brode wrought with lyme and stone full of loope holes and watch towers And as they passed through the stréetes there came foorth of a house a very honest man as it séemed who was very well apparelled stayed them for that in the same house there were certaine dames principall personages that did sée them a farre off and not content therewith they did request them with great courtesie for to enter into the house that they might the better sée theÌ„ 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 froÌ„ them beholding them with great honestie and grauitie Then a little after they sent them a banket with marchpanes and sweet meats made of sugar which they did eate without any curiositie dronke after the same The banket being done they made signes and tokens vnto theÌ„ that they receiued great content with their sight and that they might depart when y t their peasure was the which they did after y t they had made great curtesies with thankes 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 open lodges for to banket in made of masons worke therin many tables finely painted round about it sesterns of water wherin was store of fish ioyning vnto theÌ„ 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 pleasaunt 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 séemed vnto them that it was a thing impossible to be layde there by mans handes Of this bignesse yea and bigger they did sée layde vppon manie other bridges in the discourse of their voyage going to Chincheo and Auâ—heo In this towne they tarried and rested themselues all that night marueiling verie much at that which they had seene 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 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 theÌ„ with a waster vpon their shoulders did deuide 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 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 péeces 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 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 néere to an other that almost you can not iudge them to bee manie townes but one for that there was but a quarter of a league distant one towne from an other 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 frutefulnesse thereof so that they doo gather fruite all the yeare long and our Spaniardes did sée in all places whereas they came that they were gathering of rice some newe sprong vp 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 They doo féede them commonly in the fieldes of rice for that they haue no other grasinges and all the time that they are féeding a boy doth ride on euerie one of them to disturbe them that they doo no harme therein But to eate the wéedes and grasse that doo grow in the rice In this prouince and all the rest of the fiftéene in that kingdome they gather much wheate and excellent good barley péese Borona Millo Frysoles Lantesas Chiches and other kindes of graines and séedes 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 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 thâ—m 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 receiue 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
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
to them y e holy gospell which was the right way vnto the saluation 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 hée 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 spéech 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 not 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 order for their departure the which they greatly desired for that they saw little fruite to procéede of their great labour and trauell as also to sée themselues cleare of that manner of prison in the which they were not to go forth of their lodgings without expresse 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 bee within tenne dayes for that hee had written vnto him that he should not dispatch them vntil his comming for that he would sée them From that day forwards hee commaunded that sometimes they should let them to 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 sée the mustering of their men of warre which they haue in a common custome throughout all the kingdome to doo it the first day of â—he newe moone and is sure a thing to be séene and they do it in the field which is ioyning vnto the wals of the citie in this manner following There were ioyned togither litle more or lesse 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 péeces 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 consort that it séemed vnto the Spaniards that they did excéed al the warlike orders vsed in all the world and if it were so that their stomaâ—ks 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 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 This their musâ—â—r endured foure houres and it was certifiâ—d vnto the Spainiards that the same day and houre it is done in oll citties 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 hée was they could not haue béene 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 sée 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 for that it was a good way from the place whereas the visitor did sit then commeth forth straightwayes one of his pages and taketh the petition and carrieth it in 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 al Iudges whether it be for sentence of death or other matters of iustice as hath béene told you many times before Thrée dayes after the visitor was come thither the Insuanto departed for his owne house with order that with all spéede possible he should ordaine shippes wherin the Castillias should returne vnto the Philippinas 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 sâ—ay vntill the full of the moone which should bee the twentith 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 doo vse great superstition and doo make many banquets as vppon newyeares day as hath béene 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 the first although this for that it was at their departure was more sumptuous wherein was
kinde of lots they doo vse in putting a great number of little stickes into a pot and vpon euerie one of them is written a letter and after that they haue tumbled and tossed them together in the pot they cause a child to put in his hand and take out one and when they haue séene the letter they séeke in a booke which they haue for that purpose the leafe that beginneth with that letter and looke what they doo finde written therein they doo interpret of it conformable vnto the thing that they cast their lots for Generally in all this country when they finde themselues in any trouble they do inuocate and call vpon the diuell with whom they do ordinarily talke euen as we do cal vpon God in our néede of him they doo demande what way and order they might take to cléere themselues thereof as they did in the presence of frier Pedro de Alfaro of the order of saint Francis in the yeare of our Lorde 1580. at such time as he came from China as may bee séene in his relation The order that they haue in inuocating or calling on the diuell is as followeth They cause a man to lie vpon the ground his face downwards then another beginneth to reade vpon a booke singing and part of them that are present do answere vnto him the rest do make a sound with little bels and tabers then within a little while after the man that lieth on the ground beginneth to make visages and iestures which is a certaine token that the diuell is entred within him then do they aske of him what they doo desire to know then he that is possessed doth answere yet for the most part they bee lies that hee dooth speake although hee doo kéepe it close yet doth hée giue diuers reasons vnto that which hee dooth answere for that alwayes they doo answere either by worde or by letters which is the remedie they haue when that the diuell will not answere by worde And when that hée doth answere by letters then do they spread a redde mantle or couerlet vpon the ground and throw thereon a certaine quantitie of rice dispersed equally in euery place vpon the couerlet then do they cause a man that cannot write to stand there with a sticke in his hand then those that are present do begin to sing and to make a sounde as at the first inuocation and within a little while the diuell doth enter into him that hath the sticke and causeth him to write vpon the rice then do they translate the letters that are there formed with the sticke and being ioyned altogether they finde answere of that they do demaunde although for the most part it falleth out as aforesaide as vnto people that do communicate with the father of all lying and so do their answeares fall out false and full of leasings If that at any time he do tell them the trueth it is not for that he dooth it by nature or with his will but to induce them vnder the colour of a truth to perseuer in their errors and they do giue credite vnto a thousand lies in this sort doo they inuocate the diuell and it is so ordinarie a thing throughout al the kingdome that there is nothing more vsed nor knowne CHAP V. Of the opinion they haue of the beginning of the worlde and of the creation of man ALthough the Chinos be generally verie ingenious and of a cléere vnderstanding yet in their owne respect they say that all other nations in the worlde be blinde except the Spaniards whom they haue knowne but of late time they haue amongst them both naturall and morall philosophie the which is read publikely amongst them and also astrologie But nowe touching the beginning of the worlde and the creation of man they haue many errors wherof some of them shalbe declared in this chapter taken out of their owne books and specially out of one that is intituled the beginning of the world They say that at the beginning the heauen the earth the water were a masse or lumpe ioyned in one And that there is one resident in heauen whom they call by name Tayn hee by his great science did separate heauen and earth the one from the other so that the heauen remained hie in the state that it is and the earth following his naturall inclination as graue and heauie did remaine whereas it is They say that this Tayn did create a man of nothing who they call Pauzon and likewise a woman who they call Pauzona This Pauzon by the power that was giuē him by Tayn did create of nothing another man who they call Tanhom with thirtéene other brothers This Tanhom was a man of great science in so ample sort that hée did giue name vnto all created things and did know by the assignement and doctrine of Tayn the vertue of them all and to apply them to heale all manner of diseases and sicknesses this Tanhom and his brethren but especially the eldest who was called Teyencom he had twelue his first begotten called Tuhucom had nine so had al the rest very many They do beléeue that the linage and generation of these did indure for more then ninty thousand yéeres And in the end conclusion of them did end all humaine nature for that it was the will of Tayn who did first create the man woman of nothing for to be reuenged on certaine iniuries that they did vnto him and for euery one that he had shewed vnto them they did almost knowe so much as himselfe and would not acknowledge any superioritie as they did promise him at such time as hée did giue vnto him the secreat of all his science At that time did the heauen fall downe then did Tayn raise it vp againe and created another man vpon the earth named Lotzitzam hee had two hornes out of the which proceeded a verie swéete sauour the which swéet smell did bring forth both men and women This Lotzitzam vanished away and left behind him in the world manie men and women of whom did procéede all nations that now are in it The first that this Lotzitzam brought foorth was called Alazan and liued nine hundred yeares then did the heauen create another man called Atzion whose mother called Lutim was with childe with him onely in séeing a lyons heade in the aire he was borne in Truchin in the prouince of Santon and liued eight hundred yeares at this time was the worlde replenished with much people and did féede on nothing but on wilde hearbs and raw things then was there borne into the worlde one called Vsao who gaue them industrie to make and do many things as to vse the trées to make defence to saue them from wilde beasts which did them much harme and to kill them and make garments of their skinnes After him came one called Huntzui who did inuent the vse of fire and instructed them what they should doo and
