that place in another Ilande called Laulo for to put themselues in a newe course different and contrary vnto that which they brought when as they came vnto that kingdome for that the Chinos had by experience prooued that in those monethes the windes were more fauorable then in other monethes and for the most part North and Northeast winds al that night they remained in that Iland and the next day following they sailed vnto another Iland which was called Chautubo not farre distant from that of Laulo This Ilande was full of little townes one of them was called Gautin which had fiue fortes of towers made of lime and stone verie thicke and strongly wrought they were all foure square and sixe fatham high and were made of purpose for to receiue into them al the people of those little townes to defend themselues from rouers and théeues that daylie come on that coast These fortes were made with battlements as we do vse with space betwixt them and for that the forme and fashion of their building did like them verie well they were desirous to sée that if within them there were anie curious matter to bée séene wherewith they bent their artilerie towards them and went a shoore But when they which had the gard◠and kéeping off did sée them comming they did shut the gates and woulde not consent that they shoulde satisfie their desire for any intreating or promises that they could make They verie much noted that although this Ilande were rockie and sandie yet was it tilled and sowed full of Rice Wheate and other séedes and graine There was in it great store of Kine and Horse and they vnderstoode that they were gouerned not by one particular man to whom they were subiect neither by any other amongst themselues nor of China but in common yet notwithstanding they liued in great peace and quietnesse for that euerie one did content himselfe with his owne Uppon sunday in the afternoone they departed from this Ilande and sailed their course all that night and the next morning they ariued at another Iland called Corchu which was twentie leagues from the port of Tansuso from whence they departed The Spaniards séeing what leasure they tooke in this their voyage they requested the Captaines to commaunde the marriners that they shoulde not enter into so many portes or harbors for that they had no certaintie of the weather and not to detract the time but to take oportunitie before that contrarie weather do come for to saile in that order it seemed more for recreation then to achiue or obtaine a voyage The Captaines answered and requested them to haue patience for that in making their iournies as they did they doo accomplish and follow the order set downe by the vizroy and Insuanto who did expressely commaunde them with great charge for to direct their Nauigation by those Ilands with great deliberation and consideration because they might in safetie and health ariue at Manilla The same day the North winde beganne to blowe verie strongly in such sort that they thought it not good to go forth of that harbor as well for that aforesaid to be commanded to the contrarie as also for that the Chinos are very searefull of the sea and men that are not accustomed to ingulfe themselues too farre neither to passe anie stormes Néere vnto this Iland there was another somewhat bigger which is called Ancon wholly dispeopled and without anie dwellers yet a better countrie and more profitable for to sowe and reape then that of Corchu The Spaniards being at an anker there vnderstood by the Chinos that in times past it was very well inhabited vnto the which ariued a great fléete belonging to the king of China by a great storme were all cast away vpon the same the which losse and destruction being vnderstood by another generall that had the guard of that cost suspecting that the dwellers thereof had done that slaughter he came to the shore and slew many of the inhabitants and caried all the rest in their ships vnto the firme lande who afterwards would neuer returne thither againe although they gaue them licence after that they vnderstoode the truth of that successe so that vnto that time it remained dispeopled and full of wilde swine of the broode that remained there at such time as they were slaine and caried away as you haue heard This Iland and the rest adioyning thereunto which are very many haue very excellent and sure ports and hauens with great store of fish These Ilands endured vntill they came vnto a little gulfe which is fiue and fortie leagues ouer and is sailed in one day and at the ende thereof is the port of Cabite which before we haue spoken off and is neere vnto Manilla So when that winde and weather serued their turne they departed from the Iland of Ancon and sailed til they came vnto another Ilande called Plon whereas they vnderstoode by a shippe that was there a fishing howe that the rouer Limahon was escaped wheras he was besieged at Pagansinan the manner and forme of the policie hee vsed therein shalbe told you in the chapter following CHAP. XXXI They haue news how that the rouer Limahon was escaped and howe that he was in an Ilande there hard by some gaue iudgement to go and set vpon him but they resolued themselues to the contrarie and follow the voyage to Manilla BEing at an anker in the Iland of Plon tarrying for a wind to followe their voyage with great desire to come thither whereas they might vnderstande what had happened vnto Limahon at the same time entred into the saide harbor a shippe with fishermen they beléeuing that hee had béene one of the Ilands they went vnto him and asked of whence they were and from whence they came and what newes they coulde say of Limahon who was knowne vnto them all either by some harme that they had receiued or else by report of others that had receiued hurt These fishermen gaue them particular and whole relation by the which they vnderstoode that Limahon was fledde and not perceiued by the Spaniards he escaped in certaine barkes the which he caused to be made very secretlie within his forte of such timber and bords as remained of his shippes that were burnt the which was brought in by night by his souldiers on that side of the fort which was next vnto the riuer and were not discouered by the Castillas which which were put there with all care and diligence to kéepe the mouth that no succour might come in to helpe them And towards the land there whereas he might escape they were with out all suspection they were so strong and did not mistrust that any such thing shoulde bee put in vre as afterwards did fal out the which was executed with so great policie and craft that when they came to vnderstande it the rouer was cleane gone and in sauegard caulking his barkes at the Ilande of
he would let him haue some Fryer for to sende vnto the riuer of Cagayan whether not long before he had sent certaine Spaniards for to inhabite The fryer Costodio promised him one and that he should go with him in companie till he came to the prouince of Illocos whether he went and that from thence he would dispatch him vnto the riuer of Cagayan according vnto his worships commandement requesting of him to haue in his coÌ„panie to kéepe watch warde in that iourney the ensigne Francisco de Duennas Iohn Diaz Pardo the souldier his friend as aforesaide with pretence to depart froÌ„ thence vnto China as in effect they did as shall be tolde you The gouernor being very willing for to pleasure him did grant his request So with great spéede he departed and carried with him the foresaide souldiers and for companion a religious man called Frier Austin de Tordesillas he who afterwards did put in memorie all thinges y t passed with them in China out of the which hath béene taken this small relation So when they came vnto the Illocos they found fryer Iohn Baptista and fryer Sebastian of S. Francis of his owne order occupied in the teaching and instructing the people of that prouince which was the fourth day of Iune The next day following they called a counsell where it was concluded that all those that were there present would venture themselues for to go vnto China to conuert those Gentiles or else to die in the quarrell And the better to bring their purpose to passe they thought it good to speake vnto an other souldier that was there with theÌ„ called Pedro de villa Roel not telling vnto him their pretence because they would not be discouered but asked him in this manner if he would beare him coÌ„panie the other two souldiers who altogether went about a busines of great honour and seruice of God and the benefite sauing of many soules and that he would declare vnto them whether he would go or not without asking whether nor from whâ—t place for that as then they could not giue him to vnderstand till time did serue His answere was that straightwaies he would beare them companie and would neuer leaue them to death So foorthwith they all together with singular ioy went to the ship wherin the father Costodio and his companion with the other two souldiers came in froÌ„ Manilla to y e place with a reasonable Frigat although but with fewe marriners they not verie expert So being altogether in the shippe with all such thinges as they could get together in that small time for their prouision in that iourney they made all thinges in a readinesse to set sayle the same day which was the twelfth day of the sayâ— moneth of Iune So after they had sayde masse and commended themselues vnto God requesting him â—o direct their voyage that it might be to his glorie and seruice they set sayle vppon a fryday in the morning with intent to goe foorth of that port but they could not by no meanes possible for that the sea went verie loftie vpon the barre and contending with the sea for to get foorth they were in great danger to haue béene cast away which was the occasion that with great sorrow they returned into the port whereas they remayned all day CHAP. II. The Fryers and their companions depart from the port of Illocos after they had committed vnto God the direction of their voyage They passe great daungers and troubles do ouercome them all with the confidence they haue in God and came vnto the kingdome of China miraculously SO the next day after they had committed theÌ„selues to God with great deuotion they embarked themselues and made sayle and by the will of God they went out of the harbour although with great danger they carryed with them an other barke a sterne their ship in the which they did determine for to set a lande such Indians as they carried with them from the Esquipazon to helpe them out of the harbour the which they did not for feare they should be drowned So when they were out of that riuer they sayled towards the little Iland that was but one league from that place and there they put the Indians a shore with theÌ„ a young man a Spaniard that they brought from Manilla to serue them So those which should go on that voyage remained there the same night who were the frier Costodio frier Peter de Alfaro borne in Siuel frier Iohn Baptista borne in Peâ—aro in Italy fryer Sebastian de san Francisco of the citie of Boecia and frier Augustin de Tordesillas of the same towne whereof he hath his name all these foure were priestes of the masse The Fryer Costodio would with a very good will haue carried more of them but he durst not for two causes the one for that hee would not haue béene discouered and the other which was the principal occasioÌ„ because he would not leaue that prouince of the Illocos without such as shold instruct them wheras were many baptised for which respect he left some behind him which afterwarde hee would haue béene very glad that they had béene in his companie There were thrée Spaniards souldiers that did beare them companie the one was called the ancient Francisco de Duennas of Velez Malaga the other Iohn Diaz Pardo of Saint Lucas de Barameda the third Pedro de Villa-roel of the Citie of Mexico Besides these they had a boy of China who could speake the spanish tongue and was one of them that were taken at the siege of Limahon the Rouer and other foure Indians of Manilla They departed from this little Ilande vpon a munday the first quarter in the morning which was the fiftéene day of the said moneth of Iune and sayled that way so nigh as they could gesse to be the way vnto China without pilot or any other certaintie more then that which God did shewe and put into their mindes with their great desire which séemed vnto them to comprehende and bring it to passe This day the winde was contrarie and against them which was the occasions that they sayled but little Towardes the euening the winde changed and blewe at the north the which winde vppon that coast is verie dangerous which made them greatly afrayde yet was that feare driuen away by an other feare much greater then that which was that they should be discouered and that they should be pursued by the commandement of the gouernour of Manilla for which occasion whereas they should haue shrowded themselues vnder the land they wrought contrary and cast about vnto the sea in great danger to haue béene cast away but it was the will of God that when as night came the winde did calme which commonly falleth out to the contrary but the sea remayned very rough and loftie that they thought verily to haue béene drowned with the furie thereof for it tossed the Frigatta in such sort
hystories of the said Chinos whereas they do make mention of the mightinesse thereof and of the 15. prouinces that are comprehended in the same The which bookes and hystories were brought vnto the citie of Manilla printed and set forth in China and were translated into the spanish toong by interpreters of the saide nations And for that they were baptised and became Christians they remaine as dwellers amongest vs in these Ilandes the better to obserue and keepe the lawes of baptisme and to flie the paine punishment the which they should receiue for dooing the same for that they turned Christians and receiued the faith without the license of the king and counsell which is forbidden vppon paine of death and is executed with great violence and without remission This mightie kingdome is in circuit or compasse about 69516. Die which is a kind of measure that they do vse which being reduced into the spanish account is almost 3000. leagues and in length 1800. leagues this is to be vnderstood the whole 15. prouinces the which are garnished with many cities and townes besides a great number of villages as you may plainely see in the chapter following By the said booke it is found that the Chinos haue amongst them but only three kind of measures the which in their language are called Lii Pu and Icham which is as much to say or in effect as a forlong league or iorney the measure which is called Lii hath so much space as a mans voice in a plaine grounde may bee hearde in a quiet day halowing or whoping with all the force and strength he may and ten of these Liis maketh a Pu which is a great spanish league and ten Pus maketh a dayes iourney which is called Icham which maketh 12. long leagues By the which account it is founde that this kingdome hath the number of leagues as aâ—ore is saide Yet by the account of other bookes they do finde it bigger and of more leagues Yet frier Martin de Herrada prouinciall of the austen friers in the Ilands Philippinas who is an excellent Geometrician and Cosmographer did cast the account with great diligence by their owne descriptions and doth finde it to amount vnto the sum aforesaid to be 1800. leagues long and 3000. leagues in compasse beginning at the prouince of Olam which is that towards the South and nearest vnto Malacia and so alongst the countrie towards the North east for the space of 600. leagues CHAP. VII Of the 15. prouinces that are in this kingdome THis mightie kingdome is deuided into fiftéene prouinces that euery one of them is bigger then the greatest kingdome that we doo vndâ—rstand to be in all Europe Some doo esteeme those cities to be metropolitans where as is resident the gouernors presidents or viz Rées which in their natural toong are called Cochin of the prouinces two of them which are called Tolanchia and Paguia are gouerned by the king in person with his royall counsel The occasion why the king is alwayes resident or abiding in one of these two prouinces which are two of the mightiest and most popularst of people is not for that in them he is most at his content or receiue more pleasure in them then in any of the other but onely for that they doo conâ—ine vpon the kingdome of Tartaria with whom in times past they had ordinary and continuall wars and for that the king might with more ease put remedie in such harmes receiued and defend with better oportunitie the rage of his enimie he did ordaine and situate his pallace and court in them two And for that it hath béene of antiquitie many yeeres past it hath remained hitherto and appeareth to continue still the habitation of the kings of that kingdome as by desert for the excellencie of the clime and aboundance of all things necessarie The names of the fiftéene prouinces are as followeth Pagâ—ia Foquiem Olam Sinsay Sisuam Tolanchia Cansay Oquiam Aucheo Honan Xanton Quicheâ— Chequeam Susuam and Saxij Almost all these prouinces but in particular tenne of them which are alongst the sea costs are full of déepe riuers of swéete water and nauigable vpon whose branches are situated many cities and townes whereof you may not onely haue the number of them but also their names for that these Chinos are so curious people that in their books are named besides the cities and townes the banketing houses and houses of pleasure which the gentlemen haue for their recreation And for that it will be more trouble then profite to inlarge any further in this matter I will refer it vnto the next chapter where I will intreate of the cities and townes that either of these prouinces hath and passe ouer all the rest as not necessarie for our intent is to set forth the bignes of this kingdome CHAP. VIII Of the cities and townes that euery one of these prouinces hath in himselfe THese fiftéene prouinces which with better truth might be called kingdomes according vnto the greatnes of them as you may perceiue by the number of cities and townes that each of them hath besides villages the which if I should adde herevnto would be an infinite number The number of cities townes that euery prouince hath First the prouince of Paguia where as ordinarily the king and his counsel is resident hath 47. cities and 150. townes Canton hath 37. cities and 190. townes Foquien hath 33. cities and 99. townes Olam hath 90. cities and 130. townes Synsay hath 38. cities and 124. townes Sisuan hath 44. cities and 150. townes Tolanchia hath 51. cities and 123. townes Cansay hath 24. cities and 112. townes Ochian hath 19. cities and 74. townes Aucheo hath 25. cities and 29. townes Honan hath 20. cities and 102. townes Xaton hath 37. cities and 78. townes Quicheu hath 45. cities and 113. townes Chequeam hath 39. cities and 95. townes Susuan hath 42. cities and 105. townes By which account appeareth to be 591. cities and 1593. townes beside villages and houses of pleasure which are an infinite number by the which you may consider that this kingdome doth deserue to be called great and compared with the best and principalâ—t that is heaâ—d of in al the whole world The Chinos doe vse in their pronunciation to terme their cities with this sylable Fu that is as much to say citie as Taybin fu Canton fu and their townes with this sylable Cheu They haue some villages that are so great that it lacketh but onely the name of a towne All their cities for the most part are situated by the riuers sides such as are nauigable the cities are moted rounde about which make them to bee verie strong not only the cities but townes are walled round about with high and strong wals of stone one faddome high and all the rest is of bricke but of so hard a substance that it is not to be broken almost with pickaxes Some cities hath their wals so broad that 4.
