyling al such as they met with marchandice and other -things that they carried from one ilande to an other, and from the iland -vnto the firme, and comming from thence amongst them all, they caused to -take two ships of China which came from Manilla, and were bound to their -owne countrie. And hauing them in their power they searched them vnder -hatches, and found that they had rich things of golde, and Spanish -ryalles, which they had in truck of their marchandice the which they -carried to the ilandes. They informed themselues in all points of the -state and fertilitie of that countrie, but in particular of the -Spaniardes, and how many there were of them in the citie of Manilla, who -were not at that present aboue seuentie persons, for that the rest were -separated in the discouering and populing of other ilands newly found; -and vnderstanding that these few did liue without any suspition of -enimies, and had neuer a fort nor bulwarke, and the ordinance which they -had (although it was very good), yet was it not in order to defend -themselues nor offend their enemies, hee determined to goe thither with -all his fleete and people, for to destroy and kill them, and to make -himselfe lorde of the saide ilande of Manilla and other adiacent there -nigh the same. And there he thought himselfe to be in securitie from the -power of the king, which went seeking of him. And so, as he was -determined, he put it in vre[1] with as much expedition as was possible. - -[1] "Use", supposed to be contracted from the Latin word "usura", usage. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - _This rouer Limahon goeth to the Ilands Philippinas, - and commeth to the citie of Manilla._ - - -This rouer Limahon determining to goe and to take the Ilands -Philippinas, and to make himselfe lord and king ouer them all, but first -to kill the Spaniardes, which hee thought easely to be done, for that -there was so few. And there he pretended to liue in securitie, without -feare that before he had of the kings great fleete, for that it was so -farre distant from the firme lande. So with this determination hee -departed from those ilandes whereas he was retyred, and went to sea, and -sayling towardes the Ilandes Philippinas they passed in sight of the -Ilandes of the Illocos, which had a towne called Fernandina,[2] which -was newe founded by the captaine John de Salzedo, who at that instant -was in the same for lieutenant to the gouernour. Foure leagues from the -same they met with a small galley, which the said John de Salzedo had -sent for victuals. There was in her but 25 souldiers besides y^e rouers, -so that with the one and the other they were but a fewe in number; for -that as they thought they did trauaile in places of great securitie, and -without any suspition to meete enemies. So soone as Limahon had -discouered the galley, hee cast about towardes her, and with great ease -did take her, and did burne and kill all that was in her, and pardoned -one of them. - -[2] The Illocos, Ilocos, Ylocos, or Hilocos, here erroneously called -"islands", is the name of a province on the west side of the Island of -Luzon. - -This being done, he did prosecute his voyage according vnto his -determination, and passed alongest, but not in such secret but that hee -was discouered by the dwellers of the towne of Fernandina, who gaue -notice thereof vnto the lieutenant of the gouernor aforesaide, as a -woonder to see so many shippes together, and a thing neuer seene before -at those ilands. Likewise it caused admiration vnto him, and made him to -thinke and to imagine with great care what it might bee; hee sawe that -they did beare with the citie of Manilla, and thought with himselfe, -that so great a fleete as that was could not goe to the place which they -bare in with, for any goodnesse towardes the dwellers therein, who were -voide of all care, and a small number of people as aforesaid. Wherewith -hee determined with himselfe with so great speede as it was possible, to -ioyne togither such Spaniards as were there, which were to y^e number of -fiftie foure, and to depart and procure (although they did put -themselues in danger of inconuenience) to get the forehande of them, to -aduertise them of Manilla, and to ayde and helpe them to put their -artilerie in order, and all other thinges necessarie for their defence. - -This determination the captayne did put in vse verie speedily, which was -the occasion that the citie and all those that were in it was not -destroyed and slayne: yet they could not eschue all the harme, for that -the shippes that carried them were small, and a few rouers and not very -expert, for that the suddennesse of their departure would not afforde -better choice, as also they went from one place to an other procuring of -victuals: all which was the occasion that they did not come thither in -such time as they desired, and as was conuenient. - -This Lymahon was well prouided of prouision and al other thinges -necessarie, and hauing the wind fayre, he was alwaies in the fore front, -and came in the sight of Manilla vppon Saint Andros Eue, in the yeare -1574, whereas he came to an anker that night with all his whole fleete. -And he seeing that the end of his pretence consisted in expedition -before that they should be seene of those of the citie, or discouered by -them on the coasts: the nightes at that time being very darke, which was -a great helpe vnto them, he chose foure hundred of his best souldiers, -such as hee was fully perswaded of their valour and stout courage, and -put them in small vessels, and charged those that went with them for -captaines, to make such expedition that they might come vnto the citie -before it was day; and the first thing that they did was to set fire on -the citie, and not to let escape one man liuing therein, promising them -that at the break of the day he would be with them to giue them aide and -succour if neede did require, which they did. But for that nothing is -done without the will and permission of God, it went not with Limahon -and his foure hundred souldiers according as he did make reckoning; for -that all that night the winde was of the shoore, and the more the night -came on, the more the wind encreased, which was such a contradiction -vnto their expectation, that they could not by night disembarke -themselues, although they did procure by all meanes possible by policie -and force for to do it. Which of certaintie and without all doubt, if -this had not beene (at great ease), they had brought to a conclusion -their euill pretence, with the spoyle and losse of the citie and all -that dwelt therein: for their pretence was for to destroy and beat it -downe, as it might well appeare by the commandement hee gaue vnto his -captaines. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - _Limahon doth send 400 souldiers before for to burne - the citie of Manilla, and they were resisted by other - men._ - - -For all the contradiction of the winde this same night, the foure -hundred Chinos did put themselues within a league of the citie, vpon S. -Andrewes day, at eight of the clocke in the morning, whereas they left -their boates and went a land, and in great haste beganne to march -forwardes in battaile a raye deuided in two partes, with two hundred -hargabuses afore, and immediatly after them other two hundred pickemen: -and by reason that they were manie and the countrie verie plaine, they -were straightwayes discouered by some of the citie, who entered in with -a great noyse, crying, Arme, arme, arme, the enemies come! The which -aduice did little profite, for that there was none that would beleeue -them: but beleeued that it was some false larum doone by the people of -the countrie for to mocke them. But in conclusion the enemies were come -vnto the house of the generall of the fielde, who was called Martin de -Goyti, which was the first house in all the citie that wayes which the -enemies came. And before that the Spaniardes and souldiers that were -within the towne could bee fully perswaded the rumour to be true, the -enemies had set fire vpon his house, and slewe him and all that were -within, that none escaped but onely the goodwife of the house, whom they -left naked and verie sore wounded, beleeuing that she had beene dead: -but afterwards shee recouered and was healed of her woundes. In the -meane time that they were occupied in their first crueltie, they of the -citie were fully resolued of the trueth, although all of them, with this -successe unlooked for, were as people amased and from themselues; yet in -the end they sounded to armour, and did provide to saue their liues. -Some souldiers went foorth vppon the sandes, but in ill order as the -time did permitte, and slewe all the Chinos that they did meete, and -none escaped: which was the occasion that the rest did ioyne themselues -together, and put themselues in order to make some resistance against -their enemies, who with great furie entred into the citie, burning and -destroying all before them, and crying victorie. - -[Sidenote: A good praise of others.] - -This is the proper resistance of the Spaniardes when they doo finde -themselues in such like perilles: and this was doone with such great -courage, that it was sufficient to stay the furie of those which vnto -that time had the victorie: and to make them to retyre, although there -was great difference in number betwixt the one and the other. - -The Chinos in retyring lost some of their souldiers, but vnto the -Spaniardes no great harme, and in this their defence did notable actes. -This being considered of the Chinos, and that their boates were farre -off, for that time would not giue them place to bring them any nearer, -they did resolue themselues to leaue assault in the state that it was -in, and put themselues in couert, and there to refresh themselues of the -trauaile past, and afterwarde to returne with their generall Captaine -Lymahon, to prosecute their intent, which they thought to bee -comprehended with great ease. So when they came vnto their boates, to -avoyde any danger that might happen, they embarked themselues and -returned vnto their fleete whereas they left them. And not long after -they were departed, they might see them rowe with great furie towardes -their shippes, and when they came vnto their captaine Limahon, they did -aduertise him in particular of all that had happened, and how that by -reason of the contrarie winde, they could not come thether in time as he -had commanded them, and according vnto their desire, which was the -occasion that they could not bring to passe their pretence, and that by -reason of his absence they had referred it till a better occasion did -serue. Their captaine did comfort them, and gaue them great thankes, -for that which they had done, promising them in short time to bring to -effect their euill intent; and straightway commanded to weigh anker, and -to enter into a port called Cabile, which is but two leagues from the -citie of Manilla. Thither they of the citie might plainely see them to -enter. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - _The gouernour of Manilla purposeth himselfe to abide - the assault of the Chinos, to whom they gaue the - repulse: then Limahon returned and planted himselfe - vppon the plaine nigh the riuer Pagansinan._ - - -At this time, by the order of his majestie, was elected for gouernour of -these Ilandes Philippinas, Guido de Labacares, after the death of Miguel -Lopez de Legaspi, who understanding the great fleete and power of -Lymahon the rover, and the small resistance and defence that was in the -citie of Manilla, with as much speede as was possible he did call -together all their captaynes and dwellers therein: and with a generall -consent they did determine to make some defence for to resist them as -well as they could (for the time that the enemie did remaine in the port -aforesaide): for to the contrarie the Spaniardes should loose great -credite, if that they should forsake and leaue the towne, so long as -their liues did indure. For in no other place in all the ilandes there -about, they could haue any securitie. With this determination they put -this worke in execution, and spared no person, of what qualitie and -degree so euer he was, but that his hande was to helpe all that was -possible, the which indured two dayes and two nightes, for so long the -rouer kept his shippes and came not abrode: for these woorthie -souldiers vnderstoode, that remayning with their liues their labour and -trauaile would soone be eased. - -In which time of their continuall labour, they made a fort with pipes -and bordes filled with sande and other necessaries thereto belonging, -such as the time would permit them: they put in carriages foure -excellent peeces of artilerie that were in the citie. All the which -being put in order, they gathered together all the people of the citie -into that little fort, which they made by the prouidence of God our -Lorde, as you may beleeue, for that it was not his pleasure that so many -soules as were in those ilands, baptised and sealed with the light and -knowledge of his holy faith, should returne againe to be ouercome with -the deuill: out of whose power hee brought them by his infinite goodness -and mercie: neither would hee that the friendship should be lost that -these ilands had with the mightie kingdome of China. By which meanes we -may coniecture that the diuine power had ordained the remedie of -saluation for all that countrie. The night before the enemie did giue -assault vnto the citie, came thether the captayne John de Salzedo, -lieutenant vnto the gouernour of the townes of Fernandina, who, as -aforesayde, came with purpose to ayde and helpe the Spaniardes that were -then in Manilla. Whose comming, without all doubt, with his companions, -was the principall remedie, as well vnto the citie, as vnto all those -that were within it: for considering that they were but fewe, and the -great paines they tooke in making the last resistance, and the labor and -trauaile they had in the ordayning of the fort for their defence, with -other necessaries, against that which was to come, ioyning therewith the -feare that was amongst them of the assalt past: surely they had neede of -such a succour as this was: and surely by the opinion of all men, it was -a myracle of God, doone to bring them thether. So with the comming of -this captaine with his people, they all recouered newe courage, with -great hope valiantly to resist their enemies: for the which incontinent -they did put all thinges in good order, for that the rouer the morning -following, before the breake of the day (which was the second day after -hee gaue the first assalt), was with all his fleete right against the -port, and did put a lande sixe hundreth souldiers, who at that instant -did set vppon the citie, the which at their pleasure they did sacke and -burne (for that it was left alone without people, as aforesayde by the -order and commaundement of the gouernour, which for their more securitie -were retyred into the fort). - -So hauing fired the citie, they did assalt the fort with great crueltie, -as men fleshed with the last slaughter, thinking that their resistance -was but small. But it fell not out as they did beleeue, for that all -those that were within were of so valiant courage, that who so euer of -their enemies that were so bolde as to enter into their fort, did paye -for their boldnesse with the losse of their liues. Which being seene by -the Chinos they did retire, hauing continued in the fight almost all the -day, with the losse of two hundreth men, that were slaine in the assalt, -and many other hurt; and of the Spaniardes were slaine but onely two, -the one was the Ancient bearer, called Samho[3] Hortiz, and the other -was the bayliefe of the citie, called Francisco de Leon. All which being -considered by Lymahon the rouer, who being politike and wise, and saw -that it was losse of time and men, to goe forwardes with his pretence -against the valiauntnesse of the Spaniardes (which was cleane contrarie -vnto that which had proued vnto that day), he thought it the best way to -embarke himselfe and to set sayle, and goe vnto the porte of Cabite from -whence he came. But first hee gathered together all his dead people, and -after did burie them at the ilande aforesaid, where as he stayed two -dayes for the same purpose. - -[3] Misspelt for Sancho. - -That being doone, he straightwayes departed from thence and returned the -same way that he came, till he ariued in a mightie riuer, fortie leagues -from the citie of Manilla, that is called Pangasinan, the which place -or soyle did like him verie well, and where he thought he might be sure -from them, who by the commaundement of the king went for to seeke him. - -There hee determined to remayne, and to make him selfe lorde ouer all -that countrie, the which hee did with little trauaile, and built -himselfe a fort one league within the ryuer, where as he remayned -certayne dayes, receauing tribute of the inhabitants there abouts, as -though he were their true and naturall lorde: and at times went foorth -with his ships, robbing and spoyling all that he met vpon the coast. And -spred abroade that hee had taken to him selfe the Ilandes Philippinas, -and howe that all the Spaniardes that were in them, were eyther slaine -or fledde away: wherewith hee put all cities and townes bordering there -aboutes in great feare, and also how that he had setled himselfe upon -this mightie riuer Pangasinan, whereas they did receiue him for their -lord, and so they did obey him, and paide him tribute. - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - _The generall of the fielde, called Salzedo, doth set - vppon Limahon, he doth burne his fleete, and besiege - his fort three moneths, from whence this rouer dooth - escape with great industrie._ - - -The gouernour vnderstanding by the ilanders, and of those that dwelt in -the citie of Manilla, of the fame that the rouer Limahon did publish -abroad in all places where as he went, howe that he had ouerthrowen and -slaine the Spaniardes; and being of them well considered, that if in -time they did not preuent the same, it might be the occasion of some -great euill, that afterwardes they should not so easely remedie as -presently they might: and those which were their friendes and subiectes -in all those ilandes, giuing credite vnto that which the rouer -declared, might be an occasion that they should rebell against them, by -reason that the naturall people were many and they but a few: for that -vnto that time they had sustained themselues onely by the fame to be -inuincible. With this consideration they entred into counsell, and did -determine to ioyne together all the people they could, and being in good -order, to follow and seeke the rouer, for that they vnderstood of -necessitie he must abide and repayre himself in some place nigh there -aboutes, for that he durst not goe vnto China for feare that he had of -the kings fleete; and fearing that they should vse such policies as hee -hath vsed, they might come on him unwares, and destroy him as he had -done others. And seeming vnto them (that although they could not destroy -him altogether) yet at the least they should be reuenged of the harme -that they had receiued, and thereby to giue to vnderstand that the fame -that he hath giuen out of himselfe was a lie, and should be an occasion -for to remaine in their old securitie, and also had in better estimation -and opinion of the dwellers there abouts, as also to cause great -friendship with the King of China, for that it is against a traytor and -one that hath offended him. - -This determination they put in vre and effect according as the time -would permit: in which time they had certaine newes howe that the rouer -was in the river of Pagansinan, and there did pretende to remaine. These -newes were very ioyfull vnto the Spaniardes. Then the gouernours -commanded to be called together all people bordering there abouts, and -to come vnto the citie where as hee was. Likewise at that time he did -giue aduice vnto such as were lordes and gouernours of the ilandes -called Pintados,[4] commanding them to come thither, with such shippes -and people as they could spare, as well Spaniardes as the naturall -people of the countrie. All this was accomplished and done with great -speede; the people of the countrie came thither with great good will, -but in especiall those of the ilandes of the Pintados. After the death -of Martin de Goyti, who was slaine in the first assault of the Chinos as -aforesayde in the citie of Manilla, the governour did ordaine in his -roome for generall of the field, in the name of his maiestie, John de -Salzedo, who with all this people, and with those that were in the -citie, went foorth (leauing the gouvernor no more ayde then that which -was sufficient for the defence of the citie and the fort that they had -new made, which was verie strong), and carried in his company two -hundred and fifty Spanish souldiers, and two thousand five hundred -Indians their friends. All which went with great good will and courage -to be revenged on the iniurie receiued, or to die in the quarrell. All -which people were embarked in small ships and two foygattes[5] that came -from the ilandes there borderers, for that the shortnes of time would -not permit them to prouide bigger shipping, neyther should they haue -found them as they would, for at such time as the inhabitants therabouts -did see the rouer in assalt against the citie, they did set fire on a -small galley and other bigge ships that were in the same port, and did -rise against the Spaniards, beleeuing that it had not been possible for -them to escape so great and mightie a power: although since the first -entrie of the Spaniardes in those ilandes they were verie subiect. The -generall of the fielde with the people aforesaide, did depart from -Manilla the three and twentieth day of March anno 1575, and arrived at -the mouth of the river Pagansinan vpon tenable[6] Wednesday in the -morning next following, without being discouered of any, for that it was -doone with great aduice, as a thing that did import verie much. Then -straightwaies at that instant the generall did put a lande all his -people and foure peeces of artilerie, leauing the mouth of the riuer -shutte vp with his shipping, inchayning the one to the other, in such -sort that none could enter in, neyther yet goe foorth to give anie -aduice vnto the rouer of his ariuall: hee commaunded some to goe and -discouer the fleete of the enimie, and the place whereas hee was -fortified, and charged them verie much to doo it in such secrete sort -that they were not espied, for therein consisted all their whole worke. -The captaines did as they were commanded, and found the rouer voyde of -all care or suspition to receiue there any harme, as he found them in -the citie of Manilla when he did assault them. - -[4] More correctly, the Islands of Painted Men. Martiniere, in his -"Dictionnaire geographique, historique, et critique," thus speaks of -these Pintados in his article "Philippines":--"Ceux qu'on appelle -Bisayas et Pintados dans la Province de Camerinos, comme aussi a Leyte, -Samar, Panay, et autres lieux, viennent vraisemblablement de Macassar, -ou l'on dit quil y a plusieurs peuples qui se peignent le corps comme -ces Pintados." - -[5] Misspelt for frigattes. - -[6] Ash Wednesday: the Wednesday _to be kept_ holy. - -This securitie that hee thought himselfe in did proceede from the newes -that hee had from his friendes at the China, that although they did -prouide to sende against him, yet could they not so quickly haue any -knowledge where hee was, neyther finde out the place of his abiding: and -againe, hee knewe that the Spaniards of the Phillippinas remained -without shippes, for that they had burnt them as you haue heard, and -that they had more need to repayre themselues of their ill intreatie the -yeare past, then to seeke any reuengement of their iniuries receiued. - -The generall of the fielde being fully satisfied of his negligence and -voide of care, and giuen to vnderstande of the secretest way that was to -goe vnto the fort whereas the rouer was, he commaunded the captayne -Gabriell de Ribera that straightwayes he should depart by lande, and -that vppon a suddaine, he should strike alarum vpon the enimie, with the -greatest tumult that was possible. Likewise he commanded the captaynes -Pedro de Caues[7] and Lorenso Chacon, that either of them with fortie -souldiers should goe vp the riuer in small shippes and light, and to -measure the time in such sort, that as well those that went by lande, as -those that went by water, should at one instant come vppon the fort, and -to give alarum both together, the better to goe thorough with their -pretence: and he himselfe did remaine with all the rest of the people to -watch occasion and time for to ayde and succour them if neede required. -This their purpose came so well to passe, that both the one and the -other came to good effect: for those that went by water did set fire on -all the fleete of the enemie, and those that went by lande at that -instant had taken and set fire on a trench made of tymber, that Lymahon -had caused to be made for the defence of his people and the fort: and -with that furie they slewe more then one hundreth Chinos, and tooke -prisoners seuentie women which they founde in the same trench; but when -that Lymahon vnderstoode the rumour, he tooke himselfe straightwayes to -his fort, which he had made for to defend himselfe from the kinges -navie, if they should happen to finde him out: and there to saue his -life vpon that extremitie, he commaunded some of his souldiers to goe -foorth and to skirmish with the Spaniardes, who were verie wearie with -the trauaile of all that day, and with the anguish of the great heate, -with the burning of the ships and the trench, which was intollerable, -for that they all burned together. - -[7] Chabes in original. - -The captaines seeing this, and that their people were out of order, -neither could they bring them into any, for that they were also weary -(although the generall of the field did succour them in time, the which -did profite them much), yet did they sound a retraite, and did withdraw -themselues with the losse of fiue Spaniards and thirtie of the Indians -their friends, and neuer a one more hurt. Then the next day following -the generall of the fielde did bring his souldiers into a square battle, -and began to march towards the fort, with courage to assalt it if -occasion did serve thereunto: he did pitch his campe within two hundreth -paces of the fort, and founde that the enimie did all that night -fortifie himselfe verie well, and in such sort that it was perilous to -assalt him, for that he had placed vpon his fort three peeces of -artilerie, and many bases,[8] besides other ingins of fire worke. Seeing -this, and that his peeces of artilerie that hee brought were very small -for to batter, and little store of munition, for that they had spent all -at the assalt which the rouer did giue them at Manilla, the generall of -the fielde and the captaines concluded amongst themselues, that seeing -the enimie had no ships to escape by water, neither had hee any great -store of victuals, for that all was burnt in the ships, it was the best -and most surest way to besiege the fort, and to remaine there in quiet -vntill that hunger did constraine them either to yeeld or come to some -conclusion, which rather they will then to perish with hunger. - -This determination was liked well of them all, although it fell out -cleane contrarie vnto their expectation; for that in the space of three -monethes that siege indured, this Limahon did so much that within the -fort he made certaine small barkes, and trimmed them in the best manner -he coulde, wherewith in one night hee and all his people escaped, as -shall bee tolde you: a thing that seemed impossible, and caused great -admiration amongst the Spaniards, and more for that his departure was -such that he was not discouered, neither by them on the water nor on the -lande. What happened in these three monethes, I doo not here declare, -although some attempts were notable, for that my intent is to declare -what was the occasion that those religious men and their consorts did -enter into the kingdome of China, and to declare of that which they said -they had seene: for the which I haue made relation of the comming of -Limahon, and of all the rest which you haue heard. - -[8] In the original Spanish _versete_. A "base" was the smallest piece -of ordnance made. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - _Omoncon, captain of the king of China, commeth to - seeke Limahon, and doth meete with Spaniards._ - - -In the meane time that the siege indured at the fort, as you haue -vnderstood, there went and came certaine vessels which brought victuals -and other necessaries from the cittie of Manilla, which was but fortie -leagues from the mouth of that riuer of Pagansinan, as hath beene tolde -you. It happened vppon a day that a shippe of Myguel de Loarcha, wherein -was frier Martin de Herrada, provinciall of the Augustine friers, who -was come vnto the riuer Pagansinan for to see the generall of the -fielde, and in the same shippe returned vnto Manilla to hold Capitulo, -or court, in the saide ilande and port of Buliano. Seuen leagues after -they were out of the mouth of Pagansinan, they met with a shippe of -Sangleyes, who made for the port, and thinking them to bee enimies, they -bore with them (hauing another shippe that followed them for their -defence), and had no more in them but the saide prouinciall and fiue -Spanyards, besides the mariners. This shippe of Sangley, seeing that hee -did beare with them, would haue fledde, but the winde woulde not permit -him, for that it was to him contrarie; which was the occasion that the -two shippes wherein the Spanyards were, for that they did both saile and -rowe, in a small time came within cannon shot. In one of the shippes -there was a Chino called Sinsay, one who had beene many times at Manilla -with merchandise, and was a verie friend and knowne of the Spanyards, -and vnderstoode their language; who knowing that shippe to be of China, -and not to be a rouer, did request our people not to shoote, neither to -doo them any harme, vntill such time as they were informed what they -were in that same shippe. - -[Sidenote: The captaine generall of the king of China.] - -This Sinsay went straight wayes into the fore shippes, and demanded what -they were, and from whence they came: and being well informed, he -vnderstoode that he was one of the ships of warre that was sent out by -the king of China, to seeke the rouer Limahon, who leauing the rest of -the fleet behinde, came forth to seeke in those ilands to see if he -coulde discouer him to be any of them: and the better to be informed -thereof, they were bounde into the port of Buliano, from whence they -came with their two shippes: from whome they woulde haue fledde, -thinking they had beene some of the rouers shippes. Being fully -perswaded the one of the other, they ioyned together with great peace -and friendshippe: the Spanyards straightwayes entred into their boate -and went vnto the shippe of the Chinos, and carried with them the -aforesaid Sinsay for to be their interpreter, and to speake vnto the -Chinos. In the saide shippe came a man of great authoritie who was -called Omoncon, who brought a commission from their king, and shewed it -vnto the Spanyards and vnto the father prouinciall: in the which the -king and his councell did pardon all those souldiers that were with -Limahon, if that forthwith they would leaue him and returne vnto the -kings part; and likewise did promise great gifts and fauour vnto him -that did either take or kill the aforesaid rouer. Then did Sinsay -declare vnto him of the comming of the rouer vnto the ilands, and all -that happened in the siege of the cittie, as aforesaide: and howe they -had him besieged in the riuer of Pagansinan, from whence it was not -possible for him to escape. - -The captain Omoncon reioyced very much of these newes, and made many -signes of great content, and did embrace the Spanyards many times, and -gaue other tokens whereby he did manifest the great pleasure he -receiued, and woulde therewith straightwaies depart vnto the rest of the -fleet. And for that they looked euery day for the death or imprisonment -of the rouer, the better to informe himselfe, hee determined (for it -was so nigh hand) to go and see the generall of the fielde in -Pagansinan, and carry with him Sinsay, one that was knowne both of the -one and the other: by whose meanes they might treate of such things that -best accomplished the confirmation of the peace and friendship betwixt -the Chinos and the Spaniards, as also of the death or imprisonment of -Limahon. With this resolution the one departed vnto Pagansinan, whereas -they arriued the same day, and the others vnto Manilla, whether they -went for victuals. - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - _Omoncon is well received of the generall of the - field, and lodged in Manilla with the gouernor, - whereas they doo conclude the going of the fathers of - Saint Augustine to China._ - - -When that the generall of the field vnderstood wherfore the comming of -Omoncon was, hee did entertaine him with great curtesie; and after that -hee had giuen him to vnderstand in what extremitie he had brought the -rouer (which was a thing impossible for him to escape, except it were -with wings), hee did counsell him, that for the time till hee brought -his purpose to effect (which could not be long) that he would go vnto -Manilla, which was not farre from thence, and there to recreate and -sport himselfe with the gouernor and other Spaniards that were there, -for that hee alone was sufficient to accomplish his pretence, without -the comming thither of the kings fleete, neither for to remoue out of -the port whereas they were in securitie. And for his going thither he -should haue a shippe of his the which did row, and was for to bring -victuals and other prouision; and he shoulde go in the company of the -captaine Pedro de Chaues that was bound vnto Manilla, and promised him -that within few dayes he would giue him the rouer aliue or deade, which -vnto the iudgement of all men coulde not bee long. - -[Sidenote: Omoncon promiseth to carry the friers vnto China.] - -Omoncon, considering that this offer might come well to passe, did put -it straight wayes in vre, and did imbarke himselfe in the company of y^e -captain, and sent his ship wherein he came alone by sea, because it was -big and drew much water: the which was constrained to turne backe againe -into the part from whence he went, by reason of stormie windes and -wether, and was no impediment in the other with ores, for that hee went -alongst the shoare and was shrowded with the land from the force of the -wind, so that in few dayes they arriued in the port of the cittie of -Manilla, whereas they were well receiued and feasted of the gouernor. -Omoncon remained ther certaine dayes, after the which, he seeing that -the siege did long endure, and that his staying might cause suspition of -his death; and againe, that the whole fleete did tarrie his comming to -his intelligence of the rouer, being fully perswaded and certaine that -hee coulde not escape the Spaniards hand, they had him in such a -straight, and that they would without all doubt sende him vnto the king -aliue or dead (as they promised him), hee was determined to returne vnto -China with the good newes that he had vnderstood, with a determinate -intent, to returne againe and carrie the rouer after that they had him -prisoner. With this resolution, in the end of certaine dayes, he went -vnto the gouernor, certifying him of his pretence, whereby he might giue -him license to put it in execution. The gouernor did like wel of his -pretence, and did promise him the same the which the generall of the -fielde did offer vnto him: and which was, so soone as the rouer should -be taken prisoner or slaine, to sende him vnto the king without any -delay, or else to put him whereas he should be foorth comming, and to -giue them aduertisement to send for him, or come himself: and did offer -him, more, that for his voyage he should be prouided forthwith of all -things necessarie, without lacking of anything. Omoncon did give him -great thankes for the same, and in recompence therof did promise vnto -the gouernor, for that he understoode and had intelligence of the -fathers of S. Augustine, that his honor, and his antecessor and the -Adelantado Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, had desired many times to send vnto -the kingdome of China some religious men, to intreat of the preaching of -the gospel, and to see the wonders of that kingdome, and howe that they -neuer coulde put this their desire in execution; for that those Chinos -which came thither, although they did offer them whatsoeuer they would -demand, fearing the punishment that should be executed on them according -vnto the lawes of the kingdome: he did promise him that he would carrie -them with him vnto China, such religious men as his honour would -command, and some souldiers such as would go with them: hoping with the -good newes that hee carried, to runne in no daunger of the law, neither -the vizroy of Aucheo to thinke euill thereof; and for a more securitie -that they should not be euill intreated, hee woulde leaue with him -pledges to their content. - -[Sidenote: A good pretence.] - -[Sidenote: The friers names that went to China.] - -The gouernor reioyced verie much at this his offer, for that it was the -thing that he and all those of the ilands most desired of long time -since, and did straightwayes accept his offer; saying that he did -clearely discharge him of his pledges, for that he was fully satisfied -of his valor and worthines, and that hee would not doo the thing that -should not be decent vnto his person and office. The gouernor being -verie ioyful of these newes, did therewith sende for the prouinciall of -the Augustine friers, who was elected but fewe dayes past: his name was -frier Alonso de Alvarado, a man of a sincere life, and one of them that -was sent by the emperor in the discouerie of the newe Guinea, vnto whome -hee declared the offer that the captaine Omoncon had made vnto him: -whereat he reioyced so much, that being an old man, hee would himself -haue gone thither: to which the gouernor would not consent in respect of -his age, and other particularities, but entred in counsel who were best -to go, and to finde one that were fitte to execute that which they had -pretended (which was, as wee haue saide, to bring in and plant in that -kingdome the holie Catholike faith): they determined that there shoulde -go but two religious men, by reason that at that time there was but a -fewe of them, and two souldiers in their companie. The religious men -shoulde bee frier Martin de Herrada of Pamplona, who left off the -dignitie of prouinciall, and was a man of great learning and of a holy -life: and for the same effect had learned the China tongue, and manie -times for to put his desire in execution did offer himselfe to bee slaue -vnto the merchants of China, onely for to carrie him thither: and in -companie with him should go frier Hieronimo Martin, who also was verie -well learned, and of the cittie of Mexico. The souldiers that were -appointed to beare them companie, were called Pedro Sarmiento, chiefe -sargeant of the cittie of Manilla, of Vilorado; and Miguel de Loarcha, -both principall men and good Christians, as was conuenient for that -which they tooke in hand. These fathers did carrie them for this -purpose, that if they did remaine there with the king preaching of the -gospell, then they shoulde returne with the newes thereof to giue the -gouernour to vnderstande of all that they had seene and happened vnto -them; and likewise vnto the king of Spaine, if neede did so require. - -[Sidenote: A token that fine cloth is esteemed.] - -This offer of the captaine Omoncon, and the appointment which was made -by the gouernour and the prouinciall, was knowne throughout al the -citie; and after that they had made great reioycings and feasts for the -same, it was approued of all men, that those that were named were -principall persons, as aforesaid, and were fully certified that there -should nothing be neglected of that they did commaunde them: neither let -passe any occasion, for that it was that which they did all desire, but -in particular for the seruice and honor of God, and for the benefite and -profite that shoulde redowne vnto them all by the mutuall contractation -betwixt the one nation and the other: and also giue the king to -vnderstande of so good newes as this is. The gouernor did straightwayes -call those persons that were named and appointed to come before the -captain Omoncon, and tolde them what was determined: the which they did -accept with great ioy, and gaue great thankes; and the gouernor in token -of gratitude, did giue vnto the captaine Omoncon, in the presence of -them all, a gallant chaine of golde, and a rich robe of crimson in -graine: a thing that hee esteemed verie much, and much more esteemed in -China, for that it is a thing that they haue not there. Besides this, -they did ordaine a reasonable present for to sende vnto the gouernor of -Chincheo, he that dispatched Omoncon by the commandement of the king to -go and seek the rouer: also another present for the vizroy of the -prouince of Ochian, who was at that present in the citie of Aucheo. - -And for that Sinsay shoulde not finde himselfe agreeued (who was a -merchant well knowne amongst them, and perhappes might bee the occasion -of some euill and disturbance of their pretence), they gaue vnto him -also another chaine of golde, as well for this, as also for that hee was -euer a sure and perfite friend vnto the Spaniards. Then straightwayes by -the commaundement of the gouernor, there were brought togither all such -Chinos as were captiue and taken from Limahon out of the fort aforesaide -at Pagansinan, and gaue them vnto Omoncon to carrie them free with him; -and gaue likewise commaundement that the generall of the fielde, and all -such captaines and souldiers that were at the siege of the forte, -shoulde giue vnto him all such as did there remaine; binding himselfe to -pay vnto the souldiers, to whome they did appertaine, all whatsoeuer -they should be valued to be worth: all the which being done, he -commanded to bee put in a redinesse all that was necessarie for the -voyage, and that in ample manner, the which was doone in a short time. - - - - -CHAP. X. - - _Omoncon departeth with certificate, in what - perplexitie he left Limahon the rouer, and doth carrie - with him the fathers of S. Augustine._ - - -The twelfth day of June, in the yeare of our Lord 1575, being Sunday in -the morning, the aforesaid gouernor and all that were in the cittie did -ioyne and go together vnto the monasterie of saint Augustine, where was -deuout prayers made vnto the Holy Ghost, and after they had all of them -requested of God so to direct the voyage, that it might be to the honor -and glorie of his diuine majestie, and to the saluation of the soules of -that kingdome, whome Lucyfer had so long possessed, Omoncon and Sinsay -did take their leaue of the gouernour, and of the rest, giuing them -thankes for their good entertainment that they made them, and did -promise them, in recompence thereof, to bee alwayes their assured -friends, as shall appeare by his works, and to carry them, whome he did -request of his owne good will, with securitie as vnto himselfe, and that -he would first suffer wrong himselfe, before any should be done vnto -those whom he had on his charge. The gouernor and all the rest did -thankfully accept his new offer, giuing him to vnderstand that they were -fully perswaded that his word and deede should be all one, and therewith -they tooke their leaue of them, and of the religious men with the two -souldiers their companions, not lacking teares to be shed on both parts. - -Then did they al imbarke themselues in a ship of the ilands which was -made readie for the same effect, and went out of the port in the company -of another shippe with merchants of China that were at Manilla, into the -which Sinsay put himselfe with all their victuals, for to carry it -vntill they came vnto the port of Buliano, whereas was the great shippe -of Omoncon, wherin they should make their voyage; which was that which -was forced to returne backe againe by reason of foule wether: they -aryued at the same port the Sunday following, for that the winde was -somewhat contrarie, and had lost the shippe that carried their victuals, -but after founde her at an anker in the port, for that she was the -bigger shippe and sailed better: they founde also in her two Spanish -souldiers, whom the generall of the fielde had sent from Pagansinan, for -that, from the place whereas he was, he did see the saide ship to enter -into the port, with commandement for to carrie them vnto him. This did -cause vnto the religious men and souldiers a suspition that the generall -of the fielde woulde procure to stay them vntill such time as he did see -the ende of the siege of the fort, which euerie day was looked when they -would yeelde, for that they shoulde carry with them Limahon the rouer -aliue or dead. Uppon the which almost euery one gaue his iudgement, that -it were better to depart without obeying his commandement, neither to -take their leave of him, but to prosecute their voyage so much desired, -for they thought euerie houre of their staying to bee a whole yeare: -fearing that euerie thing would be an impediment to disturbe their -intent and purpose: but better persuading themselues, knowing the good -condition and great Christianitie of the generall of the fielde, whom -frier Martin had alwayes in place of his sonne, for that he was the -neuew vnto the Adelantado Legaspi, the first gouernor and discouerer of -the said Philippinas, whom he brought with him from Mexico, being but a -child: they were agreed to go vnto him, and shewe their obedience, and -to take their leaue of him and of all the rest of their friends that -were in the camp. So with this determination they put their shippe into -the river Pagansinan, which was but seuen leagues from the saide port. -They had not sailed three leagues but a contrary winde so charged them, -that they were constrained to returne into the port from whence they -came, and there concluded amongst themselues to send Pedro Sarmiento in -the barke wherein came the two souldiers aforesaid; for that it was -little and went with oares, they might with lesse daunger enter into the -riuer of Pagansinan, rowing vnder the shoore: and that hee in the name -of them all should conferre with the generall of the field, and so take -his leaue of him and of all the rest of their friends, whome they did -request that they would not forget them in their prayers, to commend -them vnto God to bee their aider and helper in this their pretence, so -much desired of them all: and gave him great charge to bring with him -the interpreter that they should carrie with them, which was a boy of -China that was baptised in Manilla, and could speake Spanish very well; -he was named Gernando.[9] This Pedro Sarmiento came thither, and did -accomplish all that was commended vnto him verie faithfully: but the -generall of the field was not therewith satisfied, neither the captaines -and souldiers that were with him, for that the father friers were very -wel beloued of them, for they deserued it: so they determined to send -for them, and to request them to come thither and see them, being so -nigh as they were. They being vnderstood by the friers (not without the -suspition aforesaid), and seeing that they could not excuse to go vnto -them to accomplish their commandement and gentle request, they departed -out of Buliano with a faire wind, for that the storme was done, although -the sea was a little troubled; and therewith they ariued at Pagansinan -whereas they were well receiued of the generall of the fielde, and of -all the rest with great ioy and pleasure. Their suspition fell out -cleane contrarie as they thought, for that the generall of the fielde -would not stay them, but did dispatch them with all speede possible, and -did deliuer vnto them at the instant all such captiues as the gouernor -had commanded, and the souldiers that had them did with a verie good -will deliuer them, seeing to what intent it did extende, and also the -interpreter, with all other thinges that was necessarie and requisite -for the voyage; and writ a letter vnto Omoncon, who remained in Buliano, -that hee would fauour and cherish them as he did not thinke to the -contrarie: and did ratifie that which the gouernour had promised him, -for to sende the rouer aliue or deade, after they had ended their siege -by one meanes or other. He also requested of frier Martin de Herrada -that he would carrie with him one Nicholas de Cuenca, a souldier of his -company, for to buy for him certaine things in China, who did accept the -same with a verie good wil, and promised to intreat him as one of his -owne, and haue him in as great regard: and therewith they departed and -went vnto the port of Buliano from whence they came, taking their leaue -of the generall of the field and of all the rest of the campe, with no -lesse teares then when they departed from Manilla. He sent to beare them -company til they came vnto the port, the sergeant maior, who carried -with him a letter vnto the captaine Omoncon, and a present of victuals -and other things; and other two letters, the one for the gouernor of -Chincheo, and the other for the vizroy of the prouince of Ochian, -wherein he doth giue them to vnderstand how that he hath burnt al the -fleete of Limahon, and slaine many of his companions, and howe that he -hath besieged him so straightly that it is not possible for him to -escape, neither indure long without yeelding of himselfe; and then -either aliue or dead he would send him, as the gouernor of Manilla had -writ and promised. These two letters were accompanied with two presents, -wherein was a basen and an ewre of siluer, and certaine robes of Spanish -cloth, the which the Chinos doo esteeme very much, as also other things -of great valew that they have not in their country, and craving pardon -because he did not send more. The occasion was for that he was in that -place, and all his goods in the cittie of Manilla. The same day with a -faire winde they came vnto the port Buliano, whereas they found Omoncon -abiding their comming, and receiued all such things as the sergeant -maior did carrie him in the name of the generall of the field, and -rendered vnto him great thanks, and made a new promise to accomplish -that offer made vnto the gouernor. - -[9] Misprint for "Fernando." - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - _The Spaniards do depart with the captain Omoncon from - the port of Buliano, and ariue at the firme lande of - China._ - - -[Sidenote: They departed towards China.] - -[Sidenote: Their compasses diuided into 12 partes.] - -The desire was so much of this father frier Martin de Herrada to be in -China, as well for to preach in it the holy gospel, as also for to see -the wonders that haue beene reported to be in that countrie, that -although he was dispatched by the gouernor and generall of the fielde, -yet he thought that their voyage would be interrupted: and therefore to -see himselfe free from this feare and suspition, so soon as he came vnto -the port of Buliano to the captaine Omoncon, hee requested him with -great vehemencie, that he would straightwayes set saile, for that the -winde serued well for their purpose. Then Omoncon, who desired no other -thing, but thought euery houre that he tarried to be a whole yeare, -commanded forthwith the mariners to make all thinges in a redinesse to -set saile, and to bring home all their ankers, and ride apicke, redie to -depart after midnight: the which was done as hee had commanded. So vppon -a Sunday at the break of day, being 25. of June, they took a Spaniard -souldier into their companie, who was called John de Triana, and vsed -him in their seruice, for that hee was a mariner. So at the same time, -after they had praied vnto God to direct their voyage, they set saile -with a prosperous winde. There was with the friers, souldiers, and men -of seruice, twentie persons, besides the Chinos that were captiues, and -the people of the captaine Omoncon. They were not so soone off from the -coste, but the winde abated and they remained becalmed certaine dayes: -but afterwards they had a lustie gale, that carried them forwards. The -Chinos doo gouerne their ships by a compasse deuided into twelue partes, -and doo vse no sea cardes, but a briefe description of Ruter,[10] -wherewith they doo nauigate or saile: and commonly for the most part -they neuer go out of the sight of land. They maruelled very much when -that it was told them, that comming from Mexico vnto Philippinas, they -were three monethes at the sea and neuer sawe land. So it pleased God, -that although it was verie calme and little winde stirring, that we made -but little way, yet, upon the Sunday following, which was the thirde of -July, we had sight of the land of China: so that we found all our voyage -from the port of Buliano, from whence we departed, vnto the firme land, -to be one hundred and fortie leagues; and twenty leagues before they -came in the sight thereof, they had sounding at three score and tenne, -and fourscore fathome, and so waxed lesse and lesse vntill they came to -the lande, which is the best and surest token they haue to be nigh the -land. In all the time of their voyage, the captain Omoncon with his -companie shewed such great curtesie and friendship to our men, as though -they had been the owners of the saide ship: and at such time as they did -imbarke themselues, he gaue his own cabin y^t was in the sterne to y^e -friers, and vnto Pedro Sarmiento and to Miguel de Loarcha, he gaue -another cabin that was very good, and commanded his company in the ship -that they should respect them more then himselfe; the which was in such -sort, that on a day, at the beginning of their voyage, the fathers -founde them making of sacrifice vnto their idols, and told them that all -which they did was a kinde of mockage, and that they shoulde worshipe -but onely one God: and willed them to doe so no more. Who, onely in -respect of them, did leaue it off, and not vse it after in all the -voyage: whereas before they did vse it euerie day manie times. - -[10] More commonly spelt Rutter or Ruttier, a direction book. The word -is derived from "Routier," a road book. - -[Sidenote: They leaue the worshiping of one idol to worship another.] - -Besides this, they would worshippe the images that the friers did carrie -with them, and kneele vpon their knees with great shew of deuotion; who -nowe hauing sight of the firme lande in so short time, and passed that -small gulfe so quietly, which was wont to bee verie perilous and full of -stormes, they did attribute it vnto the orations of the friers, their -companions and souldiers. The like curtesie was shewed vnto them by -Sinsay, who was the seconde person in the shippe, and hee that did best -vnderstande that nauigation and voyage. So, as they drewe nearer the -land, they might discouer from the sea a verie gallant and well towred -cittie, that was called Tituhul, whereas the king hath continually in -garrison tenne thousande souldiers, and is vnder the gouernement of the -prouince of Chincheo. - -So the next day following wee came vnto a watch towre, which was -situated vppon a rocke at the entrie into a bay, who had discouered our -shippe, and knew the standart or flagge to bee the kings: and made a -signe vnto seuen shippes which were on the other side of the point, -which was part of a company ordeined for to keepe and defende the cost, -which were more then foure hundred. Straightwayes the captaine of the -seuen shippes came foorth to knowe what we were, and what chanced shalbe -told you in this chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XII. - - _The captaine Omoncon is come to the prouince of - Chincheo, but before he doth come vnto an anker, he - dooth passe some trouble with another captaine of the - sea._ - - -This captaine Omoncon, when he saw that the ships did make towards him, -hee cast about his shippe and passed alongst by the watch towre, making -his way towards the towne, where he was a natural subiect and nigh at -hand, being but two leagues from the point: which being perceiued by the -generall of that bay which was in a redinesse, who imagined by his -working that it should be some shippe of euill demeanor and their -enimies, without any delation hee issued forth from behind the point -with three ships, that did row with oares verie swift: and gaue them -chase, cutting them off from their pretence: and when he came nigh vnto -them, hee shot at them to make them to amaine: the which Omoncon would -not doo, for that hee supposed (as afterwards hee did confesse) that hee -should be some man of little estimation, and not the generall of the -coste. But as he drew nigher vnto him, hee did know him by the flagge he -bare on the sterne in the foist[11] wherein he was himselfe with his -souldiers, and straightwayes caused to amaine[12] his sailes, and tarried -for him. The generall did the like, and stayed behinde, sending a boate -for to bring the captaine vnto him, and to declare what he was and from -whence he came. Omoncon did forthwith imbarke himself into his boate -without any resistance, but rather with feare that hee should be -punished for that hee did flie from him. The generall, when hee saw him, -did straightwayes know him (and in that the fathers did vnderstand by -signes), hee was verie glad of his comming, and gaue him good -entertainment. - -[11] A small craft: from Fusta--_Span._ - -[12] To let fall or lower at once: from Amainar--_Span._ - -This generall was a goodly man of person, and was verie well apparelled, -and did sit in a chaire in the sterne of his ship, the which was all -couered to keepe away the sunne: hee commanded the Captaine Omoncon to -sit downe by him vpon the hatches, without chaire or any other thing, -who did obey him, although first hee did refuse it with great modestie, -as not woorthie to haue that honour, which was not esteemed a little. -After that he was set, he gaue him to vnderstand in effect of all his -voyage and successe, and in what extremitie he left Limahon, and also -howe that hee carried with him the friers and other Spaniards, which -went to carrie the newes, and to intreate of peace with the vizroy of -Aucheo: vnto whome, and vnto the gouernor of Chincheo, hee carried -presents, sent from the gouernor and generall of the fielde of the -Ilands Philippinas. When the generall had heard this relation, he -commanded the boate to returne and to bring them before him, that hee -might see what manner of men they were of person and the vse of -apparell, and likewise to satisfie himselfe of other desires that came -into his mind by that which Omoncon had saide of them. The fathers and -their companions did obey the commandement, and did imbarke themselues -in the boate (although it were with some feare), and came vnto the -shippe, whereas the generall receiued them with great curtesie after his -fashion, and shewed them a good countenance, and tokens that he very -much reioyced to see them and the vse of their apparell they ware. But -after awhile hee commanded that they shoulde bee put vnder hatches, -which was the occasion to augment the feare they conceiued when they -were sent for: and the more when they saw that they were commanded to be -shut vp in a cabin with the interpreter that they brought with them. - -[Sidenote: They call the Spaniards Castillas.] - -This being done, they were in great care howe they might vnderstand the -generals pretence; and at a close doore that was before the cabin -whereas they were, uppon a sudden they might see that all those that -were in the shippe did arme themselues in great haste, and the Captaine -Omoncon amongst them: then they heard bases and harqubus shot, with a -great noise of people, which did verie much alter them: in such sort -that they looked euery moment when they should come and cut of their -heads. Whilst that our people were in this agonie and great feare, -Omoncon considered of them and of the charge that he had to bring them -thither: therewith he sent one of his seruants to giue them to -vnderstand of all that they had heard and seene, wherewith they did -quiet themselues, and put away al the feare that they had conceiued with -their suddain putting downe in the cabine, and the shooting off of those -peeces. The which the better to giue you to vnderstand, I will first -declare vnto you the occasion (and then after the rest). Limahon had not -so soone taken his course towards the ilands, but straightwaies it was -knowne in the kingdome of China: and the vizroy of Ochian, by the order -that he had from the roiall counsell, did command all gouernors of such -cities that were nigh vnto the coast, to dispatch away shipping for to -go follow and seeke him, with aduertisement that hee who did accomplish -this diligence with the first, should be very wel rewarded and esteemed, -for that they feared that if the rouer should ioine with y^e Castillas -(for so they do cal the Spaniards in that country, of whom they haue had -great notice), might thereby grow some great harme and inconuienence, -which afterwards could not be well remedied: which was the occasion that -they made the more haste, for that if it were possible to take him, or -else to spoile his shipping before that he should come vnto the said -ilands. In accomplishing of this commandement, the gouernor of Chincheo -did prouide shipping, and did sende the captaine Omoncon with them: but -yet he could not prouide them of souldiers and other necessaries till -certaine daies after that he was gone foorth: so he went till hee came -and met with the Spaniards, nigh vnto Buliano (as aforesaid). - -About the same time the general of the bay that was there to defend the -cost, did dispatch another ship for to enquire and know where the rouer -was, and to bring relation therof, that straightwayes they might go and -assalt him with all the whole armie. This ship was the fathers of -Sinsay, he that was friend vnto the Castillas, who came in companie with -the friers from the ilands (as it is said), and he went in the said ship -for pilot; who, although hee went out of the port with great speede, yet -with greater hast hee returned againe without mastes or yardes, for that -they lost them in a great storme and torment that tooke them in the -gulfe, whereas they thought to haue beene lost. - -At the same time that the friers departed from Buliano to Pagansinan, -being requested to come thither by the master of the field (as -aforesaid), there was in the same port a ship of China, that came vnto -the ilands to traficke; and being well informed of all things, as well -in what extremity the Spaniards had the rouer, as also of y^e going of -Omoncon, and how that he carried vnto the firme lande the aforesaide -friers and their companions. The said shippe departed in a morning very -secretly, ten dayes before that Omoncon did make saile, and came to the -firme land the saide ten daies before, and gaue notice thereof vnto the -gouernor of all that they had vnderstood, as wel by relation as by -sight; and how that ther came with Omoncon and the Spaniards, Sinsay, -who was he that in al things touching Limahon was the dooer, and that -whatsoeuer shall happen good in this relation, they ought to giue the -praise and thanks vnto him, and not vnto Omoncon. This he spake for the -good affection he had vnto Sinsay by way of friendship, for that he was -of the same profession, a merchant. - -The gouernour of the bay being verie desirous to haue the rewarde and -thankes of the king, with occasion to say that the sonne of him whom he -sent to follow and seeke Limahon was the chiefe and principall meanes of -that good successe. Straight wayes, so soone as hee heard the newes of -the shippe that ariued there tenne dayes before (as aforesaide), he -commaunded sixe shippes to goe foorth of the baye to the sea, with order -and commission to bring the ship to an anker in the sayd bay, and not to -suffer him to go into any other place: and otherwise they could not, at -least wayes, they would bring with them Sinsay, for that they would send -him post vnto the uiceroy, for to declare vnto him all that had passed -particularly. These sixe ships came verie nigh vnto that wherein was the -generall aforesaid, at such time as our Spaniardes were with the -generall, and they neuer could perceiue it, for that there were many in -the baye, some going and some comming; but when that hee had discouered -them, then he caused our people to be put vnder hatches because they -should not be seene, and commanded those that were in the shippe to arme -themselues for their defence if need required. - -In the meane time that they made resistance with this ship, one of the -sixe ships did borde that shippe wherein came Omoncon, pretending to -take her, and beleeued to doo it with great ease. But it happened vnto -them cleane contrarie, for that the souldiers that were within did -defende their ship valiantly. Sinsay, with a very good will, would haue -suffered the ship wherein his father came to haue carried away the -other, if the souldiers of Omoncon would haue consented therunto. They -did not only misse of their purpose, but also many of them were hurt in -the attempting to enter the ship: the saide ship did fall aborde there -whereas was their captaine Omoncon, who at that instant did call our -Spaniardes in his shippe, out of the generalles shippe whereas they -were; which was doone with such speede, that it was accomplished before -any of the other ships could come vnto them, although they did procure -it. Then did Omoncon arme himselfe to the warre, for to defend himselfe, -his ship, and all that were therein, or to die there. The fryers and -their companions, when they vnderstoode the cause of their strife and -fighting, partly by suspition in that they had seene, as by that which -Omoncon did sende them worde, did offer themselues vnto him, promising -him to die with him if neede did so require, and requested him to -appoint them what they should do, and they would accomplish it with a -very good will. At this time all the ships were about that of Omoncon, -who was not idle, but put foorth his artilerie for their defence, asking -powder of the Spaniardes, for that they had little left: the generall -did not depart from the shippe from the time that the Spaniardes went -vnto him, neither did hee remooue out of his chayre, although all the -rest that were in the ship were armed. - -At this time the captayne of the sixe shippes of Chincheo did put -himselfe in a boate and came towardes the shippe of Omoncon for to haue -commoned with him; but he would not suffer them to come nigh, but shot -at them, and caused them to depart against their willes, and called them -all to naught from the poope of his shippe, with manie reprochfull -woordes, saying that they came to steale the honour that hee with so -great trauayle and perill had gotten. Then the generall, seeing that hee -could not goe through with his purpose, hee determined to leaue him, and -therewith to cast about with his shippes, and returned into the port of -the baye from whence they came. This brought in his shippe a sonne of -Sinsay, to giue occasion vnto his father for to come vnto him, and -likewise his owne father, whome they did straightwayes put in prison, -and his wife and mother: which is a thing commonly vsed in that -countrie, the children to pay for their parentes, and to the contrarie, -the parents for the children. - -Sinsay, who feared the same, woulde not goe vnto his owne house till -such time as he did carrie commandement from the uiceroy, for to deliuer -out of prison those that were put there without desert: the which was -granted by the uiceroy, with other fauours and great honour, as shall -bee declared vnto you. - - - - -CHAP. XIII. - - _Omoncon doth disembarke himselfe with our Spaniardes - in the port of Tansuso, and are verie well receiued by - the justice, and made verie much of by the order of - the Insuanto of that prouince._ - - -Within a little while after that the captayne of the sixe shippes -departed for Chincheo, Omoncon and his companie ariued at the port of -Tansuso,[13] hard by, vpon Wednesday, in the euening, being the fift day -of July. This Tansuso is a gallant and fresh towne, of foure thousand -householders, and hath continually a thousand souldiers in garrison; and -compassed about with a great and strong wall; and the gates fortified -with plates of yron; the foundations of all the houses are of lime and -stone, and the walles of lime and yearth, and some of bricke: their -houses within very fairely wrought, with great courts, their streetes -faire and brode, all paued. Before that Omoncon did come vnto an anker, -they sawe all the souldiers and the people of the towne were gathered -together vpon the rockes that were ioyning vnto the port, all armed -readie vnto the battaile, amongst whom there was a principall captaine, -and three more of his companions, that were sent him by the gouernor of -Chincheo, whom they do call in their language Insuanto, who had -vnderstanding of the comming of Omoncon and his companie by the ship -(aforesaid) he sent them thither before, that in his name should -entertain them and cherish them all that was possible. When the ship -entred into the port, Omoncon did salute the towne with certain peeces -of artilery, and discharged all his argubushes sixe times about, and -therewithal tooke in their saile and let anker fall. Then straightwaies -the captaine whom the Insuanto had sent came abord the ship, who had -expresse commission not to leaue the company of our people after that -they were disembarked till such time as they came whereas he was, but to -beare them companie, and to prouide them of all thinges necessarie: the -which he did accomplish. - -[13] Ganhai. - -[Sidenote: Ensignes to knowe the iustices.] - -All these captaines and ministers of the king doo weare certaine -ensignes for to be knowen from the common people, who are not permitted -to weare any such; and they can not goe abroad in publike without the -same, neyther will they if they might, for that by them they are obeyed -and reuerenced, as well in the streetes as in any other place where they -come: all such generally be called Loytias, which is as much to say in -our language (gentlemen): the particular ensignes which they doo vse, -bee broade wastes or girdles, embossed after diuerse manners; some of -golde and siluer, some of the shell of a Turtuga or turtell, and of a -sweete wood, and other some of iuerie; the higher estates hath them -embrodered with pearles and precious stones, and their bunnets with two -long eares, and their buskins made of satten and vnshorne ueluet, as we -haue declared more at large in the first three bookes. - -[Sidenote: The first landing of the fryers.] - -Then after, so soone as they were come to an anker in the port, the -iustice did send them a license in writing for to come foorth of the -shippe, as a thing necessarie, for that without it the waiters or -guardes of the water side will not suffer them to put foote a land. This -licence was written vpon a borde whited, and firmed by the iustice, -whose charge it is to giue the licence. Then when they came a shoore, -there were the souldiers that were appointed by the Insuanto in a -readinesse to beare them companie, and did direct and leade them vnto -the kinges houses of the sayde citie: the like hath euerie citie almost -throughout all the kingdome, and there they did lodge them. These -houses are very great, and very wel wrought and gallant, with faire -courtes belowe, and galleries aboue: they had in them stanges[14] or -pondes of water, full of fish of sundrie sortes. - -[14] Evidently from Etang, _Fr._, a pond. - -The Insuanto had giuen order vnto the iustice of Tansuso, wherein he had -ordained what hee should giue them to eate, and all other things that -should be done particularly by it selfe, without lacking of any thing, -and appointed the captaine, that hee with his souldiers should not -depart from them not a iot, but alwayes to beare them company -whethersoeuer they went, and not to depart till he had farther order -from him: in accomplishing whereof they remayned with them that night in -the kings house. The iustice of the citie when that he had lodged them, -went himselfe in person to the waters side, and caused all their stuffe -to be vnladen out of the ship, and caused it to be carried with great -care and diligence vnto the fryers whereas they were. - -The people of the citie did presse very much to see these strangers, so -that with the press, as also with the great heate, they were -marueilously afflicted: which being perceiued by the iustice, he gaue -order that they might bee eased of that trouble, and caused sergeants to -keepe the doore, and their yeomen to make resistance against the people. -Yet, notwithstanding, though they did not trouble them so much, they -ranged about the house and clymed vpon the walles to procure to see -them, as a rare thing, for that they came from countries so farre off, -and apparelled verie different from that they do vse or otherwise haue -seene. So when that the night was come, the iustice of the citie did -make them a banket according vnto the fashion of the countrie: and it -was in this manner following. - -[Sidenote: The vse of their bankets.] - -[Sidenote: Wine of a palme tree.] - -They were carried into a hall that was verye curiously wrought, wherein -were many torches and waxe candles light, and in the middest therof was -set for euerie one of the guests a table by himselfe, as is the vse and -fashion of that countrie (which more at large shalbe declared), euerie -table had his couering of damaske or satten very well made, the tables -were gallantly painted, without any table clothes, neither do they vse -any, for they haue no neede of them, for that they do eate all their -victualles with two little stickes made of golde and siluer, and of a -marueilous odoriferous woode, and of the length of little forkes as they -doo vse in Italy; with the which they doo feede themselues so clenly, -that although their victuals be neuer so small, yet do they let nothing -fall, neither foule their hands nor faces: they were set downe at these -tables in verie good order and in gallant chayres, in such sort that -although they were euerie one at his table by himselfe, yet they might -see and talke one with an other; they were serued with diuerse sortes of -cates, and very well dressed both of flesh and fish, as gamons of bacon, -capons, geese, whole hennes, and peeces of beefe, and at the last many -little baskets full of sweete meates made of sugar and marchpanes, all -wrought very curiously. They gaue them wine of an indifferent colour and -taste, made of the palme tree (whereof there is no other vsed in all -that countrie), our Spaniardes did vse it, as that which was made of -grapes. All the time that the supper indured, there was in the hall -great store of musicke of diuers instruments, whereon they played with -great consort, some one time and some another. The instruments which -they commonly do vse are hoybuckes,[15] cornets, trompets, lutes, such as -be vsed in Spaine, although in the fashion ther is some difference. -There was at this banket (which indured a great while), the captaine -that was ordained for their garde, and the captaine Omoncon and Sinsay. -When supper was done, they were carried into very faire chambers, wheras -were faire beddes, where they slept and eased themselues. - -[15] Hautboys? - -The next day following, in the morning, was brought vnto them their -ordinarie victualles, and that in abundance, as well of flesh as of -fish, fruits and wine, to be dressed vnto their owne content, and -according vnto their manner: they would take nothing for the same, for -so they were commanded by the Insuantes. This was brought vnto them -euerie day so long as they were there, and in the way when as they went -vnto Chincheo. The same day ariued a captaine of fortie ships in the -same port, and as soone as hee was a shore, hee went straightwayes vnto -the pallace for to see the strangers: who being aduertised of his -comming, came foorth and receiued him at the pallace gate, where as was -vsed betwixt them great courtesie. The captaine came with great -maiestie, with his guarde of souldiers and mase bearers before him, with -great musicke of hoybuckes, trumpets and drommes, and two whiffelers[16] -or typp staues that made roome, putting the people aside: also there -came with him two executors of iustice, or hangmen, hauing each of them -in their handes a set made of canes, which is an instrument wherewith -they doo whippe and punish offenders, and is so cruell that who soeuer -doth receiue sixtie strokes with the same, although he be a verie stout -man and strong hearted, yet it will kill him, for that hee is not able -to abide it. They doo beate them vppon the thighes and calues of the -legges, causing the offender or patient to lye downe vppon his breast or -stomacke, and commande their heades and legges to be holden. The iudges, -captaines, and loytias haue ordinarily these officers before them, for -to beate such as will not goe out of the way when as they doo passe the -streetes, and such as will not alight from their horse, or come out of -their close chayres when they doo meete with them. - -[16] One who plays on a whiffle or fife. - -When this captayne came vnto the pallace gate whereas the father fryers -and their companions did receiue him, he was brought on the shoulders of -eight men verie richly apparelled, and he in a chayre wrought of iuorie -and golde, who stayed not till they came into the inner chamber, -whereas he did a light from the chayre, and went straight vnder a cloth -of estate, that was there ordinarily for the same purpose, and a table -before him: there hee sate downe, and straightwaies arose vp, and -standing he did receiue the strange guests, who did curtesie vnto him -according vnto their fashion, which is to ioyne their handes together, -and to stoope with them and their heads downe to the grounde: he -gratified them againe with bowing his heade a little, and that with -great grauitie. Within a little while after, he spake vnto them with -great maiestie, bidding them welcome into his kingdome, being glad of -their comming, saying that himselfe was come to see and cherish them, -for that they should receiue no discontent, as y^e proofe shal shew. -These speeches being finished, there was brought foorth certain peeces -of blacke silke of twelue vares[17] long a peece. And his officers did -put on the fryers shoulders each of them two, which was for either -shoulder one, and was brought about their bodies and girt therewith; and -the like was done in order vnto the Spanish souldiers, and vnto Omoncon -and Sinsay, and to their interpreter. But vnto Omoncon and Sinsay was -giuen vnto either of them a branch or nosegay made of siluer, which was -set vpon their heads, which is accustomable honor that is done vnto such -as haue done some great enterprise, or such like. - -[17] Yards, from Vara, _Span._ - -After that this ceremonie was done, they played vpon the instrumentes -afore sayde, which came with the captayne. In the meane time of their -musicke, there was brought foorth great store of conserues, marchpanes, -and thinges made of sugar, and excellent good wine; and so being on foot -standing, hee caused them to eate, and he himselfe from the chayre -whereas he sate did giue them to drinke euerie one in order, without -rising vp, which is a ceremonie and token of great fauour and of loue. - -This being done, hee arose from the chayre vnder the cloth of state, and -went and sate downe in that which was brought on mens backes, and with -declining of his head a little he departed out of the hall and out of -the house, and went vnto his owne house, whereas by the counsell of -Omoncon and Sinsay within an houre after they shoulde goe and visite -him, the which they did: hee receiued them marueilously well and with -great courtesie, who maruelled at his great maiestie and authoritie, for -that Omoncon and Sinsay, when they did talke with him, were vpon their -knees, and so did al the rest: yet that which they did see afterwardes -done vnto the Insuanto and viceroy was much more. - -He gaue them againe in his owne house a gallant banket, of diuerse -sortes of conserues and fruits, and excellent wine of the palme tree, -and did talke and reason with them in good sort, and was more familiar -than at his first visitation, demanding of them many thinges in -particular, and beholding their apparayle and garmentes, with showe of -great content and reioycing. - - - - -CHAP. XIV. - - _The Spaniardes depart from Tansuso to visite the - governour of Chincheo, who awaited their comming: - where they sawe notable thinges by the way._ - - -After that the fathers with their companions had remayned two dayes in -the port of Tansuso, whereas they were marueilously well entertayned and -feasted at the commaundement giuen by the Insuanto, as you haue heard, -the third day they departed in the morning towardes Chincheo, whether -they were commaunded to be carried with great speede and good -intertainement. - -At their going foorth of the towne they were accompanied with a great -number of souldiers, both hargubushes and pikes, and before them a great -noyse of trompets, drommes, and hoybuckes, till such time as they came -vnto the riuers side, whereas was a brygandine prouided and made readie -in all pointes to carrie them vp the riuer: all the streetes alongest -whereas they went, there followed them so much people that it was -innumerable, and all to see them. So when they were embarked, and which -was done with great speede to auoyd the presse of the people, there came -vnto them the captaine of the fortie ships, of whom wee made mention in -the chapter past, with three brygandines, one wherein he was himselfe, -and was marueilously well trimmed, and in the other two were souldiers -that did beare him companie. As soone as he came vnto them, hee straight -wayes entred into the brygandine whereas the religious men were with -three Spaniardes, and brought with him great store of conserues, and -made them a gallant banket, the which did indure so long as he was with -them, which was the space of rowing two long leagues, in which time -their pleasure was such that they thought it but a quarter of a league. -From thence he departed from them and returned, but left many thinges -behinde him for their comfort in their iourney, and made great offers, -with an outwarde showe that it was a griefe vnto him to depart from out -of their companie. - -All alongest the ryuers whereas they went was seated with villages, -verie gallant and fresh, both on the one side and on the other. Some of -them did content our people verie much, who asked the names howe they -were called, and the captaynes answered them and sayde, that those were -villages that did not deserue the honour of a name; but when you doo -come there whereas the king is, you shall see cities that it shall be a -woorthie thing to knowe their names; the which townes haue three and -foure thousande souldiers, such as in Europe are esteemed for reasonable -cities. - -At the end of the two leagues, there whereas the captaine did leaue the -companie of our Spaniardes in the riuer, they came vnto a great baye, -whereas was at an anker a fleete of more than a hundreth and fifte -shippes, men of warre, whose generall was this captaine whom we haue -spoken of, that did beare the fryers and the rest companie. At such time -as the fleete did discouer them they began to salute them, as well with -great peeces of artillerie as with hargubushes and other kinde of -pastimes, which commonly they do vse at such times: and that is doone by -the commandement of their generall. - -At such times as they had made an ende of shooting and other pastimes, -then did he take his leaue of them with the ceremonie aforesaide, and -went out of the brygandine whereas the fryers were and went into his -owne, which carryed him vnto the admiral, wherein he imbarked himself. -Our Spaniardes, after his departure, did trauaile vp the riuer more than -three leagues, hauing continually, both on the one side and on the -other, verie many and faire townes, and full of people. In the ende of -the three leagues they went a lande halfe a league from the towne of -Tangoa,[18] whereas straightwayes all such things as they carried with -them were taken vpon mens backs, and carried it vnto the towne before -them, whereas they were tarrying their comming, for to giue them great -entertaynment. At their going a shore, they founde prepared for the two -religious men little chayres to carrie them vppon mens backes, and for -the souldiers and the rest of their companions was ordayned horse. The -fathers did refuse to be carried, and would haue gone a foot, for that -the way was but short and pleasant, full of greene trees; and, againe, -for humilitie, refusing to be carried in so rich chaires, and vppon mens -backes of so good a vocation as they seemed to be. But Omoncon and the -other captaine would not consent thereunto, saying, that it was the -order giuen by the Insuanto, and that they could not by any meanes -breake, but performe in all points, or else to be cruelly punished for -the same--I meane such captaines as had the charge for to garde and -beare them companie--and that no excuse could serue them; and, againe, -that it was conuenient so to be done, for y^t from that time the Chinos -should respect them and vnderstande that they were principal persons, -for y^t they were carried vpon mens backes as they do their loytias. - -[18] Tong-gan. - -The fathers obeyed their reasons, and entred into the chayres, and were -carried with eight men a peece, and the other their companions with -foure men a peece, according vnto the order giuen by the gouernor. Those -that carried the chaires, did it with so good a will, y^t there was -striuing who should first lay hands to them. This towne of Tangoa hath -three thousand souldiers, and is called in their language Coan: at the -entring in, it hath many gardens and orchards, and a streete, where -through they carried the Spaniards vnto their lodging, they affirmed it -to be halfe a league long; and all the streete whereas they went it was -full of bordes and stalles, where on was laide all kinde of merchandise, -very curious, and things to be eaten, as fresh fish and salt fish of -diuers sortes, and great abundance of foule and flesh of al sorts, -fruits and greene herbs, in such quantitie that it was sufficient to -serue such a citie as Siuell is. The presse of people was so much in the -streets, that although there were many typstaues, and souldiers that did -make way wheras they went, yet could they not passe but with great -difficultie. So they were brought vnto the kings house, which was very -great, marueilously wel wrought with stone and brick, and many halles, -parlers, and chambers; but none aboue, but all belowe. So soone as they -were afoote, there was brought from the captaine or iustice of the -towne, whom they doo call Ticoan, a message, bidding them welcome, and -therewith a present, which was great store of capons, hens, teales, -ducks, geese, flesh of four or fiue sorts, fresh fish, wine, and fruits -of diuers sorts, and of so great quantitie that it was sufficient for -two hundreth men. All the which they would haue giuen for a little coole -aire, by reason that it was than very hoat wether; and againe the great -number of people y^t came thether to see them did augment it the more. - -So in the euening the two Spanish souldiers went forth into the streets -to walk abrode, and left the two fryers within their lodging, vnto whom -afterwardes they did giue intelligence of all things that they had -seene, which did cause great admiration: the wall of the towne was very -brode, and wrought with lyme and stone, full of loope holes and watch -towers. And as they passed through the streetes there came foorth of a -house a very honest man as it seemed, who was very well apparelled, and -stayed them, for that in the same house there were certaine dames, -principall personages, that did see them a farre off, and not content -therewith, they did request them with great curtesie for to enter into -the house that they might the better see them: the which they did -straightwaies accomplish, and entring in they were brought into a court, -whereas was set chayres for them to sit downe, and the ladies were there -a little from them beholding them with great honestie and grauitie. Then -a little after they sent them a banket, with marchpanes and sweet meates -made of sugar, which they did eate without any curiositie, and dronke -after the same. The banket being done, they made signes and tokens vnto -them that they receiued great content with their sight, and that they -might depart when y^t their pleasure was; the which they did after y^t -that they had made great curtesies, with thank e for their friendship -receiued of both parts. - -So after they had taken their leaue they went to see a house of pleasure -y^t was hard by y^e town wall, wrought vpon the water, with verie faire -galleries and open lodges for to banket in, made of masons worke, and -therein many tables finely painted, and round about it sesterns of -water wherein was store of fish, and ioyning vnto them tables of very -faire alabaster, all of one stone, and the least of them was of eight -spannes long: and rounde about them were brookes of running water, that -gaue a pleasant sounde in the meane time they were banketting, and nigh -thereunto many gardynes full of all sortes of flowers. And a little from -that place they sawe a bridge all of masons worke, and the stones verie -well wrought and of a mightie biggnesse; they measured some of them that -were twentie and two and twentie foote long and fiue foote brode, and -seemed vnto them that it was a thing impossible to be layde there by -mans handes. Of this bignesse, yea and bigger, they did see layde vppon -manie other bridges, in the discourse of their voyage going to Chincheo -and Aucheo. In this towne they tarried and rested themselues all that -night, marueiling verie much at that which they had seen. The next day -in the morning, when they were vp and readie, they found in the house -all thinges in a readinesse and in verie good order for their departure, -as well their little chayres[19] and horse, as for men to carrie their -stuffe and apparell, which did not a little make them to marueile, how -that euerie one of them with a waster[20] vpon their shoulders, did -diuide their burden in two partes, sixe roues before and sixe roues -behinde, and did trauaile with the same with so great ease and swiftnes -that the horse could not indure with them. They went vnto the Ticoan his -house, he who sent them the present ouer night, to giue him thankes for -his courtesie, and to take their leaue of him. They found him with great -maiestie, but yet gaue them great and good entertainment, and craued -pardon at their hands, if that he did not giue them the entertainement -and courtesie as they deserued. He did likewise put vpon each of them -two peeces of silke, in the same order as the gouernour of Tansuso did. -So when they had surrendred vnto him thankes, they tooke their leaue and -departed from Chincheo, whereas was the Insuanto or gouernor, by whose -order was showed vnto them all the courtesie as you haue hearde. - -[19] A chariot. In "The Squyer of Low Degree," (see Ellis's "Specimens -of Early English Poetry"), occur the lines: - - "To morrow ye shall on hunting fare, - And ride my daughter in a _chare_." - -[20] A waster is more properly a cudgel: it is here evidently used for a -pole. - - - - -CHAP. XV. - - _The Spaniardes doo prosecute their iourney to - Chincheo, and seeth many notable thinges by the way._ - - -From this towne of Tangoa vnto Chincheo, is thirteene leagues, and so -plaine way that it giueth great content to trauaile it. In all the waye, -they could not see one spanne of ground but was tilled and occupied. The -like they doo saye is of all the grounde that is in the whole kingdome: -it is full of people, and the townes one so neere to another, that -almost you can not iudge them to be maine townes, but one; for that -there was but a quarter of a league distant one towne from another, and -it was tolde vnto them, that in all the prouinces of the kingdome, it is -populared in the same order. All their ground they till is watered, -which is the occasion of the fruitefulnesse thereof, so that they doo -gather fruite all the yeare long, and our Spaniardes did see in all -places whereas they came, that they were gathering of rice, some newe -sprung up, some with eares, and some rype. They doo plough and till -their ground with kine, bufalos, and bulles, which are verie tame, and -although they be great, yet be their hornes but of a spanne long, and -turning backwards to the tayle, in such sort that they can not do any -hurt or harme with them; they do gouerne them with a corde, that is made -fast to a ring that is in their nose, and in like sort do they gouerne -the bufanos.