making that the soule dooth mooue out of one into another as certaine old philosophers did affirme it to bee who were as blind and as far from the truth as they CHAP. VII Of their temples and of certaine manner of religious people both men and women and of their superiours THere are found in this kingdome many moral things the which do touch verie much our religion which giueth vs to vnderstand that they are people of great vnderstanding in especial in naturall things and that it should be of a certainty that the holy apostle of whom we haue spoken did leaue amongst them by his preachings occasion for to learne manie things that do shew vnto vertue one of the which is that there is found amongst them many monasteries in their cities and townes and also in the fieldes wherein are manie men and women that do liue in great closenes and obedience after the fashioÌ„ of other religious monasteries They haue amongst theÌ„ that is knowne onely foure orders euery one of theÌ„ hath their generall who dwelleth ordinarily in the citie of Suntien or Taybin wheras is the king his counsel These their generals they doo call in their language Tricon who doo prouide for euery prouince a prouinciall to assist visite all the conuents correcting and amending such faults as is found according vnto the institution and manner of liuing This prouinciall doth ordaine in euery conuent one which is like vnto the prior or guardian whom al the rest do reuerence and obey This generall is for euer till he doo die except they doo finde in him such faults that he doth deserue to be depriued yet they do not elect their prouincials as we do vse but it is doone by the king his counsell alwayes choosing 〈◊〉 that is knowne to be of a good life and fame so that fauour carrieth nothing away This generall is apparelled all in silke in that colour that his profession dooth vse either blacke yeallow white or russet which are the fower colours that the foure orders doo vse hee neuer goeth foorth of his house but is carried in a little chaire of Iuorie or golde by foure or sixe men of his habite When any of the conuent doth talke vnto him it is on their knées they haue also amongst them a seale of their monasterie for the dispatching of such businesse as toucheth their religion These haue great rentes giuen them by the king for the sustayning of themselues and their seruants All their conuents hath great rentes in general part giuen them by the king and part of charitie giuen them in those cities or townes whereas they haue their houses the which are many and verie huge They doo aske their charitie in the stréets singing with the sounde of two little â—ords and other instruments Euery one of them when they do begge doth carrie in their hands a thing wherin are written certaine praiers that they say is for the sins of the people and all that is giuen them in charitie they lay it vpon the said thing wherewith they do vnderstand in their blinde opinion that their spirit is cleare of all sinne In general their beards and heads are shauen and they weare one sole vesture without making any difference according vnto the colour of their religion They do eate altogether haue their sels according to the vse of our friers their vestures or apparel is ordinary of serge of the saide foure colours They haue beads to pray on as the papists vse although in another order they doe assist al burials for to haue charity they do arise two houres before day to pray as our papists do their mattins and do continue in the same vntill the day doo breake they doo praie all in one voice singing in verie good order and attention and all the time of their praying they do ring belles whereof they haue in that kingdome the best and of the gallantest sounde that is in all the world by reason that they are made almost all of stéele they pray vnto the heauen whom they take for their God and vnto Sinquian who they say was the inuenter of that their manner of life and became a saint They may leaue their order at all times at their pleasure giuing their generall to vnderstand thereof But in the time that they are in that order they cannot marrye neither deale with anye women vpon paine to bee punished asperly At such time as one doth put himselfe in religion the father or next kinsman of him that taketh the order doth inuite all them of the conuent and doth make them a great and solemne banket yet you must vnderstand that the eldest sonne of any man cannot put himself in any monasterie but is prohibited by the lawes of the countrie for that the eldest sonne is bound to sustaine his father in his olde age When that any of these religious men do die they doe wash him and shaue him before they do burie him do all weare mourning apparell for him The religious man or woman that is once punished for any fault cannot afterward turne and receiue the habite at any time They haue a certaine marke giuen vnto them in token of their fault and that is a bordâ— put about their necke so that it is séene of all people Euerie morning and euening they do offer vnto their Idolles frankensence beniamin wood of aguila and cayolaque the which is maruelous swéete and other gummes of swéet and odoriferous smels When that they will lanch any ship into the water after that it is made then these religious men all apparelled with rich roabes of silke do go to make sacrifices vpon the poopes of them wheras they haue their oratories and there they doe offer painted papers of diuers figures the which they doe cut in peeces before their idols with certaine ceremonies and songes well consorted and ringing of little belles they do reuerence vnto the diuell And they do paint him in the fore castle for that he shall do no harme vnto the ships that being done they do eate and drinke till they can no more And with this they thinke it is sufficient for the shippe that all such viages as shee shall make shall succéede well the which they haue amongst them for a thing most certaine and if they did not blesse them in this order all things would fall out to the contrarie CHAP. VIII The order that they haue in burying of the dead and the mourning apparell they haue IT séemeth vnto me not farre from our purpose to declare in this place how they vse in this kingdome to burie the dead it is surely a thing to be noted the maner is as foloweth WheÌ„ that any one doth die at the very instant y t he yéeldeth vp y e gost they do wash his bodie all ouer from top to toe then do they apparell him with the best apparell that he had all perfumed with swéet smels TheÌ„ after he
both of his first wife and of all the other wiues For lacke of a sonne by his first wife the first borne of the other wiues doth inherite the most part so that fewe times or neuer there is none that dieth without heyres eyther by his first wife or by the others And if it so fall out that any of these his wiues do commit adulterie the which seeldome chaunceth by reason of their kéeping in and great honestie as also it is great infamie vnto the man that doth offer any such thing then may the husband finding them togither kill them but after that first furie being past he cannot but complaine of the adulterers vnto the Iustice and although it be prooued verie apparant yet can they giue them no more punishment but beate them cruelly vppon their thyghes as is the custome and lawe of the countrie as shalbe declared vnto you in his place Then may the husband afterwardes sell his wife for a â—laue and make money of her for the dowrie he gaue her notwithstanding there be amongst them that for interest will dissemble the matter yea and will séeke oportunities and occasion Yet if such be spied or knowen they are righteously punished They say in the prouinces that be néere vnto Tartaria and in the selfe same Tartaria they doo vse a custome and manner of marriage very strange that is the vizroyes or gouernors doo limit and appoint a time when that all men and women shall méete together such as will marie or receiue the order of religion The time being accomplished all such as would be married do méete together in a citie of that prouince appointed for that purpose and when they come thether they doo present themselues before 12. auncient and principall men appointed there by the king for the same purpose who doo take a note of their names both of men and women and of what state and degrée they are and of their substance for to dowrie their wiues with whom they shalbe married Then do they number all the men and women that be there if they do find more men than women or to the contrarie more womeÌ„ than men then they cast lots do leaue the number that doth so beare in register til the next yeare y t they may be the first that shalbe married Then sixe of those ancient men do put the men in thrée parts the rich they put in one part without any consideration of gentilitie or beautie and those that are rich in a meane in an other parte and the poore in the thirde part In the meane time that these sixe men be occupied in the reparting of the men the other sixe doe repart the women in thrée parts to say in this manner the most fairest in one part and them not so faire in an other and the fowlest in an other This diuision being made theÌ„ do they marrie them in this order vnto the riche men they doo giue the fairest and they doo giue for them the prise that is appointed by the Iudges and vnto them that are not so rich they do giue them that are not so faire without paying for them anye thing at all and vnto the poore men they giue the fowlest with all that which the rich men do pay for the faire women diuiding it into equall partes Sure it is a notable thing if it bee true This being done they are all married in one daie and holpen although peraduenture not all content the marriages being doone there is great feastes made in such houses as the king hath ordeyned in euerye citie for the same purpose the which are furnished with beds and all other necessaries belonging thereunto for that the new married people may be serued of all that is néedfull for the time that the feast do indure This solemnitie beeing finished which they saye doth indure fiftie dayes these newe married people doo goe vnto their owne houses You must vnderstande that this custome of marriage is ordeyned for the coÌ„mon and poore people and not for Lords nor gentlemen who are not bound to obey this ordinaunce but to marrie whereas they like best euerie one to séeke and marrie with his equall or else by an order which the king hath set downe vnto the viceroyes and gouernors what to be done therein When that the king of China is married then dooth hee choose thirtie concubines the principallest persons in all his kingdome the which hee dooth kéepe and maintayne within his pallace so long as hee doth liue But after that hee is dead and his funerall ended as is accustomed then doth the heire or successor of the kingdome apparell these thirtie women maruelous gorgeously with many iewelles then doth hee cause them to set in an Estrado or rich pallet gallantly dressed and furnished in one of the thrée halles as shall be declared in the second chapter of the third booke with their faces couered in such sort as they may not be séene nor knowen and being set in this order then doth there enter in thirtie gentlemen of the principallest of the kingdome those whom the king left named in his testameÌ„t the which goeth by antiquitie or according vnto order set by the king and eyther of them doth take one of these Ladies by the hand and looke howe they found theÌ„ so they doo carrie them with their faces couered till they bring them home to their houses whereas they haue them for their wiues and do maintaine and kéepe them all the dayes of their liues towards the mainteyning of them the king doth leaue in his testament great reueneues and the successor in the kingdome doth accomplish and performe the same with great diligence and care In old time when that the kinges of China would marrie anie of his children or kinsfolkes he did make in his pallace a great and solemne banket to the which he did inuite all the principallest Lordes and gentlemen of his court commaunding to bring with them their sonnes and daughters who did accomplish the same striuing who should apparell their children most richest and most gallantest The banket being done the young princes do go whereas are these young Ladies euerie one placed in order according to their age and there he doth chuse his wife according to his owne will or desire and where he liketh best Likewise the infants or kings daughters doe the like in choosing their husbands amongst the young lords and gentlemen But at this time this custome is left off for that the princes and gentlemen do marry with their kinsfolkes so that it be not in the first or seconde degrée yet many times they do not kéepe the second CHAP. X. How that in all this mightie kingdome there is no poore folks walking in the streets nor in the teÌ„ples a begging the order that the king hath giuen for the maintayning of them that cannot worke MAnie things of great gouernment hath béene and shall be declared in this historie worthie to be