care and a small number of people as aforesaid Wherewith hee determined with himselfe with so great spéede as it was possible to ioyne togither such Spaniards as were there which were to y e number of fiftie foure and to depart and procure although they did put themselues in danger of inconuenience to get the forehande of them to aduertise them of Manilla and to ayde and helpe them to put their artilerie in order and all other thinges necessarie for their defence This determination the Captayne did put in vre verie spéedily which was the occasion that the citie and all those that were in it was not destroyed and slayne yet they could not eschue all the harme for that the ships that carried them were small and a few rouers not verie expert for that the suddennesse of their departure would not afforde better choice as also they went from one place to an other procuring of victuals all which was the occasion that they did not come thither in such time as they desired and as was conuenient This Lymahon was well prouided of prouision and al other thinges necessarie and hauing the wind fayre he was alwaies in the fore front and came in the sight of Manilla vppon saint Andros eue in the yeare 1574. whereas he came to an anker that night with all his whole fléete And he séeing that the end of his pretence consisted in expedition before that they should be séene of those of the citie or discouered by them on the coasts The nightes at that time being very darke which was a great helpe vnto them he choose foure hundred of his best souldiers such as hee was fully perswaded of their valour and stout courage and put them in small vessels and charged those that went with them for Captaines to make such expedition that they might come vnto the Citie before it was day and the first thing that they did was to set fire on the Citie and not to let escape one man liuing therin promising them that at the break of the day he would bewith them to giue them aide and succour if néede did require which they did But for that nothing is done without the will and permission of God it went not with Limahon and his foure hundred souldiers according as he did make reckoning for that all that night the winde was of the shoore and the more the night came on the more the wind encreased which was such a contradiction vnto their expectation that they could not by night disembarke themselues although they did procure by all meanes possible by policie and force for to do it Which of certaintie and without all doubt if this had not bâ—ene at great ease they had brought to a conclusion their euill pretence with the spoyle and losse of the citie and all that dwelt therein for their pretence was for to destroy and beat it downe as it might well appeare by the commaundement hee gaue vnto his Captaines CHAP. V. Limahon doth send 400. souldiers before for to burne the citie of Manilla and they were resisted by other men FOr all the contradiction of the winde this same night the foure hundred Chinos did put themselues within a league of â—he citie vpon S. Andrewes day at eight of the clocke in the morning whereas they left their boates and went a land and in great haste beganne to march forwardes in battaile a raye deuided in two partes with two hundred hargabuses afore and immediatly after them other two hundred pickemen and by reason that they were manie and the Countrie verie plaine they were straightwayes discouered by some of the Citie who entered in with a great noyse crying arme arme arme the enemies come The which aduice did little profite for that there was none that would beléeue them but beléeued that it was some false larum doone by the people of the countrie for to mocke them But in conclusion the enemies were come vnto the house of the Generall of the fielde who was called Martin de Goyti which was the first house in all the Citie that wayes which the enemies came And before that the Spaniardes and souldiers that were within the Towne could bee fully perswaded the rumour to be true the enemies had set fire vpon his house and slewe him and all that were within that none escaped but onely the goodwife of the house whom they left naked and verie sore wounded beléeuing that she had béene dead but afterwardes shee recouered and was healed of her woundes In the meane time that they were occupied in their first crueltie they of the Citie were fully resolued of the trueth although all of them with this successe vnlooked for were as people amased and from themselues yet in the end they sounded to armour and did prouide to saue their liues Some souldiers went foorth vppon the sandes but in ill order as the time did permitte and slewe all the Chinos that they did méete and none escaped which was the occasion that the rest did ioyne themselues together and put thâ—mselues in order to make some resistance against their enemies who with great furie entred into the Citie burning and destroying all before them and crying victorie This is the proper resistance of the Spaniâ—rdes when they doo finde themsâ—lues in such like perilles and this was doone with such great courage that it was sufficient to staye the furie of those which vnto that time had the victorie and to make them to retyre although there was great difference in number betwixt the one and the other The Chinos in retyring lost some of their souldiers but vnto the Spaniardes no great harme and in this their defence did notable aâ—tes This being considered of the Chinos and that their boates were farre off for that time would not giue them place to bring them any nearer they did resolue theÌ„selues to leaue assault in the state that it was in and put them selues in couert and there to refresh themselues of the trauaile past and afterwarde to returne with their generall Captaine Lymahon to prosecute their intent which they thought to bee comprehended with great ease So when they came vnto their boates to avoyde any danger that might happen they embarked themselues and returâ—ed vnto their fléete whereas they left them And not lâ—ng after they were departed they might sée them rowe with great furie towardes their shippes and when they came vnto their Captaine Limahon they did aduertise him in particular of all that had happened and how that by reason of the contrarie winde they could not come thether in time as he had commanded them and according vnto their desire which was the occasioâ— that they could not bring to passe their pretence and that by reason of his absence they had referred it till a better occasion did serue Their Captaine did comfort them and gaue them great thankes for that which they had doone promising them in short time to bring to effect their
Tocaotican the better for to escape and saue himselfe and they saide that it was but eight dayes past that hee fledde With this newes they all receiued great alteration but in especiall Omoncon and Sinsay who returned vnto the Spaniards and saide that the escaping of the rouer is not without some misterie and that it coulde not bee done without the will and knowledge of the Spaniards and that the rouer had giuen vnto the generall of the fielde some great gifts for to let him go for that otherwise it were a thing impossible for him to escape being besieged as hee was although the Spaniards had slept the Spaniards did giue their discharge in such prouable maner that the captaines of China were satisfied of the false opinion they had receiued as afterwards they were fully perswaded when they came to the cittie of Manilla and heard the generall of the fielde and other captaines and souldiers that were at tâ—e siege This Iland of Tocaotican whereas the rouer was mending and caulking of his barkes was distant from the Ilande of Plon whereas the Spaniards were onely twelue leagues and being by sea it séemed to be lesse for that very plainely you might see the one Ilande from the other The which with the great cholor that Omoncon and Sinsay had for the escaping of the rouer as also with the feare they receiued in that which might happen vnto them by reason hereof at their returne vnto China which at the least might bée to take away to their great shame the titles of Loytias which was giuen them in that respect did cause their stomakes and mindes to rise and to séeke occasion to go and fight with him for that it séemed vnto them they should get victorie with great ease for that hee was vnprouided and wearied with the long time of his siege Being in this determination there came vnto them the Captaine that was appointed generall ouer them and saide that the vizroy of Aucheo and the gouernor of Chincheo had sent them onely to carrie those Spaniards vnto Manilla and to bring with him aliue or deade the rouer Limahon if they woulde giue him vnto them and that hee woulde not digresse from this order by no manner of mâ—anes neither could they if that they wâ—re so disposed for that the shippes were pestered with the horses and againe their people they had brought with them was more for to saile and gouerne their shippes then for the sight Moreouer the sight would be very dangerous for that it was euident that the rouer and his companions would rather â—e al slaine then to yeelde themselues in any respect and for to put such an enterprise in effect it were requisite to haue both ships and men and not to go so vnprouided and pestred as they were All which reasons being considered they were all conformable vnto the opinion of the Generall and determined that so soone as winde and weather did serue to set saile and to passe the gulfe for to go vnto Manilla whither as they were bound and not to come vnto the Ilande of Tocaotican whereas the rouer was So after they had remained thrée wéekes in that harbour detained with a mightie North winde that neuer calmed night nor day in all that time The eleuenth day of October two houres before day they set saile and went to sea By reason of this great wind there was not one shippe of all thâ—se that were in the port of Plon coulde go foorth to giue any notice vnto the rouer of the going of the Spaniards neither of the captaines of China Sixtéene leagues from the port sailing towards the South they discouered a mightie Iland verie high land which was called Tangarruan and was of thrée score leagues about all inhabited with people like vnto those of the Ilands Philippinas they passed hard by it in the night with a sâ—iffe Norweâ—t winde which was the occasion that the shippe wherein the Friers went was constrained to go to sea and the other nine which were in their companie for their safegarde shrowded themselues hard vnder the Iland by reason whereof they were so farre separated the one from the other that in the morning they coulde not sée them They were in great daâ—ger because that night there was a great storme of winde in the which they lost the rudder of their shippe and almost without any hope to escape the fury thereof Being in this extremitie they commended themselues with contrite hearts vnto almightie God and put their shippe before the sea vntill such time as they had supplied their rudder the which they did although with great trauell and labour then straightwayes it was the will of God that this contrary wind was somewhat calmed and his furie abated and a prosperous winde fauoured them so that vppon sunday in the morning being the seuentéenth day of October they discouered the Iland of Manilla of them greatly desired yet could they not reach vnto it vntill saint Simon and Iudes day by reason that they returned backe vnto the riâ—er of Pagansinan to séeke the other nine shippes for that it was concluded amongst them that if it should so fall out they to be separated in any storme that they should come vnto that riuer and to méete togither as they did So they departed from thence vnto the port of Buliano not entring therin the captaine Omoncon did set a man on shore one that could speake the language of that Iland and gaue him charge to informe himselfe of all that had happened with the rouer Limahon for at that time he could not beléeue that which had béene told him Untill such time as he returned the shippes being without at the sea did play vnder fore sailes who did declare vnto them the verie same thing the which was tolde them at the Ilande of Plon without faultring any point the which caused Omoncon and Sinsay to receiue much more griefe then they did when they heard the first newes for as then they were doubtfull of the truth The Spanyards as then suspected that they would haue returned vnto the firme lande and not haue gone vnto Manilla but to haue left them there all alone vpon that Iland But it fell not out as they suspected For although that Omoncon and Sinsay did make an outward shew to doo it and sayde that they would sende the Spanyards in a shippe for that as then they were out of all danger and in sight of Manilla yet was the Generall of a contrarie opinion and sayd that for no manner of occasion that might happeâ— hee would not differ one point from the order which was giuen vnto him and therewith they sayled towards the Iland that they so long desired to sée and came thither the twentie eight day of October ss aforesaid So that from the port of Tansuso which is the first port of China till they came vnto the Iland of Manilla they were fiue and fortie dayes and is not in all
that it séemed a whole legion of diuels had taken holde on both sides of the shippe forcing the one against the other that it rowled in such sort that many times the halfe decke was in the water so that the marriners could not stand vpon their féete but were driuen to sustaine themselues by the ropes cavels But the religious men trusting in God whose zeale had caused them this great trouble did pray and desire him with many teares that hee would deliuer them out of the same daunger and not to giue place vnto the diuell for to disturbe them of their voyage and enterprise Those their orations and prayers did so much preuaile with certaine coniurations which they made against the diuels whoÌ„ they thought they did see visibly that after midnight the north winde ceased and began to blowe at the north east with the which the sea began to waxe calme so y t they might make their way to be east northeast for that they had intelligence that that course was the shortest cut to the firme land This winde which was so fauourable vnto theÌ„ did increase so much in two houres that the sea waxed loftie and caused them to forget the sorrowe past and constrained them for that the shippe was but small to cut their mast ouer borde and to put themselues vnto the courtesie of the sea with little hope to escape the danger But our Lorde whose zeale did mooue them to attempt that iourney did direct their voyage in such sort that the next day â—ollowing it came to be calme in such sort that they might set vp a newe mast in the place of that which was cut ouer borde in the storme and therewith to nauigate forwardes with their begunne voyage So vpon the fryday following at the breake of the day they sawe lande and thinking that it had béene the firme lande of China they gaue thankes vnto God and reioyced in such sort that they had cleane forgotten the troubles of the stormes and foule weather passed so they made towards it and came thither about noone but when they were a shore they found that it was but a small Iland and situated foure leagues from the firme lande and for that it was so nigh a farre off it séemed to be all one thing But when they came vnto this Ilande they did discouer many ships which were so many in nuÌ„ber that it séemed all the sea to be couered with theÌ„ The friers with the great desire they had for to knowe in what port they were they coÌ„manded to gouerne their ship towardes whereas they were who when they saw them could not know theÌ„ by the strangenes of their ship and sailes they did fly from them all that euer they could The which ouâ— men perceiuing could not imagine the cause thereof they were very much agréeued and sorrowfull and the more for that they could not learne nor vnderstand where they were But séeing nigh vnto them to the lewarde thrée ships they made towardes them and wheÌ„ they were somwhat nigh they put themselues as the others did In this sort they spent all the rest of the day in going from one port to an other vnto those ships for to infirme theÌ„selues where they were but all this diligence preuailed them nothing at all till it was almost sunne set they entred with their frigat into a gut vnder the shore whereas fell from a high rocke which was more than one hundreth fatham by estimation a streme of water which was as bigge as the bodies of two men together In this gut there was thrée other ships and they came to an anker in the middest amongest them the which beeing done they asked of them what countrie that was but they answered nothing nor made any semblance but looked the one vpon the other in beholding of the Spaniards they gaue great laughters In this gut they remained all that night almost amased to sée how those people were as though they were inchanted and they without any light of their desire which was to knowe wher they were So y e next day folowing which was saterday verie early in the morning they set sayle and went amongest a great sort of Ilandes alwayes bearing vnto them which they thought to be the firme lande being greatly amarueiled to sée the infinite number of shippes both great and small that they sawe some were a fishing and some vnder sayle and other some ryding at an anker The same day about noone there happened vnto them a strange miraculous thing and it was that passing through a straight that was but a quarter of a league of bredth which was betwixt the firme lande and a small Ilande in the which was continually foure score ships of warre sette there for watch and warde they passed thorough the thickest of them and were neuer seene for if they hadde without all doubt they had sonke them or slaine them their order and commission is so straight giuen them by their generalles of the sea in the which they are commanded that whatsoeuer kinde of people of strange nations that they do méete vpon the coast for to kill them or sinke them except they do bring licence from some gouernor of such Cities as be vpon the coast for that such as do meane to haue trafickâ— doo sende to demande the same leauing their ships a great way at sea This lawe for to watch and warde was made and ordayned as they do say in respect of the Iapones who did enter into certaine of their portes dissembling themselues to be Chinos being apparelled as they were and speaking their language they did vnto them great and strange hurtes and damages as is declared in the booke before this So when they were passed this straight they sayled almost sixe leagues forwardes into a verie fayre and great bay following other shippes that went before them for that it seemed that they would enter into some port and there they might informe themselues where they were which was the thing that they most desired When they had sayled about two leagues in this bay they ouertooke one of the thrée shippes and asked of the people that were within her by the interpreter they had with them whether they sayled and what lande that was which they sawe before them Then the principall that was in that ship did put himselfe into his boat the which hee had at sterne and came vnto the ship where the Spaniardes were the better to vnderstande what they did demand for they before by reason that they were somewhat farre off the one from the other could not vnderstande the Spaniards demand but by signes So when that he vnderstoode their request he answered them that it was the country of China how that he came laden with salt from the citie of Chincheo and went to make sale thereof vnto the citie of Canton which was so nigh hand that they might ariue there before night But when