[21] They doo feede them commonly in the fieldes of rice, for -that they have no other grasinges, and all the time that they are -feeding, a boy doth ride on euerie one of them to disturbe them, that -they doo no harme therein, but to eate the weedes and grasse that doo -grow in the rice. In this prouince, and all the rest of the fifteene in -that kingdome, they gather much wheate, and excellent good barley, -peese, borona,[22] millo,[23] frysoles,[24] lantesas,[25] chiches,[26] and -other kindes of graines and seedes, whereof is great abundance, and good -cheape. But the chiefest thing that they do gather, and a victuall that -is most vsed amongest them and the borderers there aboutes is rice. - -[21] Misspelt for buffaloes. - -[22] A sort of grain, resembling maize or Indian corn. - -[23] Millet. - -[24] Kidney beans. - -[25] Lentils. - -[26] Dwarf peas. - -All the hie waies are couered with the shadowe of verie faire orchardes, -which do garnish it verie much, and they are planted in verie good -order; and amongest them there are shoppes, whereas is solde all manner -of fruites, to the comfort of all such as doo trauaile by the way, which -is an infinite number, some on foote, some on horsebacke, and others in -little chayres. Their waters by the hie waies are verie good and light, -although the wether, at that time, was verie hoat, especially at noone -time; yet was the water of their welles and fountaynes verie coole. The -same day, when they had trauayled halfe way, they saw a farre off -comming marching towardes them in verye good order, a squadron of -souldiers, which, at the first, caused them to maruaile, and to be a -fraide, till such time as they drewe nigher; it was tolde vnto them, -that it was the Captayne of the Garde vnto the Insuanto, or Gouernour of -Chincheo, who came by his order to receive them, with foure hundred -souldiers, verie well armed with pickes and hargubushes, and well -apparelled. So soone as the captaine came vnto them, he was mounted on a -bay horse, but of small stature, as they, for the most part, bee in all -that prouince, hee alighted, and came vnto the fathers and his -companions (who likewise did alight from their little chayres), and did -salute the one the other with great courtesie. And the captayne tolde -them, how that the gouernour did sende him with those souldiers for to -receive him, and to beare him companie, and howe that hee was in the -citie tarrying their comming, with great desire to see them; and -commaunded that, with all speede possible, they should shorten the way. - -[Sidenote: A thing to keepe away the sunne.] - -[Sidenote: The people of the countrie weare no weapons, but the -souldiers.] - -The captaine came verie well apparelled, with a chayne of golde about -his necke; a man of a good audacitie and vnderstanding. Harde vnto his -stirryp hee had a page that went with him, and carried a great tira sol, -made of silke, that did shadowe him all over. The bunnett that this -captaine did weare, was like vnto them that before they had seene others -weare; hee had before him great musicke of trompets and hoybuckes, -whereon they played in great concorde. This captaine, with his foure -hundreth souldiers, did continually garde them, till they came vnto the -citie of Chincheo, and never departed from them a iot; the which was -done more for pompe, and to showe their maiestie, then of necessitie; -for that although the people are infinite and without number, yet do -they weare no weapons, for that they are commanded by the lawe of the -countrie to the contrarie, vpon paine of death, of what state or degree -soever he be; but onely the souldiers, such as are in euery towne for -the garde thereof, and the garrisons that the king hath continually -readie to come foorth, when that any occasion shall serue. - -In this hie way continually, there went and came manye packe horses, -laden with marchandice and other thinges; but the most parts of them -were mules. The hie wayes are verie brode, that twentie men may ride -together on a ranke, and one not hinder an other, and are all paued with -great stones, and they say that the wayes throughout all the other -prouinces be in the same order, and was done by a king of that countrie, -who spent vpon the same a great part of his treasure. And it seemeth to -be true, for that our Spaniards trauelling in that countrie, ouer high -and mightie mountaines, yet did they finde the waies plaine, in such -sort as hath been told you. - - - - -CHAP. XVI. - - _Our Spaniardes arived at the citie of Chincheo, - whereas they were received and lodged, and what they - sawe in that citie._ - - -[Sidenote: Chincheo hath seuentie thousand housholds.] - -[Sidenote: A thousand ships in one riuer.] - -Vpon a Saterday, being the eleuenth of July, came our Spaniards vnto the -citie of Chincheo, four houres before it was night. This citie is of the -common sorte in that kingdome, and may haue seuentie thousande -householdes. It is of great traficke, and well prouided of all things, -for that the sea is but two leagues from it: it hath a mightie riuer -running alongest by it, downe into the sea, by which is brought by water -and carried downe all kinde of marchandice. There is a bridge ouer the -sayde riuer, which is supposed to bee the fayrest that is in all the -worlde; it hath a drawe bridge to serue in time of warres, or for any -other necessitie: the bridge is eight hundreth paces long, and all -wrought with stones of two and twentie foote long, and five foote -broade, a thing greatly to bee marueiled at. At the entrie thereof, -there were manie armed souldiers readie to fight, who, when they came -within hargubush-shoote, did salute them in verie good order. There was -nigh vnto the sayde bridge, in the riuer, riding at an anker, more than -a thousande shippes of all sortes, and so great a number of boates and -barkes, that all the riuer was couered, and euerie one full of people, -that had entred into them for to see the Castillas, for so they did call -the Spaniardes in that countrie, for the streetes in the suburbes nor in -the citie could not hold them, the number was so great; yet their -streets are as broade as our ordinarie streetes in anye citie in all -Spaine. - -[Sidenote: They haue no vse of castles.] - -[Sidenote: Earth quake in this countrey.] - -This citie is compassed with a strong wall, made of stone, and is seuen -fadam hie, and foure fadam broade, and vpon the gates many towers, -wherein is placed their artilerie, which is all their strength, for that -they doo not vse in their kingdome strong castels as they doo in Europe. -The houses of the citie are all built after one sorte and fashion, but -faire, and not verie hie, by reason of the earth quakes, which are -ordinarily in that countrie. - -[Sidenote: Rich marchandice.] - -[Sidenote: Triumphant arches.] - -All the streetes (but especially that wherein they passed at their -comming thether), have, on the one side and on the other, sheddes, vnder -the which are shoppes, full of riche marchandice, and of great value, -and verie curious. They have, in equal distance the one from the other, -many triumphant arches, which doo set out the streetes verie much, and -is vsed in euerie principall streete thoroughout all the kingdome, in -the which they have excellent market-places, whereas is to bee bought -all things that you will desire to be eaten, as well of fish as of -fleshe, fruites, herbes, comfits, conserues, and all thinges so good -cheape, that it is almost bought for nothing. - -Their victualles are verie good, and of great substance; their hogges -flesh, whereon they doo feede much, is so holsome and good as the mutton -in Spaine. The fruites that wee did see, some were like vnto them we -haue in Spaine and others neuer the like seene by vs afore, but of an -excellent taste and sauour. But in especiall one kinde of fruite, which -is bigger than a muske million, but of the same fashion, but of -maruellous, excellent, and precious victuall, and pleasant to be eaten; -a kinde of plummes, that is of a gallant taste, and neuer hurteth anie -bodie, although they eate neuer so manie, a thing prooued by our -Spaniardes manie times. The streete that they came in at was so full of -people, that if a graine of wheate had beene throwne amongst them, it -would scarce haue fallen to the grounde, and although they were carried -in little chayres, vpon men's backes, and the captaine (of whom we -speake of) before them making way, yet were they a great while before -they could passe the streete, and be brought vnto a great house, which -was a couent, wherein dwelt religious men of that countrie: thether they -were brought and lodged, beeing verie wearie of the presse of people, -that did trouble them verie much, with desire to take their ease. - - - - -CHAP. XVII. - - _The gouernor of Chincheo doth call the Spaniards - before him, and sheweth vnto them the ceremonies that - they must vse to have audience._ - - -The same day that they came into the cittie (as aforesaide), was a good -while before night, with more desire to take rest, and ease themselues -of their iourney, and of the trauell they had in the streets, by reason -of the great number of people that came to see them, then to make any -visitation that night; but the Insuanto, or gouernor of the cittie, did -send, and commanded that forthwith they shoulde go vnto his house, for -that hee had great desire to see them, the which they did more for -necessitie of the time, then for any good will. They went forth from -their lodging on foote, whether it was for that the gouernor's house was -neere hande, or else per-adventure at his commandment, which they could -not well understande, but did as the captaine that guarded them did -commande. In the midst of the streete, wheras was no lesse number of -people then in the other wherby they entred into the citie, they met -with a loytia that came to entertain them with great maiestie, and had -carried before him manie banners, mase bearers, and tipstaves, and -others which carried settes or whips, which they did traile after them, -made fast vnto long stickes, which were the executioners, the which doo -go alwayes making of way, parting the people before the loytias, as you -haue hearde. The maiestie and company wherewith he came was so great, -that they verely did beleeue him to be the Insuanto: but being -certified, they vnderstoode that it was one of his counsailers that came -from the gouernor's home to his own house, which was in the same street -whereas hee met with them. This counsailor was carried in a chaire of -ivory, garnished with gold and with curtines of cloth of gold, and on -them the king's arms, which are certaine serpents knotted togither (as -hath beane tolde you). But when he came right against the Spaniards, -without any staying, he made a signe with his head, and commanded that -they should returne backe againe vnto his house, which was hard by; the -captains did straightways obey his commandment, and returned with them. -The counsailor entred into his house, which was verie faire; he had in -it a faire court, and therein a gallant fountaine and a garden. After -him entred the Spaniards all alone, the rest remained without in the -street at the loytia's commandment. He entertained them with verie good -words of semblance, and said in conclusion that they were welcome into -that kingdome, with many other wordes of curtesie: vnto the which they -answered with the same curtesie, with signes and by their interpreter -that they carried with them. This loytia commaunded a banquet to bee -brought foorth, and wine to drinke. He began first both to eate and -drinke. Then hee commanded to call in the captaine, vnto whome was -giuen the charge to beare them companie, and did chide with him verie -sharpely and seuerely, because he did carrie them on foote (they coulde -not vnderstande whether it were doone for a policie or of a trueth, -although the effectes wherewith hee did chide seemed of a trueth); hee -straightwayes commanded two rich chayres to bee brought foorth for to -carrie the fathers, and to giue vnto their companions horses; the which -being done he willed them to go and visite the gouernor, who did tary -their comming, and that another time at more leasure he would see and -visite them. - -They followed their way all alongst the streete, which seemed vnto them -to be more fairer then the other wherein they entered, and of more -fairer houses and triumphant arkes; and also the shoppes that were on -the one side and on the other, to bee better furnished with richer -thinges then the others, in so ample sort, that what therewith, as also -the great number of people which they sawe, they were so amased, that -they were as people from themselues, thinking it to be a dreame. To -conclude, after they had gone a good while in that streete, delighting -their eies with newe thinges neuer seene of them before, they came into -a great place whereas were many souldiers in good order with their -hargabushes, pickes, and other armour in a redinesse, apparelled all in -a liuerie of silke with their ancients displayed. At the end of this -place was there a very faire and sumpteous pallace, the gate was wrought -of mason's worke of stone, very great and full of figures or personages, -and aboue it a great window with an iron grate al guilt; they were -carried within the gates, the souldiers and the people, which were -without number, remained without and coulde not be auoyded but with -great difficultie. When they were within the first court, there came -forth a man very well apparelled and of authoritie, and made signes with -his hande unto them that brought the Spaniards, that they should carrie -them into a hal that was vpon the right hand, the which was -straightwayes done. The hall was very great and faire, and at the end -ther of there was an altar, whereon was many idols, and all did differ -the one from the other in their fashion; the altar was rich and very -curiously trimmed with burning lampes; the aultar cloth was of cloth of -gold and the fruntlet of the same. - -After a while that they had beene there whereas the idols were, there -came a seruant from the gouernor, and said vnto them in his behalfe, -that they should sende vnto him the interpreter, for that hee woulde -talke with him, and tell him some things that they ought to obserue if -they would haue any audience of him; they straightwayes commanded him to -go. And the gouernor said vnto him that hee should aduise the fathers -and the rest of his companions, that if they would talke and treate of -such businesse as they came for, that it must be done with the same -ceremonie and respect as the nobles of that prouince do vse to talke -with him, which is vppon their knees (as afterwards they did see manie -times vsed); if not that they shoulde depart vnto the house whereas they -were lodged, and there to tarrie the order that shoulde bee sent from -the vizroy of Aucheo. The Spaniards, when they hearde this message, -there was amongst them diuers iudgementes and opinions, striuing amongst -themselues a good while; but yet in conclusion, the religious fathers -whome the gouernour of the ilandes had ordeined and sent as principalles -in this matter, and whose iudgemente they shoulde followe, saide that -they ought to accept the condition, seeing that by no other meanes they -coulde not come vnto that they pretended, and not to leaue it off for -matters of small importance, for that therein they make no offence vnto -God, and it may bee a meane vnto the conuerting of that mightie -kingdome, whome the divell maketh reckoning to bee his owne, and not -nowe to leaue it off, but rather to procure all meanes that may be, as -they had began to do; and seeing that it is no offence vnto God, as -aforesaide, neither sent as ambassadors from the king of Spaine, I doo -not know to the contrarie, but that we may consent vnto the will of the -Insuant, and in especiall being a thing so commonly vsed in that -countrie. This opinion and iudgement was followed, although the -souldiers that were with them were of a contrarie opinion. So they sent -answere vnto the gouernor with the said interpreter, that they will -observe their accustomed ceremonies and will do all that he will -commande them according vnto the custome of the countrie: otherwise they -could not be permitted to intreat of such things, wherefore they came -thither from farre countries and with so great travell. - - - - -CHAP. XVIII. - - _The Spaniards haue a louing and fauorable audience of - the gouernor of Chincheo, to whom they do giue the - letters they brought from the Ilands Philippinas._ - - -[Sidenote: Great maiestie.] - -When that the Insuanto understood that the Spaniards woulde enter with -the reuerence accustomed, and in such order as was declared vnto them, -hee straightwaies commanded that they should come into the hall whereas -he was, which was a thing to be seene, as well for the bignes as for the -riches that was in it, the which I do let passe because I would not be -tedious. The Spaniards were carried foorth out of that hall whereas they -were first, and after that they had passed the court whereas they came -in, they entred into another hall as bigge as the first, whereas were -many souldiers with their weapons in their hands, in verie good order -and richly apparelled, and next vnto them were many tipstaves and -sergeants, with different ensignes or badges, all apparelled with long -robes of silke, garded and embroidered with gold, and euery one of them -had a helme on his heade, some of siluer and other some of tynne guilt -ouer, which was a gallant thing to see; all had long haire and dyed -yealow, which hong downe behind their eares vpon their backes; they were -placed in very good order, and made a lane that the Spaniards might -passe thorough: then they came into a gallerie, which was ioyning vnto a -chamber where the gouernor was, and there they heard such a noise of -instruments of diuerse sorts, which indured a good while, and was of so -great melodie that it seemed vnto them that they neuer before heard the -like, which caused vnto them great admiration to see so great maiestie -amongst gentiles. When the musicke was ended they entered into the hall -aforesaid, and had not gone many steps, when as they met with the -counsailer that met with them in the streete aforesaid, and with him -other two of his companions, all on foote and bare headed before the -gouernor, and their ensignes of maiestie left off: which is generally -vsed in all the kingdome, the inferior to make anie shewe when that hee -is before his superior. Then they made signes vnto them for to kneele -downe, for that the Insuanto was nigh at hande in a rich tower, vnder a -canopie of great riches, and did represent so great maiestie as the king -himselfe: he did entertaine them with tokens of great loue and -humanitie, and tolde them by their interpreter that they were verie well -welcome, and that he did greatly reioyce to see them, with many other -words of great favour. This gouernor was a man of goodly person, well -fauored, and of a merrie countenance, more then any that they had seene -in all that countrie. He caused to be put upon the shoulders of the -fathers and of the souldiers that were with him, euery one of them, two -peeces of silke, which was crossed about them like skarfes, and likewise -to either of them a branch of siluer: the like curtesie he did vnto the -captaine Omoncon and vnto Sinsay, and commanded to give vnto all their -seruants euery one of them a mantle of cotton painted. This ceremonie is -vsed in that kingdome vnto al captaines and other men that haue done -some valiant exploit (as we haue tolde you before). This being doone, -the fathers did giue vnto him the letters which they carryed from the -gouernor and generall of the fielde, and a note of the present that was -sent him, crauing pardon for that it was so smal, but time and -oportunitie would not serue as then to sende vnto him a thing of greater -price and valor; certifying him, that if the friendship which they -pretended did go forwards, and come to be established, that then all -things should be amended and amplified. He answered vnto their profers -with words of great fauor, and made signes vnto them to arise and to go -and take their rests there whereas they were lodged; the which they did, -and founde all thinges in verie good order and well furnished, as well -of beddes as all other necessaries, which was done by the commandement -of the gouernour. Before they departed out of the pallace, the captaine -of the guard did carrie them vnto his lodging, which was within the -court, and there he made them a banquet with conserues, and fruits in -abundance: the which being doone, hee and other gentlemen of the pallace -did beare them companie vntill they came to their lodgings, which they -greatly desired, for that they were wery of their iourney, and also with -the trouble of the great presse of people that pressed on them in the -streets and otherwise for to see them: the which captaine of the guard -did appoint a company of souldiers for to gard them both night and day, -the which was done more for maiesty then for necessitie or securitie of -their persons. They had a steward appointed to prouide them and all -their company of all thinges necessarie, and that in abundance, and not -to take of them any thing, which was giuen by particular commandement by -the gouernour. - - - - -CHAP. XIX. - - _The Spaniards are visited by the principals of - Chincheo; the gouernor did send for Pedro de Sarmiento - and Myguel de Coarcha, and giueth them particular - audience, and doth wel informe himselfe of all things - touching Limahon the rouer._ - - -[Sidenote: He offered 500 shippes of warre.] - -[Sidenote: Note the Spaniards insolencie.] - -The next day following, which was Sunday the twelfth of July, many of -the gentlemen of the cittie did go vnto the Spaniards to visite them, -vsing many ceremonies according to their custome with fauorable words, -promising to performe it in deeds, when and as neede did so require; and -such as could not go themselues did send their seruants, bidding them -welcome and to knowe of their good healthes, and howe they did like of -their citties and country. The Spaniards did make answere, and gratified -them all, as well those that came in person as the other that sent their -seruants; in the which visitation they spent all the whole day, hauing -great admyration to see the good behauiour, nurture, and gallant -demeanure of those gentlemen, and the great discreation they had in the -demanding of anie thing they would knowe, as also in their answers made -to our requests. The next day the Insuanto sent a commandement wherein -he willed two fathers to remaine in their lodgings and take their ease, -but the two souldiers, Pedro Sarmiento and Miguel de Loarcha, should -come and speake with him, and that they should bring with them their -interpreter, for that hee had one there with him who was a Chino, and -vnderstood the language of the Philippinas, but so badly that they -coulde not by his interpretation talke of any matter of importance. So -when they came thither, they were brought whereas hee was, but with -lesse ceremony then on the first day, but yet they found him with the -like maiestie as before. He asked of them how the fathers did, and they -themselues, and if they were refreshed of the travell in the iourney, -and howe they did like of the countrie, and other things which did -demonstrate great affabilitie. Being by them satisfied of his demands, -he requested them to declare vnto him the whole circumstance of the -comming of Limahon the rouer vnto the ilands, and how the Spaniards -dealt with him; that although hee had beene informed particularly in all -thinges by the captaine Omoncon and Sinsay, yet he was in a ielousie -that they tolde him not the trueth. Hee was nothing deceiued in that hee -suspected, for after that our souldiers had made a true relation of the -comming of the rouer vnto Manilla, and of all the rest as you have heard -in the discourse thereof in this booke, he found that they differed very -much the one from the other, for that they did attribute it wholly vnto -themselves to get honor and benefite: but the Insuanto, like a wise man, -straightwayes vnderstood their pretence. But when that he perceiued that -Limahon was neither dead nor prisoner, but only besieged, he offered -vnto them that if they would returne againe vnto Pagansinan vpon him -whereas he was, hee would giue vnto them fiue hundred ships of warre, -with people sufficient to serue both by sea and lande, and more if they -would request. They answered him, that all such cost and labour were but -in vaine, for that the generall of the fielde who hath him in siege, -with the people and ships that he hath, are sufficient to ende that -enterprise, and to send him hither alive or deade, and that long before -that their fleete should come thither. And besides this, their ilands -were poore of victuals, and could not sustaine so great an armie many -dayes. Being satisfied with these reasons, he gaue place that the -interpreter which they brought should come in where as they were, for -hee remained at the doore without, for that he would be fully certified -to auoid the suspitious doubt he had before he come in presence, yet he -did help them very much. So when their interpreter was come in, the -Spaniards seeing good occasion and opportunitie for to declare that -which passed the day before betwixt them and the fathers, touching the -speaking vnto him on their knees: and seeing as it seemed vnto them that -he was at that time in a good mind for to heare them, they did vtter -vnto him all the whole contention; after that they had declared many -reasons of great consideration, to giue them to vnderstand that it was -not conuenient to do it, but especially to religious men, who were there -as principals ouer the rest, vnto whom the king of Spaine (their lord) -himselfe both stand on foote, when as they do intreat of any matter, -although it be but of small importance; for that they are priests and -ministers of God, whom he doth worship and reuerence. - -The Insuanto with a merry countenance did answere them, that vnto that -time he vnderstood no more of them then in that he was informed by the -captaine Omoncon, and did not acknowledge them to be any other but -Castillas; without knowing wherefore they came, nor from whom, for lacke -of the letters sent from their gouernor and generall of the fielde the -first time that he spake with them; neither had he any knowledge of the -custome of their countrie, yet, notwithstanding that which hath passed -heere, without any exception of person, if they would take it in good -part, in that which is to come shall be amended: and from that day -forwards, at al times whensoeuer it were their pleasure to come of -themselues, or at such time as they were sent for, for to talke with him -as they doo vse in Castilla or Spaine, vnto such of their dignitie and -vocation, the which he granted with a very good will; although hee [did] -not grant vnto any that preheminence, no not vnto a vizroy, except he -were an ambassador sent from some king. With this resolution, and with -many other good wordes they tooke their leaue of him, and went ioyfull -and content vnto their lodgings, wheras they found the friers wearie -with entertaining of such as did visite them, and with great desire to -see them, to knowe wherefore the Insuanto did send for them, with whome -they had beene so long time. But after that they vnderstoode the effect -of the whole, and how that the gouernor did permit that they should -talke with him after their owne fashion, they were maruellously glad -thereof, and had a very good hope to conclude their pretence, wherefore -they went, and praised God for the good successe of that which they -pretended. - - - - -CHAP. XX. - - _The gouernor doth banquet the Spaniards, and - afterwards make all thinges in a redinesse for to go - vnto Aucheo, whereas the vizroy tarieth their - comming._ - - -The next day following the gouernor called a gentleman of his house vnto -him, and commanded him to go and visite the Spaniards, and to informe -himselfe of them if that they lacked any thing, as well in their -victuals as in their lodgings, and to know if they did require any thing -particular to themselues to aduise him therof, and he would furnish them -forthwith for the loue that hee bare vnto them, for their good -contractation, and for the great seruice that they had done vnto the -king in the businesse of Limahon. And also that he should in his name -inuite them for the next day folowing to dine with him in his house. -This gentleman went vnto them and accomplished his message, and the -Spaniards answered, kissing his hande for the great care hee had of -them, saying that they were furnished in all thinges aboundantly (as in -trueth they were), and how they were maruellously well lodged, cheered, -and lacked nothing, and that the great care hee had of them was -agreeable vnto the hope they had of his good presence and gentlenesse, -accepting the inuiting for the next day, the which was giuen them, and -accomplished in this forme following. - -The next day when they went vnto the pallace, which was at dinner time, -they were caried into a hall that was below in the second court, whereas -were many chaires of velvet and tables that were painted with their -frontals before; they had no table clothes on them, for that they doo -not vse any in that countrie, as hath beene told you in the first part -of this historie, neither is it needfull for their manner of feeding. In -the first chaires they caused the friers to sit downe, euery one at a -table by himselfe, and each of them other sixe tables, placed in order, -compassing rounde like a circle; then were the Spanish souldiers set in -the same manner, and each of them had fiue tables, and next vnto them -the captaine of the guard belonging vnto the gouernor, and two other -captaines, and euerie one of them had three tables; for that it is the -custome of that countrie to make a difference in the qualitie of the -guests by the number of the tables. All these were placed in circle or -compasse (as aforesaide) that they might see one another. In the midest -betwixt them there was a round compasse whereas was represented a -comedie with much pastime, and indured all the dinner time, and a good -while after. There was also great store of verie good and excellent -musicke, accompanied with gallant voyces, also iesters, with puppets and -other thinges of great pastime, to drive the time away. - -On the first table was set, to euery one of the guestes, little baskets -wrought with golde and siluer wyre, full of sweete meates made of sugar, -as marchpanes, castels, pitchers, pots, dishes, dogges, bulles, -elephants, and other things verie curious, and all guilt: besides this -there were many dishes full of flesh, as capons, hennes, geese, teales, -gamons of bacon, peeces of beef, and other sortes of flesh wherewith all -the tables were replenished, sauing that whereat they did sit to dine, -which was replenished with victuals that was dressed (for all the other -was rawe), and was of so great aboundance that there was at times more -than fiftie dishes, and they were serued with great curiositie. They had -wine of diuers sorts, and of that which they doo make in that countrie -of the palme tree, but of so great excellencie, that they founde no -lacke of that which was made of grapes. The dinner endured foure houres, -and according vnto the aboundance and diuersitie they had in victuals, -it might have indured eight houres, for it was in so good order that it -might haue beene giuen vnto any prince in the world. - -Their seruants and slaues that they brought with them at the same time, -did dine in another hal nigh vnto the same, with so great abundance as -their masters. When dinner was done, the gouernor commanded the people -to come vnto him, with whom he did talke and comon with great friendship -and good conuersation, and would not consent that they shoulde kneele -downe, neither to bee bare headed. So after that hee had made vnto them -tokens of friendshippe, and detained them a while in demaunding of many -thinges, lastly he told them that there was an order come from the -vizroy of Aucheo, that they shuld go thither with great speede, so that -it did require that they shoulde depart the next day following, for the -which they were veri glad and ioyfull, for that they had great desire -the one to see the other; and againe with him they might treate and -comon touching their comming into that countrie, and for what intent, -and for all other things needful, for that he was a man fit for their -purpose, and one wellbeloved of the king. So hee tooke his leaue of vs -with great friendship and curtesie, who did surrender the same after our -custome, putting of our cappes, and making reuerence, for the which hee -made shewe that it greatly contented him. - -At their going foorth out of the hall they found the captaine that did -dine with them, and with him many other gentlemen that tarried their -comming for to beare them company vnto their lodging; going before them -many seruants, that did carie the raw meate that was vpon the other -tables ouer and aboue that which they did eate on, the which was done -for great maiestie, and a ceremony verie much vsed in that kingdom, so -many times as they do make any banquet. - -So when they came vnto their lodging they founde that the Insuanto had -sent them a very good present, in the which was for euery one of them -four peeces of silke, and counting chestes with other thinges, and -certaine painted mantels for the seruants and slaues. So after they had -taken their leaue of the captaines and gentlemen that did beare them -companie home, they beganne with great ioy to put all thinges in order -for their iourney the next day following. - - - - -CHAP. XXI. - - _The Spaniards departe from the citie of Chincheo, and - commeth to that of Aucheo, whereas the vizroy did - tarrie their comming._ - - -The next day in the morning, before that the Spaniards were stirring, -there was within the house all thinges necessary for their iourney, as -well of little chaires as of horses and men for to carrie them and their -stuffe, the which they did with so good a will (as aforesaid) that they -did fall out and striue amongst themselues who should be the first that -should receiue their burthen. So all things being in good order they -departed, hauing in their companie the same captaine and souldiers, that -vnto that time had beene their guard, vntil they came vnto the cittie of -Aucheo whereas the vizroy was. This iourney was vnto them ioyfull, as -well for to entreate of matters touching their comming, and to be -resolued what they shuld do, as also to depart out of Chincheo whereas -they passed much trouble, by reason of the great number of people that -came for to see them, who neuer would be satisfied, and y^t was in such -extremity that some dayes at tenne of the clocke in the night the -streetes round about their lodging were full of people, and onely to see -them, which caused great trouble and heate with their rumor and presse -amongst them. This day, by reason they vnderstood that they should -depart, the prease and multitude of the people was so great, that -although they had tip staues before them to beate the people away and to -make roome, yet was it almost night before they could get out of the -citie, so that they were constrained to remaine in a towne there hard by -all night, where as by the commandement of the gouernour they were verie -well lodged, and their supper made readie in verie good order, as it was -in seauen dayes together, till such time as they came vnto Aucheo, -without taking for the same, or for anie other thing necessarie for -their sustentation, anie price or value. There went continuallie before -them a post with a prouision from the gouernour, written in a great -borde wherein was declared who they were and from whence they came, and -commanding that there should bee prouided for them all things necessarie -in abundance, vppon the king's cost, which was the occasion that so much -people came for to see them, that in the high waies they were many times -disturbed; so with great trouble, the thirde day they came vnto a citie -which was called Megoa,[27] which was sometimes the head gouernement, the -which was of fortie thousand housholds, but a great part thereof was -dispeopled; the occasion thereof they told vs (and was), that about -thirtie yeares past the Iaponese, who brought for their guides three -Chinos, who doo nowe dwell in Manilla and are become Christians, and -came vpon that cittie (to reuenge themselues of an iniurie that was done -vnto them), the which they put in execution with so great secrecie and -policie, that they made themselues lords of the citie without any -daunger or hurt vnto themselues; for that fiftie Iapones, men fit for -that purpose, did apparell themselues in Chinos apparell without being -knowne, and came vnto a gate of the cittie, whereas the souldiers that -had the charge thereof were voide of all suspition of any enimies that -woulde come, which was the occasion that their armor and weapon was not -all in a redinesse. And within a little while after that followed two -thousand, that did disembarke themselues in a secreat and vnknowne -place, and came in verie secret order because they would not be -discouered, and did beset that gate of the cittie whereas their -companions were which they sent before; who so soone as they saw them -nigh at hande, drewe out their weapons the which they caried hid vnder -their apparell, and set vpon the souldiers (that were voide of feare and -vnarmed) with so great furie and force that they being amazed were -easilie slaine, so that they were lords of the gate, whereas they left -verie good guard, and followed their victorie and made themselues lordes -of the cittie without any daunger vnto their persons, and did possesse -the same certaine dayes, and did sacke the same in spite of them all, -with great harme and losse vnto the inhabitants thereof, vntill such -time as the vizroy of Aucheo did leuie an armie togither of three score -and tenne thousande men, and went vpon them with courage for to be -reuenged on the iniurie receiued with the death of all the Iapones; but -they seeing that they coulde not defend themselues against so manie, in -one night they left the cittie and went vnto their shippes, whereas they -had left them in verie good order, and carried with them the spoile of -the cittie, leauing it beaten downe and dispopulared the greater part -thereof, in which sort the Spaniards founde it, and the iniurie receiued -so fresh in their minds as though it had beene doone the day before. - -[27] Hing-hoa. - -In this citie they were lodged in the king's house, the which was of -verie great and faire buildings; there was giuen them to dine and suppe -in very good order, and with aboundance. So soon as they came thither, -the friers remained in their lodgings, but Pedro Sarmiento and Miguel -de Loarcha went to visite the gouernor, vsing the Spanish curtesie with -him, and he receiued them with great ioy and curtesie. After they had -taken their leaue and returned vnto their lodgings, the gouernor sent to -visite them El Tyu, who is the auncientest of his counsaile, who was -with them a good while verie friendly, and offered his seruice in all -thinges that were needfull, and so departed to his house maruellously -well accompanied. - -The gouernor sent vnto the two souldiers that went to visite him, ech of -them two peeces of silke. - -At their departure from this cittie, trauelling towards Aucheo, they -passed ouer a mightie great ryuer, by a bridge all made of stone, the -goodliest and greateste that euer they had seene, whose greatness did -cause wonderful admiration, so that they stayed and did measure it from -one end to another, that it might be put amongst the wonders of that -country, which they tooke a note of. They found that it was one thousand -and three hundred foote long, and that the least stone wherewith it was -built was of seuenteene foote, and many of two and twentie foote long -and eight foote broad, and seemed vnto them a thing impossible to be -brought thither by man's art, for that all round about so farre as they -could see was plaine ground without any mountaines; by which they iudged -them to be brought from farre. When they were passed that bridge, they -trauelled al the rest of the day till night vpon a causie that was very -broad and plaine, and on both sides many victualling houses, and the -fieldes sowed with rice, wheate, and other seeds; and so full of people -as in the streetes of a good towne or cittie. - -So when they came into the suburbes of the citie of Aucheo, they founde -order and commandement from the vizroy what should be done, as more at -large shalbe declared vnto you in the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XXII. - - _The entrie of the Spaniards into the cittie of - Aucheo, and how the vizroy did entertaine and receiue - them._ - - -After they had travelled more then halfe a league in the suburbs of the -cittie of Aucheo, they met with a post that came from the vizroy, who -brought order that they should remaine in a house that was appointed for -them in the said suburbs, and there to be lodged for that night, for -that it was late and they could not come vnto the house appointed in the -cittie for them, or else peraduenture to giue content vnto many that had -great desire to see those strangers, for that they must passe thorough -the cittie, and better to bee seene in the day then in the night. So -soone as they were alighted, there came a gentleman to visite them, sent -from the vizroy to bidde them welcome, and to know howe they did with -their iourney, and also to see that they were well prouided for that -night of all things necessarie, and that in aboundance. After all the -which being done, he told them that the viceroy did verie much reioyce -of their comming; and for that it was late, and the cittie farre off, it -was his pleasure that they shoulde bee lodged that night in the suburbes -vntill the next day, then will he giue order that they may enter into -the cittie with the authoritie conuenient vnto their persons. After this -gentleman came other captaines to visite them, and brought with them -great store of conserues, wine, and fruit; which is a common custome -amongst them when that they go in the like visitation, and it is carried -by their seruants in little baskets very curiously wrought, or else in -barrels made of earth all guilt. Within two houres after their comming -thither, there came another messenger from the vizroy, with many men -laden with capons, hens, geese, teales, gamons of bacon, and conserues -of diuers sorts, and of great abundance, sufficient for one hundreth men -to sup that night and for their dinner the next day. - -The next day in the morning very early, there came much people vnto -their lodging, sent by the vizroy, and brought with them two rich -chaires for to carrie the fathers in, and the curtines tied up that they -might the better be seene, and for their companions verie good horses, -sadled after the fashion which they doo vse. They forthwith made haste -for to depart, and although they made great speed, yet were they a good -houre and a halfe before they coulde come vnto the gates of the citie, -and seemed vnto them that they had trauelled two leagues in the -suburbes; the which was so well peopled, so faire houses, and many -shoppes full of merchandise, that if it had not beene told them, they -would not haue beleeued it to be the suburbes but the cittie it selfe. - -Before they came vnto the gates, they passed a mightie riuer three -times, ouer bridges that were great and verie faire, and the riuer so -deepe that great shippes came vp the same, but their mastes stooping -downe to passe vnder the bridges. This cittie is the richest and the -best prouided that is in all the kingdome; it is the heade cittie of all -the prouince, verie rich and fertill, and manie townes belonging vnto -it, and but eight leagues from the sea, and hath mightie riuers wherein -great shippes come vp to it as aforesaide. At the enterie of the citie -they founde many gentlemen that were there at the gate tarrying their -comming, who after they had saluted the one the other after their -fashions, without anie staying they trauelled forwards on, thorough a -great and broad street that went directlie vnto the vizroy his pallace; -vpon both sides of the streete, from the gate forwards, was placed one -by another full of souldiers with their officers and ancient, euerie one -with his weapon in his hands, as pickes, hargabuses, swords and target, -all apparelled in one liverie of silke, and a bunch of fethers vppon -their crestes. They all stoode still and kept their places, and would -not consent that any should crosse the way in the streete, whereas they -went accompanied with the gentlemen. - -They had no leasure to tell the souldiers; but they sawe that from the -gate vntil they came vnto the vizroye's pallace on both sides, which was -a good way, to be full of them, and all richly apparelled and of one -colour. The people that were at the windowes and in the streete, betwixt -the houses and the soldiers, were so great a number that it seemed to -bee doomes day, and that all the people in the worlde were there ioyned -together in that streete. - -So when they came vnto the pallace, which was two houres after day, the -gentlemen that were their guides did cause the Spaniardes to enter into -a roome which was hard by, till such time as the gate was open, for that -it is open but once a day, and so continue no longer time then the -audience endureth, which is done by the uiceroy once euerie day, and -that is but a small time. But first before he doth enter into audience, -there is shot off foure peeces of artilerie, with a great noyse of -trompettes, drommes, and waites; and there is no day that passeth -without audience, as our people did see by experience so long as they -were there, and were likewise informed of others. The houre being come, -and the ceremony doone as aforesaide, the gates were opened, and there -was in the court many souldiers apparelled in the same liuerie that -those were of in the streete. - -From the middest amongst them came forth a gentleman, who was, as it was -told them, the captaine of the garde of the viceroy, who came with great -grauitie and authoritie towards the place whereas our people were, and -after they had saluted the one the other, he made signes vnto them that -they should go towardes the gates of the pallace. When they were within -the first court, the which was great and wrought with mightie pillers, -there was a great number of souldiers, and many sergeants that entred -into an other great covrt, and mounted vp a paire of stayres that was on -the one side, whereas all the people were with great silence, sauing the -captaine of the garde, who went with our people till they came to the -gates of the hall whereas was the viceroy, at which gate he staied with -his head discouered, and made signes vnto ours that they should doo the -like, and to tarrie there till such time as hee had aduised the viceroy -of their comming, and he to command them to enter. - - - - -CHAP. XXIII. - - _The Spaniardes haue audience of the viceroy of - Aucheo, and are visited of some of the principall - officers, who declare vnto them certaine thinges of - that citie._ - - -Then straightwayes came foorth of the hall a man apparelled in a long -robe, of good personage, and asked of the Spaniards if they would speake -with the viceroy, and they answered, yea: then asked he again from whom -they came and by whom they were sent; they answered y^t they were sent -by the gouernor of Philippinas, who was seruant vnto the mightiest king -in all Christendome. When he had this answere he returned againe into -the hall, and within a little while after he came forth and bad them -come in, but gaue them to vnderstand that in entring into the hall -wheras the viceroy was y^t they should kneele downe, and talke with him -in that order till he commanded to the contrarie; if they would vse this -ceremony that then they should come in, if not that they shold returne -back againe. They who were certified thereof by the gouernor of Chincheo -did not stand therein, but saide y^t they would observe the order giuen -vnto them. Therewith he went in, who seemed to be the master of -ceremonies, making a signe that they should follow after him and doo -that which he willed them to do. - -At the entring in at the doore they stayed a little, and then kneeled -downe right oueragainst there whereas the uiceroye sate in a chaire -verie high like vnto a throne, with a table before him, and was in so -darke a place that almost they coulde not see his face verie well. On -the one side of him there were some like unto heraldes of armes, with -sceptres in their handes, and on the other side two men of a gallant -comlinesse armed with corselets made of skales of golde downe to the -cafe of their legges, with bowes in their handes of golde, and quiuers -at their backes of the same. Both the one and the other were vpon their -knees. There was vpon the table before him paper and all thinges -necessarie to write, which is an ordinarie vse amongest them at all -times when there is anye publike audience, and on the one side of the -borde a lion made of blacke woode, which was (as after they vnderstoode) -the armes of that prouince. So straightwayes he made signes unto them to -drawe neare, which they did, and kneeled downe a little from the table -which was whereas the master of ceremonies did will them. In this sort -they beganne to talke with him by their interpreter, and tolde them the -occasion of their comming into that citie and kingdome, and from whom -and vnto whome they were sent. But hee made signes vnto them that they -should arise, the which they did with a verye good will, and did -perseuer in their intent. But the uiceroye did cut them off before they -coulde make an ende, and asked if they had brought any letter from their -king vnto the king his lorde, whome they would goe to see and talke -with? but when they answered no, hee straightwayes took his leaue of -them, saying that they were welcome, and that they should depart vnto -their lodginges and to take their ease, for that afterwardes they should -haue occasion to declare their minds vnto him, and hee would giue them -their answere, for that the king was farre of, and it requireth a long -time to come whereas he is, but he would write vnto him, and according -vnto his commandement he would make them answere. And therwith he tooke -the letter, and the memoriall of the present, and commanded in his -presence to put about the neckes of the friers, in manner of a scarfe, -to eyther of them sixe peeces of silke, and vnto the souldiers their -companions, and vnto Omoncon and Sinsay, each of them foure peeces, and -to euerye one of their seruantes two a peece, and to giue vnto the two -fryers and the souldiers, Omoncon and Sinsay, euerie one of them two -branches of siluer, which is a thing vsed in that countrie vnto them -that haue doone some woorthie deede, as hath beene tolde you before. - -So with the silke about their neckes, and with the branches in their -hands, they returned out of the hall and downe the staires the way they -came, and so through the court into the streetes, from whence they saw -them shut the court gate with so great a noyse as when they did open it. -From thence, at the request of Omoncon and Sinsay, they went vnto the -house of Totoc, who is the captaine generall of all the men of warre, -and vnto the house of Cagnitoc, who is the chiefe standard bearer: their -houses were nigh the one the other, very faire and great. They found -them with as great maiestie as the viceroy, and in the same order, with -a table before them, and had on ech side of them armed souldiers -kneeling on their knees. Yet did they not vse our men with the curtesie -that the viceroy vsed, to cause them to stand vp, which was the occasion -that straightwayes they made a showe that they would depart and be gone, -complayning of Omoncon and Sinsay for that they did carrie them thether, -and tolde them with anger that the gouernour of Manilla did intreate -them in a different sort, who was there resident for the mightiest -prince in all the worlde, and they but easie marchants; neither was -their going thether to be equalled vnto the benefite that they came -thether for. This discontent the which they receiued, was the occasion -that they would not go to make any more visitations, although the sayde -Omoncon and Sinsay, for their owne interest, would haue carried them to -the houses of other officers and gentlemen of the court. But they made -signes vnto those that were their guides to direct their way vnto their -lodgings, for that they would goe to eate somewhat and to take their -ease, the which was ordayned in a great house of the kinges, there -whereas ordinarily the iudges doo sit to heare matters of iustice. - -[Sidenote: A citie of three hundred thousand housholds.] - -[Sidenote: A citie bigger then the other, and requireth three daies to -go from one gate to an other.] - -[Sidenote: Seuentie leagues compasse.] - -So at their comming thether they founde all their stuffe in good order, -and their dinner marueilous well prouided, and the whole house hanged -and trimmed as though it had beene for the kings owne person, with many -wayting men and souldiers, those which did gard them both day and night, -and hanging at the doore two tables or bordes (commanded by the -viceroy), wheron was written who they were that were there lodged, and -from whence they came, and wherefore, and that none whosoeuer should be -so hardie as to offer them any wrong or disturbance, vpon paine to be -for the same offence seuerely punished. In this house they were more in -quiet than in anie other place whereas they had been, neyther did the -people giue them so much trouble, by reason of the great care which the -iudges had in putting order for the same, by the commandement of the -viceroy; yet was it the greatest towne and most populed of all that -prouince (although in other prouinces there be that be much bigger), and -is affirmed that the citie of Taybin or Suntiem (there whereas the king -and his court is resident) hath three hundreth thousande housholds, and -yet there is a bigger citie in the kingdome, called Lanchin, which -requireth three dayes to go from one gate to an other, and is in -compasse more then seuentie leagues, the which is not far distant from -Canton, that which the Portingalles hath great notice of. But of -certaine there is very much spoken of the mightinesse of this citie, and -I my selfe haue heard reported and affirmed to bee of a trueth, by men -of authoritie that haue beene in the citie of Canton, religious fryers -of the order of Iesus or Iesuites, to whom ought to be giuen credite. - -[Sidenote: The wall of the citie is fiue fadam high and foure broad.] - -This citie of Aucheo hath a verie faire and strong wall made of stone, -which is fiue fadam high and foure fadam brode, the which was measured -many times by our people, for that they had a gate out of their lodging -that did open to the same. This wall is all couered ouer with tiles to -defende the rayne water fro hurting of it, which could not to the -contrarie but receiue damage, for that there is no lyme vsed in the -whole wall. They haue not one castle in all this citie, neyther is there -any vsed in all that kingdome; for all their force and strength is in -their gates, the which be made very strong, with a double wall within -verie broade, betwixt the which are continually many souldiers, such as -do keepe watch and ward both day and night. - -[Sidenote: The citie double mooted.] - -Upon these gates they haue much ordinance, but verie ill wrought (I -meane such as were seene by our men); yet they do say that in other -places they haue excellent good and verie curiously wrought. The whole -wall is full of bartilmentes, and thereon written the names of such -souldiers as are bound to repayre thether in the time of necessitie. At -euerie hundreth paces they haue lodginges, the which are very huge and -great: there whereas in the time of necessitie doo remaine and dwell -their captaynes, so long as their troubles doo indure. All the wall is -fortified with two great mots or ditches, the one within and the other -without, the which they doo fill at all times when they please by -sluces, which they haue from the riuer for the same purpose, and doo -serue of water almost all the houses in the citie, whereas they haue -their stanges for the most part full of fish. This mightie citie is -situated in a great plaine, and compassed round about with mightie -rockes and mountaines, which is the occasion that it is not so -healthfull; and the inhabitants saye, that it is by reason of the -mountaines, and many times it is ouerflowen in the winter by spring -tides from the riuer. And in that yeare that this doth happen, it doth -destroy and ruinate a great part of the city, as it was at that time -when our people did see it, for y^t in the winter before they were -troubled with these great tides, which did them much harme. - -Now to returne to our purpose, you shall vnderstand that in the kinges -house aforesaide, our people remained all the time that they were in -this citie, wheras they were made much of, and visited by the principall -of the same, but in especiall of the viceroy, who the verie same day did -send to inuite them for the next day following, who made vnto them a -famous banket, as you shall vnderstand in this chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XXIV. - - _The viceroy doth banket our people in his owne house - two daies, one after the other._ - - -[Sidenote: A strange ceremonie.] - -The next day after that our people came into the citie, the uiceroy did -sende to inuite them to dinner to his owne house, whereas he made them a -great banket in the forme following. At their comming vnto the pallace -there came foorth a great number of gentlemen, seruantes vnto the -viceroy, to bid them welcome, with great store of musicke and tokens of -mirth. Being entred into the first court, they brought them into a -mightie hall that was marueilously well trimmed, wherein was a great -number of tables, set in such order as they were in the banket that was -made them by the gouernour of Chincheo (as hath beene tolde you), -although in the number and furniture did far excell the other. But -before they did sit down, there came vnto them two captaines, principall -men, vnto whom the viceroy had committed the charge of the banket, to -doo all things in his name, for that it is a custome in that kingdome, -that noble men must not be present in their bankets they make. So the -charge was giuen vnto them to make them be mery, and to bid his guests -welcome. When they came vnto them they vsed great curtesie, and passed -away the time in gallant discourses, till it was time to go to dinner, -and that they began to bring in their victuals. Then before they did sit -downe, the captaines did take ech of them a cup in his hande, in maner -of a sorlue,[28] as they do vse, and being full of wine they went -together whereas they might discouer the heauen, and offered it vnto the -sunne and vnto the saints of heauen, adding thereunto many words of -prayers: but principally they did request that the comming of their newe -guestes might be profitable vnto them all, and that the friendship which -they did pretende to establish, might be for good both vnto the one and -to the other. This their oration and prayer being done, they did spill -out the wine, making a great courtesie; then were they straightwayes -filled againe, and making reuerence vnto their guestes euerie one by -himselfe, they set the cuppes downe vpon the tables whereas the fathers -should dine, whereas they were set euerie one by himselfe. This being -doone, the first seruice was set vppon the bordes, and the captaines -were set at other tables, which were not so many in number, nor so well -furnished nor dressed as the other: the dinner was famous and of manie -diuersities of meates, exceeding verie much that which was made them by -the gouernor of Aucheo. - -[28] We have not met with this word elsewhere, the Spanish word is -_salva_, occasionally, and probably here, used for _salvilla_, a saucer. - -The time which the banket indured (which was verie late) there was great -store of musicke of diuers instrumentes, as of vials, gitterns, and -rebuckes, and with them many iesters, did make them merry at their -dinner. The which being done, the saide captaines did beare their guests -companie out of the pallace, whereas they did anew inuite them to dinner -for the next day in the same hall: they obeying their request did come, -wheras was made vnto them a banket more famous than the first. - -[Sidenote: Comedies vsed amongest them.] - -[Sidenote: Tomblers.] - -[Sidenote: The argument of their comedie.] - -This day at the banket was present the Totoc, hee whome they visited the -first day, came in his owne house, and founde with so great maiestie. -Likewise there dyned with them the captaynes that were at the first -banket. In this seconde banket they had, as the day before, verie much -musicke, and a comedie that indured long, with manie pretie and merrie -iestes: there was also a tombler, who did his feates verie artificially, -as well in vauting in the ayre as vppon a staffe that two men did hold -on their shoulders. Before the comedie did beginne, was tolde them by -their interpreter the signification thereof, that the better they might -content themselues in the conceiuing, whose argument was, that in times -past, there was in that countrie manie mightie and valiant men. But -amongest them all, there was in particular three brethren that bid -exceede all the rest that euer were in mightinesse and valiantnesse. The -one of them was a whiteman, the other was ruddish or hie coloured, and -the third blacke. The ruddish being more ingenious, and of better -industrie, did procure to make his white brother king, the which -iudgement was agreeable vnto the rest. Then they altogether did take -away the kingdome from him that did at that time raigne, who was called -Laupicono, an effeminate man and verie vicious. This they did represent -verie gallantly, with garmentes verie meete for those personages. - -The banket and play beeing finished, according as they did the day -before, the captaynes did beare them companie till they were out of the -pallace, and from thence they went vnto their lodgings, with their -ordinarie companie appointed by the viceroy, which was that captaine -that we haue spoken of, with his souldiers, who neither night nor day -dooth not depart from their garde. - - - - -CHAP. XXV. - - _The Spaniards do carie their present vnto the - viceroy, who, hauing receiued it at the hands of - Omoncon, doth seale it and sende it vnto the king: our - men bee forbidden to goe foorth of their houses to see - any thing in the citie: and it doth intreat of other - particular things._ - - -The same night our men did common amongst themselues, to see if it were -good presently to giue order to put in vre the thing they came for: -seeing that they might treat therof with the uiceroy, he being a man -that shewed vnto them so much fauour and good will. So in conclusion -they were all resolued, that straightwayes the next daye in the morning, -shoulde goe vnto him Michaell de Loarcha and Peter Sarmiento, and carrie -vnto him the present which they brought, and to haue with them to beare -them company Omoncon and Sinsay; and being presented, to request that -hee would appoint a day when they might goe and talke with him about -principall matters. - -This accorde they put in execution according vnto their determination, -and the two souldiers went and carried the present as it was agreed. So -they came vnto the pallace, and hauing tarried till such time as they -opened the gates of the audience (which was with the ceremony spoken of -in the 22. chapter), it was tolde vnto the viceroy that the Castillos -were there and had brought a present, who incontinent saide that as then -he could not talke with them; but that the captaine Omoncon and Sinsay -should enter in with the present, and that they should returne vnto -their lodginges, for that he had a care to call them when that -opportunitie did serue, to intreat of all things to their pleasure. They -did as they were commaunded, and those who carried the present in, did -afterwarde giue our people to vnderstand all that had passed with them; -saying that in opening the present, there was a note thereof taken -before a notarie, and straightwayes commanded to bee put in againe, -where it was taken out before the sayde notarie and other witnesses; the -which being done he sealed it vp, and sent it vnto the citie of Taybin -vnto the king and his counsell, and therewith that which the gouernour -of Chincheo did sende him, as shall be tolde you: for that they haue a -rigorous lawe in that kingdome, that dooth prohibite all such as haue -any office of gouernement to receiue any present, of what qualitie so -euer it be, without lycence of the king or of his counsell, vpon paine -to be depriued of bearing anie office all the dayes of their liues, and -to bee banished and condemned to weare red bonnets (as wee haue declared -the effect thereof). - -This is conformable vnto that which the gouernor of Chincheo did, in the -presence of our people, at such time as they went to take their leaue of -him for to goe vnto Aucheo, which was, that in their presence they -commanded to take foorth all that they brought him in present; and -shewing it vnto them peece by peece, he asked if it were that which they -had brought, and they aunswered that it was the same (although it was -with troubled mindes), beleeuing that it was to checke them because it -was so small in respect of their mightinesse: he asked them if there -lacked any thing? they answered, No: then straightwayes he commanded to -put it againe where as it was taken out in their presence, and before a -notarie and witnesses: the which being doone, was mailed and sealed and -so sent vnto the viceroy of Aucheo in their companie, and saide that hee -could not receiue it without the licence aforesaid. - -So our souldiers seeing that they could not be suffered to enter in -with the present, they tooke it for a great discourtesie and disfauour, -and therewith departed vnto their lodging, to giue the fathers to -vnderstande thereof, who liked not well thereof; but yet they concluded -amongest themselues to suffer for a while, and to commit vnto God the -direction thereof, as it best may be for his holy seruice. - -The next day following, the viceroy did send to visite them, and to aske -of them a sword, a hargubush, and a flaske; for that he would cause -others to be made by them; the which they did send, and afterwards -vnderstood that they had counterfeited the same, although not in so -perfect manner. - -[Sidenote: All things good cheape.] - -Then after a time, our people seeing that their beeing in that citie -seemed to be long and like to be longer, they did procure to driue away -the time in the best manner they could, and went abroad into the citie -and did buy eyther of them that which they thought best. Whereof they -found great abundance, and of so small price that they bought it almost -for nothing. - -They bought many bookes that did intreat of diuerse matters, which they -brought with them to the ilands (as appeareth more at large in the -chapter for the same). - -[Sidenote: 111 idols in one chappell.] - -The next day they went to see the gates of the citie, and all such -curious thinges as were to be seene so farre as they could learne or -vnderstande, which were many. But amongst them all they sawe a sumptuous -temple of their idolles, in whose chiefe chappell they counted one -hundred and eleuen idols, besides a great number more that were in other -particular chappels; all were of carued worke, verie well proportioned -and gilted, but in especiall three of them that were placed in the -middest of all the rest, the one had three heads proceeding out of one -bodie, the one looking on the other in full face. The second was the -forme of a woman, with a childe in her armes; the third, of a man -apparelled after the forme and fashion that the Christians doo paint -the Apostles. Of all the rest, some had foure armes, and some had sixe, -and other eight, and other some marueilous deformed monsters. Before -them they had burning lamps, and many sweete parfumes and smelles, but -in especiall before the three aboue specified. - -But when that the viceroy did vnderstande that our people did go viewing -the citie gates and temples (and perceiueth that they that gaue him the -notice did suspect it that it was to some ill intent), therewith he -straightwayes commanded that they should not goe foorth out of their -lodging without his licence: and likewise commanded the captaine that -was their garde not to consent thereunto as he had done, and likewise -that none should carrie them any thing for to sell, for he that did it -should be punished with whipping. Yet notwithstanding, they had euerie -day verie sufficient necessaries for their personages, in such ample -wise that there did alwayes remaine, and not lacke. - -In this closenesse and keeping in they suffered many dayes with much -sadnesse, and oppressed with melancholick humors, to see that their -purpose wherefore they went thether seemed to be long, and euerie day -was worse and worse. Yet notwithstanding they did passe it ouer in the -best wise they could, in committing it with heartie zeale vnto God, for -whose honor and glorie they did attempt that voyage, and prayed vnto him -for to mooue their hearts to consent that the religious fathers might -remeine in that countrie for to learne the language (as they had begun -many daies before), by which meanes their soules might be saued, and -clearely deliuered from the tyrannie of the diuell, who of truth had -them in possession. So after many dayes that they had remained in that -close estate as aforesaide, they determined for to goe and talke with -the viceroy, and to bee fully resolued either to tarry or returne from -whence they came. They straightwayes did put it in vre, and what ensued -thereof you shall vnderstande in the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XXVI. - - _The Spaniardes talke with the viceroy, and not being - svffered, they do write to him a letter, and he doth - answere it by word of mouth, with other particular - matters._ - - -It hath been declared vnto you, that the same day y^t the Spaniardes did -talke with the viceroy, he asked them if they had brought any letter for -their king, they answered, No: he told them that he would write vnto the -court, and hauing answere, they should be fully satisfied of their -pretence and demaund. - -But they seeing that his answere was long a comming, and great delaye -made therein, and that they had them as halfe prisoners, they determined -to go and speake with the viceroy to be fully satisfied of his -determinate will and pretence, and to haue some order eyther to goe vnto -the court, or to remaine in that citie, or else to returne vnto the -ilands, and there to tarrie the time till it pleased God to open a gate -in that kingdome, wherein might enter his holy gospell. - -With this then pretended purpose, they did perswade with their captaine -to permit them so much libertie as for to go and speake with the -viceroy, who for that hee bare them loue and good will did consent -therevnto. So they went, but when they came thether they that kept the -gates would not consent y^t they should enter, which was the occasion -that they returned vnto their lodgings verie sad and sorrowfull, and -almost without any hope to bring their matter to passe, for the which -they went thether; for that it seemed vnto them, although they did -plainely declare vnto them their pretence, yet did they worke in such -order for to cause them to depart. In this order they remained in the -citie certaine daies, and for to conclude either to stay there or depart -the kingdome they were resolute; and determined to write a letter vnto -the viceroy, and therein to giue him to vnderstand particularly that -their comming thether into y^e countrie was to intreat that betwixt them -and the Castillos there should be peace and friendship, and being -concluded that their souldiers should with that newes depart vnto the -islandes from whence they came, to giue the gouernor to vnderstand -therof, and they to remaine in that countrie preaching y^e holy gospell. -They could finde none that would write this letter for them, although -they would haue payed them very well for their paines. Till in the end, -by great request and prayings, the captaine Omoncon did write it for -them, and straightwaies departed vnto the citie of Ampin that was not -farre off, making an excuse for to go and see the visitor of the -prouince, whom they doo call Sadin: he would very faine haue carried -with him two of our people, y^t he might haue seene them, but none would -go with him. This iourney which Omoncon made, hee did it to put away the -suspition they might conceiue that he did write the letter, if that -peraduenture the viceroy would take it in ill part. - -[Sidenote: People in great subiection.] - -Their letter being written, they found great difficulty in the sending -the same, for that there was none that would carrie it, neyther would -they consent that our men should enter into the pallace to deliuer it. -But in conclusion, what with requestes and giftes, they perswaded their -captayne of their gard to carrie it, who did deliuer the same vnto the -viceroye, in name of the Castillos, saying that hee tooke it of them to -bring it vnto him, for that they did certifie him that it was a thing -that did import verie much. Hauing read the letter, hee answered that he -would giue the king to vnderstande thereof, as he saide at the first -time. And in that touching the fryers remayning in that countrie to -preach, at that time he could make them no answere, for that in such -matters it was first requisite to haue the good will of the royall -counsell. Yet would hee make answere vnto the letter they brought from -the gouernour of Manilla, and that they might depart, and returne againe -at such time as they brought Limahon, prisoner or dead; the which being -done, then shall the friendshippe be concluded which they doo pretende, -and to remaine and preach at their will. With this answere they remained -without all hope to remayne there, and did incontinent prepare -themselues for to depart from Manilla, and bought manie bookes to carie -with them, wherein was comprehended all the secrets of that kingdome; by -reason whereof they might giue large notice vnto the royall maiestie of -King Phillip. The which being vnderstoode by the viceroy, who had set -spies to watch their doings, did sende them worde that they should not -trouble themselues in the buying of bookes, for that hee would giue them -freely all such bookes as they would desire to haue: the which -afterwardes he did not accomplish: whether it was for forgetfulnesse or -other occasion, as wee haue more at large declared vnto you, we know -not: yet did the uiceroy send and demanded to see some of those bookes -that the fryers had bought; who after that he had seene them, did -returne them againe, and requested of them some writing of their owne -handes, who did accomplish his request, and sent them written in Spanish -and in their own language, the Lords Prayer, the Aue Maria, and the Ten -Commandements, who according vnto the relation of him that did carrie -the same, saide, that after hee had reade it, he made showes that he -receiued great content therewith, and said that all which was there -written was good. - -In the time that they stayed in this citie, amongst all other things -that they vnderstoode to driue away the time was one, it was giuen them -to vnderstande that in one of the prisons, there was a Portingale -prisoner, who was taken in a shippe of the Iapones with others of his -nation, who were all dead in the prison, and none left aliue but he -alone. Our people being verie desirous for to see him, and to learne of -him some secrets of that countrie, for that he had beene there a great -while, they did procure to talke with him, asking licence of the supreme -iudge and lieutenant vnto the viceroy, who did not onely refuse to grant -it them, but did make diligent inquirie who they were that did giue them -to vnderstande thereof, for to punish them, which without all doubt -should be executed with sharpe and seuere punishment. Yet our people -would neuer tell them of whom they had it, although it was demanded of -them diuerse times, and with great intreatie. They had so great desire -to know it, that they did vse all meanes possible as it appeared in the -boldnesse of their demandes. - - - - -CHAP. XXVII. - - _There came newes vnto Aucheo that there was a rouer - vpon the coast of Chincheo, which