may preuent wars which be offered by princes adiacent vnto him or anie other whatsoeuer But in especiall with the Tartarians with whom they haue had continuall wars many yeare Although at this day that the Tartarians doo feare him very much in such sort as he thinketh it best to kéepe him for his friende and doth acknowledge vnto him a certain maner of vassalage And although at this present and long time since he hath bin and is without any occasion of wars that should come vpon a sodain yet hath he the selfsame care diligēce of preuention as though he had many grieuous enimies to defend himselfe from or to offend them as you shall perceiue in this that followeth For besides that he hath in euery prouince his president counsell of war captaine generall and others ordinarie to take vp people and ordaine their campes squadrons as well by sea as by land to serue at all assaies when that occasion shall serue So likewise he hath in euery city captaines and souldiers for their particular garde defence and doo range watch to set their garde in order both day night as though their enimies were at the gates This military order they do vse and maintaine in such sort that no nation knowne may be compared vnto them Although speaking generally according vnto the relation of certaine spanish souldiers that were there and did many times sée them there be other nations that do excéed them both in valiantnesse courage and worthinesse of mind They haue at the gates of all their cities their squadrons who let the entrie and going out of any whatsoeuer except he haue licence of the iustice of that citie or towne brought them in writing the which gates they do shut and open by order and licence of their captaines which is sent vnto them euery day written in whited tables and their fine vnto it These gates are the force of all the cittie and thereon is planted all the artilerie they haue nigh vnto the which gate is ordinarily the house whereas they are sounded or made At night when they do shut their gates they do glew papers vpon the ioinings of them then they doo seale the papers with the seale that the gouernour or iudge of that cittie doth weare on his finger the which is done by himselfe or by some other in whom he hath great confidence and trust and they cannot open them againe in the morning vntill such time as it bee séene and acknowledged that it hath not béene touched since the night that it was put on So that if any haue any iourney to ride verie early in the morning he must go forth of the citie ouer night before the gates be shut and remaine in the suburbes for out of the cittie it is not possible to goe vntill the gates be open which is not till the sunne be vp ordinarily They do not vse any castles nor forts but great bulwarkes and gun bankes whereas they haue continuall watch and doo change by quarters according as wee do vse and the officers with a great number of souldiers do range throughout the city and bulworkes and commonly the captaines be naturall of those prouinces whereas they haue their charge giuen them in consideration that the loue they haue to their countrie doo binde them to fight to the death for the defence thereof And for that there should be more quietnesse and rest in the cities it is not permitted that any do weare weapons defensiues nor offensiues but onely such souldiers as haue the kings pay neither do they consent they should haue them in their houses neither vse any in trauaile by sea nor lande Besides all this the king hath in the citie of Taybin and Suntiem whereas hee is resident and in such cities lying there about a great number both of horsemen and footemen alwaies in a readinesse for to go with him into any place for the safegarde of his person in time of necessitie The souldiers of this kingdome are in two sorts and manners the one sort are such as bee and are naturals of the citie whereas they haue their charge and these be called in their language Cum in this place the sonne doth succéed the father and for lacke of an heire the king doth prouide one in the dead mans place Euery one of them hath his name written vpon the post of his doore and the place appointed whither he shal go when occasion shall serue enimies being against that cittie or towne The other sort of souldiers are strangers and are consorted for yeares or monethes to serue These be they that ordinarily make their watches musters and ioyne companies for the receit of the captaines these be called in their language Pon. These goe from one place vnto another whereas they are commanded to go One captaine and ancient hath charge of a thousand and a meaner captaine with his ancient a hundreth that doo depend vpon the other So that for to knowe the number of people that is in a great campe it is done with great ease in accounting the ensignes of a thousand men which are easily knowne Euery chiefe or petie captaine of these hath his house vpon the cittie wal and his name put on it and there he dwelleth so long as the warres indureth These captaines euery moneth do exercise their souldiers in marching and putting them in order sometime with quick spéed and other times more slower and to giue assalt and retyre as they are taught by the sound of the drum this they do vse continually in the time of peace as wel as in the time of warre Also how to vse their weapons which are ordinarie hargabuses pikes targets faunchers brushebilles holbards dagars and armour The horsemen do vse in the warres to carrie foure swords hanging at their saddell bowes and doo fight with two at once with great dexteritie and gallant to behold These do accustome to go into the wars accompanied with many seruants and familiar friends on foote all wel armed after the gallantest manner that possible they may These footemen be marueilous full of pollicie and ingenious in warlike or martiall affaires and although they haue some valor for to assalt and abide the enimie yet doo they profite themselues of policies deuises and instruments of fire of fire workes Thus do they vse as wel by land in their wars as by sea many homes of fire full of olde iron and arrowes made with powder fire worke with the which they do much harme and destroy their enimies The horsemen do fight with bowes and arrowes and lances and with two swordes as I haue saide before and some with hargabuses They cannot gouerne their horses very wel for that they haue but one péece of iron that is crosse in their mouthes that serueth for a bridle and for to make them stay they pull but one raine and with clapping their hands together and making of a noise before them They
not but let them peaceably to enter and to traficke in buying and selling paying their ordinarie customes due vnto the king In euery port there is a scriuener or notarie put there by the gouerners that dooth set downe in memorie the day and houre that any shippe doth enter in in order that whether hée be a stranger or natural to take in his lading and dispatch according vnto the old custome of those ports the which is inuiolably kept which is the occasion that they do lade and dispatch in so short time and with so great quietnesse as though there were but one shippe although many times you shall sée in one port two thousande ships small and great In this sort with a bought licence did the Portugals traficke from the Indies in Canton a prouince of this kingdome and in other parts of that kingdome as they themselues haue declared and likewise the Chinos CHAP. VIII Of the kings royall counsell and the order they haue to knowe euerie moneth what dooth passe in all the kingdome THe king hath in the citie of Taybin wheras he is resident a royall counsell of twelue counsellers and a president chosen men throughout al the kingdome and such as haue had experience in gouernement many yeares For to be one of the counsell it is the highest and supremest dignitie that a man can come vnto for that as aforesaid in all this kingdome there is neither Prince Duke Marquesse Earle nor Lord that hath any subiectes but the king only and the prince his sonne These counsellers and the gouernors of these prouinces by them appointed bee such personages that they are respected and esteemed for the time of their continuance in the same estimation as is the other where as they haue these titles For to be one of this counsell it is not sufficient that they be expert and learned in the lawes of the countrie and in morall and naturall Philosophie and commenced in the same but they must be also expert in Astrologie and iudgements For they say he that must be of this supreme counsell by whome is gouerned all these fiftéene prouinces it is requisite that they know all this that is saide for to prognosticate what shall succéede and happen the better to prouide for all necessities that shall come These twelue doo sit in counsell ordinarily in the kinges pallace for the which there is a hall appointed maruellous richly trimmed and in the same thirtéene chayres sixe of them of golde and sixe of siluer both the one and the other of great price wrought with great curiositie yet the thirtenth is more richer for that it is of golde and set full of precious stones of great value that is placed in the middest of them vnder a canopie or cloth of estate of cloth of gold in the which is imbrodered the kinges armes and is as it is saide certaine serpentes wrought with golde wyer in this chayre the president doth sitte when the king is not in presence but if hee be there as séeldome he is then doth the president sit in the first and highest of the chaires on the right hand which be of gold in the which and in the other of siluer they bee placed according vnto their antiquitie in this sort that if the president do die then do the most auncient procéede and inherite his roome and in his chaire doth the fift person rise on the side of the golden chaires and so from the fourth vnto the fift and in this order all the rest arise in the chaires of siluer passing into the other chaires of golde This may the president doo preferring euerie one in order if any doo die without the consent of the king And if any of these chaires be voyd then doth the counsell choose an other by voices the which is done by vprightnes and he which hath the most is preferred but the chiefest in this preferment is merit and sufficiencie If he that is choosen be absent in any gouernment then doo they send for him but if hee bee present in the citie then doo they carrie him before the king giuing him to vnderstand of their election in whose power it is to accept or to make it voyde which neuer doth happen Then the king himselfe on his owne handes according vnto their custome doth make him sweare a solemne oth that he shall doo vpright iustice according vnto the lawes of the countrie and that he shall likewise doo vprighly in the choosing of viceroyes and gouernours or any other Iustices and not be led with affections nor passions neyther receiue anie bribes himself nor any other for him with many other things in this order and effect and aboue all thinges hee shall not bee partaker neyther consent to anye treason at anie time against the king but rather if that hee doo vnderstande of anie such directly or indirectly hee shall straight wayes giue the kinge to vnderstande thereof or his counsell of all that hee dooth knowe or vnderstande alwaye fauouring with his industrie and force the preseruation of peace and life of the king This oth of homage being doone they doo carrie him vnto the chaire which is on the left hande in the hall and doo giue him the possession with great solemnitie for the which certaine dayes after there is great feastes in the citie as well by them of the counsell as by the citizens and courtiers during the which time the marchants do leaue their contractions and trafickes and handicraft men their occupations If any occasion bee requisiâ—e to talke with the king there is none that speaketh with him but the president and if it so fall out that hee be sicke then the most auncient and vppermost in the golden chayres dooth talke with him at all times when néede requireth but when he talketh with him hee is on his knées and his eyes inclyned to the grounde and neuer mooueth although the talke endureth two houres He is paide with the same money that all viceroyes gouernours iustices and captaines of the kingdome are when they will talke with the president it is in the selfe same order In this royall counsell euerie moneth they doo knowe all thinges that doo happen in all the kingdome woorthie to bee aduised of and this is without falt for that those which doo gouerne the prouinces haue expresse commaundement to sende notice vnto the court of all thinges that doo happen in anye of their prouinces touching warres the estate of the countrie the kinges rents or any other thing the which is accomplished with so great care that although it bee a prouince distant fiue hundred leagues from the court yet the post doth not misse his day appointed And those which do first come do tarrie till the last or furthest off doo come and then vpon the day appointed they do all together giue their relations Those which are farre off for to be at the court so soone at the instant as those which are nigh at