incredible and so nigh the one vnto the other that they séemed to be al one so in the end of foure dayes they landed at one of the cities where came so much people to sée those strangers that it séemed al the kingdom were there assembled togither were so many in number that before they could get to y e Inne wheras they should be lodged there passed more then foure houres and was in distance but a quarter of a league but when they came thither they were verie faint with the great thrust aâ—d throng of the people They stayed in this Cittie one day and the next day very early in the morning was brought vnto them horse for to trauel by land other two daies y e which was almost continually in villages townes the third day they were imbarked in a small barke wherein they passed a riuer which had but litle water y e space of two houres theÌ„ after they were shipped in a bigger barke and entred into another riuer which seemed to be an arme of the sea in the which they sailed fiue dayes and sawe sailing vp and downe the said riuer so many barks and boats that it made them to be greatly amased These riuers were as wel replenished of cities and townes as the other riuer whereof we haue spoken Al which is a helpe to beleeue that which hath béene said of the mightinesse and the great number of people that are in that mighty kingdom Concluding this riuer they entred into another but not so broade as the last but a swifter current and beset with mightie trées both on the one side and the other and were so thick that almost they could not sée the sunne thorough them and although the country very asper there alongst the riuers side yet was there many walled citties an infinite number of townes and vilages in such sort that the suburbs did almost ioyne the one vnto the other So when they were disembarked out of this riuer they trauelled by land other foure dayes and greatly maruelled to see the great fertilitie of the country and many other things more which they do passe ouer for that in the relation of y e Augustine friers it hath béene declared vnto you In the ende of those foure daies they came to a cittie ten leagues from Chiâ—cheo and were lodged in the suburbs of the same whether resorted so much people to sée them that although they did shut y e gates to defend themselues from the prease yet could they not be disturbed of the entry for y t they broke the gates climed vp the wals windowes to sée them The host of the house where as they were lodged when he saw that the people did spoile and distroy his house he requested the Spaniards to go forth into a greene fielde which was there harde by placed amongst a company of Orchards the which they did to satisfie him also to satisfie the multitude of people that were come thither only to sée them The noise of the people was so great that the gouernor feared there had bin some other matter commanded a Iudge to go examine the cause and know the truth but when that hee was certified thereof hee commaunded the Spaniards to come vnto his house for that hee was desirous and would sée them They presently did accomplish his commandement and went their way and as they passed thorough the stréete there were certaine representing a comedie but so soone as the people that were there did sée the Spaniardes they left the players all alone and followed them They entred into the gouernors house and found him with great maiestie of seruants and souldiers of his gard he entertayned them with great loue and asked them who they were and from whence they came The interpreter presently shewed the prouision they brought from the viceroy which was in summe their licence giuen by him for them to go vnto Chincheo and that none should disturbe them in their iourney But to ayde and giue them all fauor possible that which was néedefull for their iourney And when that he had read the same he saide that thereby he did vnderstand that which he desired to know how that the viceroy did command all gouernors him as one of them they should offer to do all that lay in them the which he did accomplish and shewed them great fauour and friendship The dext day following they departed out of this citie by land being giuen vnto them by the gouernor very good prouision for the way The same day they came vnto a towne that was very fresh and fiue leagues from the place they departed there they determined to tarrie all that night fearing y e passage through a citie which was but a league before suspecting that they should be as much troubled with the people as they were in the other citie the day before And although this was but a small towne yet was there so great a concourse of people that came from the villages there abouts that it caused them to depart the next morning more early than they thought and all the night they could not sléepe because of the great noyse of the people So within a while after they departed from that towne they came vnto the citie aforesaide the which for situation and gallant buildings was the fairest in all that prouince Through the midst thereof ranne a mightie riuer ouer the which were many bridges very great and most faire Here were they so oppressed with much people that came to sée them that they were detayned in the presse a good while before they could enter into the citie and after they were within they were compassed about in such sort that they could not goe to seeke to eate but were constrained to enter into a barke and go downe the riuer and shroud themselues amongst a company of trées although they did vse this policie Yet the number of people were so great that leapt into the same barke that they were readie to sinke till such time as they that had entred the barke to auoid that perill returned and lept a shoore leauing them all alone with the barkemen and marriners that did rowe who went to seeke and bring them to eate and they remained in the barke all that night So the next day in the morning before the people could come to disturbe them they rowed towards the great and huge citie of Chincheo and entred into the same vppon a sunday in the morning being the sixt day of December They remained still in the barke for their owne quietnesse and security and sent their interpreter with their prouision vnto the Gouernour that he might ordaine at his pleasure that which was therein commanded The Gouernor when he had receiued commission he said vnto the interpreter that he should tell the Spaniards that he was very glad that they were come thither in safetie and in good health and that hee should receiue
great ioy to 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
do beléeue will be pleasant to the reader and is intituled A Commentarie of the new world in the which is contayned many curious matters as you shall perceiue after the reading thereof and is declared in substance and effect by the relation of the father that did passe and sée them all who was named fryer Martin Ignacio a religious man of the order of S. Francis who after that he had compassed the whole worlde came hither to Rome with Martin Simion bishop of the Iland of Pepper in the orientall or east Indias with whom I haue had communication diuers times and is a Chalde borne and of the citie of Niniuie in Babylon and made bishop by the patriarke of Babylon The end of this booke A Commentarie or short discourse of all such notable thinges as be betwixt Spaine till you come vnto the kingdome of China and from China vnto Spaine returning by the Orientall or east Indias after that they had almost compassed the whole world Wherein is contayned all the rites ceremonies and customes of the people the riches fertilitie and strength of many kingdomes and the description of them Made and set forth by the Author of this book as well by that which he hath seene as also by true relation that he had of the religious and barefoot Fryers of the order of Saint Francis who trauailed the same the yeare 1584. CHAP. I. A Commentarie of the new world SAint Lucas de Barrameda and the Citie of Cadiz from whence ordinarily goeth foorth all such fléetes and shippes that go vnto the occident or west Indias are distant the one from the other onely fiue leagues and in thirtie seuen degrées of altitude from whence vnto the Ilandes called the Canarias is two hundred and thirtie leagues and alwayes doo Rut to the southwest and is ordinarily sailed in eight or ten dayes The seas are rough which causeth great waues for which cause it is called the gulfe of the Ieguas These Ilands which in ancient time were called Fortunadas are at this day called by the Spaniards y e Canarias which is deriued of Canes or dogs for that there was in them at such time as the Spaniardes did discouer them great quantitie of dogges very bigge fierce and braue There are of them seuen Ilands which are called Gran Canaria Tenerife Palma Gomera Yerro Lancarote and Forte Ventura and are in altitude twentie eight degrees lacking very little and haue in them many particular thinges of which I will declare some of them in briefe In the Iland of Tenerife at the farther part therof towards the north west there is a mountain called El Pico de Tereyra which vnto the iudgement of theÌ„ who haue séene it is the highest in all the worlde and is plainely seene before you come to it thrée score leagues so that a ship going from Spaine vnto those Ilandes doth discouer that mountaine first None can ascende or go vp that mountaine but in the moneths of Iuly August for that all other moneths of the yeare there is very much snow on it although in all those Ilandes it doth neuer snowe and to mount the height thereof is three daies worke on the top of the same there is a round plaine place and being thereon at such tune as it is faire weather and the seas calme and in quiet you may sée all the seuen Ilands and euerie one of them will séeme but a small thing in respect yet some of them are distant from that more than fiftie leagues it hath as much more in coÌ„passe as that In the two monethes aforesaid they do gather in the toppe thereof all the brimstone that is brought from that Iland vnto Spaine which is much in quantitie This mountaine belongeth to the duke of Maqueda by particular gift of the king In one of these seueÌ„ Ilands aforesaid called the Hierco there is a continuall woonder which in my iudgement is one of the greatest in all the worlde and worthie to be knowen amongest all meÌ„ wherby they may exalt the mightie prouidence of God and giue him thankes for the same This Iland being the greatest amongest the seuen is a countrie very asper and vnfruitfull and so drie that there is no water to be found in all the Iland but on the sea side and that in fewe places but very farre distant from the inhabitance of that Ilande But there naturall necessitie is remedied by the diuine prouidence of heauen as aforesaide and by a strange meanes which is there is a great and mightie trée vnknowen and the like hath not beene seene in any part of all the whole world whose leaues are narrowe and long and are continually gréene like Iuie vpon the which trée is séene continually a small cloud which neuer augmenteth nor diminisheth with the occasion that the leaues continually without ceasing doth distill drops of water very cleere and fine which doth fall into certaine sesâ—ernes which the inhabitantes of the townes haue made for the conseruation thereof to remedie their necessities and to sustaine thereby not onely themselues but also their cattell and beastes and is sufficient for them all yet doo they not knowe the originall and beginning of this continuall and strange miracle One hundreth leagues distant from these Ilandes towards the right hand there is an other thing of little lesse admiration then the other y t we haue spoken of which is that many times there is séen an Iland which they cal S. Borandon Many being lost at the sea haue chaunced vpon the same Iland do say that it is a very fresh and gallant Iland with great abundance of trées and sustinence inhabited with Christian people yet can they not say of what nation or language The Spaniards many times haue gone with intent to séeke it but neuer could finde it which is y e occasion that there be diuers opinions touching the same Some doo say that it is an inchanted Iland and is seene but certaine daies assigned or appointed others say that there is no other let or impediment for the finding therof but because it is so little and is continually couered with great cloudes that there runneth from it riuers which haue so great a current that it maketh it difficult to come vnto it My opinion is if it be any thing worth y t being true that which so many haue spoken of this Iland according vnto the common opinion which they haue in all the seuen Ilands of Canaria it can not be without some great mysterie for he which can cause it to be all in a cloud the swift current of the riuers to be an impediment to the finding therof can find remedie for the inhabitants to come forth if it be so for them y t be without at the sea not to go into it yet can it not be for theÌ„ within the Iland but at some time there should haue some come soorth by
vertues hath this palme whereof I haue declared part for that they are notable do cause admiration vnto all men that passe into those partes I doo leaue to declare the rest because I would not be tedious Nigh to y e cittie of Manilla on the other side of the riuer there is a towne of Chinos that be baptized such as haue remained there to dwell to inioy the libertie of the gospel There are amongst them many handicrafts men as shoomakers taylors goldsmiths blacksmiths and other officers and some merchants CHAP. XIIII The barefoote Friers depart from the Iland of Luzon vnto China and is declared such as was there seene FOr that the principall intent of these religious men when they went out of Spaine was for to go vnto the mightie kingdome of China for to preach the holy gospell and did perseuer continually with that desire they woulde neuer intreat of any other thing but onely to put it in execution and for the accomplishing of the same they sought many meanes and waies sometimes in requesting the gouernor of his aide and helpe to procure the same for that it was an easie thing to be performed hauing continually ships of the merchants of China in the port of Manilla The gouernor did driue them off with many reasons but principally he laid before them that rigorous lawe which they knew was established against such as did enter into that kingdome without particular licence yet notwithstanding all this was not sufficient to abate the louing desire of those Friers which was onely setled in their mindes for to go and preach the holy gospel in that kingdome by one meanes or other although it were to put their liues in hazard and for the prosecuting hereof the comissary of those Ilands who was Frier Geronimo de Burgos did elect sixe religious men for the same purpose amongst them was the father Ignatio of whome I as I haue said vnderstood by writing and relation many thinges the which is declared in these Itinerario or comentarie so that there was with him seuen religious men all seruants of God and very desirous of the saluation of soules which was the occasion that they put themselues in so long and tedious a iourney leauing their owne countrie and quietnesse These seuen with the good will of the gouernor Don Gonsalo Ronquillo and of the bishop whom they did ouercome and winne with requests and perseuerance and carried in their company a Spaniard their friende called Iohn De Feria of Andolozia and other two souldiers that went with pretence to become friers one Portugall and sixe Indian Ilanders all the which the eight day after Corpus Christi which was the one and twentie day of Iune in anno 1582. they departed from the port of Cabite whereas they did imbarke themselues in a barke of the saide Iohn De Feria and making saile at fiue of the clocke in the afternoone in the morning betimes they founde themselues twentie leagues ouerthwart the port that is called Del Fraile whereas they determined to go to sea leauing the coast of the Ilande of Manilla which lieth North and South with China from the which Cittie which is as I haue saide in fourtéene degrées and a halfe vnto the Cape of Boxeador which is in ninetéene it is one hundreth leagues sailing and from this Cape to the firme land of China they count it scarce fourescore leagues And God was so pleased although they had two dayes calme the seuenth day which was the day before the apostle saint Peter and saint Paule at eight of the clocke in the morning they discouered the firme lande of China then straightwaies vpon the sight thereof the comissarie commaunded to bring foorth the habites which hee carried readie made for to put vpon the Friers for that when the Chinos shoulde see that they were all Friers they should be voide of all suspition to thinke them to be spies as they thought when the first Friers went thither as hath beene tolde you and not contented herewith hee threw all the souldiers apparell into the sea and one hargabus of Iohn De Feria with the Flaske wherein he carried his powder and all other thinges such as he thought woulde be a hurt and hindrance vnto them if it should so fall out that they shoulde erre out of the port whereas the Portugals doo vse and fall vppon the coast as afterwards it fell so out they left nothing but a match which they forgot which lacked very little to haue cost them full deere But when they had sight of the lande they did not well knowe it for that they had neuer séene it before were also ignorant of the ports although they were very neere to y e bay of Canton they tooke their course vnto the Northwest wheras they should haue gone to the Southwest which was y e occasion y t they came vnto the prouince of Chincheo This day at fiue a clocke in the afternoone they discouered a port that was not farre from them whither they sailed and entred in and came to an anker on the outmost side yet with great feare and dread for that they knew not the secuâ—itie thereof neither the trouble that might happen They were not so soone at an anker but they saw come forth of the said port many barkes both small and great and in them many souldiers with hargabusses lances swordes and targets and in their soreshippe some small péeces of ordinance And when they came nigh vnto the barke wherein the Spaniards were within musket shot they stayed and discharged great stoare of hargabus shot But they who carried no armor to offende others neither to defende themselues the answere that they gaue vnto the shot was making of many signes of peace calling them with their handes to come nearer vnto them that they might sée and vnderstand that they came not thither with any pretence to do harme Yet all was not sufficient to cause them to leaue off their shooting neither to come any nearer vnto their barke At this present there was amongst the souldiers one Chino that had béene at Luzon and did knowe the Spaniâ—rds being of God inspired hee made signes vnto the rest to leaue off their shooting which presently they did and hee came with his Brigantine vnto their barke and after him all the rest who when they sawe that they had neyther armour nor weapon neither will to flie from them they entered into the barke and with their naked swordes in their hands flourishing with them ouer the heads of the Spaniards with a great noise and tumult they carried them into the port which was called Capsonson whereas was a generall of a great armie of shippes that were at an anker in the saide port who straightwaies commanded that there should be carried on borde his admirall foure of the Spaniards the which they vnderstoode was doone to take their liues from them for the which by reason they did not name any