did much harme, and - had sacked a towne. The viceroy doth suspect him to be - Limahon, and how that our people, with Omoncon and - Sinsay, had not declared vnto him the truth._ - - -[Sidenote: Suspition of euill.] - -The Spaniards remained in the citie of Aucheo twentie days, in the order -as hath been told you, without any hope that the religious fathers -should remaine in that countrie for to preach the holy gospell, which -was the principall occasion of their going into that kingdome. Upon a -suddaine there came newes vnto the citie that the rouer Limahon was vpon -the coast of Chincheo, vsing his olde accustomed cruelties, and how that -he had spoiled and robbed a towne vpon the sea coast. This newes was -throughout all the citie, and appeared to be true, touching the effect -of the dead: yet false touching the person, for that the rouer was -called Taocay, an enimie and contrarie vnto Limahon, but a friend vnto -Vintoquian, of whom we haue spoken of. But thereupon the viceroy and -all them of the citie were conformable in the suspition that they had -receiued, which was, that our people were come into that kingdome vpon -some euill pretence, and to see the secrets thereof, to some euil end, -which was the occasion y^t from that time forwards they shewed them not -so good countenance as they did before. - -These newes was not so soone come, but straightwayes the viceroy did -send for Omoncon (who was then returned from his visiting) and Sinsay, -vnto whom he had done courtesie, and giuen them the title of loytias and -captaynes, and he did reprehende them verie sharpely for that they had -brought ouer people thether, and sayde that they had tolde him a lye in -saying that Limahon was besieged in such sort that hee coulde not -escape, neither had the Castillos burnt his shippes, and howe that all -was but a made matter amongest themselues, and howe that the captaines -which they brought, and sayde that they had taken from Limahon, they had -robbed from other places, with other wordes in the same order, and said -that the Spaniardes were spyes that came to discouer the secretes and -strength of the kingdome, and how that they had brought them thether by -force of giftes that they had giuen them. - -They answered him with great humilitie in saying that in all that which -they had sayd they did speake the trueth, and that it should appeare at -such time as the newes of the rouer should be better knowen, the which, -if it shall appeare to be contrary, they were there readie for to suffer -whatsoeuer punishment y^t shold be giuen them. The viceroy being -somewhat satisfied with this their iustification, bad them to depart, -remitting all things vnto time for the true declaration thereof. Then -Omoncon and Sinsay came straightwayes to giue y^e Spaniards to -vnderstand of all that had passed with the viceroy, and what they -vnderstoode of him, which caused in them so great feare, y^t for the -time which it endured (which was till such time as they vnderstoode the -truth as aforesaide) they paied very well for their feasts and bankets -the which they had made them. All this happened in the time that Omoncon -and Sinsay were at variance, and spake many iniurious words the one of -y^e other, discouering their intents and deuises, whereby it plainely -appeared that in al y^t which they had tolde vnto the viceroy, they -lied, but in especiall Omoncon. Sinsay did dissemble, for hee sayde and -tolde vnto all people, that by his order and industrie our people did -fire the shippes of Lymahon, and beseiged him, with other speeches in -the like sort; yet twentie dayes before his comming thether, all was -ended and doone, as appeared. The occasion of their enimitie and falling -out, was for that the viceroy had giuen vnto Omoncon a title and charge -of more honor then vnto Sinsay, hauing made betwixt them a consort that -the reward or dignitie should be equally deuided betwixt them, and that -the one should speake of the other the best they could, because the -viceroy should do them friendship. This condition and consort (as -appeareth) was euill performed, by Omoncon being addicted vnto selfe -loue, and seemed vnto him that Sinsay did not deserue so much as he did, -for that hee was a base man, and of the sea, and he of the more -nobilitie, and had the office of a captaine. All this which I haue said, -was the occasion y^t the truth came to light betwixt them, and to cause -the viceroye to suspect, that as they lyed in this, they might also -fable in the burning of the ships and besieging of Limahon. - - - - -CHAP. XXVIII. - - _The gouernours of the prouince do assemble together, - to intreat of the Spaniardes business, and are - resolved that they should returne vnto the ilandes. - They do see many curious thinges before their - departure._ - - -With this griefe and care remained the Spaniards certaine daies, kept -close in their lodgings, and were not visited so often as they were when -they first came thether, which did augment verie much their feare, till -such time as they vnderstoode that the viceroy, eyther of his owne good -will or else by some particular order from the king and his counsell, -had called together all the gouernours of that prouince of Aucheo to -intreat of matters touching Limahon, as also in particular why and -wherefore the Spaniardes came thether, and to resolue themselues wholly -in all things requisite for the same. So when that they were all come -together, which was in a short time, and amongst them the gouernor of -Chincheo, who by an other name was called Insuanto, they had particular -meetings together with the uiceroye, in the which they were all agreed -to haue a generall meeting, whereunto should bee called the Castillos, -and to demande of them in publike audience the cause of their comming -(although notwithstanding they had giuen to vnderstand thereof vnto the -Insuanto and vizroy), and being hearde, to giue them their answere -according as they had determined: for the which vppon a day appointed -they met all togither (but not the vizroy) in the house of the Cagontoc, -and commanded to come before them the Castillas, who did accomplish -their request with a great good will, for that they vnderstoode that -they were called to entreat of their matter, either to tarry or depart. -So when they came thither, they were commanded to enter into a mighty -hall, whereas they were all set in verie rich chaires, with great -grauitie and maiestie. The Insuanto seemed to bee the chiefest among -them, but whether it was for that hee was the principallest next vnto -the vizroy (or as it was tolde them), for that it was he that sent -Omoncon in the chase of the rouer Limahon, they knew not; but so soone -as they were entred into the hall, they were commanded to drawe nigh -there whereas they were all placed, without bidding them to sit downe, -neither did they vse any particular circumstances or curtesie. - -The Insuanto tooke vpon him the charge, and demanded of the Spaniards -(by meanes of the interpreter) what was the occasion of their comming -into that country, and to declare their pretence, for that they would -giue vnto them the resolute will of the vizroy, at whose commandment -they were called and there assembled togither. The Spaniards answered -vnto their request, and said that their comming thither was to treat -with them peace and friendship, by the order of the gouernor of y^e -Philippinas, who had his authority from the king of Spaine, with a -particular charge euer since the said islands were discouered, who in -all thinges that possible hath beene, haue shewed themselues, not onely -in words but in deedes, as vnto this day the gouernor dooth accomplish -the same, in ransoming all such Chinos as they can finde, or come vnto -their powers, and send them home free into their countrie with giftes, -and not in this only, but in other matters, which is not vnknowne vnto -them: and more, that which lastly had happened in the destruction of the -fleete, and the besieging of the rouer Limahon, with which newes they -came thither to intreate and conclude betweene them and the Castillas a -perpetuall friendship: this was the principall occasion of their -comming, the which if they coulde bring it to passe (as a thing that did -accomplish both the one and the other), they would with y^e same newes -send word with the souldiers (who came with them for the same effect) -vnto the gouernor of Manilla, who sent vs thither for that he might -send the good successe thereof to the king of Spaine, and there to -remaine in such place as they woulde appoint them to studie the learning -of the language, and to preach and declare to them y^e holy gospell, -which was the right way vnto the salvation of their soule. Unto all the -which they gaue attentiue eare, although with little desire to see the -experience, as appeared; for that the chiefest matter in effect they did -let passe, and asked of them in what order they left the rouer Limahon, -and whether hee might escape or not, and other questions touching the -same matter, which endured a good while without touching of anie other -matter in effect. The Spaniards answered as they thought, and supposed -that at that time it could not be, but that he was either taken prisoner -or slaine. - -Then did the Insuanto conclude his speech in saying vnto them, that they -should returne vnto their owne country to the ilands; and at such time -as they did bring Limahon, they woulde conclude all things touching the -friendship they requested, as also for the preaching of the gospell. - -So with this last resolution they tooke their leaue and went vnto their -lodging, with pretence not to speake more of that matter, for that they -sawe it booted out: after they had giuen their censure: and againe, as -they vnderstood it was by speciall order from the king and his -counsaile; and therewith they beganne to put all thinges in good for -their departure, the which they greatly desired, for that they saw -little fruite to proceede of their great labour and trauell, as also to -see themselues cleare of that manner of prison in the which they were, -not to go forth of their lodgings without express licence. - -So from that day forwards they did procure with all haste for to depart, -and gaue the vizroy to vnderstande thereof; who answered them and saide, -that they should comfort themselues and receiue ioy and pleasure, and -that he would dispatch them so soone as the visitor of that prouince -was come to Aucheo, which would be within tenne dayes, for that hee had -written vnto him that he should not dispatch them vntil his comming, for -that he would see them. - -From that day forwards hee commaunded that sometimes they should let -them go forth abrode to recreate themselues, and that they should shew -vnto them some particular pleasure or friendship. So one of them was -carried to see the mustering of their men of warre, which they haue in a -common custome throughout all the kingdome to doo at the first day of -the newe moone, and is sure a thing to be seene: and they doo it in the -field which is ioyning vnto the wals of the citie, in this manner -following. - -[Sidenote: The vse of their mustering.] - -[Sidenote: Souldiers are punished.] - -There were ioyned togither litle more or less then 20 thousand -souldiers, pickemen and hargabus shot, who were so expert, that at the -sounde of the drum or trumpet, they straightwayes put themselues in -battle aray, and at another sound in a squadron, and at another the shot -doo deuide themselues from the rest, and discharge their peeces with -very gallant and good order, and with a trice put themselues againe into -their places or standings: this being doone, the picke men came foorth -and gaue the assalt altogether with so good order and consort, that it -seemed vnto the Spaniards that they did excel al the warlike orders vsed -in all the world: and if it were so that their stomacks and hardinesse -were equall vnto their dexteritie and number of people, it were an easie -thing for them to conquer the dominion of all the world. If it so chance -that any souldier should lacke in his office, and not repaire to his -place appointed, he is straightwayes punished very cruelly, which is the -occasion that euerie one of them hath a care vnto his charge. - -[Sidenote: Their mustering is one throughout the whole kingdome.] - -This their muster endured foure houres, and it was certified vnto the -Spaniards that the same day and houre it is done in all cities and -townes throughout all the whole kingdome, although they are without -suspection of enimies. - -Fiue and twentie dayes after that the Insuanto had giuen the resolute -answere vnto the Spaniards, came the visitor thither: and the whole -citie went forth to receiue him, who entred in with so great maiestie, -that if they had not knowne who hee was, they could not haue beene -perswaded but that he had beene the king. - -So the next day following the Spaniards went to visite him, for dueties -sake, as also for that he had a desire to see them. They found him in -his lodging, where he began to make visitation of the cittie. - -In their courtes were an infinite number of people, which came thither -with petitions and complaintes, but in the halles within, there was none -but his seruants and sergeants. When that any came for to present his -petition, the porter that was at the entrie made a great noise, in -manner of an o. est.,[29] for that it was a good way from the place -whereas the visitor did sit; then commeth forth straight wayes one of -his pages, and taketh the petition and carrieth it vnto him. At this -time it was told him how that the Castillas were there: hee commaunded -that they should enter, and talked with them a few words, but with great -curtesie, and all was touching the imprisonment of Limahon, without -making any mention of their departure or tarrying. So after a while that -he had beholded them and their apparel, hee tooke his leaue of them, -saying, that by reason of the great businesse he had in that visitation, -he could not shewe them any curtesie, neither to vnderstande of them -what their request and desire was; but gaue them great thankes for their -curtesie shewed, in that they woulde come to visite him. Hee was set in -the same visitation after the same manner and order as they founde the -gouernor of Chincheo, and the vizroy, with a table before him, with -paper, ynke, and other thinges readie to write, the which, according as -it was giuen them to vnderstand, is a common vse in all y^e kingdome, -vsed with all iudges, whether it be for sentence of death, or other -matters of iustice, as hath beene told you many times before. - -[29] These words, "in manner of an o. est," are supplied by the -translator, and would seem to be intended for the crier's exclamation of -"Oyez." - -Three dayes after the visitor was come thither, the Insuanto departed -for his owne house, with order that with all speede possible he should -ordaine shippes wherin the Castillas should returne vnto the -Philippinas. - -[Sidenote: Superstition.] - -Likewise the same day, all those that were there assembled by the order -of the vizroy departed vnto their owne houses. And the Spaniards were -commanded for to stay vntill the full of the moone, which should bee the -twentieth of August, and that day they shoulde take their leaue of them: -for on that day amongst them it is holden for good to beginne any thing -whatsoeuer. Wherein they do vse great superstition, and doo make many -banquets, as vppon new yeares day, as hath beene tolde diffusedly. - -The day before y^e departure of y^e Spaniards, there came some in -behalfe of the vizroy to inuite them, and made them banquet in the order -and fashion as at first: although this (for that it was at their -departure) was more sumptuous, wherein was represented a comedie which -was very excellent and good, whose argument was first declared vnto them -as followeth. - -There was a young man newly married, and there chanced difference -betwixt him and his wife; hee determined to go vnto certaine warres, the -which was ordained in a countrie not farre from that whereas he dwelled: -whose acts and deeds was therein so valorous, that the king did shewe -him great fauour, and being fully certified of his worthinesse, he sent -him for chief captaine of the most importunate enterprises that might -bee offered, who did accomplish his charge with conclusion thereof with -great content and satisfaction to the king and his counsailers: for the -which he made him his captaine generall, and in his absence did commit -vnto his charge his whole campe, with the same authoritie that he had -himselfe. - -The warres being doone, and hee hauing a desire to returne vnto his owne -countrie and house, there was giuen vnto him three cart loads of golde, -and many iewels of an inestimable price, with the which hee entered into -his owne countrie with great honour and riches, wheras they receiued him -with great honour. - -All the which they did represent so naturally, and with so good apparell -and personages, that it seemed a thing to passe in act. There was not in -this banket the vizroy, but those captaines which were there the first -time: and another captaine, vnto whome was giuen the charge to bring the -Spaniards vnto Manilla, who was called Chantalay, a principall captaine -of that prouince. - -[Sidenote: To keepe away the sun.] - -So when the banquet was ended, they were carried with great company from -the hall whereas the banquet was made, vnto the house of the Cogontoc, -who was the kings tresuror and dwelt there hard by, of whom they were -maruellously wel receiued, with louing words and great curtesie: in -saying that he hoped very shortly to see them againe, at such time as -they shall returne with Limahon, and that as then their friendship -should be fully concluded, and would intreat with them in particular of -other matters. This being doone, he gaue vnto them a present for to -carrie vnto the gouernor of Manilla, in recompence of that which was -sent vnto the vizroy: the present was fortie peeces of silke and twentie -peeces of burato,[30] a litter chaire and guilt, and two quitasoles of -silke,[31] and a horse. Likewise he sent the like present vnto the -generall of the fielde, and to either of them a letter in particular: -these things were put in chestes, which were very faire and guilt. -Besides this, hee gaue other fortie peeces of silke of all colours, for -to bee parted amongest the captaines and other officers that were at -the siege of Limahon, with three hundred blacke mantles, and as many -quitasoles, to be parted amongst the souldiers. Besides all these, hee -gaue vnto the friers ech of them eight peeces of silke, and vnto the -souldiers their companions foure peeces of ech of them, and to euery one -his horse and a quitasol of silke; their horse were verie good to -trauell by the way. This being done the Cogontoc tooke his leaue of -them, and willed them to go and take leaue and licence of the vizroy and -the visitor, that they might depart, for that all thinges were in a -redinesse for their voyage: the which commandement they did -straightwayes accomplish, being very well content and satisfied of the -great fauours and curtesies the which they receiued, both of the one and -the other: likewise of the Totoc, who is captaine generall, whome they -also did visite and tooke their leaue. These visitations and leaue -taking being doone, they returned vnto their lodging with great desire -for to take their ease, whereas they remained til the next day -following, wherin they departed vnto the port of Tansuso, after they had -remained in Aucheo seuen and forty daies. - -[30] A light kind of silk stuff used for veils by the ladies in Spain. - -[31] Parasols. - - - - -CHAP. XXIX. - - _The Spaniards departe from Aucheo, and come vnto - Chincheo, wheras the Insuanto was: he commanded them - to depart vnto the port of Tansuso, whither he went - himself for to dispatch them: at whose departure he - sheweth great fauor and maketh them great feastes._ - - -The Spaniards departed from the citie of Aucheo vpon a Tewsday, being -the 23 of August, in the sight of all the people of the citie, who came -foorth to see them with so great presse and thronge, as they did when -they first came thither into the countrie: they were al carried in -litter chayres, yea their verie slaues, for that it was so commaunded by -the vizroy; the friers were carried by eight men a peece, and the -souldiers by foure men a peece, and all their seruants and slaues were -caried by two men a peece. Looke so many men as was to carrie them, -there went so many more to help them when they waxed weary, besides -foure and twentie that carried their stuffe. There went alwayes before -them a harbinger for to prouide their lodgings, and with him went a -paimaster, whose charge was to ordain and prouide men for to cary their -litter chaires, and to giue them for their trauell that which is -accustomed, and to pay all costs and charges spent by the Spaniard. -After that they departed from Aucheo they made of two daies iourney one, -which was the occasion that they came to Chincheo in foure daies. At -their entring into the citie they found a seruant of the Insuanto, with -order and commandement that they shuld proceed forwards on their -iourney, and not to stay in the citie, but to go vnto the port of -Tansuso, whither he wil come the next day following. They obayed his -commandement, and made so much haste that in two dayes they came vnto -the village of Tangoa, wheras they had bin before, and particular -mention made thereof. In the same village they were lodged, wel -entertained, and had great good cheere: from thence they went in one day -to Tansuso, which was the first port wheras they did disembarke -themselues, when as they came from the ilands vnto that firme land: the -iustice of the town did lodge them in the same house whereas they were -first lodged, and did prouide for them of all things necessary and -needfull, and that in aboundance, til the comming of the Insuanto, which -was within foure dayes after; for that he could not come any sooner -(although his desire was) for that it was very foule weather. - -The next day after his comming thither, which was the thirde of -September, he sent and commanded the Spaniards that they should embarke -themselues, for that it was that day the coniunction of the moone -(although at that time the ships were not fully in a redines). They -obayed his commandement, and the Insuanto himself went to the water -side, in whose presence came thither certain religious men of their -maner, and after their fashion they made sacrifice with certain orations -and praiers, in the which they craued of the heauens to giue good and -faire weather, and a sure voyage and fauorable seas vnto al those that -saile in those shippes. - -This ceremony being done (which is a thing very much vsed in that -countrie) the Spaniards went vnto the Insuanto, who was there with great -company and maiestie: hee entertained them very friendly and with -cheerful wordes, making an outward shew that hee bare them great loue, -and that their departure was vnto him a great griefe. Then hee requested -them to giue him a remembrance of such thinges as was necessarie and -needful for their prouision for the sea, for that hee woulde giue order -for the prouiding of the same; the which he did, and was with so great -aboundance, that they had for the voyage and remained a great deale to -spare. Hee then commaunded to bee brought thither cates to eat, and -drink, and gaue it them with his owne hands, as well the one as the -other; hee himselfe did eate and drinke with them, which is the greatest -fauour that can be shewed amongst them. - -The banquet being ended, he commaunded them in his presence to go abord -their shippes, because that was a luckie day, and also to accomplish -that which the vizroy had commaunded, which was that they should not -depart from thence vntil they had first seene them imbarked. The -Spaniards obeyed the commandement, and tooke their leaue of the Insuanto -with great curtesie and reuerence, and with outward shewes that they -remained indebted for the great curtesie and good will that they had -receiued: and therewith they departed to the waters side, towards the -boat which was tarrying for them. - -[Sidenote: Strange sacrifices.] - -As they passed by the religious men (that before we spake of) they saw a -great table set, and vppon it a whole oxe with his throte cut, and hard -by the same a hogge and a goate, and other thinges to bee eaten: the -which they had ordained for to make sacrifice, which they do vse in the -like affaires. - -They being imbarked in the boate, they were carried aborde the Admirall, -which was the shippe appointed for them to go in: then presently they -beganne to stirre the shippe from one place unto another, with certain -boates and cables which they had there readie for the same purpose. The -shippe did not so soone begin to moue, but the religious men a shore did -beginne their sacrifice, the which did indure vntill night, ending their -feastes and triumphes in putting forth of the cittie and vppon their -gates, many cressets and lights. The souldiers shot off all their -hargabushes, and the ships that were in the port shot off all their -artilerie, and on the shore a great noise of droms and bels: all the -which being ended and done, the Spaniards went a shore againe vnto their -lodging; but first the Insuanto was departed vnto his owne house, with -all the company that hee brought with him. - -The next day the sayd Insuanto did inuite them vnto a banket, which was -as famous as any which had bene made them vnto that time. He was at the -banquet himselfe, and the captaine generall of all that prouince. There -was aboundance of meates, and many pretie deuises to passe away the -time, which made the banquet to indure more then foure houres; the which -being done, there was brought forth the present which the Insuanto did -sende vnto the gouernor of Manilla, in returne of that which was sent to -him. The present was fourteene peeces of silke for the gouernor of -Manilla, and tenne peeces for the generall of the field: hee also -commanded to be giuen vnto the friers each of them foure peeces, and -vnto their seruants and slaues certaine painted mantels, and therewith -he tooke his leaue of them very friendly, and gaue vnto them letters, -the which hee had wrote vnto the gouernor, and vnto the general of the -field, answere vnto those the which they had wrote vnto him, and said -that all things necessarie for their departure was in a redinesse, with -victuals for ten monethes put a bord their ships, so that when as winde -and wether did serue they might depart. Also that if in their voyage it -should so fall out, that any of the Chinos that went in their shippes -shoulde do vnto them any euill, either abrode or at the ilands, that the -gouernor therof should punish them at his pleasure, and how that the -vizroy will thinke well thereof: in conclusion he saide vnto them, that -hee hoped to see them there againe verie shortly, and to returne againe -with Limahon, and then hee woulde supplie the wantes which now they -lacked. The Spaniards did kisse his hands, and said, that they had -receiued in curtesie more then they deserued, and that in all thinges -there did abound and not lacke, that they remained greatly indebted vnto -him for their friendship, and would giue their king notice thereof, that -whensoeuer occasion shoulde bee offered, to repay them with the like: -and therewith the Insuanto departed to his owne house, leauing in the -companie of the Spaniards fiue captaines, those which should go with -them in their company to sea, and also Omoncon and Sinsay, who were that -day in the banquet, with the habite and ensigne of loytias, for that the -day before it was giuen vnto them by the Insuanto. - -Upon Wednesday, which was the fourteenth of September, the wind came -faire, wherewith they hoised vp their sailes and went to sea; at their -departure there was at the waters side the Insuanto and the iustice of -Chincheo to see them saile, the which Insuanto had conceiued so great -loue and friendship of the Castillas, that when he sawe them depart he -shedde great aboundance of teares, as was affirmed by diuers Chinos that -saw it; to which the Spaniards gaue credit vnto, for that they knew him -to be a maruellous louing person, and humaine, of a good condition, and -of a gallant personage, and did exceede all other that they had seene in -all the time of their being in that prouince. - - - - -CHAP. XXX. - - _The Spaniardes departe from the port of Tansuso - towardes the Ilandes Philippinas, and euery day they - doo harbor themselues in ilands by the way; declaring - what they saw in them._ - - -Being departed out of the port as aforesaide, the Spaniards deuided -themselues into two shippes, to wit, the two friers and Michael de -Loarcha, Omoncon and three other captaines in one shipp. And Peter -Sarmiento, Nicholas de Quenca, and Iohn de Triana, Sinsay, and all their -souldiers, in another ship, with eight other ships of warre, which went -with them for their safegard: they sailed forwards, directing their -course towards a small iland that was not farre off, with determination -there to take water for their ships, for that it had in it many riuers -of very sweete water. Within a smal space they ariued there, and it had -a very faire and sure port, wherein might ride in securitie a great nauy -of ships. All Thursday they were there recreating and sporting -themselues, for that it was a pleasant ilande, and full of fresh riuers. -Uppon Friday, being the sixteenth of September, the day being somewhat -spent, they made saile and tooke port foure leagues from that place, in -another ilande called Laulo, for to put themselues in a newe course -different and contrary vnto that which they brought when as they came -vnto that kingdome, for that the Chinos had by experience prooued, that -in those monethes the windes were more fauourable then in other -monethes, and for the most part north and northeast windes. Al that -night they remained in that iland, and the next day following they -sailed vnto another iland which was called Chautubo, not farre distant -from that of Laulo. This ilande was full of little townes, one of them -was called Gautin, which had fiue sortes of towers made of lime and -stone, verie thicke and strongly wrought: they were all foure square, -and sixe fatham high, and were made of purpose for to receiue into them -al the people of those little townes, to defend themselues from rouers -and theues that daylie come on that coast. These fortes were made with -battlements, as we do vse, with space betwixt them: and for that the -forme and fashion of their building did like them verie well, they were -desirous to see if that within them there were anie curious matter to -bee seene; wherewith they bent their artilerie towards them, and went a -shore. But when they which had the garde and keeping off did see their -comming, they did shut the gates, and woulde not consent that they -shoulde satisfie their desire, for any intreating or promises that they -could make. - -[Sidenote: Mine[32] kine and horse.] - -[32] Query misspelt for _maine_, from the old French word -_maint_,--many. - -They verie much noted, that although this ilande were rocke and sandie, -yet was it tilled and sowed full of rice, wheate, and other seedes and -graine. There was in it great store of kine and horse, and they -vnderstoode that they were gouerned, not by one particular man, to whom -they were subject, neither by any other amongst themselues, nor of -China, but in common: yet notwithstanding they liued in great peace and -quietnesse, for that euerie one did content himselfe with his owne. -Uppon Sunday, in the afternoone, they departed from this ilande, and -sailed their course all that night, and the next morning they ariued at -another iland called Corchu, which was twentie leagues from the port of -Tansuso, from whence they departed. The Spaniards seeing what leasure -they tooke in this their voyage, they requested the captaines to -commaunde the marriners that they shoulde not enter into so many portes -or harbors, for that they had no certaintie of the weather, and not to -detract the time, but to take opportunitie before that contrarie weather -do come: for to saile in that order it seemed more for recreation then -to achiue or obtaine a voyage. The captaines answered, and requested -them to haue patience, for that in making their iournies as they did, -they doo accomplish and follow the order set downe by the vizroy and -Insuanto, who did expressely commaunde them with great charge for to -direct their nauigation by those ilands with great deliberation and -consideration, because they might in safetie and health ariue at -Manilla. - -[Sidenote: The Chinos are fearefull of the sea.] - -The same day the north winde beganne to blowe verie strongly: in such -sort, that they thought it not good to go forth of that harbor (as well -for that aforesaid, to be commanded to the contrarie), as also for that -the Chinos are very fearefull of the sea, and men that are not -accustomed to ingulfe themselues too farre, neither to passe anie -stormes. - -Neere vnto this iland there was another somewhat bigger, which is called -Aucon, wholly dispeopled and without anie dwellers, yet a better -countrie and more profitable for to sowe and reape then that of Corchu. -The Spaniards being at an anker there, vnderstood by the Chinos that in -times past it was very well inhabited, vnto the which ariued a great -fleete belonging to the king of China, and by a great storme were all -cast away vpon the same: the which losse and destruction being -vnderstood by another general that had the guard of that cost, -suspecting that the dwellers thereof had done that slaughter, he came to -the shore and slew many of the inhabitants, and caried all the rest in -their ships vnto the firme lande, who afterwards would neuer returne -thither againe, although they gaue them licence after that they -vnderstoode the truth of that successe: so that vnto that time it -remained dispeopled and full of wilde swine, of the broode that remained -there at such time as they were slaine and caried away as you haue -heard. - -This iland and the rest adioyning thereunto (which are very many) haue -very excellent and sure ports and hauens, with great store of fish. -These ilands[33] endured vntill they came vnto a little gulfe, which is -fiue and fortie leagues ouer, and is sailed in one day, and at the ende -thereof is the port of Cabite, which before we haue spoken off, and is -neere vnto Manilla. - -[33] The names of the various islands mentioned in this chapter are not -now recognizable. - -So when that winde and weather serued their turne, they departed from -the ilande of Aucon, and sailed til they came vnto another ilande called -Plon, whereas they vnderstoode by a shippe that was there a fishing, -howe that the rouer Limahon was escaped, wheras he was besieged at -Pagansinan: the manner and forme of the policie hee vsed therein shalbe -tolde you in the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XXXI. - - _They haue newes how that the rouer Limahon was - escaped, and howe that he was in an ilande there hard - by: some gaue iudgement to go and set vpon him, but - they resolued themselues to the contrarie, and follow - the voyage to Manilla._ - - -Being at an anker in the iland of Plon, tarrying for a wind to followe -their voyage, with great desire to come thither whereas they might -vnderstande what had happened vnto Limahon, at the same time entred into -the saide harbor a shippe with fishermen; they beleeuing that hee had -beene one of the ilands,[34] they went vnto him and asked of whence they -were, and from whence they came, and what newes they coulde say of -Limahon (who was knowne vnto them all, either by some harme that they -had receiued, or else by report of others that had receiued hurt). These -fishermen gaue them particular and whole relation, by the which they -vnderstoode that Limahon was fledde and not perceiued by the Spaniards: -he escaped in certaine barkes, the which he caused to be made very -secretlie within his forte, of such timber and bords as remained of his -shippes that were burnt, the which was brought in by night by his -souldiers, on that side of the fort which was next vnto the riuer, and -were not discouered by the Castillas, which were put there with all care -and diligence to keepe the mouth, that no succour might come in to helpe -them. And towards the land there whereas he might escape, they were -without all suspection (they were so strong), and did not mistrust that -any such thing shoulde bee put in vre, as afterwards did fal out, the -which was executed with so great policie and craft, that when they came -to vnderstande it, the rouer was cleane gone and in sauegard, caulking -his barkes at the iland of Tocaotican, the better for to escape and saue -himselfe, and they saide that it was but eight dayes past that hee -fledde. - -[34] Islanders. - -With this newes they all receiued great alteration, but in especiall -Omoncon and Sinsay, who returned vnto the Spaniards and saide, that the -escaping of the rouer is not without some misterie, and that it coulde -not bee done without the will and knowledge of the Spaniards, and that -the rouer had giuen vnto the generall of the fielde some great gifts for -to let him go, for that otherwise it were a thing impossible for him to -escape, being besieged as hee was, although the Spaniards had slept: the -Spaniards did giue their discharge in such prouable maner, that the -captaines of China were satisfied of the false opinion they had -receiued, as afterwards they were fully perswaded when they came to the -cittie of Manilla, and heard the generall of the fielde and other -captaines and souldiers that were at the siege. This iland of -Tocaotican whereas the rouer was mending and caulking of his barkes, was -distant from the iland of Plon, whereas the Spaniards were, onely twelue -leagues, and being by sea it seemed to be lesse, for that very plainely -you might see the one ilande from the other. The which with the great -cholor that Omoncon and Sinsay had for the escaping of the rouer, as -also with the feare they receiued in that which might happen vnto them -by reason hereof at their returne vnto China, which at the least might -bee to take away (to their great shame) the titles of loytias, which was -giuen them in that respect, did cause their stomakes and mindes to rise, -and to seeke occasion to go and fight with him, for that it seemed vnto -them they should get victorie with great ease, for that hee was -vnprouided and wearied with the long time of his siege. Being in this -determination there came vnto them the captaine that was appointed -generall ouer them, and saide that the vizroy of Aucheo and the gouernor -of Chincheo had sent them onely to carrie those Spaniards vnto Manilla, -and to bring with him aliue or deade the rouer Limahon, if they woulde -giue him vnto them, and that hee woulde not digresse from this order by -no manner of meanes, neither could they, if that they were so disposed, -for that the shippes were pestered with the horses: and againe, their -people they had brought with them, was more for to saile and gouerne -their shippes then for the fight. Moreouer the fight would be verie -dangerous, for that it was euident that the rouer and his companions -would rather be al slaine then to yeelde themselues in any respect, and -for to put such an enterprise in effect, it were requisite to haue both -ships and men, and not to go so vnprouided and pestred as they were. All -which reasons being considered, they were all conformable vnto the -opinion of the generall, and determined that so soone as winde and -weather did serue, to set saile and to passe the gulfe for to go vnto -Manilla, whither as they were bound, and not to come vnto the ilande of -Tocaotican whereas the rouer was. - -So after they had remained three weekes in that harbour detained with a -mightie north winde, that neuer calmed night nor day in all that time, -the eleuenth day of October, two houres before day, they set saile and -went to sea. By reason of this great wind, there was not one shippe of -all those that were in the port of Plon coulde go foorth to giue any -notice vnto the rouer of the going of the Spaniards, neither of the -captaines of China. Sixteene leagues from the port, sailing towards the -south, they discouered a mightie iland, verie high land, which was -called Tangarruan, and was of three score leagues about, all inhabited -with people like vnto those of the Ilands Philippinas: they passed hard -by it in the night, with a stiffe norwest winde, which was the occasion -that the shippe wherein the friers went was constrained to go to sea; -and the other nine, which were in their companie for their safegarde, -shrowded themselues hard vnder the iland; by reason whereof they were so -farre separated the one from the other, that in the morning they coulde -not see them. They were in great danger, because that night there was a -great storme of winde, in the which they lost the rudder of their -shippe, and almost without any hope to escape the fury thereof. - -Being in this extremitie, they commended themselues with contrite hearts -vnto almightie God, and put their shippe before the sea, vntill such -time as they had supplied their rudder, the which they did, although -with great trauell and labour: then straightwayes it was the will of God -that this contrary wind was somewhat calmed and his furie abated, and a -prosperous wind fauoured them, so that vppon Sunday, in the morning, -being the seuenteenth day of October, they discouered the iland of -Manilla, of them greatly desired, yet could they not reach vnto it -vntill Saint Simon and Judes day: by reason that they returned backe -vnto the riuer of Pagansinan to seeke the other nine shippes, for that -it was concluded amongst them, that if it should so fall out, they to be -separated in any storme, that they should come vnto that riuer, and to -meete togither as they did. - -So they departed from thence vnto the port of Buliano, and not entring -therin, the captaine Omoncon did set a man on shore, one that could -speake the language of that iland, and gaue him charge to informe -himselfe of all that had happened with the rouer Limahon, for at that -time he could not beleeue that which had beene told him. Untill such -time as he returned, the shippes being without at the sea, did play -vnder fore sailes, who did declare vnto them the verie same thing, the -which was tolde them at the ilande of Plon, without faultring any point: -the which caused Omoncon and Sinsay to receiue much more griefe then -they did when they heard the first newes, for as then they were -doubtfull of the truth. The Spanyards as then suspected that they would -haue returned vnto the firme land, and not haue gone vnto Manilla, but -to haue left them there all alone vpon that iland. But it fell not out -as they suspected: for although that Omoncon and Sinsay did make an -outward shew to doo it, and sayde that they would sende the Spaniards in -a shippe, for that as then they were out of all danger, and in sight of -Manilla: yet was the generall of a contrarie opinion, and sayd, that for -no manner of occasion that might happen, hee would not differ one point -from the order which was giuen vnto him; and therewith they sayled -towards the iland that they so long desired to see, and came thither the -twentie eight day of October, as aforesaid. - -[Sidenote: From the Philippinas to the China is two hundred leagues.] - -So that from the port of Tansuso, which is the first part of China till -they came vnto the iland of Manilla, they were fiue and fortie dayes, -and is not in all full two hundred leagues, which may bee made with -reasonable wether in tenne dayes at the most. - - - - -CHAP. XXXII. - - _The captaines Chinos ariued with the Spaniardes at - the citie of Manilla; the gouernor and those of the - citie doo receiue them with great ioy and triumphes, - and after they had remained there certaine dayes, they - returned vnto the firme land, being instructed and - satisfied of many things touching our holy Catholike - faith, with great desire to receiue the same._ - - -After that it was knowen vnto the gouernor of the citie of Manilla and -vnto the generall of the fielde, as also vnto the rest of the captaines -and souldiers, of the ariuall of the Spaniardes, whom they with great -care desired to heare of; as well for the particular loue they beare -vnto them, as also for to vnderstand and heare the newes from that -mightie kingdome of China, to be declared by witnesses of so great faith -and credite, they altogether went foorth to receiue them with great ioye -and pleasure, and likewise all such captaynes and souldiers as came in -their companie. - -They were straightwaies conueighed vnto their lodginges to rest -themselues of their long iourney which they had by sea, for it was -requisite and needefull: for the which afterwardes there was great -feastes and bankets, which was made by the gouernor, the generall of the -field, and other particular persons, vnto the Chinos, in recompence of -that which was done vnto the Spaniards in their countrie. - -All which feastes did giue them little content when as they did remember -the flying and escape of the rouer; but in especiall Omoncon and Sinsay, -who continually and euery moment did call vpon the generall of their -fleete to make haste and to shorten the time that they might depart from -the firme land, where giuing notice vnto the gouernor of Chincheo of the -estate of Limahon, he might giue order that before he had reedified and -repayred himselfe they might take him (which is a thing most desired in -all that kingdome). The generall was verie glad and reioyced of their -good intertainment, and answered vnto Omoncon and Sinsay, saying that by -reason of the great storme and foule weather past, their ships had great -neede of reparation, and likewise the mariners to ease themselues, the -which being done he would with all his heart depart. - -The generall of the fielde was verie sorrowfull and much greeued for -that the rouer Limahon was so escaped, and the more when he vnderstoode -that he was suspected that hee did consent vnto his departure: for which -occasion, if that the captaynes had not beene verie much wearied with -the long siege, and euill weather which happened in that time, without -all doubt he would haue followed him, and neuer to haue left him till he -had taken or slaine him. - -Although they were fully perswaded that Limahon was so terrified with -the great perill and danger in the which he was, and againe with so -small number of people, that rather hee would desire to put himselfe in -securitie then to offende or doo any harme, neyther to put himselfe in -any place whereas hee might receiue damage of any of them to whom hee -had doone so open wrong (who were so much desirous to be reuenged), who -for to preuent all that might happen (as after we vnderstoode), hauing -made readie his barkes and boates which he ordayned in his fort, and put -in them victualles for their iourney, he departed with his small number -of people vnto an ilande farre off and unknowen, there whereas he -vnderstoode that none would goe to seeke him, and there hee remayned a -time whereas he fell sicke of a melancholike infirmitie, which grewe by -an imagination that hee had to remember in what state he was at that -time, and howe he had seene himselfe at other times feared throughout al -the kingdome of China, which was an imagination sufficient for to bring -him to his ende: his companions were dispersed abroad, so that we neuer -heard more of them. - -Now returning to our purpose, after that the China captaines had -recreated them selues with the feastes and sportes that was made vnto -them, and taken recreation many dayes, and tarryed, hoping that the -weather would proue fayrer to prepare themselues to depart. In the same -time they did intreat of many thinges in particular touching Christian -religion, whereof with great care they did informe themselues of our -religious men, and tolde them some secret things that were unknowen vnto -them of their countrie, for that they were strangers. - -So when as time and weather did serue, they did take their leaue, with -many signes and tokens of griefe for to depart and leaue the -conuersation of so good companions, and did promise vnto them to procure -all that was possible that the friendshippe begunne betwixt them and the -Chinos should continue and perseuer, for that it was a thing that did -content them all. - -Their generall himself did take this particular charge vnto himselfe, -with a determinate purpose for to declare in effect to the gouernour of -Aucheo (whose private seruant he was) the good meaning of the Castillos; -and what principall people they were, and the ceremonies they vsed, with -the which hee was marueilously in love. Likewise hee would giue him to -vnderstande of the flying of the rouer Limahon, how and in what manner -and order it was, and how that the generall of the field and the other -captaines were in no fault thereof. This he would do, in respect that if -it should so fall out that Omoncon and Sinsay, for their owne credite, -should declare any thing against the Spaniardes that was not true, that -they might not be beleeued. - -[Sidenote: The Papists and the Infidels ceremonies much alike.] - -Besides all this he tolde the gouernour certaine thinges in secret, how -they might with great ease purchase the friendship they pretended. And -amongest them all, one was, that hee should make a supplication vnto the -Catholike king in requesting him to write a letter vnto their king, and -sende him embassador, and such as shoulde giue vnto them the light of -the Catholike and Christian faith, with the which diligence there was no -doubt that not onely the friendshippe betwixt the kinges and their -subiectes shoulde bee established, but also the king and all his -kingdome would receiue the Catholike faith, for that there are manye -ceremonies vsed amongest them which doo much resemble those of our -Christian religion; and againe in their liuing morally, they doo obserue -in manie thinges the Tenne Commandements of Gods lawe, of the which in -particular he did informe himselfe: so that the greatest difficultie was -in the entring in of the preaching of the holy gospell, and beeing by -this meanes ouer come, in a short time all the whole kingdome would -turne Christians. And considering that in their worshipping, as they doo -worship all thinges in the seconde essence, with great facilitie they -would change their adoration and giue it vnto the first, as most -worthie, and vnto whom it is their duties. The generall did adde more -thereunto, and saide that he was so much affectioned vnto the faith of -the Christians, that if it were not that he should be banished and loose -his countrie, house and landes, without all doubt he would haue beene -baptised: the which he could not doo without loosing of all, for that -they haue a law in their countrie, the which is obserued and kept -inuiolably, by the which it is forbidden that none whatsoeuer can -receiue any strange religion differing from theirs vpon paine of death, -without the consent of the king and his counsell. - -This law was made to take away nouelties, and to liue all in one -vniformitie of religion, with one manner of rites and ceremonies. - -This only was the occasion that certaine marchants of China, being -affectioned vnto the law of the gospell, were baptised at the -Philippinas, and there do dwell at this day in the citie of Manilla -amongest the Spaniardes, and are become verie good Christians. So with -these offers, and with promises to be great friendes vnto the -Spaniardes, the generall departed from Manilla to goe vnto the firme -lande, and with him the other captaynes Omoncon and Sinsay, with great -hope that verie shortly they should be all of one faith. So the one -tooke their leaue of the other with reasons of great affection and -tokens of great loue, signifying that in any thing that should be -offered they should finde them friendly. - -They being departed, the Spaniardes remayned verie carefull in praying -vnto the diuine maiestie, desiring of Him to direct all thinges in this -their request, that it might be to his holy seruice, and also to inspire -the Catholike maiestie of King Phillip their lorde for to sende his -embassador vnto the king of China, offering his friendship, and to -admonish him to receiue the faith of Christ, the which according vnto -the report of the Austen fryers that entred into that countrie (of whom -we haue made mention manie times in this booke with their companions), -and also the generall of China tolde them that there was no other means -but only that for to bring their purpose to effect. - -This counsell with all the speede possible they put in vre, and sent -vnto his maiestie one of purpose, and in the name of all them of those -ilandes to request him, and to declare how much it did import. They sent -vnto him this relation, with manie particular persons, for to mooue his -most Christian minde for to sende an embassador, as in effect hee did, -in that sort as hath beene tolde you in the last chapter of the thirde -booke of this historie, whereas it is declared in particular, and in -what estate it doth remaine vnto this day. God for his mercies sake -direct all thinges, that it may be to his seruice and glorie, and the -saluation of so many soules. - - -THE END OF THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE SECOND PART. - - - - - THE SECOND BOOKE - OF THE - SECOND PART - OF THE - HISTORIE - OF THE - MIGHTIE KINGDOME OF CHINA, - - IN THE WHICH IS CONTAINED THE VOYAGE THAT WAS INTO THAT KINGDOME IN - THE YEAR 1576, BY THE FATHERS FRYER PETER DE ALFARO, COSTODIO IN - THE ILANDES PHILIPPINAS, OF THE ORDER OF SAINT FRANCIS, OF THE - PROUINCE OF S. JOSEPH, AND OTHER THREE RELIGIOUS MEN - OF THE SAME ORDER, AND THEIR MIRACULOUS ENTRING - INTO THAT KINGDOME, AND WHAT HAPPENED VNTO - THEM FOR THE SPACE OF SEUEN MONTHES THAT - THEY THERE REMAINED, AND WHAT THEY - DID SEE AND VNDERSTAND OF: ALL - THE WHICH ARE NOTABLE - AND VERIE RARE. - - - - -CHAP. I. - - _The fryers of Saint Francis came vnto the Ilandes - Philippinas, and procured to passe vnto the firme - lande of the kingdome of China, with zeale to preach - the holy gospell._ - - -The day of the visitation of our Ladie, in the yeare 1578, there came -out of Spaine to the citie of Manilla, in the Ilandes Philippinas, the -father Fryer Peter de Alfaro, who went for Costodio of that prouince, -and fourteene more other religious persons of the same order in his -companie, and were sent by the king of Spaine and his royall counsel of -the Indias, for to be ayders and helpers of the Austen fryers, who -vntill that time had beene there alone in those ilandes, occupied in the -conuerting of the people in that countrie, and were the first ministers -of the gospell, preaching the same with great zeale, vnto the profite of -their soules: of the which people those fryers had baptised (when the -others ariued) more then one hundred thousande, and the rest prepared -and cathecised to receive the like. Because that at the first occasion -that might be giuen, they might enter into the kingdome of China to -preach the holy gospell. The which Fryers, when that they had been there -the space of one yeare occupying themselues in the same exercise in -preaching and conuerting the people of that countrie, in the same time -they were giuen to vnderstande by the relation of the selfe same Austen -fryers, as also by many marchants of China which came vnto them with -marchandice, of things to be wondred at of that mightie kingdome, and of -the infinite number of soules which the diuell had deceiued and brought -vnto his seruice with false idolatrie. The which being by them well -vnderstood, they did burne with great zeale and desire of their -saluation, and to goe and preach the gospell, although it were to put -their persons in whatsoeuer hazarde or danger. - -So with this their great desire, they did many and diuerse times -communicate with the gouernor that was there at that time for his -maiestie, who was called the Doctor Francisco de Sandi, desiring his -fauour and licence for to goe vnto China in the companie of certaine -marchants of that countrie, that were at that present in the port with -their ships, offering themselues to get their good will, although it -were to offer themselues to be slaues or otherwise whatsoeuer. And -seeing that at all such times when as they did intreat of that matter, -they found him but luke warme, and that he did (as it were) but to -detract the time, and feed them with hope: then they calling to minde -that the chiefest intent and cause of their comming out of Spayne, was -to enter into that kingdome, caused a newe desire to grow in them, what -with the contractation they had with the sayde Chinos, as well in -conuersation as in talke, and finding them to be a people of great -abilitie and discretion, and of verie good iudgements, the which did -greatly content their desire, they did perswade themselues that it was -an easie matter to make them to vnderstande the things appertaining vnto -God. So that they determined to put other remedies in practise, because -that which they required with the good will of the gouernor, seemed to -be a large and long matter. So it happened that vpon a time intreating -of this matter, and hauing requested of God with great instance for to -direct them the readie way which was best for his seruice, and for the -profite of those soules, there came to the Ilandes Philippinas a Chino, -who, according as they did vnderstand, was one of the priests and -religious men of that kingdome (of the which priests there are a great -number in euerie towne): this priest went diuerse times vnto the -monasterie of the Fryers, and did common with them of the creation of -the worlde and other things, which did open the way that they might -declare vnto him thinges appertayning vnto God, vnto the which he did -hearken with great good will. And after that hee had declared vnto them -in particular the mightinesse and secretes of this mightie kingdome of -China (whose conuersion they so greatly desired), he very inquisitiuely -asked of them matters touching the Christian faith, of whome within a -fewe dayes after he desired to be baptised, for that he would be a -Christian, being instructed before in many matters touching our -Catholike faith. - -Our religious men did accomplish his desire, the which was an incredible -ioy vnto all the dwellers of the citie, and a content vnto himselfe. - -[Sidenote: The Spaniards rise at their midnight mattens and whip -themselues.] - -So after that he was made a Christian hee remayned in the monasterie -amongest the other, but yet would he neuer eate any other thing but -colde herbes: and he seeing that all the religious men did arise vp at -midnight to mattens and discipline themselues, spending the greatest -part of the night in prayer before the holy sacrament, hee did not faile -one point, but did imitate them in all their dooings, with outwarde -showes of a verie good will. All the which did incyte the Fryer Costodio -and all the rest of his companions to put in execution their great -desire they had, according as it hath beene tolde you. Whereupon he went -once againe vnto the gouernour to intreat him by faire meanes that which -before they had comoned with him of, and that he would procure some -order or meanes, that those religious men might go to the kingdome of -China to preach the lawe of God, offering himselfe to be one of them, -with protestation that if he would not giue them leaue, they would -procure to go without it, with that authoritie the which hee had of God -and of his superiors, for to teach and instruct these poore infidels -their neighbors: and this should be done with the first opportunitie -they might finde or haue. - -But neither this, nor yet the example of that good Chino, which was newe -christened, was sufficient to perswade the gouernor to consent vnto -their request; but perseuering in his first opinion, he answered and -said, that it was too timely, and that the friendship which they had -with the Chinos as yet was very small, and how that the fathers of S. -Austen had manie times attempted the entrie into that kingdome, and yet -neuer could obtaine their desire. And howe that the Chinos that did -carrie them did deceiue them, and left them in certaine ilands, till -such time as they heard farther newes of the rouer Limahon, and of the -returne of the captaine Omoncon, who did carrie them with the good newes -of the straight siege in the which they had the rouer: and yet for all -that they commanded them to returne from Aucheo, without giuing them -anie licence to remaine in the countrie to preach the holy gospell; and -nowe to attempt the same, was but to giue occasion vnto the Chinos -euerie day to mocke and make a iest of the Spaniardes, and willed them -to staye till such time as it were the will of God to giue way vnto the -same, which could not be long. - -This Fryer Costodio vnderstanding the answere of the gouernour, -perseuering still in his first opinion, and did not goe about to seeke -any meanes to accomplish their desire for the entring into the firme -lande, hee straightwayes beganne secretly to procure by all meanes -possible to attempt and accomplish that iourney, although it were -without the order and consent of the gouernour (when that it might not -be doone otherwise), the which incontinent they beganne to put in vre, -for that the Fryer Costodio and Fryer Steuen Ortiz (who was a religious -man, that for the great desire he had did learne the China tongue, and -at that time did speake it resonablie), they both together did giue to -vnderstande of their desire and pretence vnto a deuout souldier of their -religion, and one that they made great account of, who was called Iohn -Dias Pardo, who often times had made manifest vnto them and saide, that -he had a great desire to do some especiall seruice vnto God, although it -were to hazarde his life in the same, who at that instant did accomplish -his desire, and did promise them to beare them companie vnto the death. - -So with this conformitie they went straightwayes altogether to speake -with a captaine of China that was in the same port, in a shippe of his -owne, who many times did repayre vnto their conuent, to aske of them -thinges appertayning vnto God, and the heauens, with showe of a very -good vnderstanding, who vnto their iudgement did consent and accept all -with great pleasure and delight. - -Unto this captayne they did giue to vnderstande the effect of all their -desire, requesting him of his ayde and helpe in the prosecuting of the -same. Who straightwayes did offer himselfe to accomplish their request -and to carrie them vnto China, so as they woulde then giue him some -thing for to bestowe amongest his marriners. The souldier Iohn Diaz -Pardo did promise to giue them all that they would aske, and gaue them -in earnest certayne ryalles of plate. And for that all thinges shoulde -bee doone in good order, and in such sort that the gouernour nor any -other shoulde haue any suspition or knowledge, it was ordayned amongest -them that the captaine of China should with all speede dispatch himselfe -and depart to the port of Bindoro, which is twentie leagues from the -citie of Manilla, and there to tarrie for them, and to carrie in his -companie the Chino that was new baptised as aforesaid. - -The captaine made haste, dispatched himselfe, and departed vnto the port -appointed, and within a fewe dayes after the father Costodio and his -company, with the souldier his friend, did followe them. But when they -came thether they found the captaine Chino in an other mind, in such -sort that neyther gifts nor faire intreatie was sufficient to perswad -him to performe that which he had promised in Manilla, but returned vnto -them their earnest before receiued, affirming that for any thing in al -the world he would not carrie them, for that he knewe very well, if hee -should so doo, it would cost him his life and goods. - -The newe baptised religious Chino seeing that, wept bitterly, with -discontentment to see how the diuell had changed the minde of the -captaine, for that in that kingdome the holie gospell should not be -preached. The father Costodio did resolue himselue to returne vnto -Manilla, and there to abide a better oportunitie, as in effect they did, -whereas they remayned certaine dayes, till such time it happened as -followeth. - -Upon a day the gouernour sent and called vnto him the father Costodio, -and requested of him that he would let him haue some Fryer for to sende -vnto the riuer of Cagayan, whether not long before he had sent certaine -Spaniards for to inhabite. - -The Fryer Costodio promised him one, and that he should go with him in -companie till he came to the prouince of Illocos whether he went, and -that from thence he would dispatch him vnto the riuer of Cagayan, -according vnto his worships commandement, requesting of him to haue in -his companie, to keepe watch and warde in that iourney, the ensigne -Francisco de Duennas, and Iohn Diaz Pardo the souldier, his friend as -aforesaide, with pretence to depart from thence vnto China, as in effect -they did, as shall be tolde you. The gouernor being very willing for to -pleasure him, did grant his request. So with great speede he departed, -and carried with him the foresaide souldiers, and for companion a -religious man called frier Austin de Tordesillas (he who afterwards did -put in memorie all thinges that passed with them in China), out of the -which hath beene taken this small relation.[35] So when they came vnto -the Illocos, they found fryer Iohn Baptista and fryer Sebastian, of S. -Francis, of his owne order, occupied in the teaching and instructing the -people of that prouince, which was the fourth day of Iune. - -[35] The friar Augustin de Tordesillas was one of the founders of the -province of St. Gregory in Luzon. His narrative seems never to have been -printed elsewhere. See Sbaralea's _Supplement_ to Waddington, and N. -Antonio's _Bibliotheca Hispana Nova_. - -The next day following they called a counsell, where it was concluded -that all those that were there present would venture themselues for to -go vnto China, to conuert those gentiles, or else to die in the -quarrell. And the better to bring their purpose to passe, they thought -it good to speake vnto an other souldier that was there with them, -called Pedro de Villa Roel, not telling vnto him their pretence, because -they would not be discouered (but asked him in this manner) if he would -beare him companie, and the other two souldiers, who altogether went -about a business of great honour and seruice of God, and the benefite -and sauing of manye soules; and that he would declare vnto them whether -he would go or not, without asking whether nor from what place, for that -as then they could not giue him to vnderstand, till time did serue. His -answere was, that straightwaies he would beare them companie, and would -neuer leaue them to death. - -So foorthwith they altogether with singular ioy went to the ship wherin -the father Costodio and his companion, with the other two souldiers, -came in from Manilla to that place with a reasonable frigat, although -with but fewe marriners, and they not verie expert. So being altogether -in the shippe, with all such thinges as they could get together in that -small time for their prouision in that iourney, they made all thinges in -a readinesse to set sayle the same day, which was the twelfth day of the -said moneth of Iune. So after they had sayde masse and commended -themselues vnto God, requesting Him to direct their voyage that it might -be to His glorie and seruice, they set sayle vppon a Fryday, in the -morning, with intent to goe foorth of that port; but they could not by -no meanes possible, for that the sea went verie loftie vpon the barre, -and contending with the sea for to get foorth they were in great danger -to haue beene cast away, which was the occasion that with great sorrow -they returned into the port, whereas they remayned all day. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - _The fryers and their companions depart from the port - of Illocos, after they had committed vnto God the - direction of their voyage. They passe great daungers - and troubles, and do ouercome them all with the - confidence they haue in God, and came vnto the - kingdome of China miraculously._ - - -[Early in the morning of the following day (being the festival of St. -Antony of Padua), they said mass and returned to the frigate to take -their departure; but the sea was still so boisterous and rough that it -took the ship on her broad-side, and she leaked very much, until at -length it pleased God that she drove on the shore, where, striking on -the sand several times, it was a most evident miracle that she did not -go to pieces, and that all in her were not drowned. It was their firm -belief that God had done this through the intercession of the blessed -St. Anthony, whose day it was, and to whom they had with sincere -devotion commended themselves. They then put back from the river which -they had left, and this they accomplished, but with great exertion and -danger, insomuch that the Father Stephen Ortiz became so terrified, that -no persuasion could induce him to continue the voyage which they had -started upon: He replied that he would not further tempt God, since the -signs which they had seen were sufficient to show that it was not His -holy will that they should prosecute that journey at that time, the -which proved a trouble and stumblingblock to all the rest. The Father -Costodio concealed his vexation and put a good face on the matter, -telling them all to keep up their courage, for that great difficulties -attended every good work at the commencement, but that these easily -yielded to perseverance and patience, as experience had often shown. In -this manner he talked with them until the day of the Trinity, when, -after the priests had said mass and confessed the laymen, and -administered the sacrament to them, they all returned with good will to -go on board, except the above-mentioned Father Ortiz, who remained at -home in his old obstinacy, and with him the Chinese who had been -baptized, the latter having fallen very ill, which caused great grief to -all.][36] - -[36] The commencement of the chapter, here inserted between brackets, is -not given in Parke's translation. - -So the next day, after they had committed themselues to God with great -deuotion, they embarked themselues and made sayle, and by the will of -God they went out of the harbour, although with great danger; and they -carryed with them an other barke a sterne their ship, in the which they -did determine for to set a lande such Indians as they carried with them -from the Esquipazon,[37] to helpe them out of the harbour: the which they -did not for feare they should be drowned. So when they were out of that -riuer, they sayled towards the little iland that was but one league from -that place, and there they put the Indians a shore, and with them a -young man, a Spaniard, that they brought from Manilla to serue them. So -those which should go on that voyage remayned there the same night, who -were the frier Costodio; frier Peter de Alfaro, borne in Siuel; frier -Iohn Baptista, borne in Pesaro in Italy; fryer Sebastian de San -Francisco, of the citie of Boecia;[38] and frier Augustin de Tordesillas, -of the same towne whereof he hath his name; all these foure were -priestes of the masse. - -[37] This word (thus given by Parke with a capital letter) means the -equipment or rigging of a vessel, evidently put for the vessel itself. - -[38] Misspelt for Baeza, in the province of Jaen, in Andalusia. - -The fryer Costodio would with a very good will haue carried more of -them, but he durst not for two causes; the one for that hee would not -haue beene discouered, and the other (which was the principal occasion), -because he would not leaue that prouince of the Illocos without such as -shold instruct them, whereas were many baptized: for which respect he -left some behind him, which afterwarde hee would have beene very glad -that they had beene in his companie. There were three Spaniards -souldiers that did beare them companie, the one was called the ancient -Francisco de Duennas, of Velez Malaga--the other John Diaz Pardo, of -Saint Lucas de Barameda, the third Pedro de Villa Roel of the citie of -Mexico. Besides these they had a boy of China who could speak the -Spanish tongue, and was one of them that were taken at the siege of -Limahon the rouer, and other foure Indians of Manilla. - -[Sidenote: They were in great perill.] - -They departed from this little islande upon a Munday, the first quarter -in the morning which was the fifteene day of the said moneth of June, -and sayled that way so nigh as they could gesse to be the way vnto -China, without pilot or any other certaintie, more than that which God -did shewe and put into their minds with their great desire, which seemed -vnto them to comprehende and bring it to passe. This day the winde was -contrarie and against them, which was the occasions that they sayled but -little. Towardes the evening, the winde changed and blewe at the north -(the which winde vppon that coast is very dangerous), which made them -greatly afrayde; yet was that feare driven away by an other feare much -greater than that, which was that they should be discovered, and that -they should be pursued by the commandemente of the governour of Manilla, -for which occasion whereas they should have throwed themselves under the -land, they wrought contrary and cast about vnto the sea in great danger -to have beene cast away; but it was the will of God that when as night -came, the winde did calme (which commonly falleth out to the contrary), -but the sea remayned very rough and loftie, that they thought verily to -have beene drowned with the furie thereof, for it tossed the frigetta in -such sort, that it seemed a whole legion of diuels had taken holde on -both sides of the shippe, forcing the one against the other that it -rowled in such sort that many times the halfe decke was in the water, so -that the mariners could not stand upon their feete, but were driven to -sustaine themselves by the ropes and cables. But the religious men -trusting in God, whose zeale had caused them this great trouble, did -pray and desire him with many tears, that hee would deliver them out of -the same daunger, and not to give place vnto the diuell for to disturbe -them of their voyage and enterprise. - -[Sidenote: The Fryers vsed certaine coniurations for that S. Antonie was -a sleepe.] - -These their orations and prayers did so much prevaile, with certaine -coniurations which they made against the diuels, (who they thought they -did see visibly), that after midnight the north winde ceased and began -to blowe at the north east, with the which the sea began to waxe calme; -so that they might make their way to be east north east, for that they -had intelligence that that course was the shortest cut to the firme -land. This winde which was so favourable vnto them, did increase so much -in two hours that the sea waxed loftie and caused them to forget the -sorrowe past, and constrained them (for that the shippe was but small) -to cut their mast ouer borde, and to put themselves vnto the courtesie -of the sea with little hope to escape the danger. But our Lorde whose -zeale did moove them to attempt that iourney, did direct their voyage in -such sort, that the next day following it came to be calme in such sort -that they might set up a newe mast, in the place of that which was cut -ouer borde in the storme, and therewith to nauigate forwardes with their -begunne voyage. So upon the Fryday following at the break of the day -they sawe lande, and thinking that it had beene the firme land of China -they gave thanks unto God, and rejoiced, in such sort that they had -cleane forgotten the troubles of the stormes and foule weather passed, -so they made towards it and came thither about noone, but when they were -a shore, they found that it was but a small island and situated foure -leagues from the firme land; and for that it was so nigh, a farre off it -seemed to be all one thing. But when they came unto this ilande they did -discover many ships which were so many in number that it seemed all the -sea to be covered with them. The friers, with the great desire they had -for to knowe in what port they were, they comanded to gouerne their ship -towards whereas they were, who when they saw them, and could not know -them by the strangenes of their ship and sailes, they did fly from them -all that ever they could. The which our men perceiving and could not -imagine the cause thereof, they were very much agrieued and sorrowful, -and the more for that they could not learne nor vnderstand where they -were. But seeing nigh vnto them to the lewarde three ships, they made -towards them, and when they were somewhat nigh they put themselves as -the others did. In this sort they spent all the rest of the day in going -from one port to an other vnto those ships, for to informe themselves -where they were; but all this diligence prevailed them nothing at all -till it was almost sunne set. They entred with their frigat into a gut -vnder the shore, whereas fell from a high rocke which was more than one -hundredth fatham by estimation, a stream of water which was as bigge as -the bodies of two men together. - -In this gut there was three other ships, and they came to an anker in -the middest amongest them, the which beeing done they asked of them what -countrie that was, but they answered nothing, nor made any semblance, -but looked the one upon the other; and in beholding of the Spaniards -they gave great laughters. In this gut they remained all that night, -almost amased to see how those people were, as though they were -enchanted; and they without any light of their desire, which was to -knowe where they were. So the next day folowing (which was Saterday), -very early in the morning they set sayle, and went amongst a great sort -of islandes, always bearing vnto them, which they thought to be the -firme lande, being greatly amarueiled to see the infinite number of -shippes both great and small that they sawe; some were a fishing, and -some under sayle, and other some ryding at an anker. The same day about -noon there happened unto them a strange and miraculous thing, and it -was, that passing through a straight that was but a quarter of a league -of bredth, which was betwixt the firme lande and a small islande, in the -which was continually four score ships of warre set there for watch and -warde; they passed through the thickest of them and were never seene, -for if they hadde, without all doubt they had sonke them or slain them. -Their order and commission is so straight given them by their generalles -of the sea, in the which they are commanded, that whatsoever kinde of -people of strange nations that they do meete upon the coast, for to kill -them or sinke them, except they do bring licence from some governor of -such cities as be upon the coast; for that such as doo meane to have -traficke doo sende to demand the same, leaving their ships a great way -at sea. - -This lawe for to watch and warde was made and ordayned (as they do say), -in respect of the Japones who did enter into certain of their portes, -dissembling themselues to be Chinos; being apparelled as they were, and -speaking their language, they did vnto them great and strange hurtes and -damages, as is declared in the booke before this. So when they were -passed this straight, they sayled almost sixe leagues forwardes into a -verie fayre and great bay, following other shippes that went before -them; for that it seemed that they would enter into some port, and there -they might informe themselues where they were, which was the thing that -they most desired. When they had sayled about two leagues in this bay, -they overtook one of the three shippes, and asked of the people that -were within her (by the intrepreter they had with them), whether they -sayled, and what lande that was which they sawe before them. - -Then the principall that was in that ship, did put himself into his boat -the which hee had at sterne, and came vnto the ship where the Spaniards -were, the better to vnderstande what they did demand; for they before by -reason that they were somewhat farre off the one from the other, could -not vnderstande the Spaniards demand but by signes. So when that he -vnderstoode their request, he answered them that it was the country of -China, and how that he came laden with salt from the citie of Chincheo, -and went to make sale thereof vnto the citie of Canton, which was so -nigh hand that they might ariue there before night. But when that he was -entred into the Spanish ship and saw the friers and the rest that were -in their companie, and saw that their apparell and speech was strange -vnto him, he asked of them what they were and from whence they came, and -whether they went? (and when that he vnderstood that they were -Castillos, and of the islands Philippinas, and came from the said -islands and were bound vnto China, with intent to preach the holy -gospell), he asked them whose licence they had to conduct them vnto the -firme lande? But when he vnderstood that they had none, hee asked them -howe they passed and escaped the fleete of ships that was in the -straight aforesayde? The Spaniards answered, that they found no -impediment nor let. So he being greatlie amazed as well of the one as of -the other, entered into his owne boate, and with great furie departed -from their shippe and went into his owne; but at his departure the -Spaniards did request him that he would conduct them vnto the citie, who -gave them to vnderstande by signes that he woulde, although he feared -the rigorous punishment that in that kingdom is executed vppon all such -as doo bring into the same any man of a strange nation (as hath been -tolde you in the first part of this historie.) So hee fearing that if -hee shoulde enter with him into the port, the fault would be imputed -unto him, therefore at such time as hee came within halfe a league of -the riuer's mouth, he cast about his shippe and sailed to sea, and went -so farre that in a short time the Spaniards had lost the sight of them; -who when they saw that they had no guide, they followed the course of -another shippe that they had discovered before the other did cast about -to sea, for which occasion the other two ships that we spake off before -were departed. So a little before the sunne set, they discouered the -mouth and entrie of a great and mightie brode riuer, out of the which -came two great streames or armes, and in them many ships entering in and -going forth; and considering how they had the winde which serued them -well they entered into the same. But when they had sailed forwards a -quarter of a league, they discouered so great a multitude of barkes that -it seemed vnto them a grove, or some inhabited place, and as we drew -nigh vnto them, they not knowing our shippe, all began to flie and run -away with so great noise, as though they should haue beene all set on -fire or smoke in that place. The Spaniards seeing that they were the -occasion of this feare amongst them, they withdrew themselves into the -middest of the riuer, whereas they strooke saile and came to an anker, -and there they did ride all that night, and it was in such a place that -none of al the other barks and boats came nigh them by a great way. - -The next day following, which was Sunday, the one-and-twentieth day of -June, they weighed anker, and went vnder their foresaile vp that arme of -the riuer, the which within a little while they had sailed did ioine -with the other arme aforesaide, and was in that place of so great -widenesse that it seemed to bee a sea; there sailed in and out many -shippes, barkes, and boates, of whom the Spaniards demaunded how farre -the port was off from that place, but they answered nothing at all, but -with great laughter and wonder to see the Spaniards and their kind of -attyre, they departed. But when they had sailed two leagues up the -riuer, they discouered a high towre and very faire, vnder the which were -at an anker a great number of shippes; thither they sailed right on. So -when as they came right ouer against the towre, they saw on shore a -great mighty crane, to discharge merchandize withal, whereat lay many -ships; but when they came to the point, fearing that some ordinance -would be shot at them, they strook all their sailes, according vnto the -vse and custom in the ports of Spain. They, after a while that they had -remained in that sort, and saw that neither the towre nor the ships did -make any motion towards them, they turned and hoised up again their -sailes and went wheras al the ships were, and when they came amongst -them they let fall their anker; wheras they did ride, looking when they -would come to demand of them anything. - - - - -CHAP. III. - - _The fryers and their companions came vnto the cittie - of Canton, they went on shore, and praised God for - that it had pleased Him to let