that hee was entred into the spanish ship saw the friers the rest that were in their cōpanie saw that their apparell spéech was strange vnto him he asked of them what they were and from whence they came whether they went and when y e he vnderstood y t they were Castillos of the Ilands Philippinas came frō the said Ilands were bound vnto China with intent to preach the holy gospell he asked thē 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 fléete 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 entred 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 cittie who gaue them to vnderstande by signes that he woulde although he feared the rigorous punishment that in that kingdome is executed vppon all such as doo bring into the same any man of a strange nation as hath béene tolde you in the first part of this historie So hee fearing that if hée shoulde enter with him into the port the fault would be imputed vnto him therefore at such time as hee came within halfe a league of the riuers 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 discouered before the other did cast about to sea for which occasion the other two ships that wee 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 groue or some inhabited place and as wee drewe nigh vnto them they not knowing our shippe all began to flie and run away with so great noise as though they should haue béene all set on fire or smoke in that place The Spaniards séeing that they were the occasion of this feare amongst them they withdrew themselues into the middest of the riuer whereas they strooke saile and came to an anker there they did ride all that night and it was in such a place that none of al the other barks and boates came nigh them by a great way The next day following which was sunday the one twentith day of Iune 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 séemed to bée a sea there sailed in and out many shippes barkes and boates of whome 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 sée the Spaniards and their kind of attyre they departed But when they had sailed two leagues vp 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 withall whereat lay many ships but when they came to the point fearing that some ordinance would be shot at them they strooke all their sailes according vnto the vse custome in y e ports of Spaine They after a while that they had remained in that sort saw that neither the towre nor y e ships did make any motion towards them they turned and hoised vp againe their sailes and went wheras al the ships were when they came amongst them they let fall their anker wheras they did ride looking when they would come to demand of them any thing CHAP. III. The Friers and their companions came vnto the Cittie of Canton they went on shore and praised God for that it had pleased him to let thē see their desire fulfilled There comes a Iustice to visite them and hath with them great communication THe Spaniards séeing that they were there at an anker a good while that there was none that came vnto them to demand any questiō they hoised out their boate went in it on shore wheras they al knéeled downe vpon their knées and with great deuotion did say Te Deum laudamus giuing thankes to God for that he had so myraculously brought them into y e 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 vnto the which were certaine houses whereas were kept ropes and tackling belonging vnto the shippes so they procéeded forwards with intent to séeke 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 séeing them at their comming a shore how they did knéele downe and how that their manner of attire was different from the people of the same 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 sée the end of their enterprise This great multitude of people was the occasion that they entred in at the gates of the Cittie without being discouered of the guards ports 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 stréete the people increasing more and more to sée them they staied in the porch of a great house there where as the iustices of the sea or water bailies do kéepe their courts of audience and in the meane time that they remained there which was a pretty while the guardes of the gate vnderstood that amongst y e presse throng of the people did enter certaine strangers contrary to the precept giuen them vpon great penalties they straightway with great feare that their ouersight should be discouered ran laid hands vpon y e Spaniards carried them backe againe put them out of the gate of the citie without doing any euil or harme vnto their persons willed them to stay
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 amased were easilie slaine so that they were lordes 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 lâ—uie an armie togither of thrée score and tenne thousande men and went vpon them with courage for to bée reuenged on the iniurie receiued with the death of all the Iapones but they séeing 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 béene doone the day before In this Citie they were lodged in the kings house the which was of verie great faire buildings there was giuen them to dine and suppe in very good order and with aboundance So soone 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 néedfull and so departed to his house maruellously well accompanied The gouernor sent vnto the two souldiers that went to visite him eâ—h of them two péeces 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 greatest that euer they had séene whose greatnesse 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 thrée hundred foote long and that the least stone wherewith it was built was ofseuentéene foote and many of two and twentie foote long and eight foote broad and séemed vnto them a thing impossible to be brought thither by mans art for that all round about so farre as they could sée 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 séeds and so full of people as in the stréetes 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 trauelled 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 reremaine 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 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 sée those strangers for that they must passe thorough the Cittie and better to bee séene 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 sée 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 Citie 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 Géese 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 vp 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 spéed yet were they a good houre and a halfe before they coulde come vnto the gates of the Cittie and séemed 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 beléeued it to be the suburbes but the cittie it selfe Before they came vnto the gates they passed a mightie riuer thrée times ouer bridges that were great and verie faire and the riuer so déepe that great shippes came vp
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 béene baptised the which he could not do 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 doo 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 spéede 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 béene 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 contayned the voyage that was into that kingdome in the yeare 1576. by the fathers Fryer Peter de Alfaro Costodio in the Ilandes Philippinas of the order of saint Francis of the prouince of S. Ioseph 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 béene 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 receiue 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 béen 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 séeing 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 thinges appertayning vnto God So that they determined to put other remedies in practise because that which they required with the good will of the Gouernor séemed 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