three townes are inhabited with Portugals and the farthest is the prouince of Cambaya subiect vnto the grand Tartar or Mogor by an other name Two and fortâ—e leagues beyond that is the cittie called Diu whereas is a very faire and good fortresse of Portugals with a very great hauen and sure whose name doth extend thoroughout all Turkey Two hundred and seuentie leagues beyond that is the Citie of Oromuz on the â—oast of Persia and in the same hath y e saide Portugals an other fortresse much better then that of Diu and more inexpugnable it is the biggest in al the Indians but not of so great name as that of Diu. In this cittie of Oromuz they gather nothing else but salt and that in great aboundance yet notwithstanding it is replenished of all that may be imagined for that there is brought thither from Persia and Arabia great prouision and many other curiosities They say that from this place they may easily go to Uenice taking their way to Aleph and to Tripoli in Soria All this coast of the Indias vnto Persia is inhabited with many and mightie kingdomes in the which there an infinite number of people one of them is that of Odialon the which is very rich and of much people and all Moores Nigh vnto this is another called Disamaluco harde by the kingdome of the great Tartar which in their language is called Mogor the which next vnto that of China I doo thinke is the greatest in all the world as may be collected in that which is declared of the mightinesse thereof both in ancient and latter histories On the other side of Oromuz is the kingdome of Persia whose king is Xactamas or Ismael Sophi great Soldan of Egypt descending by lyneall desent from the Soldan Campson Gaurio whom Selim Emperor of the Tartaros did ouercome in battell nigh vnto Damasco in the yeare 1516. All those of this kingdome are Moores although they the Turkes are as the Christians and heretikes for that the Persians do follow the interpretation of the lawe of Mahomet of certaine Alieâ— or doctors And the Turkes go a different way and do follow others This contractation and different interpretation of the lawe is the occasion that betwixt the one and the other there is ordinarily cruell warres and it is the great mercy of God for that the Turke may not haue any space to come and do euil vnto his Christians or if he do come he shalbe ouertaken with the Persians his enimy the Sophi and intrapped with all the euill they can do vnto him who that although he be a Moore and of the sect of Mahomet yet he is a friend vnto Christians CHAP. XXVII Of other kingdomes and notable things that are vntill you come into Spaine and to conclude the compassing of the world NEere vnto the straite of Oromuz is Arabia Felix where as all the inhabitants are of the sect of Mahomet and doo follow the same interpretatioÌ„ that the Sophi doth So running a long by Arabia you come straight vnto the red sea or Arabico the which hath foure hundred and fiftie leagues of Longitude and in some partes it is of a mightie depth the water thereof seemeth to bee red although taking it out thereof it is white the cause thereof is for that the ground vnder the water is of the same colour By reason whereof when as the sun doth shine thereon it séemeth red and thereby it hath got the name the which it hath vnto this day By this sea and by that of Basora the great Turk doth carrie much spiceriâ— silkes and cloth of golde and all riches out of the Orientall Indias the which may easily be disturbed but the way how is not for this place nor time On the other side is the land of Abexin which is that of Prester Iohn a kingdome although it is very great yet it extendeth very litle on this coast From this kingdome or poynt going to the southwest is six hundreth leagues to Mazaubique whereas there is inhabitance of Portingals All this coast is blacke people gentiles and Idolaters and is in fiftéene degrées in altitude towardes the south and in the same maner are all the rest that are inhabited from Mazaubique vnto the cape of Buena Esperansa They are without memorie of the preaching of the gospel if that God for his mercy doe not take pitie on them and put into the heartes of some to goe thither and to procure the remedie of so infinite number of soules So after the sayd father had informed himselfe of all that is sayde and of many other thinges more which is left out for to euitate tediousnes till such time as of them may bee made a particular historie hee departed from Goa and Cochin towardes Portingall and passed by the Ilandes of Maldiuia which are many all are inhabited with Moores nigh vnto the which they doe enter the poole Antartico crossing the equinoctiall from the coast of Arabia from thence they sayled with a faire winde till they came right against the Iland of sainct Lorenso which is very great for that it hath two hundreth seuentie and fiue leagues of longitude and fourescore and tenne of latitude All inhabited with much people very quiet and ciuill the faith of Christ was neuer preached amongest them yet I doe beleue that if it were they would quietly receiue the same Passing from this Ilande they came vnto the Cape of Buena Esperansa y t which is another very good Iland whose inhabitants and dwellers are much like to those of saint Lorenso it is in the temperate Zona nigh vnto the straights of Magellanes This Cape of Buena Esperansa is called by another name the Cape Tormentorio it is fiue and thirtie degrées large from the pole Antartico And from Cochin vnto this Cape they put one thousand thrée hundred fiftie and eight leagues that way which they do ordinarliy Nauigate When they doo passe by this cape they were wont to haue great and strong winds They go from thence to the Iland of S. Elena which is beyond the Cape forwards fiue hundred and seuentie leagues It is not inhabited with people but ful of swine goats and great aboundance of partriges and in all the coast is great store of fish the which is taken with great ease it is but a little Iland and hath circuit no more then fiue lâ—â—gues From this Ilande they do Nauigate foure hundred leagâ—es vntill they come vnder the Equinoctial vpon the coast of Guinea returning vnto the pole Artike in foure and forty degrées in altitude which was almost at the same place from whence he departed at his going foorth after hee compassed the world They passed in sight of the lande and from thence they sailed forwards and sawe other land vntill they came vnto Lisborne hauing after they had crossed the equinoctiall sayled a thousand foure hundred and fifty leagues
The Historie of the great and mightie kingdome of China and the situation thereof Togither with the great riches huge Citties politike gouernement and rare inuentions in the same Translated out of Spanish by R. Parke LONDON Printed by I. Wolfe for Edward White and are to be sold at the little North doore of Paules at the signe of the Gun 1588 AA To the Right worshipfull and famous Gentleman M. Thomas Candish Esquire increase of honor and happie attemptes IT is now aboue fiue and thirty yeares passed right worshipfull since that young sacred and prudent Prince king Edward the sixt of happie memorie went about the discouerie of Cathaia and China partly of desire that the good young king had to enlarge the Christian faith and partlie to finde out some where in those regions ample vent of the cloth of England for the mischiefs that grew about that time neerer home aswel by contempt of our commodities as by the arrestes of his merchantes in the Empire Flanders France and Spaine foreseeing withall how beneficiall ample vent would rise to all degrees throughout his kingdome and specially to the infinite number of the poore sort distressed by lacke of worke And although by a voyage hereuppon taken in hande for this purpose by Sir Hugh Willobie and Richard Chauncellour a discouerie of the bay of Saint Nicolas in Russia fell out and a trade with the Muscouites and after another trade for a time with the Persians by way of the Caspian sea ensued yet the discouerie of the principall intended place followed not in his time nor yet since vntill you tooke your happie and renowmed voyage about the worlde in hande although sundrie attemptes at the great charges of diuers honorable and well disposed persons and good worshipfull merchants and others haue beene made since the death of that good king in seeking a passage thither both by the North-east and by the Northwest But since it is so as wee vnderstande that your worshippe in your late voyage hath first of our nation in this age discouered the famous rich Ilandes of the Luzones or Philippinas lying neare vnto the coast of China and haue spent some time in taking good view of the same hauing brought home three boyes borne in Manilla the chiefe towne of the said Ilands besides two other young fellowes of good capacitie borne in the mightie Iland of Iapon which hereafter may serue as our interpretors in our first traficke thither and that also your selfe haue sailed along the coast of China not farre from the Continent and haue taken some knowledge of the present state of the same and in your course haue found out a notable ample vent of our clothes especially our kersies and are in preparing againe for the former voyage as hee that would constantly perseuer in so good an enterprise we are to thinke that the knowledge and first discouerie of the same in respect of our nation hath all this time beene by the Almightie to you onely reserued to your immortall glorie and to the manifest shew of his especiall fauour borne towards you in that besides your high and rare attempt of sailing about the whole globe of the earth in so short a time of two yeares and about two monethes you haue shewed your selfe to haue that rare and especiall care for your countrie by seeking out vent for our clothes that ought vpon due consideration to moue many thousands of English subiects to pray for you and to loue and honor your name and familie for euer For as you haue opened by your attempt the gate to the spoile of the great and late mightie vniuersall and infested enimie of this realme of al countries that profesâ—e true religion so haue you by your great care wrought a way to imploie the merchants of Englande in trade to increase our Nauie to benefite our Clothiers and your purpose falling out to your hoped effect to releeue more of the poorer sort then all the hospitals and almes houses can or may that haue beene built in this realme since the first inhabiting thereof And Sir if to this your late noble attempt it might please you by your incouragement and by the help of your purse to adde your present furtherance for the passage to be discouered by the northwest for proofe whereof there bee many infallible reasons and diuerse great experiences to â—e yeelded our course with our commodities to the rich Iland of Iapon to the mightie empire of China and to the Ilandes of the Philippinas for the vent that you haue found out should be by the halfe way shortened and you should double and manyfolde treble the credite of your fourmer late enterprise and make your fame to mount and your self to liue for euer in a much higher degree of glorie then otherwise it might be or that by any other mean you could possibly deuise In which action so highly importing the generall state of this lande I haue perfect experience that many worshipfull and wealthie marchants of this citie and other places would most willingly ioyne their purses with yours and to play the blabbe I may tell you they attende nothing with greater desire and expectation then that a motion hereof being made by some happie man your selfe and they might friendly and seriously ioyne together for the full accomplishing of this so long intended discouerie And to descende to â—ome particulars there is one speciall reason that giueth an edge vnto their desires proceeding from the late worthie attemptes of that excellent and skilful pilot M. Iohn Dauis made for the search of the aforesaid northwest passage these three late yeares hauing entred into the same foure hundred leagues further than was euer hitherto thoroughly knowen and returned with an exact description thereof to the reasonable contentment for the time of the aduenturers and chiefely of the worshipfull M. William Sanderson whose contributions thereunto although they haue beene verie great and extraordinarie yet for the certaine hope or rather assurance that he conceiueth vpon the report of the Captaine himselfe and all the rest of any skill employed in these voyages remayneth still constant and is readie to disburse as yet to the freshe setting on foote of this enterprise entermitted by occasion of our late troubles euen this yeare againe for the finall perfection of so profitable and honorable a discouerie a farre greater portion then in reason would be required of any other man of his abilitie And albeit sir that you haue taken in your late voyage besides the knowledge of the way to China the intelligence of the gouernement of the countrie and of the commodities of the territories and prouinces of the same and that at the full according to the time of your short abode in those partes yet neuerthelesse for that of late more ample vnderstanding hath beene in more length of time by woonderfull great endeuour taken by certaine learned Portingals and Spaniardes of great obseruation and not long agoe published
of those later times who for to conquere strange countries did separate themselues so farre from their natural that they lost their owne countries at home But these of this kingdome being forewarned as y e prouerbe saith Felix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum By the hurt of another c. they haue found by experience y t to go forth of their owne kingdome to conquer others is the spoile and losse of much people and expences of great treasures besides the trauaile and care which continually they haue to sustaine that which is got with feare to be lost againe so that in the meane time whilest they were occupied in strange conquests their enimies the Tartarians and other kings borderers vnto them did trouble and inuade them doing great damage and harme And more considering that they do possesse one of the greatest best kingdomes of the world as well for riches as for fertilty by reason whereof and by the great aboundance of things that the country doth yéeld many strange nations do profite themselues from them and they haue néed of none other nation for that they haue sufficient of all things necessarie to the mainteining of humane life In consideration whereof they called a generall court of parliament whether came all vizroyes and gouernours and other principall men of all the fiftéene prouinces and there they did communicate to put remedy in this great inconuenience in the best manner possible Then after they had wel considered of the same with great care diligēce taking the iudgement particular of euery one in generall by common consent they found it requisit for their quietnes profite a thing most conuenient for the common wealth to leaue al y t they had got gained out of their owne kingdome but specially such countries as were farre off And from that day forwards not to make any wars in any place for that from thence did procéed a knowne damage a doubtfull profite and being altogether conformable they did request the king that was at that present that he would cal home al such people as he had in other kingdomes bordering there about vnder his obedience perswading him that in so doing he should remaine a mightie prince more richer more in quiet and in more securitie Then the king perceiuing the request and petition of his kingdome subiects and being fully satisfied that this perswasion was requisite to be put in execution he straightwayes set it a worke and commanded vpon great penalties that al his subiects and vassals naturall that were in any strange countries that in a time limited they should returne home to their own country and houses and likewise to the gouernours of the same countries that they should in his name abandon leaue the dominion and possession that he had of them excepting such as would of their owne good will acknowledge vassalage and giue him tribute remaine friends as vnto this day the Lechios other nations do This law was then established and is inuiolablie kept to this day in the which it is first commanded that none whatsoeuer vpon paine of death shall make or begin warre in any part without his licence Also on the said penaltie that no subiect of his shall nauigate by sea out of the kingdome without the said licence Also that whosoeuer will go from one prouince to another within the said kingdome to traficke in buying and selling shall giue suerties to returne againe in a certaine time limited vpon paine to bee disnaturalled of the country Likewise that no stranger whatsoeuer shal come in by sea nor by land without his expresse licence or of the gouernours of such ports or places whereas they shall come or ariue And this licence must be giuen with great consideration aduising the king therof Al which lawes haue béene so inuiolablie kept and obserued that it hath béene the occasion that this mightie kingdome hath not come to notice and knowledge but of late yeares All the which that is said séemeth to be true for that it is cléerely found in their histories and books of nauigations of old antiquitie whereas it is plainely séene that they did come with their shipping vnto the Indies hauing conquered al that is from China vnto the farthest part thereof Of all the which they indured possessers in great quietnes till such time as they ordeined the law of abandoning of their owne good will as aforesaid So that at this day there is great memory of them in the ilands Philippinas and on the cost of Coromande which is the cost against the kingdome of Norsinga towards the sea of Cengala whereas is a towne called vnto this day the soile of the Chinos for that they did reedifie make the same The like notice memory is there in the kingdom of Calicut wheras be many trées and fruits that the naturals of that countrie do say were brought thither by the Chinos when that they were lords and gouernours of that countrie Likewise in those dayes they were of Malaca Siam and Chapaa other of their borderers Also it is to be beléeued of y e Ilands of Iapon for that there are many tokens of the Chinos vnto this day the naturals of the country are much after the fashion of the Chinos and many particular things that do giue vs to vnderstand and some lawes that are obserued and kept in China But now in these dayes the gouernours of the sea ports do dispence with the law that forbiddeth y e going out of the kingdome by certain giftes which is giuen thē by merchants to giue them secret licence that they may go and traficke in Ilands bordering there about as vnto the Philippinas whither come euery yeare many ships ladē with merchandise of great riches of the which is brought many times into Spaine Likewise they do trauaile vnto other parts and places wheras they vnderstand they may profite themselues Yet they do not giue any such licence vntill they haue giuen suerties to returne within one whole yeare The desire of gaine hath caused them to traueile to Mexico whither came the yeare past in anno 1585. thrée merchants of China with very curious things neuer staied till they came into Spaine and into other kingdomes further off Likewise the said iudge and gouernours doo giue licence vnto strangers in the order aforesaid for to enter into their ports to buy sel but first vpon examination and charge that they should haue a great care not to demand any licence but to the same intent Then haue they their licence with a time limited and with condition that they shall not procure to goe about their cities neither to see the secrets thereof And this is giuen in writing vpon a whited table which is set vpon the fore partes of their ships that when they come to an anker in any port it may be séene of the kéepers and guards that they sinke them