them see their desire - fulfilled. There comes a iustice to visite them, and - hath with them great communication._ - - -The Spaniards seeing that they were there at an anker a good while, and -that there was none that came vnto them to demand any question, they -hoisted out their boate, and went in it on shore, wheras they al kneeled -downe upon their knees, and with great deuotion did say _Te Deum -laudamus_, giuing thankes to God for that he had so myraculously brought -them into the kingdome of China, of them so much desired, without any -pilot or other humane industrie; the which being doone, they began to -walke along by the crane aforesaid, nigh unto the which were certaine -houses wheras were kept ropes and tackling belonging vnto the shippes; -so they proceeded forwards with intent to seek the gates of the citie, -the which after they had gone the space of foure hargabus shot, they -found the gate, which was verie great and sumptuous of a strong and -gallant edifice. The people of the country seeing them at their comming -a shore how they did kneele downe, and how that their manner of attire -was different from the people of the same, and not knowing from whence -they did come, did cause in them great admiration, and to ioyne togither -a great troope of people, and followed them with great desire to see the -end of their enterprize. - -This great multitude of people was the occasion that they entered in at -the gates of the cittie without being discouered of the guards and posts -that were put there for that purpose, neither were they disturbed of the -entry by reason of the great throng of people and strangenesse of the -matter. So after they had gone a while in the streete, the people -increasing more and more to see them, they staied in the porch of a -great house there, where as the iustices of the sea, or water bailies, -do keepe their courts of audience; and in the meane time that they -remained there, which was a pretty while, the guardes of the gate -understood that amongst the presse and throng of the people, did enter -certaine strangers, contrary to the precept given them vpon great -penalties; they straightway, with great fear that their ouersight should -be discouered, ran and laid hands vpon the Spaniards, and carried them -backe againe and put them out of the gate of the citie, without doing -any evil or harme vnto their persons, and willed them to stay there in -that place till such time as they had given the gouernor of the cittie -to vnderstand thereof, and he to send them licence that they may enter -in againe. So after a good while that they had remained there wheras the -guards had set them, there came vnto them a man who was a Chino, called -Canguin, and could speake Portugal, who knowing them to be Christians by -their faces and attire, did aske them in the Portugal toong, what they -sought? the Spaniards answered him, that their comming into that kingdom -was for to shew and declare to them the way to heaven, and to give them -to vnderstand and know the true God, the creator of heaven and earth, -and that they would very faine talke with the gouernor to entreat -therof. This Chino by and by brought to them a man that could speak very -good Portuges, who as after they did vnderstand, both he, his wife and -children were christened; and although they were borne in China, yet did -they dwel thre years with Portugals that were inhabited in Machao, which -is twenty leagues from that cittie of Canton. This did demande the same -question of them that the other did, and wherefore they came into that -countrie? They answered him the same as they did the other; hee replied, -and asked them who was the pilot that brought them thither? they -answered, the will of God; they not knowing howe, nor from whence: but -after they had sailed at the sea certaine dayes, they came vnto that -place that according as it was given them to vnderstande, is the cittie -of Canton, of the which they have heard declared many straunge thinges. -The Chino asked how the guardes of the sea, and shippes that were in the -straight aforesaid, did let them passe? they answered that they saw no -guards nor any other that did trouble them their passage. This last -answere did cause the christian Chino greatly to admire, who being moued -with a good zeale, said vnto them, that they should returne againe vnto -the shippe, and not to come forth untill such time as he had giuen -aduice of their comming vnto the mandelines of the sea, which be -certaine iudges appointed to giue aduice of all such matters to the -governor, that he may command what is to be done therein. - -So the Spaniards returned vnto the shippe, wheras they remained a good -while, and passed great heate, for that it dooth exceede in that port. -So after a while, they sawe come vnto a house which was neere vnto the -gate of the cittie, a man of great authoritie, who was brought in a -litter chaire, and much people came with him; he stayed at that house, -and from thence sent to call vnto him the religious men and all the rest -that came in their company; before them all came one that carried a -table, all whited, and thereon was written certain great letters, with -blacke ynke, the which (as after they understood) was the licence that -the gouernor of the cittie gaue them for to come a shoore, without the -which there is no stranger permitted. The fathers did straightwayes obey -it, and came forth of their shippe with more companie than they desired, -of such as came to see them, who were so many in number, that although -the sergeants and officers of the iudge that sent for them, did beate -them for to make way, yet was it a good while before they coulde come -vnto the house wheras the iudge was, although the way was but short. So -when they approched nigh, one of the sergeants bad them kneele down -before the iudge, the which they did with great humilitie without any -replication. Hee was set in a verie rich chaire with so great maiestie -that they were greatly astonyed to see it, and the more when that they -understood by the christian Chino that he was not the gouernor, neither -of the supreme iudges; hee was apparelled in a robe of silke, close from -aboue down to the foot, with the sleeues very wide, and a girdle -imbossed, and on his head a bonnet full of brooches, such as bishops doo -use on their mytres. Before him was set a table, whereon was paper and -inke, and on the one side and on the other, two rankes of men, as though -they were to guard him, yet without weapons. They had al of them in -their hands, long canes of foure fingers brode, with the which (as after -they did vnderstand), they do beat such as are offenders, vpon the -calues of their legges, with great crueltie, as hath been told you in -the first books of this historie. All these had vppon their heads a -manner of helmet, made of blacke leather, and on them great plumes of -pecocks' feathers, with brooches made of mettal, a thing vsed to be -worne in that countrie of such as are executioners or ministers of -iustice. - -[Sidenote: Marke the Friers confession of images.] - -The iudge had the interpreter to aske them of what nation they were, and -what they sought in that countrie, and who was their guide to bring them -into that port: the which being vnderstood by the religious men, -answered that they were Spaniards, and subject vnto the king Philip of -Spaine, and came thether to preach the holy gospel, and to teach them to -know the true God, creator of the heauen and earth, and to leaue off the -worshiping of their idols (who haue no more power of themselues, then -that which is giuen them by him that doth make them): the which worship -is knowne and receiued by his holie law, and declared by the mouth of -his only begotton Sonne, and confirmed with diuine tokens from heaven, -in whose guarde doth consist the saluation of all soules. And to the -last, touching who was their guide vnto that kingdome: they answered, -That it was God, vnto whose will all creature are subiect, as vnto the -true creator: all the which (as afterward it did appeare) the -interpreter did not truely interpret of the interpretation of the -Spaniards: vnderstanding, that if hee should truely interpret what they -saide, the iudge would forthwith sende them away, which would be the -occasion that he shuld get nothing of them. So that he made his -interpretation as at best seemed for his purpose, fearing (as after he -did confesse) that if he shuld declare the truth of that which the -Spaniards had said, it would haue beene verie odious to the iudge, and -afterward both vnto them and to himselfe might be the occasion of some -great euill: but to conclude, he answered and told the iudge that they -were certaine religious men, who liued in common a sharpe and asper -life, much after the manner of those of that kingdome: and that going -from the Iland of Luzon vnto the Ilands of the Illocos, in a great -storme and tempest that chanced them, the ship wherin they were was cast -away, and al their people cast away, sauing they, who escaped by vsing -great diligence, and put themselues in that small ship, which came in -company with another greater shippe, without pilot or mariner, for that -they were almost all drowned; and setting saile in the best manner they -could or knewe, being holpen and constrained by necessity, they let -their ship saile, and go whither as fortune did cary them. So after many -dangers and stormes at the sea, according to the will of the heauens -they came vnto this port, whose name as yet they knew not. The iudge -asked them where they had that Chino that they brought in their company -for an interpreter. They answered that he was in Luzon, and captiue vnto -a Spaniard: they tooke him and set him free, and hee vnderstanding that -they were bound vnto the firme land of China, which was his naturall -countrie, he requested them to carrie him thither; the which they did -with a very good will, for that they had neede of him to vtter their -desire, if neede did so require. All the which the other interpreter -fearing, that if he should tel vnto the iudge how that he was captiue -vnto the Christians, hee would bee offended, and therefore hee did -falsifie the same and saide, that comming vnto an iland to take in fresh -water, they found the boy there, where he was captiue eight yeares -before, and came thither forced with a great storme, in the which was -drowned a merchants shippe that was bound to Luzon, and he alone escaped -by swimming; and so hee came aborde the shippe in the which were the -fathers, not knowing whither they went. All these vntruthes he did -inuent for to dissemble and go forwards with his knavish pretence, and -would not declare the true intent of the friers: the which he had -decreed with himselfe how to doo before the iudge did sende to call -them. Moreouer, the iudge did aske them what they brought in their small -shippe; they answered that they brought nothing but one chest and two -little fardels of bookes, and an ornament for to say masse. This did the -interpreter declare truely vnto the iudge, for that experience might be -made thereof. So the iudge forthwith commanded that it should be brought -before him, the which being done, he caused it to be vndone, and he -perused euery thing by it selfe, the which being strange vnto him, for -that he neuer saw the like, he made signes vnto them that he receiued -great contentment in the seeing of them, but specially of the images -they brought: but that which did best please him was an ara or -sopra-altar, of a blacke stone, the which did shine so bright that they -might see themselues therein, as well as in a glasse. These friers did -bring the same with them out of the kingdom of Mexico, whereas you haue -great aboundance, but specially in the prouince of Mechuacan. So after -that hee had seene all, and sawe that it was drie, without any signe or -token that it had beene in the sea, hee called to remembrance the wordes -of the interpreter in the name of the fathers, touching the storme -wherein their shippe was cast away, and howe that they escaped by -swimming, and put themselues in that small shippe in the which they -came: and considering of the same, it seemed vnto him that they did -fable in that which they had saide: so that he did replie and asked if -it were true that which they had before declared, and howe it shoulde -bee that their bookes and other things were not wet at the sea, which -was an euident token and plainely to be vnderstood that they had fabled -and told lies, and so he belieued they did in all the rest. The -interpreter, fearing least by that argument his falshod would be -discouered, he fel in talke a while with the friers, asking and -answering things very different to that which the iudge had commanded -him. Then he with a strange and sharpe boldnes answered to the -difficulty proponed by the iudge, and said, That as all merchants at -such time as their shippes are readie to sinke and to be lost, they doo -procure first to saue such thinges as are of most estimation, forgetting -all the rest: euen so these religious men did procure with great care -and diligence to saue those books and that ornament, which is all their -treasure, and yet for all their diligences done they lost a great number -mo. All these fables and lies, after many dayes, the religious fathers -came to haue the knowledge of. - -The iudge did aske them if they brought any armor or weapons in their -shippe? they answered that they were no men to bring them, neither -according vnto their profession, they could not wear nor use them, for -that they were religious, and professed other matters contrary vnto the -vse of armor or weapon, promising and auowing unto God perpetual -povertie and chastitie, and vnto their superior prelates obedience all -the dayes of their liues. The iudge returned and asked them if they had -any monie, and where withall they did eate and apparell themselues, and -bought those bookes and ornaments? they answered, that all that which -they had was giuen them by secular christians for God's sake whome they -did serue, for that they should pray for them, and for the saluation of -their soules. - -The iudge, when he heard this, was greatly astonied, for that the -interpreter did declare the truth, and made signes that he recieued -griefe and had pittie on them, although he gaue not full credite to that -which he heard, but said that he would go aborde their shippe, to see if -they did say the truth, in not bringing anie armor or weapon, neither -silver nor merchandize. This did hee straightwayes put in ure, and -commaunded them that brought him in the litter chaire vpon their -shoulders to go thitherward. All those people did beare him companie, as -also a great number that were there ioyned togither to heare the -examination of those strangers, and also the Spaniards he commanded to -go next vnto him. - -So that when he was in their shippe, set in his chaire, his ministers -began to search the shippe in all places, both aboue and below, and -could finde nothing but a little rice, which was left of that which they -brought with them: they gaue the iudge to vnderstand thereof, who -looking vpon the Spaniards, said that all they that were in the shippe -might heare him. These do speak the truth, and they doo seeme vnto me to -bee good people, and without any superstition, and without all doubte -they doo come and will be after the manner of our religious men, -according as is to be seene in the vniformitie of their apparell, as -also in their heads and beardes. Then he beganne to demaunde of them -certaine thinges, more of curiositie then of suspection; who answered -him, casting up their eies vnto heauen, (for that their talke was -thereof), and they saw that the iudge did greatly reioyce and had -pleasure therein, for that it seemed that they had the heauens for their -God, as they haue, by reason they did so much looke upwards. After this -the iudge came foorth of the shippe, but the religious men remained -behind at his commandment with his companions; and likewise hee -commaunded certaine of those officers that came with him, to remaine -about their ship at the water's side, for their guard, more for that -none should doo to them any harme, then for any euil suspition they had -of them. - -Al that day that the Spaniards were in their ship the countrie men came -downe to the water side to see them, and that in so great number that -they did woonder to see them; and on the other side they were greatly -reioyced to see so many soules there ioyned togither, hoping that when -it should bee the will and pleasure of God to giue them oportunitie, to -baptise them all. - -The next day following, in the morning, they sawe another mandelin or -judge, comming towards their shippe, accompanied with much people, and -with little less maiestie than the other had, who entered into their -shippe and commaunded to search both aboue and belowe, to see whether -they brought any armour, weapon, or any other kinde of merchandize; and -seeing that they could finde nothing else but their bookes and their -ornament aforesaide, he commaunded it to be brought before him, who did -peruse the same peece by peece with great admiration, and shewed great -contentment that hee received to see their bookes and images, although -that which did most content him was to see the ara of blacke stone, as -was said before. Then hee commanded one of the fathers for to reade in -one of the said bookes, and for to write, the which was done before him -with so great facilitie, that the judge receiued great contentment to -see it. Then hee asked them if that with the said letters they could -write any other language that were different vnto theirs. The fathers -answered yea, that they coulde write any language; and for a plainer -proofe they wrote on a piece of paper, certaine reasons in the iudges -language, the which did cause him greatly to maruell, and said (turning -his face to some of them that came with him), these men are not -barbarous, nor of any euill condition, so farre as I can see. - -With this he departed out of their shippe, and went to giue the -gouernour (who sent him), to vnderstand of that he had seene and coulde -vnderstande of the Spaniards in this his visitation, who straightwayes -did sende them a licence vpon a table, that they shoulde come on shore, -and be suffered to enter into the cittie freely at their will. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - _The Spaniards go forth of their ship, and go into the - citie unto the christened Chinos house, and are - carried before another superior judge in common - audience, and manie other passe with them._ - - -So soone as they had their licence, they went forth of their ship and -entred in at the gate of the cittie, although with great trouble by -reason of the great number of people that came to see them, as a thing -neuer seen before. Then they went to the christened Chinos house (hee -that serued for their interpreter), who made very much of them, and -giuing them to vnderstand that hee had made a true report of all that -they had commanded him, and did offer himselfe to do so much with the -justices, that he would procure to get licence of the gouernor for them -to remain in the countrie, and to giue them a house wherein to remaine -and dwel; and did admonish them that at that time they should not deale -for to make the Chinos christians, vntil such time as they were better -knowne, and coulde speake the language, and then should they doo it with -a great deale more ease. All these promises, with the falsifying of that -the Spaniards spake before to the iudges, was to content the friers (as -in discourse of time they did vnderstande), and onely to get monie from -them, for that it seemed vnto him that it could not be but that they -shoulde have good stoore, for that they came from a rich countrie -whereas it was; and againe to come about businesse of so great -importance, about the which they shoulde remaine there a long time (as -aforesaide), as they afterwarde did more at large vnderstande. If that -interpreter had declared in fidelitie all that which they had spoken, -without al doubt they woulde not have suffered them to have come on -shoare, else have put them in some prison for that they came on land -without licence; and to have shewed them the most fauour they woulde -haue caused them to returne from whence they came; whereas the guardes -of the straight (of whom we have spoken of before), woulde either in -secrete or publike sinke them at the sea, for that they were all greatly -in hatred against them; the reason was that the Aytao, who is (as is -declared in the first booke of this historie), the president of the -counsell of warre, had vnderstanding howe that they passed thorough the -fleete and were not seene, which was a thing that they all wondred at. - -This Aytao did forthwith make secret information of the same, and found -it to be true, whereuppon hee did iudge the captaines to perpetuall -prison where they were well whipped, and did secrest[39] all their goods; -for the which all their kinsfolkes and the rest of the guards had great -indignation against the Spaniards, and would with great ease have beene -reuenged on them, but that they did feare the punishment that should bee -doone on them after that it should be knowne. In the which they doo -execute their iustice in this kingdom more then in any place in all the -world. - -[39] Sequester. - -In the house of this christened Chino they dined that day, as they did -many more afterwarde, but every night they returned to their fregat to -bed, for that they durst not leave their things alone, neither to lie -out of their shippe, for that one of the iudges had so commanded. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - _The Spaniards are called before a iudge, who doth - examine them, and offer them great favour; he dooth - write vnto the vizroy, giuing credit vnto the persons - who sendeth commission vnto a iudge called Aytao, for - to examine their cause. The chiefe captaine of Machao - dooth accuse them in saying that they were spies, and - doth intreate of other strange matters._ - - -Vpon Saint John baptist day they were called before a iudge, who (as -after this did vnderstand), was a superiour vnto the other past; but -when they came whereas he was in place of audience, his ministers did -straight wayes commande them to kneele downe at such time as they came -in sight of the iudge, which was vnto the religious men no small -torment. He demanded of them the same that the others did, and they -answered in briefe, that they came to preach the holy gospell, and -requested him to giue them licence to execute the same, and to remain in -that cittie of Canton for to learne the China tongue, whereby they might -giue them to vnderstande and knowe the trueth of the heauen. The -interpreter did falsifie their wordes as hee had doone vnto the other -iudges, and said no more but for so much that fortune and foul weather -had driuen them into that port, they would liue amongst them, although -it were to serue them as slaves; for that if they woulde returne vnto -the ilande of Luzon, or by another name called Manilla, they could not -for that they knewe not the way, neither had they anie pilot to conduct -them. - -The iudge had pittie on them, and commanded that such thinges as they -had in their shippe should be brought on land, for that he woulde see -them; amongst the which, the thing which caused him most to maruell at -was when hee sawe the images, and ara (or alter stone), of blacke -jasper stone (of the which we have made large mention.) Hee requested -of the Spaniards that they woulde giue them two images, which when they -had given them they made shew to esteeme greatly of the present, for -that they were things that they have not amongst them. He talked with -them very friendly, and caused them to arise from the ground whereas -they did kneele, and to shewe them the more fauour he caused to be giuen -them to drinke, in his presence, a certaine beurage which they do vse -made of certaine hearbs, and vse it for a comfortable thing for the -heart, and is commonly vsed amongst them although they are not dry, and -amongst the Chinos is a shew of particular fauour. - -[Sidenote: The Chinos most vpright in all their iudgements and in -execution of iustice.] - -This iudge did more vnderstande the intent of the Spaniards than any of -the other past, for their interpreter had tolde unto him that they -woulde remaine in the countrie for to cure sicke persons and to bury the -dead, the which they could do excellent well. When the iudge heard these -wordes hee gaue with his hande a great stroke vppon the table that was -before him, and said with showes of great wonder unto other inferior -judges that were with him: Oh! what good people are these as it seemeth; -it would be vnto mee a great ioy, if that I coulde of mine owne -authoritie accomplish that which they do desire, but our lawes do forbid -the same and that with great rigour. All this did their interpreter tel -them afterward. At this time there entred into the place of audience -whereas they were, a man of China, one of the common sort, al imbrewed -with blood, crying out and making a great noise without any consort, who -prostrating himselfe upon the ground did complaine of other Chinos with -whom he had fallen out, and was beaten and buffeted in cruell sort. The -iudge when he saw him, did straight wayes command his officers to bring -the offenders before him, the which was done with a trice, and they -returned with the plaintife, bringing three other Chinos bound together -by the armes, and as it seemed they were men of base sort. The judge -incontinent made information wholly of all that passed, and condemned -them without writing any letter, in twenty sotes[40] or strokes a peece. -The officers forthwith took them with so great cruelty as though they -had bin diuels, and threwe them vpon the ground with their bellies -downwards to execute the sentence giuen by the iudge; and when they had -pulled off their hose, they began to whippe them vpon the calues of -their legges with a sot made of canes, in manner as hath beene told you -before. The religious people who were present all this while, and taking -pity on these condemned men fell downe at the feet of the iudge, and by -signes and tokens did craue of him for the love of God, that his -sentence might not be executed, who straightwayes commanded the -executioners to cease, condiscending vnto the petition of the friers, -and did pardon the offenders fifteene sottes or strokes of the twentie, -wherein they were condemned. - -[40] The translator seems to have made this word himself from the -Spanish, "azote", a scourge. - -The iudge did very much woonder at the pouertie of these religious men, -and at the sharpe and asper apparell that they weare: but the chiefest -thing that they did maruell at, was when that he vnderstoode howe they -had passed the fleete of ships that were put in the straight for to -defende and keepe the coast, and were neuer seene, which seemed vnto him -a thing impossible, except it were by permission of the heauen. - -So when this examination and talke was finished, he commanded them to -returne unto their shippe, promising them for to write vnto the vizroy -(who was thirtie leagues from that place), and to giue him to vnderstand -that they were men without any suspection, and that he might wel giue -them licence for to come to his presence: vpon which relation hee woulde -commaunde what shoulde bee doone, either to tarrie or to go vnto him. - -Within few dayes after they vnderstood that the iudge had accomplished -his promise, for that the vizroy had committed the matter vnto another -iudge called Aytao, whose office is for to examine and inquire the -causes of strangers: the wordes of the commission were as followeth. - -[Sidenote: The vizroies commission.] - -"I am written vnto from Canton, howe that there are come thither -certaine men apparelled very sharpe and asper, after the fashion of our -religious men in the wildernesse, who bringe no weapons, neither any -other thing that might seeme to pretend any euill intent: and for that -they are thy charge, examine them with care and diligence, and prouide -to doo therein that which shall be most requisite and conuenient: giuing -vs to vnderstand the large and true relation of that which shall -happen." - -[Sidenote: A sacred thing no doubt of it.] - -The verie same day of Saint Iohn, the Spaniards being verie merry and -vnmindfull of any thing, for that they had all that day receiued the -Sacrament: there came vnto them abord their shippe or frigat the -interpreters, and did euidently declare their euill purpose and intent, -(saying) that it was apparent what they had done for them, and in what -perill they did euery day put themselues in for their matters, and that -it was reason that they shoulde pay them for the same, and if not, they -would not helpe them any more, neither interpret or take paines in their -businesse: certifying them that if they did faile to satisfie them, that -they should not finde any that would doo it with so great good will and -diligence (as they should finde by experience); and how that they had -beene put in prison if they had not beene, for entring into that -kingdome without licence; and for that they enterpreted for them with -great curtesie and fauour, they had also been commaunded to returne back -againe from whence they came, which by their meanes was the cause that -the iudges did entreat them so friendly as they did. The father Costodio -when he vnderstoode their intente, and did evidently see that it was -wholly grounded vppon gaine; considering also the vrgent necessitie that -they had of them, and not satisfying them, it was difficult to find any -for to help them in that their necessitie, of two euils he chose the -best, and deliuered vnto them a pawne for their contentemente, one of -the two challices they brought with them, giuing them great charge to -vse and keep it as a sacred thing and dedicated for to consecrate the -blood of Christ. The principall interpreter did take it with great -content, and presently gaue it a newe master, in selling it vnto a gold -smith for as much as it was woorth, who did melt it, and made things -thereof according to his trade: yet they not being content therewith, -and that it seemed vnto them that those fathers could not but bring with -them much riches, they inquired of the China boy whom they brought to -bee their interpreter, with faire words to know if they had any golde or -siluer, or pretious stones, or any other thing of valure; but when they -vnderstoode that they brought none of those things but onely their -bookes and some other ornaments to say masse, they straightwayes -imagined in their mindes, and that with great care and diligence, to -procure some way to get from them the other challice which they had -seen; and the better to put it in execution, they repeated againe vnto -the friers that which before hath been told you, augmenting thereunto -many wordes and reasons, affirming that they had spent vpon them in -giuing them to eate twelue taes[41] more then the challice which they had -giuen them did weigh or amount to, which was twelue ducats of Spaine; -hauing before giuen them to vnderstand at such time as they did eate -they did it of almes and for God's sake, and with so great content, that -many times it happened when they saw the Spaniards would not eate any -dainty thing, but woulde feed and content themselues with base victuals, -he would say vnto them they shoulde eate without any grief or care, that -when it should so fall out that his subtance did fail him, hee woulde -then pawne one of his sonnes to buy victuals. - -[41] Tael, Tale, or Taes, is the Portuguese word for Leang, the Chinese -word for ounce, usually ounce of silver, and about one-third more than -an ounce avoirdupois. - -The father Costodio plainly seeing and vnderstanding that their intent -and purpose was wholly grounded for to get from him the other challice, -he answered that he had not for to giue them, and how that he had giuen -the other challice in pawn of that which they had spent in victuals, and -for their trauell that they had taken for them. The interpreter did -replie, saying, that if they had nothing, that they shoulde seeke it, -seeing that they ought it for their victuals which they had eaten; and -it was the vse of that countrie, that when any man did owe any thing, -and hath not for to pay the same, for to sell their children, or else to -become slaues vnto their creditor; they demanded the other challice that -remained, for that the other which they had giuen them did weigh but -sixteene taes, which was but a small matter in respect of their desert, -onely for their trauel in their enterpretations. This frier Costodio did -pacifie them in the best maner hee coulde, promising to pay both the one -and the other, hauing oportunitie for the same, and that they woulde -procure it with as great care as was possible, and requesting him for to -keepe the challice, that he had given him in pawne, in great veneration, -for that hee did esteeme it much more for the consecration and -dedication vnto the deuine Colto,[42] then for the value of that it -wayed, and more, promised him upon his worde to write vnto the Portugals -that were in Machao, signifying unto them their necessitie and to -demande their almes and charity, and looke whatsoever they did send -them, being little or much, should be giuen him. Then the interpreter, -who had his eyes fixed vppon gaine, saide, that they shoulde forthwith -write, and that hee woulde giue him a messenger for to carrie the -letter, and to bring answere of the same, as he had doone the like not -many dayes before. The father Costodio did write vnto the bishoppe that -was in Machao, giuing him to vnderstande of his comming and of his -companions vnto the cittie of Canton, and howe that his comming thither -was onelie to procure for to preach the holy gospel, and for to conuert -and turne to God those blinde idolaters. The which letter being receiued -by the bishop, he made answere, praysing their intent and purpose, -animating them with godly wordes of exhortation, and therewith did sende -and demand the copie of such authoritie as they brought from the holy -father touching that the which they pretended. This hee did for that all -the sayde countrie vnto the lande of Iapon was committed vnto him by the -holy father. - -[42] Worship. - -Unto this letter, the father Costodio answered, that hauing oportunitie, -he woulde obey his commandement, and shew vnto him the facultie he -brought, and also woulde him selfe in person go thether for to kisse his -handes, and to satisfie all the inhabitants of that towne, for that it -was giuen him to understande that they reported euill of them, and sayde -that they were vacabondes and lost men, and not true religious men, -neither sacerdotes nor priests; and how that they had requested certaine -Chinos, which at that time came vnto Machao, that at their returne -againe vnto Canton they should tell the iudges and aduertise them with -good aduisement, how that there were certaine Castillos come into their -cittie, whom they did certainely know not to be of their nation, but of -an other, and subiects vnto a different and strange king, whom they did -beleeue to come thether for some ill intent and purpose in counterfeit -attire, and came for spyes from the Castillos of Luzon, and that they -did beleeue that after them did come some armie to do hurt in some part -of that countrie, and that they should prevent it in time, for that if -so be that any thing should happen, the fault should not be imputed vnto -them. - -All this the Portingales did (as afterwards they did plainely -vnderstande) for feare that the Castillos should take from them their -contractation and gaine which they had in that city; by which occasion -their intente did so proceede forward, that they did certifie the -Chinos, that the chiefe captaine of Machao, who was put there by the -king of Portingale, had presented a petition vnto a citie that was -ioyning to Canton, aduertising the iudges of that before spoken of, and -protesting that if any harme or damage should come to that country in -admitting the Castillos, that it should not be imputed vnto them. - -But the iudge vnderstanding their euill intent, and that their -accusations were more vppon malice and enuie then of any trueth, he -answered vnto the same, that he was particularly informed of those -religious persons, against whom they did complaine, how that they were -men of whom they needed not to feare, and without any suspition; as it -did plainely appeare when they did visite their ship, wherein they came, -where they found nothing, but onely a fewe bookes and some other thinges -which did more signifie deuotion than to make any warre. This iudge -(notwithstanding the answere he made), for that afterwards the chiefe -captaine should not raise vp some inuention, tooke the originall -petition, and sent it with great securitie vnto the viceroy of the -prouince of Aucheo, that he might see and peruse it; who when that he -had easily perceiued it, and vnderstood the intent of him that presented -the same, and the innocencie of them that were therein complained of, he -sent and commanded the gouernor of Canton for to giue them good -intertainment, and not to permit any harme or hurt to be done vnto them, -and that he should send them vnto the city of Aucheo, for that he would -see them, for that it was tolde him that they seemed to be holy men, and -although that they had their apparell in the same forme, of the Austin -friers, (whome he had seene), yet their garments were of an other colour -and more asper. - -The chief captaine seeing that his intent fell not out well with the -iudges of China, he commanded to be proclaymed publicke in Machao that -none should write vnto them, nor communicate with them vpon paine of -banishment, and to pay two thousande ducats. All this was not sufficient -for to coole the mindes of some deuout persons of the religion of the -glorious Saint Francis, but were rather incyted to offer their fauour -and helpe seeing they had neede thereof; but in particular the bishop -did helpe tham alwaies with his almes, and also an honorable priest -called Andres Cotino, who making small account of the proclamation did -write vnto them diverse times, although secretly, and sent their letters -with almes and many exhortations to proceed forward with their holy -zeale and intent. Besides this they sent vnto them a Spaniard called -Pedro Quintero, who had dwelt there many years amongest the Portingals, -and hauing oportunitie they sent him many times with comfortable things -and letters, but not signed, for if happily they should be met with all, -they might denie them to be theirs. - -Now returning to our purpose, the interpreter, with desire to be payed -of that which hee saide he had spent and laide out, did bring the -messenger that he promised them to go vnto Machao to carrie their -letters vnto such religious men as they knewe; in the which he craued -their almes and helpe for to pay their interpreter, and praying them for -the love of God to sende them likewise so much as should redeeme their -challice (who at this time knew not how it was solde and broken). - -This messenger went with all diligence and secrecie, and returned with -the like, and brought with him that which they sent for and other -iunkets of great content, the which came in very good season, for that -one of the sayde friers, called frier Sebastian, of S. Francis, was very -sick of a strong ague, whereof in few daies after he died, very wel and -with a strange desire to suffer martyrdome for God's sake. When this -messenger came, there was come thither the Aytao who is iudge of the -strangers, and was without the citie, vnto whom was committed the -examination of the Spaniards, who after that he had concluded other -matters, commanded them to be brought afore him with great love and -gentlenesse, for so the viceroy of Aucheo had commanded him. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - _The Spaniards seing themselues in great necessitie, - hauing not to maintaine themselues, they go into the - streets to ask almes: the gouernor vnderstanding - thereof commandeth to giue them a stipend out of the - king's treasure: the interpreter goeth forwardes with - his couetousness and deceit: they be carried before - the iudges of the citie, with whom they do intreat of - diuers matters: they do aduise the viceroy of al, who - commandeth to send them to Aucheo._ - - -Because they would not see themselues in the like danger with the -interpreter, as that which was past, they would not go any more to eate -at his house, but rather to giue an example vnto those of the citie, -they went foorth every day by two and two to aske almes; and although -they were infidels, yet they gaue them with great contentment and ioie, -because it was a rare thing in that kingdome to see them begge in the -streetes, by reason, as hath been tolde you, that they haue no poore -folk, neither are they permitted, if there be any, to aske in the -streetes nor in their temples. When that the gouernor vnderstoode -thereof, and how that they did it for pure necessitie, and had no other -waies to maintaine themselues, hee commanded to be giuen them euerie -day, a certaine stipend vpon the kinges cost, the which was with so -great abundance, that mainteining the souldiers that came with them, and -all the rest, yet had they to spare, for that their stipende was giuen -them in money, which was sixe mayesses[43] of siluer, whereof they had -to spare, for that all thinges in that countrie is so good cheape, as -hath been told you in many places. - -[43] Mace or mayes is the Portuguese word for Tsien, the tenth of an -ounce. These words mayes, tayes (see page 156), belong to the same class -as mandarin, bonze, joss-house, etc., all of which have been invented by -the Portuguese. - -Their interpreter, seeing the good newes that was brought from Machao -for the Spaniardes, by a bill that a certayne deuout man had sent him in -secret, whereupon would be giuen vnto him all that was needeful, with -protestation to pay all that should be giuen vnto them although it -should amount vnto a great summe (with the which hee wrote a letter vnto -the Fryer Costodio of great comfort, in strengthening him and all the -rest to perseuer in their intent which God had put in their mindes for -the saluation of those soules), the Interpreter (I say) beganne to -imagine, that for to profite himselfe it was conuenient for to delate -and detract the departure of the Spaniardes, and did exact vpon them -euery day, in the buying of their uictuals, the halfe of the money that -was giuen them. - -[Sidenote: A prophesie.] - -So vpon a day he came verie much out of order, and fayned that the aytao -had commanded that they should forthwith depart out of the kingdome; but -yet notwithstanding he would present a petition in their name, saying, -that for as much as time did not serue them to nauigate, neither was -their shippe in plight for to make their iourney, that it would please -them to get them a house whereas they might remaine three or four -monethes, in the which time they might prouide them of all thinges -necessarie for their voyage; and possible it may so fall out that in -this time, they seeing their manner of liuing to bee good, and to shew -good examples, they may let them to remaine in the countrie liberally -and to learne the language, and then beginne to preach and declare the -right way vnto heauen. All this he spake with great dissimulation for -to profite himselfe, for he knewe verie well that the aytao had willed -him to tell them, that they could not remaine in that countrie with the -pretence they had; for that there was a lawe ordained to the contrarie, -without expresse licence from the king, the which will last of all be -granted vnto the Spaniardes or Portingals, for that there is a prophesie -amongest them, spoken by the mouth of the diuell, and esteemed amongest -them for a very truth, for that other thinges which he spake when that -was spoken hath beene verified, in the which he doth pronounce that a -time shall come, that they shall be subiect vnto a nation whose men -shall haue great beardes and long noses, and sharpe broade eyes (as we -would say cats eyes), in the which they do differ from them. For it is a -great maruaile to finde a man amongst them with more then twentie heares -in his beard, little more or lesse, flat noses, and their eyes very -little, so that when they will mocke a man, or doo him any iniurie by -word, they will call him "cats eyes". - -Now for that the desire of the Spaniardes was nothing else but to -remaine in that countrie, for to bring to effect their good zeale, they -did gratifie the interpreter for the great fauour hee shewed them, and -did earnestly entreat him for to present the petition, thinking thereby -their desire should be vnderstood, and Gods cause iustified, so that -they first would enter into them by the way of preaching. He presented -the petition when that all the iudges were together, who had great pitie -and compassion ouer the Spaniardes, and willed that they should come -before them, for that they would see and vnderstande the roote and -foundation of their will. They obeyed their commandement with great ioy, -and when they were come into the hall, one of the iudges, who was -superior ouer all the rest, and a man of great authoritie, did aske of -them by way of the interpreter, what was their pretence in that they did -aske a house to dwell in, the Frier Costodio did answere, that he did -desire it for to learne the language well, by which meanes they might -the better learne them to know the true God, and to set them in the true -way to goe and glorie with him, because it was his office and his -profession. - -The interpreter tolde all this truely, the which fewe times before he -had done, as hath beene tolde you. Then the iudge, in name of all the -rest, sayde, that in that their demand they could not grant, neyther had -they any such authoritie to giue licence. - -This being spoken, the interpreter replyed, without tarrying to heare -what the Spaniardes would say, and said, that at least wayes they would -giue them licence to remaine there till such time as the Portingals did -come thether for to lade their marchandice, which would be within few -daies, with whom they would go, for that they were all of one law and -faith. The iudge did againe aske them if that the Portingals and -Spaniards were al one. The father Costodio answered, that in religion -and lawes there was no difference, but the one were subiects to one king -and the other to another, although they were kinsmen and that very nigh. -This last petition seemed to the iudge to be more reasonable and iust -than the first, and that they might grant it them with lesse -difficultie, although he answered them and said, that he could not grant -it vnto them, but he would write vnto the viceroy for to grant it them. -For that the Portugals would bee there at the farthest within foure or -fiue monethes, and that in the meane time he would giue them a prouision -that they may go freely abroad, and none to hurt nor harme them. - -So the next day following, which was the second of August, he did -accomplish his word and promise, and sent vnto the viceroy their -petition, and therewithall his iudgment and of all the rest that were -there with him, what they thought touching that matter. The answere -staid many daies after and came not, but in the ende there came a -commandement from the viceroy vnto the gouernor of Canton, in the which -hee willed that the Spaniards should be sent vnto Aucheo whereas he was, -and that there should be carried with them all such thinges as they -brought with them, which was their bookes and ornaments. - -The iudge did straightwaies send and gaue them to vnderstande of this -new order, because they should make themselues readie for to trauaile: -the which they did with great ioy and diligence, as you shall vnderstand -in the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. VII. - - _The Spaniardes take their iourney towardes Aucheo, - and declare what happened in the way thitherwarde._ - - -The next day following, which was the sixteenth day of August, the -Spaniards departed from Canton towards Aucheo to see the viceroy, with -great hope and confidence that he would giue them licence for that which -they pretended. But at their departure, they would have left there two -Indians for to keepe their ship or frigat; but the iudges that were -present said, that it was not needefull for them to haue any such care, -for that they would take the care vppon them to see all thinges in good -order. So presently they sent certaine writing in papers, and commaunded -them to bee glewed vppon the hatches of their shippe, in such sort that -they could not bee open but they must be perceiued. Then presently was -brought for the Spaniardes foure barkes, verie gallant and wide, with -verie fayre galleries and windowes; and beeing imbarked, they charged -them verie much to make all haste possible to accomplish the -commandement of the viceroy; and sent with them conuenient persons for -to be their guides, and to giue them all thinges necessarie for their -iourney. They traueiled continually in a mightie riuer against the -current, in the which they did see many thinges woorthie to be noted for -the space of foure daies that their iourney indured. - -There was alongest the riuer side manie cities and townes verie great, -which were so many in number that they could not make any memorie of -them, by reason that they passed manie of them by night, to obserue the -tides, and to auoid the heate, which was great vppon the water. Alongest -the riuer side (whereas it was not inhabited) was full of corne fieldes, -whereas they sawe them go to plough with many bufalos, much different -vnto the vse of Spaine; for that one alonely buffe did drawe the plough, -with one vpon his backe, who did gouerne and guide him with great ease -whether hee would they should go, with a corde made fast to a ring at -his nose, which serued in steede of a bridle. - -They sawe also flockes of geese, in the which were more then twentie -thousand; with whom they did weede, and tooke away the grasse which did -growe amongst the rice and other graine and seedes, driuing them in the -middest of their fieldes; and it seemed that they had the vse of reason, -considering how they did separate and make a distinction betwixt the -good seede and the bad, and the great care they had to feede and do no -harme, neither to plucke vp the good plant, which was a thing that they -wondred at aboue all the rest. All the countrie is verie populous, and -the townes one so neere an other, that it may better be sayde to be all -one towne and not manie, and might with more propertie be called the -citie of China, and not the kingdome of China. In all the whole countrie -there is not one foot of ground vnoccupied, by reason of the great -abundance of people that there is; and they permit amongest them no idle -people (as more at large it hath beene declared vnto you); and the -countrie beeing fertile, is the occasion that they have all thinges in -great abundance and at a lowe price. - -Now to returne to their voyage, the which they made verie well and with -great recreation, as well in the townes alongst the riuer side, as vpon -the riuer, whereas they were cherished with great care: in the end of -foure dayes, which was the twentieth day of August, they entred into the -suburbes of the citie of Aucheo, but so late that they were constrayned -to remaine there till the next day: whereas they found all thinges -necessarie and in good order, aswell for their bedding as for their -supper, to passe away the night. The next day, very early in the -morning, he that was their conduct and guide, made great haste for to -goe and see what the viceroy would command. - -They trauailed through a great and long streete, which seemed vnto them -to be more than a league, and thought that they had gone through the -citie. So when they had passed that street they came vnto the gate of -the citie, and there they vnderstoode that the rest which they had gone -and passed was the suburbes. The mightinesse of this citie, and the -great admiration they had, with the multitude of people, and a -wonderfull great bridge the which they passed, with many other thinges -of the which they made mention, we do let passe, for that it is declared -vnto you more at large in the relation giuen by the Augustin friers, in -the booke before this, at their entrie into the sayd citie. - -So when they came to the pallace of the viceroy, he was not stirring, -neither was the gate open, for as it hath beene tolde you, it is open -but once a day. Their guide seeing that it would be somewhat long before -that they would open it, he carried the Spaniardes into a court of an -other house, which was ioyning vnto that of the viceroy. - -In the meane while they were there, came all the iudges to sit in -audience, but when they vnderstoode of the comming of the strangers, -they commanded that they should be brought before them; who greatly -marueiled at the aspernesse of their apparell, and not at any other -thing, for that they had seene there before the Austin fryers. -Straightwayes the gate of the pallace was open with great noyse of -artilerie and musicall instruments, as trumpets, bagpipes, sackebuttes -and hoybukes, with such a noyse that it seemed the whole citie would -sincke. At the entrie in the first court, there were many souldiers -armed, and had hargubushes and lances, and in a very good order. In an -other court more within, which was very great, and railed round about -with timber, painted blacke and blew, which a far off seemed to be yron, -and was in height a mans stature; there they sawe also many other -souldiers, placed in the same order, and in liuerie as the others were, -but they seemed to be men of a gallanter disposition. When they came -into this court, there was brought vnto them a commandement from the -viceroy, in the which they were commanded to returne and come thether -againe in the after noone, for that he could not speake with them -before, by reason of certaine businesse he had with the lords of the -counsell, which could not be deferred. With this answere they departed -out of the pallace, and returned againe in the after noone, as they were -commanded, and into the same court aforesaide, out of the which they -were carried into a mightie great hall, very richly hanged and adorned; -at the ende thereof was three doores, that in the middest was great, but -the other two but small, the which did correspond vnto other three -doores that were in an other hall more within, wherein was the viceroy, -right over against the doore in the middest, in at the which there is -none permitted to enter nor go foorth. Hee was set in a marueilous rich -chayre wrought with iuorie and gold, vnder a canopie or cloth of state -all of cloth of gold, and in the middest was embrodered the kings armes, -which were (as we haue said) certaine serpents woond in a knot together. -He had also before him a table whereon were two candles burning, for -that it was somewhat late, and a standish with paper. Right before the -viceroy the wall was verie white, whereon was painted a fearce dragon, -who did throwe out fire at his mouth, nose, and eyes, a picture (as was -giuen them to vnderstand) that all the iudges of that countrie commonly -hath it painted before their tribunall seates whereas they sit in -iustice, and is there to the intent to signifie vnto the iustice, the -fearcenesse that he should haue sitting in that seat for to do iustice -vprightly without feare or respect to any. The order they haue in giving -audience is with the ceremonies in all points as it hath beene shewed -you in the relation of the fathers of S. Augustin. All people when they -talke with the viceroy are kneeling on their knees, although they be -iudges or loytias, as the fryers did see them many times. - -This day, they seeing the Spaniardes remained looking alwaies, when they -should be commanded to enter in, the viceroy gaue audience vnto the -scriueners or notaries, to certifie himselfe if they did their offices -well, and commanded fiftie of them at that present to be sotted or -beaten for that they were found culpable in their detayning of matters, -and others the like for that they had receiued giftes and bribes of -their clyents, the which is prohibited and forbidden vnder greeueous -penalties, for that the king doth giue vnto them all sufficient stipend -for their maintenance, for that they should not incroch nor demand any -thing of their clyentes. The sots or stripes which were giuen them were -with great crueltie, and executed with certaine canes, and in that order -as in other places it hath beene told you. The viceroyes gard were in -number more than two thousand men, placed all on a ranke, all apparelled -in one liuery of silke, and on their heads helmets of yron very bright -and glystering, and euerie one his plume of feathers. These souldiers -made a lane from the gate of the hall there whereas the viceroy was, -vnto the principal gate of the pallace wheras they did first enter. -Those which were in the hals and vpon the staires had swords girt vnto -them, and they in the courtes had lances, and betwixt euery one of them -a hargubusher. All this gard (as was giuen them to vnderstand) were -Tartaros and not Chinos: but the reason wherefore they could not learne, -although they did inquire it with diligence. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - _The Spaniards are brought before the viceroy: he - asketh of them certaine questions, and doth remit them - vnto the Timpintao his deputie, who receiueth them - well, and giueth them good speeches._ - - -At that present came forth a seruant of the viceroyes, a man of -authoritie, and made signe vnto the Spaniards to enter into the hall, -instructing them that at the first entry they should kneele downe on -their knees: the which they did presently: from that place vnto the seat -of the viceroy was more than a hundreth foot in length, yet did the -viceroy himself make signes with his hand that one of the religious men -should come nearer him, the which the father Costodio did, and kneeled -downe againe when he drew nigh vnto the table that was before him. The -viceroy did consider and beholde him a good while, and that with great -grauitie and maiestie, and then asked him of whence he was, and what he -came to seeke in that kingdome, into the which none might come vpon -paine of death, without expresse licence of some of the iudges alongst -the sea coast. The father Costodio answered, that he and the rest of his -companions were Spaniards, and that they were come into that kingdome -mooued with the zeale of God, for the saluation of their soules, and -for to preach the holy gospell, and show them the way vnto heauen. -Hauing declared the interpreter this (although they did not vnderstand -whether he did vse fidelitie in the declaration or not, but rather, by -that which the viceroy did forthwith demand, it is to be beleeued that -he did it with falshood as he had done many times before; for that -without replying vnto that which he had saide of the preaching of the -gospel, he asked them what marchandice they brought with them: the said -father answered, That they brought none, for that they were not men that -did deale in any marchandice, but in declaring of things appertaining to -heauen, and to direct their soules to that place. Hearing this answere -(or that which the interpreter would imagine to be better for his -purpose) the viceroy did bid them depart, and commanded them to returne -againe the next day and to bring with them their images, and the other -things wherof he was certified from Canton that were founde in their -frigat, for that he would see it all. They did accomplish his -commandement, and returned the next day in the morning, at such time as -it was tolde them that the pallace gates would be opened: the which was -done in the same maner and order as the day before, with the noyse of -musicke and artillerie as aforesaid. So when that the viceroy was giuen -to vnderstande how that the Castillos were come, he commanded that one -of them with alonely the interpreter should enter there wheras he was, -and to bring in such thinges as he had commanded to be brought, the -which was presently accomplished. Hee straightwaies began to looke vpon -the images euery one by it selfe, and the bookes: and made a stay -betwixt euerie one to consider well thereof, and made a showe of great -content he receiued in the sight of them. Although, aboue all the rest, -the ara of black iaspar did most content him, and caused a marueilous -strangenesse in the rest of the iudges that had seene it. All this while -was the father Costodio vpon his knees, and the interpreter by him, and -hee neuer asked of them any question, neyther did they say any thing. -They that did bring those thinges vnto them for to see them, seemed to -be principall and ancient men, who, when they gaue it him into his -handes, they did it kneeling. - -So after that he had seene them al at his pleasure, he commanded to put -them againe in the place that they were taken out, and made signe vnto -the father Costodio and to the interpreter that they should depart, and -to carry with them al those things which they had brought. One of the -ancient men that were with him, did go foorth with the Spaniards, and -told them when they came into the second hall, that the viceroye did -reioyce much to see them, and all those which they brought, and said -that they should repaire vnto the Timpintao, who was his deputy, and he -would dispatch al such matters as were asked of the viceroy by petition, -following the same till it was concluded, and that he would consult with -the viceroy, who would set down such orders as shold be obserued. They -straightwaies did put in execution this order, and comming vnto the -house of the deputie vnto the viceroy, the which was very great and -faire, they found that he had a garde very little lesse than that of the -viceroy, and almost with as much maiestie. So after they had remained in -the court a good while, abiding his commandement (to whom it was giuen -to vnderstand that the viceroy had sent them vnto him), he commanded -them to ascend into the place wheras he was, which was into a hall very -well dressed, in the which was almost al such things as they had seene -in the hall of the viceroy, and he himselfe in the same manner sate in a -rich chaire, with a table before him. He commanded to take out those -things which they brought in their chestes, and did behold them with -great consideration peece by peece, as the viceroy had done, and -reioysing much to see the images, he did demande of them with curiositie -the signification of some of them, but in especiall a crucifix, that -after that he had considered with great attention, he asked what man was -that which was vppon the crosse, and what those letters did signifie -that were tituled ouer his head. But when the father Costodio had -declared it vnto him, he beganne to laugh thereat, as though he had -heard some foolish fable. Hee came and feeled the habites of our -religious men, and made signes of great woonder to see the aspernesse -thereof. - -The father Costodio seeing his affabilitie, and as it seemed by outwarde -showe that he did very much pitie them, he requested to helpe and fauour -him with the viceroy, and that he would aske licence that they might -remaine and dwell in that countrie, in any place where his pleasure was -to appoint, for that they were men without any hurt, and would put all -their care and diligence to do workes of charitie, and to procure that -men might go to inioy the happie estate to the which they were borne. - -The interpreter dealt here in his office with as great fidelitie as at -other times, in saying that which the fathers did request of him, was -that he should be a meanes vnto the viceroy that he would let them to -remaine in that countrie two or three moneths, for that as then it was -an ill time to nauigate the sea, and that without great danger of their -liues they could not returne vnto the Ilands Philippinas. The iudge -answered that they should not feare, but remaine with content, for that -he would procure that there should be giuen them a house for those three -or foure moneths, with a commandement that none whatsoeuer should do -them any harme. The interpreter tolde them that the deputie to the -viceroy was very glad that they would remaine in that countrie, for that -they seemed vnto him men of good example and necessarie in their common -weale, and that they might freely learne the language (as they sayd) for -to shew and instruct them the way vnto heauen. The Spaniards hauing -heard this, it made them very much to maruaile, and from that time -forwards they had good hope to prosecute that which they did pretend. So -with this and with great spirituall and corporal ioy they tooke their -leaue of the iudge, and went vnto their lodging, wheras they gaue thanks -vnto God for the good directing of their busines, and did pray vnto him -to helpe them, that they might see a finall conclusion of their desire. -All this falsenes that the interpreter did vse, was by the diuine -permission (as afterwards they did gather), when that by himselfe they -were put out of all doubt, and did declare what he did pretend by the -way and order he tooke. For without all doubt, if that the iudges had -plainely vnderstood that they would haue there remained, they would not -haue suffered them to haue entred and seene the countrie. And the -viceroy being aduertised thereof, would haue caused them to depart in -that troublesome wether, whereas possibly they should haue beene all -drowned, for that the moneths of July, August, and September in that -countrie, are ordinarily full of stormes and tempestes. - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - _The Spaniards remained certaine daies in Aucheo: they - go to visite the beautie of that citie, but in - especiall the captaine generall of the sea, who was so - affectioned vnto the ara of blacke stone they brought, - that hee did with all care and diligence procure it of - gift._ - - -All the time that they remained in Aucheo, they did occupie themselues -in visiting of the principals of the court, amongst whom he that did -most reioice to see them was the captaine generall of the men of war of -that prouince, who after that he had intreated them very friendly and -louingly, he desired them that they would returne the next day to -uisite him, and to bring with them the ara of blacke stone, which they -had shewed vnto the viceroy, that he might see it, for that he had -praised it very much: and to bring also of their painted images. They -did obey his commandement, and came vnto him when that he was at dinner -with great maiestie. Then so soone as he had dined, he commanded that -they should enter into the hal there where he was. The interpreter when -he drew nigh vnto him did kneele down, and made signes vnto the -Spaniards to follow him and do the like; but the captaine commanded them -to arise and to couer their heads, and did very much behold the ara or -(altar stone), making a showe of great admiration to beholde it: hee -demanded of the fryers many things of great curiositie, and asked them -if they would sell him that stone, and he would giue them for it what -they would demande. The father Costodio answered, saying that they sold -nothing, and much lesse that, for that it was consecrated and dedicated -to the diuine colto (or sacrifice). The captaine replied and saide, that -if they would not sell it, that they should giue it him, and hee would -be gratefull vnto them in some other thing, that they should thinke well -of. - -The father Costodio answered, that by no manner of meanes he could not -do it, for that vpon the same they did celebrate and say masse, at such -time as they did sacrifice vnto the true God. At that instant the -captaine did put his handes vppon it to feele it, and the father -Costodio made signes vnto him to take away his handes, for that he -sinned greatly therein. Then he seeing that they would not giue it him, -he tooke his leaue, saying, that they should leaue it there with him, -for that hee would looke vpon it more at leasure, promising to returne -it them againe afterwardes. The father Costodio did consent thereunto, -but first he requested him not to touch it with his handes. - -So after that he had satisfied himselfe in the beholding of it, his -affection was then much more to remaine therewith: and for to -accomplish the same, not fayling of his word and promise that he had -made, hee deuised with himselfe a certaine slight and policie, and sent -for the father Costodio, who came vnto him with great content, thinking -verily that he would haue returned their ara. When he came vnto him, he -did intertaine him verie ioyfully, and said that he was vpon his iorney -to certaine warres by the commandement of the king, and that amongest -those seruants that he carried with him for his seruice, there were two -christened Chinos, which had beene captiues vnto the Portugales of the -citie of Machao, from whence they ran away, of whom he had had -vnderstanding in all thinges of the ceremonies of the Christians, and -that their comming thether was to baptise such as would receiue the -same: and hee being fully certified in many thinges touching the same, -he liked well thereof and gaue great content, and hoped to be one of -them that first should receiue the faith when the king should grant -licence for the same. - -All this (as it seemed) was that they should let him haue the ara, vnto -the which he was so affectioned, as aforesaid. But the father Costodio -vsed the matter in such sort that hee got it out of his fingers, which -was no small matter. Within a few dayes after, the captaine being readie -to imbarke himselfe for to make his iourney, he sent vnto the Spaniardes -that two of them should come vnto him, and that they should bring with -them the blacke stone, for there were certaine friendes of his that -would see it. - -The father Costodio did straightwayes accomplish his commandement, and -carried with him the ara (or altar stone), for that he durst not do -otherwise, yet they did beleeue that in giuing him some pretie or -curious thing, they should content him and quiet his mind: they carried -also with them the image of Marie Magdalen, made of feathers, which was -more woorthie than the ara (setting apart the consecration). So when -the religious fathers came wheras he was, he went foorth to meete them -more then tenne paces, with signification of great ioy: and carrying -them aside, he saide vnto them once againe, that the captiues had told -him so many things of their vertuous maner of liuing, and of other -things touching the heauen, that he had great affection vnto them, and -desired that they might remaine in the countrie for to baptise the -inhabitants therof, and that he wold be the first: but the cause -wherfore he did delay the time is for to eschew the paines that is -pronounced against all those that do receiue any law or strange -ceremonie without particular licence of the king. And for that he went -in hast to go and inhabite a certaine prouince, and that he was ready to -depart; in the which, so soone as it was possible, he would do so much -that al they should become Christians; and for as much as he tolde him -that the blacke stone (vnto the which he was affectioned) was -consecrated, that he would let him haue it to carry with him, that he -might put it in the first church that the baptised should edifie, being -made Christians: the which would be very shortly, for that he was -determined before many daies to send to Machao for two friers such as -were there, to be fully informed of them in thinges touching the -Christian faith. Then the father Costodio sayde, if that which he had -spoken came from his heart, that hee would foorthwith depart and goe -with him and all his companie. - -The captaine answered that as then hee could not doo it, till such time -as the church was built, and licence had for the same of the king or -vizroy, the which at that time he coulde not demande, for the great hast -that he had to depart. The father Costodio replied and said, that his -church being built, he would promise him of his worde to sende it him, -and not to giue it to any other; and in pledge and token of the same, he -should carry with him the image of Marie Magdalene made of feathers. The -captaine receiued the same with great content: greatlie maruelling at -the subtill and fine worke wherewith it was wrought: and after did so -much, that almost perforce he remained also with the ara: and commanded -to bee brought foorth two rich peeces of damaske, and to giue them vnto -the father Costodio for to make an ornament in truck and ful -satisfaction for the same; but the father Costodio woulde not receiue -them, but was very much greeued to see howe that hee did remaine -therewith, and with the image of feathers. The captaine did contende -with him for to take the dameske, but hee would not. - -Afterward they vnderstood that the interpreter was bribed by a seruant -of the captaines, for to alter the friers words and to offer the -captayne the ara, and any thing els that hee would desire. For to the -contrary he durst not by any meanes to take it against the will of the -fathers. To conclude he did imbarke himselfe vpon his voyage, and caried -with him the ara and the image, with great ioy to himselfe: but vnto the -fathers and their companions discomfort and sorrow, for they had lost -the two thinges that they so much esteemed. The captayne at his -departure did vse great thinges and curtesie, taking his leaue of them -with signes, that signified he bare them great loue and good will, and -that it greeued him to depart, and could not carie them with him as they -requested. - -The interpreter did comfort the Spaniardes, and sayd that they should -not be sorrowful that the captaine had taken those two pieces; for that -he was a mightie prince, and that he would fauour and helpe them with -the vizroy, and that hee was certaine that he would accomplish that -which he promised, that is, to become a Christian, for that he did beare -great good will and affection vnto them: in the which the interpreter -did not lie, for that it was told them by the seruants of the captaine, -that were christened, as I told you before. - -The frier Costodio remained so sad and sorowfull for the carrying away -of the ara and Madlin of feathers, as though he had lost a great -treasure: and being desirous to recouer them againe, he did recommend -the same vnto S. Antonio de Padua, who, for thinges that were lost, they -knew by experience to bee the onely saint for aduocate, and did promise -(the better to obtaine their desire) for to celebrate vnto him certaine -masses, when they should come into place fit for the same. - -Straightwayes it so fell out that the chiefe and principall interpreter -did fall out with the other that did helpe him, about certaine profite -that was comming to him, and did threaten him that he would tell the -gouernor howe that they had giuen him much siluer for to conclude the -matter about the ara, for that the fathers had giuen it them more by -force then any good will. The interpreter fearing that hee shoulde bee -for the same greeuously punished, and finding himselfe culpable in the -things that the other threatned him for, he went vnto the captain, who -was imbarked and readie to depart, tarrying onely for wether, and tolde -him the falling out in all points as it passed, and of his threatnings: -who likewise fearing what might succeede or happen, if it shoulde come -to the vnderstanding of the aytao of the cittie of Canton, as could not -be by any meanes excused: hee called vnto him one of his seruants and -commanded him to take the ara and the image, and to carry them vnto the -fathers, who accomplished his commande, and they receiued them with -great comfort, and gaue great thankes vnto God for the same, and S. -Antonio de Padua: by whose intercession they beleeued that they were -restored. - - - - -CHAP. X. - - _The Timpintao dooth call the Spaniards before him, - and dispatcheth them for to go to Canton; they tooke - their leaue of him, and goeth from Aucheo: and at - their comming to Canton, they are commaunded to make - themselues readie to departe the kingdome._ - - -The next day following, which was the thirde day of September, the -timpintao did sende to call the Spaniards before him, who as we haue -said was deputie vnto the vizroy, and he gaue them certaine dispatches, -in saying, that there was in them all that they did aske, and gaue -commandement to the gouernor of Canton that he should not neglect, but -accomplish al things therin comprehended, so that they might depart when -they pleased. When hee tooke his leaue of them, hee did intreate them -verie curteously with words of great curtesie. The Spaniards departed -his presence with incredible ioy: beleeuing that he had agreed and -granted all that they did aske, and to remaine in the countrie to -preach, so that the next day following they made all thinges in a -redinesse to take their voyage, the which they finished in short time, -by reason of their great contentment they had with themselues, as also -for the good intertainement and good cheere they had by the way, which -was made and giuen them by the commandement of the timpintao. So when -they came vnto Canton, they went straightwayes to visite the gouernour, -and to giue him the dispatches which they brought, who after that he had -read the same, he bad them welcome, and saide that hee was very glad -that the vizroy had shewed them so much fauour, and that the same was -committed to his charge, for the execution of his commission, that they -should perswade themselues that hee would performe it according vnto his -commandement, without failing anie thing. And for to beginne the same, -hee shewed vnto them a house of the kings which should be for their -dwelling, which was in the suburbs halfe fallen downe, and there they -were lodged, with a commandement that they should not go foorth, neither -enter into the cittie without particular licence. Heere they remained -many dayes being deceiued of their purpose, and maruelled very much that -the gouernor would not giue them licence for to reedifie a monastery, -neither for to enter into the cittie for to giue order in that which -they beleeued was granted them by the vizroy, til such time as they -vnderstood what was done by their interpreters, and relation giuen by -the Chino boy which came with them from the Philippinas, who declared to -them the truth in all things: how that the interpreters had neuer told -the iudges how that they would remain in the countrie, neither made any -mention thereof, but that they came thither as lost men, and that their -request was to remaine in the country til it were faire wether, or the -comming of the Portugall shippes. And this was that which the vizroy and -his deputie had granted, and no other thing. But when the father -Costodio and his companions (who verely beleeuing that their desire -woulde take effect) vnderstoode the craft and wile of the interpreters, -and the great falshood that they had vsed, they were very sadde, and -beganne amongst themselues to remedie the same: so they determined to -seeke a new interpreter, one that should faithfulle and truely declare -their will vnto the gouernor. And although they did finde some that -could doo it, for that they did reasonably vnderstande the Portugall -tongue, yet there were none that woulde accept it, for any request or -giftes that they did promise them. - -The father Costodio seeing this, and that the time appointed did passe -away without doing of any thing, one day hee and the rest of his -companions did ioine togither, and entred in counsell to see what was -best to be done, according vnto the necessitie in the which they were -driuen. There was amongst them diuers opinions, for that of the father -Costodio and of another religious man was, that they woulde go vnto -Machao, which was not farre off, and there would administer the -sacraments, and preach the holy gospel vnto the christened Chinos, and -to learne the China language, and to tarrie there and abide the first -occasion that should bee offered, or else they themselues to procure it, -for, hauing the language, it were an easie thing to doo it: and they -should not haue neede of any interpreter, neither feare to be deceiued -as they had beene before. And besides this, they put the Portugals out -of all doubt of the false opinion that the captaine generall had -published abroade of them, and of other matters of like effect and -purpose. The other two religious men and souldiers were of a contrarie -opinion: which was, that they should returne vnto the Ilands -Philippinas, and not vnto Machao, and saide, that they had departed -without licence of the gouernor, and did aduenture themselues into the -harme and damage that might happen vnto them by that enterprise, and all -for to plant the faith of Christ in that kingdome. And now seeing that -by the iust iudgement of God wee cannot put it in execution, wee are -greatly bounde to returne againe vnto him, of whome we doubt not but -with ease to get our pardon for the error passed, representing the zeale -wee had to the honour of God, and the saluation of so manie soules, who -did incite vs to giue that great enterprise: with the which we shall -remaine blamelesse with them that had giuen wrong iudgement of vs, and -accomplish our bounden duetie and obedience which wee doo owe vnto the -gouernor. And in going vnto Machao wee shall runne in great danger to be -holden and iudged for traitors to the king: and the intent wherewith wee -went vnto China, euery one wil construe and interpret thereon at his -pleasure. - -The resolution of these contrary opinions, was by a common consent -delated certaine dayes, in the which they prayed vnto God to put into -their hearts that which was best for His deuine seruice. So in the end -the father Costodio, and the religious man, who was of his opinion, did -determine to go forwards with their pretence, and to go vnto Machao, as -aforesaid, and the rest to returne vnto the ilands with the first -oportunitie they might finde: but when it should come to effect, one of -the religious friers that shoulde haue gone vnto Manilla was deade of an -infirmitie that chanced him. They staid there longer then they did think -they should, by reason that the iudges of the cittie were occupied with -the examinations of students, the which is accustomed euery three -yeares, and is in that manner and order as hath beene tolde you in the -proper chapter for the same: the which examinations endured more then -fiue and fortie dayes, with great feastes and banquets, without medling -in any other particular businesse. - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - _The Father Costodio sendeth a messenger vnto Machao; - he writeth vnto the bishop and vnto a priest for to - bestow their almes on them for their departure. The - captaine generall doth vnderstand therof, and - commandeth them not to aid nor succour the Spaniards: - and other matters appertaining unto them._ - - -In the meane time of this their examination, the father Costodio did -sende a messenger vnto the bishop of Machao, declaring vnto him his -determination, and he also did write vnto the deuout priest, of whome we -haue made mention before, and craued of them their almes wherewith they -might make prouision for them that would depart for the Ilands -Philippinas, and how that he and his companyon would go and see his -lordship. This was not done so secretly, but it came vnto the -vnderstanding and knowledge of the captaine generall of the Portugals, -who with great choller went and demanded the letters of the priest, -those that were giuen him by the Chino: threatning him that if hee did -not, hee woulde punish him with great rigor, and banish him out of the -countrie as a suspected person. He answered him, that of truth he had -receiued certaine letters, but that at the very instant hee sent them -vnto the bishoppe vnto whom they were directed: about the which there -was great holde and keepe, vntill it came to effect that the captaine -did lay holde vppon the priest for to apprehende him: but when the -bishop vnderstood thereof, hee with all speede possible went to remedy -the danger that might insue, and to take him out of his power. - -The captaine seeing that hee could not perseuer with his intent and -purpose, he made many notifications vnto the bishop, requiring that he -would not permit that any letters shoulde bee receiued from those -religious Spaniards, for that he knew by very certaine relation that -they were spies, and no friers; and if so be that any damage should -happen vnto them, by their order, that hee woulde lay the whole fault -vppon him as a consenter and a helper. The bishoppe answered that he was -fully perswaded and certified that they were true religious men, and -seruants of God, and that he with a very good will would take vpon him -the burthen of any damage that should