die but be banished for euer out of the kingdome with precise band y t they their wiues children al that should come of them should for euer liue on those Ilands that are now called Iapon which were at y t time desert without people This sentence was executed the offenders did accept the same for mercie So they were caried to y e said Ilands wheras when they saw thēselues out of their naturall countrie without any possibility euer to returne againe they ordained their cōmon wealth as a thing to last for euer directing all their lawes which were for their conseruation gouernment contrarie vnto the Chinos from whence they came But in particular they made one wherin they did prohibite for euer their descendents to haue any frindship with the Chinos did admonish them to do them all the euill that was possible which is obserued kept vnto this day inuiolable shewing thēselues their contraries in all they may euen in their apparell spéech 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 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 although they haue all this with many fruits and herbes other things which be their ordinary victuals yet are they not so well prouided as are their cōfines 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 others do report of them There be in these Ilandes thrée score 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 Luzō for which cause although they be called kings yet are they not neither in their cōtractation 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 excéede that of Nabuchadonozor and was come vnto that point that he would haue béene 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 sée how farre it did extend I will declare here onely that which he did promise vnto them that did visite his temple 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 80. 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 beléeue in him and in that which hee promised should without all doubt sée 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 rhat 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 succéed 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 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 inioy 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 that séemeth to bée 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 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 desende 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
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 séeme to bee well disposed for to inioy 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 séeing 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 séemed 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 them and with many other rewards of Pope Gregory the thirtéenth 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 beléeue of a truth that in small time all that kingdome shall bee subiect vnto the Catholike saith of Rome and to be the gate whereby to enter the lawe of the Gospel 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 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 curius 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 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 a 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 NIgh vnto this kingdome of Cochinchina there is another called Champa that although it be poore of gold and siluer yet is it very rich of drugges and gallant wood and great stoare of prouision This kingdome is very great and full of people they somewhat whiter then those of Cochinchina they are as nigh 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 whom likewise they do make one manner of acknowledging 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 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 Abadas 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 sée it for a strange thing and neuer the like séene 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 béene in those partes and haue séene the true Unicorne 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 naturall 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 tirannicall power This fryer did write a letter vnto Malaca vnto fryer Martin Ignacio and vnto oâ—her 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 y t 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 Egipt 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 y e kingdome there were erected many crosses and were had in great reuerence And for y e confirmation of the truth hereof the
following where the order howe they doo giue them the title Loytia shall bée spoken off and is amongst vs after the fashion of procéeding or commencing doctor Unto the Colleges as well Maiors as Minors the king dooth sende euerie yéere Uisâ—ters for to sée and vnderstande howe the studentes doo profite and what the masters bée with other matters touching their good gouernement In their vsitation they doo honour in wordes those whome they finde of abilitie animating them to perseuer in the same and doo put in prison and punish such as they knowe to haue abilitie and doo not profite themselues thereof and such as haue none nor will not learne they put out of the Colleges that others may occupie their places that better will imploy themselues They haue great abundance of paper the which is made of the filme of canes and with great facilitie it is verie good cheape their printed bookes are made thereof the most part of it can be written but on the one side for that it is so thinne they doo not write with pennes as wée doo made of quilles but with pennes made of canes and at the ende like a fine brush like vnto a painters pensill and although this bée their order yet haue they amongst them excellent Scriueners that grow thereby to bée verie rich When they write letters vnto anie principall person they gilde the margent of the paper and limbe it and they put the letter written into a purse made of the same paper all guilt and painted the which they shut and seale so that the letter is onely contained therein This they doo vse verie much that although one go to visite another in person yet they doo carrie a letter written in their sléeues and possible there shall not bee written in the same tenne letters and that signifieth that they doo come to kisse their handes these things are to bée solde at the bookebinders of all sortes as well for principall persons and men of authoritie as for others of meaner estate for to desire reprehend or discommende and to concluâ—e for all thinges that they will desire or haue néede of yea if it bée to defie anie bodie so that the buyer hath no more to doo but to close it vp and seale it so sende it whither his pleasure is These and manie other curiosities they doo vse as you haue heard and shall heare in the discourse of this small hystorie or at the least somewhat touched for that the breuitie that I doo pretend and will vse will not permit that I shoulde enter so farre for to declare at large but to be briefe in that I shall declare CHAP. XIIII Of the examination of such whome they preferre to the degree of Loytia which is with vs the degree of a doctor and howe they doo commence them and howe they doo beare him companie THese Uisitours of whome wee haue spoken the king and his counsaile doo sende them to viâ—ite his prouinces and amongest the greatest things that are giuen them in charge is the visitation of the Colledges and schooles which the king hath in all the principall citties as is saide the which visitour hath a particular authoritie for to commence or graduate such students as haue finished their course and are of abilitie and sufficiencie to perfourme the same They doo make them Gentlemen if they bée capable of anie charge of iustice or gouernement And for that the vse of their ceremonies is a thing woorthie to bée knowne I will heere declare the same order which Frier Martin de Herrada and his companions did sée in the citie of Aucheo at the time of their commencement At such time as the visitor hath concluded the visitation of his prouince and hath punished the malifactours and rewarded the good in the metropolitane cities hée dooth straight wayes cause proclamation to bee made that all students and scholers that doo finde themselues sufficient and haue a corage to be examined to take the degrée of Loytia the which although amongst them is vnderstoode to bee made a gentleman yet amongst vs is a doctour The day appointed being come they are all presented before the visitour who taketh all their names in a scrowle and appointeth another day for their examination This day for honour of the feast the visitor dooth inuite all the learned Loytias that are in the citie who ioyntly with him do make the examination with great rigour alwayes putting forwardes and preferring those that are skilfull in the lawes of the countrey by which they do gouerne all other faculties whatsoeuer and that they be therewithall good and vertuous And all those that they doo finde with these properties they do write their names in an other scrowle and doo appoint the day of commencement the which is done with great ceremonies and much people in whose presence the visitor in the name of the king doth giue vnto them the ensignes of degrée and dignitie to be a Loytia that is a waste or girdle bossed with gold or siluer and a hat with certaine thinges on it as shall be shewed you in the chapter following which is a signe and token that doth make the difference from the vulgar people without the which none can shewe himselfe in publike And although al be called Loytias I meane those that come to it by letters or learning and others by the warres and others by a gift of the king yet they differ the one from the other in estimation For that those of the royall counsell viceroyes gouernors and visitors are made Loytias by disputation in learning And the generall Captaines Maiors Bailifes and Testators are a gift of the kinges in recompence of some good seruice that they haue done These haue no more preheminence but onely that they haue the benefite of their priuileges and haue the dignitie of that vocation but these are neuer preferred to greater honours as the other Loytias are of these you haue in euery citie very many There be others likewise of great estimation and are put in the second degrée and are those that are made by desert in the warres and are elect and chosen by the generals by authoritie of the king for some act or worthie déede done in the wars by force of armes or such like approued by witnesse of great credite vnto whom besides the title and honour giuen vnto them they doo giue them great liuings for that no valiant or worthie déede but is had in estimation and gratified with great liberalitie which is the occasion that those which are meane souldiors are animated to imitate those that be most principall and valiant According vnto my promise I will here with as much breuitie as may bee declare vnto you the order of their commencements and how they do accompanie them after that they are made Loytias for that it is a thing worth the hearing The day appointed being come for to commence or giue degrées all the Loytias with the visitor doo
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 coÌ„panie to kéepe watch warde in that iourney the ensigne Francisco de Duennas Iohn Diaz Pardo the souldier his friend as aforesaide with pretence to depart froÌ„ 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 spéede 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 y t passed with them in China out of the which hath béene taken this small relation 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 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 theÌ„ 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 coÌ„panie the other two souldiers who altogether went about a busines of great honour and seruice of God and the benefite sauing of many soules and that he would declare vnto them whether he would go or not without asking whether nor from whâ—t 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 all together with singular ioy went to the ship wherin the father Costodio and his companion with the other two souldiers came in froÌ„ Manilla to y e place with a reasonable Frigat although but with fewe marriners 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 sayâ— moneth of Iune So after they had sayde masse and commended themselues vnto God requesting him â—o 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 béene 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 do ouercome them all with the confidence they haue in God and came vnto the kingdome of China miraculously SO the next day after they had committed theÌ„selues 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 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 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 with theÌ„ a young man a Spaniard that they brought from Manilla to serue them So those which should go on that voyage remained there the same night who were the frier Costodio frier Peter de Alfaro borne in Siuel frier Iohn Baptista borne in Peâ—aro in Italy fryer Sebastian de san Francisco of the citie of Boecia and frier Augustin de Tordesillas of the same towne whereof he hath his name all these foure were priestes of the masse 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 béene discouered and the other which was the principal occasioÌ„ because he would not leaue that prouince of the Illocos without such as shold instruct them wheras were many baptised for which respect he left some behind him which afterwarde hee would haue béene very glad that they had béene in his companie There were thrée Spaniards souldiers that did beare them companie the one was called the ancient Francisco de Duennas of Velez Malaga the other Iohn 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 speake the spanish tongue and was one of them that were taken at the siege of Limahon the Rouer and other foure Indians of Manilla They departed from this little Ilande vpon a munday the first quarter in the morning which was the fiftéene day of the said moneth of Iune and sayled that way so nigh as they could gesse to be the way vnto China without pilot or any other certaintie more then that which God did shewe and put into their mindes with their great desire which séemed 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 euening the winde changed and blewe at the north the which winde vppon that coast is verie dangerous which made them greatly afrayde yet was that feare driuen away by an other feare much greater then that which was that they should be discouered and that they should be pursued by the commandement of the gouernour of Manilla for which occasion whereas they should haue shrowded themselues vnder the land they wrought contrary and cast about vnto the sea in great danger to haue béene 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 haue béene drowned with the furie thereof for it tossed the Frigatta in such sort