such as are poore widowes and driuen by necessitie cannot sustaine themselues they may for the supplying of their want sell their children and binde them to perpetuall seruitude the which is permitted in such sort that there are amongst them rich merchants that deale in no other thing and all the maiden children that they buy so bee brought vp with great care and taught to plaie and sing and other things appertaining vnto pleasure Then after when they are of yeares they carrie â—hem vnto the houses aforesaid ordained for common women The first day that they doo dedicate her to this ill office before shée is put into this common house they carrie her before a iudge which the king hath ordained for euerie house appertaining to any cittie or towne appointed to bée their kéeper and sée that there bee no euill rule kept amongst them and this iudge dooth place her in the house himselfe and from that day forwards her master hath no more to doo with her but to go euerie moneth vnto the iudge to recouer his tribute which is a certaine summe set downe by the iudge by agréement made betwene them both he appointeth besides this the time when hée shall be paide for her and for that was spent in her bringing vp and teaching These women be very much haunted and passe away the time maruellous pleasantly by reason of their singing and playing which they doo with great cunning and according vnto the report of the Chinos they apparell themselues with great curiositie and paint themselues They haue amongst them many blinde women that are frée and not bonde these are trimmed dressed and painted by others that haue their sight and such as haue spent all their youth in these houses can not goe foorth so long as they liue as is commaunded by a lawe publike least by their dishonest demeanure they should be an occasion of some harme and an euill example to others Whatsoeuer proâ—ite dooth remaine vnto these women when they haue payed their maister they giue vnto the Iudge their superiour who doth keepe it faithfully and carefully and giueth a good account thereof euerie yeare vnto the Uisitors And afterwardes when these women waxe olde it is repaâ—ed vnto them againe by order of the said Iudge But it is bestowed in such sort that they shall not lacke neither haue vrgent necessitie But if it so fall out that they should lacke they will giue them a stipend to maintaine them onely for to dresse and trimme the blinde women or else they will put them into the kinges hospitall a place ordeyned for such as can not helpe themselues The men children which they buy and are solde to supplie their necessitie in the order aforesaide of the women they put to learne some occupation and after that they are expert therein they doo serue a master in the same trade for a certaine time the which being expired their masters are not only bound to giue them their libertie but also to prouide them of wiues and to marrie them prouiding also for them houses and necessaries wherewith they may get their liuing Which if they doo not of their owne frée will they are compelled by Iustice to doo whether they will or no. And they for a token of gratefulnesse must come vnto their masters the first day of the yeare and other dayes appointed and bring him some present The children of these be all frée and subiect to no bondage for the benefite â—oone vnto their father for their bringing vp CHAP. XXI The fashion of their ships aswell of those that passe the seas as of those that doo roade riuers which are manie and great and howe they doo prouide themselues of fish for all the yeare THere is in this kingdome a great number of shippes and barkes with the which they sayle all a long their coastes and vnto Ilandes neere hande and into their riuers the which doo runne cleane through the most part of all their prouinces and there dwelleth so much people vpon these riuers in shippes and barkes that it séemeth to be some great Citie there is so many of theÌ„ that they do esteeme that there is almost as many people that dwell vpon the water as vpon the lande They make them slightly and with small cost for they haue in all partes of this countrie great aboundance of tymber iron and other thinges necessarie for this vse but in especiall a kinde of glew wherewith they doo â—awbe and trimme their shippes that is much more tougher and stronger then the pitch which wee vse which after it is layde on sticketh fast and maketh their shipping as harde as stones the aboundance whereof and the great number of shipwrightes and againe for that there is not on the lande roome enough for the people to inhabite being so many in number causeth them to build so great a number of shippes and barkes They vse their shippes and barkes of many fashions euery one hath his proper name Such ships as they haue to saile long voiages be called Iuncos but for the warre they make huge mightie vessels with high castles both on the prowe and sterne much after the fashion of them that come out of the Easterne seas and vnto those with which the Portingales sayle into the east India They haue these in so great number y t a generall may ioine together in 4. dayes an armie of more than 600. Those which they do commonly vse for burden and to lade are made much after y e same fashion greatnes and smal difference there is betwéene them but that they are lower both before at the sterne There is an other sort of lesser vessels are much like vnto pâ—nases haue foure great ores on ech side whereat row sixe men at euery ore foure at the least These are excellent good to rowe in and out ouer their hard hauens or into any place where is litle water they do call theÌ„ Bancoens There is an other sort that is more brode than these which they call Lanteas carie eight ores on a side with sixe men at euerie ore Of these two last sorts of vessels pirates rouers at the sea do coÌ„monly vse for in those seas there be very many for that they be very nimble to fly to giue assalt as occasion doth serue They haue an other sort of vessels y t are long like vnto a galley but more square being very brode néede little water they do vse theÌ„ likewise to transport merchandise froÌ„ one place to an other they are swift run vp the riuers with smal force of the armes Many other sorts of barks they haue besides the aforesaid some with galleries windows painted and gylt but chiefely those which the Uiceroyes and Gouernours doo make for their recreation Of those sortes of shipping afore sayd which they call Iuncos the king hath in al his prouinces great armies and in them souldiers with their Captaines to defend
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
benefites and profites and likewise to request him if it were his pleasure to sende an ambassador to y e king of that kingdome the better to confirme their friendship to carrie with him some things which be vsed in his countrie which would be maruellous well estéemed of the Chinos be a way vnto the preaching of the gospel and bee a beginning that a farther contraction may growe betwixt the Christians and the Chinos of the which shall follow the aforesaid profite vnto other countries by the great quantitie of things as well of riches as of other curiosities that shalbe brought from theÌ„ce After they had well considered with great deliberation who should be the person that they shoulde send vpon so long a iourney for to request his maiestie of the aforesaid in the ende they did agrée vppon for to desire the prouinciall of the Augustine friers who was called Frier Dilho de Herrera a man of great learning and of great experience touching matters of those Ilands for that hee was one of the first discouerers of them they requested him for the loue of God and the good seruice to his maiestie and the benefite that might come thereby vnto these Ilands that he would take vpon him to go with this petition for they were fully perswaded for that he had trauailed so manie places of those Ilands as also for his office and vocation there was none that better coulde put in effect their desire and perswade with his maiestie the great importance of that ambassage and manie other things necessarie touching the gouernement of those Ilands This determination was liked well of them all and that they had chosen well in sending of the prouinciall who incontinent departed from the Ilands in a shippe that was pepared for Noua Hispania which was in the yeare of Christ 1573. At his inbarking hee was accompanied with the gouernour and all those of that citie of whom hee was maruellouslie well beloued for his holinesse and good condition Desiring him with all diligence to procure to returne with as much breuity as was possible vnto those ilands whereas they so much loued him and had néede of his presence He did promise them to make all the spéede possible and in paiment of the trauel that he did take vpon him for the benifite profite he requested them al that they would pray vnto God to giue a good voyage they promised him to doo it the which they did performe with particular care Then did the master command to weigh ankers and to set saile which was in the moneth of Nouember the same yeare and with reasonable whether they arriued at the new Spaine and came vnto the cittie of Mexico and from thence they went and embarked themselues in the North seas who with prosperous winds the xiii day of August the yeare following they ariued in San. Lucar debarameda in Spaine and caried me in his company From thence the day following we departed from Syuel from whence wee departed forthwith toward Madrid whereas his maiestie was at that present and we came thither the fiftéenth day of September in anno 1574. the same wéeke that they had newes of the losse of the Goleta Wée went straightwayes to kisse the kings hands and caried the letters which we brought from his gouernor and citie by whom both we and the letters were receiued with his accustomed benignitie and did heare the petition with great satisfaction for that the desire was holy and profitable and told vs that he would command his counsell to vnderstand in the same with a particular consideration and with so much breuitie as the thing required and gaue vs thankes for the great trauell and long iourney which we tooke vpon vs in his seruice for to giue him notice of the discouering of this great kingdome and of other things touching the Ilands Philippinas He straightwayes commanded that we should be prouided for of all things necessarie for our sustentation for the time that we should there remaine and that we should go and giue account of all things for the which we came thither vnto the counsel of the Indies who was Don Iuan de Obando vnto whom his maiestie did recommend the consideration to be done with great care and to consult vpon the same After that they had comuned with the roiall counsell of the Indies touching that which should be requisite and conuenient which was done as it appeared in effect for that they gaue vs facultie in a few dayes after of all things that was requested from the said Ilands except that which did touch the ambassage vnto the 〈◊〉 of China as a thing of greater importance and requested lonâ—â—r time to consider of the same so that they did referre it till they â—â—d a better occasion So that with this resolution and with fortie religious men and manie commissions from his maiestie touching the good gouernement of that new kingdome wee departed from Syuell in the moneth of Ianuarie the yeare following in 1575. whereas I remained by his order and for certaine respects But the aforesaid Prouinciall did imbarke himselfe with his fortie religious persons and departed in the moneth of Iuly with a faire winde and merrie passage till they came vnto newe Spaine and from thence into the South sea vntill they came in sight of the Ilands whereas the wether did alter and they were forced by the furie thereof to ariue at an Iland inhabited with Gentiâ—es by whome they were all slaine and none escaped but onely an Indian natural of the Ilands which wee carried from thence in our companie for Spaine He afterwards came vnto Manilla and gaue them to vnderstand how they were all slaine and how the Gentiles did teare all the papers and commissions in péeces and of all that happened to them This being knowne by the gouernor and by the rest that dwelt in the Ilands after that they had done the rytes with the funerall griefes as iustice required in such a case they finding themselues in the same necessitie that before they were in by reason of the losse of the aforesaid Prouinciall and his companions and also of the letters and prouisions sent from his maiestie they forthwith in the same determination did write new letters in requesting that which in part the king had granted although they had no knowledge thereof they did also therein write touching the ambassage that they did request for the king of China adding therunto new occasions wherby they should be moued to do them so much fauour as to send the ambassador afore requested which was a thing of great importanâ—s for all those Ilands When that these letters came in conformitie with the others before sent the king did ordaine for gouernor of those Ilands a Gentleman who was called Don Gonsalo de Mercado y Ronquillo a man of great valor discretion one that had serued the king as wel in the Peru. as in Mexico with great fidelitie who
shoulde returne vnto Lysborne whereas the king was at that instant and to giue him to vnderstand of the difficultie that was found in a meeting that the vizroy had caused to bee made of the most grauest personages of all that kingdome about the prosecuting of that ambassage With this resolution I departed from that kingdome and returned for Spaine and left the present in Mexico in the power of the kings officers till such time as order was giuen what shoulâ— be done therewith I found his maiestie in Lisborne whereas I did deliuer him the letters that were written touching the same matter and did declare vnto him my iudgement touching the meeting aforesaid who incontinent did take the â—harge vpon him to seeke occasion for to put in effect his most christâ—an intent and zâ—ale the which I doo beléeue he hath procured and will by al waies possible and that very shortly we shall sée in that kingdâ—me planted the Catholike faith and their false idolatrie banished And I hope in God it will bee very shortly for that there be within that kingdome religious men of the order of saint Augustine and barefoote friers of saint Francis and of the order of Iesus or Iesuits who are called there the fathers of Saint Paule of whom there is placâ—d fiue or sixe in the citie of Xauquin whereas the vizroy doth dwell and hath erected a couent in that citie euer since the yeare 1583. with a Church whereas they doo say masse ordinarily And it is said of a truth that they haue got license of the saide vizroy for to passe fréely thorough out all the whole kingdome of China But if it bee so you must thinke that hee did it after that he had consulted with the king and doone by his authoritie otherwise I am perswaded he durst not grant any such liceâ—se At this present dooth there go out of Spaine by the order and commandement of his maiestie and his royall counsell of the Indies a companie of religious men of the order of saint Dominicke for to aid and helpe the rest that are there to conclude this enterprise from whom can procéed nothing but that which tends to great effect by reason of their great zeale learning and the better if that they doo ioyâ—e togither in charitie as seruants to one Lord and master and as they which are boundâ— to doo all one worke By which meanes with the fauour and helpe of Almightie God putting to their diligence and industrie they shall easily conquest their hearts good willes shall frustrate the diuell from the possession that so long time he hath possessed in that kingdome and râ—duce them to their true Lord by creation and redemption It will not bee a small helpe the manie and euident tokens which the Chinos doo giue of desire of their saluation For as it is said that they haue read in their bookes that from the Occident shall come the true and perâ—ite law to diâ—ect them to heauen where they shalbe angelâ— And they séeing that those religious people which are câ—me into their kingdome doo come from the Occident they are perswaded without doubt that the law that they doo declare vnto them is the truth by which meanes shall redowne vnto them great goodnesse They are greatly affâ—ctioned vnto the commandements of the Catholike faith and vnto the catechisme which is translated into their language and is abrode in manie parts of that kingdome which is the occasion as the fathers of the companie that are in the citie Xuquien dooth write that many principal persons are conuerted vnto