euery one in particular Of the antiquitie of this kingdome of China and of the beginning of the world and in what time and for whome it beganne Of the kings that haue raigned in this kingdome and the order of their succession and gouernement with their liues and customes Of the ceremonies they vse in doing sacrifice vnto their idols which they hold as gods and the names of them of their beginnings and at what time they shoulde make their sacrifices Their opinions of the immortalitie of the soule of the heauen of hell of the manner of their funerals and of their mourning apparel that euery one is bounde to weare according as he is alianced vnto the dead Of the lawes of the kingdome and when and by whom they were made and the punishment executed on those which violate the same with manie other matters touching their good gouernement and policie Manie Herbals or bookes of herbes for phisitions shewing how they should be applied to heale infirmities Many other bookes of phisicke and medicine compiled by authors of that kingdome of antiquitie and of late daies containing in them the maner how to vse the sicke and to heale them of their sicknes to make preseruatiues against all sicknesses and infirmities Of the properties of stones and mettals and of things natural that haue vertue of themselues wherefore pearles gold siluer and other mettals may serue for the vtility of man comparing with the one and the other the vtilitie of euerie thing Of the nomber and moouings of the heauens of the planets and stars and of their operations and particular influences Of such kingdomes and nations as they haue notice off and of particular things that are in them Of the life and behauiour of such men whom they holde for saints where they lead their liues and where they died and were buried The order howe to play at the tables and at the chests and how to make sports of legerdemaine and puppets Of musicke and songs and who were the inuentors thereof Of the Mathematicall sciences and of Arithmeticke and rules how to vse the same Of the effectes that the children doo make in their mothers wombs and how they are euery moneth sustained and of the good and bad times of their birth Of Architecture and all manner of buildings with the bredth and length that euerie edifice ought to haue for his proportion Of the properties of good and bad ground and tokens how to know them and what seede they will beare euery yeare Of Astrologie naturall and Iudiciarie and rules to learne the same and to cast figures to make coniectures Of Chiromancia and Phisiognomia and other signes and tokens and what euery one doth signifie The order how to write letters and how to giue euerie one his title according to the dignitie of his person How to bring vp horses and to teach them to runne and trauaile How to deuine vpon dreames and cast lottes when they beginne any iourney or take any thing in hande whose ende is doubtfull Of apparell worne in all the kingdome beginning with the King and of the ensignes or coates of armes of such as doo gouerne How to make armour and instruments of warre and howe to firme a squadron These bookes and many others that the Fryers brought out of the which as afore saide haue béene taken all such thinges as haue béene and shall be declared in this historie interpreted by persons naturally borne in China and brought vp in Philippinas with the Spaniardes that dwell there who affirme that they haue séene great libraries in Cities where they abode but especially in Auchea and Chincheo CHAP. XVIII The order that these Chinos obserue in making bankets and in celebrating their festiuall daies FOr that in some parts of this historie wee haue touched the bankets that the Chinos do make it shall not bee amisse to declare here the order they vse therein for that they are curious and differ verie much from our order and vse in their banquetting the which we haue perceiued as well by their féeding as by many other thinges Amongest these Chinos more than amongest any other people of the world are vsed bankets and feastes for they are rich and without care and also without the light of heauen albeit they do confesse and beléeue the immortalitie of the soule and the rewarde or punishment in an other worlde according vnto their workes in this life as we haue saide all that euer they can they doo giue themselues vnto the contentment of the flesh and vnto all maner pastimes wherein they liue most delicately and in verie good order Their custome is although they haue a hundred guestes yet euerie one must sit and eate at a table by himselfe Their tables be verie fine gilt and painted full of birdes and beastes and other varieties verie pleasant vnto the eye They doo not vse to put table clothes on them but onely a forefront of damaske or some other silke on euerie one of them which hangeth downe to the ground and on the foure corners they doo sette manie little baskettes curiously wrought with golde and siluer wyer full of flowers and knackes of sugar made with great curiositie as Elefantes grayhoundes hares and all other kinde of beastes and foules gylt and painted in the middest of the table they doo sette the victualles in maruelous good order as â—lesh of diuerse sortes fowle and fishes of the which they make diuerse manners of brothes passing well dressed and are serued in fine earthen dishes of great curiositie and of siluer although these they vse verie seeldome except for the viceroyes they haue no neede of table clothes nor napkins for they eate so delicately that they doo not touch the meate with their handes but with little forkes of golde or siluer with the which they eate so cleanly that although it be verie small that they eate yet will they let nothing fall they drinke often but a little at a time and therefore they vse verie little cuppes At these bankettes and feastes there are present alwayes women gesters who doo play and sing vsing manie prettie gestes to cause delight and make mirth to the guestes besides these they haue diuerse sortes of men with other instruments as tomblers and players who doo represent their Comedies verie perfectly and naturally in these bankets they spende the greatest part of the day by reason of so manie diuersities of meates that they serue in They passe many times a hundreth sundrie dishes when that the estate of the person that is inuited or of him that maketh the banket dooth require As may shew the report of the Augustine Fryers in the beginning of the second part of this historie where one doth tell of bankets that were made him by the Insuanto a Gouernor of the prouince of Chincheo and the Uiceroy of Aucheo and of the gallant deuises they had to driue away the time so long as the banket lasted Unto euerie one
And for to haue the fruition of this benefite all the yeare in the winter they must vse an artificiall helpe to giue a little warmenes vnto the doong for the bringing forth of their egs they do vse thē an other inuentiō as ingenious as the first that is this they take a great number of canes tied one by another whereon they do laye the doong then vppon that they doo lay their egges and do couer them verie well with the same this being done they put vnder the canes straw or some other like thing and set it on fire but in such sort that it dooth not burne but kéepeth a naturall heat all the time till they thinke that they are readie to be taken out Then doo they take and breake them as aforesaide so that their pultrie dooth increase in such number as though they were antes Then doo they put thē into an other cage for the same purpose wheras be old duckes brought vp for no other purpose but to couer the little ones vnder their winges and kéepe them warme and there they doo féede them euery day till such time as they can féede themselues and go abroad into the fieldes to profit themselues in the companie of the olde duckes Many times they haue in number aboue twentie thousand yet do they maintain them with a small-cost and it is in this order euerie morning they do giue them a small quantitie of boyled rice then do they open a doore of the cage which is towardes the riuer and doo put a bridge of canes that doth reach vnto the water then doo they come foorth with so great haste one vpon an other that it is a pastime to sée them All the day after they do passe the time vpon the water and in the fieldes of rice vpon the land wheras they do féede the owners of the rice doo giue vnto the owners of the duckes somewhat to let their duckes go into their fields for that they do destroy all the grasse and other wéeds in it And hurt nothing of the rice When that the euening draweth on then they of the barke do make a sound with a taber or such like y t which being heard of his duckes they throwe thēselues with great spéede into the water and swimme straight vnto their owne barke whereas their bridge is readie put for them and euerie flocke doth know his owne barke by the sounde without missing at any time although there be many flockes together For euerie barke doth vse a different sound the one from the other to the which the duckes are vsed and their eares full thereof so that they neuer fayle their owne barke This manner of liuing is greatly vsed in all that countrie and verie profitable for that it is a victuall most vsed amongst them and is esteemed as a thing of great sustentation and of small price by reason that at al times there is bréeding of them and of small cost Likewise in this Countrey they doo vse a kinde of fishing that is of no lesse industrie then the bringing vppe of these duckes and a thing to be séene The king hath in euerie Citie founded vppon the riuers houses wherein euerie yeare is brought vp many Cormorantes or sea Rauens with whome they doo fishe in those monethes that the fish dooth spawne and that is in this maner following They take the Cormorantes out of their cages and carrie them vnto the riuer side whereas they haue many barkes ordeyned for their fishing and they are halfe full of water Then they take their Cormorantes and with a corde they doo binde their mawes in such sort that no fish can fall into it then they do cast them into the riuer to fish the which they do with such good will and couetousnesse that it is a woonder to sée they throwe themselues into the water with great swiftnesse and diue whereas they do fill their throate with fish Then they come foorth and with the like hast they go vnto the barkes that are halfe ful of water and the fish which they haue taken they put in that water which is put there for that purpose that the fish may not die the which being done they returne againe vnto their fishing as they did before In this order they do indure their fishing foure houres together in such sort that the one doth not trouble the other and when y t their boates with water are ful of fish then do they vnbind them and turne them againe into the riuer for to fish for themselues for they haue neede thereof for that alwayes the day before that they will fish they kéepe thē from their ordinarie victualles which is a litle Millio that they may y e better do their office So after a while that they haue filled their bellies and recreated themselues they take them out of the water and carrie them vnto the ordinarie places whereas they art kept and euerie third day during the time of this fishing they doo take them forth for the same exercise which for them is so great pastime that they would it should indure all the yeare In these thrée monethes they do take so much fish that they do prouide the whole kingdome for all the yeare as in the chapter past it hath béene tolde you which is the occasion that they are as well prouided of fish as of any other thing so that if they please they may eate euerie day fresh fish although they are farre from the sea CHAP. XXIII Of the curtesie that the king of this mightie kingdome doth vnto the Ambassadors that come to him from anie other king prince or comonaltie WE should in the chapter following intreate of the ambassage that king Philip of Spaine with the Christian zeale that he had to sende vnto the king of this kingdome who being mooued by certaine causes and reasons did referre it till a better occasion and we do beléeue that it will be offered shortly Therefore now it shall not be from our purpose to declare in this chapter the honour and curtesie that this king doth vnto the ambassadours of kings princes or any other prouince that doth come vnto him in what sort so euer it be and for that it is of great curiositie it shall be necessarie to declare it with the circumstance wherewith it is done All such as doo enter into this kingdome with the title of ambassadour be it from a king that is a friend or enimie they are respected intreated and made of with so great care and diligence as though they came themselues in person that doo send them Unto whome besides the obseruing the law of nations which is obserued kept among all kings in the worlde in especiall that their persons shall not receiue neither incurre any danger although their ambassage bringeth discontent or harme vnto the king besides all the which there is granted vnto them great and particular priuiledges When that he doth enter into the kingdome by any of