happen to the country by their -meanes, or vnto the king of Portugall. With this the captaine was -somewhat quieted, but not so much but that continually hee did not let -to imagine newe matters against the poore fathers, to haue occasion to -apprehend them, and imagined in his minde for to write a letter vnto the -interpreters, in the which hee did offer them great quantities of money, -if that they would do so much as giue order that the iudges woulde sende -the religious men and Spanish souldiers that were in Canton vnto the -cittie of Machao, aduertising them howe and which way they shoulde vse -the matter to put it in effect, and was, that he should tell the iudges, -that the first time when as they went to speake with the gouernor, -whereas they did aske and say that they would depart for the Ilands -Philippinas, that they did interpret it contrary, for that their demand -was for to go vnto Machao. - -The interpreters straightwayes (with the desire of gaine) did take the -charge vppon them, and did vse the matter in such sort that the iudges -did sende them vnto Machao, whether it were with or against their -willes. But God, who woulde not permit those his seruantes and -Christians to bee deceiued, remedied the same at such time as it should -haue beene put in execution, in the manner as you shall vnderstande in -the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XII. - - _A Portugall of the cittie of Macheo doth discouer the - euill intent of the captaine general: he giueth the - Spaniards warning thereof by a letter without seale, - by the which they remedie the danger that was so nigh - at hand: they are called before the Aytao of the - cittie, and he declareth vnto them such matters as - haue passed with him, and the licence that was - graunted for some of them to go vnto Machao, and the - other vnto Luzon._ - - -Being vnderstood by a Portugall, a good Christian of the towne of -Machao, of such things as the captaine generall did imagine against the -poore religious fathers that were in Canton, and their companions the -souldiers, of whose holy zeale he was fully certified, and being greeued -at the very soule that one Christian shoulde hurt and harme another: and -more in the disturbing of the saluation of soules, hee determined with -himselfe to giue them aduice therof with all speed that was possible, as -in effect hee did by sending them a letter without anie name: wherein he -gaue them to vnderstand that the captaine generall, by meanes of the -interpreters, did pretende that they should be sent thither wheras he -might apprehend them, and send them vnto the king of Portugall, or else -to doo some hurt vnto their person, with some false information, and -willed them to be wel aduised, and to keepe themselues from the deceit -ordained. - -The letter being seene, and wel aduised of all that was therein -contained, they determined to giue notice thereof vnto a Chino, a verie -friende of theirs, and perfite in the Portugall tongue: whome diuers -times they proued by experience, and founde him a very honest man, and -one that had doone them friendshippe: who promised them that before many -houres, he would bring al things to light, and to know whether that were -true or not. - -So with this desire he went there whereas the iudge did sit in audience, -and was there as one that knew nothing, vntill such time as he saw come -thither one of the interpreters with a petition in his hand, and -presented it vnto the supreme iudge, who was the Aytao, and which being -read by a scriuener, hee prouided that all things should be granted and -doone, that was therein contained. This petition the Chino aforesaid -saw; and after that the interpreter was departed with contentment, and -found that in the same petition he did request (in the name of the -Spaniards) of the iudge to giue them leaue for to go vnto Machao, which -was more for their purpose then to go vnto the Ilands Philippinas, which -was granted by the iudge, and lacking nothing but to seale or signe the -petition, but was delated vntil the euening, by reason of certaine -businesse that chanced at that present: but sure it was the ordinance of -God, for that if it had beene signed, they must needs of force haue -accomplished the same, without any replication. So with this certaintie -he went straightwayes vnto the Spaniards, to whom the interpreter had -told that by petition he had asked licence for them to go to the Ilands -Philippinas from whence they came; but the iudge woulde not graunt vnto -that, but for to go vnto Machao, which was neerer hand, who commanded -them to accomplish the same without any replication, vppon paine that -they should be carried thither perforce. - -The Spaniards asked councell of the Chino their friende, what meanes -might be taken to auoide the danger that the interpreter had begun to -bring them in, and was alredie gone to conclude the same. The Chino said -that he was fully perswaded that the Aytao loued them well, and that he -vnderstood hee did them great fauour and courtesie to graunt vnto the -petition the which the interpreter did present in their name. But -notwithstanding for so much as it was not signed, there was remedie to -bee had, if that they woulde present another which hee would giue them, -and go presently vnto the Aytao and present the same, and say when they -giue it him, that they woulde go vnto Luzon and not vnto Machao, and -that he himselfe would go with them for the good will he bare vnto them, -if it were not for the great paine that is put vppon all them whosoeuer -that shall speak for any stranger, without licence of the iustice, or is -called and ordained for the same. So they being fully perswaded in this -conclusion, with the petition made and all ready, there entred in at the -gate wheras they were, a seruant to the Aytao, who in the behalfe of his -master came to cal the Spaniards to come before him, for that he would -see and talke with them before their departure. They straightwayes went -forth in his company, and came vnto the gates of the cittie, after they -had gon a good wayes in the suburbs: and there they were staied till -such time as another came and brought their licence, written vpon a -table (in such sort as in other places it hath beene told you). So when -they had passed the gate, they passed thorough a long street, in the -which they saw so great riches, and of so great curiosity, that the -father Costodio with great admiration said, I haue beene in the -principallest citties of all Flanders and Italie, and in all them I haue -not seene so great curiositie and riches as in this streete alone: and -according vnto the report of them all, hee had great reason to maruell -thereat. So they comming vnto the end of this streete, and in sight of -another gate, they sawe that the souldiers which kept and garded the -same, did shut them in their presence with great hast, and let fall a -percullis of yron before the gate, and demanded to see their licence at -a window out of the saide percullis: and when they had it, although they -saw with them the seruant of the Aytao and the interpreter, yet would -they not open the gate vntill such time as it was acknowledged and newe -firmed by another iudge; the which being done, they presently did open -the gates and did conduct them vnto the house of one which is to be -compared to a iudge of the court, and called in their language Tequisi, -that he might go with them to the Aytao, for so it was commanded and -ordained. Unto this Tequisi they gaue their petition that they had made, -without giuing the interpreter to vnderstand therof, requesting him by -signes and some words which they had learned of the language that he -woulde giue it to the Aytao, and to procure that hee might accept and -grant that which by the same they did demand. But when they gaue it him, -it caused great alteration in the interpreter, for that they told the -iudge that he was a theefe and a traitor, and how that he had sold them -to the captaine general of Machao, and how that hee had presented a -petition in their name: howe that they would go thither, and not to the -iland of Luzon, where all their desire is to returne, and this hath he -done by gifts that the saide captaine general hath promised to giue him, -if that he do accomplish his desire. The Tequisi when he heard this, he -forthwith departed with vs from his owne house, towards the house of the -Aytao which was hard by, and as he went by the way he read their -petition, and sawe that it was different to that which the interpreter -had giuen before vnto the Aytao, he being present: whereat he made a -stay and began to consider of the same, as also of that which the -Spaniards had said vnto him at such time as they gaue him their -petition, for by the signes and tokens they made, as by their semblant -in speech, it seemed to him that they were marvellouslly indigned -against the interpreter; but he did not wel vnderstand them, for that -they could not plainly declare it in their language, till such time as -hee found the contrarietie that was in the petitions, and the turbation -of the interpreter, whom presently hee called vnto him, and asked him -what the matter was? Hee trembling for feare, answered and saide, that -hee vnderstood that the father Costodio (whome all the rest doo obey as -their head, and with whom he alonely did communicate), that it was his -pleasure, and gaue order to go vnto Machao, and that hee was certaine -that all the rest were of that opinion, wherein he thought he had done -well, and therefore he presented that petition in asking licence, -whereby they might doo it liberallie, with this discharge. And againe -the Spaniards seeing how he was terrified, and how that he requested -them so humblie they would not proceed any farther with their complaint, -wherewith the Tequisi was satisfied, who said vnto the Spaniards being -in the gallerie of the Aytao his house, that they shoulde tarry there, -and hee entred in with the petition in his hand. So within a while after -they were commanded to enter into the hall there whereas the iudges -were, and had seene the petition and had comoned about the same. And at -their entring into the hall whereas the Aytao was, there were signes -made vnto them that they should kneele downe, the which they did almost -twenty paces before they came to the table that was before him: hee had -in hande the petition that Tequisi had giuen vnto him, and although that -he had read it before, yet did he returne and looked againe vppon it, -and asked which were they that would go vnto Machao. The father Costodio -signified himselfe and frier Iohn Baptista his companion; and said, that -they, for that they were old and timorous of the sea, they would go -thither for that it was nearer hande, and howe that the rest that were -not of such yeares, neither so timorous, they woulde returne vnto the -iland of Luzon from whence they came, and there dwell with other of -their brethren and friends that were there. The interpreter, whose euill -conscience did accuse him for the euils which he had done, was so -timorous, that all men might see plainly his default, and without al -doubt the iustices are so right in executing the same, that if their -complaint had gone forwards, they would haue punished him and his -companion, and that very cruelly: but the religious friers woulde not -consent that the souldiers shoulde declare against them, although their -will was good, but thought it a sufficient punishment to see in what -affliction the poore men were in, and tooke pittie on them. - -The Aytao was desirous to see their images and book, which was the -chiefest occasion wherefore hee sent to call them; and when he saw them -he receiued great content, and called the father Costodio to come nigh -vnto him, and asked the signification of some of them, such as seemed -vnto him most strangest, and being satisfied thereof, hee commanded the -frier Costodio to reade on one of these bookes, hee harkening vnto it -with great attention, and as one amased to see those letters, and the -forme of them so farre different vnto theirs, which are all in manner of -caractes, as hath beene told you. So after that they had passed away the -time a while in this, hee saide, that those which woulde go vnto Machao -shoulde put themselues on the one side, and they that woulde go vnto -Luzon on the other: the which being doone hee tooke his leaue of them -verie louinglie, and saide that hee would giue them the licence which -they did aske at all times whensoeuer they woulde, and although hee -coulde not grant it them without first to consult with the vizroy of -Aucheo, yet he would doo it within tenne dayes, and then those which -woulde go vnto Macheo might presently depart, and those which would go -vnto Luzon, he would send them vnto Chincheo, that from thence the -gouernour shoulde cause them to be sent in the first passage that goeth -with merchandice. - -This Aytao was very peaceable and humaine, who hauing compassion on the -Spaniards, for that they seemed vnto him to be good men, he commanded to -bee giuen to them, ouer and aboue the kings alowance, a hogge, and rice, -and other kind of victuals. So herewith they went vnto their lodgings -with content, and also the interpreter, who thought that hee was newe -borne againe that day. - - - - -CHAP. XIII. - - _The Spaniards remaine certaine dayes in Canton, - whither came certaine Portugals from, Machao: at the - first they feared them, but afterwards they were - assured, by the contractation they had the one with - the other, that they were friendes: the vizroy of - Aucheo commeth to Canton, and dispatcheth the - Spaniards, and giueth them good prouision and - intertainment._ - - -After that the ten daies were past appointed by the Aytao, and some -more, and seeing that no more mention was made them, but as though they -had neuer seene them, they were very sorowfull, and in ielousie that the -captaine general of Machao aforesaide had knowledge howe that his craft -and subtiltie was discouered, and thereupon to begin and frame some -other: procuring for an instrument in the performing of the same, some -iudge or some other person of power and authoritie. So they being with -this care and discontent, there came vnto the cittie of Canton foure -Portugals to buy and sell merchandice, with a safe conduct which they -had for the same, which was the occasion that their sorow and trouble -increased, suspecting what might happen conformable to the aduise which -they had from thence: but for that they did comon and visit them many -times, with intent to discouer their minds the one vnto the other, they -presently did forget the euill suspection that they had of them, and not -onely that, but they did giue them great almes and charitie, helping and -aiding them in all things, as it was meete and reason amongst -Christians. So being void of their first care, they put all their -diligence and care in their departure: and seeing that there was no -mention made thereof, by reason that the iudges were occupied in -mustering the souldiers of that circuit in a great and mightie field, -whereas they were trained vp in military exercises, some shooting in -bowes, some with hargabushes, tossing the pike, running of horses, and -many other exercises more: and after that they had many different -proofes, as well of thinges past as at that present, they ordained -captaines, such as were aduanced aboue all the rest, and most worthy: -all which being finished, the Spaniards determined to put the Aytao in -remembrance of his promise; and the better that they might doo it, and -with most breuitie, they ordained a petition, and went with the same -vnto the house of the Aytao, therewith to aske licence to put it in vre. -The first iudge they met withall was the Tequisi aforesaid, who made -signes that they should come vnto him, and asked of them what they would -haue. The father Costodio answered, nothing but onely to present that -petition vnto the Aytao, to put him in minde of their departure: the -Tequisi did take the petition, promising them to giue it vnto him -presently, the which he did accomplish in a short space. So being read -by the Aytao, he made answere by the same petition, that he had a -particular care of them, and tarried onely for order from the vizroy, -which could not tarrie long: the receiuing whereof hee woulde aduertise -them; the which hee did accomplish in fewe dayes, which came with great -content vnto the Spaniards, for that he commanded that they should be -sent away in verie good order, and to giue them all that was needfull -for their iourney, and that in aboundance. The same day that this -commission came, there came also newes that the vizroy would come vnto -the cittie of Canton, and that within few dayes hee would bee there: the -which did so much trouble the Aytao and the rest of the iudges, that day -and night they neuer rested, but were occupied in the preparing al -things necessary to receiue him, which were so many and with so great -maiestie as though the king in person should come thither: with great -and mighty triumphall arkes, rich hangings, with other things, the which -I do not here make mention of, although they were very curious, because -I would not be tedious, for that I haue a great desire to conclude this -little historie: and if I should declare all that passed therin, it were -requisite for the same alone to make a great volume. - -Foure dayes after the comming of the vizroy, by his order there was -giuen both to the one and to the other a prouision, in the which he -commanded all iudges and gouernors to receiue the Spaniards into their -iurisdictions whereas they should passe, and not to permit any to do -them harme or iniury, but to giue them free passage with securitie till -such time as they should come to the place appointed in the said -prouision, which was vnto Machao and vnto Luzon: and iointly therewith -he commanded two captaines to beare them company til such time as they -had brought them out of all danger. And to giue vnto them that went vnto -Machao (which was three daies iourney) sufficient prouision requisite -for fiue dayes: and to them that went to Luzon their prouision for forty -dayes, although the voyage is to be made in fifteene dayes, and in -twentie dayes at the most. He also commanded them that had the charge to -carry them, that they shoulde haue a special care vnto their healthes, -in trauelling not too fast, but little and little. Likewise the Aytao -gaue order vnto the interpreters for to sell the frigat, in the which -the fathers came thither, and to giue vnto them the price that shoulde -bee made thereof, to bestow it at their pleasure: the which they did, -but kept still the halfe of that which they solde it for: and with many -other things more, which by the commandement of the vizroy was giuen -them for their iourney, and thought it well bestowed on them, for to see -themselues free of their lyings and crafts. At the departure of the -father Costodio, one of the souldiers mind was altred, who was called -Pedro de Villa Roel, and was very desirous to go with him vnto Machao, -the which hee did accomplish by apparelling himself in the habite of a -Portugal, because he had no licence to go otherwise. So all things being -in a redinesse for their iourney, they tooke their leaue the one of the -other, in shedding many teares with the griefe of minde. - -The father Costodio and his companions came safely and in health to -Machao in foure dayes, as himselfe did afterwards write thereof, and -were very well receiued of the bishop, and of all the rest: and within -fewe dayes after they gaue them a place for to build a monasterie, -wherein he and his companion might liue, and all such as should take the -habite of that order. They came thither the fifteenth of Nouember. - -And those which went vnto Luzon departed out of the cittie of Canton in -a great barke, of the which there are many in all that kingdome, very -well tilted and dressed, with many roomes and galeries and painted -windowes, as hath beene told you: in the which they were very much made -of by the patron of the said barke and of the passengers, which were -many, and went vnto diuers partes with merchandice: some thinges that -they saw by the way till they came vnto Chincheo, shal be told you in -the chapter following. - - - - -CHAP. XIV. - - _They that were determined to go vnto Luzon, doo - departe for the cittie of Chincheo: in which voyage - they see many riuers and townes: and other particular - things._ - - -The Spaniards depart out of the riuer of Canton, and after they had -sailed by sea the space of three leagues, they entred into another -mighty riuer, in the which they trauelled four daies. And sure the great -number of citties and townes that they saw alongst the riuers side is -incredible, and so nigh the one vnto the other, that they seemed to be -al one: so in the end of foure dayes they landed at one of the cities, -where came so much people to see those strangers, that it seemed al the -kingdome were there assembled together, and were so many in number, that -before they could get to the inne wheras they should be lodged, there -passed more then foure houres, and was in distance but a quarter of a -league: but when they came thither, they were verie faint with the great -thrust and throng of the people. They stayed in this cittie one day, and -the next day, very early in the morning, was brought vnto them horse, -for to trauel by land other two daies, the which was almost continually -in villages and townes; and the third day they were imbarked in a smal -barke, wherein they passed a riuer which had but litle water, the space -of two houres; then after they were shipped in a bigger barke, and -entred into another riuer, which seemed to be an arme of the sea, in the -which they sailed fiue dayes, and sawe sailing vp and downe the said -riuer so many barks and boats, that it made them to be greatly amased. -These riuers were as wel replenished of cities and townes, as the other -riuer whereof we haue spoken. Al which is a helpe to beleeue that which -hath been said of the mightinesse and the great number of people that -are in that mighty kingdom. Concluding this riuer they entred into -another, but not so broade as the last, but a swifter current, and beset -with mightie trees both on the one side and the other, and were so thick -that almost they could not see the sunne thorough them: and although the -country was very asper there alongst the riuers side, yet was there many -walled citties, and an infinite number of townes and vilages, in such -sort that the suburbs did almost ioyne the one vnto the other. So when -they were disembarked out of this riuer, they trauelled by land other -foure dayes, and greatly maruelled to see the great fertilitie of the -country, and many other things more, which they do passe ouer, for that -in the relation of the Augustine friers it hath beene declared vnto you. -In the ende of those foure daies they came to a cittie ten leagues from -Chincheo, and were lodged in the suburbs of the same, whether resorted -so much people to see them, that although they did shut the gates to -defend themselues from the prease, yet could they not be disturbed of -the entry, for that they broke the gates, and climed vp the wals and -windowes to see them. The host of the house whereas they were lodged, -when he saw that the people did spoile and destroy his house, he -requested the Spaniards to go forth into a greene fielde which was there -harde by, placed amongst a company of orchards, the which they did to -satisfie them, and also to satisfie the multitude of people that were -come thither only to see them. The noise of the people was so great, -that the gouernor feared there had bin some other matter, and commanded -a iudge to go and examine the cause and know the truth: but when that -hee was certified thereof, hee commaunded the Spaniards to come vnto his -house, for that hee was desirous and would see them. They presently did -accomplish his commandement, and went their way, and as they passed -thorough the streete, there were certaine representing a comedie, but so -soone as the people that were there did see the Spaniardes, they left -the players all alone and followed them. They entred into the gouernors -house, and found him with great maiestie of seruants and souldiers of -his gard: he entertayned them with great loue, and asked them who they -were, and from whence they came. The interpreter presently showed the -prouision they brought from the viceroy, which was, in summe, their -licence giuen by him for them to go vnto Chincheo, and that none should -disturbe them in their iourney, but to ayde and giue them all fauour -possible, and that which was needefull for their iourney. And when that -he had read the same, he saide that thereby he did vnderstand that which -he desired to know, and how that the viceroy did command all gouernors, -and him as one of them, they should offer to do all that lay in them: -the which he did accomplish, and shewed them great fauour and -friendship. - -The next day following, they departed out of this citie by land, being -giuen vnto them by the gouernor very good prouision for the way. The -same day they came vnto a towne that was very fresh, and fiue leagues -from the place they departed, they were determined to tarrie all that -night, fearing the passage through a citie which was but a league -before, suspecting that they should be as much troubled with the people -as they were in the other citie the day before. And although this was -but a small towne, yet was there so great a concourse of people that -came from the villages there abouts, that it caused them to depart the -next morning more early than they thought, and all the night they could -not sleepe, because of the great noyse of the people. - -So within a while after they departed from that towne, they came vnto -the citie aforesaide, the which for situation and gallant buildings, was -the fairest in all that province. Through the midst thereof ranne a -mightie riuer, ouer the which were many bridges very great and most -faire. Here were they so oppressed with much people that came to see -them, that they were detayned in the presse a good while before they -could enter into the citie: and after they were within they were -compassed about in such sort, that they could not goe to seeke to eate, -but were constrained to enter into a barke and go downe the riuer and -shroud themselues amongst a company of trees, and although they did vse -this policie, yet the number of people were so great that leapt into the -same barke that they were readie to sinke, till such time as they who -had entred the barke, to auoid that perill, returned and lept a shoore, -leauing them all alone with the barkemen and marriners that did rowe, -who went to seeke and bring them to eate, and they remained in the barke -all that night. - -So the next day in the morning, before the people could come to disturbe -them, they rowed towards the great and huge citie of Chincheo, and -entred into the same vppon a Sunday, in the morning, being the sixt day -of December. - -They remained still in the barke for their owne quietnesse and security, -and sent their interpreter with their prouision vnto the Gouernour, that -he might ordaine at his pleasure that which was therein commanded. The -Gouernour when he had receiued commission he said vnto the interpreter -that he should tell the Spaniards that he was very glad that they were -come thither in safetie and in good health, and that hee should receiue -great ioy to see them, and to shew them the courtesie that was commanded -him by the viceroy, in their prouision or commission. But by reason that -the great number of people that would come to see them, should not be -troublesome vnto them, he would passe ouer his content in seeing them, -and for their better comoditie they shall depart in the same barke -wherein they came, vnto the port of Aytim, whereat were certain ships -that were bound vnto Luzon, and that he would command they should be -receiued into the said ships, and to be carried with as much speede as -was possible: and for the accomplishing of the same hee kept the -commission of the viceroy, and gave an other commission vnto the -gouernor of the port, whether as hee sent them, in the which he -commanded to be accomplished all that he had promised. - -The Spaniards, although they would very gladly have seene the citie of -Chincheo and the mightinesse thereof, yet did they accomplish that which -the gouernor did command without anie reply, for that they considered -that it should come then better to passe. So they came vnto the said -port the next day folowing in the morning, whereas they did remaine in -the barke, doing as they did at Chincheo, and sent their interpreter -with the commission vnto the gouernor, who presently after he had read -the same, sent and commanded that the Spaniards should come a shore and -come and see him: who did accomplish the same, although with no lesse -trouble than in other places, by reason of the people that came to see -them. The gouernor intertained them with great loue and faire words, and -before they departed from him, he sent to call a captaine of one of the -ships that was there bound unto Luzon, and asked of him when he would -depart from that place, who answered within ten daies: then the gouernor -commanded that he should carrie them in his ship, and to giue them the -best intertainement that was possible, who promised him to accomplish -the same, and therwith he tooke his leaue of them, and sent them with -the said captaine, who offered them all the fauour and friendship that -was requisite. He presently carried them vnto his ship, who after he had -shewed them the whole commoditie therof, he made them a colation or -banket with great friendship. - -They remained in this port more than fifteene daies, wheras they -suffered very much colde, and seeing that the ship wherein they were -appointed to go was not redie, neither any order for them to depart in -many daies, considering the great desire they had to be amongst their -own nation and to take their ease, and hauing knowledge of another ship -that was ready and would depart, they altogither went vnto the gouernor -(who was set in audience), and said vnto him with a loud voice (as is -vsed in al that countrie), that the captaine whom he had commanded to -carrie them vnto Luzon, was not readie to depart, neither any signe that -he would in many daies, and that he would giue them licence, and command -a captaine of an other ship that was there readie to depart, and went -vnto the same Iland of Luzon, that he might carrie them, because they -were so ill at ease, and suffered so much colde that they felt great -griefe. - -When the gouernor heard this he was very angry, and with great choler he -commaunded one of his officers that was there with him, to go presently -and bring before him that captaine vnto whom he had committed the -carriage of the Spaniards: the which was accomplished, and that in so -short time that it caused great wonder: who when he came before the -gouernor had so great feare, that he knew not whether he was in heaven -or in earth. The gouernor straightwaies asked him what was the occasion -that he did not depart within the tenne daies as he had sayde? The -captaine answered, that they had had no wether, neither at that present, -wherewith they might nauigate. He asked him againe and saide, seeing -that the weather and time would not serue, how is it that there is an -other ship readie to depart. The captaine at this demand did faulter in -his speech, and answered friuolous wordes, wherefore the gouernor -commanded that he should be whipped in his presence for the lie which he -had tolde; and as they were pulling off his appareil for to execute the -commandement, the Spaniards hauing pitie and compassion of him, for that -he seemed to be an honest man, they fell all vpon their knees at the -gouernors feete, and requested him to pardon his offence, who did -presently consent therunto with a good will, and commanded to let him -alone; but he spake vnto him very sharpe wordes, such as, so farre -foorth as the Spaniardes could perceiue by the semblance both of the one -and of the other, that was as much griefe vnto him as though he had -beene whipped. Then presently he commanded to call the captaine of that -ship that was readie to depart, and deliuered vnto him the commission -that he had giuen vnto the other, with a great penaltie, and charged him -to carrie the Spaniards vnto the Ilande of Luzon, and charged him to -bring a testimoniall from thence, how that he had carried them in very -good order and saftie, and left them at the place that they desired. -This captaine vnderstanding what had passed with the other, and because -he would not see himselfe in the like perplexitie, did accept the -commandement, and thought the time long of his departure from thence, -and did promise them more than they did demand, and made hast to depart -out of the hauen because hee would not be called backe againe. - - - - -CHAP. XV. - - _The Spaniards depart from China and go to Luzon, they - do passe some stormes at the sea: the mariners do call - vpon the diuell, by lots: the religious men do - reprehend them: in the end they come to their desired - port, whereas they are received with much ioy._ - - -The second day of Januarie, departed out of the porte of Aytim, with a -prosperous wind, the shippe wherein was imbarked the Spaniardes, and two -other which were their safe conduct: but by reason it was winter, the -faire winde indured but a while, yet came they that day vnto the islande -of Amoy, which was sixe leagues from the firme lande, and there they -stayed one day. The next day following they went to sea, to prosecute -their voyage, whereas they were taken with so terrible and foule -weather, that the ship did driue they knew not whither, and many times -in daunger to be drowned. This storme indured four dayes, although more -stronger at one time than at an other: in the which storme was separated -the three ships, the one from the other, in such sort, that euery one -tooke his way, procuring to saue themselves, as commonly in such cases -is vsed, without hauing any care the one of the other; and God was so -pleased that the ship wherein the Spaniardes were, and one of the other -two, entered into a sure port, although with great trouble and with so -great a leake, that they could scarce keepe her aboue water; but in -especiall that which came in their safe conduct. And afterwarde they -understood that the other ship had taken port fiftie leagues from that -place, with the like perill and danger. In this port they remained -certaine dayes trimming their ships, and tarrying for a faire winde. So -they departed from thence the three and twentie day of Januarie, and to -their iudgementes with a settled and good winde, with the which they -sayled fiue dayes, in the end whereof they discouered the iland of -Luzon, with a singular ioy unto them all, for which the Spaniards gaue -thanks vnto God, by whose fauour they had escaped the storme past. - -But it so fell out, as they were going alongest the coast of the iland -for to enter into the port of Manilla, and being within fiue leagues of -the entrie thereof, vpon a soddaine there arose the north wind with so -great furie, and caused so great a sea, that they found themselues in a -great deale more daunger than in the other storme past, in such sort -that they sponed[44] before the winde with their foresayle halfe mast -hie, shaking it selfe to pieces, and in euerie minute of an houre readie -to be drowned. The Chinos, for that they are superstitious and witches, -beganne to inuocate and call vpon the diuell, for to bring them out of -that trouble (which is a thing commonly vsed amongest them, at all -times when they finde themselues in the like perplexitie); also they doo -request of him to showe them what they should doo to bring themselues -out of trouble. - -[44] Incorrectly written for "spoomed." To spoom a ship is to put her -right before the wind. - -But when the Spaniards vnderstoode their dealinges, they did disturbe -them that they shoulde not perseuer in their lottes and inuocations, and -beganne to coniure the diuells, which was the occasion that they would -not answere vnto the inuocation of the Chinos, who did call them after -diuerse manners (as hath been declared in the first part of this -historie); yet they heard a diuell say, that they should not blame them -because they did not answere vnto their demaunde, for they could not doo -it for that they were disturbed by the coniuration of those Spanish -fathers which they carried with them in their shippe. - -So presently, when the night was come, God was so pleased that the -storme ceased, and became, in fewe houres, very calme, although it -indured but a while; for, as they beganne to set sayle to nauigate -towardes the port, and almost at the point to enter into the same, a new -storme seised on them, and with so great force, that they were -constrayned to returne vnto the sea, for feare to be broken in pieces -vpon the shore. - -At this time they wanted both water and victualles, which was vnto them -a newe torment; and they were brought into so great extremitie, that for -ninetie and sixe persons that were in the shippe, there was not left -victuals for two dayes. - -The Chinos beganne a newe to inuocate the diuels by writing, which is a -way that they neuer let but doo answere them, as they did at this -instant, and were not disturbed by the coniurations of the fathers; yet, -notwithstanding they lyed in their answere, for that they saide, that -within three dayes they should be within the citie of Manilla, and after -it was more then four dayes. - -In conclusion, having by the fauour of Almightie God ouercome all their -trauayles by the sea, and the necessitie of the lacke of water and -victualles, they arriued at the desired port the second day of -Februarie, anno 1580; whereas they were receiued by the gouernour, and -of all the rest, with great ioy, in pardoning them the offence they had -committed in going without licence, and shewed vnto them particular -fauours, and were very sorrowfull that the father Costodio and his -companions remained in Machao, for that hee was wellbeloved of all, and -that with great desert, for his vnderstanding, learning, and holy life. -Who, within fewe dayes after, did write a letter vnto the rest of the -religious men in Manilla, aduertising them how that in a short time they -came vnto Machao in good health; and how that the bishoppe and the -captaine generall, with all the rest of the towne, were verie glad and -ioyfull of their comming, and fully resolued to the contrarie of the -false opinion that they had conceiued of them, and that he was in great -hope to see his desire accomplished, for that he was daily in place -whereas they did see and comon with the Chinos, whom, so soone as he can -speake the language, he doth pretend to instruct them in matters -touching the faith. Also he wrote, that he vnderstood by good originall -or information (although it was comitted in secret), that the kingdom or -province of Cochin China, which is four daies iourney from Machao, -whereas the Portingals hath contraction, and port for all their ships -that come from the Indias, hath sent vnto the bishop of Machao, and doth -demand of him priests for to baptise them, with such determination and -good will to be Christians, that in some portes they haue alreadie -timber cut downe for to edifie churches. This you may belieue, for that -the bishop himselfe hath tolde him, and in the latter end of his letter -was written as followeth: They have inuited me to this enterprise, and -(for to put my selfe therein) I would gladly haue with me many -companions, which is the treasure that we go to seeke. It is a firme -lande, there whereas God hath prepared a great haruest. They are -politike people, and more easie to be conuerted then the Chinos, for -that the diuell hath not put so manie disturbances against the gospel of -Christ as in China, although it doth ioyne vpon it; and once entering -the faith therein, with the fauour of God, their great and difficult -doings which now they haue among them, will be broken with great ease; -for they are not so many nor so great, whereby wee should be -discomforted to see them ouercome, and principally they being men of so -good wisedome and vnderstanding, as we haue seene by experience in the -time that we haue beene amongest them; and so full of mercie and pitie, -that although wee entred into the lande without licence, and for dooing -of the same wee ranne in great daunger of our owne liues, they did -intreat vs well, and gaue vs all that was needefull, and also did suffer -vs to preach, if we could the language; the which, with the fauour of -God, we will quickly learne, for that we are whereas continually we doo -common and talke with the Chinos; wee doo verie earnestly commit it vnto -our Lord to direct and guide the same, that his holy name may bee -exalted, and the soules of these blinde Gentiles may knowe and beleeue, -and beleeuing, may be saued. - -This was the substance of the letter, with the which it seemeth vnto me -great reason to conclude this second relation, and to begin the third, -the which I do beleeue will be pleasant to the reader, and is intituled, -_A Commentarie of the New World_; in the which is contayned many curious -matters, as you shall perceive after the reading thereof, and is -declared in substance and effect by the relation of the father, that did -passe and see them all, who was named fryer Martin Ignacio, a religious -man, of the order of S. Francis, who, after that he had compassed the -whole worlde, came hither to Rome with Martin Simion, bishop of the -Iland of Pepper, in the orientall or East Indias, with whom I haue had -communication diuers times, and is a Chalde borne, and of the citie of -Ninivie in Babylon, and made bishop by the patriarke of Babylon. - -THE END OF THIS BOOKE. - - - - - COMMENTARIE, - - OR - - SHORT DISCOURSE, - - OF ALL SUCH NOTABLE THINGES AS BE BETWIXT SPAINE TILL YOU COME VNTO - THE KINGDOME OF CHINA, AND FROM CHINA VNTO SPAINE, RETURNING BY - THE ORIENTALL OR EAST INDIAS, AFTER THAT THEY HAD ALMOST - COMPASSED THE WHOLE WORLD. WHEREIN IS CONTAYNED - ALL THE RITES, CEREMONIES, AND CUSTOMES OF - THE PEOPLE, THE RICHES, FERTILITIE, AND - STRENGTH OF MANY KINGDOMES: AND THE - DESCRIPTION OF THEM. - -_Made and set fourth by the Author of this Book, as well by that which -he hath seene; as also by true relation that he had of the religious and -barefoot Fryers of the order of Saint Francis, who trauailed the same -the yeare 1584._ - - - - -CHAP. I.[45] - -_A Commentarie of the New World._ - - -[45] Nearly the whole of this chapter is entirely different from the -original Spanish, and is translated by Parke from the French of Luc de -la Porte. The following is translated from the original Spanish of -Mendoza. - - "The itinerary of Father Martin Ignatius, guardian of the order - of the blessed S. Francis, who went to China with others of the - same order, and of the province of S. Joseph, by command of our - lord, King Philip, with his return by the East Indies and other - realms, making the circuit of the world; wherein are treated of - the most remarkable things that he heard and saw in the journey, - with the rites, ceremonies, and customs of the people, the - riches, fertility, and strength of many kingdoms through which he - passed, and the description drawn up according to the notice he - took of them. - - - "CHAP. I. - - _"Of the reason of his Majesty's commanding these friars to - proceed to the kingdom of China; of their embarkation and arrival - at the Canary Islands._ - - - "Our sovereign, King Philip, having been informed of the matters - relating to the great kingdom of China by certain friars of the - order of the blessed Doctor, S. Augustine, who came to his court; - and having seen the two accounts which they brought him from - thence, of the entry of the Augustine and Franciscan fathers (as - may be seen more largely in those accounts), and the letters of - his governors of the Philippine Islands, and of the provincials - of the Orders, in which they begged him, as has already been said - in the first account, to send his embassy to the sovereign of - that great kingdom, with friars and ministers for the conversion - of the natives of the islands already discovered, and of the many - others which were being discovered every day; and that, by the - king of China giving opportunity for the preaching of the Gospel, - they might be enabled easily to succour and assist the Augustine - fathers, who were the first who entered those islands; his - Majesty having sent forty friars of the said order of Augustine, - and many others of the order of the blessed S. Francis: and - moreover, the embassy (which they had begged of him with so much - earnestness), in order that there might be no want of ministers, - in the year eighty, he determined to send forty barefooted friars - of the province of S. Joseph, whose commissary was Miguel de - Talavera, with instructions and orders to proceed to New Spain, - thence to the Philippine Islands, and thence to the great kingdom - of China, in case there should be an opportunity of introducing - the Holy Gospel. According to the order of his Majesty, there - were to have been fifty of these friars; but from the prevalence - of the plague of universal catarrh in Spain, not more than - thirty-four could be assembled. These then were despatched and - set forward by the order of the royal council of the Indies, and - of Monsignor Sega, the Apostolic Nuncio. And arriving at Seville - without the requisite licence to depart for the Indies, his - Majesty's commercial officers, who were about to despatch the - fleet, would not allow them to embark for want of the document; - they had been told at Madrid that it would be sent without fail. - On account of this carelessness they found themselves in a most - unpleasant position; for the fleet was departing, setting its - sails, and leaving the bar of S. Lucar, and they could not go in - it for want of the licence; nor could they return to their - convents, because in Castile, whence they had come, they refused - to admit any one from Seville, which was infested by the plague. - The ships having got beyond the bar, there arose a sudden storm, - in which one of the largest vessels of the fleet was lost, and - another had its main-yard broken. The commander of the fleet, - seeing that the damage could not be remedied in a short time, - sailed in three days, leaving the ship which had its yard broken - to refit, with orders to follow immediately. During this time, - his Majesty's licence for the passage of the friars arrived at - Seville, with an order to the officers that, at all events, they - were to be furnished and despatched with the greatest possible - celerity. This order arrived at 10 o'clock at night; and the - friars were immediately informed that they were to embark in the - said ship, which was ready to sail, having procured another yard. - They appointed the day, immediately following which was Sunday, - at three o'clock in the morning, and twenty-eight friars - embarked, all preachers. God granted them such favourable weather - that they overtook, at the Canary islands, the fleet which had - sailed from S. Lucar some days before them. This course was - always southwest; and, although the distance is two hundred and - thirty leagues from S. Lucar to the islands, they reached them in - seven days. These islands are in nearly twenty-eight degrees - latitude, and are seven in number, all well provided with the - necessaries of life: there is much corn and wine, and various - kinds of pulse, with abundance of sugar, sheep, fowls, and - camels, and all at much less prices than in Spain. They are all - inhabited by Spaniards, who live comfortably. In one of them is a - bishop, with prebendaries, a cathedral church, and convents of - friars. In short, there is but little difference between these - islands and Spain." - -[Sidenote: Canarias.] - -Saint Lucas de Barrameda, and the citie of Cadiz, from whence ordinarily -goeth foorth all such fleetes and shippes that go vnto the occident, or -West Indias, are distant the one from the other onely fiue leagues, and -in thirtie seuen degrees of altitude; from whence vnto the ilandes -called the Canarias is two hundred and thirtie leagues, and alwayes doo -rut to the southwest, and is ordinarily sailed in eight or ten dayes. -The seas are rough, which causeth great waues; for which cause it is -called the gulfe of the Jeguas. - -[Sidenote: Fortunadas.] - -[Sidenote: The names of the Canarias.] - -These ilands, which in ancient time were called Fortunadas, are at this -day called by the Spaniards the Canarias, which is derived of _canes_, -or dogs; for that there was in them at such time as the Spaniardes did -discouer them, great quantitie of dogges, very bigge, fierce, and braue. -There are of them seuen ilands, which are called Gran Canaria, Tenerife, -Palma, Gomera, Yerro, Lancarote, and Forte Ventura; and are in altitude -twentie-eight degrees, lacking very little, and haue in them many -particular thinges, of which I will declare some of them in briefe. - -[Sidenote: Much snow.] - -[Sidenote: Great quantitie of brimstone.] - -In the Iland of Tenerife, at the farther part thereof, towards the -northwest, there is a mountain called El Pico de Tereyra, which, unto -the iudgement of them who haue seene it, is the highest in all the -worlde, and is plainely seene before you come to it three score leagues: -so that a ship going from Spaine vnto those ilandes, doth discouer that -mountaine first. None can ascende or go vp that mountaine but in the -moneths of July and August, for that all other moneths of the yeare -there is very much snow on it, although in all those ilandes it doth -neuer snowe, and to mount the height thereof is three daies worke; on -the top of the same there is a round and plaine place, and being thereon -at such time as it is faire weather, and the seas calme and in quiet, -you may see all the seuen ilands, and euerie one of them will seeme but -a small thing in respect; yet some of them are distant from that more -than fiftie leagues, and it hath as much more in compasse as that. In -the two monethes aforesaid, they do gather in the toppe thereof all the -brimstone that is brought from that iland vnto Spaine, which is much in -quantitie. This mountaine belongeth to the Duke of Maqueda, by -particular gift of the king. - -[Sidenote: The dropping from a tree doth serve the whole iland with -water.] - -In one of these seuen ilands aforesaid, called the Hierco,[46] there is a -continuall woonder, which in my iudgement is one of the greatest in all -the worlde, and worthie to be knowen amongest all men, whereby they may -exalt the mightie providence of God, and giue him thankes for the same. -This iland being the greatest amongest the seuen, is a countrie very -asper and vnfruitfull, and so drie that there is no water to be found in -all the iland, but on the sea side, and that in fewe places, but very -farre distant from the inhabitance of the ilande. But there naturall -necessitie is remedied by the diuine prouidence of heaven (as -aforesaide), and by a strange meanes, which is, there is a great and -mightie tree (vnknowen, and the like hath not beene seene in any part of -the whole world), whose leaues are narrowe and long, and are continually -greene like iuie, vpon the which tree is seene continually a small -cloud, which neuer augmenteth nor diminisheth, with the occasion that -the leaues continually, without ceasing, doth distill drops of water, -very cleere and fine, which doth fall into certaine sesternes, which the -inhabitantes of the townes haue made for the conseruation thereof, to -remedie their necessities, and to sustaine thereby not onely themselues, -but also their cattell and beastes, and is sufficient for them all: yet -doo they not knowe the originall and beginning of this continuall and -strange miracle.[47] - -[46] Misspelt for Hierro, the Spanish form for Ferro. - -[47] The following is a translation of what Leopold von Buch says of -this tree in his "Description Physique des Isles Canaries, traduite de -l'Allemand, par C. Boulanger." Par., 1836, 8vo., fo. 122. - - "There was formerly in the Island of Ferro a gigantic til - (_Laurus F[oe]tens_), whose pulpy leaves extended their thick - foliage to a great distance. Every day, two or three hours after - sunrise, the leaves of this tree began to condense the water, - which falling from leaf to leaf, like drops of rain, collected - together at the foot of the tree, in a very pure stream. The - inhabitants of the island, being altogether destitute of spring - water, used to go towards midday to draw this water, and return - to their homes in the evening with their pitchers full. The tree - being regarded as sacred passed for a wonder of the world: a - keeper appointed by the inhabitants had it in charge to collect - the water in cisterns, and presided at its distribution among all - those who came to draw. This remarkable tree was still existing - in 1689, and was situated to the east, above the little town of - Valverde. Father Galindo, who saw it, has given its description - in detail. It survived long after that period; but its leaves - were diminished, and it lost its beneficent properties. Necessity - compelled the inhabitants to find some other means of supplying - themselves with water, and the tree was forgotten. Meanwhile, - travellers going to the new continent of America, never forget - (whatever may be the number or variety of objects that strike - their imagination in those countries) to speak of the tree of the - Isle of Ferro. It has therefore preserved a great reputation in - Europe." - -[Sidenote: Opinions of this iland.] - -One hundreth leagues distant from these ilandes, towards the right hand, -there is an other thing of little lesse admiration then the other that -we haue spoken of, which is, that many times there is seen an iland, -which they cal S. Borandon. Many being lost at the sea haue chaunced -vpon the same iland, and do say that it is a very fresh and gallant -iland, with great abundance of trees and sustinence, and inhabited with -Christian people, yet can they not say of what nation or language. The -Spaniards many times haue gone with intent to seeke it, but neuer could -finde it, which is the occasion that there be diuers opinions touching -the same. Some doo say that it is an inchanted iland, and is seene but -certaine daies assigned or appointed: and others say that there is no -other let or impediment for the finding therof, but because it is so -little, and is continually couered with great cloudes, and that there -runneth from it riuers which haue so great a current that it maketh it -difficult to come vnto it. My opinion is (if it be any thing worth) that -being true, that which so many haue spoken of this iland, according vnto -the common opinion which they haue in all the seuen ilands of Canaria, -it can not be without some great mysterie: for he which can cause it to -be all in a cloud, and the swift current of the riuers to be an -impediment to the finding therof, can find remedie for the inhabitants -to come forth (if it be so for them that be without at the sea not to go -into it), yet can it not be for them within the iland, but at some time -there should haue some come foorth by chance, and haue bin seene of some -there abouts, and declared vnto them the secret of that mysterie: from -whence I do gather, that either this iland is imagined or inchaunted, or -else there is in it other some great mysterie, for the which to giue -credite vnto it, or to varie from the truth, it shal be wisdome not to -proceed any further, but to conclude in that which toucheth the Ilandes -of Canarias aforesaid.[48] - -[48] For a very interesting chapter on this imaginary island, see No. 23 -of the Appendix to Washington Irving's "Life and Voyages of Columbus." - -[Sidenote: Camelles.] - -The clyme and temperature of them all is excellent good, and hath -abundance of al necessary sustenance for mans life. There is gathered in -them verie much wheate and other seedes, and wine: there is also made -verie much sugar: there is nourished and brought vp great store of -cattel, and that verie good. But in especiall camelles, whereof there is -great store. Also all kinde of sustenance is better cheape there then in -Spaine. - -All these ilandes are inhabited with Spaniardes, whereas they doo liue -verie pleasantly, amongest whome, at this day, there be some that be -naturall of the Guanchas aforesaid, who be verie much Spaniarde like. -The principall of all these seuen ilandes is the Gran Canaria, in the -which is a bishoppe and a cathedrall church, and counsell of the -Inquisition and royall audience, from the which dependeth the -gouernement of all the other sixe ilands. - - - - -CHAP. II. - - _They do depart from the Ilands of Canaria for the - Ilande of Santo Domingo, otherwise called Hispaniola, - and do declare of certaine things in the way - thitherward._ - - -[Sidenote: The Iland called Desseado.] - -After that the fleetes or shippes had taken refreshing in the Ilandes of -Canarias aforesayde, they departed from thence, sayling by the same -rutter, vntill they come vnto an ilande called the Desseado, which is -fifteene degrees from the Equinoctiall, eyght hundreth and thirtie -leagues from the Canarias: all which is sayled without seeing any other -land: they are sayling of the same ordinarily eight and twentie and -thirtie dayes. - -[Sidenote: The Iland Dominica.] - -This Iland Desseado was called by that name by reason that the gulfe is -great, and so many daies sayling, that when they do see it, is that -after that they haue verie much desired the same, so that Desseado is as -much to say, as "desired." This iland hath nigh and about it many other -ilandes, one of the which is that which is called La Dominica, which is -peopled and inhabited by certaine Indians who are called Caribes, by -such as do nauigate that way, which are a kind of people that doo eate -humaine flesh: they are very expert archers, and very cruell: they do -anoint their arrowes with a deadly earth, and so ful of poison, that the -wound the which is made therewith can not be healed by any humaine -remedie. This ilande is in fifteene degrees. It is verie little and not -of much people, yet notwithstanding it hath beene the death of many -Spaniardes both men and women: such as haue come thither in shippes, not -knowing the daunger thereof, haue gone a shore for fresh water, or else -to wash their lynnen, and vppon a soddaine vnlooked for, haue beene be -set by the Indios, who haue slaine them, and after eaten them: and they -say that it is very sweete flesh and sauorie, so that it be not of a -fryer, for of fryers by no meanes they will eate, nor would not after -that happened vnto them as hereafter followeth. - -[Sidenote: They which did eate friers flesh did die madde.] - -There was a ship that was bound vnto the firme land, and did arriue at -that ilande, in the which went two religious fryers of the order of -Saint Francis, and hauing no care as aforesayde, but very desirous to be -a lande, they went a shore without any feare or suspition of any harme -that might happen vnto them; and being at a riuer side sporting -themselues with great recreation, by reason of the freshnesse thereof, -easing themselues of the long and painefull nauigation which they had -comming from the Ilandes of the Canarias vnto that place, when the -Caribes did see them, without any feare, vpon a soddaine they descended -from a mountayne, and did kill them all, without leauing any person -aliue. Many dayes they made great feastes and bankets, eating of those -bodies which they had slaine, some sodde and some roasted, as their -pleasure was. So on a day they would amongest them eate one of the -fathers, who was very faire and white; but all that did eate of him in a -little space did swell marueilously, and did die madde, with great -gaspings that it was woonderfull to see: so that from that time, they -remaine as warned neuer for to eate any more of the like flesh. - -Of these euils they haue committed an infinite number, and haue at this -day with them many Spaniardes both men and women, whose liues they -pardoned for to serue their vses or euilles, because they were verie -young, of the which they say that some haue fled away. They go naked -like vnto the Indians, and doo speake their language, and are almost -conuerted vnto their nature. This great inconuenience might be remedied, -if that it did please his maiestie to command some generall that were -bound vnto the firme land, or vnto the New Spaine, to make abode there a -fewe dayes, and to roote out and make cleane that ilande of so euill and -wicked people, which were a good deede, and they doo well deserue it, -and to giue libertie vnto the poore Christians that are there captiue, a -great companie of them. And it is saide of a truth that some of them be -of good calling. There can none goe a lande on this ilande, but -straightwayes they are discouered by such ordinarie spyes as they doo -put to watch. And if they do see that those which doo come a land are -many in number, and that they can not hurt them, they doo remaine in the -highest part of the mountayne, or else amongest the thickest of woods -and bushes, till such time as the shippes do depart, which is so soone -as they haue taken fresh water or fire wood. They are great traytors, -and when they see oportunitie they giue the assalt, in the manner as -hath beene tolde you, and doo very much harme. - -[Sidenote: Much kine, sugar, and ginger: wheat and gold.] - -Nigh vnto this Ilande Dominica, towardes the northwest, is the Ilande -of S. John de Puerto Rico, the which is in eighteene degrees: it is -fortie and sixe leagues long and fiue and twentie leagues brode, and in -compasse about an hundred and fiftie leagues. There is in it great store -of kyne, verie much sugar and ginger, and yeeldeth very much wheate. It -is a lande of verie much golde, and is not laboured nor taken out of the -earth for lacke of people; it hath verie good hauens and portes towardes -the south, and towardes the north onely one, the which is sure and good, -in respect whereof the Spaniardes did giue the name vnto the whole -ilande, Puerto Rico, taking the name of the port or hauen. In it there -is foure townes of Spaniardes, a bishoppe and a cathedrall church, and -he that is prelat at this day is the reuerend father Don fryer Diego de -Salamanca, of the order of S. Austin. - -[Sidenote: Of sixe hundreth thousand Indians there remaineth none.] - -When the Spaniardes went first vnto this ilande, according vnto the -report of the reuerende father de Las Casas, bishop of Chiapa, was in -the year 1509. This iland was so full of trees and fruite that they gaue -it the name of the Guertas;[49] and there were in it sixe hundredth -thousande Indios, of the which at this day there remaineth not one. - -[49] Orchards. - -From this ilande vnto the ilande of Santo Domingo, is foure score -leagues; I say, from one port vnto an other, and from poynt to point, -but twelue leagues. They doo ordinarilie go from one port to an other in -three dayes; but to returne they are more than a moneth, for because the -winde is contrarie. - - - - -CHAP. III. - - _Of the Iland of Santo Domingo, called Hispaniola, and - of their properties._ - - -[Sidenote: The Iland Hispaniola or Santo Domingo.] - -[Sidenote: Mightie riuers in Spain.] - -[Sidenote: A peece of virgin gold so bigge as a twopennie wheaten loaf.] - -[Sidenote: Cannafistola.] - -[Sidenote: Gold and pearles.] - -[Sidenote: Bread of a roote called Casaue.] - -The Iland Hispaniola, which by an other name is called Santo Domingo, by -reason that it was discouered as that day, it is in eighteene degrees, -and was the first that way discouered in the Indias, by the captaine -Christopher Colon, worthie of immortall memorie; it was inhabited in the -yeare of 1492. This iland is in compasse more than sixe hundredth -leagues; it is diuided into fiue kingdomes, the one of them is now -called the Vega, which, at the time that it was discouered was called -Neagua; it hath foure score leagues in compasse, and stretcheth all of -them from the north vnto the south; out of the which sea, as doth -testifie the reuerende of Ciapa in his booke, doth enter onely into the -kingdome, thirtie thousand riuers and running brookes, twelue of them as -great as Ebro, Duero, and Guadalquiuer in Spaine. The foresaide bishop -doth also speake of an other maruaile, which is, that the most part of -these riuers, those which do distil and run from the mountaines, which -is towardes the west, are very rich of gold, and some of it very fine, -as is that which is taken out of the mynes of Cibao, which is very well -knowen in that kingdome, and also in Spaine, by reason of the great -perfection thereof: out of the which myne hath been taken out a piece of -virgin golde, so bigge as a twopennie wheaten loafe, and did weigh three -thousand and sixe hundred castillianos,[50] the which was sonke and lost -in the sea, in carrying of it into Spaine, as doth testifie the -aforesaid reuerend bishop. In this Ilande there is greater quantitie of -cattell than in the other Ilande of Puerto Rico; and there is made much -sugar, and gathered much ginger and cannafistula, and also manie sortes -of fruits, such as is in Spaine, as others different of the countrie, -and that in abundance: there are also great store of hogs, whose fleshe -is as holesome and as sauorie as is mutton in Spaine, and is verie good -cheape: a heyfor is bought for eight ryalles of plate, and all other -thinges of that countrie after the rate, although that the marchandice -of Spaine is verie deere. It is a countrie of very much golde, if there -were people for to take it out: and manie pearles. In all this ilande -they gather no wheate, but in the bishopricke of Palensuela; although in -many other places the ground would yeeld it very well if they would sowe -it. But nature, which was woont to supplie necessities, dooth accomplish -the lacke of wheate to giue them in steede thereof a roote, which dooth -growe in that iland in great quantitie and abundance, and dooth serve -them for bread, as it did vnto the naturall people of that countrie, -when the Spaniards went thither. It is white, and is called casaue, the -which being grinded and brought into meale, they doo make bread thereof -for their sustinence, the which, although it is not so goode as that -which is made of wheat meale, yet may they passe therewith and sustaine -themselues. - -[50] The castellano, which is still used in Spain and its dependencies -as a weight for gold, is equivalent to 71 grains English. - -This countrie is verie hoat, by reason whereof their victuals are of -small substance. The principall citie of that iland is called Santo -Domingo, (for the reason abouesaid), in the which is an archbishop and a -royall audience, or chaunoerie. This citie is built on the sea side, and -hath to it a great riuer, the which dooth serue them for their port or -hauen, and is verie secure. There is in it three monasteries of -religious friers, and two of nunnes. - -[Sidenote: Of three millions of men not two hundred left.] - -[Sidenote: Tiburones.] - -In this ilande (as saith the reuerende bishop of Chiapa in his booke) -there were, when as the Spaniards came first thether, three millions of -men naturall Indians, of the which at this day there is not two hundred -left, and yet the most part of them be sonnes vnto Spaniardes, and -blacke mores borne of the Indians women. All their sugar milles and -other places are inhabited with negros, of the which there may be in -that ilande about twelue thousand. It is a holsome countrie vnto them -that dwell therein. The sea is ful of whales, and that in abundance, -which are seene by such as do come in their ships, and many times they -are in feare of them. But aboue all other, there is an infinite number -of great fishes called tiburones,[51] and are in great skuls:[52] they are -marueilously affected vnto humaine flesh, and wil folow a shippe fiue -hundred leagues, without leauing of it one day. Many times they haue -taken of the fishes, and do finde in their bellies all such filth as -hath beene throwne out of their shippe in many dayes sailing, and whole -sheepes heads with hornes and all. If they chance to finde a man in the -waters side he wil eat him all: if not, all that he doth fasten on he -doth sheare it cleane away, be it a legge or an arme, or half his body, -as many times it hath beene seene, and they doo it very quickly, for -that they haue many rowes of teeth in their heads, which be as sharpe as -rasers. - -[51] Sharks. - -[52] Schools. - - - - -CHAP. IV. - - _Of the way and the Ilandes that are betwixt this - Iland of Santo Domingo and the kingdome of Mexico._ - - -[Sidenote: The Ilande of Nauala.] - -[Sidenote: The Iland of Iamayca.] - -[Sidenote: Vracans.] - -[Sidenote: The Iland of Cuba and the Port Hauana.] - -The first ilande, that is after you are departed from Santo Domingo, is -that which ordinarily is called Nauala,[53] the which is one hundred and -twelue leagues from the cittie of Santo Domingo, and is seuenteene -degrees, and is but a small iland: and nigh vnto that is another, which -is called Jamayca, of fiftie leagues in longitude, and fourteene in -latitude: there was wont to be about them many vracanes,[54] which are -spowts of water, with many blustering winds. This word _vracan_, in the -Indian tongue of those ilands, is as much to say, as the ioyning of all -the foure principall winds togither, the one forcing against the other: -the which ordinarily dooth blow vppon this coste, in the monethes of -August, September, and October, by reason whereof such fleetes as are -bound vnto the Indies doo procure to passe that coast, before these -three monethes or after, for that by experience they haue lost many -ships in those times. From this iland they go vnto the ilande of Cuba, -which is in twenty degrees, in the which is the port of Hauana, which is -called the Cape of San Anton: they doo put two hundreth and fiue and -twentie leagues of longitude, and of latitude sixe and thirty; it is -inhabited with Spaniards, who conuerted all the rest vnto the faith of -Christ: there is in it a bishop, and monasteries of religious friers. - -[53] More properly Navaza. - -[54] Hurricanes. - -When that any ships do go vnto Noua Espania, they haue sight of them, -and likewise when they doo returne: all those which do come from the -Peru do enter into the foresaid port of the Hauana, which is a very good -port and sure, and there is to be had all kind of prouision necessary -and belonging vnto the fleetes and ships, some which the ilande dooth -yeeld it selfe, and other some brought from other places: but in -particular, there is great store of very good timber, as wel for the -repairing of ships as for other thinges, with the which they do -ordinarily balest their ships that come for Spaine. The kinges maiesty -hath in this a gouernor and a captaine, with very good souldiers for the -defence thereof, and of a fort which is in the same harbor, the best -that is in all the ilands. - -This iland of Cuba was discouered in the yeare 1511, and was in it -(being of the bignesse aforesaid) a great number of naturall people, -and now but a very fewe: it hath a riuer wherein is very much gold, -according vnto the opinion of the natural people, and was tolde by the -fathers vnto their children, the which was cast into that riuer by the -natural people, in this order following. - -[Sidenote: The Spaniards god is gold.] - -[Sidenote: The Indians throwe all their gold and iewels into the riuer.] - -There was a casique, called Hatuey, who, for feare that hee had of the -Spaniards, came from the Iland Hispaniola, vnto this iland with many of -his people, and brought al their riches, with much golde amongst them, -who by the relation of other Indians of Santo Domingo (wheras he had -been king), vnderstood that the Spanyardes were comming vnto that iland, -whereupon he gathered togither all his people, and many of that iland, -and made a parley vnto them, saying: It is said of a certeintie, that -the Christians doo come into this iland, and you doo well vnderstand by -experience, what they haue done by the people of the kingdome of Aytim -(which was the Ilande Hispaniola), the like will they doo here by vs; -but do you know wherfore they doo it? They answered and saide, because -they were of their owne nature cruel. The casique saide No, that they -did it not therefore; but because they had a God whom they did worship, -and because they will haue him from vs, they doo kil vs: and in saying -these words he tooke forth a basket with golde and iewels which he -brought thither in secret, and shewed it vnto them saying, This is their -God that I spake off; let vs make vnto them areytos, the which are -sports and dances, and possible we shall please them, and then wil they -command their people not to do vs any harme. For the accomplishing and -furnishing of the same, euery one of them brought that which they had in -their houses, and made therof a great mountaine of wheate, and danced -rounde about the same till they were werie: when the casique saide, I -haue thought with myselfe whilst we were dancing, that howsoeuer it be, -these that do come wil kil vs: for whether we do keep our treasure or -giue it vnto them, with couetousnes to seek more from vs, we shall die; -therefore let vs throw it into this riuer. The which they did with a -common consent and good will. - -[Sidenote: The Port of Saint Iohn de Lua.] - -[Sidenote: The Iland of Campeche.] - -[Sidenote: Honey and waxe.] - -[Sidenote: The citie of Vera Cruz.] - -From this point or cape of Sant Anton, they saile to the port of San -Juan de Lua, which is on the firme land of Mexico, two hundreth and -thirtie leagues from the said point: in all that bay there is great -fishing, but in especial of one kind of fish which is called _mero_, the -which are so easie to be taken, that in one day they may lade not -shippes but whole fleetes; and many times it happeneth that they bring -so many to their ships that they throw them again into the sea for lack -of salt to salt them with. They passe in sight of an iland, called -Campeche, the which is a gallant and fresh country, and nigh vnto the -kingdom of Mexico: in it is great store of victuals, but specially hony -and waxe, and is three hundreth leagues compasse; al the people of that -iland are conuerted unto the law of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is in -it a bishop and a cathedrall church, a gouernor for his maiestie, and -monasteries of friers. Within few dayes after they depart from this -ilande, and come unto the port of Saint John de Lua, in the which, by -reason that it hath many flats, it is requisite to be carefull for to -enter into it: his maiestie hath in it a fort which is good and strong. -Fiue leagues from this port is the cittie of the Vera Cruz, whereas is -the whole trade and traficke, and there is resident the king's officers: -it is a hot country by reason that it is in the nineteene degrees, but -well replenished of all kinde of victuals: it was wont to be -vnwholesome, but now they say it is not so much; they know not what -shoulde bee the occasion, whether it bee by the moouings of the heauens, -or by the good gouernement and discretion of them that do dwel in it. -This cittie is from the citie of Mexico, the which is metropolitan of al -that kingdom, and by whom al the rest is gouerned, seuentie leagues, al -the way inhabited and ful of townes, both of Indians, Spaniards, and so -great store of prouision that it seemeth to be the land of promision. -It is maruellous temperate, in such sort that almost throughout al the -whole yeare it is neither whot nor cold, neither dooth night exceede the -day, nor the day the night, but a very little, by reason that it is -almost under the equinoctiall line. The mightinesse of this kingdome, -and some particularities, you shall vnderstand of in the chapter -following. - - - - -CHAP. V. - - _Of the bignesse of the kingdome of Mexico, and of - some particular and notable things that are in it._ - - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Mexico.] - -[Sidenote: New Mexico.] - -This kingdome of Mexico is the firme land: on the one side it hath the -north sea, and on the other side the south sea: it is not possible to -declare the bredth and length thereof, for that vnto this day it is not -all discouered. Euery day they doo finde and discouer new countries, as -in the yeare of fourescore and three, you may perceiue by the entry -which was made by Antonio de Espeio, who, with his companions, did -discouer a countrie, in the which they found fifteene prouinces, al ful -of townes, which were full of houses of foure and fiue stories high, the -which they did name Nuevo Mexico, for that it doth resemble the Old -Mexico in many thinges. It is towards the north, and they do beleeue -that that way, by inhabited place, they may come vnto that country which -is called of the Labrador (of which shal be spoken more at large -hereafter). - -[Sidenote: Peru.] - -[Sidenote: Nombre de Dios.] - -[Sidenote: Acapulco.] - -[Sidenote: Panama.] - -[Sidenote: The Straites of Magellanes.] - -This kingdome towards the orient dooth ioyne vnto the country of Peru, -and so running by the north sea, and reacheth vnto Nombre de Dios, which -is a port of the saide kingdome, and from thence vnto Acapulco, which is -a port in the kingdome of Mexico: and in the south sea it reacheth vnto -Panama, a port of the said Peru; and in the same sea it extendeth nigh -vnto the Straights of Magellanes, and not farre from the river of Plata -and Brasill. - -To conclude, this kingdome is so great that vnto this day they cannot -find the end thereof: but euery day doth discouer new countries, whereas -all the Indians that they do finde are verie easie to bee reduced vnto -the Catholike faith, for that they are people very docible, ingenious, -and of a good vnderstanding. There is amongst them diuers languages, and -verie different climes; although all generally doo vnderstande the -Mexican tongue, which is most common. There are many prouinces inhabited -by Indians and Spaniards, that euery one of them is as bigge as a -reasonable kingdome; yet the greatest and most principall is that of -Mexico, whereas are many Indians and Spaniards, which doo exceed all the -rest in number: the names of them are Honduras, Guatimala, Campeche, -Chiapa, Guaiaca, Mechuacan, Nueua Galicia, Nueua Viscaya, Guadiana, and -others more, which I leaue out because I woulde not be tedious: in all -the which, they haue either a royall audience and gouernors, or other -justices, all Spaniards. - -The naturall people whereof, neuer since they were conuerted haue beene -found in any heresie, nor in any thing contrarie vnto the Romish faith. -All these prouinces are subject and doo acknowledge that of Mexico as -the principall: there whereas his maiestie hath his vizroy, an -inquisition, an archbishop, and a royall audience or court of Chancerie. - -[Sidenote: It rayneth almost euery day.] - -This cittie of Mexico is one of the best that is in all the whole world, -and is situated vpon water after the manner and fashion of Venice in -Italie: in all this kingdome almost you cannot know when it is winter, -or when it is summer, for that in al the whole yeare, there is smal -difference betwixt the daies and the nights, by reason of the -temperature of the countrie; the fieldes are greene almost all the -whole yeare, and trees beare fruit also almost all the whole yeare: for -when it is winter in Europa, then doo there fall dewes from heauen which -dooth cause all things to budde and floure; and in the summer it doth -ordinarily raine, but especially in the monethes of June, July, August, -and September, in the which monethes it is a maruel when it raineth not -euery day; and it is to bee wondred at, for that almost it neuer rayneth -but from noone forwards, and neuer passeth midnight, so that it neuer -troubleth them that doo trauell by the way, for that they may beginne -their iourney at midnight, and trauell vntill the next day at noone. It -raineth vnreasonably, and with so great furie and force, that the time -that it dooth indure, it is requisite to flie from the showers; for that -many times they are so hurtfull, that one sole shower taketh away the -life of a man. - -[Sidenote: The best horses in all the world.] - -[Sidenote: An infinite number of siluer mines.] - -Almost all the whole yeare in this kingdome they do sowe and gather as -wel wheate (wherof they haue great abundance) as maiz, which is the -ordinary sustentation of al the Indians, blacke moores and horse, of the -which they haue great abundance very gallant and good, both to the eye, -and indeed, as in any kingdom in al the whole world that is knowne vnto -this day. The brood of them was carried out of Spaine thither, when -first they did discouer that country, and for that effect were chosen -the best that could bee found: and for that they doo eate all the whole -yeare greene grasse and maiz, which is wheat of the Indians, is the -occasion that they do deserue to haue the praise aboue all other. In -fine, this kingdome is one of the fertilest of victuals of al that ever -we haue heard off, and of riches, for that there is in it an infinite -number of siluer mines, out of the which is taken great abundance, as it -is to be seene euery yeare when as the shippes doo come vnto Syuell. It -is vnder the Torrida Zona, yet notwithstanding it is of the temperature -as I haue said, contrarie vnto the opinion of ancient philosophers, who -said that it was not inhabited. But now to excuse them, it shal not be -from our purpose to declare the cause wherefore they were deceiued, and -is, that in the foure monethes aforesaide, wherein the sunne hath his -most force, it doth continually rayne, which is the occasion that the -country is so temperate: and besides this, God doth prouide that it is -visited with fresh windes, which come both out from the South and North -Sea, and is so ordinarie a thing, that it is a maruell to see it calme, -by reason whereof the whole kingdome is of that propertie; and although -the sunne be very strong and causeth great heate, yet putting himselfe -vnder any shadowe, although it bee but little, they straightwayes feele -a fresh and comfortable winde, by reason of the temperature of the -heauen in the manner aforesaid. - -The inhabitants of this kingdome throughout al the whole yeare, neede -not to augment nor diminish their apparell, neither their beddes. Also -the aire and clime is so holesome, that you may lie and sleepe in the -fieldes without any thing vppon you, as in any house, be it neuer so -well hanged and close. - -[Sidenote: An universitie in Mexico.] - -All that is discouered of this kingdome (except it be the lande of the -Chichimecos, which is a kind of Indians that liueth as the Alarbes[55] do -in Africa, without any house or towne)--all the rest, I say, are in -peace and quietnes baptised and doctrined, and furnished with many -monasteries of diuers orders of religious men, as of the order of S. -Dominicke, of S. Francis, of S. Austen, and of Iesuits, besides a great -number of priests that are reparted in al parts of that kingdome, so -that the one and the other are continually occupied in doctrining of the -naturall people and other Spaniards that are in that kingdome, of whome, -although they be but a few in respect of the Indians, yet do they -surmount in number more then fiftie thousand. In the principall citie of -this kingdome, which is that of Mexico as aforesaid, there is a -vniuersitie, and in it be many schooles, whereas is red any facultie, as -is in Salamanca, and that by men of great sufficiencie, whose trauell is -gratified with great rentes and honor. There bee also in it many great -hospitals as well of Spaniards as of Indians, wheras the sicke men are -cured with great charitie and comfort, for that euery one of them haue -great rents and reuenues. I do not intreat of the churches and -monasteries, both of friers and nunnes, which are in that cittie, nor of -other particular thinges, for that thereof there is written a large -historie, and my intent is to declare by way of a comentary that which -the said father Costodio and frier Martin Ignacio did comon with me by -word of mouth, and that I saw written and vnderstood of him at his -returne from trauelling almost the whole world, and of other things that -I my selfe haue experimented in certaine parts of it: so that this my -discourse may more properly be called an epitome or itinerario then a -historie. In this kingdome there are bred and brought vp more cattell -then in any other parts knowne in all the world, as wel for the good -climate and temperature of the heauen, as also for the fertility of the -country. The kine and sheepe many times bring foorth twise a yeare, and -the goates ordinarily thrise a yeare: so that because they haue many -fields in that countrie, and much people that doo giue themselues vnto -that kinde of gettings (as grasiers) is the occasion that there is so -great abundance, and solde for a small price; and manie times it -happeneth that the bringers vp of them doo kill tenne thousand head of -them onely to profite themselues with the skinnes, in sending of them -into Spaine, and leaue the flesh in the fieldes to feede the foules of -the ayre, without making any more account thereof. - -[55] Arabs? The word seems to have been misprinted in the original -Spanish. - -[Sidenote: A strange kind of tree.] - -There is great aboundance of many sorts of fruites, some of them very -different from those which are gathered in our Europa, and the most part -of them: but amongst all notable things which are to be considered off -in that kingdome (which are manie), one of them is a plant called -maguay, and an ordinarie thing in all those prouinces and townes, of the -which they make so many things for the seruice and vtilitie of them that -do dwel therin, that it is hard to be beleeued of them that haue not -seene it (although in al places you haue many witnesses to it). They -take out of this plant wine, which is that which the Indians doo drinke -ordinarily, and the negros: also excellent good vinegar, honie, a kinde -of thride or yarne, wherewith they doo make mantels to apparel the -naturals, and for to sow the same apparell: the leafe haue certaine -pricks whereof they do make needels wherewith they sow their apparel, -their shooes, and slippers. The leaues of that plaint, ouer and aboue -that they are medicinal, they do serue to couer there in the place of -tyles, and being dipped in the water, they make thereof a certaine thing -like hempe which serueth for many thinges, and make thereof repaue; and -the trunke of this plant is so bigge and strong, that it serueth for -ioystes and beames whereon they doo build their houses, which commonly -is couered with strawe, or else with brode leaues of trees, as is that -of this plant.