the catholike faith and others being holpen by the heauens and encited by the ensample of them doo demande the holy baptisme which is left vndone because they will not cause any vprore in the countrie And againe when they shall better conceiue thereof they may receiue it with more firme faith God for his mercie cause to go forwards and with his deuine fauour this good worke for his honour and glorie and exalting his holy faith and that so great and infinite a number of soules redéemed by his pretious blood might be saued and to put in the hart of christian kings to procéed forwards in that which he hath begun putting alwaies in their breasts a greater augmentation to the concluding of the same and to put apart from him all such perswasions as shoulde cause him to leaue it off which the diuell will procure by all the wayes and meanes that he may But against God and his diuine will there is neither power nor wisedome The end of the first part The second part of the historie of the mightie kingdome of China that is deuided into three parts The first containeth such thinges as the fathers frier Martin de Herrada prouinciall of the order of Saint Augustine in the Ilands Phlipinas and his companion fryer Geronimo Martin and other soldiers that went with them did see and had intelligence of in that kingdom The second containeth the miraculous voiage that was made by frier Pedro de Alfaro of the order of S. Francis and his companions vnto the said kingdome The third containeth a breefe declaration by the said frier and of frier Martin Ignacio that went out of Spaine vnto China and returned into Spaine againe by the Orientall India after that he had compassed the world Wherein is contained many notable things that hee did see and had intelligence of in the voiage The Argument of the first part Wherein is declared the cause that moued Frier Martin de Herrada and Frier Geronimo Martin and such souldiers as went in their companie for to passe from the Ilands Phillipinas vnto the kingdome of China in the yeare 1577 and of the entrie they made therein and what they did see there for the space of foure monethes and sixteeâ—e daies that they remained and of what they vnderstood of al things that happened vnto them till they returned againe vnto the Ilands from whence they went all the which are notable and strange CHAP. I. The Spaniardes departe from Mexico vnto the Ilandes Philippinas where they had intelligence of the mightie kingdome of China GOuerning in the kingdom of Mexico don Luys de Velasco who was viceroye and lieftenant in that place for the Catholike king don Phillip king of Spaine was coÌ„manded by his maiestie to prepare a great armie in the south sea and to leuie â—ouldiers necessarie for the same and to send them to discouer the Ilands of the west those which that famous captaine Magallanes did giue notice of when he did compasse the world in the ship called the Victorie The viceroy with great care and diligence did performe the kinges commandement This fléete and armie being prepared readie which was not without great cost hee caused them to depart out of the port at Christmas time in the yeare of 1564. and sent for general of the same fléete and for gouernour of that countrie which they should discouer the worthie Miguel
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
vpon the sunday following which was the thirde of Iuly we had sight of the land of China so that we found all our voyage from the port of Buliano from whence we departed vnto the firme land to be one hundred and fortie leagues twenty leagues before they came in the sight thereof they had sounding at thrée score and tenne and fourscore fathome and so waxed lesse and lesse vntill they came to the lande which is the best and surest token they haue to be nigh the land In al the time of their voiage the Captain Omoncon with his companie shewed such great curtesie and friendship to our men as though they had béene the owners of the saide ship and at such time as they did imbarke theÌ„selues he gaue his own cabin y t was in the sterne to y e friers and vnto Pedro Sarmiento and to Miguel de Loarcha he gaue another cabin that was very good coÌ„manded his company in the ship that they should respect them more then himselfe the which was in such sort that on a day at the beginning of their voyage the fathers founde them making of sacrifice vnto their Idols and told them that all which they did was a kinde of mockage and that they shoulde worshippe but onely one God and willed them to doo so no more Who onely in respect of them did leaue it off and not vse it after in all the voyage whereas before they did vse it euerie day manie times Besides this they woulde worshippe the images that the Friers did carrie with them and knéele vpon their knées with great shew of deuotion who nowe hauing sight of the firme lande in so short time and passed that small gulfe so quietly which was wont to bee verie perilous and full of stormes they did attribute it vnto the orations of the Friers their companions and souldiers The like curtesie was shewed vnto them by Sinsay who was the seconde person in the shippe and hée that did best vnderstande that Nauigation and voyage So as they drewe nearer the land they might discouer from the sea a verie gallant and well towred Cittie that was called Tituhul whereas the king hath continually in garrison tenne thousande souldiers and is vnder the gouernement of the prouince of Chincheo So the next day following wee came vnto a watch towre which was situated vppon a rocke at the entrie into a bay who had discouered our shippe and knew the standart or flagge to bee the kings and made a signe vnto seuen shippes which were on the other side of the point which was part of a company ordeined for to kéepe and defende the cost which were more then foure hundred Straightwayes the Captaine of the seuen shippes came foorth to knowe what we were and what chanced shalbe told you in this chapter following CHAP. XII The Captaine Omoncon is come to the prouince of Chincheo but before he doth come vnto an anker he dooth passe some trouble with another Captaine of the sea THis Captaine Omoncon when he saw that the ships did make towards him hee cast about his shippe and passed alongst by the watch towre making his way towards the towne where he was a natural subiect and nigh at hand being but two leagues from the point which being perceiued bythe generall of that bay which was in a râ—dinesse who imagined by his working that it should be some shippe of euill demeanor and their enimies without any delation hee issued forth from behind the point with thrée ships that did row with Oares verie swift and gaue them chase cutting them off from their pretence and when he came nigh vnto them hee shot at them to make them to amaine the which Omoncon would not doo for that hee supposed as afterwards hee did confesse that hee should be some man of little estimation and not the generall of the coste But as he drew nigher vnto him hee did know him by the flagge he bare on the sterne in the foist wherein he was himselfe with his souldiers straightwayes caused to amaine his sailes and tarried for him The generall did the like and stayed behinde sending a boate for to bring the captaine vnto him and to declare what he was and from whence hee came Omoncon did forthwith imbarke himself into his boate without any resistance but rather with feare that hee should be punished for that hee did flie from him The generall when hee saw him did straightwayes know him and in that the fathers did vnderstand by signes hée was verie glad of his comming and gaue him good entertainment This generall was a goodly man of person and was verie well apparelled and did sit in a chaire in the sterne of his ship the which was all couered to kéepe away the sunne hee commanded the captaine Omoncon to sit downe by him vpon the hatches without chaire or any other thing who did obey him although first hee did refuse it with great modestie as not woorthie to haue that honour which was not estéemed a little After that he was set he gaue him to vnderstand in effect of all his voyage and successe and in what extremitie he left Limahon and also howe that hee carried with him the Friers and other Spaniards which went to carrie the newes and to intreate of peace with the vizroy of Aucheo vnto whome and vnto the gouernor of Chincheo hee carried presents sent from the gouernor and generall of the fielde of the Ilands Philippinas When the generall had heard this relation he commanded the â—oate to returne and to bring them before him that hée might sée what manner of men they were of person and the vse of the apparell and likewise to satisfie himselfe of other desires that came into his mind by that which Omoncon had saide of them The fathers and their companions did obey the commandement and did imbarke themselues in the boatâ— although it were with some feare and came vnto the shippe whereas the generall receiued them with great curtesie after his fashion and shewed them a good countenance and tokens that he very much reioyced to sée them and the vse of their apparell they ware But after a while hee commanded that they shoulde bée put vnder hatches which was the occasion to augment the feare they conceiued when they were sent for and the more when they saw that they were commanded to be shut vp in a cabin with the interpreter that they brought with them This being done they were in great care howe they might vnderstand the Generals pretence and at a close doore that was before the cabin whereas they were vppon a sudden they might sée that all those that were in the shippe did arme themselues in great haste and the captaine Omoncon amongst them then they heard bases and hargubus shot with a great noise of people which did verie much alter them in such sort that they looked euery moment when they should come and cut of their heads Whilst that our
people were in this agonie and great feare Omoncon considered of them and of the charge that he had to bring them thither therewith he sent one of his seruants to giue them to vnderstand of all that they had heard and 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
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
thing very much vsed in that countrie the Spaniards went vnto the Insuanto who was there with great company and maiestie hee entertained them very friendly and with chéerefull words making an outward shew that hee bare them great loue and that their departure was vnto him a great griefe Then hee requested them to giue him a remembrance of such thinges as was necessarie and néedfull for their prouision for the sea for that hee woulde giue order for the prouiding of the same the which he did and was with so great aboundance that they had for the voyage and remained a great deale to spare Hee then commaunded to bee brought thither cates to eat and drinke and gaue it them with his owne hands as well the one as the other hee himselfe did eate and drinke with them which is the greatest fauour that can be shewed amongst them The banquet being ended he commaunded them in his presence to go abord their shippes because that was a luckie day and also to accomplish that which the vizroy had commaunded which was that they should not depart from thence vntil they had first séene them imbarked The Spaniards obeyed the commandement and tooke their leaue of the Insuanto with great curtesie and reuerence and with outward shewes that they remained indebted for the great curtesie and good will that they had receiued and therewith they departed to the waters side towards the boat which was tarrying for them As they passed by the religious men that before we spake of they saw a great table set and vppon it a whole Oxe with his throte cut and hard by the same a Hogge and a Goate other thinges to bee eaten the which they had ordained for to make sacrifice which they do vse in the like affaires They being imbarked in the boate they were carried aborde the Admirall which was the shippe appointed for them to go in then presently they beganne to stirre the shippe from one place vnto another with certain boates and cables which they had there readie for the same purpose The shippe did not so soone begin to moue but the religious men a shore did beginne their sacrifice the which did indure vntill night ending their feastes and triumphes in putting forth of the cittie and vppon their gates many cressets and lights The souldiers shot off all their hargabushes and the ships that were in the port shot off all their artilerie and on the shore a great noise of droms and bels all the which being ended and done the Spaniards went a shore againe vnto their lodging but first the Insuanto was departed vnto his owne house with all the company that hee brought with him The next day the sayd Insuanto did inuite them vnto a banket which was as famous as any which had bene made them vnto that time He was at the banquet himselfe and the Captaine generall of all that prouince There was aboundance of meates and many pretie deuises to passe away the time which made the banquet to indure more then foure houres the which being done there was brought forth the present which the Insuanto did sende vnto the gouernor of Manilla in returne of that which was sent to him The present was fourtéene pieces of silke for the gouernor of Manilla and tenne péeces for the generall of the field hee also commanded to be giuen vnto the Friers each of them foure péeces and vnto the souldiers each of them two péeces and vnto their seruants and slaues certaine painted mantels and there with he tooke his leaue of them very friendly and gaue vnto them letters the which hee had wrote vnto the gouernor vnto the general of the field answere vnto those the which they had wrote vnto him said that all things necessarie for their departure was in a redinesse with victuals for ten monethes put a bord their ships so that when as winde and wether did serue they might depart Also that if in their voyage it should so fall out that any of the Chinos that went in their shippes shoulde do vnto them any euill either abrâ—de or at the Ilands that the gouernor therof should punish them at his pleasure and how that the vizroy will thinke well thereof in conclusion he saide vnto them that hee hoped to sée them there againe verie shortly and to returne againe with Limahon and then hee woulde supplie the wantes which nowe they lacked The Spaniards did kisse his hands and said that they had receiued in curtesie more then they deserued that in all thinges there did abound and not lacke that they remained greatly indetted vnto him for their friendship and would giue their king notice thereof that whensoeuer occasion shoulde bee offered to repay them with the like and therewith the Insuanto departed to his owne house leauing in the companie of the Spaniards fiue captaines those which should go with them in their company to sea and also Omoncon and Sinsay who were that day in the banquet with the habite and ensigne of Loytias for that the day before it was giuen vnto them by the Insuanto Upon Wednesday which was the fourtéenth of September the wind came faire wherewith they hoised vp their sailes and went to sea at their departure there was at the waters side the Insuanto and the Iustice of Chincheo to sée them saile the which Insuanto had conceiued so great loue and friendship of the Castillas that when he saw them depart he shedde great aboundance of teares as was affirmed by diuers Chinos that saw it to which the Spaniards gaue credite vnto for that they knew him to be a maruellous louing person and humaine of a good condition and of a gallant personage and did excéede all other that they had séene in all the time of their being in that prouince CHAP. XXX The Spaniardes departe from the port of Tansuso towards the Ilandes Philippinas and euery day they doo harbor themselues in Ilands by the way declaring what they saw in them BEing departed out of the port as aforsaide the Spaniards deuided themselues into two shippes to wit the two Friers and Michael de Loarcha Omoncon and thrée other captaines in one shippp And Peter Sarmiento Nicholas de Quenca and Iohn de Triana Sinsay and all their souldiers in another ship with eight other ships of warre which went with them for their safegard they sailed forwards directing their course towards a small Iland that was not farre off with determination there to take water for their ships for that it had in it many riuers of very swéete water Within a smal space they ariued there and it had a very faire and sure port wherein might ride in securitie a great Nauy of ships All Thursday they were there recreating and sporting themselues for that it was a pleasant Ilande and full of fresh riuers Uppon Friday being the sixtéenth of September the day being somwhat speÌ„t they made saile and tooke port foure leagues from