which being séene by the roiall councell and considering with what title they entred into that kingdome did not onely make voide the sentence and woulde not confirme the same but did send commandement vnto the vizroy to set them at libertie and to returne fréely back againe vnto the India from whence they came and that hee shoulde furnish them with all things necessarie in aboundance til they were entred into the same although in this time the ambassadors of the king of Malaca who were in the court did still perseuer in their malicious intent In which commandement although it were true all that which the foresaide ambassadors did testifie and that they for feare of death did confesse it yet it is sufficient that they entred into this kingdom the title of ambassador whereby they should receiue any harme But nowe let vs returne tâ— our purpose So after this ambassador hath refreshed himselfe of his iourny and receiued many banquets and orations of the Gentlemen of the court vpon a day appointed he goeth to speake with the king accompanied with all the Gentlemen of the court and with the president of the councell who doth giue him audiâ—nce in one of the thrée rich hals aforesaide at all times as his businesse doth require So when that all his busines is dispatched and gratified with many gifts he returneth backe againe from whence he came and looke with what curtesie they did receiue him at his comming the like they doo vnto him at his returne But if an ambassador doo come from any common wealth of the said kingdome they doo not giue him the intertainement abouesaid but cleane contrarie thereunto for that he dooth enter into the citie accompanied onely with the iustice whose charge it is to lodge him in such houses as the king hath ordeined to the same effect and to giue him all that is necessarie taking of him the summe and effect wherefore he doth come and he doth giue relation thereof vnto the president of the councell and the president doth giue the king to vnderstand therof then doo they appoint the day of audience with this condition that when he dooth go thither hée must go on foote or else on horseback without a bridle with onely a halter on his horse head in token of humility and acknowledging to be a subiect The day of his audience he commeth forth obseruing the order and condition aforesaid accompanyed with the iustice And when hée doth come into a great place which is right against the pallace of the king he staieth there till an officer of the king doth come vnto him who is master of the ceremonies and hee dooth cause him to procéede forwards and doth shew him the place whereas hee must first kneele downe with his handes ioyned togither in token of adoration or worship and all the time of this ceremonie his eies must bee fixed on that part where as they say the king is In this sort hee goeth onwards his way making in it other fiue adorations like vnto the first vntill such time as he do come into the first hall of the pallace which is at the staires heade whereas the president is set with great maiestie and doth represent the kings person who after that hee hath hearde the effect of his ambassage dooth sende them away without answering one word at that time but after that hee hath giuen the king to vnderstande hée dooth sende him answere by that iustice who hath the charge to lodge him and to prouide him of all things necessarie for the time that hée is in the court CHAP. XXIIII Of the ambassage that the king of Spaine did send vnto the king of this kingdome and the occasions that did moue him thereunto as also wherefore it was declared FOr to conclude this small historie in the which I haue declared in summe all such things as I haue vnderstoode of this kingdome of China vnto this I meane such as I might wel set forth leuing a great number more of the which I haue particular note some for that they are vnknowne and others for that they will cause admyration because they haue not béene séene And according vnto the counsell of the wise they should not be intreated of vntill that time that experience dooth make them more credible And againe I doo hold it for a lesse euill to be reprehended for breuitie as some haue béene then to bee prolix and tedious in the declaring although it bee hurtfull vnto this worke from the which I doo take away much that I might put in Nowe letting all passe I will in this last chapter declare of the letter present and ambassage wherewith the king of Spaine did sende mee in the yeare of our Lorde one thousande one hundred and fourescore for that in company of other religious men of my order I should passe from his mightie kingdome of Mexico to China and to present it vnto the king of that countrie in his name of all the which I will declare that which I doo vnderstande and know not excéeding the limits of fidelitie by reason that the ambassage was not ended nor no conclusion in effect of that which was pretended but doo hope in the deuine maiestie and with the care and diligence that is put therein by the king of Spaine shortlie to haue a conclusion of that they desire for the which the letter and the rest was sent Béeing considered of by the Spaniards such as were dwellers in the Ilands Philippinas which by another name are called the Ilands of the Ponent or West the thinges of great valour and riches as of golde and silkes and many other thinges which is brought from the kingdome of China and out of their ports and how those which brought it did sel it for a small quantitie in respect as they did estéeme it and being certified by the saide Chinos of many other things which were in the firme land wherof some of them haue béene made mention in this historie being mooued with the conuerting of these soules and with the profite that might come of traficke that they might haue with the Chinos it was concluded by the gouernour and principals of the Citie of Manila with the iudgement of the prouinciall of the order of saint Augustine and of many other religious men that were both graue wise such as were the first that in those parts did preach the Gospel and did baptise a great number of the dwellers therein and did many other thinges of the which I might say much if it were to my purpose and that my part were not therein so that I say it was concluded amongst them to sende vnto the Catholike king graue personages vnto whome intire credite might be giuen for to giue relation what they vnderstoode of that kingdome and also of the euident necessitie that all those Ilands that were his had for their conseruation to holde to friendes the Chinos their borderers whereof might growe vnto them great
other thinges 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 robberies and killing of men hee imagined with himselfe to attempt greater matters and diâ— 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 roouer 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 that although they were thréescore ships great and small and good souldiers therein hée did ouercome them and tooke fiue and fiftie of their ships so that Vintoquian escaped with fiue ships Then Limahon séeing himselfe with a fléete 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 king of China doth arme a fleete of shippes against the rouer Lymahon who withdraweth himselfe to Tonzuacaotican whereas he hath notice of the Philippinas 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 foâ—lowe this Rouer with expresse commandement to apprehende oâ— kill him although to the executing of the same he put both shippes and men in danger Of all this prouision Lymahon had aduertisement by some secrete friends who séeing 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 Tonznacaotican 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 fléete did lie vpon the coast to defende the fame And although he did send foorth some ships a robbing yet did they not doo any thing of importance but rather camâ— flying away from the mightie power of the kinges From this Ilande they did goefoorth with some of their ships robbing and spoyling al such as they met with marchandice other things that they carried from one Ilande to an other and from the Iland vnto the firme comming from thence amongst them all they caused to take two ships of China which came froÌ„ Manilla and were bound to their owne countrie And hauing then 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 theÌ„ 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 fléete 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 séeking of him And so as he was determined he put it in vre with as much expedition as was possible CHAP. IIII. 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 fewe And there he pretended to liue in securitie without feare that before he had of the kings great fléete for that it was so farre distant from the firme lande So with this determination hee departed from those Ilandes whereas hee 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 which was newe founded by the Captaine Iohn 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 Iohn de Salzedo had sent for victuals There was in her but 25. souldiers besides y e rouers so that with the one 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 mâ—ete 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 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 sée so many shippes together and a thing neuer séene 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 fléete 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
euill intent and straight way commanded to â—eigh anker and to enter into a port called Cabiâ—e which is but two leagues from the Citie of Manilla Thither they of the citie might plainely sée them to enter CHAP. VI. The gouernour of Manilla purposeth himselfe to abide the assault of the Chinos to whome 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 Maâ—â—â—â—ie was elected for Gouernour of these Ilandes Philippinas Guido de Labacaâ—es after the death of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi who vnderstanding the great fléete and power of Lymahon the Roâ—er and the small resistance and defence that was in the Citie of Manilla with as much spéede 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 conâ—rarie 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 thâ—re about they couâ—d 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 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 beléeue 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 goodnes mercie neither would hee that the friendship should be lost that these Ilandes 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 Iohn 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 néede 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 enimies 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 fléete right against the port and did put a lande sixe hundreth souldiers who at that instant did sâ—t vpon the Citie the which at their pleasure they did sacke and burne for that it was left alone without people as aforesaide 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 beléeue 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 séene 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 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 sawe 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 togither all his dead people and after did burie them at the Ilande aforesaid where as he stayed two dayes for the same purpose That being doone he straightwayes departed from thence and returned the same way that he came till they 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 the Cities and Townes bordering there aboutes in great feare and also how that he had setled himself vpon 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
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 nauie 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 The Captaines séeing this and that their people were out of order neither could they bring them into any for that they were also weary although y e general of the field did succour theÌ„ in time the which did profite them much yet did they sound a retraite 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 serue thereunto hee 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 thrée péeces of artilerie and many bases besides others ingins of fire worke Seing this that his péeces 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 séeing 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 yéeld 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 thrée monethes that siege indured this Limahon did so much that within the fort he made certaine small barks 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 séemed 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 thrée 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 séene for the which I haue made relation of the comming of Limahon and of all the rest which you haue heard 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 Pagasinan as hath béene tolde you It happened vppon a day that a shippe of Myguel de Loarcha wherein was Frier Martin de Herrada Prouinciall of the Augustine Friers who was come vnto the riuer Pagansinan for to sée 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 Pagasinan they mette with a shippe of Sangleyes who made for the port and thinking them to bée 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 séeing that hee did beare with them woulde 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 that had béene 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 This Sinsay went straight wayes into the fore shippes and demaunded what they were and from whence they came and bing well informed he vnderstoode that he was one of the ships of warre that was sent out by the king of China to séeke the rouer Limahon who leauing the rest of the fléet behinde came forth to séeke in those Ilands to see if he coulde discouer him to be any of them and the better to bee 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 béene some of the rouers shippes Being fully perswaded the one of the other they ioyned togither 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 â—o 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 wherby he diâ— manifest the great pleasure he receiued and woulde therewith straight-waies