[56] All this, although it seemeth much, yet in respect it -is nothing considering the great profite that is made of this plant: as -shalbe declared vnto you when we come to intreat of the Ilands -Philippinas, where as there is great aboundance of them, as I refer it -vnto the iudgment of the reader. - -[56] This is evidently a palm, and probably the mocaya, macauba, or -macaw-tree. - - - - -CHAP. VI. - - _This chapter doth prosecute in the things of the - kingdom of Mexico._ - - -[Sidenote: Properties of the Indians.] - -[Sidenote: Pictures made of fethers.] - -The Indians of this kingdome are maruellous ingenious, and doo see -nothing but they imitate the same, whereof commeth that they are very -good singers and plaiers vpon all sorts of instruments, yet their voices -doo heale[57] them nothing. They are very much affectioned vnto matters -touching ceremonies of the Church, and giuen vnto the diuine culto, and -therein they doo very much exceede the Spaniardes. In euery towne there -are singers appointed, which repaire euery day vnto the church to -celebrate the offices vnto our Lady, the which they do with great -consort and deuotion. Touching the dressing and adorning of a church -with flowers and other curiosities, they are maruellous politike: they -are reasonable good painters in some places: they make images of the -feathers of small birdes, which they call in their language Cinsones,[58] -which haue no feete, and feede of nothing else but of the dewe that -falleth from heauen, and is a thing greatly to be seene, and was wont in -Spaine to cause great admiration; but in especiall vnto such as were -famous painters, to see with what curiositie and subtiltie they did make -their pictures, in applying euery colour of the feathers in his place. -They are people of great charitie, but in especiall vnto the -ecclesiasticals, which is the occasion that one of them may trauell from -sea to sea (which is more then fiue hundred leagues) without the -spending of one riall of plate in victuals, or in any other thing, for -that the naturals doo giue it them with great good will and affection: -for the which in all their common places of resort, which is an inne for -strangers, they haue men appointed for to prouide for all -ecclesiasticall men that doo trauel, of all that they haue neede, and -likewise vnto the common people, for their money. They doo not onely -receiue great content with them, but they themselues doo go and request -them to come vnto their townes, at the entrie whereof they make them -great entertainement: they go all foorth of the towne both small and -great in procession, and manie times more than halfe a league, with the -sounde of trumpets, flutes, and hoybuckes. The principallest amongst -them go forth with bowes and nosegayes in their hands, of the which they -doo make a present vnto such religious as they doo receiue: and -sometimes they cast them more flowers then they woulde willingly they -shoulde. Generally, they doo reuerence all ecclesiasticals, but in -particular those of such religious houses, which in that kingdome were -the first that did conuert them and baptise them; and they do it in such -sort, that if the religious man will for any offence punish or whippe -any of them, they do it with such facilitie, as a master of a schoole -doth beate his schollers that he doth learne. - -[57] Misprinted for "help". - -[58] Probably humming-birds are meant. - -[Sidenote: Hernando Cortes.] - -This great reuerence and subjection was planted amongst them by the -worthy captaine Hernando Cortes, marques Del Valle, hee who in the name -of the Emperor Charles the fift of famous memorie, did get and made -conquest of that mightie kingdome. He who amongst other vertues that be -spoken of him (and doo indure vnto this day in the memory of the -naturall people of that countrie, and as I do beleeue his soule is -mounted many degrees in glory for the same), hee had one that surmounted -the other in excellency, which was, that he had great reuerence and -respect vnto priestes, but in especial vnto religious men, and his will -was that the same should bee vsed amongst the Indians: at all times when -hee did talke with any religious person, he did it with so great -humilitie and respect, as the seruant vnto his master. If he did at any -time meete with any of them in the streete, he being on foote, a good -space before hee came vnto them, hee woulde put off his cappe, and when -hee came vnto them he would kisse their handes: and if hee were on -horsebacke, he had the like prevention, and woulde alight and doo the -like. By whose example, the naturall people of that countrie doo remains -with the same custome, and is obserued and kept in all that countrie -vnto this day, and with so great devotion, that in what towne so euer -that any ecclesiasticall or religious man doth enter, the first that -doth see them before they enter therein, doo runne vnto the church and -ring the bell, which is a token knowne amongst them all that a religious -man is comming, so that foorthwith all the women go foorth in the -streete whereas they do passe, with their children in their armes, and -bringe them before the religious men, that they should blesse them, -although he be on horseback, and do passe a long thorow the towne. - -[Sidenote: Medicinall hearbes.] - -[Sidenote: They vse no compounds.] - -In all this countrie there is great aboundance of victuals and fruit, -that the mony being of so small estimation (by reason they haue so -much), a ryall of plate is no more woorth there then a quartillo in -Spain: you shall buy there a verie faire heafor for twelue rials of -plate, and fiftie thousand if you will at the same price, and a calfe -for sixe or eight rials of plate, a whole sheepe for foure rials, and -two hennes, such as you haue in Spaine for one riall, and of Guiny -hennes, otherwise called Turkey cockes,[59] and in Spanish Pavos, you -shall haue an hundred thousande (if you please) for a riall and a halfe -of plate a peece, and after this rate all other sortes of victuals -whatsoeuer you will buy, although they be neuer so good: wine and oyl is -very deare, for that it is brought out of Spaine, not for that the -countrie will not yeeld thereof, and that in great aboundance (as hath -beene seene by experience), but they wil not consent to it for diuers -respectes. There be thorough out all the whole kingdome many hearbes -that are medicinall, and the Indians very much experimented in them, and -do always cure with them, in such sort that almost there is no -infirmitie but they haue a remedy for the same, and do minister it, by -reason whereof they do liue very healthfull, and do die verie seldome, -but of leanenes, or when the radicall moistnesse is consumed. They vse -little lettings of bloode, and lesse of compounded purgations, for that -they haue amongst them other simples which they bring out of the fielde, -wherewith they do euacuate their humors, applying them vnto the pacient. -They bee for little trauell, and doo passe with little meate, and verie -seldome sleepe but on a matte vpon the ground, but the most part in the -fields in the open aire, which as wee haue saide hurteth not, neither -themselues nor yet the Spaniards. - -[59] The word "Guiny" has been inserted here by the translator; the -expression in Spanish is, "hens from the Indies, which in Spain are -called Pavos," meaning Turkeys. - -But now to speake in few words that which requireth a great discourse -and many words, and yet notwithstanding not expresse well that which -might be said of this mightie kingdome: I will conclude in comparing it -vnto the most greatest and richest of all that is now knowne in all the -world, except that of China, of the which in this historie hath beene -mentioned so many thinges, and shall be more spoken off, when as we -shall come to intreate of it; for that wee will intreate of the New -Mexico, as I haue promised in the fifth chapter, and because it is a new -thing, I do beleeue it wil be of great content. - - - - -CHAP. VII.[60] - - _Of the New Mexico, and the discouering thereof, and - what they do know of it._ - -[60] This and the three following chapters are supplied by Parke from -the French of De la Porte. - - -[Sidenote: New Mexico.] - -[Sidenote: The prouince of Tiguas] - -In the said chapter I said that in the yeare 1583 there was discouered -fifteene prouinces, the which the discouerers therof doo call the New -Mexico, vppon the firme lande of Nueua Espania, and I did promise to -giue notice of the discouering thereof, the which I will do with as much -breuitie as is possible, for that if I shoulde difusely declare all -that they did see and knowe, it were requisite to make of it a newe -historie: the substance thereof is, that in the yeare of our Lord 1581, -hauing notice there of a religious man, of the order of Saint Francis, -who was called frier Austen Ruyz, who dwelt in the valley of Saint -Bartholomew, by the relation of certaine Indians called Conchos, who did -communicate with others their neighbors called Pasaguates, who said that -towards the parts of the north (trauelling continually by lande) there -were certaine ilandes very great, and neuer knowne nor discouered by the -Spaniards, who being moved with great zeale of charitie for the -saluation of those soules, did aske licence of the Counte of Corunnia, -vizroy of the saide Nueua Espania, and of his owne superiors for to go -togither, and to procure to learne their language: and knowing it -necessarie to baptise and preach vnto them the holie evangelist, hauing -obtained the licence of the aforesaide persons, taking with him other -two companions of the same order, with eight other souldiers, who of -their owne good wil would beare them company, he departed to put in -execution his Christian zeale and intent: who after a few dayes that -they had trauelled, they came into a prouince which was called the -Tiguas, distant from the mines of Saint Bartholomew (from whence they -began their iourney) two hundred and fiftie leagues towardes the north, -in the which by a certaine occasion the naturall people thereof did kill -one of the friers companions: who, as also the souldiers that went with -him, seeing and perceiuing the successe,[61] and likewise fearing that -thereof might happen some other greater danger, they determined with a -common consent to returne vnto the mines from whence they departed, with -consideration that the company which went with him were very fewe to -make resistance against such successes as might happen, being so farre -distant from the dwellings of the Spaniards, and from their necessarie -succour. The two religious men which remained did not onely refuse their -determination, but rather seeing good occasion to put their good desire -in execution, and so much ripe mies[62] or dainties for the Lordes table, -and seeing they could not perswade the souldiers to proceed forwards in -the discouering thereof: they alone remained in the saide prouince with -their Indian boyes, and a Mestizo that they carried with them, thinking -that although they did remaine alone, yet were they there in securitie, -by reason of the great affabilitie and loue wherewith the naturall -people did intreat them. - -[61] This word is evidently coined from the Spanish word "suceso", an -event or occurrence. It is used in the same sense a few lines further -on. - -[62] We do not find this word. The literal translation is, "so great a -harvest ripe and ready to offer at the table of God." - -So when the eight souldiers came vnto the place that they desired, they -straightwayes sent the newes of al that happened vnto the cittie of -Mexico, vnto the vizroy, which is distant from the mines of Saint -Barbora one hundred and three score leagues. But the friers of S. -Francis were very much agreeued for the remaining there of their -brethren, and fearing least they should be slaine, for that they were -there alone, they began to moue the hearts and minds of other souldiers, -that were in the company of another religious frier of that order, -called Frier Bernardino Beltran, for to returne to the said prouince, to -deliuer the aforesaide two religious men out of danger, and from thence -to prosecute and go forwards with their enterprise begun. - -At this time there were at the said mines by a certaine occasion, an -inhabitant of the cittie of Mexico, called Antonio de Espeio, a very -rich man, of great courage and industrie, and verie zealous in the -seruice of the maiestie of King Philip: hee was naturally borne of -Cordoua, who, when that he vnderstood the great desire of the saide -friers, and howe much it did import, did offer himselfe to go on that -iournay, and to spend thereon part of his substance, besides the -venturing of his life. So licence being granted vnto him to prosecute -the same, by some that did represent the king's person, and was procured -by the saide friers, there was appointed and giuen him for captaine, -John de Ontiueros (who was chiefe bayley for his maiestie, in the townes -which are called the foure Cienegas, which are in the gouernement of the -new Biscay, seuenty leagues from the aforesaid mines of S. Barbora), and -he to go with him, and gather togither men and souldiers, such as he -could, for to accompany him, and helpe to follow their Christian intent. - -[Sidenote: The prouince of Conchos.] - -[Sidenote: Great store of conies, hares, and venison.] - -[Sidenote: Passaguates.] - -[Sidenote: Mines of siluer.] - -[Sidenote: Tobosos.] - -The saide Antonio de Espeio was so earnest in this matter, that in a few -dayes he had ioyned togither souldiers, and made prouision necessarie -for the iourney; and spent therein a great part of his substance, and -departed altogether from the valley of Saint Bartholomew the tenth of -Nouember, 1582, and carry with him (for whatsoeuer should happen) one -hundred and fifteene horses and mules, great stoare of weapons and -munition, with victuals, and certaine people of seruice in this iourney -necessarie. He directed his iourney towards the north; and at two dayes -iourney they came whereas were a great companie of Indians, of those -which he called Conchos: they were in raches[63] and in houses made of -straw, who, when they vnderstoode of their comming, by relation of long -time before, they went forth and entertained them with shewes of great -ioy. The feeding of these people, and of al the rest of that prouince, -the which is great, is of conyes flesh, hares, and venison, of the which -they haue great aboundance. They have great store of maiz, which is -wheat of the Indians, pompines and mellons, very good and in aboundance. -They haue many riuers full of fish, very good and of diuers sorts: they -go almost al naked; and the weapons that they doo vse are bowes and -arrowes; and liue vnder the gouernement and lordship of caciques as they -of Mexico: they found no idols amongst them, neither could they -vnderstande that they did worship any thing; for the which they did -easilie consent that the Spaniards should set vp crosses, and were very -well content therewith, after that they were informed by the Spaniards -the signification thereof; the which was done by interpreters that they -carried with them, and by whose meanes they vnderstood of other -inhabitances, whether as the said Conchos did conduct them, and did -beare them company more then foure and twenty leagues; all which way was -inhabited with people of their owne nation: and in al places whereas -they came, they were receiued with peace, by aduice that was giuen by -the caciques from one towne to another. So hauing passed the foure and -twenty leagues aforesaide, they came vnto another nation of Indians -called Passaguates, who liue after the manner and fashion of the other -aforesaid Conchos, their borderers, who did vnto them as the others did, -conducting them forwarde other foure dayes iourney, with aduice of the -caciques as afore. The Spaniards found in this iourney many mines of -siluer (according to the iudgement of them that vnderstand that -faculty), and of very rich mettall. One iourney from this they came to -another nation called the Tobosos, who, when they discouered the -Spaniards, they fled vnto the mountaines, and left their townes and -houses void: but more after they vnderstood that, certain yeares past, -there came vnto that place certaine souldiers for to seeke mines, and -carried with them captiue certaine of the natural people of that -country, for which occasion they remaine as scared and feareful. The -captain forthwith gaue order, that they should be called backe again, -with assurance that there should be no hurt done to them; and did so -much that many of them returned, of whom they made much on, and gaue -them giftes, declaring vnto them by the interpreter, that they came not -thither to do hurt to any; with the which they all returned and were in -quiet, and consented that they should set vp crosses, and declare the -mysterie of them, and they made shew that they were content therewith; -and did accompany them, as the other their borderers did, vntil they had -brought them into the inhabitance of another different nation, which was -distant from them twelue leagues. They vse bowes and arrowes, and do go -naked. - -[63] Rushes for thatching. See Halliwell's _Dictionary of Archaic and -Provincial Words_. - - - - -CHAP. VIII. - - _Here he doth prosecute the discouering of the New - Mexico._ - - -[Sidenote: Iumanos.] - -[Sidenote: Good salt.] - -The nation that the saide Tobosos did conduct them to is called Jumanos, -who, by another name are called by the Spaniards, Patara Bueyes; their -prouince is very [large] and full of townes, with much people: their -houses made of lime and stone, and their townes traced in very good -order: al the men and women haue their faces raced,[64] and their legs -and armes: they are corpulent people, and more decent then any that they -had seene vntil that time: they haue great store of prouision, and hunt -both of beasts and foules; great store of fish, by reason of mightie -riuers that commeth from the north, and some of them as big as -Guadalquiuer, the which doth enter into the North sea: they haue many -lakes of salt water which, in certaine times of the yeare, do congeale, -and they do make thereof good salt. They are warlike people, and made -shew thereof presently; for the first night that the Spaniards had -placed themselues, with their arrowes they slew fiue horse, and hurt as -many more, and would haue left not one aliue if they had not been -defended by the guarde. When they had done this mischiefe, they left the -town, and went to a mountain which was hard by; whether as presently in -the morning went their captaine with other fiue souldiers, well armed, -with an interpreter called Peter, a naturall Indian borne, and with -faire words and perswasions he quieted them and made peace, and caused -them to descend into their towne and houses; and perswaded them to giue -aduice vnto their neighbours, that they were men that would hurt no -bodie, neither came they thither to take away their goods; the which he -obtained easely by wisedome, and in giuing vnto the caciques certaine -glasse beades and hartes[65] which they carryed for that purpose, and -other trifles: so with this, and with the good intretement done vnto -them, there went many of them in the company of the Spaniardes many -dayes, alwayes trauelling alongst the riuer side aforesayde, whereas -were many townes of Indians of this nation, the which indured twelue -dayes iourney: in all the which, the caciques gaue aduice from one towne -to another, out of the which they came forth and entertained the -Spaniards without their bowes and arrowes, and brought with them -victuals and other prouision and giftes; but in especiall hides and -shamway skins, very well dressed, so that those of Flanders do nothing -exceed them. These people are all clothed; and they found that they had -some light of the holy faith, for that they made signe vnto God, looking -vp vnto heauen, and they do cal him in their language _Apalito_, and doo -acknowledge him for Lord, by whose mightie hand and mercie they confesse -to haue receiued life, and to be a natural man, and al temporall goods. -There came many of them with their wiues and children to the religious -frier (that came with the captaine and souldiers, of whom we haue spoken -off), for to crosse and blesse them; of whom being demanded, from whence -and of whom they had the knowledge of God: they answered, that of three -Christians and one negro that passed that way, and remained there -certain daies amongst them, who, according to the signes and tokens they -gaue them, should be Aluar Nunnez Cabesa de Vaca and Dorantes, and -Castillo Maldonado, and one negro, the which escaped out of the fleete -wherewith Panfilo de Naruaz entred into Florida; and after that they had -bin many dayes captiue and slaues, they escaped and came vnto these -townes, whereas God by them did shew many myracles in healing (by the -onely touching with their handes) many diseases and sicke persons, by -reason thereof they left great fame in all that countrie. All this -prouince remained in peace and quietnesse; by which demonstration they -did accompanie and served the Spaniardes certaine dayes, trauelling -alongest the riuer side aforesaide. - -[64] Streaked. See Minsheu's _Ductor in Linguas_. - -[65] Misspelt for "hats", De la Porte mentioning "chapeaux" among the -presents. - -Within few dayes after they came vnto a great inhabitation of Indians, -where they came foorth to receiue them, by newes that they had of their -neighbours, and brought with them many curious thinges made of feathers -of different colours, and many mantles made of cotton, barred with blewe -and white, like vnto them that are brought from China to truck for other -thinges. All of them, as well the men as women and children, were -clothed with shamway skins, very good and well dressed; yet could the -Spaniardes neuer vnderstande what nation they were, for lacke of an -interpreter that vnderstood their language. They dealt with them by -signes; and they shewed vnto them certaine stones of rich metall, and -being demaunded if they had of the same in their countrie: they answered -by the same signes, That fiue dayes iourney from thence, towardes the -northwest, there was great quantitie thereof; and howe that they would -conduct them thither and showe it vnto them, as afterwardes they did -performe, and did beare them companie two and twentie leagues, the which -was all inhabited with people of the same countrie. - -So following the saide riuer they came vnto an other inhabitance of much -more people than the other past, of whom they were well receiued, and -welcomed with many presents, especially of fish; for that they haue -great store by reason of certaine great lakes not farre from thence, -wherin is bred great abundance. They were amongest these people three -dayes; in the which, both day and night, they made before them many -dances, according vnto their fashion, with a particular signification of -great ioy. They knew not how this nation was called, for lacke of an -interpreter: but yet they vnderstoode that it extended very farre and -was very great. Amongest this nation they found an Indian, a Concho by -nation, who tolde and made signes that fifteen iourneys from thence, -towardes the northwest, there was a lake which was verie broad, and nigh -vnto it very great townes, and in them, houses of three and four stories -high; the people well apparelled, and the countrie full of victuals and -prouision, who did offer himselfe to bring them thether; whereat the -Spaniards reioyced, but left to giue the enterprise, only for that they -would accomplish their intent and begon voiage, which was to go to the -north to giue ayde vnto the two religious men aforesaide. The chief and -principall thing that they noted in this prouince was, that it was of a -good temperature, and a rich countrie, great store of hunt, both of foot -and wing, many rich metals, and other particular thinges of profite. - -From this prouince they folowed their iourney for the space of fifteene -daies without meeting any people: they trauelled amongst high and -mightie pine trees, like those of Spaine; at the end wherof, after they -had traueiled to their iudgments four score leagues, they came vnto a -small village of very few people, very poore, and their houses made of -strawe: they had great quantity of deere-skins, as well dressed as those -that are brought out of Flanders; great store of excellent white and -good salt. They gaue them good intertainment for the space of two daies -that they remained there; after the which they did beare them companie -twelue leagues, vnto certaine great habitations, always trauelling -alongst the riuer side towarde the north, as aforesaide, till such time -as they came vnto the countrie which is called the New Mexico. All -alongst this riuer side was planted full of white salow trees;[66] and in -some place it was foure leagues brode. Likewise there was many -walnut-trees and peare-trees, like vnto those in Spaine. - -[66] Willows. - -In the ende of two dayes trauaile amongest these trees, they came vnto -tenne townes, the which were situated alongst this riuer side on both -partes, besides others that appeared, but farther distant. It seemed -vnto them to haue much people, and as appeared to be more than tenne -thousande soules. - -[Sidenote: Houses of 4 stories high.] - -In this prouince they did receiue them courteously, and carried them -vnto their townes, whereas they gaue them great store of prouision and -hennes of the countrie, with many other things, and that with a great -good will. In these townes were houses of foure stories high, verie well -wrought and gallant chambers, and most of them had steuues or hote -houses for the winter. They are all apparelled with cotton and of deares -skinnes; the manner and apparell both of the men and of the women, is -much like vnto the Indians of the kingdome of Mexico. But that which did -cause them most for to woonder was, to see both men and women to weare -both bootes and shooes of very good lether, with three sooles of neates -leather: a thing which they haue not seene but onely there. The women go -without any thing vpon their heades; but their haire trimly kembed and -dressed. Euerie one of these townes had caciques, by whom they were -gouerned, as amongest the Indians in Mexico, with sergeantes and -officers to execute their commandement, who goe through the streetes of -the towne, and declare with a loude voice the will of the caciques, the -which is straightwayes put in vre. - -[Sidenote: They worship the diuell.] - -In this prouince the Spaniardes founde many idolles that they -worshipped; and in euery house they had a temple wherein they do worship -the diuell, whereas, ordinarily, they do carrie him to eat. Likewise, as -amongst Christians, in the high wayes they doo put crosses; so have they -chappelles, whereas they say, the diuell doth recreate and rest -himselfe, when as he trauelleth from one towne to another; the which -chappelles are maruellously well trimmed and painted. - -In all their tyllages and ploughed groundes, of the which they haue many -and very great, they haue on the one side of them, a portall or shedde -built vppon foure pillers, whereas the labourers do eate and passe away -the heate of the day, and are people verie much giuen to labour, and doo -continually occupie themselues therein: it is a countrie full of -mountaynes and woods of pine trees. Their weapons are strong bowes and -arrowes, with their heads or pointes made of flint stone, wherewith they -will pierce and passe a shirt of mayle or plate coate. They vse also -macans, the which is a staffe of half a yeard long, made of flint, and -verie smoth, wherewith they may cut a man a sunder in the midst; they -vse also bucklers and targets made of rawe hides. - - - - -CHAP. IX. - - _Still doth hee prosecute the New Mexico, and - declareth of such things as were there seene._ - - -So after they had beene four dayes in this prouince, they departed; and, -not farre distant from the same, they came vnto another, which was -called the prouince of the Tiguas, in the which they found sixteene -townes; in the one of the same, called Poala, they vnderstood that the -Indians had slaine the two friars, Francisco Lopez and Frier Augustine, -whome they went to seeke: and with them, three boyes and a Mestizo. But -when they of this towne and their neighbours vnderstoode, being pricked -in conscience, and fearing that the Spaniards came to plague them, and -to be reuenged for the death of the saide fathers, they durst not abide, -but left their houses voide and fled vnto the mountaines that were -nighest hande, from whence they could neuer cause them to descende, -neither by giftes nor policie. They founde in their houses great store -of victualles, and an infinite number of hennes of the countrie, diuers -sortes of metals, and some of them seemed to be very good: they could -not perfectly vnderstande the number of people that were in that -countrie, for that they were fled vnto the mountaines, as aforesaid. - -Being fully certified of the death of them that they went to seeke for, -they entred into counsell to determine whether they should returne vnto -New Biscaya, from whence they came, or to proceede forwarde; in the -which there were diuers opinions. But by reason that they vnderstoode -there, that towardes the port of the orient from that place, and not -farre distant from that prouince, there were very great townes and rich, -and finding themselues so nigh them, the captaine Antonio de Espero,[67] -with the consent of the religious fryer aforesaide, called Bernardino -Beltran, and the most part of his souldiers and companions, determined -to proceede forwardes in the discouerie thereof, till such time as they -did see to what end it would come, that they might the better giue -perfect and iust notice thereof unto his maiestie, as witnesses that had -seene it. - -[67] Misspelt for Espeio. - -So being in conformitie they determined, they remayning there sentenela, -or royall companie, the captaine, with other two companions with him, -should go forwardes in the demand of their desire, which foorthwith they -put in execution. So, at the end of two dayes of their trauaile, they -came vnto a prouince where they discouered aleuen townes [sic], and -much people in them, which, in their iudgement, did passe fortie -thousand soules. It was a countrie very well replenished and fertile, -whose confines are ioyned vnto the lands of the Cibola, whereas as is -great store of kyne, of whose skins they do apparell themselues and with -cotton; hauing the vse of gouernement amongest them as their neighbours -haue. There are signes and tokens of many rich mynes, and found in their -houses certaine metalles; these Indians do worship idols: they received -the Spaniardes with peace, and gaue them to eate. Seeing this, and the -disposition of the countrie, they returned vnto their sentenela from -whence they departed, to giue notice vnto their companions of all that -hath beene saide. - -So when they were come vnto their companions aforesaide, they had notice -and vnderstanding of an other prouince, called the Quires, which was vp -the riuer on the north, sixe leagues distant. So they departed -thitherwardes; and when they came within a league of the place, there -came foorth in peace a great companie of Indians, and requested that -they would goe with them vnto their townes; the which they did, and were -verie well entertayned, and had great cheare. In this prouince they sawe -but onely fiue townes, in the which there was a great number of people, -which, vnto their iudgement, did passe fifteene thousand soules; and doo -worship idolles as their neighbours doo. They found in one of these -townes a pye in a cage, as is the vse in Spaine; and tirasoles, as those -which are brought from China, and painted on them the sunne and the -moone, with many starres: and taking the altitude thereof, they founde -it to be in seuen and thirtie degrees and a halfe vnder the north poole. - -[Sidenote: Rich metals.] - -They departed from this prouince, and trauelling by the same course or -rutter, fourteene leagues from thence, they came to another prouince -called the Cunames, whereas they discouered other fiue townes: and that -which was the principal and biggest of them is called Cia, which was of -such huge bignesse that it had in it eight places: their houses be -plastered with lyme, and painted with diuerse colours, much better than -they had seene in any prouince past. It seemed that the people that were -there did passe in number twentie thousande soules. They gaue presentes -vnto the Spaniardes with many curious mantelles, and of victualles to -eate maruellously well dressed, and iudged the people to be more -curious, and of more estimation of themselues, than any that thitherto -they had seene, and of greater gouernement. They shewed vnto them rich -metalles, and the mountaines that were hard by whereas they did take it -out. Here they had notice of an other prouince which was towards the -northwest, and determined to go thither. - -So after they departed from thence, and had trauailed sixe leagues, they -came to the said prouince, which was called Ameias, in the which was -seuen great townes, and in them, according to their iudgment, thirtie -thousand soules: they said that one of these seuen townes was very great -and faire; the which they would not go to see, for that it was situated -behinde a mountaine, as also they feared some euil successe, if that -they should be deuided the one from the other. They are people after the -fashion of the other prouince their neighbours, with as much prouision, -and as well gouerned. Fifteene leagues from this prouince, trauelling -continually towards the northwest, they came to a great town, called -Acoma; it had in it more than sixe thousande soules. It was situated and -placed upon a high rock, the which was more than fiftie fadam in height, -and had no other entry but by a payre of staires, the which was made and -cut out of the same rocke, a thing the which did cause great admiration -vnto the Spaniardes: all the water that they had in this towne was in -cesternes. The principallest hereof came with peace for to see the -Spaniards, and brought them many mantles, and shamwayes very well -dressed, and great quantitie of prouision: they haue their corne-fields -two leagues from that place, and for to water them they take water out -of a small riuer there harde by. Upon the saide riuer side they sawe -many fields with roses, like vnto those that are in Spain. There are -many mountaines which shewe to haue mettals, although they went not vp -to see it, for that the Indians be many, and very warlike people. - -The Spaniards remained in this place three daies, in one of the which -the naturall people thereof did make vnto them a solemne dance, and came -foorth in the same with gallant apparell and with maruellous ingenious -pastimes, with the which they reioyced exceedingly. So four and twentie -leagues from this place, they came vnto a prouince called in their -naturall language Zuny, and the Spaniards do call it Cibola, there is in -it a great number of Indians. In the which was Francisco Vazquez -Coronado, and left there erected many crosses and many other signes and -tokens of Christendome, which continually did remaine standing. They -found there three christened Indians, which were left there at that -time, whose names were, Andres de Cuyoacon, Gasper de Mexico, and -Antonio de Guadalaiara, who had almost forgotten their own language, and -could speake very well that of this countrie: yet with a little vse -after they had talked with them they did easily vnderstand them. Of -these they vnderstood, that three score iourneyes from thence was there -a lake, very great, about the which was situated many excellent good -townes, and that the natural people thereof had very much gold, and it -seemed to be true for that they did all weare braslets and eareringes of -the same. The foresaide Francisco Vazquez Coronado hauing certaine -intelligence of the same, he departed from this prouince of Cibola, and -went that way: and hauing trauelled twelue iourneyes, his water did -faile him, so that he determined to returne backe againe as he did, with -pretence to returne an other time, when better oportunity should be had: -the which afterwards he did not put in execution, for that by death all -his determinations and pretences were cut off. - - - - -CHAP. X. - - _Still doth he prosecute the discouery of the New - Mexico._ - - -Vpon the newes of this great riches aforesaide, the sayde captaine -Antonio de Espeio determined to go thether, where were of his opinion -the most part of his companions: but the religious fryer was of the -contrarie opinion, and sayd that it was high time to returne vnto New -Bizcaya from whence they came, for to giue notice of all that they had -seene, the which they did put in execution within few daies after, the -most part of them, and left the captain with alonely nine companions -that would follow him. Who, after that hee had fully certified himselfe -of the riches aboue said, and of the great quantitie of good metals that -were there, he departed out of this prouince with his companions, and -trauelled towardes the northwest. - -So after that they had trauelled eight and twentie leagues, they came -into an other prouince, the which was very great, in the which to their -iudgment were more than fifty thousand soules: whose inhabitants, when -they vnderstood of their comming, they sent them a messenger, which -said, that if they would not be slaine of them, that they should not -approch any nearer vnto their townes. Unto the which the said captaine -answered, that they came not thether to do them any harme, as they -should well perceiue, and also did request them that they would not -disturbe them in the prosecuting of their pretence, and gaue vnto the -messenger certaine things such as they carryed with them, who did praise -so much the Spaniardes, that he did appease the troubled minds of the -Indians, in such sort, that they did of their owne good wil grant them -licence for to enter into their townes. The which they did with one -hundreth and fiftie Indians their friends, of the prouince of Cibola -aforesaide, and with the three Indians of Mexico of whom we made -mention. - -Before they came vnto the first towne by a league, there went foorth to -meete and receiue the Spaniards more than two thousande Indians laden -with victualles and prouision, vnto whome our captaine did giue thinges -of small price: yet it seemed vnto them to be of great estimation, more -than golde. So when they came nigher vnto the towne called Zaguato, -there came foorth to receiue them a great number of Indians, and -amongest them their Caciques, and made a great showe of mirth and ioy, -and threw vppon the ground much flower of maiz that their horse might -tread vpon it. With these feastes, ioy, and pleasure, they entred into -the towne, whereas they were very well receiued, lodged, and made much -of: the which the captaine did partly recompence, in giuing vnto all the -principallest amongest them, hattes, and glasse beades, and many other -thinges more, which they carried with them to serue the like -oportunitie. - -The Caciques did forthwith dispatch and send aduise vnto all those of -that prouince, giuing them to vnderstande of the comming of their new -guestes, and how that they were verie curteous men, and did no harme. -Which was occasion sufficient to cause them all to come laden with -presentes vnto the Spaniardes, and did request them for to goe vnto -their townes to sport and recreate themselues: the which they did, but -alwaies with great care and respect of what soeuer might happen. For the -which the captaine did vse a policie with them, which was, that he tolde -vnto the Caciques, that for so much as his horse were verie fierce and -furious, and that they had told them that they would kill them, -therefore for to shunne the damage and harme that might happen vnto the -Indians, it were requisite to make a fort with lyme and stone, to put -them in. The Caciques did giue such credite vnto his words, that in a -few houres they had ioyned together so much people, that they made a -fort according as the Spaniardes did request, and that with an -incredible breuitie. Besides this, when the captaine sayd that he would -depart, they brought vnto him a present of fortie thousand mantles of -cotton, some white, and some painted, and a great quantitie of hand -towels with tassels at the corners, and many other thinges, and amongst -them rich metals, which shewed to haue much siluer. Amongst these -Indians they had great notice and knowledge of the lake aforesaide, and -they were conformable vnto the other, in that touching the great riches -and abundance of gold. - -[Sidenote: Rich metals.] - -The captaine hauing great confidence in this people and of their good -dispositions, he determined after certaine daies that he had bin there, -to leaue fiue of his companions and the rest of the Indians his friends, -that they might returne vnto the prouince of Zuny with all their bagage: -and hee himselfe, with the other four that remained, would go more at -quiet to discouer certaine very rich mynes, of the which he had true -notice. So according vnto his determination he departed with the guides -he had, and hauing trauelled toward the northwest fiue and forty -leagues, he came vnto the sayde mynes, and tooke out of the same with -his owne hands rich metals, and very much siluer: the mynes had a great -and brode veine, it was vpon a rocke whereas they might go vp to it with -great ease, for that there was a way open to that effect: nigh thereunto -were certain townes of Indians amongst the mountaines, who shewed -friendship vnto them, and came foorth to receiue them with crosses in -their hands, and other signes and tokens of peace: nigh vnto the same -they saw two reasonable riuers, vppon whose bankes there were many vines -full of excellent good grapes, great walnut trees, and very much flaxe, -like vnto that of Spaine, and it was tolde them by signes, that on the -other side of the saide mountaines there was a riuer of 8 leagues brode. -But they could not vnderstand how nigh it was, yet did they make -demonstration that it did run his course towards the North Sea, and vpon -both sides thereof was situated many townes, and of so huge bignes, that -in comparison those wherein they were, were but suburbes in respect. - -So after the captaine had taken all this relation hee departed towardes -the prouince of Zuny, whither he had commanded his other companions to -goe, and at their comming thether in health, which was by an other -excellent way, he found therwith his other fiue companions: the father -fryer Bernardino with the souldiers that were determined to returne -backe againe (as aforesayde), for as yet they were not departed from -thence for certayne occasions. Unto whom the naturals of the countrie -had giuen good intertaynement and all thinges necessarie, and that in -abundance: and afterwardes did the like vnto the sayde captaine and vnto -them that came with him, and went foorth to receiue him with -demonstration of great ioy, and gaue them great store of prouision for -their iourney pretended, requesting him to returne againe with breuitie, -and to bring with him many Castillas (for so they doo call the -Spaniardes), and they would giue them all to eate: for the which (the -better to accomplish the same) they had sowed that yeare more wheate and -other graine, then they had done in any other yeare past. - -At this present the sayde religious fryer and the rest of the souldiers -did ratifie their first determination aforesaide, and concluded to -returne vnto the prouince from whence they came, with the pretence -before spoken of, and there ioyned with him in that iourney, Gregorio -Hernandez, who was standert bearer in that attempt. - -So when they were departed, the captain, who remained but with eight -souldiers, did fully resolue himselfe to prosecute his begun pretence, -and to take his course vp alongst the north riuer: which being put in -execution, and hauing trauelled about sixty leagues towards the prouince -of Quires aforesaid, twelue leagues from thence towards the orient they -came vnto a prouince called Gubates, whereas the Indians receiued them -with peace, and gaue them great store of prouision, and also notice that -not far from thence there were certayne rich mynes, the which they -founde, and tooke out of them glystering metals and very good, with the -which they returned to the towne from whence they departed. - -They iudged this prouince to haue nigh vpon fiue and twentie thousande -soules, all well apparelled with painted mantles of cotton, and -shamwayes skins very well dressed. There are many mountaynes and woodes -of pine cedar trees, and their houses of foure and fiue stories hie. -Heere had they notice of an other prouince that was but one daies -iourney from thence, which was called of the Tamos, in the which was -more than fortie thousand soules, but when they came thether the -inhabitants would not giue them any victuals, neyther permit them to -enter into their townes; for the which, to auoyde the danger wherin they -were, being but a few souldiers (as aforesaid) and some of them sicke, -they determined to depart thence towardes the countrie of Christians, -the which they put in execution the beginning of Iuly in the yere 1583, -and were conducted by an Indian that went with them, who carried them by -a contrarie way and different from that they came, downe alongest the -riuer side, which they called of the Vacas, by reason that there was -great store of kine all alongest the same. By the which they trauelled -one hundred and twentie leagues. From thence they came vnto the riuer of -the Conchos there whereas they first entred, and from thence vnto the -vale of S. Bartholomew, from whence they departed to begin this -discouerie. And when they came thether they vnderstood that many dayes -before were arriued there in health, frier Bernardino Beltran and his -companions, and were gone from thence vnto the village of Guadiana. In -this towne the captaine Antonio de Espeio made a certaine and true -information of all this aforesaide, the which presently he sent vnto the -Earle of Corunnia, viceroy of that kingdome: and he sent it vnto his -maiestie, and vnto the lords of the royall counsell of the Indians, that -therin they might ordaine that which seemed them best, the which they -haue done with great care. I beseech the Lord God, if it be his pleasure -that it may go forwardes in such order, that so many soules redeemed by -his precious bloud be not condemned: whose wits and vnderstanding do -farre exceed those of Mexico and Peru, as by the information of those -that haue delt with them appeareth, wherby we may presume that with -great facilitie they will imbrace the law of the gospell, and leaue the -idolatrie that the most part of them do vse, which God for his mercies -sake permit, so it may be for his glorie and exalting of the Catholike -faith. - -I haue bin tedious in this relation, more than a commentarie doth -require, but I haue doone it by reason it is a newe thing and little -abrode as yet, and it seemeth to mee not to giue discontent vnto the -reader. And now me thinketh it shall bee well that I doo returne vnto my -matter first begunne, and to proceede and go forwardes in the voyage and -description of the new worlde, returning vnto the citie of Mexico, there -where as I did digresse for to declare the discouerie of the Newe -Mexico. - - - - -CHAP. XI. - - _Departing from the citie of Mexico, they go vnto the - port of Acapulco in the South Sea, whereas they doo - imbarke themselues from the Ilandes Philippinas; they - passe by the Ilandes of Theeues, and do declare the - rites and condition of that people._ - - -From the citie of Mexico they go to imbarke themselues or take shipping -at the port of Acapulco, which is in the South Sea, and is eleuated from -the poole nineteen degrees, and ninetie leagues from the citie of -Mexico: in al which way there be many townes inhabited with Indians and -Spaniards. - -[Sidenote: The sea of Ladies.] - -Being departed from this port, they sayle towards the southwest, till -they come into twelue degrees and a halfe, to seeke prosperous wind to -serue their turne, which the mariners do cal Brizas, and are northerly -windes, which are there of such continuance and so fauourable that, -being in the moneths of Nouember, December, and Januarie, they haue no -neede to touch their sayles, which is the occasion that they do make -their voyages with so great ease. So that for that, and for the few -stormes that happened in that passage, they do cal it the Mar de Damas -(which is the sea of Ladies). They sayle alwayes towards the west, -following the sunne when as she departeth from our hemispherie. In this -South Sea they sayle fortie daies without seeing anie lande: at the end -whereof they came to the ilandes of Velas, which by another name are -called De los Ladrones; there are seuen or eight of them; they doo lye -north and south, and are inhabited with much people, in the order as you -shall vnderstand. - -These ilands are in 12 degrees, but there are different opinions of the -leagues that are betwixt the port of Acapulco and those ilands; for vnto -this day there is none that hath vnderstood the certaintie thereof, for -that their nauigation lieth from the east vnto the west, whose degrees -there haue bin none that euer could measure. Some say, this iourney hath -a thousande and seuen hundred leagues, others a thousand and eight -hundred; but the opinions of the first we vnderstand to be most -certaine. - -[Sidenote: White people as bigge as gyants.] - -All these ilands are inhabited with white people, of comely faces, like -vnto those of Europa, but not of their bodies, for that they are as -bigge as gyants, and of so great force and strength: for one of them -hath taken two Spaniardes, of a good stature, the one by one foot, and -the other by the other, with his handes, and hath lifted them both from -the grounde with so great ease, as though they had bin two children. -They go naked from top to toe, as well women as men; yet some of them -were woont to weare an aporne made of a deares skinne before them of -halfe a yeard long, for honesties sake, but they are but a fewe in -number, in respect of those that weare nothing before them. The weapons -which they do vse be slinges, and darts hardened in the fire, and are -with both the one and the other very expert throwers. - -They do maintaine themselues with fish which they do take on the coast; -and of wild beasts which they do kill in the mountaines, in ouertaking -of them by swiftnesse of foot. - -In these ilands there is one the strangest costume that euer hath bin -heard of or seene in all the whole world, which is, that vnto the young -men there is a time limited for them to marrie in (according vnto their -custome), in all which time they may freely enter into the houses of -such as are married, and be there with their wiues, without being -punished for the same, although their proper husbands should see them: -they doo carrie in their handes a staffe or rodde, and when they do -enter into the married mans house they do leaue it standing at the -doore, in such sort, that if any do come after they may plainly see it: -which is a token that, although it be her proper husband, he cannot -enter in till it be taken away. The which custome is obserued and kept -with so great rigour and force, that whosoeuer is against this lawe, all -the rest do kill him. - -[Sidenote: Without king or gouernor.] - -In all these ilands there is not as yet knowen neyther king nor lord, -whom the rest should obey; which is the occasion that euery one do liue -as he list and at his pleasure. These ilandes were woont to haue warre -the one with the other, when occasion did force them. As it happened at -such time as the Spaniardes were there in the port of the said iland, -there came abord their ships to the number of two hundred small barkes -or botes, in the which came many of the inhabitants thereof to sell, -vnto them of the ships, hens, and nuts called cocos, patatas, and other -thinges of that iland; and to buy other such things as our people did -carrie with them, but in especiall yron (vnto the which they are very -much affectionated), and vnto things of chrystall, and such like of -small estimation. But there grew a great contention amongest them, which -people of what ilande should first come vnto the shippes, and was in -such order that they fell vnto blowes, and wounded the one the other -maruellously, more liker beastes than men; of the which there were many -slaine in the presence of the Spaniards, and would neuer leave off their -contention a good while, till in the end, by way of peace, they -consented a conclusion amongest themselues, but with a great noyse, -which was, that those of one iland should go to the larbord of the ship, -and those of the other iland should go to the starbord; with the which -they were pacified, and did buy and sel at their pleasure. But at their -departure from our people, in recompence of their good intertainment, -they threw into the ship of their dartes hardened with fire, with the -which they did hurt many of them that were aboue hatches: yet went they -not away scotfree, for that our people with their hargabushes did paye -them in readie monie their bold attempt. - -[Sidenote: Iron more esteemed than siluer or gold.] - -These people do more esteeme yron than siluer or golde, and gaue for it -fruites, nnames,[68] patatas, fish, rise, ginger, hennes, and many -gallant mattes very well wrought, and all almost for nothing. - -[68] The Spanish word is "names", in all probability meant for "yams". - -These ilandes are verie fertile and healthfull, and very easie to bee -conquered unto the fayth of Christ, if that at such time as the ships -doo passe that way vnto Manilla, they would leaue there some religious -men, with souldiers to garde them till the next yeare, and might be -doone with small cost. It is not as yet known what ceremonies and rites -they do obserue; for that there is none that doo vnderstande their -language, neither hath any beene on those ilandes, but onely as they -haue passed by, which is the occasion that they cannot be vnderstood. -The language which they doo vse, to any mans iudgement, is easie to be -learned, for that their pronunciation is verie plaine; they call ginger -_asno_, and for to say Take away your hargabush, they say, _arrepeque_. -The pronunciation of their wordes is neither in the nose nor in the -throte. It is vnderstood that they be all Gentiles, by certaine signes -and tokens that our people haue seene them do, and that they doo worship -idols, and the diuell, vnto whom they do sacrifice such as they do take -in the warres of their borderers. It is thought that they doo descend of -the Tartares, by some particularities that is found amongst them, the -which do draw very nigh vnto some that they do vse. - -These ilandes are south and north with the land of Labrador, which is -nigh vnto the new found lande, and not farre distant from the ilande of -Japon. It is knowen for a trueth that they do deale with the Tartares, -and that they do buy yron for to sell it vnto them. The Spaniards did -giue name vnto these ilandes as they passed by, the ilandes of Ladrones -(which is of theeues), for that they are very bolde and subtile in their -stealinges, in the which facultie the Egyptians, that are in our Europa, -may go to schoole with them for the verie facultie thereof. I will -declare vnto you one thing that happened in the presence of many -Spaniardes, the which did cause them greatly to maruaile, which -is,--there was a marriner commanded by the captaine of the ship to keepe -the sterneborde side, and not to suffer any of them to enter therein; -and being as one amased to see so many canoas that came thether (the -which be small barkes or botes made all of one peece) one of them diued -downe vnder the water, till he came there whereas the marriner was -(vnmindfull of any such matter should happen) and vpon a soddaine, -without seeing the other, he snatched his sword out of his hand, and -went vnder the water againe therwith; the marriner made a noise, and -declared the knauerie that the ilander had done vnto him, whervpon there -were certaine souldiers that made their hargubushes ready to shoot at -him when he appeared from vnder the water. This ilander perceiuing it, -came foorth and swimmed aboue the water, shewing his handes, and made -signes that he had nothing in them, which was the occasion that they did -not shoot at him. - -So after a while that he had beene there resting of himselfe, he -returned and diued vnder the water againe, and swam so farre as he -thought that the bullet of the hargubush could not reach to hurt him, -and finding himselfe in securitie, he tooke the sword from betwixt his -legges whereas he did carrie it in secret, and beganne to florish with -the same, mocking our people whom he had so easily deceiued. - -This kind of stealing, and many others which they had done, and that -with great subtiltie, is the occasion that they beare the names of -theeues, and all the ilandes whereas they doo dwell doo beare the name -thereof, the which they will easily pardon, if they might ordinarily -finde where as they might execute their inclination. - - - - -CHAP. XII. - - _They departe from the Ilandes of the Ladrones, and - come vnto them of Luzon, or Philippinas by an other - name, and doo declare the particular thoughts of those - ilandes._ - - -[Sidenote: Archipelago.] - -[Sidenote: The Island of Luzon, and citie of Manilla.] - -[Sidenote: Great mountains of pepper, cloues, and ginger.] - -From this Iland of Ladrones nauigating towards the west, almost two -hundred leagues, till they came to a mouth called of the Holy Ghost, -they straightwaies doo enter into the Archipelago (which is an infinite -number of ilands), almost all inhabited with their own naturall people; -but many conquered by the Spaniardes, eyther by force of warre or -friendship. Four score leagues from this is the citie of Manilla, which -is vpon the Iland of Luzon, there whereas ordinarily dwelleth the -gouernor of all those ilandes, and the officers of his maiestie: therein -is a bishop and a cathedrall church. This citie standeth in fourteen -degrees and a quarter, and round about the same there are so many -ilandes, that vnto this day there is none that euer could number them: -they do extend all of them northwest and southwest, and north and south, -in so much that the one part stretcheth vnto the Straight of Sincapura -which is fiue and twentie leagues from Malaca, and the other part vnto -the Malucos, and other ilandes, whereas they gather a great number of -cloues, pepper, and ginger, of the which there are great mountaines -full. The first that discouered these ilands were Spaniards, which came -to them in the company of the famous Magellanes, and made no conquest of -them, for that they knew better to nauigate then to conquer; by reason -whereof, after they had discouered and passed the straight (which vnto -this day beareth the title of his name) and came vnto the Ilande of -Zubu, whereas they did baptise certaine of the inhabitance, and -afterwards in a banket, the same ilanders did kill him and other forty -of his companions, which was the occasion that Sebastian de Guetaria, a -naturall Biskin borne,[69] for to escape with his life, did put himselfe -in a shippe that remained of the voyage (which afterwards was named the -Victorie), and in her and with a few people that helped him, with the -fauour of God he came vnto Siuell, hauing compassed the whole world, -from the Orient vnto the Ponient, a thing which caused vnto all men -great admiration, but in particular vnto the Emperor Charles the Fift of -famous memorie, who after he had giuen many gifts and fauours vnto the -said Sebastian de Guetaria, hee gaue order that a new armie should be -made ready, and to returne againe in demande of the said ilands, and to -discouer that new world. - -[69] A native of Biscay. - -So when all things were in a readinesse for to depart on their voyage -(the which was done with great breuitie) they ordained for generall of -all that fleete one Villa Lobos, commanding him to go by the Nueua -Espania. This Villa Lobos arriued at the Ilands of Malucas, and at those -of Terrenate, and at other ilands ioyning vnto them, the which ilands -were laid to gage by the aforesaid emperor vnto the crowne of Portugal. - -In these ilands they had great wars by meanes of the Portugals, and -seeing themselues with little helpe and small resistance for to go -forwards with their conquests, they left it off, and went to the most -part of them with the aforesaide Portugals vnto the India of Portugall, -from whence afterwards they sent them as prisoners unto the said king of -Portugall, as offenders that had entred his ilands without his licence: -who did not onely leaue to do them any harme, but did intreate them very -well and sent them vnto their owne country of Spaine, and gaue them al -thinges necessary for their iourney, and that in aboundance. - -Then certaine yeares after, Don Philip king of Spaine being very willing -that the discouering shoulde go forwards, which the emperor his father -had so earnestly procured, sent and commanded Don Luys de Velasco, who -was his vizroy of the Nuoua Espania, that he would ordaine an army and -people for to returne and discouer the said ilands, and to sende in the -said fleete, for gouernor of all that should bee discouered, Miguel -Lopez de Legaspi, who did accomplish all that his maiestie had -commanded, and made the discouerie thereof in such order, as in the -first relation of the entrie of the fathers of the order of Saint Austen -into the China dooth more at large appeare. - -Of ancient time these ilands were subiect vnto the king of China, vntill -such time as hee did deliuer them vp of his owne free will, for such -reasons as were spoken off in the first part of this historie: and that -was the occasion that when the Spaniards came vnto them, they were -without lorde or heade, or anie other to whome they shoulde showe -duetie, but hee which had most power and people did most command: so -that this (and that there were so many of equal power) was the occasion -that ciuill warres continued, without any respect of nature, kinred, or -any other duety, but like vnto brute beastes, killing, spoiling, and -captiving one another, the which was a great helpe vnto the Spaniards -for to subiect that countrie with so great ease vnto the king, and -called them the Ilands Philippinas in respect of his name. They did vse -amongst them to make captiues and slaues such as they did take in -vnlawfull wars, and for trifling matters, the which God did remedie by -the going thither of the Spaniards: for you should haue a man with -fortie or fiftie other friends in his company, or seruants, that vpon a -sodaine would go and set vpon a small village of poore people and -vnprouided, and take and binde them all, and carrie them away for slaues -without any occasion or reason, and make them to serue them all the -dayes of their life, or else sell them to other ilands. And if it so -chanced that one did lende vnto another a basket or two of rice (the -which might bee woorth a ryall of plate), with condition to returne it -againe within ten dayes; if the debter did not pay it the same day, the -next day following he should pay it dooble, and afterward to double it -euery day so long as he did keepe it, which in conclusion the debt would -grow to be so great, that, to pay the same, he is forced to yeeld -himselfe for captiue and slaue. - -But vnto all such as were captiued in this order, or in such like, the -king of Spaine hath commanded to giue libertie; yet this iust -commandement is not in euery point fulfilled and accomplished, because -such as should execute the same haue interest therein. All these ilandes -were gentiles and idolaters, but now there is amongest them many -thousands baptised, vnto whom the king hath shewed great mercie, in -sending vnto them the remedie for their soules in so good time: for if -the Spaniards had stayed any more yeares, they had beene all Moores at -this day, for that there were come vnto the Ilande of Burneo some of -that sect that did teach them, and lacked little, for to worship that -false prophet Mahomet, whose false, peruerse, and corrupt memory, was -with the gospell of Christ easily rooted out. - -[Sidenote: The diuell was worshiped.] - -In al these ilands they did worshippe the sunne and moone, and other -second causes, figures of men and women, which are called in their -language Maganitos, at whose feastes (which they do make very sumptuous, -with great ceremonies and superstition) they doo call Magaduras. But -amongst them all, they have in most veneration an idoll whome they -called Batala, the which reuerence they had for a tradition; yet can -they not say what should be the occasion that he should deserue more -then any of the rest to bee had in so great estimation. In certaine -ilandes not farre off, called the Illocos, they did worship the diuell, -and made vnto him many sacrifices, in recompence of a great quantitie of -gold hee had giuen vnto them; but nowe by the goodnesse of God, and the -great diligence put and done by the fathers of the order of Saint Austen -(who were the first that passed into these parts, and liued worthely) -and also by the friers of Saint Francis, which went thither tenne yeares -after, all these ilands or the most part of them are baptised, and vnder -the ensigne of Jesus Christ: and the rest which doo remaine and are not, -is more for lacke of ministers and preachers, then for any obstinacie of -their parts. There is nowe gone thither certaine fathers of the order -called Iesuits, who will be a helpe vnto them with their accustomed -zeale and labour. And nowe goeth thither many other religious men, very -well learned and apostolike, of the order of Saint Dominicke, who will -doo their indeuour to conuert them vnto Christ, as it behooueth -Christians to do. - - - - -CHAP. XIII. - - _Here is declared of some notable things that are, and - haue beene seene in these Ilands Philippinas._ - - -[Sidenote: Witches.] - -[Sidenote: The Indians would not go into heauen because there were -Spanish souldiers.] - -They of these ilandes were accustomed to celebrate their feastes -aforesaid, and to make sacrifices vnto their idols, by the order of -certaine women which were witches, whome they do call in their language -Holgoi, that were had in as great estimation amongst them, as be the -priests amongst Christians. These did talke ordinarily with the diuell, -and many times in publike, and do diuellish witchcrafts both in words -and deeds: into whom it is to be beleeued that the diuell did enter, for -that straightwayes they did answere vnto all things that were demanded -of them, although for the most part they woulde tell a lie, or els such -wordes that might be giuen diuers interpretations of, and of diuers -vnderstandings. They did also vse to cast lottes, in such sorte as hath -bene declared in the first part of this history: they were great -Agorismers[70] or observers of times: in so much that if they begin any -iourney, and at the beginning they meete with a cayman, or lyzarde, or -any other sauage worme, they knowe it to be a signe of euill fortune, -whereupon they would straightwayes leaue off their iourney, although it -did import them very much, and returne vnto their houses, saying, that -the heauen will not that they shoulde go forwards on that iourney: but -all these lies and falsenes which beene taught them, and they perswaded -to, by the diuell, is ouerthrowne and taken away by the law of the -gospel (as aforesaide), and haue now amongst them many monasteries full -of religious men, of the order of Saint Austen, Saint Francis, and of -Iesuits. According vnto the common opinion, at this day there is -conuerted and baptised more then foure hundred thousand soules, which is -a great number: yet in respect of the quantitie that are not as yet -conuerted, there are but a few. It is left vndone (as aforesaid) for -want of ministers, for that, although his maiesty doth ordinarily send -thither without any respect of the great charge in doing the same, yet -by reason that there are so many ilands, and euerie day they doo -discouer more and more, and being so far off, they cannot come vnto them -all, as necessitie requireth. Such as are baptised, doo receiue the -fayth with great firmenesse, and are good Christians, and would be -better, if that they were holpen with good ensamples: as those which -haue beene there so long time are bounde to doe: that the lacke thereof -doth cause some of the inhabitantes so much to abhorre them, that they -would not see them once paynted vpon a wall. For proofe whereof (and for -to moue such as haue power and authoritie to put remedie in the same, I -will declare vnto you here a strange case, the which royally did passe -of a trueth in one of these ilandes, and is verie well knowne amongst -them: that is, there chanced to die an ilander, a principall man amongst -them, a few dayes after that he was baptised, being very contrite for -his sinnes the which hee had done against God before he was baptised; -and after hee died. So after by the diuine permission of God he -appeared vnto many of that ilande, whom he did perswade forthwith to -receiue the baptisme, with reasons of great efficacie, and declared vnto -them (as one that had experiencd the same) the rewarde of that good -deede which without all doubt shoulde bee giuen vnto them, if they would -receiue the same, and liue after conformable and according vnto the -commandements of Christ; for the which he told them and said, that -forthwith so soone as he was dead, he was carried by the angels into -glorie, there whereas all things were of delite, pleasure, and content, -and did communicate onely in the sight of God, and that there was none -that entred therein, neither coulde enter, except hee were baptised, -according vnto the preaching of the Spaniards, of whome and of others -that were like vnto them, there was infinite number. Therefore if so be -that they would go and inioy of those benefites and delights, it is -necessarie that first they should be baptised, and afterwards to obserue -and keepe the commandements that be preached vnto them by the fathers, -that are amongst the Castillas, and therewith he vanished away, and they -remained treating amongst themselues concerning that which they had -hearde, and was the occasion that some of them forthwith receiued the -baptisme, and that others did delay it, saying, that because there were -Spaniard souldiers in glory, they would not go thither, because they -would not be in their company. - -[70] The Spanish word is "agoreros", soothsayers or superstitious -persons, from _aguero_, an omen. - -All this hurt is done by one peruerse or impious man, and with one euill -ensample, the which amongst many good, as you haue in those parts; but -in especiall amongst them in particular, it ought to bee reprehended and -punished seuerely with rigour. - -[Sidenote: Siuit.] - -[Sidenote: Honie.] - -[Sidenote: Sinamum.] - -[Sidenote: Linseed oile.] - -These ilands, at the first discouery of them, had the fame to bee _mal -sanos_, or vnholesome, but since experience hath shewed and prooued it -to the contrarie. It is a countrie maruellous fertill, and yeeldeth very -much rice, wheate, goates, hennes, deere, buffes, kine, and great -stoare of hogges, whose flesh is so sauorie as the mutton they haue in -Spaine: there be also manie cattes that yeelde siuet, great stoare of -fruites, which be very good and sauorie: great aboundance of honie, and -fish, and all solde at so small price, that almost it is solde for -nothing. Also there is great stoare of synamon, but no oile of oliues, -but that which is carried thither out of the Nuoua Espania: they haue -much oyle of algongoli[71] and of flaxe seede, the which they doo spende -ordinarily in that countrie, so that the oyle of oliues is not missed -with them. - -[71] More properly spelt "ajonjoli", the Spanish name for "sesamum -orientale", or oily-grain. - -[Sidenote: Cloues, saffron, pepper, nutmegs, cotton, and silke.] - -[Sidenote: Powder, saltpeter, iron, steele, quicksiluer, brasse, -copper.] - -There is great stoare of cloues, saffron, pepper, nutmegges, and many -other drugges: great stoare of cotton and silke of all colours, the -which is brought vnto them by merchants of China, euerie yeare a great -quantitie, from whence commeth more then twenty shippes laden with -peeces of silkes of all colours, and with earthen vessell, powder, -saltpeter, iron, steele, and much quickesiluer, brasse, copper, wheate, -flower, walnuts, bisket, dates, linnen cloth, counting chestes[72] very -gallantly wrought, calles of networke, buratos, espumillas,[73] basens -and ewres made of tinne, parchment lace, silke fringe, and also of -golde, the which is spunne and twisted after a fashion neuer seene in -all Christendome, and manie other of great curiositie, and all this -aforesaide is solde verie good cheape. Likewise such things as the -ilands do yeelde are sold very good cheape, for you shall haue foure -roues[74] of wine which commeth of the palme tree for foure rials of -plate (the which for lacke of that made of grapes is very good), twelue -haneges of rice for eight rials of plate, three hennes for one rial, a -whole hogge for eighteene rials, a whole buffe for foure rials, a deere -for two rials, and yet it must be both great and good, foure roues of -sugar for sixe rials, a botiia[75] of oile made of algongoli for three -rials, two baskets of saffron for two rials, sixe pounds of pepper or -cloues for one riall, two hundred nutmegs for one rial, a roue of -synamum for sixe rials, a kintal[76] of iron or steele for tenne rials, -thirtie dishes of very fine earth foure rials, and all other things -after this rate. - -[72] Escritoires. - -[73] These words are both used for a fine gauze or muslin, of which -ladies' veils are made in Spain. - -[74] The original word is _arroba_, containing from three to four -gallons. - -[75] A jar. - -[76] Quintal, a hundredweight. - -But amongst all other notable thinges that these Spaniards haue seene in -those ilands, and in the kingdome of China, and other places whereas -they passed, there is one thing which hath caused them most to maruel -at, and to haue it most in memory; which is a tree, ordinarily called -palma de cocos, but doth differ from that which beareth the dates, and -with great reason, for that it is a plant so full of mysterie and -profite, that there hath come a ship vnto these ilands, and the said -ship, and all that was in her to be sold, with ropes, cords, masts, -sailes and nailes, were made of this tree, and the merchandice that she -brought was mantels made of the rind of the saide tree, with great -subtiltie and fine works. Likewise all the victuals that was in the said -ship for the sustentation of thirtie men that came in her, yea their -water was of the same tree. - -The merchants that came in this ship did certifie of a truth, in all the -Iland of Maldiuia from whence they came, they haue no other sustainment, -but onely that which this tree yeeldeth: they do make houses hereof, and -tyles for to couer the same, the fruit doth yeeld a meollio or curnell, -which is very sauory and healthfull, the sauor thereof is much like to -greene hasell nuts, and if you do cut the branch there whereas the coco -commeth forth is the principall fruite, and euery one of them hath -ordinarily a pinte of water, the which is very sweet and delicate: al -the said substance doth returne into the trunke of the tree, whereas -they doo bore a hole, and thereat they do draw out all that water, which -is much: and mingling it with other thinges they make thereof good wine, -the which is drunk in al those ilands and in the kingdome of China. Of -the same water they make vineger, and of the meollio kernell aforesaide, -oile verie medicinall, milke like vnto almon milke: hony and suger very -sauorie. These and many other vertues hath this palme, whereof I haue -declared part, for that they are notable, and do cause admiration vnto -all men that passe into those partes: I doo leaue to declare the rest -because I would not be tedious. Nigh to the cittie of Manilla, on the -other side of the riuer, there is a towne of Chinos that be baptized, -such as haue remained there to dwell to inioy the libertie of the -gospel. There are amongst them many handicrafts men, as shoomakers, -taylors, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, and other officers, and some -merchants. - - - - -CHAP. XIV. - - _The barefoote friers depart from the Iland of Luzon - vnto China, and is declared such as was there seene._ - - -For that the principall intent of these religious men, when they went -out of Spaine, was for to go vnto the mightie kingdome of China for to -preach the holy gospell, and did perseuer continually with that desire, -they woulde neuer intreat of any other thing, but onely to put it in -execution: and for the accomplishing of the same, they sought many -meanes and waies, sometimes in requesting the gouernor of his aide and -helpe to procure the same, for that it was an easie thing to be -performed, hauing continually ships of the merchants of China in the -port of Manilla. - -The gouernor did driue them off with many reasons, but principally he -laid before them that rigorous lawe, which they knew was established -against such as did enter into that kingdome without particular licence; -yet notwithstanding, all this was not sufficient to abate the louing -desire of those friers, which was only setled in their mindes for to go -and preach the holy gospel in that kingdome by one meanes or other, -although it were to put their liues in hazard: and for the prosecuting -hereof, the comissary of those ilands, who was frier Geronimo de Burgos, -did elect sixe religious men for the same purpose: amongst them was the -father Ignatio, of whome I (as I haue said) vnderstood by writing and -relation many thinges, the which is declared in these [sic] itinerario -or comentarie: so that there was with him seuen religious men, all -seruants of God, and very desirous of the saluation of soules, which was -the occasion that they put themselues in so long and tedious a iourney, -leauing their owne countrie and quietnesse. These seuen, with the good -will of the gouernor Don Gonsalo Ronquillo and of the bishop, whom they -did ouercome and winne with requests and perseuerance, and carried in -their company a Spaniard their friende, called Iohn de Feria, of -Andolozia, and other two souldiers that went with pretence to become -friers, one Portugall, and sixe Indian ilanders: all the which, the -eight day after Corpus Christi, which was the one and twentie day of -Iune, in anno 1582, they departed from the port of Cabite, whereas they -did imbarke themselues in a barke of the saide Iohn de Feria, and making -saile at fiue of the clocke in the afternoone, in the morning betimes -they founde themselues twentie leagues ouerthwart the port that is -called Dol Fraile, whereas they determined to go to sea, leauing the -coast of the Ilande of Manilla, which lieth north and south with China: -from the which cittie, which is (as I haue saide) in fourteene degrees -and a halfe, vnto the Cape of Boxeador, which is in nineteene, it is one -hundreth leagues sailing, and from this cape to the firme land of China, -they count it scarce fourescore leagues. And God was so pleased, -although they had two dayes calme, the seuenth day, which was the day -before the apostle Saint Peter and Saint Paule, at eight of the clocke -in the morning, they discouered the firme lande of China: then -straightwaies vpon the sight thereof, the comissarie commaunded to bring -foorth the habites which hee carried readie made for to put vpon the -friers, for that when the Chinos shoulde see that they were all friers, -they should be voide of all suspition, to thinke them to be spies, as -they thought when the first friers went thither (as hath beene tolde -you); and not contented herewith, hee threw all the souldiers apparell -into the sea, and one hargabus of Iohn de Feria, with the flaske wherein -he carried his powder, and all other thinges such as he thought woulde -be a hurt and hindrance vnto them, if it should so fall out that they -shoulde erre out of the port whereas the Portugals doo vse, and fall -vppon the coast, as afterwards it so fell out: they left nothing but a -match, which they forgot, which lacked very little to haue cost them -full deere. But when they had sight of the lande, they did not well -knowe it, for that they had neuer seene it before, and were also -ignorant of the ports; although they were very neere to the bay of -Canton, they tooke their course vnto the northwest, wheras they should -haue gone to the southwest, which was the occasion that they came vnto -the prouince of Chincheo. This day, at fiue a clocke in the afternoone, -they discouered a port that was not farre from them, whither they sailed -and entred in, and came to an anker on the outmost side, yet with great -feare and dread, for that they knew not the securitie thereof, neither -the trouble that might happen. - -They were not so soone at an anker, but they saw come forth of the said -port many barkes, both small and great, and in them many souldiers with -hargabusses, lances, swordes, and targets, and in their foreshippe some -small peeces of ordinance. And when they came nigh vnto the barke -wherein the Spaniards were, within musket shot, they stayed and -discharged great stoare of hargabus shot. But they, who carried no armor -to offende others, neither to defende themselues, the answere that they -gaue vnto the shot, was making of many signes of peace, calling them -with their handes to come nearer vnto them, that they might see and -vnderstand that they came not thither with any pretence to do harme: yet -all was not sufficient to cause them to leaue off their shooting, -neither to come any nearer vnto their barke. At this present there was -amongst the souldiers one Chino, that had beene at Luzon, and did knowe -the Spaniards, being of God inspired: hee made signes vnto the rest to -leaue off their shooting, which presently they did: and hee came with -his brigantine vnto their barke, and after him all the rest: who, when -they sawe that they had neyther armour nor weapon, neither will to flie -from them, they entered into the barke, and with their naked swordes in -their handes flourishing with them ouer the heads of the Spaniards, with -a great noise and tumult, they carried them into the port, which was -called Capsonson, whereas was a generall of a great armie of shippes -that were at an anker in the saide port, who straightwaies commanded -that there should be carried on borde his admirall foure of the -Spaniards, the which they vnderstoode was doone to take their liues from -them: for the which, by reason they did not name any person, foure -religious men did offer themselues to goe, and after they had confessed -themselues, they tooke their leaue of their companions, and carried -euery one of them a crosse in his hande, and his breuiarie, without any -other thing else. - -So when they came before the captaine, they founde him more meeker and -milder than they thought to haue done (surely a worke done by God, in -recompence of the great perill that those his seruants did put -themselues in to doo his seruice and commandement). He asked of them, -from whence they came, and wherefore? with many other questions in -effect; but when that hee was certified of the truth, hee commanded them -to returne againe vnto their barke, without doing vnto them anie other -harme; yet with a straite precept that they should not go forth without -his expresse licence. - -So with this commandement they remained in their barke three dayes, -guarded with many barkes and souldiers: and the last of them, the -captaine sent for two of the religious men; and when they came before -him, he commanded them to be carried before a iustice, a friend of his -there hard by. These iustices did talke with them with so great -grauitie, and signes of cruelty, that euery time they came before them -they thought verely that forthwith they would command them to be carried -to be executed: and without all doubt, either they had wil to do it, or -else to put them in great feare of death, for that it was plainely seene -in diuers things they commanded: but especially in one day there came -vnto them a iudge, with many armed men, and compassed their barke round -about with a great number of brigandines, with plaine signes to giue -them assalt, or else to sinke them: but within a little while they were -all in quiet, and the iudge entred into a shippe that was thereby at -anker, and being set in a rich chaire, guarded with many souldiers about -him, hee commanded the rest that were in the brigandines forthwith to go -to visite and search their barke, and sent with them an interpreter, one -of Chincheo, who did a little vnderstande the Portugall tongue. These -souldiers carried in their handes blacke banners, and other heauie and -sorowfull signes (which is vsed in that kingdome, when at any time they -doo execute anie person). So after they had made their visitation, -although they founde in their barke not anie prohibited thing, but onely -the match which I haue spoken off, they commanded that they shoulde -forthwith bee imbarked two and two into the brigandines, whereas the -armed souldiers were, who did direct their foreshippes towardes a towre, -which was a prison, wherein was put all such theeues as were taken vpon -the coast, out of the which there commeth none forth but vnto execution. -But when the Indians of the ilands saw it, they wept bitterly, which -moued the Spaniards vnto great compassion; although they were themselues -in the same trance and perill, and as nigh their death, and made no -other reckoning; insomuch that two of the religious men seeing them so -nigh the towre (although when as they were farre off, they made shewe as -though they cared not for it), yet at that time they were so farre from -all reason and vnderstanding, that al the night one of them knewe not -what he did, without any knowledge of the people wherein he was, but lay -as a deade man: and the other with pure imagination and melancholike -humour fel into a great infirmitie, whereof within a few dayes after he -died in the cittie of Canton. But in conclusion, the stowtest of them -all had feare enough, and would haue giuen his life for a small matter, -for that he was without all hope, and thought verely that they carried -them vnto execution: which was the occasion that a Spaniard, one of them -that went with pretence to be a frier, and the habite on, hauing in his -power a thousand and sixe hundred rials of plate, he threw them into the -sea, saying, Seeing that I am going to dye, I wil that it be in the -habite of S. Francis, with the pouerty in which the glorious saint liued -and died, for to follow him in his steps aright. With this feare -aforesaid they were carried towards the tower: but when they came nigh -to it, there followed after the souldiers that carried them, a skiffe -with many oares, in great hast, and called a loud vnto them, saying, -that the captaine general commanded that they should bring backe againe -those prisoners to his shippe, the which forthwith they accomplished: -and after he had demanded of them certain questions, he commanded to -carry them to the said tower; the which was done, as they could -perceiue, for to put them in more feare. So after they had feared and -scared them with this rigorous temtation, the saide captaine himselfe -went into one of the brigandines, and went with them on land; whereas -presently when he came on shoare, hee carryed the Spaniards into a -temple of their idols, vnto whome hee did his accustomed reuerence; yet -the religious men, although they were with great feare of death as -aforesaide, they woulde not imitate him, but turned their faces from -their idols and did spit at them, giuing the captaine to vnderstande by -signes, that he should not worshippe them, for that they had no more -goodnesse in them then was giuen by man; so that, by good reason to the -contrary, those idols should giue reuerence vnto men, because they made -them; and to whome they ought to giue their true worship is vnto the -true God, the Creator of heaven and earth. - -By this act it is plainely to bee seene the gift of strength, the which -the Holy Ghost doth giue vnto his baptized Christians, as in these -religious men that were at deathes doore, yet had they strength and -spirit for to resist and reprehende them that could take away their -liues. The captaine, although he made a shew that he was offended with -that which hee had seene them do, yet he did them no harme, but -presently brought them out of the temple, and commanded the souldiers to -remaine there and guard them all that night: the which they passed lying -vpon the grounde, and yet thought themselues happie, and gaue thankes to -God for that he had deliuered them from the death that was so nigh vnto -them. - - - - -CHAP. XV. - - _Here hee doth prosecute in things which the saide - Fathers did see, and vnderstand, the second time they - entred into the kingdome of China, and of the troubles - they passed._ - - -The next day in the morning, the priest of the idols did open the -temple, whereas presently they put in the Spanish religious men, who -sawe him and his ministers lighting of little candels, and making -perfumes vnto their idols, with manie superstitious ceremonies; the -which being done, they cast certaine lottes (a thing much vsed amongst -them), as they vnderstoode it was done for to consult with the diuell -(who was within those idols) to know what they should do with them, yet -this they could not perfectly vnderstand; but straightwaies they were -carried out of the temple, and brought by the souldiers before a iudge, -who was the chiefe and principall of all the sea of that prouince, and -was sixe leagues from the place in a cittie called Quixue: the way -thither was very plaine and brode, and paued, and vpon both sides there -were fields both of corne and flowers. So with the helpe of God the -Spaniards came before the presence of this general in eight days, -although it was with great trauell, by reason they had neither force nor -strength for to trauell, for that they had lost it with the heauie and -sorowful newes as aforesaid. - -Yet notwithstanding, at their comming to the citty Quixue, the souldiers -had them in continuall guard and keeping till the next day following; -then they were carried before the generall, where he was in a very great -and faire house, the which had two courts, one of them was next vnto the -doore of the streete, and the other was towards the farther partes of -the house; both of them were railed round about in manner of grates: -they were planted full of diuers sortes of great trees, wherein did -feed a great number of deere and other wilde beasts, but yet as tame as -sheepe. Right ouer against the inwarde court there was a gallerie, -whereon was many souldiers which did guarde and keepe the person of the -generall, who was in a mightie great and gallant hall, set in an iuorie -chaire with great maiestie. Before they entred into the seconde court, -there was discharged within, both artilerie and hagabus shot, and played -vpon a drum, which was as bigge as those which they vse in Spaine: that -being doone, there was a great sounde of hoybuckes and trumpets, and of -many other instrumentes: the which being doone, they straightwayes -opened the gates of the innermost court, whereas the gallerie was -aforesaide, from whence they might see the throne whereas the generall -was set. There was before him a table whereon was paper and other -necessaries for to write (a thing commonly vsed in all that countrie): -the souldiers that were his guarde were all in one liuerie of silke, and -were in so gallant consort, and had so great sylence, which made the -Spaniards greatly to maruell: the first order was of the hargabushes, -and the seconde were pikes, and betwixt the one and the other was placed -a sworde and a target; there might be about foure hundred souldiers. -Behinde them were placed the officers of iustice, or executioners, with -their instruments for to whippe and punish offenders: and in the midst -of them were the scriueners and proctors. - -About thirtie paces, more or lesse, from the chaire where the generall -was set, was placed certaine gentlemen, and to the number of a dozen -pages, bare headed, verie gallantlie apparelled in silke and golde. In -the middest amongst these souldiers were the Spaniards carried, and -before them such tokens and shewes as they doo vse when as they doo -present before the iudges such as bee condemned vnto death. A good way -before they came nigh vnto the place whereas the general was, they -caused them to kneele downe: at which instant there was brought foorth -certaine Chinos, that were prisoners, to be iudged; and so soone as -their inditement was read, and iudgement giuen, the executioners did -execute the rigour of the sentence in the presence of the Spaniards, -first pulling off their apparell, and then making fast their hands and -feete verie fast with cordes, in such sort, that they shriked that the -noise reached vnto heauens: they kept them so bounde vntil they sawe -farther what the iudge woulde commaunde, who, when hee had heard his -inditement, if hee woulde that hee should be whipped, hee striketh a -blow with his hand vppon the table that is before him: then the -executioners doo strike fiue blowes vppon the calues of the legges of -the offender with a broad cane, in the order as hath beene saide, and is -so cruell that none can suffer fiftie of them but he dieth. The blowe -being giuen vppon the table by the generall, straightwayes one of the -proctors maketh a crie or noise, whereat presently commeth the -executioner for to execute his office. And if the offender dooth deserue -more, then the iudge dooth strike another blowe vppon the table: then is -there giuen him other fiue blowes, and in this sort dooth the iudge so -manie times as his offence dooth deserue. At the lamentations and -shrikes that these miserable offenders doo giue, the iudges shewe no -more signe of pittie then if they were stroken vppon a stone. So the -audience being concluded and doone with the naturals of the countrie, -the generall commaunded that the Spanyardes shoulde come a little -nearer, and looked and searched their garments and all the rest, as also -their breuiarios and books: that being done, they were informed by those -that brought them, how and in what order they were apprehended, and of -all other thinges touching their comming into that kingdome: -vnderstanding thereof, he commaunded them to be carried vnto prison, -where they were put in sure holde, and with great watch and guard for -certain dayes, in the which time they passed incredible trouble, as well -of hunger as of thirst and heat, which was the occasion that the most -part of them fell sick of agues, and of the laske.