full two hundred leagues which may bee made with reasonable wether in tenne dayes at the most CHAP. XXXII The captaines Chinos ariued with the Spaniardes at the citie of Manilla the Gouernor and those of the citie doo receiue them with great ioy and triumphes and after they had remained there certaine dayes they returned vnto the firme land being instructed and satisfied of many things touching our holy catholike faith with great desire to receiue the same AFter that it was knowen vnto the Gouernor of the citie of Manilla and vnto the generall of the fielde as also vnto the rest of the captaines and souldiers of the ariuall of the Spaniardes whom they with great care desired to heare of as well for the particular loue they deare vnto them as also for to vnderstand and heare the newes from that mightie kingdome of China to be declared by witnesses of so great faith and credite They altogether went foorth to receiue them with great ioye and pleasure and likewise all such captaynes and souldiers as came in their companie They were straightwaies conueighed vnto their lodginges to rest themselues of their long iourney which they had by sea for it was requisite and néedefull for the which afterwardes there was great feastes and bankets which was made by the Gouernor the generall of the field and other particular persons vnto the Chinos in recompence of that which was done vnto the Spaniards in their countrie All which feastes did giue them little content when as they did remember the flying and escape of the Rouer but in especiall Omoncon and Sinsay who continually euery moment did call vpon the generall of their fleete to make haste to shorten the time that they might depart from the firme land where giuing notice vnto the Gouernor of Chincheo of the estate of Limahon he might giue order that before he had reedified and repayred himselfe they might take him which is a thing most desired in all that kingdome The generall was verie glad and reioyced of their good intertainement and answered vnto Omoncon Sinsay saying that by reason of the great storme and foule weather past their ships had great néede of reparation and likewise the marriners to ease themselues the which being done he would with all his heart depart The generall of the fielde was verie sorrowfull and much gréeued for that the Rouer Limahon was so escaped and the more when he vnderstoode that he was suspected that hee did consent vnto his departure for which occasion if that the Captaynes had not béene verie much wearied with the long siege and euill weather which happened in that time without all doubt he would haue followed him and neuer to haue left him till he had taken or slaine him Although they were fully perswaded that Limahon was so terrified with the great perill and danger in the which he was and againe with so small number of people that rather hee would desire to put himselfe in securitie then to offende or doo any harme neyther to put himselfe in any place whereas hee might receiue damage of any of them to whom hee had doone so open wrong who were so much desirous to be reuenged who for to preuent all that might happen as after we vnderstoode hauing made readie his barkes and boates which he ordayned in his fort and put in them victualles for their iourney he departed with his small number of people vnto an Ilande farreâ—off and vnknowen there whereas he vnderstoode that none would goe to séeke him and there hee remayned a time whereas he fell sicke of a melancholicke infirmitie which grewe by an imagination that hee had to remember in what state he was at that time and howe he had séene himselfe at other times feared throughout al the kingdome of China which was an imagination sufficient for to bring him to his ende his companions were dispersed abroad so that we neuer heard more of them Now returning to our purpose after that the China Captaines had recreated them selues with the feastes and sportes that was made vnto them and taken recreation many dayes and tarryed hoping that the weather would proue fayrer to prepare themselues to depart In the same time they did intreat of many thinges in particular touching Christian religion whereof with great care they did informe themselues of our religious men and tolde them some secret things that were vnknowen vnto them of their countrie for that they were strangers So when as time and weather did serue they did take their leaue with many signes and tokens of griefe for to depart and leaue the conuersation of so good companions and did promise vnto them to procure all that was possible that the friendshippe begunne betwixt them and the Chinos should continue and perseuer for that it was a thing that did content them all Their generall himselfe did take this particular charge vnto himselfe with a determinate purpose for to declare in effect to the Gouernour of Aucheo whose priuate seruant he was the good meaning of the Castillos and what principall people they were and the ceremonies they vsed with the which hee was marueilously in loue Likewise hee would giue him to vnderstande of the flying of the Rouer Limahon how and in what manner and order it was and how that the generall of the field and the other captaines were in no fault thereof This he would do in respect that if it should so fall out that Omoncon and Sinsay for their owne credite should declare any thing against the Spaniardes that was not true that they might not be beléeued Besides all this he tolde the Gouernour certaine thinges in secret how they might with great ease purchase the friendship they pretended And amongest them all one was that hee should make a supplication vnto the catholike king in requesting him to write a letter vnto their king and sende him Embassador and such as shoulde giue vnto them the light of the Catholike and Christian faith with the which diligence â—here was no doubt that not onely the friendshippe betwixt the kinges and their subiectes shoulde bee established but also the king and all his kingdome would receiue the Catholike faith for that there are manye ceremonies vsed amongest them which doo much resemble those of our Christian religion and againe in their liuing morally they doo obserue in manie thinges the tenne commandementes of Gods lawe of the which in particular he did informe himselfe so that the greatest difficultie was in the entring in of the preaching of the holy gospell and beeing by this meanes ouer come in a short time all the whole kingdome would turne Christians And considering that in their worshipping as they doo worship all thinges in the seconde essence with great facilitie they would change their adoration and giue it vnto the first as most worthie and vnto whom it is their duties The generall did adde more thereunto and saide that he was so much affâ—ctioned
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
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
the Caciques the which is straight wayes put in vre In this prouince the Spaniardes sounde many Idolles that they worshipped and in euery house they had a temple wherein they do worship the diuell wheras ordinarily they do carrie him to eat Likewise as amongst Christians in the high wayes they doo put crosses so haue they chappelles whereas they say the diuell doth recreate and rest himselfe when as he trauelleth from one towne to an other the which chappelles are maruellously well trimmed and painted In all their tyllages and ploughed groundes of the which they haue many and very great they haue on the one side of them a portall or shedde built vppon foure pillers whereas the labourers doo eate and passe away the heate of the day and are people verie much giuen to labour and doo continually occupie themselues therein it is a countrie full of mountaynes and woods of pine trées Their weapons are strong bowes and arrowes with their heads or pointes made of flint stone wherwith they will pierce and passe a shirt of mayle or plate coate They vse also Macans the which is a staffe of half a yeard long made of flint and verie smoth wherewith they may cut a man a sunder in the midst they vse also bucklers and targets made of rawe hides CHAP. IX Still doth hee prosecute the new Mexico and declareth of such things as were there seene SO after they had béene foure dayes in this prouince they departed not farre distant from the same they came vnto an other which was called the prouince of the Tiguas in the which they found sixtéene townes in the one of the same called Poala they vnderstood that the Indians had slaine the two Friers Francisco Lopez and Frier Augustine whome they went to seeke and with them thrée boyes a Mestizo But when they of this towne their neighbours vnderstoode being pricked in conscience fearing that the Spaniards came to plague them and to be reuenged for the death of the saide fathers they durst not abide but left their houses voide and fled vnto the mountaines that were nighest hande from whence they could neuer cause them to descende neither by giftes nor policie They founde in their houses great store of victualles and an infinite number of hennes of the countrie diuers sortes of metals and some of them séemed to be very good they could not perfectly vnderstande the number of people that were in that countrie for that they were fled vnto the mountaines as aforesaid Being fully certified of the death of them that they went to séeke for they entred into counsell to determine whether they should returne vnto new Bizcaya from whence they came or to procéede forwarde in the which there were diuers opinions But by reason that they vnderstoode there that towardes the port of the orient from that place and not farre distant from that prouince there were very great townes and rich and finding themselues so nigh them the captaine Antonio de Espero with the consent of the religious Fryer aforesaide called Bernardino Beltran and the most part of his souldiers companions determined to procéede forwardes in the discouerie thereof till such time as they did sée to what end it would come that they might the better giue perfect and iust notice therof vnto his maiestie as witnesses that had séene it So being in conformitie they determined they remayning there sentenela or royall companie the captaine with other two companions with him should go forwardes in the demand of their desire which foorthwith they put in execution So at the end of two dayes of their trauaile they came vnto a prouince where they discouered aleuen townes and much people in them which in their iudgement did passe fortie thousand soules It was a countrie very well replenished fertile whose confines are ioyned vnto the lande of the Cibola whereas is great store of kyne of whose skins they do apparell themselues and with cotton hauing the vse of gouernement amongest theÌ„ as their neighbours haue there are signes and tokens of many rich mynes and found in their houses certaine mettalles these Indians do worship Idols they receiued the Spaniardes with peace and gaue them to eate Seéing this and the disposition of the countrie they returned vnto their sentenela from whence they departed to giue notice vnto their companions of all that hath béene saide So when they were come vnto their companions aforesaid they had notice and vnderstanding of an other prouince called the Quires which was vp the riuer on the north sixe leagues distant So they departed thitherwardes and when they came within a league of the place there came foorth in peace a great companie of Indians and requested that they would goe with them vnto their townes the which they did and were verie well entertayned and had great cheare In this prouince they sawe but onely fiue townes in the which there was a great number of people which vnto their iudgement did passe fiftéene thousand soules and doo worship Idolles as their nâ—ighbours doo They found in one of these townes a Pye in a cage as is the vse in Spaine Tirasoles as those which are brought from China and painted on them the sunne the moone with many starres and taking the altitude thereof they founde it to be in seuen and thirtie degrées and a halfe vnder the north poole They departed from this prouince and trauelling by the same course or Rutter fourtéene leagues from thence they came to an other prouince called the Cunames whereas they discouered other fiue townes and that which was the principal and biggest of them is called Cia which was of such huge bignesse y t it had in it eight places their houses be plastered with lyme and painted with diuerse colours much better than they had séene in any prouince past It séemed that the people that were there did passe in number twentie thousande soules they gaue presentes vnto the Spaniardes with many curious mantelles and of victualles to eate maruellously well dressed and iudged the people to be more curious and of more estimation of themselues than any that thitherto they had séene and of greater gouernement They shewed vnto them rich metalles and the mountaines that were hard by whereas they did take it out Here they had notice of an other prouince which was towards the north west and determined to go thither So after they departed froÌ„ thence had trauailed sixe leagues they came to y e said prouince which was called Arneias in the which was seueÌ„ great townes in theÌ„ according to their iudgment thirtie thousand soules they said that one of these seuen townes was very great faire the which they would not go to see for y t it was situated behinde a mountaine as also they feared some euill successe if that they should be deuided the one froÌ„ the other They are people after y e fashion of the other prouince their
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
and would be better if that they were holpen with good ensamples as those which haue béene there so long time are bounde to doe that the lacke thereof doth cause some of the inhabitantes so much to abhorre them that they would not sée them once paynted vpon a wall For proofe whereof and for to moue such as haue power and authoritie to put remedie in the same I will declare vnto you here a strange case the which Royally did passe of a trueth in one of these Ilandes and is verie well knowne amongst them that is there chanced to die an Ilander a principall man amongst them a few dayes after that he was baptised being very contrite for his sinnes the which hee had done against God before he was baptised and after hee died So after by the deuine permission of God he appeared vnto many of that Ilands whom he did perswade forthwith to receiue the baptisme with reasons of great efficacie and declared vnto them as one that had experienced the same the rewarde of that good déede which without all doubt shoulde bee giuen vnto them if they would receiue the same and liue after conformable and according vnto the commandements of Christ for the which he told them and said that forthwith so soone as he was dead he was carried by the Angels into glorie there whereas all things were of delite pleasure and content and did communicate onely in the sight of God and that there was none that entred therein neither coulde enter except hee were baptised according vnto the preaching of the Spaniards of whome and of others that were like vnto them there was an infinite number Therefore if so be that they would go and inioy of those benefites and delights it is necessarie that first they should be baptised and afterwards to obserue and kéepe the commandements that be preached vnto them by the fathers that are amongst the Castillas and therewith he vanished away and they remained treating amongst themselues concerning that which they had hearde and was the occasion that some of them forthwith receiued the baptisme and that others did delay it saying that because there were Spaniard souldiers in glory they would not go thither because they would not be in their company All this hurt is done by one peruerse or impious man and with one euill ensample the which amongst many good as you haue in those parts but in especiall amongst them in particular it ought to bée reprehended and punished seuéerely with rigour These Ilands at the first discouery of them had the fame to bée Mal Sanos or vnholesome but since experience hath shewed and prooued it to the contrarie It is a countrie maruellous fertill and yeeldeth very much Rice wheate goates hennes deere buffes kine and great stoare of hogges whose flesh is so sauorie as the mutton they haue in Spaine there be also manie cattes that yeelde siuet great stoare of fruites which be very good and sauorie great aboundance of Honie and fish and all solde at so small a price that almost it is solde for nothing Also there is great stoare of Synamom but no Oile of Oliues but that which is carried thither out of the Nuoua Espania they haue much Oyle of Algongoli and of Flaxe sâ—ede the which they doo spende ordinarily in that countrie so that the Oyle of Oliues is not missed with them There is great stoare of Cloues Saffron Pepper Nutmegges and many other drugges great stoare of cotton and silke of all colours the which is brought vnto them by merchants of China euerie yeare a great quantitie from whence commeth more then twenty shippes laden with péeces of silkes of all colours and with earthen vessell powder saltpeter Iron stéele and much quicke-siluer brasse copper wheate flower walnuts bisket dates linnen cloth counting chestes very gallantly wrought calles of networke Buratos Espumillas basens and ewres made of tinne parchment lace silke fringe and also of golde the which is spunne and twisted after a fashion neuer sâ—ene in all Christendome and manie other thinges of great curiositie and all this aforesaide is solde verie good cheape Likewise such things as the Ilands do yéelde are sold very good cheape for you shall haue foure roues of wine which commeth of the Palme trée for foure rials of plate the which for lacke of that made of grapes is very good twelue haneges of Rice for eight rials of plate three hennes for one rial a whole hogge for eightéene rials a whole buffe for foure rials a deere for tâ—o rials and yet it must be both great and good foâ—re roues of suger for sixe rials a â—otiia of Oile made of Algongoli for thrée rials two baskets of saffron for two rials sixe pounds of pepper or cloues for one riall two hundred nutmegs for one rial a roue of synamum sixe for rials a kintal of iron or stéele for tenne rials thirtie dishes of very fine earth foure rials and all other things after this rate But amongst all other notable thinges that these Spaniards haue séene in those Ilands and in the kingdome of China and other places whereas they passed there is one thing which hath caused them most to maruel at and to haue it most in memory which is a trée ordinarily called Palma de Cocos but doth differ from that which beareth the dates and with great reason for that it is a plant so full of mysterie and profite that there hath come a ship vnto these Ilands and the said ship and all that was in her to be sold with ropes cords masts sailes and nailes were made of this trée and the merchandice that she brought was mantels made of the rind of the saide trée with great subtiltie and fine works Likewise all the victuals that was in the said ship for the sustentation of thirtie meÌ„ that came in her yea their water was of the same trée The merchants that came in this ship did certifie of a truth in all the Iland of Maldiuia from whence they came they haue no other sustainment but onely that which this tree yeeldeth they do make houses hereof and tyles for to couer the same the fruit doth yéeld a Meollio or curnell which is very sauory and healthfull the sauor thereof is much like to gréene hasell nuts and if you do cut the branch there whereas the Coco commeth forth is the principall fruite and euery one of them hath ordinarily a pinte of water the which is very swéet delicate al the said substance doth returne into the trunke of the tree whereas they doo bore a hole and thereat they do draw out all that water which is much and mingling it with other thinges they make thereof good wine the which is drunk in al those Ilands and in the kingdome of China Of the same water they make vineger and of the Meollio kernell aforesaid oile verie medicinall milke like vnto Almon milke hony and suger very sauorie These and many other
vnderstand but straightwaies they were carried out of the temple and brought by the souldiers before a iudge who was the chiefe and principall of all the sea of that prouince and was sixe leagues from the place in a Cittie called Quixue the way thither was very plaine and brode and paued and vpon both sides there were fields both of corne and flowers So with the helpe of God the Spaniards came before the presence of this general in eight days although it was with great trauell by reason they had neither force nor strength for to trauell for that they had lost it with the heauie and sorowfull newes as aforesaid Yet notwithstanding at their comming to the citty Quixue the souldiers had them in continuall guard and kéeping till the next day following then they were carried before the generall where he was in a very great faire house the which had two couâ—ts one of them was next vnto the doore of the stréete and the other was towards the farther partes of the house both of them were railed round about in manner of grates they were planted full of diuers sortes of great trées wherein did féed a great number of déere and other wilde beasts but yet as tame as sheepe Right ouer against the inwarde court there was a gallerie whereon was many soulidiers which did guarde and keeâ—e the person of the generall who was in a mightie great and gallant hall set in an Iuorie chaire with great maiestie Before they entred into the seconde court there was discharged within both artilerie and habagus shot and played vpon a drum which was as bigge as those which they vse in Spaine that being doone there was a great sounde of hoybuckes and trumpets and of many other instruments the which being doone they straightwayes opened the gates of the innermost court whereas the gallerie was aforesaide from whence they might sée the throne whereas the generall was set There was before him a table whereon was paper and other necessaries for to write a thing commonly vsed in all that countrie the souldiers that were his guarde were all in one liuerie of silke were in so gallant consort had so great sylence which made the Spaniards greatly to maruell The first order was of the hargabushes and the seconde were pikes and betwixt the one and the other was placed a sworde and a target there might be about foure hundred souldiers Behinde them were placed the officers of iustice or executioners with their instruments for to whippe and punish offenders and in the midst of them were the scriueners and proctors About thirtie paces more or lesse from the chaire where the generall was set was placed certaine Gentlemen and to the number of a dosen pages bare headed verie gallantlie apparelled in silke and golde In the middest amongst these souldiers were the Spaniards carried and before them such tokens and shewes as they doo vse when as they doo present before the Iudges such as bee condemned vnto death A good way before they came nigh vnto the place whereas the general was they caused them to knéele downe at which instant there was brought foorth certaine Chinos that were prisoners to be iudged and so soone as their inditement was read and iudgement giuen the executioners did execute the rigour of the sentence in the presence of the Spaniards first pulling off their apparell and then making fast their hands and féete verie fast with cordes in such sort that they shriked that the noise reached vnto heauens they kept them so bounde vntill they sawe farther what the Iudge woulde commaunde who when hee had heard his inditement if hee woulde that hee should bée whipped hée striketh a blow with his hand vppon the table that is before him then the executioners doo strike fiue blowes vppon the calues of the legges of the offender with a broad cane in the order as hath béene saide and is so cruell that none can suffer fiftie of them but he dieth The blowe being giuen vppon the table by the generall straightwayes one of the proctors maketh a crie or noise where at presently commeth the executioner for to execute his office And if the offender dooth deserue more then the Iudge dooth strike another blowe vppon the table then is there giuen him other fiue blowes and in this sort dooth the Iudge so manie times as his offence dooth deserue At the lamentations and shrikes that these miserable offenders doo giue the Iudges shewe no more signe of pittie then if they were stroken vppon a stone So the audience being concluded and doone with the naturals of the countrie the generall commaunded that the Spanyardes shoulde come a little nearer and looked and searched their garments and all the rest as also their Breuiarios books that being done they were informed by those that brought them how and in what order they were apprehended and of all other thinges touching their comming into that kingdome vnderstanding thereof hee commaunded them to be carried vnto prison where they were put in sure holde and with great watch and guard for certaine dayes in the which time they passed incredible trouble as well of hunger as of thirst and heat which was the occasion that the most part of them fell sicke of agues and of the laske So after these dayes that they were in prison they were carried once againe to the audience and many other more were brought forth to be visited all people beléeuing that the Spaniards should no more returne but bee executed for the which they receiued great coÌ„tent to be cleared by one death of so many as dayly they had before their eyes In the conclusion of this audience the generall did decrée that they should be carried by sea vnto the Cittie of Canton whereas was the vizroy of that prouince and he to commande them to be executed or punished according as hee thought best according vnto the penalty put vppon whatsoeuer straunger that should enter into that kingdome without licence as they did enter But when they saw that they were carried out of the prison vnto the sea they verelie beléeued that it was to drowne them therin for the which hauing a newe confessed themselues and commended themselues vnto God they did animate one another with the representation of the reward which was prepared for them but when they came vnto the barre whereas they should imbarke themselues vppon a suddaine the sea beganne to waxe verie loftie and troublesome that it séemed almost a myracle and it increased in such sort that the souldiers and mariners said that neuer before they had séene the like torment the which endured the space of tenne dayes the which was the occasion that they did not imbarke themselues and that the generall did change his pretence and determined that they shoulde be carried by lande vnto the great Cittie of Saucheo Fu the which was presently put in vre they were manie dayes on this iourney with fiftie souldiers that did
die but be banished for euer out of the kingdome with precise band y t they their wiues children al that should come of them should for euer liue on those Ilands that are now called Iapon which were at y t time desert without people This sentence was executed the offenders did accept the same for mercie So they were caried to y e said Ilands wheras when they saw thēselues out of their naturall countrie without any possibility euer to returne againe they ordained their cōmon wealth as a thing to last for euer directing all their lawes which were for their conseruation gouernment contrarie vnto the Chinos from whence they came But in particular they made one wherin they did prohibite for euer their descendents to haue any frindship with the Chinos did admonish them to do them all the euill that was possible which is obserued kept vnto this day inuiolable shewing thēselues their contraries in all they may euen in their apparell spéech customes for the which there is no nation so abhorred of the Chinos as is the Iapones so that they are payd their hatred with the like And although at that time the said Iapones were subiectes and tributaries vnto the king of China and so continued long time after now at this day they are not but do all harme that may be vnto those of that kingdome They haue much siluer but not so fine as that is of our Indians likewise great abundance of rice and flesh and in some parts wheate although they haue all this with many fruits and herbes other things which be their ordinary victuals yet are they not so well prouided as are their cōfines or neighbors and no default in the lande for that it is verie good and fruitefull But that the naturall people do giue themselues verie little vnto the tilling and sowing thereof for that they are more affectioned vnto the warres then vnto that and this is the reason that many times they do lack prouision and victuals which is the verie same reason that the naturall people others do report of them There be in these Ilandes thrée score sixe kingdoms or prouinces and many kings although it may be better said rulers or principals such as the Spaniardes found in the Ilands of Luzō for which cause although they be called kings yet are they not neither in their cōtractation nor rent for they haue verie little in respect of the multitude of people The king Nobunanga who died in the yeare 1583. was the most principall and greatest Lord amongst them all as well of people as of riches who was slaine by a captaine of his and punished by God by this meanes for his luciferine pride for that it did farre excéede that of Nabuchadonozor and was come vnto that point that he would haue béene worshipped for a God for the which he commanded to make a sumptuous temple and to put in it thinges that did well declare and showe his follie of the which that you may sée how farre it did extend I will declare here onely that which he did promise vnto them that did visite his temple First the rich men that came vnto the saide temple and did worshippe his picture should be more richer and those that were poore should obtaine great riches and both the one and the other that had no successors to inherite their goods should also obtaine them and also long life for to enioy the same with great peace and quietnesse The second that their life should be prolonged to 80. yeares The third that they should bee hole of all their infirmities and diseases and shall obtaine full accomplishment of all their desires with health and tranquillitie And the last he commanded that euery month they should celebrate a feast for his birth day and therein to visite his temple with certification that all those that did beléeue in him and in that which hee promised should without all doubt sée it accomplished and those which in this life were faultie and did not doo in effect his commaundement in the other they should goe the way to perdition And the better to accomplish this his will he commaunded to be put in this temple al the Idols in his kingdomes that were most worshipped such as to whom frequented most pilgrimes the which being done he presently forbad rhat not one of them all should be worshipped but he onely that was the true Fotoque and vniuersall God the author and creator of nature This foolishnesse did this proud king a little before his miserable death and many other more that I do leaue out for feare that I should be too tedious in this Itinerario There did succéed this proude king in the kingdome his sonne called Vozequixama who for that he is very yong at this day it is gouerned by a worthy captaine called Faxiuandono All men that are borne in this land are naturally inclined to warres and robberies and it is vsed ordinarily amongst themselues alwayes he that hath most power and strength doth carry away the best part and yet he doth inioy it with little securitie for that as the prouerbe saith he findeth a last for his shoo or the length of his foote is found and another commeth when he thinketh least off and carrieth away their spoile with victorie reuenging iniuries the one for the other without being requested thereunto which is the occasion that they are neuer without ciuill warres that séemeth to bée the influence of the clime of that land This and the continual exercise in armes and in robberies hath giuen them the name of warriers and do terrifie all their borderers and neighbors They vse many weapons but especially hargabusses swords and lances and are very expert in them On the firme land of China they haue done many suddaine robberies and thefts and haue gone thorough therewith at their pleasure and would haue done the like at the Ilands of Luzon vsed for the same all meanes possible but yet it fell out contrary vnto their meanings and returned their backes full euill against their wils with their hands vpon their owne heads On a time they came vnto the Illocos who with the fauour of the Spaniards whose vassals they are did desende themselues worthily that the Iapones thought it best to returne vnto their houses and to leaue their begun pretence with determination neuer to put themselues in the like perill for that they had lost many of their companie Not many yeares since there happened vnto them the like disgrace in China there went tenne thousande of them to robbe and steale and at their going on lande they did sacke a cittie with little hurt and smal resistance who with the content of that pray forgot themselues and did not preuent the harme that might chance vnto them the Chinos being offended did compasse them about in such sort that when the Iapones remembred themselues they were in
that case that they were constrained to yéelde vnto their enimies who at their willes did repay themselues very well of the iniurie receiued and a very good warning vnto all those that shall heare thereof to slie from putting themselues into the like trance so the Chinos were very wel reuenged of the iniury by them receiued The faith of Christ is very well planted in some of these Ilands by the good diligence and trauell of the fathers and Iesuites but in particular by that which was doone by master Francisco Xabier one of the tenne companions of the father Ignacio de Loyola founder of the saide religion hee trauelled with great zeale in the conuerting of the saide Ilands and that which was a great helpe vnto the same was his holy doctrine and apostolike life as vnto this day the Iapones doo confesse attributing vnto him next vnto God the goodnesse that hath come vnto them by receiuing the baptisme whome the fathers of that companie haue followed in all pointes such as remained after his death as also such as haue gone thither since that time So that vnto them may bee attributed the thankes for the mollifying of such adamantine hearts as are those of y e natural people of these Ilandes whose wittes although they be good and subtill are naturally knowne to be inclined vnto warres robberies and doing of euill and at this day being Christians they do followe their euill inclinations yet notwithstanding by the good doctrine and ensample of the saide fathers they are much better Christians then those of the Orientall or East Indians I do not set downe here the number of those that are baptised in these Ilands for that there are therein diuers opinions as also for that the fathers of the name of Iesus or Iesuits doo distinctly declare in their letters The Portugals say that in respect of the number of people that are to bée conuerted the number that are baptised are very fewe and that there are many that are not for lacke of ministers and preachers the which may easily be remedied in commaunding to go thither more religious men of other orders for to aide and helpe the saide Iesuites the which shoulde be vnto them a particular content and comfort as I doo beléeue as hath béene seene by experience in all partes of the Indians whereas haue come religious men vnto places of their doctrine for that the quantitie of people is so great that are in these Ilandes that although there shoulde go thither many laborers of the Gospell and all the orders of religious men the one shoulde not be a let or hinderance vnto the other and they shoulde all of them finde enough to occupie themselues especially if that the successor of Nobunanga were conuerted with his subiectes All the men of these Ilands are well set and well proportioned and go well apparelled although not in so good order as those of China they liue verie healthfully and long by reason that they doo vse verie fewe diuersities of meates they doo not suffer amongst them any Phisitians and doo not cure themselues but with simples They haue amongst them many priests of their Idols whom they do call Bonsos of the which there be great couents Likewise they haue amongst them great witches who do ordinarily talke with the diuell and are not a small impediment for thē to receiue the lawe of God in that kingdome The women or wiues of these Iapones do kéepe themselues very close and very seldome go forth of their houses in the which they do resemble those of China much as hath béene said yet haue they many wiues for that by their lawes it is lawfull for them to haue as they please can sustaine yet are they so prudent that they do restraine themselues and liue in great peace Both men-seruants and women-seruants do serue their masters as though they were slaues they may kill them at their pleasure without incurring any penalty of their lawes a thing far different from any good policie Many other things more could I declare of this kingdome the which I do let passe for the reason aforesaid and againe for that the fathers of the company of Iesus haue intreated thereof at large and vere truely Not farre from these Ilands of Iapon they haue discouered of late certaine Ilandes which are called of the Amazones for that they are all inhabited by women whose ordinary weapons are bowes and arrowes and are very expert in the same they haue their right brest drie the better to exercise their bow Unto these Ilands in certaine monethes euery yeare goeth certaine shippes from Iapones with merchandice and they bring from thence such as they haue there in the which time the men do deale with the Amazones as with their own proper wiues for to avoide dangers that might happen amongst themselues they deale in this order following After that their shippes are aryued there goeth on shore two messengers for to giue aduice vnto the quéene of their arriuall and of the number of men that are in their shippes who dooth appoint a day when they shall all come on shoare the which day shee doth carrie to the waters side the like number of women as they bee of men but the saide women doo first come thither before the men doo disembarke themselues and euery one of them dooth carry in their hande a paire of shooes or a paire of slippers and on them their owne seuerall marke and do leaue them on the sands at the waters side without any confort or order and presently departe from thence Then the men come on shoare and euery one take the first paire of shooes that he commeth vnto and put them on then presently the women come forth and euery one of them carryeth with her him who hath fallen vnto her by lot to put on her shooes and maketh him her guest without any other particularitie although it chanceth vnto the most vilest of them all to méete with the quéenes shooes or otherwise to the contrarie So when the monethes are expired set downe by the quéene in the which are permitted the men aforesaid they doo depart euerie one leauing with his hostis his name and the towne where hee dwelleth for that if it so fall out that they bee with child and be deliuered of a sonne that hee may bee carried the yeare following vnto his father but the daughters do remaine with them This is very doubtfull to bee beléeued although I haue bin certified by religious men that haue talked with persons that within these two yeares haue béene at the saide Ilands haue séene the said women and that which causeth me more to stand in doubt is for that the fathers of the companie that dwell at the Iapones haue not in their letters made any particular mention of them therefore let euery one giue credite to this as liketh him best CHAP. XX. They haue notice of certaine kingdomes borderers vnto these