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 séene 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 péeces 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 séeke him with aduertisement that hee who did accomplish this diligence with the first shuld be very wel rewarded and estéemed for that they feared that if the rouer shuld 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 inconuenience 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 shiping 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 dayes 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 spéede 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 béene 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 foresaide Friers and their companions The saide shippe departed in a morning very secretly ten dayes before that Omoncon did make saile came to the firme land the saide ten daies before 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 the Spaniards Sinsay who was he that in al things touching Limahon was the dooer 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 séeke 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 séene commanded those that were in the shippe to arme themselues for their defence if néed 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 beléeued to doo it with great â—ase 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 dooone with such spéede 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 séene as by that which Omoncon did sende them worde did offer themselues vnto him promising him to die with him iâ— 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
and almost without any hope to bring their matter to passe for the which they went thether for that it séemed 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 theÌ„ the Castillos there should be peace friendship and being concluded that their souldiers should with that newes depart vnto the Ilandes from whence they came to giue the gouernor to vnderstand therof 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 sée 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 séene 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 Their letter being written they found great difficulty in the sending the same for that there was nâ—ne that would carie 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 hee 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 Uiceroy 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 fréely 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 sée some of those bookes that the Fryers had bought who after that he had séene them did returne them again and requested of them some writing of their owne handes who did accoÌ„plish his request and sent them written in spanish and in their owne 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 béene 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 THe Spaniards remained in the Citie of Aucheo twentie days in the order as hath béen 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 sée the secrets thereof to some euil end which was the occasion y t froÌ„ 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 sende 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 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 what they vnderstoode of him which caused in theÌ„ so great feare y t for the time which it indured which was till such time as they vnderstoode the truth as aforesaide they paied very well for their feasts bankets the which they had made them All this happened in the time that Omoncon Sinsay were at variance and spake many iniurious words the one of y e other discouering their intents 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 besieged him with other spéeches in the like sort yet twentie daies 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 séemed 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 Gouernors of â—â—e prouince do assemble together to intreat of the Spaniardes busines and are resolued 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 wheÌ„ 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 his counsell had called together all the gouernours of that prouince of Aucheo to intreat of matters touching LimahoÌ„ as also in particular why wherefore the Spaniards came thether to resolue theÌ„selues wholly in all things requisite for the same So when that they were all come together which was in a short time amongst them the Gouernor of Chincheo who by an other name was called Insuanto they had particular méetings together with the Uiceroye in the which they were all agréed to haue a generall méeting 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 séemed to bée the chiefest amongst them but whether it was for that hée 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 commandement 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 Ilands were discouered who in all thinges that possible hath béene haue shewed themselues not onely in words but in déedes 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 frée 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 fléete and the besieging of the rouer Limahon with which newes they came â—hither to intreate and conclude betwéene them and the Castillias 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 news 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 declare
represented a comedie which was very excellent 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 déeds 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 bée 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 thrée 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 with so good apparell and personages that it séemed 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 Chautalay a principall Captaine of that prouince 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 sée 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 péeces of silke and twenty péeces of Burato a litter chaire and guilt and two Quitasoles of silke and a horse Likewise he sent the like present vnto the generall of the fielde and to either of thâ—m 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 bée partâ—d amongst the Captaines and other officers that were at the siege of Limahon with thrée hundred blacke mantles and as many Quitasoles to be parted amongst the souldiers Besides all these hée gaue vnto the friers ech of them eight péeces of silke and vnto the souldiers their companions foure péeces of ech of them and to euery one his horse and a Quitasol of silke their hâ—rse 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 tooke their leaue These visitations and leaue taking being doone they returned vnto their lodging with great desire for to toke 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 CHAP. XXIX The Spaniards departe from Aucheo and come vnto Chincheo wheras the Insuanto was he commanded theÌ„ 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 sée them with so great presse and thronge as they did when they first came thither into the countrie they were al carried in litter chaires yea their verie slaues for that it was so commaunded by the vizroy the Friers were carried by eight men a péece and the souldiers by foure men a péece and all their seruants and slaues were caried by two men a péece 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 theÌ„ a harbinger for to prouide their lodgings with him went a paimaster whose charge was to ordain prouide men for to cary their litter chaires to giue them for their trauell that which is accustomed to pay all costs charges spent by the Spaniard After that they departed from Aucheo they made of two daies iourney one which was y e occasion that they came to Chincheo in foure daies At their entring into the citie they found a seruant of the Insuanto with order commandemeÌ„t that they shuld proceed forwards on their iourney 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 coÌ„mandement made so much haste y t in two dayes they came vnto the village of Tangoa wheras they had bin before particular mention made thereof In the same village they were lodged wel entertained and had great good chéere from thence they went in one day to Tansuso which was y e first port wheras they did disembarke theÌ„selues when as they came from the Ilands vnto that firme land the Iustice of the town did lodge them in y e same house whereas they were first lodged did prouide for them of all things necessary néedfull that in aboundance til y e 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 y e thirde of September he sent and commanded the Spaniards that they should imbarke themselues for that it was that day the coniunction of the moone although at that time y e ships were not fuâ—ly in a redines They obayed his commandement the Insuanto himself went to the water side in whose presence came thither certain religious men of their maner 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
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
him that presented the same and the innocencie of them that were therein complained of he sent commanded the gouernor of Canton for to giue them good intertainment and not to permit any harme or hurt to be done vnto theÌ„ that he should send them vnto the city of Aucheo for that he would sée them for that it was tolde him that they seemed to be holy men and although that they had their apparell in tho same forme of the Austin friers whom he had séene yet their garments were of an other colour and more asper The chiefe captaine séeing that his intent fell not out well with the Iudges of China he commanded to bee proclaymed publicke in Machao that none should write vnto them nor coÌ„municate 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 helpe séeing they had néede thereof but in particular the bishop did helpe them alwaies with his almes and also an honorable priest called Andres Cotino who making small account of the proclamation did write vnto them diuerse times although secretly and sent their letters with almes and many exhortations to procéed forward with their holy zeale intent Besides this they sent vnto theÌ„ a spaniard called Pedro Quintero who had dwâ—lt there many yeares 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 payd 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 loue of God to sende them likewise so much as should redéeme 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 brought with him that which they sent for other iunkets of great coÌ„tent 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 wherof in few daies after he died very wel with a strange desire to suffer martyrdome for Gods 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 coÌ„mited the examination of the Spaniards who after that he had concluded other matters coÌ„manded them to be brought afore him with great loue genâ—lenesse 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 streetes to aske almes the gouernor vnderstanding thereof coÌ„mandeth to giue them a stipend out of the kings treasure the interpreter goeth forwardes with his couetousnes deceit they be carried before the Iudges of the citie with whoÌ„ they do intreat of diuers matters they do aduise the the viceroy of al who coÌ„mandeth to send theÌ„ to Aucheo BEcause they would not sée themselues in the like danger with the interpreter as y t 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 euery 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 sée them begge in the stréetes by reason as hath béene tolde you that they haue no poore folk neither are they permitted if there be any to aske in y e 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 theÌ„ in money which was sixe Mayesses of siluer whereof they had to spare for that all thinges in that countrie is so good cheape as hath béen told you in many places Their interpreter séeing 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 néedefull 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 victuals the halfe of the money that was giuen them So vpon a day he came verie much out of order and fayned that the Aytao had commanded that they should foorthwith 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 thrée or foure 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 séeing their manner of liuing to bée 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 ordayned 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 theÌ„ spoken by the mouth of the diuell and estéemed amongest them for a very truth for that other thinges which he spake when that was spoken hath béene 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
you and the countrie beeing fertile is the occasion that they haue 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 twentith 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 sée what the viceroy would command They trauailed through a great and long stréete which séemed 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 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 béene tolde you it is open but once a day Their guide séeing 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 séene 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 séemed 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 railed round about with timber painted blacke and blew which a far off séemed 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 séemed 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 theÌ„ 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 y e which they were carried into a mightie great hall very richly hanged and adorned at the ende thereof was thrée doores that in the middest was great but the other two but small the which did correspond vnto other thrée doores that were in an other hall more within wherein was the viceroy right ouer against the doore in the middest in at y t 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 in the middest was embrodered the kings armes which were as we haue said cerâ—aine serpents woond in a knot together He had also before him a table whereon were two candles burning for y t 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 coÌ„monly 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 to do Iustice vprightly without feare or respect to any The order they haue in giuing audience is with the ceremonies in all points as it hath béene shewed you in the relation of the fathers of S. Augustin All people when they talke with the viceroy are knéeling on their knées although they be Iudges or Loytias as the Fryers did sée them many times This day they séeing that the Spaniardes remained looking alwaies when they should be coÌ„manded to enter in the viceroy gaue audience vnto y e scriueners or notaries to certifie him selfe if they did their offices well 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 gifts bribes of their clyents the whâ—ch is prohibited and forbidden vnder gréeueous penalties for that the king doth giue vnto theÌ„ all sufficient stipend for their maintenance for that they should not incroch nor demand any thing of their clyentes The sets or stripes which were giuen them were with great crueltie and executed with certaine caâ—es and in that order as in other places it hath béene 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 on their heads helmets of yron very bright 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 vpon the staires had swords girt vnto theÌ„ 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 maÌ„ of authoritie and made signe vnto the Spaniards to enter into the hall instructing them that at the first entry they should knéele downe
on their knées the which they did presently from that place vnto the seat of the viceroy was more thaÌ„ 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 knéeled downe againe wheÌ„ 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 maiestie and then asked him of whence he was and what he came to seeke in that kingdome into the which none might come vpoÌ„ 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 for to preach the holy gospell show theÌ„ the way vnto heauen Hauing declared the interpreter this although they did not vnderstand whither he did vse fidelitie in the declaration or not but rather by that which the viceroydid forthwith demand it is to be beléeued that he did it with falshood as he had done many times before for y e without replying vnto that which he had saide of the preaching of y e gospel he asked them what marchandice they brought with theÌ„ the said father answered that they brought none for y t they were not men that did deale in any marchandice but in declaring of things appertaining to heauen 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 commanded them to returne againe y e next day and to bring with them their Images the other things wherof he was certified from Canton that were founde in their frigat for that he would sée it all They did accomplish his coÌ„mandement 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 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 coÌ„manded 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 made a stay betwixt euerie one to consider well thereof and made a showe of great content he receiued in the sight of theÌ„ Although aboue all the rest the Ara of blacke Iasper did most content him and caused a marueilous strangenesse in the rest of the Iudges that had séene it All this while was the father Costodio vpon his knées and the interpreter by him and hee neuer asked of theÌ„ any question neyther did they say any thing They that did bring those thinges vnto him for to sée them seemed to be principall and ancient men who when they gaue it him into his handes they did it knéeling So after that he had seene them al at his pleasure he coÌ„manded to put them againe in the place that they were taken out and made signe vnto the father Coistodio to the interpretâ—r y t they should depart and to carry with theÌ„ al those things which they had brought One of the ancient men that were with him did go foorth with the Spaniards told them when they came into the second hall that the viceroy did reioyce much to see theÌ„ and all those which they brought said that they should repaire vnto y e Timpintao who was his deputy he would dispatch al such matters as were asked of the viceroy by petition following the same till it was concluded 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 coÌ„ming vnto the house of the deputie vnto the viceroy the which was very great faire they found that he had a garde very little lesse then y t of the viceroy almost with as great maiestie So after they had remained in the court a good while abiding his coÌ„maÌ„dement to whom it was giuen to vnderstand y t the viceroy had sent them vnto him he coÌ„manded 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 séene in the hall of the viceroy and he himselfe in the same manner sate in a rich chaire with a table before him He coÌ„manded to take out those things which they brought in their chestes and did behold them with great consideration péece by péece as the viceroy had done and reioysing much to sée the Images he did demande of them with curiositie the signification of some of them but in especiall a crucifixe 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 féeled the habites of our religious men and made signes of great woonder to see the aspernesse thereof The father Costodio séeing his affabilitie and as it séemed by outwarde showe that he did very much pitie them he requested to helpe and fauour him with the viceroy that he would aske licence that they might remaine and dwell in that countrie in any place where his pleasure was to appoint for y t they were men without any hurt and would put all their care and diligence to do workes of charitie and to procure y e 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 thrée moneths for that as theÌ„ 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 y t he would procure that there should be giuen theÌ„ a house for those thrée or foure moneths with a commandement that none whatsoeuer should do them any harme The Interpreter tolde them y t the deputie to the viceroy was very glad y t they would remaine in that countrie for y t they séemed vnto him men of good example necessarie in their coÌ„mon weale that they might fréely learne the
aforesaide had knowledge howe that his craft and subtiltie was discouered thereupon to begin 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 discontent there came vnto the cittie of Canton foure Portugals to buy sell merchandice with a safe conduct which they had for y e same which was y e occasion y t their sorow trouble increased suspecting what might happen conformable to y e aduise which they had from thence but for y t they did comon visit theÌ„ many times w t 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 méete 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 mo 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 the better y t 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 hée 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 néedfull 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 bée there the which did so much trouble the Aytao the rest of the Iudges that day night they neuer rested but were occupied in the preparing al things necessary to receiue him which were so many 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 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 not to permit any to do them harme or iniury but to giue them frée passage with securitie till such time as they should come to y e place appointed in y e said prouision which was vnto Machao 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 thrée 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 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 whiâ—h they did but kept still the halfe of that which they solde it â—orâ— and with manyother things mâ— which by the commandemeÌ„t of the vizroy was giuen them for their iourney and thought it well bestowed on them for to sée theÌ„selues free of their lyings 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 hâ—e 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 fiftéenth 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 béene 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. XIIII They that were determined to go vnto Luzon doo depart 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 after they had sailed by sea y e space of three leagues they entred into another mighty riuer in y e which they trauelled four daies And sure the great number of citties and townes that they saw alongst the riuers side is
great ioy to sée 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 sée them should not be troublesome vnto theÌ„ he would passe ouer hâ—s content in séeing them for their better coÌ„moditie they shall depart in the same barke wherein they came vnto the port of Aytim wheras 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 spéede as was possâ—ble and for the accomplishing of the same hee kept the commission of the viceroy and gaue an other commission vnto the gouernor of the port whether as hee sent them in the which he coÌ„manded to be accomplished all that he had promised The Spaniards although they would very gladly haue séene the citie of Chincheo and the mightinesse thereof yet did they accomplish that which the gouernor did coÌ„mand 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 sent their interpreter with the commission vnto the gouernor who presently after he had read the same sent coÌ„manded that the Spaniards should come a shore and come and sée him who did accomplish the same although with no lesse trouble than in other places by reason of the people that came to sée 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 y t was there bound vnto 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 intertainment that was possible who promised him to accomplish the same therwith he tooke his leaue of them and sent them with the said captaine who offered them all the fauour friendship that was requisite He presently carried them vnto his ship who after he had shewed theÌ„ the whole coÌ„moditie therof he made theÌ„ a colation or banket with great friendship They remained in this port more than fiftéene daies wheras they suffered very much colde and séeing 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 owne nation to take their ease and hauing knowledge of an other ship that was ready would depart they altogither went vnto the gouernor who was set in audience said vnto him with a loud voice as is vsed in al that countrie y t the captaine whom he had coÌ„manded to carrie them vnto Luzon was not readie to depart neither any signe that he would in many daies 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 theÌ„ 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 with great choler he commaunded one of his officers that was there with him to go presently bring before him that captaine vnto whom he had coÌ„mitted the carriage of the Spaniards y t 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 heauen or in earth The gouernor straighwaies 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 séeing 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 spéech 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 apparell for to execute the commandement the Spaniards hauing pitie compassion of him for that he séemed to be an honest man they fell all vpon their knées at the gouernors féete 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 béene 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 in saftie and left them at the place that they desired This Captaine vnderstanding what had passed with the other and because he would not sée 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 â—ut of the hauen because hee would not be called backe againe CHAP. XV. The Spaniardes depart from China and go to Luzon they do passe some stormes at the sea the marriners doo call vpon the diuell by lots the religious men do reprehend them in the end they come to their desired port whereas they are receiued with much ioy THe second day of Ianuarie departed out of the port 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 Ilande 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 thrée ships the one from the other in such sort that euerie one tooke his way procuring to saue themselues as commonly in such cases is vsed without hauing any care the one of the other and God was so pleased that the ship wherin the Spaniards were and one of the other two entred into a
chance and haue bin séene of some there abouts declared vnto theÌ„ y e secret of y e mysterie froÌ„ 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 wisedome not to proceed any further but to conclude in y t which toucheth y e Ilandes of Canarias aforesaid 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 séedes and wine there is also made verie much sugar there is nourished and brought vp great store of cattell 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 AFtâ—r that the fléetes 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 Desseada which is fiftéene degrées from the Equinoctiall eyght hundreth and thirtie leagues from the Canarias all which is sayled without séeing any other land they are sayling of the same ordinarily eight and twentie and thirtie dayes This Iland Desseado was called by that name by reason that the gulâ—e is great and so many daies sayling that when they do sée 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 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 very cruell they do annoint their arrowes with a deadly earth so ful of poison that the wound the which is made therewith can not be healed by any humaine remedie This Ilande is in fiftéene degrées It is verie little and not of much people yet notwithstanding it hath béene 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 vn looked for haue béene 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 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 sée 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 sée 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 â—ut and make cleane that Ilande of so euill wicked people which were a good déede 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 sée 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 sée oportunitie they giue the assalt in the manner as hath béene tolde you and doo very much harme Nigh vnto this Ilande Dominica towardes the northwest is the Ilande of S. Iohn de Puerto rico the which is in eightéene degrées it is fortie and sixe leagues long and fiue 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 yéeldeth 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 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 degrées and ninetie leagues from the citie of Mexico in al which way there be many townes inhabited with Indians and Spaniards Being departed from this port they sayle towards the south west till they come into twelue degrées a halfe to séeke prosperous wind to serue their turne which the marriners do call Brizas and are northerly windes which are there of such continuance so fauourable that being in the moneths of Nouember December and Ianuarie they haue no néede to touch their sayles which is the occasion that they do make their voyages with so great ease So that for that for the fewe 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 séeing anie lande at the end whereof they came to the Ilandes of Velas which by an other name are called de los Ladrones there are seuen or eight of them they do lye north and south and are inhabited with much people in the order as you shall vnderstand These Ilands are in 12. degrées but there are different opinions of the leagues y t are betwixt the port of Acapulco those Ilands for vnto this day there is none that hath vnderstood the certâ—â—ntie thereof for that their nauigation lieth from the east vnto the west whose degrées there haue bin none y t â—uer 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 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 hath lifted them both from the grounde with so great ease as though they had bin two children They go naked from top to too 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 nuÌ„ber in respect of those y t weare nothing before them The weapons which they do vse be sâ—inges 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 custome that euer hath bin heard of or séene 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 fréely enter into the houses ofsuch as are married and be there with their wiues without being punished for y e same although their proper husbands should sée them they doo carrie in their handes a staffe or rodde when they do enter into the married mans house they doo leaue it standing at the doore in such sort that if any do come after they may plainly sée 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 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 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 leaue 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 theÌ„ that were aboue hatches yet went they not away scotfrée for that our people with their hargabushes did paye them in readie money their bold attempt These people do more estéeme yron than siluer or golde and gaue for it fruites nnames patatas fish rise ginger hennes and many gallant mattes very well wrought and all almost for nothing Thâ—se Ilandes are verie fertile and healthfull and very easie to bee conquered vnto 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 knowen what ceremonies and rites they do obserue for that there is none that doo vnderstande their language neither hath any béene 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
that should bée discouered Miguel Lopez de Legaspi who did accomplish all that his maiestie had commanded and made the discouerie thereof in such order as 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 Ilandes were subiect vnto the king of China vntill such time as hee did deliuer them vp of his owne frée will for such reasons as were spoken off in the first part of this historie that was the occasion that when y e Spaniards came vnto them they were without Lorde or heade or anie other to whom they shoulde shewe 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 beasts killing spoiling and captiuing one another the which was a great helpâ— 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 theÌ„ 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 kéepe it which in conclusion the debt would grow to be so great that to pay the same he is forced to yéeld 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 amongst them many thousands baptised vnto whom the king hath shewed great mercie in sending vnto theÌ„ the remedie for their soules in so good time for if the Spaniards had stayed any more yeares they had béene all Moores at this day for thâ—t there were come vnto the Ilande of Barneo 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 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 veâ—y sumptuous with great ceremonies and superstition they doo call Magaduras But amongst them all they haue 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 Ilands 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 those 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 Iesu 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 conuâ—rt 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 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 y t were had in as great estimation amongst theÌ„ 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 déeds into whom it is to be beléeued 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 bee 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 or obseruers of times in so much that if they begin any iourney and at the beginning they méete with a Cayman or lyzarde or any other sauage worme they know 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 béene taught them they perswaded to by the diuell is ouerthrowne and taken away by the law of the Gospel as aforesaide 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 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
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 y t 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 foorth with 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 péeces 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 gréeued to sée howe that hee did remaine therewith and with the Image of feathers The Captaine did contende with him for to take the Damaske but hée would not Afterward they vnderstood that 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 that they had lost the two thinges that they so much estéemed 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 gréeued 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 sorrowfull 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 a 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 knewe 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 proâ—ite 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 bée for the same gréeuously punished and finding himselfe culpable in y e 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 succéede or happen if it shoulde come to the vnderstanding of the Aytao of the cittie of Canton as coulde 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 beléeued 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 depart 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 beléeuing that he had agréed 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 commandemeÌ„t 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 Héere 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 beléeued was granted them by the vizroy til such time as they vnderstood what was done by their interpreters relation giuen by the Chino boy which came w t them from the Philippinas who declared to thē the truth in all things how y e the interpreters had neuer told the Iudges how that they would remain in the countrie neither made any mētion thereof but that they came thither as lost men 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 beléeuing that their desire woulde take effect vnderstoode the craft and wile of the interpreters and the great fashood that they had vsed they were very sadde and beganne amongst themselues to remedie the same so they determined to séeke 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 séeing 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 entred in counsell to sée 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 they should not haue néede of any interpreter neither feare to be deceiued as they had béene 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 soulders 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 séeing 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 wée 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 staied there longer then they did think they should by reason that y e Iudges of the Cittie were occupied with the examinations of students the which is accustomed euery thrée yeares and is in that manner and order as hath béene 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 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 vnto 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 whome they were directed about the which there was great holde and kéepe 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 spéed possible went to remedy the danger that might insue and to take him out of his power The captaine séeing 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 bée 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 hée 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