[77] - -[77] From "laxitas", an immoderate looseness of the bowels. - -So after these dayes that they were in prison, they were carried once -againe to the audience, and many other more were brought forth to be -uisited, all people beleeuing that the Spaniards should no more returne, -but bee executed, for the which they receiued great content, to be -cleared by one death, of so many as dayly they had before their eyes. In -the conclusion of this audience the generall did decree, that they -should be carried by sea vnto the cittie of Canton, whereas was the -vizroy of that prouince, and he to commande them to be executed or -punished according as hee thought best, according vnto the penalty put -vppon whatsoeuer straunger that should enter into that kingdome without -licence (as they did enter). But when they saw that they were carried -out of the prison vnto the sea, they verelie beleeued that it was to -drowne them therein; for the which (having a newe confessed themselues, -and commended themselues vnto God) they did animate one another with the -representation of the reward which was prepared for them: but when they -came vnto the barre whereas they should imbarke themselues, vppon a -suddaine the sea beganne to waxe verie loftie and troublesome, that it -seemed almost a myracle, and it increased in such sort that the -souldiers and mariners said, that neuer before they had seene the like -torment, the which endured the space of tenne dayes: the which was the -occasion that they did not imbarke themselues, and that the generall did -change his pretence, and determined that they shoulde be carried by -lande vnto the great cittie of Sancheo-Fu, the which was presently put -in vre: they were manie dayes on this iourney, with fiftie souldiers -that did guarde them: in the which they sawe so manie curious thinges, -and of so great riches, that they iudged it to bee the best countrie in -all the world. - -So when they came vnto the citty, with no small trouble and werinesse, -by reason of their long iourney and euill intreatings by the souldiers, -they were presently carried (as might be sayde) from Herode to Pylate, -and escaped not one day, but they were carried to the publike audience, -or else before some particular iudge. This citie was very fresh both -within and without, and full of many orchards, whereas were an infinite -number of fruite, with gardens, stanges of water, and other thinges of -great recreation. This citie is three times so bigge as Siuell, and -compassed about with a mightie strong wall, their houses are verie great -and well wrought, their streets are exceeding faire, brode and long, and -so straight, that from the one end vnto the other they may see a man. In -equall distance the one from the other, there are built triumphall arkes -(which is an ordinarie and common thing vsed in the cities of that -kingdome): vpon their gates there are little towers, whereon is planted -all the artilerie that they haue for the defence of the citie (as hath -been said), all the which is inuironed and compassed about with a riuer -which is great and faire, on the which is ordinarily sayling an infinite -number of barkes and brigandines, and is of so great depth, they may -come and lye harde vnto the wall, yea, ships of great burden. On the one -side of the citie there is a little iland of great recreation, vnto the -which they do passe by a very faire bridge, the one halfe made of stone -and the other of timber, and is of a great length; that on the part that -is made of stone, the father Ignacio did tell thirtie innes, or -victualling houses, whereas was to be bought, not only flesh and fish, -but also great store of marchandice, of great estimation and valure, as -amber, muske, peeces of silke, and cloth of golde. - - - - -CHAP. XVI. - - _The Spaniardes are sent vnto the citie of Hucheofu, - and doo declare what happened there vnto them._ - - -From the citie of Sancheofu they were sent vnto Hucheofu, the which is -more principall and greater than the first, alwayes hauing with them in -companie and garde the number of souldiers aforesaid: sometimes they -trauailed by lande and sometimes by water, whereas they saw so many rich -thinges, which in respect to them, all that they had seene vnto that -time was nothing. Of the which, although I haue had particular relation -of many of them, I leaue off here the declaring thereof, for that of an -itinerario or commentarie I will not make a historie. But principally -for that many of them doo seeme to be incredible, and will be more vnto -those that haue not had any notice of the mightinesse of this kingdome. - -In the discourse of this their iourney, the cities and townes they sawe -were many and verie bigge, and all compassed with strong walles: and at -one of them there was a mightie riuer, on the which was edified more -than five hundreth engynes or wheeles, and they were made with so much -art, that alonely with the violence of the streame of the riuer that -dooth force them, they water all the groundes there abouts for the space -of two leagues and more, without any other helpe or humaine force. - -In this citie they were certaine daies in visiting and complementes, -after the which they were commaunded to goe vnto Canton, of the which in -the two relations before, is made particular mention. So when they came -vnto the citie they were carried vnto the prison of the Thequixi, which -is whereas are put such as are condemned to die, the which they plainely -perceiued. There they remayned verie manie dayes, and the most part of -them were carried vnto the tribunall seate of the iudges, in companie -with others that were condemned to die. - -At this time there was in the citie the Tutan, who was the viceroye of -the prouince, and the Chacu, who is the generall visitor, and that was -at such time as was doone great iustice for to cleare the prisons, -whereas were thousandes of men, and some that had beene there more than -tenne yeares. There was some day at that time that in the presence of -our people were brought foorth to be iudged, two thousand prisoners, -some to the death, and others to be whipped, and other to be banished, -with other kinde of penalties, according vnto the disposition and rigor -of their lawes. That day wherein they make capitall audience, they vse -particular ceremonies, as shooting of certaine peeces of artilerie, and -to shut the gates of the citie, not permitting anie to enter in, neither -go foorth, till such time as that act and iustice be finished, and many -other thinges, as hath beene declared in the first part of this -historie. - -The Spaniards being in the citie at this time of so great calamitie, it -so fell out that the same time there was a gentleman of Portingall -called Arias Gonsalo de Miranda, chiefe captaine of the citie of Machao -(very deuout vnto religious men, and a friende vnto Spaniardes), who -vnderstanding the great trouble and danger wherein they were, hee tooke -order by all meanes possible to set them at libertie, and had so great -care therein, that hee went through with his intent, in such sort that -they were deliuered out of pryson, and from the great feare in which -they were, and all by the intercession of this gentleman, who did vse so -good persuasions for the loue he did beare vnto them, that he made voyde -the euill opinion they had against them, and with compulsion to reuoke -the rigorous sentence of death pronounced against them. I do not here in -particular treate of such thinges as happened vnto these religious men -the servants of God, as well in the prison as on their iourney, for -that they were many, and to declare them is requisite a long time, and -to make a new historie. - -And although in the bookes before, haue been declared the riches of that -kingdome, and all thinges in particular, yet for the better -certification, I thought it good (and not without purpose) to declare in -the chapter following some of those which the father fryer Martin -Ignatio did communicate with me, vsing in the treating thereof so much -breuitie, that it shall seeme rather an epilogo then a new relation. And -for a more verification of the truth, whereby better credite may be -giuen therevnto, seeing that the persons who did see it doo agree in -that which shall be here declared; and again, for that the saide father -and his companions did see more thinges than the others, whose relations -be alreadie set downe. The occasion wherefore they put confidence in -them, and to let them see and vnderstand many secretes, was for that -they were sentenced and condemned to die: for without all doubt if they -had vnderstood that they should haue returned out of the kingdom, they -should neuer haue seene them, for they haue great care that any other -nations should know their secrets, their manner of gouernement, and -liuing. - - - - -CHAP. XVII. - - _Here it doth intreat of the mightinesse, goodnesse, - riches, and fortitude of the kingdome of China._ - - -[Sidenote: Sixe months trauaile from Ierusalem vnto China.] - -This kingdome is vnder the tropike of Capricorne, and stretcheth foorth -on the sea coast, south west and north east, more than fiue hundreth -leagues: it hath on the partes south west the kingdome of Cochinchina, -and on the north east, it dooth confine on Tartaria, a kingdome which -dooth compasse the most part of the lande; on the other part of the -northwest there is an other mightie kingdome of white people, which is -beyonde the kingdome of Persia, it is called Catay: there be in it -Christians, and the king thereof is called Manuell. It is sayd of a -truth, that from the furthest part of this kingdome vnto Ierusalem, is -sixe moneths trauaile by lande, the which they vnderstoode by certaine -Indians which came from that kingdome by Persia, whose testimonials were -made in Ierusalem sixe moneths before, wherein was declared how that -they had trauelled by Arabia Felix, and passed the Red Sea. The other -fourth part of this kingdome is compassed with a verie asper and high -mountaine, which is fiue hundreth leagues vpon a right line: but nature -had left certaine places open towards the northwest, which might be -fourscore leagues, little more or lesse, towards the Sea of Iapon, which -is towards the Septentrion. The great riches of this countrie, and the -great number of people that be therein, did supplie the same (as in the -first part of this historie is more at large declared). And for that the -king of this countrie seeing himselfe oppressed and troubled by the -mightie Tartaro, and seemed that easily he might defende himselfe from -him, in shutting vp of those gates which nature had left open betwixt -the mountaines, he did shut it vp with the death of many thousande of -people, for that hee vsed therein great tyrannie, which afterwardes was -the occasion of his owne death. - -This mountaine, with the supply by man, is the famous wall of the -kingdom of China, that is of fiue hundred leagues long; yet you must -vnderstande it in the manner aforesaide, the better to giue credite -thereunto, for alonely foure score leagues were made by mans handes with -great industrie, and there is vpon it an infinite number of bulwarkes, -which maketh it the more fayrer and stronger, but yet not so strong as -is the other four hundreth and twentie leagues which were made by -nature. - -[Sidenote: Great ditches and lakes.] - -Nigh vnto the same there is a great desert full of ditches and lakes of -water, which is the occasion that this kingdome hath been conserued for -more than two thousand yeares, as doth appeare by their owne histories, -which they holde to bee verie true. - -[Sidenote: A mightie lake.] - -All is imparted into fifteene prouinces, with that of Aynao,[78] and -euerie one of them hath a principall citie, of the which it beareth the -name. In the middest of this kingdome there is a great lake, out of the -which proceedeth many great and mightie riuers, which runne through all -the kingdome, and are so big that there sayleth vp and downe in them -barkes, fregats, brigandines, and many other vessels of an other kinde -of making. This great abundance of water is the occasion that it is so -fertile, and so well prouided of all thinges; and againe, the most part -of their cities and townes are situated on the riuers side, so that by -them the one prouince doth communicate with an other, carrying the one -vnto the other great store of marchandice and other thinges of great -curiositie, and is done with little cost, for that all things are done -very good cheape. - -[78] The island of Hainan. - -This sea cost of this kingdome is the biggest and the best that is -knowen in all the world; there is vpon it fiue prouinces, which be -these: of Canton, Chincheo, Liampon, Nanquin, and that of Paquian, which -is the furthest towardes the northwest, in the which is resident the -king and his counsell with all his court ordinarily, and the most part -of the men of warre that it hath, for that this prouince doth confine -vpon the Tartaros their enemies. Some will say, that the kings ordinarie -dwelling there, is for that it is the best and most fertilest of all the -kingdome. But I beleeue (according to the saying of some of the Chinos) -that he doth it not but because it is so nigh vnto Tartaria, and to -finde himselfe there whereas hee may supply all necessities which might -happen vpon a soddaine by his enimies. In these riuers there are -certaine ilandes, the which are very profitable vnto all the kingdome, -for that there is nourished and brought vp in them great store of deare, -hogges, and other beasts, which is the occasion that the cities are so -well prouided and serued. - -[Sidenote: More ships in one port than in all Spaine.] - -But one of the things which causeth most admiration to them that go to -this kingdome, is to see so infinite a number of ships and barkes that -be in euerie port thereof, and are so many, that there hath beene a man -in the citie of Machao that hath layde a wager, that alonely in the -riuer of Canton there be more ships and vessels than in all the cost of -Spaine. - -[Sidenote: They neuer had the plague.] - -One thing I may affirme, that I haue heard declared by persons of great -credite, that haue beene in that kingdome (but in especiall of the -father Ignacio, whom I do follow in this Itinerario) that it is an easie -thing in any one of these fiue prouinces that be vpon the sea cost, to -ioyne together a thousande ships of warre, and all of them (as they say -in Spaine) dedicated for that purpose. The occasion why there be so -many, is alreadie declared in his proper chapter. There are diuers -opinions touching the greatnesse of this kingdome, but the most are -conformable with the father fryer Martin de Herrada, who, like a good -geometrician and mathematician, went nighest the pricke. This opinion is -declared in the first part of this historie whereunto I referre me, and -in that which toucheth in particular things of that kingdom, for that it -is there declared at large as it was taken out of their bookes. But one -thing I cannot let passe but declare, for that it seemeth woorthie to -make thereof a particular memorie: and I vnderstood it by the mouth of -the said father Ignacio, which is that he doth affirme it to bee -certaine true and approued, that euery day in the yeare one with an -other (besides wars and the plague, the which in this countrie they -remember not to haue any, neither do they finde written in their -histories for 2,000 yeares, neither by famin nor any other accidentall -occasions to consume the people) yet doth there die many thousands of -people both smal and great, in al the fifteen prouinces of this -kingdome: which is no small griefe vnto them, who with a Christian zeale -doth consider this heauie tribute of so many soules that the diuell doth -recouer euerie day, and carrie them vnto his mansion or dwelling. - -All this kingdome is so fertile, as well for the ordinarie watring as -also for the temperature of the heauen, that almost all the whole yeare -they do gather fruits, but in especiall of wheat and rice: so that both -the one and the other are very good cheape, that our people in the -discourse of their trauaile or pilgrymage did buy one pyco of rice or of -wheate meale, which is fiue roues of Spaine, for one ryall and a halfe; -and according vnto this rate al other thinges beare their prices, as -hath beene before declared. They say that in this countrie there be many -elephants, lyons, tygres, ownses, and other brute beastes, of the which -these fryers sawe verie few aliue, but manie skins of them, which is a -signe that it is of truth. There are many beasts whereof come the muske, -the which are of the tygres, and like vnto a litle dogge, the which they -do kill and put them vnder the ground certaine dayes, and after that it -is putrified and rotten, the flesh and bloud is conuerted into that -sweete powder. There be also many cyuet cats and little worth, a great -number of horse, and although those which the said friers did see were -litle, yet is it a common voice and fame that in some of the fifteene -prouinces there are very good: but they were not there, so that they -cannot say they had seene them. But the hens, geese, duckes, and other -poultrie that are in all partes of this kingdome are without number, -which is the occasion that they are of small estimation: the abundance -of fish is no lesse, as well of the sea as of the riuers, in the which -they are conformable. All they that do declare of the thinges of this -countrie, and the small price that it is solde for, is such, that the -saide frier doth affirme, and others that haue bin in that kingdome, -that for the value of sixe marauadies (which is a pennie) may four -companions eat very wel of flesh, fish, rice, and fruits, and drinke -good wine of that countrie. - -[Sidenote: Mynes of golde and siluer.] - -[Sidenote: Siluer for his value more esteemed than gold.] - -In all this kingdome there are many mynes both of gold and siluer, and -all verie rich: but the king will not let them be labored but with great -lymitation (saying) that which is in those mynes be in his house, and -that they should procure to bring it from other kingdomes: yet -notwithstanding the abundance is so great both of the one and the other, -and so common, that there is no man, although he be of an occupation, -but hee hath in his house things both of gold and siluer, and other very -rich iewels. They do esteeme for his value more the siluer than the -golde: and they say the cause is, for that the prices of golde are -variable, as in Italie: but the siluer is alwaies at one staye and -price. - -[Sidenote: Amber gryce.] - -There are great store of pearles, but in especiall in the Iland of -Aynao; and great abundance of quicksiluer, copper, yron, steele, -laton,[79] tyn, lead, salt peter, brimstone, and other things which were -woont to beautifie a kingdome, but aboue all, there is very much muske -and amber gryce. - -[79] Latten, iron covered with tin. - -[Sidenote: Wonderfull treasure.] - -[Sidenote: Fleetes may be laden with silke.] - -The king of this kingdome, besides the great rent the which he hath, it -is saide that he hath great treasories in all the principall cities, -those which are the head cities of the prouinces; for the confirmance -thereof, it was affirmed vnto the saide fryer for a verie certaintie, -that in the citie of Canton, all the money that hath entred into the -same for the space of fiue hundred yeres (as well by way of the -Portingals, as by those of the kingdom of Cyan,[80] and others their -borderers, and all the tributes of that prouince) is altogether in the -king's treasure house of that citie, which amounteth vnto, by good -account, many more millions than may be well numbred for to giue credite -thereunto. It is as common for the people of this countrie to weare -silke, as in Europe to weare lynnen; yea, they doo make their shooes -thereof, some of satten, and many times of cloth of golde, of verie -gallant colours: the cause is by reason of the great abundance that they -haue thereof, and is of so great quantitie, that it is carried from the -citie of Canton vnto the Portingall Indians more than three thousand -kintals euery yeare, besides a great quantitie which is carried vnto -Japon, and ordinarily more than fifteene ships laden for the Ilandes of -Luzon. The Sianes, and other nations, doo also carrie away a great -quantitie: and although there are carried away ordinarily as afore -saide, yet there remaineth so great quantity in that kingdome, that many -fleetes may be laden therewith. - -[80] Siam. - -[Sidenote: Sugar, hony, and waxe.] - -There is also great store of flax, cotton, and other kinde of -webstrie,[81] and al so good cheape that the aforesaide fryer dooth -affirme that he hath seene solde a canger,[82] which is fifteene fadom, -for foure ryals of plate. The fine earthen dishes that are in this -countrie, cannot be declared without many wordes. But that which is -brought from thence into Spaine is verie course; although, vnto them -that hath not seene the finer sort, it seemeth excellent good: but they -haue such with them, that a cubbard thereof amongest vs would be -esteemed as though it were of golde. The finest cannot be brought foorth -of the kingdome vpon paine of death; neyther can any haue the vse -thereof, but onely the loytias, which be there gentlemen (as hath been -tolde you). There is great quantitie of sugar, honie, and waxe, and -verie good cheape as aforesaide. And in conclusion I say, that they liue -with so great abundance, that all things do flow so that they lacke -nothing necessarie for their bodies: but for their soules, which is the -principallest, they do lack (as you haue vnderstoode in the discourse of -this historie): God remedie the same at his pleasure. - -[81] Articles for weaving. - -[82] The original word is "canga", probably a local word for the measure -referred to. - -[Sidenote: A riuer that yeeldeth a million and a halfe euery yeare in -salt.] - -The rent which the king of this kingdome hath, is declared vnto you in a -proper chapter of it selfe; so that in this I will declare that which -the sayde fryer tolde me, and is onely of one riuer, which is called the -riuer of the salt, and is in the prouince of Canton, and is worth vnto -him, euerie yeare, a million and a halfe. And although the ordinarie -rent, the which he hath euerie yeare, dooth exceede the greatest king -that is nowe knowen in all the world in quantitie; yet, in his -treasories which he gathered together and kept (if it be true that the -Chinos do say), in euery principall citie of these fifteene prouinces, -is more than a great number of kings togither haue or can procure, no, -nor come nigh vnto it by a great deale. - -[Sidenote: All cities are walled.] - -All the cities and townes of this kingdome are walled about with stone -walles, and at euerie fifteene paces a bulwarke; and without the wall -commonly all of them haue a riuer, or else a great deepe moote, wherein -they may bring water at all times, with the which they are very strong: -they doo vse no fortes, neyther haue they any, but onely ouer the gates -of the cities, towers (as hath been declared), and in them is put all -the artilerie, the which is for the defence of that citie or towne. - -[Sidenote: They vse hargabushes, bowes, and lances.] - -[Sidenote: Englande, France, Spaine, and the Turke hath not so many -souldiers as this kingdome.] - -[Sidenote: Captaines of few and many souldiers.] - -They vse many sortes of weapons, but in especiall hargabushes, bowes, -lances of three or foure manners, swords like vnto faunchers, and with -them targets. All the souldiers when they go to fight, they weare long -garments down to their knees, very wel stuffed with cotton wooll, the -which doth resist the thrust of a lance, or a stabbe: all such souldiers -as haue the king's ryall pay weare, in token thereof, red and yellowe -hats, of the which there is so great a number, as well horsemen as foot -men, that almost it is impossible to number them. And it is a common -opinion of all them that haue bin in this kingdome, and haue seene them, -that all Spaine, France, and the Great Turke, hath not so many as this -kingdome hath. They haue amongst them captaines of ten souldiers, some -of a hundreth souldiers, some of a thousand, of ten thousand, of twentie -thousand, and in this sort to a hundred thousand. The number of -souldiors that these captains do leade, are knowen by certain ensignes -that they beare. They muster and make show of their people euery new -moone; and the same day they do pay them royally, and their pay must be -in siluer, and in no other money. It is saide by such as have seene this -pay, but especially the aforesaid father, Fryer Ignacio, that they giue -them a peece of siluer, which may weigh so much as a ryall and halfe of -Spaine, and is as much worth there as foure crownes amongest vs, in -respect of the value of all things. But both in the one and in the other -kingdom, that day that they do receiue their pay, euery one must make a -show of some act in armes, the which is done in the presence of viewers -or muster-masters: and such as are found that doo not his exercise with -dexteritie, they are reprehended and cruelly punished: they doo skirmish -with great consort, and in that which toucheth obedience to their -captaines, and vnto the ensignes, the which they do vse in their wars, -they may compare with all nations of the world. - - - - -CHAP. XVIII. - - _This Chapter doth treat of certaine rites and - ceremonies, and other signes and tokens which be - found, and do show that they haue had notice of the - holy law of the Gospel._ - - -[Sidenote: Salamina where S. Thomas was martred.] - -Such ceremonies as vnto this day haue bin seene amongst the people of -this kingdom, are gentilicas,[83] without any mixture with the Moores, -nor with any other sect: yet there is found amongst them, that is a -sufficient indition,[84] that they haue had in some time past, some -particular notice of the euangelical law, as is plainly seene by -certaine pictures which haue beene found and seene amongest them, -whereof we haue made particular mention, the which they beleeue was -knowen by the preaching of the Apostle S. Thomas, who passed through -this kingdome when as he went vnto the Indians, and from thence to the -city of Salamina,[85] which, in their language, is called Malipur, -whereas he was martyred for the name and faith of Jesus Christ: of whom, -at this day, they do remember in that kingdome, by the tradition of -their antecessors, who said, that many yeares past there was in that -kingdome a man that did preach vnto them a new law, whereby they might -goe vnto heauen: who, after that hee had preached certaine daies, and -saw little fruit thereof (for that they were all occupied in ciuill -wars) he departed from thence vnto the Indians. But first he left -certaine disciples behind him that were baptised and well instructed in -matters of faith, that they might preach vnto them whenas occasion did -serue for the same. In many places they do worship the diuell, only for -that he should do them no harme; and so the said fryer did tell me, for -that hee was diuers times in presence whereas they did obsequies of -certaine Chinos that lay a dying: and he saw that they had painted -before the dead man a furious diuell, having in his left hand the sunne, -and in his right hand a dagger, with the which he made a show as though -he would strike him. This picture was put before him at the point that -hee should yeelde vp the ghost, strengthening him that he should put -great trust thereon. - -[83] The original Spanish word, meaning "pagan", left untranslated. - -[84] From the Spanish _indicio_, "proof". - -[85] More properly Calamina. Tillemont upon this subject says: "Les -Portugais pretendent qu'il y a une ancienne inscription a Maliapur dans -les Indes, ou l'on apprend entre autres choses que Saint Thomas fut -perce d'une lance au pie d'une croix pres de cette ville. C'est peutetre -ce qui fait dire aux auteurs nouveaux que Calamine est la meme ville que -Maliapur." - -And as the fryer did demand of them what reason they had to do the same, -some of them answered and saide, because the diuell should do no harme -vnto the dead man in the other world they put his picture before him, -that he might knowe him, and take him for his friend. - -That which is vnderstood of these Chinos is, that although they haue -amongst them many errors of the Gentiles; yet with great ease they would -be reduced vnto our faith, if they might haue libertie for to preach, -and they to receiue it. - -[Sidenote: Giuen to delights.] - -When as the sunne and the moone is in eclypse, they beleeue verily that -the prince of the heauen will destroye them, and for verye feare they -put them selues in that colour: the people generally doo worshippe vnto -them, and beleeue verily that the sunne is a man, and the moone a woman. -And therefore, when as they beginne to bee eclypsed, they make great -sacrifices and inuocations unto the prince afore said, desiring him not -to kill nor destroy them, for the great necessitie they haue of them. -All generally beleeue the immortalitie of the soule; and that in the -other world they shall be rewarded or punished according as they liued -in this worlde, in company of the bodie. And therefore they do vse to -make in the fields sepulchres, wherein they command themselues to be -buried after they bee dead. When they should be buried, they command to -kill all their seruants or their wiues, those that best he loued in his -life, saying, that they do it that they should go with them to serue -them in the other world, whereas they beleeue they shall liue eternally -and die no more. They put with them into their sepulchres things to be -eaten and great riches, beleeuing that they do carry the same into the -other world, and there to serue their necessities. In this error were -the Indians of the Peru of old antiquity, as the Spaniards haue seene by -experience. There is in this kingdom many vniuersities and colleges, -wherein is taught philosophie, both naturall and morall, and the lawes -of the countrie, for to learne to gouerne by them; vnto the which the -king doth send ordinarily visitors to see and vnderstand the order that -is amongst them, and to reward or punish the students according vnto -the desert of eyther of them. They are greatly ashamed when they see any -euil thing committed, although they bee not punished for the same, and -are people that do permit with ease correction, as the father Ignacio -and his companions did see by experience; who going alwayes as condemned -men to die, yet at all times when they did see them do reuerence vnto -their idols or vnto the diuell, or any other euill thing, they did -reprehend them with great liberty, who did not onely seeke to hurt them -for the same, but did greatly reioyce to heare their reasons wherewith -they did prohibite or forbid them. The said frier did tell me that, one -day, passing by an hermitage, whereas dwelled an hermite who had, vpon -the altar in the same, an idoll for his saint: before whom was there a -Chino, a principall man, worshipping the same; the saide father, without -any feare, went vnto him, and began to reprehende him, and to spit at -the idoll, and caused him therewith to leaue off his worshipping, -whereof he was greatly amazed, both he and all the rest of his companie, -to see with what boldnes it was done, and no harme done vnto him for the -same, eyther they supposed that the Chino did thinke him to be a mad -man, or else (which is most to be beleeued) that God did worke with his -seruant whereby he would giue him his reward for that which he had done, -in returning for his honour, in mittigating the furie of that man, and -to giue him vnderstanding that he was reprehended with reason. There are -many Chinos conuerted to the faith as well in the Ilands Philippinas, as -in the citie of Machao, and they baptise of them daily, who giue tokens -and outwarde showes to bee good Christians, and say that the greatest -difficultie for to conuert all the whole kingdome, will be in them that -doo gouerne in the same, for they had neede of a particular ayde and -helpe of the mercie of God to bring them vnto the faith; for that they -are had in reuerence and obeyed as Gods vpon the earth. Besides this, -they do giue themselues to all delightes that any humaine creature can -imagine, for that they put all their felicitie therein, and doo it with -so great extremitie, that it is supposed there is no people in all the -worlde that may be compared vnto them. - -[Sidenote: Their women are chast, but their men are vicious.] - -For besides that they are alwayes carried in little chayres, and vpon -mens shoulders, which are covered with silke and golde; yet are they -giuen much vnto bankets, wherein they haue so many different sortes of -meates as their appetites doo require. And it is greatly to be maruailed -at, that the women of this kingdome are marveilous chast and secret as -any whatsoeuer; and to the contrarie the men are as vicious, but in -especiall the lords and gouernors: and for that our faith do reprehend -with rigor and terror the excesse of these thinges, it is to be beleeued -that it will be a great impediment to the entrie of the Gospel amongst -them: yet God may so touch them, and in such sort, that there will be no -difficultie. Amongest the common people there will be no such -impediment; but rather they will embrace with great content our holy -law, for that it will be an occasion to cleare and set them at libertie -from the tyrannie of the diuell, and from their iudges and lords, who do -intreate them as slaues. This is the opinion of all them that haue -entred into this kingdome, and haue intreated of this matter with the -Chinos. They haue amongest them some good thinges, and woorthie to be -imitated and folowed, of the which I will here set downe two, which are -thinges of great purpose to my iudgement. The one is, that vnto none -they do giue the office to gouerne, by no manner of wayes nor meanes, -although they be suborned by friendship, but onely by his owne merites -and sufficient abilitie. The seconde, that none can be viceroy, -gouernours, nor iudge of a prouince or citie, in the which hee is -naturall borne, the which they say is done to take away the occasion of -dooing any iniustice, beeing carried away or led by parentes or -friendshippe. All other thinges of this kingdome I do remit vnto that -which hath bin before declared, for to passe vnto the rest, the which -in this Itinerario is promised to be mentioned and declared. - - - - -CHAP. XIX. - - _This Chapter doth treate of the Islands of Japon, and - of other thinges in that kingdome._ - - -[Sidenote: Iapon is 300 leagues from China.] - -The Ilands of Japon are many, and altogether make a mightie kingdome, -that is divided amongest many lords: it is distant from the firme land -of China, three hundred leagues, and in the middest betwixt both -kingdoms is the prouince of Lanquin, which is one of the fifteene afore -named; although going from Machao, a city of the Portingals, and ioyning -vnto Canton, which is of the Proper China, they do make it but two -hundred and fiftie leagues, trauelling towards the north, and commonly -they do account the same leagues from the Ilands of Luzon or -Philippinas, vnto the said Ilands of Japon: whereunto they may go by -Noua Hispania, for that it is better and surer nauigation, and shorter -voyage, for according vnto the reckoning of the pylots that do nauigate -those seas, they make it no more then 1750 leagues, which is not halfe -of that which the Portingalls make in their nauigation. - -These ilands are many (as aforesaid), yet are they populared with much -people, who in their bodies and faces differ very little from the -Chinos, although not so politike: [by the which it seemed to be true, -that which is found written in the histories of the kingdom of China, -saying, that these Japones in old time were Chinas, and that they came -from that mightie kingdome vnto these ilands, whereas they do now dwell, -for this occasion following. A kinsman of a king of China, a man of -great countenance and valour, hauing conceiued within his brest for to -kill the king, and thereby to make himselfe lorde of the countrie, the -better to put this in execution, he gaue to vnderstand of his euill -intent vnto others of his friends, requesting their fauour to execute -the same, promising that he would do his best. This being done, and -hauing them alwaies for his especiall friends, unto whom it seemed no -difficult thing, and againe moued with ambition, they did promise him: -and for the better confirmation thereof, they began to prepare -souldiers, and to haue them readie against the day appointed. And for -that this their pretence could not be brought to effect with such -secrecie as the matter required, their treason came to be discouered -vnto the king, at such good oportunitie that he might very well seeke -remedie for his owne safegard at his pleasure, vnlooked for of his -kinsman and the rest of his followers, who were all taken with great -ease. - -[Sidenote: The first inhabiting of the Iapon.] - -Then was it determined by those of the royall councell, that all the -traitors should haue their throts cut according vnto the lawes of the -countrie: but when their sentence was carried vnto the king to be -confirmed (he vnderstanding that they much repented, and were sorie for -their sin and treason that they had pretended against him), he -determined to remedie the same with less damage, fearing what might -happen by their deaths, so that he comanded they should not die, but be -banished for euer out of the kingdome, with precise band, that they, -their wiues and children, and al that should come of them, should for -euer liue on those ilands that are now called Iapon, which were at that -time desert and without people. This sentence was executed, and the -offenders did accept the same for mercie. So they were caried to the -said ilands, wheras when they saw themselues out of their naturall -countrie, and without any possibility euer to returne againe, they -ordained their comon wealth as a thing to last for euer: directing all -their lawes which were for their conseruation and gouernment, contrarie -vnto the Chinos from whence they came. But in particular they made one, -wherin they did prohibite for euer their descendants to haue any -frindship with the Chinos, and did admonish them to do them all the -euill that was possible, which is obserued and kept vnto this day -inuiolable, shewing themselues their contraries in all they may, euen in -their apparell, speech, and customes: for the which there is no nation -so abhorred of the Chinos as is the Iapones, so that they are payd their -hatred with the like. And although at that time the said Iapones were -subiectes and tributaries vnto the king of China, and so continued long -time after, now at this day they are not, but do all harme that may be -vnto those of that kingdome.][86] - -[86] The whole of the passage included in brackets is inserted from the -French of De la Porte. - -[Sidenote: In the Iapones are 66 kingdomes.] - -They haue much siluer, but not so fine as that is of our Indians, -likewise great abundance of rice and flesh, and in some parts wheate: -and although they haue all this, with many fruits, and hearbs, and other -things which be their ordinary victuals, yet are they not so well -prouided as are their confines or neighbors, and no default in the -lande, for that it is verie good and fruitefull. But that the naturall -people do giue themselues verie little vnto the tilling and sowing -thereof, for that they are more affectioned vnto the warres then vnto -that: and this is the reason that many times they do lack prouision and -victuals, which is the verie same reason that the naturall people and -others do report of them. There be in these ilandes three score and sixe -kingdoms or prouinces, and many kings, although it may be better said, -rulers or principals, such as the Spaniardes found in the Ilands of -Luzo: for which cause, although they be called kings, yet are they not, -neither in their contractation nor rent, for they haue verie little in -respect of the multitude of people. The king Nobunanga, who died in the -yeare 1583, was the most principall and greatest lord amongst them all, -as well of people as of riches: who was slaine by a captaine of his, and -punished by God by this meanes for his luciferine pride, for that it -did farre exceede that of Nebuchadonozor, and was come vnto that point -that he would haue beene worshipped for a god: for the which he -commanded to make a sumptuous temple, and to put in it thinges that did -well declare and showe his follie: of the which that you may see how -farre it did extend, I will declare here onely that which he did promise -vnto them that did visite his temple. - -[Sidenote: A luciferine pride.] - -First, the rich men that came vnto the saide temple, and did worshippe -his picture, should be more richer: and those that were poore, should -obtaine great riches: and both the one and the other, that had no -successors to inherite their goods, should also obtaine them, and also -long life for to enioy the same, with great peace and quietnesse. - -The second, that their life should be prolonged to eighty yeares. - -The third, that they should bee hole of all their infirmities and -diseases, and shall obtaine full accomplishment of all their desires -with health and tranquillitie. And the last he commanded that euery -month they should celebrate a feast for his birth day, and therein to -visite his temple, with certification that all those that did beleeue in -him, and in that which hee promised, should without all doubt see it -accomplished, and those which in this life were faultie and did not doo -in effect his commaundement, in the other they should goe the way to -perdition. And the better to accomplish this his will, he commaunded to -be put in this temple, al the idols in his kingdomes that were most -worshipped, such as to whom frequented most pilgrimes: the which being -done, he presently forbad that not one of them all should be worshipped, -but he onely that was the true Fotoque and vniuersall god, the author -and creator of nature. - -[This foolishnesse did this proud king a little before his miserable -death, and many other more, that I do leaue out, for feare that I should -be too tedious in this itinerario. There did succeed this proude king in -the kingdome his sonne, called Vozequixama, who for that he is very -yong, at this day it is gouerned by a worthy captaine called -Faxiuandono.][87] - -[87] The whole of this paragraph included in brackets, is inserted by -the translator from the French of De la Porte. - -All men that are borne in this land are naturally inclined to warres and -robberies, and it is vsed ordinarily amongst themselues, alwayes he that -hath most power and strength doth carry away the best part; and yet he -doth enioy it with little securitie, for that as the prouerbe saith "he -findeth a last for his shoo, or the length of his foote is found," and -another commeth (when he thinketh least off) and carrieth away their -spoile with victorie, reuenging iniuries the one for the other, without -being requested thereunto: which is the occasion that they are neuer -without ciuill warres, and that seemeth to bee the influence of the -clime of that land. This, and the continual exercise in armes and in -robberies, hath giuen them the name of warriers, and do terrifie all -their borderers and neighbors. - -They vse many weapons, but especially hargabusses, swords, and lances, -and are very expert in them. On the firme land of China they haue done -many suddaine robberies and thefts, and haue gone thorough therewith at -their pleasure: and would haue done the like at the Ilands of Luzon, and -vsed for the same all meanes possible, but yet it fell out contrary vnto -their meanings, and returned their backes full euill against their wils, -with their hands vpon their owne heads. - -On a time they came vnto the Illocos, who with the fauour of the -Spaniards (whose vassals they are) did defende themselues worthily: that -the Iapones thought it best to returne vnto their houses and to leaue -their begun pretence, with determination neuer to put themselues in the -like perill, for that they had lost many of their companie. Not many -yeares since there happened vnto them the like disgrace in China: there -went tenne thousande of them to robbe and steale, and at their going on -lande, they did sacke a cittie with little hurt and smal resistance, who -with the content of that pray, forgot themselues and did not preuent the -harme that might chance vnto them: the Chinos being offended did -compasse them about in such sort, that when the Iapones remembred -themselues, they were in that case that they were constrained to yielde -vnto their enimies, who at their willes did repay themselues very well -of the iniurie receiued, and a very good warning vnto all those that -shall heare thereof, to flie from putting themselues into the like -trance: so the Chinos were very wel reuenged of the iniury by them -receiued. - -The faith of Christ is very well planted in some of these ilands, by the -good diligence and trauell of the fathers and Iesuites, but in -particular by that which was doone by Master Francisco Xabier, one of -the tenne companions of the father Ignacio de Loyola, a founder of the -saide religion: hee trauelled with great zeale in the conuerting of the -saide Ilands, and that which was a great helpe vnto the same was his -holy doctrine and apostolike life, as vnto this day the Iapones doo -confesse, attributing vnto him (next vnto God) the goodnesse that hath -come vnto them by receiuing the baptisme, whome the fathers of that -companie haue followed in all pointes, such as remained after his death, -as also such as haue gone thither since that time. - -So that vnto them may be attributed the thankes for the mollifying of -such adamantine hearts, as are those of the natural people of these -ilandes, whose wittes (although they be good and subtil) are naturally -knowne to be inclined vnto warres, robberies, and doing of euill: and at -this day, being Christians, they do followe their euill inclinations, -yet notwithstanding, by the good doctrine and ensample of the saide -fathers, they are much better Christians then those of the Orientall or -East Indians. - -I do not set downe here the number of those that are baptised in these -ilands, for that there are therein diuers opinions, as also for that the -fathers of the name of Iesus or Iesuits doo distinctly declare in their -letters. The Portugals say that in respect of the number of people that -are to bee conuerted, the number that are baptised are very fewe, and -that there are many that are not, for lacke of ministers and preachers; -the which may easily be remedied, in commaunding to go thither more -religious men of other orders, for to aide and helpe the saide Iesuites, -the which shoulde be vnto them a particular content and comfort as I doo -beleeue, as hath beene seene by experience in all partes of the Indians, -whereas haue come religious men vnto places of their doctrine, for that -the quantitie of people is so great that are in these ilandes, that -although there shoulde go thither many laborers of the gospell, and all -the orders of religious men, the one should not be a let or hindrance -vnto the other, and they shoulde all of them finde enough to occupie -themselues, especially if that the successor of Nobunanga were conuerted -with his subjectes. All the men of these ilands are well set and well -proportioned, and go well apparelled, although not in so good order as -those of China: they liue verie healthfully and long, by reason that -they doo vse verie few diuersities of meates: they doo not suffer -amongst them any phisitians, and doo not cure themselues but with -simples. - -[Sidenote: Many witches.] - -They haue amongst them many priests of their idols, whom they do call -Bonsos, of the which there be great couents. Likewise they haue amongst -them great witches, who do ordinarily talke with the diuell, and are not -a small impediment for them to receiue the lawe of God in that kingdome. -The women or wiues of these Iapones do keepe themselues very close, and -very seldome go forth of their houses, in the which they do resemble -those of China much (as hath beene said), yet haue they many wiues, for -that by their lawes it is lawfull for them to haue as they please and -can sustaine; yet are they so prudent, that they do restraine -themselues, and liue in great peace. Both men-seruants and -women-seruants do serue their masters, as though they were slaues, and -they may kill them at their pleasure without incurring any penalty of -their lawes, a thing far different from any good policie. Many other -things more could I declare of this kingdome, the which I do let passe, -for the reason aforesaid: and again, for that the fathers of the company -of Iesus haue intreated thereof at large and vere truely. - -[Sidenote: Ilands of Amazones.] - -Not farre from these Ilands of Iapon, they haue discouered of late -certaine ilandes which are called of the Amazones, for that they are all -inhabited by women, whose ordinary weapons are bowes and arrowes, and -are very expert in the same: they haue their right brest drie, the -better to exercise their bow. Unto these ilands, in certaine monethes -euery yeare, goeth certaine shippes from Iapones with merchandice, and -they bring from thence such as they haue there: in the which time the -men do deale with the Amazones as with their own proper wiues, and for -to auoide dangers that might happen amongst themselues they deale in -this order following. - -[Sidenote: A strange custome.] - -After that their shippes are aryued, there goeth on shore two messengers -for to giue aduice vnto the queene of their arriuall, and of the number -of men that are in their shippes, who dooth appoint a day when they -shall all come on shoare: the which day shee doth carrie to the waters -side the like number of women, as they bee of men, but the saide women -doo first come thither before the men doo disembarke themselues, and -euery one of them dooth carry in their hande a paire of shooes, or a -paire of slippers, and on them their own seuerall marke, and do leaue -them on the sands at the waters side, without any consort or order, and -presently departe from thence. Then the men come on shoare, and euery -one take the first paire of shooes that he commeth vnto, and put them -on: then presently the women come forth, and euery one of them carryeth -with her him who hath fallen vnto her by lot, to put on her shoes, and -maketh him her guest, without any other particularitie, although it -chanceth unto the most vilest of them all to meete with the queenes -shooes, or otherwise to the contrarie. - -So when the monethes are expired set downe by the queene, in the which -are permitted the men aforesaid, they doo depart, euerie one leauing -with his hostis his name, and the towne where hee dwelleth, for that if -it so fall out that they bee with child, and be deliuered of a sonne, -that hee may bee carried the yeare following vnto his father, but the -daughters do remaine with them. - -This is very doubtfull to bee beleeued, although I haue bin certified by -religious men, that haue talked with persons that within these two -yeares haue beene at the saide ilands, and haue seene the said women; -and that which causeth me more to stand in doubt, is for that the -fathers of the companie that dwell at the Iapones, haue not in their -letters made any particular mention of them: therefore let euery one -giue credite to this as liketh him best. - - - - -CHAP. XX. - - _They haue notice of certaine kingdomes borderers vnto - these Ilands of Iapon, and it treateth of some thinges - of them, according vnto the truest intelligence that - hath come from those parts, and of certaine miracles - that happened in the kingdome of Cochinchina, that - were notable._ - - -[Sidenote: Great fishing of pearles.] - -From the cittie of Machao, which is inhabited by Portugals, and situated -on the skirt of the firme lande of China, in two and twentie degrees, -the aforesaide father Ignacio did trauell for Malaca, passing by the -gulfe of Aynao, which is an ilande and prouince of China, and fiue -leagues from the firme lande, and from the Philippinas one hundreth and -foure score. It is a very rich prouince and of great prouision, and in -the straight that is betwixt them and the firme lande, there is great -fishing of pearles and aliafar,[88] and those which are there founde do -in many killats[89] exceede them that are brought from Baren, which is on -the coast of Arabia, or those that are brought from Manar, which is -another kingdome from whence is brought many vnto that of China. - -[88] More correctly _aljofar_, a corruption from the Arabic "seed -pearls". - -[89] From the Spanish _quilate_, a carat. - -[Sidenote: Parias is a duetie for the kinges owne person.] - -This prouince of Aynao is very good and strong, and the people thereof -very docible and well inclined. From this ilande to the kingdome of -Cochinchina, is fiue and twenty leagues, and from Machao, one hundreth -and twentie fiue: it is a mightie kingdome, and is in sixteene degrees -of altitude, and the one part therof is ioyned with the firme land of -China. The whole is deuided into three prouinces. The first dooth enter -forty leagues into the lande, and hath in it a mightie king. The second -is more farther within the land, and he that is lord thereof is a king -of greater power than the first; and ioyning vnto the sun, more towards -the Septentrion, is the thirde, the which is more greater and of more -riches, whose king in respect of the other two is an emperor, and is -called in their language Tunquin, which doth signifie the same. Unto him -be subiect the other two kings: yet notwithstanding his mightinesse, and -called emperour, hee is subiect vnto the king of China, and dooth pay -him tribute and parias.[90] It is a countrie well prouided of victuals, -and as good cheape as in China. There is great stoare of a wood called -palo de Aguila, and of another woode called Calambay, and both of them -are verie odoriferous.[91] - -[90] Spanish. An acknowledgment or tribute from one prince to another. - -[91] The following is from a notice by the late T. H. Colebrooke, Esq., -appended to a paper by Dr. Roxburgh, which will appear in the -forthcoming part of the "Linnaean Transactions." "It may be remarked by -the way, that the Portuguese _pao de aguila_, as noticed by Rumphius, is -an undoubted corruption, either of the Arabic _aghaluji_, or of the -Latin _agallochum_, and it is from a ludicrous mistake, that from this -corruption has grown the name of lignum aquilae, whence the genus of this -plant now receives a botanic appellation, and which many authors have -vainly attempted to distinguish from the lignum aloes and Calambac. The -latter is a Malay name of the aloe wood, derived, according to the -conjecture of Rumphius, from the Chinese Kilam." - -[Sidenote: Aboundance of silke and gold.] - -Great aboundance of silke and gold, and of other things very curious: -all these kingdomes are at a very point to be reduced vnto our faith, -for that the principall (he whom they giue title of emperor) hath sent -diuers times to Machao, and vnto other parts whereas are Christians, and -haue requested to send them persons both learned and religious, for to -instruct them in the law of God, for that they are all determined to -receiue it and be baptised: and doo desire it with so great -feruentnesse, that in manie citties they haue the timber ready to build -and edifie churches, and in a redinesse all other kind of necessaries -for the same. - -There was in Machao a religious man of the order of barefoote friars of -S. Francis, who, vnderstanding the great and good desire of this king, -did sende him by certaine Portugal merchants that did trade into his -countrie, a cloth whereon was painted the day of iudgement and hell, and -that by an excellent workeman; and also a letter, wherein hee did -signifie vnto him the great desire he had with some other of his -companions to go into his kingdome to preach the gospel. The which being -receiued by the said king, and informed the signification of the -picture, and of the religious man that sent it him, he reioyced very -much with the present; and did send in returne of the same an other that -was very good, vnto the same religious man, and a letter of great -curtesie, and did accept the offer that hee sent in his letter, and did -promise that all that went thither shoulde haue good entertainement, and -that he would presently make them a house next vnto his. - -This religious man, although he had a desire to put in execution the -kings will, yet at that time hee coulde not, by reason that he had but -few companions: the which the king did vnderstande, and caused him to -sende vnto the bishoppe of Machao three or foure letters, requesting him -to send him the saide religious men, with certification that hauing them -there, both hee and all the rest of his kingdome woulde receiue the -faith of Christ and the holy baptisme: vnto the which letters they did -alwaies make answere with promises that he would send them vnto him: but -after, because they did not accomplish the same, the king did complaine -of him vnto certaine Portugall merchants with great griefe, saying, this -your bishop of Machao doth greatly lye; for that I haue requested him by -foure letters to send me religious men for to preach the law of the -gospell, and he consenting vnto my wil, did neuer accomplish nor -performe his word. Unto this day they haue not accomplished this desire, -for the great lacke they haue of such ministers as they doo demande, and -are requisite in those parts, and cannot supply their want and -necessitie, except they should leaue them vnprouided that bee already -baptised. They doo driue them off with faire words and promises, that -with as great breuitie as is possible, their desire shal be satisfied. -And this was the answere that was giuen in Machao vnto certaine -messengers or ambassadors that were sent by the aforesaid king, for the -same demand, the which was required with great instance. The which -messengers for their comfort, and for his who sent them, did carry with -them al such images as they might haue, but specially that of the -crosse, in which form and likenes (as hath bin informed) they haue made -in the kingdome an infinite number, and set them in all their streets, -highwayes, and houses, whereas they are worshiped and reuerenced with -great humilitie, as well for that it is in an ensigne of Christ, whose -faith they do desire to receiue, as also for a notable miracle which -happened in that kingdome worthy to make thereof a particular mention, -the which I will set downe here, in such sort as the ambassadors -aforesaide did declare in publike before the inhabitants of Machao, -when as they came to demande religious men for to instruct them in the -gospel. - -[Sidenote: A myracle.] - -There was a man naturally borne in this kingdome, who, for certaine -occasions went forth of the same, and came and dwelt amongst the -Portugals, who, seeing the Christian ceremonies, and being touched with -the hand of God, was baptised, and remained certain yeares in the same -towne, giuing outwarde shewes to bee a good Christian, and one that -feared God; at the end thereof he changed his minde, and determined to -returne vnto his owne countrie, and there to liue according vnto that -which he had learned of the Christians, the which he beleeued to doo -with ease, without any gaine-saying or contradiction. Whereas when hee -came thither, hee did obserue all such things as a Christian was bounde -to doo: but amongst other signes and tokens of the same, he made a -crosse and set it by the door of his house, whereunto he did reuerence -at all times, when he passed by the same, with great devotion. His -neighbours when as they saw that signe, a thing of them neuer seene -before, and howe that that Christian did make particular reuerence, they -beganne to mocke and scorne him and the crosse, and pulled it downe from -the place whereas it was set, and did other things in dispite thereof, -and of him that had set it there in that place, whose hatred and -discourtesie was so much that they determined in their minds to burne -it, and to put the same in execution, who, at the same instance, did all -miraculously die; I say those that would haue burnt the same, the which -was seene of many other, who haue giuen sufficient testimony thereof. -And within fewe dayes after, all the whole linage of those dead persons -did follow the same way, and not one escaped. This miracle being spread -throughout all the kingdome, the naturals thereof did set vp many -crosses in all parts. - -[Sidenote: Another myracle.] - -This they say was the principall motion that God put into their hearts -for to moue them to demande for such as shoulde baptise them, and preach -the holy gospell. Likewise, a great helpe vnto the same was the -declaration of the painted cloth, which the aforesaid religious man did -send to the king. Since that time, there hath gone vnto the cittie of -Machao certaine naturals of that kingdome, who, being affectioned vnto -our faith, were baptised there: with the which, and with the hope -aforesaid, they are all sustained, till such time as it is the pleasure -of God to send them the remedie for their soules, the which hee hath -caused them to desire, which cannot be long, according vnto that which -hath beene seene, and the miracles that God doth worke, the more for to -kindle their desire, as the myracle of the crosse before spoken off, and -others the which certaine Cochinchinos did declare in the cittie of -Machao, in anno 1583, and happened the same yeare, and was very fresh in -the memorie of all those of the saide kingdome. The one of them was, -that one of the Christians aforesaid went to visite a principall man -that had the palsie, and kept his bed many yeares before: and conferring -with his long sicknesse, he told of certaine myracles, such as he had -vnderstanding that was done by Christ our Redeemer, when that he was man -amongst men whome hee redeemed: but in particular those which he did in -the healing of the like infirmities, such as he lay sicke of: alonely -with his deuine vertue, in touching of them with any part of his -garments or shadow. The iudge hearing this, hee had a particular faith -and devotion to him that had doone these myracles that the Christian had -told him, and asked what his name was, and what signes and tokens he -had: he told him that his name was Jesus of Nazareth, Redeemer of the -worlde, the Sauiour and glorifier of men. And the better to declare vnto -him his signes, he shewed to him an image or picture that he had of his, -the which was giuen him such time as he was baptised, printed in paper: -and of Iesu Christ when he ascended vp into heauen, the which, for lacke -of churches and other of greater volume, hee should haue continually -with him, and make his praiers thereunto. This sicke man tooke it, and -fixed his eies thereon with so great deuotion and faith, in requesting -him to giue him his health, and that he would presently beleeue in him -and bee baptised. At the same instant, in the sight of them all, he felt -himselfe whole of the infirmitie that he had suffered so many yeares -before, and neuer could find any humaine remedy for the same, although -he had prooued an infinite number. He straightwayes willed the Christian -to baptise him, vnto whome hee gaue a great summe of monie, the which -hee receiued against his will, and spent it in workes of mercie; and -with part thereof he bought a bigge barke, in the which at this day he -dooth passe people thorough a riuer, whereas they were wont to passe -great perill and danger, and hee doth it for Gods sake, and receiueth -nothing for the same. - -A fewe dayes after, in another part of this kingdome, there happened -another myracle of no lesser substance then the first, that is, there -was a Cochinchina in the said citie of Machao, who did aske to bee -baptised of a barefoote frier, which after that hee had catechised -sufficiently, hee gaue it vnto him: and after a great time that hee had -beene in his company, and had experience of his Christianitie and -deuotion, he gaue him licence for to returne vnto his country, with a -good token, that at his comming thither he would procure to augment the -desire of Christianitie, the which God had begunne to kindle in their -brest. This good neu Christian did procure the same with so great care, -that he did profite very much (being holpen with the fauor of God, who -made him his instrument), hee healed certaine infirmities, in shewing -vnto the patients an image of our ladie, the which he had continually -about his necke, and had therunto great deuotion, and woulde declare to -them with great zeale the Lords Prayer or Pater Noster. His fame was so -much spread abrode in all parts of this prouince, wherein he dwelled, -that it came vnto the ears of a mandarin, or principall iudge of the -same, who was many dayes in his bedde a leaper, both of handes and -feete, and neuer coulde finde any phisition nor medecine that could giue -him his health, nor any other humaine remedie: who being verie desirous -to bee healed, hee sent for the saide Christian, and asked if hee would -take vppon him to heale him of that infirmitie, as it was affirmed that -hee had done by others of greater importance. The Christian saide hee -would; then the iudge did promise vnto him for the same great giftes and -rewardes, but hee made no account thereof, but onelie requested of him -for reward, that after hee should bee hole, that he would be baptised -and become a Christian: the which he did accept, and principally he -shewed vnto him the image that hee had of our lady, saying: If thou wilt -beleeue in this lady, that is heere ingraued, and in her most holy sonne -Iesus Christ, the Redeemer of the whole world, thou shalt presently be -made hole. This mandarin or iudge did beholde the same with great -attention, and thought on the words which he had heard spoken, and in -determining with himselfe to beleeue the same, at the very point that he -did put it in execution, he was healed of al his infirmitie, a thing -which caused great admiration in all that prouince. - -These myracles and that of the crosse, in a short time being knowne -abrode, haue caused such a desire vnto the inhabitants of that kingdome -to become Christians, that by all manner of meanes possible they do -procure the same: the which is not followed for lacke of ministers, as -aforesaid, and is no smal griefe vnto them that Christianly doo put -themselues to consider how the diuel our aduersary doth carry vnto his -infernal mansion those soules which seeme to bee well disposed for to -enioy the benefite of God, and his eternal goodnesse: all the which is -for lacke of ministers, and not for any other default. God remedie the -same for his mercies sake. - -The said father Ignacio (whom, as I haue said, I do follow in many -things of this itinerario) did tell me, that as he passed by this -kingdome for to go vnto Spaine, he saw the deuotion of the people -thereof, and the great desire they had to bee Christians, and how that -the people were ready and bent for to receiue the holy gospell, very -humble and of good vnderstanding. Hee would haue tarried for to baptise -them, and would haue done it onely for charity and compassion, seeing -with what deuotion they did demand the same, and the great number of -soules that were condemned; but hee was constrained by force to go vnto -Malaca, and againe it seemed vnto him, that amongst so many people his -smal force might do little good: and that it were better for him to go -vnto Spaine, and to procure more companions to helpe him, as he did, and -returned with him, and with many other rewards, of Pope Gregory the -thirteenth receiued: and he also receiued great fauours of the king of -Spaine, and with great hope, that his maiestie will giue his particular -aide, for to go thorow with this enterprise, which will not be of small -effect. I do beleeue of a truth, that in small time all that kingdome -shall be subiect vnto the Catholike faith of Rome, and to be the gate -whereby to enter the lawe of the gospell into the mightie kingdome of -China, for that this of Cochinchina is vpon the same firme land, and -their language and customes are almost in one manner. - -[Sidenote: Their womenn are honest and shamefast.] - -They are verie white people of this kingdome, and are apparelled like -vnto those of China: their women are verie honest and shamefast, and -their apparell is very curious and gallant. The men weare their haire -dispersed, and doo combe and trim it with too much care. In all the -countrie almost, all of them are apparelled in silke, for that they haue -there verie much, and excellent good: the countrie is verie holesome, -and full of old folkes and children, which is a sufficient proofe for -the goodnesse thereof. - -[Sidenote: They neuer had plague, pestilence, nor hunger.] - -They say that they neuer had amongst them neither pestilence nor -hunger, which is the like as we haue said of the kingdome of China. - -Let him that can, do it in such sort that so great and infinite number -of soules that at this day are vnder the tyranny of the diuell, may see -them in the Christian libertie, and in the other life inioy their -creator. - - - - -CHAP. XXI. - - _In this chapter is declared of such kingdomes as are - adioyning vnto that of Cochinchina, and of some - notable thinges in them, with the rites and customes - of the inhabitants._ - - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Champa rich of drugs.] - -Nigh vnto this kingdome of Cochinchina there is another called Champa, -that although it be poore of gold and siluer, yet is it verie rich of -drugges and gallant wood, and great stoare of prouision. This kingdome -is very great and full of people, and they some what whiter than those -of Cochinchina; they are as nigh and as willing to become Christians as -their neighbors, but for the performance thereof they doo lacke that -which the other doo. They haue the same lawes and ceremonies as well the -one as the other, and are all idolaters, and doo worship the second -causes, in the same order as the Chinos do, vnto whome likewise they do -make one manner of acknowledging. - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Camboia.] - -From this iland you may go with ease vnto Malaca, leauing on the right -hand a kingdome which is called Camboia, the which is great and very -full of people, and all of them affectioned to go to sea, and -nauigation, by reason whereof they haue an infinite number of vessels. -It is a very fertill country, with great stoare of prouision: there are -elephants in great number and abadas,[92] which is a kind of beast so -big as two great buls, and hath vppon his snowt a little horne. At this -day there is one of them at Madrid, the which was brought out of the -Indians to his maiesty, and many do go to see it for a strange thing, -and neuer the like seene in Europe, whose skinne is so hard (according -vnto the report) that no man, although he be of great force and -strength, can passe it with a thrust. Some haue saide that it is an -unicorne, but I take it for the contrarie, and they are of my opinion -almost all those that haue beene in those partes, and haue seene the -true unicorne. - -[92] The Spanish word for the rhinoceros. - -In this kingdome there is a religious man of the order of S. Dominicke, -called frier Siluester, whome God did carrie into those parts for to -remedy the soules that are therein: hee dooth imploy himselfe to learne -their natural language, and to preach the holy gospell in the same -tongue, and hath them likewise prepared, that if he had any companions -for to help hym, they should obtayne much fruite for the heauens: he -hath sent and requested for some vnto the India of Portingall, but they -would neuer send him anie, peraduenture by some sinister information, by -men which the diuell doth marke as instruments, for to stay and let the -saluation of those soules for euer to remayne in his tyrannicall power. -This fryer did write a letter vnto Malaca vnto fryer Martin Ignacio, and -vnto other religious men, intirely requesting them for the loue of God -to giue such order that hee might be holpen with some religious men, of -what order soeuer, with certification that therein they shall doe great -seruice vnto God, and put remedie in those soules whome he dare not -baptise, for feare that after lacking the euangelical refreshing, to -water and cherish them, they returne to bring forth that euill fruit of -idolatrie. This petition did not take effect according to his desire, -for that there was not to serue his turne, nor any that was vnoccupied. -They vnderstood of him that brought this letter, that the king of that -kingdome had in great veneration the sayd father Siluestro, in so ample -manner, as was the patriarck Ioseph in Egypt: hee had in all that -kingdome the seconde place, and euery time that the king would speak -with him, he gaue him a chaire: and gaue him great priuiledges, and -licence for to preach the holy gospell throughout all the kingdome -without any contradiction, and for to edifie the churches and all other -thinges whatsoeuer he thought necessarie: this king himselfe helping -thereunto, by giuing of great gifts and charitie: he said also that in -al the kingdome there were erected many crosses, and were had in great -reuerence. And for the confirmation of the truth hereof, the aforesaid -frier Ignacio did see in Malaca a present that the king of this kingdome -of Camboia did send vnto another friend of his: and amongst many things -contained therin of great riches and curiositie, there were two crosses -very great and wel made, of a gallant wood and very sweete, and all -garnished very richly with siluer and gold, with their titles enamiled. - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Sian.] - -[Sidenote: The mother of idolatrie.] - -[Sidenote: Faint hearted people.] - -Nigh vnto this kingdome is that of Sian, in the hight of fourteene -degrees from the pole artike, and three hundred leagues from Machao, -wheras the Portugals do go to trade: it is the mother of all idolatrie, -and the place from whence hath proceeded many sectes, vnto Iapon, China, -and Pegu. It is a flourishing countrie, and well replenished of all such -things as be requisite for to merite the name to be good. There be in it -manie elephants and abadas, and other beasts that are nourished in that -countrie: besides this, it is very rich of mettals, and gallant sweete -woode. The people of this kingdome for the most part are faint-hearted -or cowards, for which occasion, although they are infinite in number, -yet are they subiect vnto the king of Pegu, who ouercame them long time -since, in a battell (as afterwards shall be declared): and they doo pay -him ordinarily great and heauy tributes. They would be conuerted very -easily unto the faith of Iesu Christ, and would leaue their idols, if -they had any to preach vnto them: yea and would subiect themselues vnto -any king or lord that woulde fauour them, and not vnto this whom now -they do obey, for that hee dooth intreate them tyrannously. They haue -amongst them many religious men after their fashion, who doo liue in -common, and leade an asper and sharp life: for the which they are had of -al the rest in great veneration. The penance which they do is wonderfull -and strange, as you may iudge by some things that I will declare here: -amongst a great number that be tolde of them, there are none of them -that can marrie, neither speake to any woman, and if by chance he do, -they are without remission punished by death. They go alwayes barefoote, -and very poorely apparelled, and do eate nothing but rice and greene -herbes, and this they do aske for charitie euery day, going from doore -to doore with their wallet at their backes, alwayes with their eyes -looking on the ground, with such modesty and honesty, that it is to be -wondred at: they doo not craue their charity, neither take it with their -hands, nor do any other thing but cal or knocke, and stand still, till -such time as they giue them their answer, or put something into their -wallets. It is told of them for a truth, that many times for penance -they do put themselues starke naked in the heate of the sunne, which is -there very great, for that the country is in twenty sixe degrees of the -equinoctiall, whereas they are much troubled there with gnats, whereof -there is an infinite number, and is a thing that if they did passe it -for Gods sake, it is a kinde of martyrdome of great desert. God for his -mercy lighten them with his grace, that this which they do smally vnto -the profite of their soules, may bee the occasion that after they are -baptised, they may deserue for the same many degrees of glory. - -Likewise in secrete they doo great penance, and doo rise vp at midnight -to praie vnto their idols, and they do it in quiers, as is vsed amongst -vs Christians. It is not permitted them any rentes, nor any other kinde -of contractation: and if they bee seene to deale in any, they are -detested and hated, as an heretike is amongst vs. - -For this kind of asper liuing, the which they do, according vnto the -report, for the loue of heauen, and that with great zeale, they are -respected of the common people for saints, and for such they do -reuerence them, and do commit them vnto their praiers, when they are in -any trouble or infirmity. These and many other things more be declared -of them in like order, which may serue for to confound vs, that -confessing we do not obserue and keepe, hauing for the same our sure -reward, not of humain interest, but that which God hath prepared for the -good in heauen. - -The law of the gospell in this kingdome would bring foorth much fruite, -for that the people are charitable, and louers of vertue, and of them -that haue it. This experience had the father Ignacio and his companions -in China, at such time as they were prisoners, where there were in a -city certain ambassadors from the king of Syan, who were bound to the -court, and there they vnderstood that the Spaniards were sentenced to -death for entring into that country without licence: they went to visite -them, and when they saw them with their asper habites and very poore, -and did resemble very much the habit of their religious men, they had so -great affection vnto them, that ouer and aboue they sent them good -charity, the which was two bags of rice, much fish and fruits: they did -offer to them al the money they would desire, and to ransome them in al -that the judges would demand for them: in recompence of this good wil -they shewed vnto the Spaniards, they did verifie that aforesaide, that -they are great louers of vertue. - - - - -CHAP. XXII. - - _Of many other kingdomes that are in this new world, - and of their names and properties, but in especiall of - that famous cittie of Malaca._ - - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Lugor and that of Patane.] - -[Sidenote: Gold, pepper, and drugs.] - -Nigh vnto this kingdome of Syan there are two kingdomes togither, the -one of them is called Lugor, and the other Patane; they belong both vnto -one king, who is a Moore and of the linage Malaya, yet notwithstanding -the people of these kingdomes are gentiles, and doo vnderstande in them -to haue great good will to become Christians, if they had anie to preach -vnto them the gospell. The lande is very rich of golde, pepper, and of -drugges, but the people faint hearted and cowards, and for little: for -which occasion they are more giuen vnto thinges of contentment and -pleasure, then vnto wars or brawlings. - -[Sidenote: The kingdomes of Paon and Ior.] - -At the ende of this kingdome is the straite of Malaca, in the which -there are two small kingdomes, the one of them is called Paon[93] and the -other Ior:[94] the people of the first are the most traiterous that are -in all the whole worlde, as the Portugals haue many times experimented; -and those of the second kingdome, sometimes they are in peace, and -sometimes in warre with the said Portugals. They will haue peace when -they do see themselues in necessity of the same, but war ordinarily. -These two kingdomes are halfe Moores, by reason whereof it seemeth that -with an evil wil they wil be reduced vnto the law of the gospel, if that -by the help of God they be not mollified of their hearts. - -[93] Pahang. - -[94] Johore. - -[Sidenote: The Straight of Malaca is vnder the line.] - -This straight of Malaca is vnder the equinoctiall line, and is accounted -from the kingdome of Cochinchina vnto it three hundred and seuenty-six -leagues: this is an euill straight and very dangerous for ships that -passe thorough it, for very few times it is without stormes or some -other greater danger, as it happened vnto a verie great shippe in the -mouth of the straight, in the presence of frier Martin Ignacio, the -which in verie little space was swallowed vp with the sea, and in it -more then three hundred thousand ducats in merchandice that was within -her, although the successe thereof our people did attribute it more vnto -the iust iudgement of God than vnto the storme, for that according as -they were informed, they had committed grieuous offences, at the time -when she sanke: for being very nigh with his shippe in the which he -went, and many other more, they felt not, neither had any suspition of -any danger. From this straight to go vnto Malaca, you coast alongest the -sea, fiue and twentie leagues: all which coast is full of great, -mightie, and thicke woods, by reason whereof, as also for that it is not -inhabited, there are many tygers, elephants, and mightie great lysards, -and other furious beastes. - -[Sidenote: A daintie kind of meat.] - -[Sidenote: A tree of wonderfull effect.] - -[Sidenote: Two contraries in one subiect.] - -The citie of Malaca, in our pole articke, is eleuated from the -equinoctiall onely one degree: of ancient time it was the most -principallest citie of all these kingdomes, and resident therein a -mightie king, a Moore, but after it was conquered by the Portugals, who -in these wars did wonderfull things of great force and courage: they did -driue foorth all the Moores out of the same, and out of all the borders, -and made of their Mezquita or temple (which was a singular peece of -worke) a high church, as it doth remaine vnto this day: there are also -three monasteries of religious men, one of S. Dominicke, an other of S. -Francis, and the third of the companie of Iesus, or Iesuites. It is a -verie temperate countrie, being so nigh the equinoctiall line: the -reason is, for that euery weeke ordinarily it rayneth three or foure -times (which is the greatest cause of health in all that countrie), and -thereby is made woonderfull fruitfull, and with great abundance of -prouision; but particularly of fruites, for there is great store, and -some sortes neuer seene in Europe, amongst the which there is one that -is called in the Malaca tongue _durion_,[95] and is so good that I haue -heard it affirmed by manie that haue gone about the worlde, that it doth -exceede in sauour all others that euer they had seene or tasted: it is -in forme like vnto a mellon, whose ryne is somewhat harde, and hath vpon -it little white prickes which seemeth like haire, and within the fruite -be partitions, which be of the colour like vnto _maniar blanco_,[96] and -of so good sauour and tast is it. Some do say that haue seene it, that -it seemeth to be that wherewith Adam did transgresse, being carried away -by the singular sauour. The leaues which this tree yeeldeth are so bigge -that a man may couer himselfe with one of them, which mee thinketh is -but coniecture or defining: but there is cannafistola[97] for to lade -fleetes, very bigge and good, and of a singular effect, one of the -notablest things in this kingdome, and is a maruellous tree of an -admirable vertue, the which putteth foorth so many rootes of so -contrarie vertue, that those which grow towards the orient be good -against poyson, agues, and many infirmities that do war against humaine -life; and those rootes that growe towards the west be ranke poyson, and -in effect, all cleane contrarie vnto the first. So that it seemeth here -to be founde two contraries in one subiect, a thing which, in -philosophie, they were woont to count impossible. - -[95] The Durio Zibethinus of K[oe]nig. - -[96] Blanc mange. - -[97] From the name the cassia fistula is probably meant, although the -author is silent respecting the purgative properties for which that -plant is so remarkable. - -This citie is of great contractation, for that there come thether all -the kingdomes that we haue spoken of, and from many other more that are -nigh thereabouts: but in particular a great number of great ships from -the Indians, Canton, Chincheo, and from many other places, likewise the -Iapones carry thether their siluer to sell, and those of the kingdome of -Syan carry many things very curious, but especially cloues, and pepper -of the Iland Malucas, and those of Burneo bring much sanders and -nutmegs, and those of Iaba and Pegu bring the wood of Aguila, and those -from Cochinchina and Cham bring great store of wrought silke, drogges, -and spicerie; and those of Samatra, or Trapouana, much golde and wrought -things, and fine cloth of Vengalas and Coromandel. All these, and other -thinges, make this citie famous and plentifull, as also very much -enlarged of the Portingals that go thether ordinarily euery yeare and -traficke there. - - - - -CHAP. XXIII. - - _Of some kingdomes of the newe worlde, and of - particular things that haue beene seene in them; and - treateth of the citie and riuer of Ganies._ - - -[Sidenote: The Iland of Samatra supposed to be the Iland of Ophir.] - -[Sidenote: The richest iland in the world.] - -Ouer against this famous citie, of which so many thinges may be spoken -of, is that mightie kingdome and Iland of Samatra, called by the ancient -cosmogrofers Trapouana, which is (as some say) the Iland of Ophir, -whether the fleet which King Solomon sent, of which there is particular -mention made in the Scripture, in the third Booke of the _Kings_,[98] -cap. 9 and 10, and in the _Paralipomenon_,[99] cap. 9, that went and -returned again laden with gold and rich tymber for to adorne the temple -of Ierusalem, and of many other curious things, whose memorie doth -remaine vnto this day amongst the naturall people, although diffusedly, -but not so much as those that haue it out of the Holy Scripture, neither -so true. This iland is vnder the equinoctial line, so that the one halfe -doth extend vnto the pole artick, and the other halfe vnto the poole -antarticke. It hath in longitude 230 leagues, and in latitude three -score and seuen leagues: and is so nigh vnto Malaca, that in some parts -it is less than ten leagues. In this kingdom there are many lords and -rulers, yet he that hath the greatest part thereof is a Moore, and is -called Achan; it is one of the richest ilands in al the world, for that -it hath many mynes of fine golde, of the which (although there is a law -that they cannot take out of them more than is necessarie) yet there is -great abundance carried from thence to Malaca, Turkie, and many other -places. There is gathered vpon this iland great abundance of pepper and -beniewyn[100] of Boninas, in great quantity, out of whose trees (whereof -there is great woods) there come foorth so sweet a smel that it seemeth -an earthly paradice, and was wont to be smelled twenty leagues at sea, -for which respect the ships that saile that way do come so nigh the -lande as they may to haue the comfort of that smell. There is also much -camphora, and all kinde of spices; by reason wherof there commeth vnto -this kingdome to traficke, many Turkes that come in ships and foystes[101] -out of the Red Sea. Also there doth traficke thether those of the -kingdom of Sunda, Iaua the great, and Ambayno, and others that are there -nigh vnto them. Vnto this iland came certaine Portingals to buy and -sell, whereas they were all slaine, and some for the profession of the -faith; for the which they are holden for martyrs of Iesu Christ, by the -opinion of Christians that doo dwell nigh, when they vnderstood the -cause. The most part of this kingdome are Moores; and therefore they do -abhor the Christians, and do make with them all the warre they can, but -in especiall with them that dwell in Malaca, whom many times they haue -put in great danger of their liues, and losse of their goods. - -[98] The first book of Chronicles. - -[99] Chronicles,--the second book is here referred to. - -[100] Benzoin. - -[101] A small boat, from "fusta", Spanish. - -[Sidenote: An armie of a million and sixe hundred thousand men.] - -Running from this kingdome of Malaca by the north and northwest cost is -the mightie kingdome of Pegu, the which is in bignes greater then -Samatra, and equall in riches, especially of pearls and al sorts of -stones, and very fine christall: there is great store of prouision, and -an infinite number of people, and the king thereof is mightie: to whom -(as we haue said) the king of Cyan doth pay tribute, because he ouercame -him in a battaile which he had with him in the yeare 1568, according -vnto the common opinion: the occasion was, that, vnderstanding how that -the saide king of Syan had in his power a white elephant (whome those of -the kingdome of Pegu do worship for god), the king sent to buy the same, -and to giue for it so much as he would esteeme or value it: but he -utterly denied the same, and saide that he would not let him haue it for -all that he had in his kingdom: the which caused so great anger vnto the -king, that hee called together all the souldiers that he could make, -with determination to get by force of armes that which he could not by -faire meanes and great ritches: in the which he did so great diligence, -that in a fewe dayes hee had ioyned together an armie of a million and -sixe hundreth thousande of men of warre, with whome hee departed vnto -the saide kingdome of Syan, which was from his kingdome two hundreth -leagues, and did not onely performe his pretence in bringing away the -white elephant, but did also make the king tributarie, as he is vnto -this day, as hath bin declared vnto you. - -The rites of the people and priestes of this countrie, doo resemble much -those of the kingdome of Syan: they haue amongst them many monasteries -of men that liue honestly, solitarie, and with great penance, and people -verie apt to receiue the holy gospell. For ouer and aboue that they are -docible and of a good vnderstanding, they are men which do studie -philosophie, and are well inclyned and charitable, and haue a particular -affection vnto vertue, and vnto such as they do knowe that haue vertue, -and very friendly to remedie the necessitie of their poore neighbours. - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Arracon.] - -Going from this kingdome towardes the north is the kingdome of Arracon, -verie plentifull of prouision, but few things of contractation or -marchandice, which is the occasion that it is not well knowen to the -Spaniardes, for that they haue not gone thether. They doo vnderstand of -the naturall people and of their customes, that they are very apt to -receiue the holie gospell. - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Vangala.] - -From this kingdome alongst the same coast, you came vnto the kingdome of -Vangala,[102] through the which doth passe the riuer Ganges, one of the -foure that comme foorth of paradice terrenall, the which being -vnderstood by a certaine king of this kingdome, he determined to cause -some to ascend vp that riuer till such time as he had found the head -spring or head thereof, and therewith paradice: for the which effect he -commanded to be made diuers sortes of barkes, both small and great, and -sent in them vp the riuer certaine men (of whose diligence hee had long -experience), and were prouided with victuals for many daies, and gaue -commandement that presently after that they had discouered that which -hee desired, that they should return with great speede, for to giue him -particular and true relation, with pretence foorthwith to go himselfe to -inioy the things which he thought necessarie to be seene, and woorthie -to be desired, of his trauaile, and in a place so delightfull. - -[102] Bengal. - -These men did nauigate vp the riuer many monethes, and came vnto a place -whereas the water came foorth so softly and with so small noyse, which -gaue them to vnderstande that they were not farre from the first head -thereof, which should be paradice, that which they went to seeke. They -gaue to vnderstand that in this place, after they had seene so many -tokens, and comforted themselues with maruellous sweete smels, and aires -of great delight, they thought verily that they had bin in the paradice -terrenall. And more, when as they came vnto that place, where as the -riuer did runne so peaceable, and the ayre so delicate and sweet, there -entred into the hearts of them all, so great and extraordinarie ioy, -that they seemed to be in the true paradice, and forgot all the trauaile -that they had passed for to come thether, and of any other thing that -did signifie paine or griefe. But when they did intend to go forwardes -with this their pretence and intent, and thereunto did put all diligence -possible, they found by experience that all their trauaile was in vaine, -and howe that they remained alwaies in one place: and coulde not -vnderstande from whence did come or proceede that contradiction, they -could not find in the waters by reason of the peaceablenesse thereof. - -This experience being done, attributing it vnto a miserie because they -could not get a shore, they returned backe againe by the same riuer, -till they came to their owne kingdome, whereas they arriued in a very -short time, and gaue their king to vnderstand (who sent them) all as -aforesaide, and many other thinges more, the which I do leaue out for -that I do take it _apocripha_. They hold it for a certaintie that the -riuers Eufrates and Tygris are not far from this riuer Ganges; and it -seemeth to be true, for both of them doo discharge their currents, or -water, into the Persian sea, the which is not farre distant from this -kingdome. - -The people of this kingdome haue this riuer in great reuerence, which is -the occasion that they neuer enter into the same but with great respect -and feare. And when they doo washe or bath themselues in it, they haue -it for a certaintie that they remaine cleare from all their sinnes. -Likewise this kingdome, with great ease, might be conuerted vnto the -Catholike faith as it seemeth, for that they haue amongst them many -morall rites, ceremonies, and vertues. - - - - -CHAP. XXIV. - - _Of the kingdome of Coromandel and others his - borderers, and of the citie of Salamina, whereas was - and died the glorious apostle S. Thomas; and of the - power and riches of the king of this kingdome, and the - order of their buryinges, and other thinges of great - curiositie._ - - -Running alongest the coast from Vengala, is the kingdome of Masulapatar, -and certaine other kingdomes nigh vnto the same: they be all gentiles, -as the rest of their borderers, yet it is vnderstood, with great -facilitie they would leaue their opinions. It is a kingdome that hath -great abundance of prouision, and lacke of things of contractation or -marchandice, which is the occasion that they are little knowen. - -Trauailing a little forwardes, is the kingdome of Coromandel, whose -chiefe citie is called Calamina, and nowe vulgarly Malipur,[103] and is -there whereas was martyred the happie apostle S. Thomas. And they say -that at this day there remaineth some of his relickes, by whom God did -many myracles. The naturall people therefore haue a particular memory -vntill this day of that saint. - -[103] See note, p. 290. - -This citie at this day is populared with Portingals and with the -naturall people: there is in it a church, wherein is comprehended the -house whereas was, and died, the holy apostle: this countrie belongeth -vnto the king of Visnaga, who although he be a gentile, he hath great -reuerence and respect vnto the house of the holy apostle, and for -particular deuotion he doth giue euerie yeare a certaine charitie. There -is in this citie two couentes of religious men, the one of the companie -of Iesus, and the other of the order of S. Francis. - -From this citie of Calamina to that of Visnaga there wheras the king is, -it is fiue and thirtie leagues by land. This king is mightie, and his -kingdome very great and full of people, and hath great rentes. They say -that onely the rent he hath of fine gold, is worth vnto him three -millions, of the which he spendeth but one onely, and doth keepe euerie -yeare two millions in his treasorie, the which according vnto the report -and fame, is at this day with many millions. He hath twelue principall -or chiefe captaines, and euerie one of them hath the gouernement of an -infinite number of people and hath great rent for the same, for he that -hath least rent hath sixe hundred thousand ducats yearely. Euerie one of -them are bound to giue the king to eate, and all the people of his -house, one month in the yeare; so that by this account the twelue -captaines which are the lordes of the kingdome (and as wee might say) -dukes, doo beare his cost all the whole yeare. The million the which he -doth spend, is in giftes and in extraordinarie thinges. The king hath in -his house, what with wiues, seruants, and slaues, nigh about fourteene -thousand persons, and in his stable ordinarily a thousand horse, and for -his seruice and garde eight hundreth elephants, of whom he doth spend -euerie day eight hundreth ducats. The garde of his person is foure -thousand horsemen, to whom he giueth great wages. He hath also in his -house three hundreth wiues, besides a great number of concubines: they -goe all gallantly apparelled, and with rich iewels, of the which there -are of great estimation in that kingdome, they do almost euerie three -daies change newe colors of apparell. They do ordinarily vse colors of -precious stones, such as are called in Spaine _ojo de gato_, cats eies. -They haue great store of saphires, pearles, diamonds, rubies, and many -other stones, that are in that kingdome in great abundance. - -Amongest all these wiues there is one that is as legitimate, whose -children doo inherite: and if it so fall out that she is barren, the -first that is borne of any of the other doth inherite: which is the -occasion that they neuer lacke a successor in that kingdome. - -When the king of this kingdome doth die, they do carrie him foorth into -a mightie fielde, with great sadnesse and mourning apparell, and there -in the presence of those twelue peeres afore saide, they do burne his -bodie with wood of sandalo, which is of a great smell, with the which -they do make a great fire. - -After that the bodie of the king is burned and consumed, they throwe -into the same the wiues that hee best loued, with seruants and slaues, -those that he most esteemed in his lifetime: the which they do with so -great content, that euery one dooth procure to be the first for to enter -into the fire, and they that are last do thinke themselues vnhappie. All -these do say that they go to serue the king in the other life, whereas -they shalbe with great ioy. This is the occasion that they goe with so -good a will to die, and carrie with them the most richest and festiuall -apparell they haue. Of this is gathered that they do beleeue the -immortalitie of the soule, for that they doo confesse there is another -life, and that thither they do returne and liue for euer without ende. -They are people that would be conuerted with the like facilitie vnto the -holy gospell as their neighbours, if there went any thether to preach. - -Three score and tenne leagues from this citie, there is a pagode or -temple of idols, whereas is a rich faire euery yeare: it is a very -sumptuous building, and edified in a place so high, that it may be seene -many leagues before you come vnto it. - -[Sidenote: A strange custome.] - -It hath ordinarily foure thousande men of garde, who are paid with the -rent of the temple, the which is rich and verye good. There is nigh vnto -the same many mynes of golde and precious stones, and that is taken out -of them is rent vnto the temple. There is in it a priest of the idolles, -whom they call in their language Brama, and is as the high priest in -that countrie. All the people of the land do come vnto him, to -vnderstand the doubtes of their manner of liuing, and he doth dispence -with them in many things that be prohibited by their lawes, the which he -may do according vnto the sayd lawes, and manie times he doth dispence -certaine of them. But here one to be laughed at, which is, that when a -woman cannot suffer the condition of her husbande, or is wearie of him -for other occasions, she goeth vnto this Brama, and giuing vnto him a -peece of golde, which may be to the value of a ducat in Spaine, he doth -vnmarry them, and setteth her at libertie that she may marry with an -other, or with many if she please: and in token of this she is giuen a -marke with an yron vpon her right shoulder, so that with that alone she -remaineth at libertie, and her husband cannot do vnto her any harme for -the same, neither compell her to returne againe to his company. - -[Sidenote: A diamond sold for a million of gold.] - -There are in this kingdome many mynes of verie fine diamonds, and are -had in great estimation, and very well knowen in Europe. There hath -beene found in them a stone of so fine and of so great value, that but -few yeares past, the king did sell the same vnto an other mightie king -his borderer, called Odialcan, for a million of golde, besides other -thinges of value that hee gaue him ouer and aboue.[104] It is a healthfull -countrie, with very good and fresh ayres, rich of prouisions, and of all -other necessaries, not only for the humane life, but also for curiositie -and delightes that be therein. It is in fourteene degrees towardes the -pole artico. All the people therein are faint-hearted and cowards, and -for little trauaile, which is the occasion that they are nothing -affectionate vnto warres, and is vnderstoode with great facilitie they -would receiue the gospell. - -[104] This is in all probability the great diamond mentioned by -Tavernier, vol. ii, p. 249, as being in the possession of the Great -Mogul. It was found in the washings near Caldore, to the east of -Golconda, about the year 1550. Professor Tennant, in his lecture on -"Gems" before the Society of Arts, expresses his opinion that the -Koh-i-noor formed a portion of this large diamond. - -Nigh vnto the same there is an other little kingdome called Mana, in -the which there is a towne with Portingals, the which is called in their -language Negapatan; there is in the same a conuent of the order of S. -Francis, whose religious friers, although they are but few, do occupie -themselues in the converting of the naturall people thereof, and it is -to be beleeued that they shall reape much fruite and doo good, for they -haue giuen showes of the same: for that about three yeares past the -prince of that countrie was conuerted by the preaching of the same -fryers, who went now to receiue the holy baptisme with great and -incredible ioy vnto the Christians. All the rest of the kingdoms (as it -is beleeued) will shortly imitate him. In this iland there are many -pearls and aliofar, al very good, round, and fine. - - - - -CHAP. XXV. - - _This chapter treateth of manie kingdomes of that newe - worlde, the rites and customes of the inhabitants, and - of some curious thinges._ - - -[Sidenote: Ilandes of Nicobar.] - -The afore saide father Martin Ignacio, departed with his companions from -this cost, and went towards the Ilands of Nicobar, whereas are many -Moores and gentiles, al mingled the one with the other. They did not -stay there, but presently passed to the town of Cuylan, which is -inhabited with Portingals, and from Malaca foure hundred and sixteene -leagues. This iland is situated from sixe vnto ten degrees vnder our -pole, and hath in longitude three score and sixe leagues, and nine and -thirtie of latitude. Of old time it was an iland much celebrated, and in -those partes had in great reuerence, for that it is saide that there -dwelt and died there in times past, men, whose soules are in heauen, and -are celebrated and honoured by them of the countrie as though they were -gods, with many sacrifices and orations, the which they do ordinarily. -There come from other kingdomes bordering thereupon, vnto this ilande, -many pilgrimes; but our people could neuer vnderstand the ground and -occasion thereof, neither how they liued, whom they doo hold for saints. -There is vpon the same iland a very high mountaine, which is called Pico -de Adan, which father Martin did see, and did heare the naturall people -thereof say, that it had that name, for that by the same Adam went vp -into heauen; but what Adam it was they could not declare. - -[Sidenote: An apes tooth for a god.] - -There is on this Pico like a monasterie, the which the naturall people -doo call pagode: at one time they had therein an apes tooth, the which -they did worship for their God: and there came thither vnto that effect -some two hundred and three hundred leagues. [It so happened, in the -yeare 1554, the vizroy of India, called Don Pedro Mascarenas, sent an -army vnto this kingdome, with many Portugals, with intent to reduce them -vnto the obedience of the king of Portugall, all of that country, as -they were before, who few yeares past did rise against them, and tooke -away and denied their fewter.[105] The souldiers did sack that pagoda or -monastery, and thinking to finde some treasure therein, they broke it, -and beat it downe vnto the foundation: and there they found the -aforesaid apes tooth, the which they did worship, put in a chest of -golde and stones, and carried it vnto Goa, vnto the said vizroy. When -that this was vnderstood and knowne to other kings their borderers, and -vnto him of Pegu, of this losse (the which of them was iudged to bee -great) they sent their ambassadors to the said vizroy, that they might -in the name of them all, demaunde the saide tooth, the which they did -worship, and to offer for the ransome thereof seuen hundred thousand -ducats of gold. The viceroy would haue giuen it them for that quantitie -of gold which they did offer, and would haue done it in effect, if it -had not bin for the archbishop of Goa, who was called Don Gaspar, and -other religious men, who did disturbe him, putting great scrupulositie, -and laide vnto his charge the hurt that come by their idolatrie, in -giuing them the same, of the which he should giue a straight account -vnto God. The which did so much in him, that he dispatched away the -ambassador, without any regard of the gold that they would haue giuen -him in their presence: he did deliuer the same vnto the said archbishop -and religious men, and they before their eies did break it, and burnt -it, and threw the dust thereof into the sea, which was not a little -woonder vnto the said embassadors, to see how little they did esteeme so -great a quantitie of golde, and for a thing which they esteemed not, but -threw it into the sea with so great liberalitie.] - -[105] The passage inserted between brackets is supplied by the -translator from the French of De la Porte. The clause of the sentence -thus strangely translated is as follows: "pour le reduire a l'obeyssance -de la couronne de Portugal, comme il estoit auparavant et de la quelle -il s'etoit soustrait depuis peu d'annees par une rebellion generale." - -[Sidenote: A brutish vse.] - -This ilande is fertile, peaceable, and healthfull, and all full of -woods, and there are mountaines very thicke of orange trees, siders, -limas, plantanos, and palmas, and many synamon trees, which be the best -in all the world, and of most strength and effect, for the which they go -to buy, for to bring it vnto Europe, and they giue it for a small price. -Likewise there is pepper, but the naturall people did pull vp certaine -hils that were ful of it, and of synamon, because they saw there came -from farre to buy these two commodities, and fearing that it would be an -occasion that their country would be taken from them. It is a countrie -of great prouision, and doth bring foorth mightie elephants, and they -say that there is many mynes of diamonds, rubies, and other stones that -are called girasolis. In no part of this Orientall Indies, there was -none of so good a beginning in the conuersion of the soules, as was in -this iland: for that certaine religious friers of the order of S. -Francis did labor very much, and did baptise in a few daies more than -fiftie thousand soules, which gaue to vnderstand that with a verie good -will they did receiue the law of the gospell, and had edified many -churches, and fourteene monasteries of the same religion: but few yeares -past, a king of that kingdome, being weary of certaine things, which in -all that Indians are very publicke, he forsooke the religion and faith -he had receiued, and did raise and destroy many Portingals that were -there inhabited, thrusting forth all the religious men that did baptise, -and minister the sacraments. This euill king was called Raxu. Many of -them that were christened, and content with the faith of Iesus Christ -they had receiued, detesting that which this tirannous king had done, -they went and dwelt in the company of the Portingals, and others did -build a town, the which is called in their language Columbo, whereas is -a great number of them: vnto this day do indure throughout al that -kingdom the crosses, in token of their ancient Christianitie: alongst -all the coast they doe vse many galiotas or gallyes, and goe with them, -robbing and spoyling al thereaboutes. The naturall people doo say, that -with a good will they would againe returne and receiue the law of the -gospell, if they had it there preached. From this iland, after they had -passed a little gulfe, they came vpon the coast of a kingdome called -Tutucurin, and ran all alongest the cost of the same, running from the -cape of Comerin to Cuylan. Here there is a pagode or temple of their -gods very great and rich, thether come all the gentiles of that kingdom, -at certain feasts in the year with great deuotion: there is in it a -triumphant chariot, so great that twentie horse cannot mooue it, they -bring it foorth in publike vpon their festiual daies, and is carried by -elephants, and by an infinite number of men, who voluntarily do hale and -pull at certaine roapes that are made fast therunto. Upon the highest of -this chariot is made a tabernacle very richly adorned, and within the -same an idol, whom they do worship: then immediately vnder the same are -the kings wiues that go singing. They doo bring it forth with much -musicke and reioysings, and do carry it a good way in procession, and -amongest many thinges of honor that they doo vnto it, they do vse one so -brute and beastly as the reader may well iudge thereof, which is, that -many of them doo cut peeces of their owne fleshe and doo throwe it vnto -the idoll, and the other, not contented with this, doo throwe themselues -on the grounde that the chariot may passe ouer them, and there they -remaine all to peeces. Those that do die in this sort, they account them -for great saints, and are had in singular veneration. Many other maners -and fashions of idolatrie is declared of this kingdome, and more beastly -than this we haue spoken of, the which I let passe because I would not -be tedious in this itinerario. All the people of this kingdom be very -bad and ill inclined, for which cause the fathers of the company of -Iesus, that are in certaine townes nigh vnto the same, cannot as yet -bring them out of their errors, although they haue put therein great -care and diligence. - -Upon the same cost, and a little distant from this kingdom, there is a -towne of Portingals called Coulan, and twentie-fiue leagues further a -citie which is called Cochin, in the which there are religious men of -St. Francis, of S. Dominicke, and of S. Austin, and of the companie of -Iesus, who haue there a very good studie or seminarie, whereas they do -bring foorth much fruite. Nigh vnto this citie is Santo Tome, whereas -are many baptised and good Christians, very abstinent and chast, vnto -whom the patriarkes of Babylon doo prouide them of bishops: the -authoritie where with they do it is not knowen, nor whence they haue it, -for that as I do vnderstand, seat apostolicke did neuer giue it them. -About the same matter, at this present there is in Rome a bishop of this -kingdome, and one of the kingdome of Pimienta, with whom I haue talked -diuers times, and is come thether to giue his obedience vnto the pope, -and to knowe of him the order that his pleasure is should be obserued, -in receiuing of those bishops which come thether by the commandement of -the patriarke. In this kingdome there are many kings, but the -principallest of them is he of Cochin, and next vnto him, he of Coulan, -and nigh vnto them are many petie kings, as is hee of Mangate and -Cranganor, and are all gentils, although amongst them there are mixed -many Moores. There hath bin found in this kingdome certaine Iewes, that -haue gone from Palestina and those parts. There is in this countrie -vniuersally, a lawe verie strange and little heard of, which is, that -the sonnes doo not inherite after their fathers, but his brothers sonne, -and the reason they giue for the same is, for that they haue no -certaintie of their children, for that they haue no wiues proper nor -appointed to themselues, I promise you it seemeth to me, their reason to -be as barbarous as their law, for that the like inconuenience doth folow -their brothers children. They haue many rites and blindnes amongst them, -but one aboue all the rest, which is, that in certaine feastes amongst -them, they do vse bathes, and after that they are bathed, they say that -they remaine free and cleare from all their sinnes. They haue many -augorismes, of whom I will not intreat, for that they are not worthy of -memorie. In this country is gathered most of the pepper that is brought -into Europe, for which cause this kingdome is called that of the -Pimienta. - - - - -CHAP. XXVI. - - _The chapter doth treate of many kingdomes of the Newe - World, and of the particular and curious things of - them._ - - -[Sidenote: The kingdome of Cananor, Tanaor, and Calicart.] - -The aforesaid father went from Cochin to the kingdome of Cananor, and -passed by Tanaor and Calicut, which is called of the naturall people -Malabar, they are like kingdomes, but in them much people. In that of -Cananor, there are inhabited many Portingals and religious men of the -order of S. Francis: it is a countrie in all things like vnto Cochin, -for which cause, and for that they obserue and keepe one maner of -customs and rites, I remit the touching of this kingdome to the other -aforesaide. - -Then forwards on there are other two small kingdoms, the one is called -Barcelor, and the other, Mangalor; there be in them some Christians: it -is a good countrie and rich, and hath it for certaine, that within a -little time they will be all baptised. From this kingdome they went vnto -Goa, a principall citie, and inhabited with Portingals, and is as the -metropolitan of all those kingdomes: it is in fifteen degrees of height, -and is set from Cochin vnto it a hundreth leagues, this citie is -situated in a little iland, compassed round about with water, and in -compasse but onely four leagues, and is diuided from the firme land of -Odialcan by a mightie riuer. It is a good countrie and peaceable, and -doth inioy a very faire and pleasant riuer. In this citie ordinarily is -resident the viceroy of the India and the archbishoppe: there are many -churches and conuents; and besides the high church, there are fourteene -parish churches, besides fifteen hermitages that are within and without -the citie: there be four conuents, all very sumptuous, of S. Dominicke, -of S. Austin, of S. Francis, and of the company of Iesus. And without -the cittie there is another of _Recoletos Franciscanos_, reformed -Francis friers. - -[Sidenote: Ilandes Salcete and Bardes.] - -Nigh vnto this iland are those of Salcete and Bardes, there whereas the -religious men of S. Francis, and the companie of Iesus haue certaine -Christian townes. Few yeares past, the Gentiles of Sancete[106] did kill -certaine fathers of the company of Iesus, in abhorring the faith, who -died with great spirite and strength: so that I beleeue they went into -ioy with God. - -[106] Misspelt for Salcete--Salsette. - -[Sidenote: The towne of Chaul, Basayn, Damaun, Cambaya.] - -[Sidenote: The cittie of Diu.] - -Beyond Goa, on the same coast towardes the north, is in eighteene -degrees and a halfe from the towne of Chaul, and beyond that Basayn, and -nigh thereunto Damaun; all these three townes are inhabited with -Portugals; and the farthest is the prouince of Cambaya, subiect vnto the -grand Tartar, or Mogor, by an other name. Two and fortie leagues beyond -that is the cittie called Diu, whereas is a very faire and good -fortresse of Portugals, with a very great hauen and sure, whose name -doth extend throughout all Turkey. - -[Sidenote: The cittie of Oromuz.] - -Two hundred and seuentie leagues beyond that is the citie of Oromuz, on -the coast of Persia, and in the same hath the saide Portugals an other -fortresse, much better then that of Diu, and more inexpugnable: it is -the biggest in al the Indians, but not of so great name as that of Diu. -In this cittie of Oromuz they gather nothing else but salt, and that in -great aboundance; yet, notwithstanding, it is replenished of all that -may be imagined, for that there is brought thither from Persia and -Arabia great prouision, and many other curiosities. They say, that from -this place they may easily go to Venice, taking their way to Aleph, and -to Tripoli in Soria. - -[Sidenote: Odialon.] - -[Sidenote: Mogor.] - -[Sidenote: Persia.] - -All this coast of the Indias vnto Persia is inhabited with many and -mightie kingdomes, in which there are an infinite number of people: one -of them is that of Odialon, the which is very rich, and of much people, -and all Moores. Nigh vnto this is another called Disamaluco, harde by -the kingdome of the great Tartar, which, in their language, is called -Mogor, the which, next vnto that of China (I doo thinke), is the -greatest in all the world, as may be collected in that which is declared -of the mightinesse thereof, both in ancient and latter histories. On the -other side of Oromuz is the kingdome of Persia, whose king is Xactamas, -or Ismael Sophi, great Soldan of Egypt, descending by lyneall desent -from the Soldan, Campson Guario, whom Selim, emperor of the Tartaros did -ouercome in battell, nigh vnto Damasco, in the yeare 1516. - -All those of this kingdome are Moores, although they and the Turkes are -as the Christians and heretikes, for that the Persians do follow the -interpretation of the lawe of Mahomet of certain alies, or doctors. And -the Turkes go a different way, and do follow others. This contractation -and different interpretation of the lawe, is the occasion that betwixt -the one and the other there is ordinarily cruell warres: and it is the -great mercy of God, for that the Turke may not haue any space to come -and do euil vnto his Christians; or if he do come, he shall be ouertaken -with the Persians, his enimy the Sophi, and intrapped with all the euill -that they can do vnto him: who that although he be a Moore, and of the -sect of Mahomet, yet he is a friend vnto Christians. - - - - -CHAP. XXVII. - - _Of other kingdomes and notable things that are vntill - you come into Spaine, and to conclude, the compassing - of the world._ - - -[Sidenote: Arabia Felix.] - -[Sidenote: The Red Sea.] - -[Sidenote: The land of Abexin that of Prester Iohn.] - -[Sidenote: Mazanbiqua.] - -Neere unto the straite of Oromuz is Arabia Felix, where as all the -inhabitants are of the sect of Mahomet, and doo follow the same -interpretation that the Sophi doth. So running a long by Arabia, you -come straight vnto the Red Sea, or Arabico, the which hath foure hundred -and fiftie leagues of longitude, and in some partes it is of a mightie -depth: the water thereof seemeth to bee red, although taking it out -thereof it is white: the cause thereof is for that the ground vnder the -water is of the same colour. By reason whereof, when as the sun doth -shine thereon it seemeth red, and thereby it hath got the name the which -it hath vnto this day. By this sea, and by that of Basora, the great -Turk doth carrie much spicerie, silkes, and cloth of golde, and all -riches out of the orientall Indias, the which may easily be disturbed, -but the way how is not for this place nor time. On the other side is the -land of Abexin, which is that of Prester John, a kingdome although it is -very great, yet it extendeth very litle on this coast. From this -kingdome or poynt, going to the southwest, is six hundreth leagues to -Mazanbique, whereas there is inhabitance of Portingals. All this coast -is black people, gentiles, and idolaters, and is in fifteene degrees in -altitude towardes the south, and in the same maner are all the rest that -are inhabited from Mazanbique vnto the Cape of Buena Esperansa. They are -without memorie of the preaching of the gospel; if that God for his -mercy doe not take pitie on them, and put into the heartes of some to -goe thither, and to procure the remedie of so infinite number of soules. - -[Sidenote: The Ilands of Maldivia.] - -[Sidenote: The Ilands of S. Lorenso.] - -[Sidenote: The Cape of Buena Esperansa.] - -[Sidenote: The Iland of S. Elena.] - -So after the sayd father had informed himselfe of all that is sayde, and -of many other thinges more, which is left out for to euitate tediousnes, -till such time as of them may bee made a particular historie, hee -departed from Goa and Cochin towardes Portingall, and passed by the -Ilandes of Maldivia, which are many, and all are inhabited with Moores, -nigh vnto the which they doe enter the poole Antartico, crossing the -equinoctiall from the coast of Arabia; from thence they sayled with a -faire winde till they came right against the Iland of Saint Lorenso, -which is very great, for that it hath two hundreth seuentie and fiue -leagues of longitude, and fourescore and tenne of latitude; all -inhabited with much people, very quiet and ciuile: the faith of Christ -was neuer preached amongest them; yet I doo belieue that if it were, -they would quietly receiue the same. Passing from this ilande, they came -vnto the Cape of Buena Esperansa, the which is another very good iland, -whose inhabitants and dwellers are much like to those of Saint Lorenzo: -it is in the temperate zona, and nigh vnto the straights of Magellanes. -This Cape of Buena Esperansa is called by another name, the Cape -Tormentorio: it is fiue and thirtie degrees large from the pole -antartico. And from Cochin vnto this cape they put one thousand three -hundred fiftie and eight leagues, that way which they do ordinarily -nauigate. When they doo passe by this cape, they were wont to have great -and strong winds. They go from thence to the Iland of S. Elena, which is -beyond the cape forwards, fiue hundred and seuentie leagues. It is not -inhabited with people, but full of swine, goats, and great aboundance of -partriges, and in all the coast is great store of fish, the which is -taken with great ease; it is but a little iland, and hath circuit no -more than fiue leagues. - -[Sidenote: Guinea.] - -From this ilande they do nauigate foure hundred leagues vntil they come -vnder the equinoctiall, vpon the coast of Guinea, returning unto the -pole artike, in foure and forty degrees in altitude (which was almost at -the same place from whence he departed at his gooing forth) after hee -compassed the world. They passed in sight of the lande, and from thence -they sayled forwards and sawe other land, vntill they came vnto -Lisborne, hauing (after they had crossed the equinoctiall) sayled a -thousand foure hundred and fiftie leagues. So that after the aforesaid -father, Frier Martin Ignacio, had made his account of all that he had -trauelled from the time he departed from Siuel, til he returned vnto -Lysborne, in compassing the world, he found that it was nine thousand -and forty leagues by sea and by lande, besides many other leagues that -he trauelled in China and in other parts, of the which hee dooth make no -account. All these leagues are full of mightie kingdomes, and al, or the -most part of them, are subiect vnto the tyranny of Lucyfer. God, for his -infinite mercy, conuert them, and take pittie on them, as hee did when -that he came from heauen vppon the earth to die for all, and put into -the heart of the king of Spaine, that, amongst other good workes, the -which, with his most Christian zeale dooth intend and do, for to procure -this, which will be so much vnto the glory of God, and great desert of -honor vnto himselfe, the which he may do very commodiously, being, as he -is at this day, Lord of all the Indies, and of the biggest part of all -that newe world. - -This petition is worthy, that all we Christians doo desire of God, for -that his holy name in all the world may be praised and exalted; and the -sonnes of Adam, who for their sinnes are so dispersed and forgotten of -God, and first beginning, they may go and inioy the happy and glorious -kingdome for the which they were created. - - -FINIS. - - - - -INDEX. - - - Abexin, the kingdom of Prestyr John, ii, 337 - Abulfeda, i; - ignorance of, respecting China, vi - Acapulco, ii, 223, 253 - Adultery, law respecting, i, 63 - Agriculture, ii, 56 - Aguizi, i, 72 - Aguila, an odoriferous wood, i, 58; ii, 303 - Alazan, i, 51 - Alfaro, Pedro de, visits China as a missionary, lxxiv; - arrives at Manilla, ii, 125; - his desire to visit China, ii, 126; - conversion of a Chinese priest by, ii, 127; - opposition of the governor to his proposal, ii, 128; - his unsuccessful attempt to reach China, ii, 129; - his second attempt, ii, 132; - his companions, ii, 134; - they meet with a storm, ii, 135; - arrive at an island, ii, 136; - their escape from the Chinese guardships, ii, 137; - they reach Canton, ii, 140; - enter the city, ii, 141; - an interview with a judge, ii, 144; - the interpreters' version of their story, ii, 145; - they are examined again, ii, 149, 152; - treachery of the interpreters, ii, 155; - jealousy shown by the Portuguese at Machao, ii, 158; - necessitous condition of their party, ii, 161; - a stipend allowed them by the viceroy, ii, 161; - they are sent to Aucheo, ii, 165; - their arrival, ii, 167; - reception by the viceroy, ii, 168; - they return to Canton, ii, 180; ill - feeling of the captain-general of Machao towards them, ii, 184; - his plans defeated, ii, 185; - Alfaro and some of his party arrive at Machao, ii, 194; - the others go to Chincheo, ii, 198; - and return to Manilla, ii, 204 - Alvarado, A. de, ii, 28 - Amazons, island of the, ii, 301 - Ambassadors, reception of, i, 157 - Ameias, province of, ii, 245 - Anchasi, office of the, i, 102 - Anchosan, i, 72 - Andrade, F. Peres d', his voyage to China, xxxi - Andrade, Simon d', sent to China with a Portuguese fleet, xxxiv - Animals of China, ii, 285 - Annals of China, sketch of the early, i, 69 - Anthey, i, 73 - Anthrey, i, 72 - Antoninus, embassy to China sent by the emperor, iii - Ape's tooth, worshipped in Ceylon, ii, 329; - its destruction by the Portuguese viceroy, ii, 330 - Arab merchants, early account of China by, iii - Arabia Felix, ii, 336 - Aracan, kingdom of, ii, 321 - Archipelago, ii, 258 - Arms used by the Chinese, ii, 288 - Army of China, weakness of, lxxviii, lxxx; - description of, i, 90; - reviews of, ii, 102; - its numbers, ii, 288; - its pay, ii, 289 - Arracon, _see_ Aracan - Artillery, early acquaintance of the Chinese with the use of, i, 129 - Artreda, letter by, on the arms of the Chinese, i, 130 - Atzion, i, 51 - Aucheo, ii, 75, 78, 85, 167 - Auchin, i, 75 - Aucon, ii, 113 - Augury by lot, i, 46; ii, 262 - Ayas, xvi. - Aynao, _see_ Hainan - Aytao, office of the, i, 102 - Aytim, ii, 201, 221 - - Banbosa, _see_ Barbosa - Banquets, i, 137 - Barba, a Tartar chief, xv - Barbosa, Duarte, i, 33 - Barcelor, ii, 334 - Bardes, islands of, ii, 335 - Basayn, ii, 335 - Batala, an idol, ii, 261 - Bausa, i, 74 - Beads, used in praying, i, 57 - Begging, prohibition of, i, 66 - Bells, ringing of, i, 57 - Bemthey, i, 73 - Bengal, kingdom of, ii, 322 - Benjamin of Tudela, his reference to China, vii - Bindoro, ii, 130 - Blind persons, constrained to work, i, 68 - Boneg, i, 75 - Bonze, a word of Portuguese origin, ii, 162 - Books obtained by Herrada, i, 134 - Bouchier, G., Mechanical apparatus constructed by, xi - Boxeador, cape of, ii, 268 - Brama, chief priest in Visnaga so called, ii, 326; - his power of dispensation, ii, 327 - Bridges, lvii - Buena Esperansa, cape of, ii, 338 - Buliano, ii, 31 - Burgos, G. de, ii, 268 - Burial of the dead, i, 59; ii, 291; - of the kings of Visnaga, ii, 326 - Burneo, isle of, ii, 261 - - - Cabile, ii, 15 - Cabite, ii, 268 - Cagayan, river of, ii, 131 - Calamina, _see_ Malipur - Calicut, ii, 334 - Camels used in the Canaries, ii, 214 - Cambaya, province of, ii, 335 - Camboia, kingdom of, ii, 311; - crosses erected in, 313 - Campeachy, ii, 222 - Cananor, ii, 334 - Canary Isles, derivation of their name, ii, 209; - description of, ii, 209, 213 - Canasia, _see_ Hang-cheou - Canfu, vi - Cannafistola, a Malay fruit, ii, 318 - Cannibals, effect of a friar upon, ii, 215 - Canton, vi; ii, 140 - Capital punishment, i, 119 - Capsonson, ii, 270 - Caraci, city of the, x - Caribs, their cannibal propensities, ii, 214; - effect of a Spanish friar upon them, 215 - Carpini, John de Plano, Chinese described by, viii - Cassava, bread made of, ii, 218 - Cattle, abundance of in Mexico, ii, 227 - Cavalry, description of Chinese, i, 88 - Cavendish, T., the navigator, R. Parke's letter to, i, 1 - Ceremonies at a deathbed, ii, 290; - at burials, 291 - Ceylon, ii, 328; fertility of, 330; - progress of Christianity there, 331 - Chabes, P. de, ii, 21 - Chacon, L., ii, 21 - Champa, kingdom of, ii, 311 - Characters used in Chinese writing, i, 121 - Chaul, ii, 335 - Chautubo, ii, 112 - Cheapness of provisions in China, ii, 285 - Chichimecos Indians, ii, 226 - Chimbutey, i, 73 - China, known to the Romans, iii; - early account of by two Arab merchants, iii; - observations of Edrisi on, vi; - reference to by Benjamin of Tudela, vii; - visited by Marco Polo, xvi; - by G. de Monte Corvino, xxii; - by O. de Pordenone, xxiii; - by Ibn Batuta, xxvi; - the embassy sent to Cathay by Mirza Shah Rokh, xxvii; - voyage thither of a Portuguese fleet, xxxi; - failure of the Portuguese embassy, xxxvi; - visit of F. Mendez Pinto to China, xxxvii; - account of the customs and laws of the empire in 1555, xxxix; - visited by G. da Cruz, li; - described by G. Pereyra, liii; - visited by Spanish missionaries, lxix; - described by Herrada, lxxii; - Alfaro's voyage there, lxxiv; - observations on the empire by M. Ricci, lxxvii; - by G. Roman, lxxix; - Mendoza's description of China, i, 8; - its climate, i, 11; - fertility, i, 12; - productions, i, 14; - antiquity of the kingdom, i, 18; - its extent, i, 20; - provinces, i, 21; - cities, i, 23; - the great wall, i, 28; - sketch of the early annals of China, i, 69; - account of the Emperor Vitey, i, 70; - the royal palace, i, 77; - number of payers of tribute, i, 80; - amount of tribute paid, i, 82; - the army, i, 86; - military strength of the empire, i, 90; - law against undertaking foreign wars, i, 92; - against leaving the kingdom, i, 93; - against the admission of strangers, i, 94; - the royal council of state, i, 96; - the chief officers of state, i, 101; - how chosen, i, 106; - ministers of justice, i, 107; - legal proceedings, i, 109; - tortures, i, 111; - watch kept over the conduct of the judges, i, 112; - rewards and punishments awarded them, i, 115; - Mendoza's embassy to China, i, 162; - expedition of M. de Herrada to China, ii, 29; - his arrival, ii, 37; - he visits Tansuso, ii, 44; - Tong-gan, ii, 53; - Chincheo, ii, 59; - Aucheo, ii, 78; - their return to Manilla, ii, 111; - expedition of Alfaro and other Augustines to China, ii, 132; - they arrive at Canton, ii, 140; - are sent to Aucheo, ii, 165; - they return to Canton, ii, 180; - some of the party go to Machao, ii, 194; - the rest return to Manilla, ii, 204; - expedition of Martin Ignatius and other Franciscan friars - to China, ii, 207; - they leave Spain, ii, 208; - arrive at the Canaries, ii, 209; - Desseado and Dominica, ii, 214; - two of the party killed by the Caribs, ii, 214; - they reach Puerto Rico, ii, 216; - and Hispaniola, ii, 217; - description of Cuba, ii, 220; - of Mexico, ii, 223; - they visit the Ladrone Isles, ii, 254; - the Philippines, ii, 258; - they sail for China, ii, 268; - their arrival, ii, 269; - they are taken to Quixue, ii, 274; - examined there, ii, 276; - sent to Saneheo-fu, ii, 277; - to Hucheofu, ii, 279; - return of Ignatius home, ii, 310 - Chincheo, ii, 59 - Chinese, described by Carpini, viii; - by Rubruquis, xii; - account of their laws and customs, related in the College of Jesuits, - Malacca, in 1555, xxxix; - by G. Pereyra, liii; - their houses, xl; - prisons, xliii; - feasts, xlv; - costume, l; - bridges, lvii; - religion, lxi; - punishments, lxiii; - origin of the name of China, lxiv; - hospitals, lxv; - their cowardice, lxviii; - the navy, lxxix; - complexion of the Chinese, i, 11, 29; - their dwellings, i, 27; - dress, i, 30; - description of the Chinese women, i, 31; - the porcelain manufacture, i, 33; - the currency, i, 34; - the idols, i, 36; - the principal saints, i, 41; - augury by lots, i, 46; - devil-invocation, i, 49; - Chinese mythology, i, 50; - doctrine on the immortality of the soul, i, 53; - the temples and religious orders, i, 54; - their beads and bells, i, 57; - funeral rites, i, 59; - mourning apparel, i, 61; - marriage customs and ceremonies, i, 62; - law of inheritance, i, 63; - punishment of adulterers, i, 63; - singular marriage custom in Tartary, i, 63; - marriage of the emperor, and princes of the blood, i, 65; - maintenance of the poor, i, 67; - condition of the blind, i, 68; - payers of tribute numbered, i, 81; - no subjects allowed to travel without a license, i, 93; - jealousy of foreigners, i, 94; - legal proceedings, i, 107; - tortures, i, 111; - prisons, i, 116; - punishment of criminals, i, 119; - characters used in writing, i, 121; - the same characters common to different languages, i, 121; - schools, i, 122; - knowledge acquired by all classes, i, 122; - paper and pens, i, 123; - examination for the degree of Loytia, i, 125; - how it is conferred, i, 126; - early use of artillery in China, i, 129; - art of printing early practised there, i, 131; - books obtained by Herrada, i, 134; - banquets, i, 137; - festivals, i, 139; - modes of salutation, i, 141; - courtesy to women, i, 144; - seclusion of their women, i, 145; - courtesans, i, 146; - shipping, i, 148; - fishing boats, i, 151; - breeding of ducks, i, 153; - birds used for fishing, i, 155; - reception of ambassadors, i, 156; - compasses used in China, ii, 37; - use of chopsticks, ii, 47; - carriers of baggage, ii, 55; - agriculture, ii, 57; - highways, ii, 58; - fruits, ii, 60; - a Chinese entertainment, ii, 72, 87; - a Drama, ii, 88, 104; - presents to public officers forbidden, ii, 90; - idols, ii, 91; - a review of the troops, ii, 102; - presentation of petitions, ii, 103; - jealousy of strangers, ii, 139, 142; - administration of justice, ii, 153; - physiognomy, ii, 163; - ploughing, ii, 166; - invocation of devils, ii, 203; - method of irrigation, ii, 279; - shipping, ii, 284; - mines, ii, 286; - silk, ii, 287; - arms and army, ii, 288; - religious ceremonies, ii, 289; - funeral rites, ii, 291; - character of the people, ii, 293 - Chop sticks, ii, 47 - Christianity, conversion of Chinese to, ii, 122; - of the Philippine islanders, ii, 126; - said to have been introduced by St. Thomas, ii, 290 - Chyley, i, 73 - Cia, ii, 245 - Cibao, mines of, ii, 217 - Cibola, ii, 246 - Cincoan, i, 73 - Cinsones, ii, 229 - Cities of China enumerated, i, 23 - Climate of China, i, 11 - Coanty, i, 72 - Cochin, ii, 332 - Cochin China, description of, ii, 303; - picture sent to king by a friar, ii, 304; - desire of king of to embrace Christianity, ii, 305; - miracles wrought there, ii, 306 - Cochin Chinese, description of, ii, 310 - Columbo, in Ceylon, ii, 331 - Comedy in China, ii, 88, 105 - Compass used by Chinese, ii, 37 - Compulsary marriage in Tartary, i, 63 - Concham, i, 75 - Congreve, his mention of F. Mendez Pinto, xxxvii - Conjurations against devils, ii, 135 - Conversion of Philippine islanders, ii, 263; - of Japanese, 299 - Copper money, i, 35 - Corchu, ii, 112 - Cormorants, fishing with, i, 155 - Coromandel, kingdom of, ii, 324 - Cortes, Hernando, his reverence for priests, ii, 230 - Cosmos, an intoxicating liquor described by Rubriquis, xiii - Costume of the Chinese, 1; - of state officers, i, 102; ii, 144 - Cotey, i, 74 - Cotino, A., ii, 160 - Coulan, ii, 332 - Council, the royal, i, 96 - Courts of justice, ii, 276 - Courtesans, i, 146 - Cowardice of the Chinese, lxxviii - Cranganor, ii, 333 - Cripples, laws for maintenance of, i, 67 - Crosses, erected by Mexican Indians, ii, 242; - also in Cochin China, ii, 306, and in Camboia, ii, 313 - Cruz, Gaspar da, visits China as a missionary, li - Cuba, ii, 220; - treasures thrown into the sea by the natives of, ii, 221 - Cubun, i, 72 - Cuenca, N. de, ii, 34 - Cumdan, vi - Cuntey, i, 72 - Cuylan, _see_ Ceylon - Cyan, _see_ Siam - - - Damaun, ii, 335 - Debt, law of, in the Philippines, ii, 261 - Debtors, law against, i, 111 - Desert beyond the wall of China, ii, 283 - Desseado, island of, ii, 214 - Devil worship in China, i, 41, 48; ii, 26; - in Mexico, 242 - Devotees, penance of, ii, 314 - Diamond mines of Visnaga, ii, 327 - Dignitaries of state, i, 101 - Disamaluco, ii, 335 - Diu, ii, 335 - Divorce, law of in Visnaga, ii, 327 - Dogs, great numbers of, found in the Canary isles, ii, 209 - Dominica, island of, ii, 214; - ferocity of the natives, ii, 215 - Dowry given by the husband in China, i, 62 - Drama, description of a Chinese, ii, 88, 104 - Ducks, breeding of, i, 153 - Duennas, F. de, one of Alfaro's companions, ii, 134 - Durion, a Malay fruit, ii, 318 - - - Eclipses, Chinese explanation of, ii, 291 - Eden, Richard, his History of Travayle in the West and East Indies, ii - Edrisi, the Arabian geographer, his observations on China, vi - Education of the poor, i, 122 - Elephant; war between Pegu and Siam for an, ii, 321 - Emperor of China, seldom seen in public, i, 79; - his concubines marry on his death, i, 65; - lord of the entire soil of the empire, i, 79 - Entertainment, description of a Chinese, ii, 72, 87 - Espeio, A. de, his expedition into New Mexico, ii, 234 - Examinations in learning, i, 125 - Executions, i, 119 - Extirpation of the natives of Hispaniola, ii, 218 - Ezoulom, i, 51 - - - Faxiuandono, ii, 298 - Feather pictures of the Mexicans, ii, 229 - Feria, J. de, ii, 268 - Fernandina, ii, 10 - Ferro, the water-distilling tree of, ii, 210, 211, _note_ - Fertility of China, i, 12; ii, 285 - Festivals, i, 139 - Fires, precautions against, i, 104 - Fishing, xxiv, lxvi - Fishing vessels, i, 151 - Fontey, i, 74 - Forster, J. Reinhold, his opinion concerning the site of Karakorum, xix - Fruits of China, ii, 60; - of Malacca, ii, 318 - Fucheo, i, 27 - Fuco, described by O. de Pordenone, xxiii - Funeral rites on the death of an Emperor's wife, xxx - Futey, i, 72 - - - Gahai, ii, 44 - Ganges, account of an attempt to discover the source of the, ii, 332; - reverence paid to its water, ii, 323 - Gaspar, Archbishop of Goa, ii, 330 - Gautin, ii, 112 - Geese, flocks of, ii, 166 - Giuzza, xvi - Goa, ii, 329, 334 - Gombu, i, 75 - Goyti, M. de, ii, 13 - Guanser, i, 73 - Guansian, i, 73 - Guardships, ii, 137 - Gubates, ii, 251 - Guertas, ii, 216 - Guetaria, S. de, ii, 259 - Guinea, ii, 338 - Guntey, i, 72 - Gutemberg, J., i, 131 - - - Hainan, isle of, ii, 283, 303 - Hang-Cheou, described by Marco Polo, xxi; - by O. de Pordenone, xxiv - Hatuey, ii, 221 - Havanna, ii, 220 - Hermit, a Chinese, ii, 292 - Herrada, Martin de, his account of China, lxxi; - books obtained by, i, 134; - his desire to visit China, ii. 5; - meets Omoncon, ii, 25; - is sent to China with H. Martin, ii, 29; - their voyage, ii, 31; - arrival at Tituhul, ii, 37; - adventures there, ii, 40; - first landing, ii, 45; - they leave Tansuso, ii, 50; - reach Tangoa, ii, 53; - Chincheo, ii, 59; - audience with the governor, ii, 65; - arrival at Aucheo, ii, 78; - their difficulties, ii, 92; - examination, ii, 101; - return to Manilla, ii, 119 - Highways, xli; ii, 59 - Hilocos, the, ii, 10, 31 - Hing-hoa, seized by the Japanese, ii, 75 - Hispaniola, island of, described, ii, 217; - extirpation of the natives of, ii, 218 - Holgoi, witches so called, ii, 262 - Horses, excellence of Mexican, ii, 225 - Hortiz, Sancho, ii, 17 - Hospitals, lxv; i, 67 - Houses, description of Chinese, xl; i, 26 - Hucheofu, ii, 279 - Huntzui, i, 51 - Hurricanes in the West Indies, ii, 220 - Huy Hannon, i, 72 - - - Ibn Batuta, his account of China, xxvi - Idols of China, i, 36; ii, 91; - of the Philippine isles, ii, 261 - Ignatius de Loyola, a Spanish Franciscan; - his expedition to the East, ii, 207; - he leaves Spain, ii, 208; - reaches Mexico, ii, 223; - the Philippines, ii, 258; - China, ii, 269; - his treatment there, ii, 270, 281; - he returns by Cochin China, ii, 310; - Malacca, Ceylon, ii, 328; - Cape Comorin, ii, 331; - Malabar, ii, 334; - Goa, ii, 337; - the Cape of Good Hope and Guinea, ii, 338; - back to Lisbon, ii, 338. - Ignorance considered infamous in China, i, 122 - Illocos islands, _see_ Hilocos - Imaginary island of St. Borandon, ii, 212 - Immortality of the soul, Chinese belief in the, i, 53; ii, 291 - Indians, treasures thrown into the river by those of Cuba, ii, 221; - their objection to meeting Spaniards in Paradise, ii, 264 - Industry of the Chinese, i, 13 - Inheritance, law of, in China, i, 63; - singular custom concerning it in Pimienta, ii, 333 - Insuanto, office of the, i, 101 - Invocation of devils, ii, 203 - Irrigation, method of, ii, 279 - - - Japan, said to have been peopled from China, ii, 294; - reason of the migration, ii, 295; - Chinese hated by Japanese, ii, 296; - kings of, ii, 297; - warlike nature of the people, ii, 298; - an unsuccessful expedition to China by them, ii, 299; - progress of Christianity there, ii, 299; - priests, witches, and women of, ii, 300; - slaves in, ii, 301 - Jor, _see_ Johore - Johore, ii, 316 - Josshouse, a Portuguese word, ii, 162 - Judges in China, laws concerning, i, 107; - diligence of, i, 109; - their conduct investigated, i, 112; - punishment of unjust, i, 115; - ii, 169, ii, 275 - Jumenos Indians, ii, 237 - Justice, courts of, procedure in the, i, 107; ii, 153 - - - Kampion, xviii - Kancheu, xviii - Karacosmos, a Tartar beverage, xiv - Karakorum, a Tartar city described by Rubruquis, x - Khambalu in China, xix - Khamchu, xxviii - Koh-i-norr, ii, 327 - Kublai Khan, xv, xvi, xix - - - Labacares, Guido de, governor of the Philippines, ii, 15 - Labrador, ii, 256 - Ladrone islanders, singular custom of the, ii, 254; - their knavery, 256 - Laulo, isle of, ii, 111 - Laupy, i, 73 - Laws, of marriage, i, 61; - inheritance, i, 63; - the poor, i, 67; - tenure of lands, i, 79; - against leaving the kingdom, i, 93; - against admitting foreigners, i, 94; - a law of frankpledge, i, 110; - concerning debtors, i, 111; - on torture, i, 111; - concerning courtesans, i, 146 - Le, a Chinese coin, i, 82 - Leachis, visiting justices, i, 113 - Legal proceedings, i, 109 - Legaspi, M. Lopez de, lxvii; ii, 3, 260 - Leon, F. de, ii, 17 - Letters, the writing of, i, 123; - common use of, i, 124 - Limahon, a Chinese corsair, lxviii; - account of, ii, 6; - his first attempt on Manilla, ii, 11; - its failure, ii, 14; - he burns the city, ii, 17; - his fleet destroyed by the Spaniards, ii, 22; - his escape, ii, 23, 115 - Lincheon, i, 70 - Linthey, i, 73 - Lotzitzam, i, 51 - Loyola, Martin Ignazio de, _see_ Ignatius - Loytia, a title of honour, lx; - examination for, i, 125; - how conferred, i, 127 - Lugor, ii, 316 - Luzon, ii, 258 - - - Mace, a Chinese coin, i, 82, _note_ - Macheo, ii, 158, 183, 191, 194, 302 - Magalhaens, Fernando, his discoveries and death, ii, 259 - Maguay, or Macaw-tree, ii, 228 - Mahomet, ii, 261 - Malabar, ii, 334 - Malacca, city of, taken by the Portuguese, ii, 317; - provisions and fruits there, ii, 318; - its commerce, ii, 319 - Malacca, straits of, dangerous navigation in the, ii, 317 - Maldivia, islands of, ii, 337 - Malipur, ii, 290; - relics of St. Thomas at, ii, 324 - Mana, ii, 328 - Mandarin, a Portuguese word, ii, 162 - Mangalor, ii, 334 - Mangate, ii, 333 - Mangu Khan, court of, ix, x - Manilla, founded by the Spaniards, lxvii; ii, 4; - Limahon's attack upon, ii, 17; ii, 258 - Manju, or Southern China, described by Marco Polo, xx - Manuel, king of Cathay, ii, 282 - Maqueda, duke of, ii, 210 - Marriage, ceremonies and laws of, i, 61; - singular law in Tartary of, i, 63; - marriages of the princes, 65 - Martin, Hieronimo, accompanies Herrada to China, ii, 29 - Martin Ignatius, _see_ Ignatius - Mascarenhas, Don Pedro, viceroy of India, ii, 329 - Masulapatar, ii, 324 - Mattheusi, Oderico, _see_ Pordenone - Mazanbique, _see_ Mozambique - Measures of length, i, 21 - Megoa, _see_ Hing-hoa - Mendoza, Juan Gonzales de, sent on an embassy to China by - Philip II, lxxiii; - its failure, lxxvi; - publication of his work, lxxxi; - various editions of it, lxxxii; - his return and death, lxxxiii; - account of his embassy, i, 162, 168, 170 - Mercado y Ronquillo, Gonsalo de, governor of the Philippines, i, 167 - Mexican Indians, description of the, ii, 229; - their obedience to ecclesiastics, 230; - their cities, 241, 245 - Mexico, the kingdom of described, ii, 223; - orthodoxy of the Mexicans, ii, 224; - climate of, ii, 224; rains, ii, 225; - breed of horses, ii, 225; - cattle, ii, 227; - the Indians of, ii, 228; - price of provisions in, ii, 231 - Military strength of China, i, 90 - Mines, ii, 286, 320 - Miracles in Cochin China, ii, 306 - Miranda, Arias G. de, his kindness towards the Spanish - missionaries, ii, 280 - Mirza Shah Rokh, sends an embassy to China, xxvii - Missionaries, their efforts in China, i, 171 - Mogor, the kingdom of the great Tartar, ii, 336 - Money used in China, i, 17, 34, 82; ii, 162 - Monte Corvino, G. di, sent on an embassy to China, xxii - Mourning apparel, i, 61 - Mozambique, ii, 337 - Musical instruments, i, 140 - Musk, preparation of, i, 16; ii, 285 - Mythology, the Chinese, i, 50 - - - Nanking, xxi - Nauala, isle of, ii, 219 - Navy, the Chinese, lxxx - Negapatan, ii, 328 - Neighbours, bound to reveal each others' offences, i, 110 - Neoma, a saint, i, 43 - New Mexico, account of the discovery of, ii, 231; - expedition of Ruyz, ii, 232; - of Espeio, ii, 234; - Indian towns, ii, 241; - Devil worship there, ii, 242 - Nicobar Isles, ii, 328 - Nikpha, sea of, story told by Benjamin of Tudela concerning the, vii - Nobunanga, king of Japan, ii, 296; - sets up his picture to be worshipped, ii, 297 - Nombre de Dios, ii, 223 - Number of tribute-payers in China, i, 81 - - - Obando, J. de, i, 165 - Ochantey, i, 72 - Ocheuty, i, 51 - Odialon, a Moorish kingdom, ii, 335 - Officers of state in China, i, 101 - Oktar Khan, xix - Omens, ii, 263 - Omoncon, a Chinese captain, sent against Limahon, ii, 25; - visits Manilla, ii, 27; - returns to China with M. de Herrada, ii, 31 - Ontiueros, J. de, ii, 235 - Orchon, the river, x - Orion, influence of, vii - Oromuz, city of, abounds in salt, ii, 335 - Ortega, Francisco de, lxxiii - Orthodoxy of the Mexicans, ii, 224 - Ortiz, Stephen, ii, 133 - Otey, i, 74 - Othey, i, 73 - Outon, i, 75 - Outzim, i, 75 - - - Padilla y Meneses, A. de, i, 168 - Pagoda of Vishnaga, ii, 326 - Paguina, i, 36 - Pahang, ii, 316 - Painting, i, 32 - Palace of the emperor, i, 78 - Palma de Cocos, ii, 266 - Panama, ii, 224 - Pangasinan, the river, ii, 18, 21, 32, 34 - Panzon, _see_ Pwan-Koo - Paon, _see_ Pahang - Paper currency in China, xii - Paper made of canes, i, 123 - Pardo, J. Dias, ii, 129 - Paris, William of, _see_ Bouchier - Parke, R., the translator of Mendoza's work, lxxxii; i, 1 - Passaguates Indians, ii, 236 - Patane, ii, 316 - Peak of Tenerife, description of the, ii, 210 - Pearls, ii, 285; - fishery, 302 - Pegu, kingdom of, ii, 320; - war with Siam for a white elephant, ii, 321; - religion of, ii, 321 - Pekin, xix, xlvii - Penance of devotees, ii, 314 - Pens, i, 123 - Pereyra, Galeoti, his account of China, liii - Perez, Bartholomew, his embassy to China, i, 159 - Persia, ii, 336 - Persian embassy to China, xxvii - Petitions, presentation of, ii, 103 - Pico de Adan, a mountain of Ceylon, ii, 329; - pagoda thereon, containing an ape's tooth worshipped by - the people, ii, 329; - afterwards destroyed by the Portuguese, ii, 330 - Philippines, i, 163; - discovered by the Spaniards, ii, 4, 258; - Magalhaens' voyage there, ii, 258; - condition of the natives there, ii, 260; - their law of debt, ii, 261; - religion, ii, 261; - superstitions, ii, 262; - conversion to Christianity, ii, 263; - fertility of soil, ii, 264; - products of the country, ii, 265; - the Palma de Cocos, ii, 266 - Pictures shewn to the dying, ii, 290 - Pimienta, kingdom of, ii, 333 - Pine trees planted near graves, i, 61 - Pintatey, i, 72 - Pinto, F. Mendez, xxxvii - Pires, Tomas, his embassy to China, xxxiii; - its failure, xxxvi - Pitch used for ships, i, 150 - Pintados, the islands, ii, 19 - Plague, unknown in China, ii, 284 - Plano Carpini, John de, _see_ Carpini - Play, a Chinese, ii, 88 - Plon, ii, 114 - Ploughing, ii, 166 - Poala, ii, 242 - Polo, Marco, his travels, xvi; - imprisonment at Genoa, xvii; - route to China, xviii; - description of Khambalu, xix; - excursion into Southern China, xx; - description of Quinsai, xxi - Polygamy sanctioned by law, i, 63 - Ponchasi, office of the, i, 101 - Poor houses, i, 67 - Poor laws, i, 66 - Porcelain manufacture, i, 33; ii, 287 - Pordenone, Oderico de, his description of China, xxiii - Portuguese, voyage to China, xxxi; i, 96; - jealousy towards the Spanish missionaries, ii, 158 - Posts, Chinese system of, xxvi - Prayers for the dead, i, 54 - Presents to officers of state prohibited, ii, 90 - Prestyr John, ii, 337 - Priest, conversion of a Chinese, ii, 127 - Printing, art of, i, 131; - its antiquity, i, 132; - description of a Chinese book printed in 1348, i, 133 - Prisons, xliii; i, 116 - Prophecy concerning the fall of the Chinese empire, xliv; i, 76 - Provinces of China enumerated, i, 22 - Puerto Rico, ii, 216 - Pumps for ships, i, 150 - Punishment of criminals, lxiii; ii, 276 - Pwan-koo, the Chinese Adam, i, 50 - - - Quanina, a Chinese saint, i, 41 - Quathy, i, 73 - Quinsai, _see_ Hang-cheou - Quintero, P., ii, 160 - Quioutey, i, 74 - Quires, province of, ii, 244 - Quixue, ii, 274 - - - Rada, M. de, _see_ Herrada - Rains, violent, in Mexico, ii, 225 - Ramon, Geronimo de, his "Republicas del Mundo", lxxii - Raxu, a king of Ceylon, persecutes the Christians, ii, 331 - Red Sea, explanation of its colour, ii, 337 - Religion, Carpini's account of that of the Chinese, viii; - Pereyra's account of it, lxi; i, 10, 35; - similarity between Budhist and Roman Catholic ceremonies, i, 37; - doctrine of a future life, i, 53; - religion of the Philippine islanders, ii, 261; - in Sumatra, ii, 320; - in Pegu, ii, 321; - in Aracan, ii, 322; - in Siam, ii, 314; - in Persia, ii, 336 - Religious orders in China, i, 56 - Renaudot, Eusebe, his translation of an Arabic MS. relating to China, iii - Revenues of China, i, 82 - Review of troops, ii, 102 - Rhinoceros described, ii, 311 - Ribera, G. de, ii, 21 - Ricci, Matteo, letter on China, lxxvii - Roads in China, i, 27 - Roman, Geronimo, observations on China, lxxvii - Romans, China, known to the, iii - Ronquillo, G., ii, 268 - Rubruquis, G. de, his mission to Mangu Khan, ix; - description of the Chinese, xii - Ruyz, Austen, expedition into New Mexico, ii, 234 - Rysbroeck, William Van, _see_ Rubruquis - - - Sacrifices to idols, i, 48 - Salamina, ii, 290 - Salcete, _see_ Salsette - Salsette, island of, ii, 335 - Salutations, i, 141 - Salazar, Domingo de, ii, 4 - Salzedo, J. de, ii, 10; - destroys Limahon's fleet, ii, 22 - Samatra, _see_ Sumatra - Sancete, _see_ Salsette - Sancheofu, description of the city, ii, 278 - Sandi, Francisco de, governor of the Philippines, ii, 126; - opposes Alfaro, ii, 128 - San Francisco, Sebastian de, one of Alfaro's companions, ii, 134 - Sangley, China so called, i, 20 - San Juan de Lua, ii, 222 - Santo Tome, ii, 332 - Sarmiento, Pedro, one of Herrada's companions, ii, 29 - Schools, number and excellence of Chinese, i, 122; - visitation of, i, 123 - Seclusion of women, i, 145 - Seres, Chinese so named by Ammianus Marcellinus, iii - Serica vestis, iii - Servants, condition of in Japan, ii, 300 - Sharks, rapacity of, ii, 219 - Shipping, description of Chinese, i, 148; - pitch used for, i, 150; - pumps, i, 150; - great number of ships in China, ii, 284 - Siam, kingdom of, described, ii, 313; - war with Pegu for a white elephant, ii, 321 - Sian, _see_ Siam - Sichia, a Chinese saint, i, 41 - Silk, of common use in China, ii, 286; - trade in, ii, 287; - the "Serica vestis" of the Romans, iii - Silvester, a Dominican friar, his efforts in the cause of - Christianity, ii, 312; - honour to which he attained, ii, 313 - Sincapura, strait of, ii, 258 - Sinsay, a Chinese merchant, ii, 24; - sails to China with Herrada, ii, 31, 37, 41, 83, 97, 115 - Slaves, condition of, in Japan, ii, 300 - Sosoc, i, 73 - Spices, abundance of, in China, i, 17; - in Sumatra, ii, 320 - St. Borandon, the imaginary island of, ii, 212 - St. Domingo, _see_ Hispaniola - St. Helena, isle of, ii, 338 - St. Lorenzo, isle of, ii, 337 - St. Thomas, said to have preached in China, i, 37; - relics of, preserved at Malipur, ii, 324 - Strangers, Chinese jealousy of, i, 94 - Succuir, _see_ Sucheu - Sucheu, visited by Marco Polo, xviii - Sumatra, said to be the Isle of Ophir, ii, 319; - its mines and productions, ii, 320 - Suntien, a great city of China, i, 56, 77 - Sutey, i, 74 - Sweynheim, Conrad, i, 131 - - - Tael, a Chinese coin, i, 82 - Tamos, ii, 251 - Tanaor, ii, 334 - Tangoa, _see_ Tong-gan - Tanhom, i, 50 - Tansuso, visited by Herrada, ii, 44 - Tantey, i, 73 - Tartars, description of, i, 9; - religion, i, 10 - Tartary, singular custom respecting marriage, i, 63 - Tea, earliest mention of, iv - Temples in China, i, 56; ii, 91; ii, 274; - at Visnaga, ii, 326 - Tenerife, island of, ii, 210; - the Peak, ii, 210 - Tepyna, i, 75 - Teyencom, i, 51 - Thieves, punishment of, i, 119 - Tiguas, province of, ii, 233 - Tinqui, xx - Tituhul, ii, 37 - Tobosos Indians, ii, 236 - Tolanchia, i, 35 - Tonco, i, 74 - Tong-gan, ii, 52 - Tordesillas, Augustin de, one of Alfaro's companions, ii, 131 - Torture of criminals, i, iii - Totoc, office of the, i, 101 - Touznacaotican, ii, 9 - Tozo, i, 75 - Trade winds, ii, 253 - Trapovana, the ancient name of Sumatra, ii, 319 - Trautheyco, i, 41 - Triana, John de, one of Herrada's companions, ii, 35 - Tribute paid to the emperor, i, 82 - Tripoli, William of, _see_ Rubruquis - Troncon, i, 74 - Tunis, the Goletta taken by the Turks, i, 165 - Tutuan, office of the, i, 101 - Tutucurin, kingdom of, ii, 331; - idolatrous rites there, ii, 332 - Tym, i, 74 - Tzentzey, i, 72 - Tzintzon, i, 28, 71 - Tzintzoum, i, 75 - Tzintzuny, i, 72 - Tzobu, i, 74 - Tzunthey, i, 73 - Tzuyn, i, 74 - - - Unguen, a city described by Marco Polo, xxii - University of Mexico, ii, 227 - Unthey, i, 73 - Usao, i, 51 - Uzon, i, 75 - - - Vangala, _see_ Bengal - Vasquez Coronado, Francisco, ii, 246 - Velas, islands of, ii, 253 - Velasco, Luys de, viceroy of Mexico, ii, 3, 260 - Vera Cruz, ii, 222 - Viceroys of Chinese provinces, i, 101 - Villa Lobos, commander of a Spanish fleet, ii, 259 - Villa Roel, Pedro de, one of Alfaro's companions, ii, 131 - Vintoquian, a pirate, ii, 7 - Visnaga, city of, ii, 324; - description of the king, ii, 325 - ceremonies at his burial, ii, 326; - temples, ii, 326; - high priest called Brama, ii, 326; - his power of dispensation, ii, 327; - diamond mines, ii, 327 - Vitey, first king of China, i, 69 - Vossius, his opinion as to the knowledge of the ancients - respecting China, ii - Vozequixama, ii, 298 - - - Wall of China, description of, i, 28 - Walled cities, ii, 288 - Wealth of China, ii, 286, 288 - Weapons, use of, forbidden to the people in China, ii, 58 - Witches in the Philippine islands, ii, 262; - in Japan, ii, 300 - Witnesses, examination of, i, 109 - Women of China, Persian mention of, xxix; - burial of ladies of the imperial family, xxx; - description of, i, 31; - their small feet, i, 32; - concubines of the emperor, i, 65; - women forbidden by Vitey to be idle, i, 71; - courtesy towards, i, 144; - seclusion of, i, 145; - courtesans, i, 146; - chastity of Chinese women, ii, 293; - women of Japan, ii, 300; - of Cochin China, ii, 310; - divorces in Visnaga, ii, 327 - Writing, Chinese method of, xiii; i, 121, 123 - - - Xavier, Francisco, ii, 299 - Xactamas, king of Persia, ii, 336 - - - Yanqui, xx - Yanthey, i, 73 - - - Zaguato, ii, 248 - Zaitun, a Chinese seaport, xxii - Zaytzon, i, 75 - Zubin, isle of, ii, 258 - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Although not written in currently standard English, spelling was -standardized for several words where the majority of instances were -shown one way and only one instance was shown differently. There are -also many words which have two or more alternate spellings [example, -aforesaid (58x); aforesaide (53x) and aforesayde (8x)] which were NOT -standardized. - -All sidenotes were placed above the paragraph in which they appear in -the printed version. Two instances of missing closing parenthesis are -found on Pages 171 and 263. The colon may be a typo for the closing -parenthesis; but they were left as is. On Page 294, the opening bracket -for a quoted passage was missing (as confirmed by comparison with -another copy of this edition on The Internet Archive). This was added. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The History of the Great and Mighty -Kingdom of China, Volume II, by Juan Gonzalez de Mendoza - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KINGDOM OF CHINA, VOL II *** - -***** This file should be named 42551.txt or 42551.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/5/42551/ - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Tom Cosmas and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |