making that the soule dooth mooue out of one into another as certaine old philosophers did affirme it to bee who were as blind and as far from the truth as they CHAP. VII Of their temples and of certaine manner of religious people both men and women and of their superiours THere are found in this kingdome many moral things the which do touch verie much our religion which giueth vs to vnderstand that they are people of great vnderstanding in especial in naturall things and that it should be of a certainty that the holy apostle of whom we haue spoken did leaue amongst them by his preachings occasion for to learne manie things that do shew vnto vertue one of the which is that there is found amongst them many monasteries in their cities and townes and also in the fieldes wherein are manie men and women that do liue in great closenes and obedience after the fashioÌ„ of other religious monasteries They haue amongst theÌ„ that is knowne onely foure orders euery one of theÌ„ hath their generall who dwelleth ordinarily in the citie of Suntien or Taybin wheras is the king his counsel These their generals they doo call in their language Tricon who doo prouide for euery prouince a prouinciall to assist visite all the conuents correcting and amending such faults as is found according vnto the institution and manner of liuing This prouinciall doth ordaine in euery conuent one which is like vnto the prior or guardian whom al the rest do reuerence and obey This generall is for euer till he doo die except they doo finde in him such faults that he doth deserue to be depriued yet they do not elect their prouincials as we do vse but it is doone by the king his counsell alwayes choosing 〈◊〉 that is knowne to be of a good life and fame so that fauour carrieth nothing away This generall is apparelled all in silke in that colour that his profession dooth vse either blacke yeallow white or russet which are the fower colours that the foure orders doo vse hee neuer goeth foorth of his house but is carried in a little chaire of Iuorie or golde by foure or sixe men of his habite When any of the conuent doth talke vnto him it is on their knées they haue also amongst them a seale of their monasterie for the dispatching of such businesse as toucheth their religion These haue great rentes giuen them by the king for the sustayning of themselues and their seruants All their conuents hath great rentes in general part giuen them by the king and part of charitie giuen them in those cities or townes whereas they haue their houses the which are many and verie huge They doo aske their charitie in the stréets singing with the sounde of two little â—ords and other instruments Euery one of them when they do begge doth carrie in their hands a thing wherin are written certaine praiers that they say is for the sins of the people and all that is giuen them in charitie they lay it vpon the said thing wherewith they do vnderstand in their blinde opinion that their spirit is cleare of all sinne In general their beards and heads are shauen and they weare one sole vesture without making any difference according vnto the colour of their religion They do eate altogether haue their sels according to the vse of our friers their vestures or apparel is ordinary of serge of the saide foure colours They haue beads to pray on as the papists vse although in another order they doe assist al burials for to haue charity they do arise two houres before day to pray as our papists do their mattins and do continue in the same vntill the day doo breake they doo praie all in one voice singing in verie good order and attention and all the time of their praying they do ring belles whereof they haue in that kingdome the best and of the gallantest sounde that is in all the world by reason that they are made almost all of stéele they pray vnto the heauen whom they take for their God and vnto Sinquian who they say was the inuenter of that their manner of life and became a saint They may leaue their order at all times at their pleasure giuing their generall to vnderstand thereof But in the time that they are in that order they cannot marrye neither deale with anye women vpon paine to bee punished asperly At such time as one doth put himselfe in religion the father or next kinsman of him that taketh the order doth inuite all them of the conuent and doth make them a great and solemne banket yet you must vnderstand that the eldest sonne of any man cannot put himself in any monasterie but is prohibited by the lawes of the countrie for that the eldest sonne is bound to sustaine his father in his olde age When that any of these religious men do die they doe wash him and shaue him before they do burie him do all weare mourning apparell for him The religious man or woman that is once punished for any fault cannot afterward turne and receiue the habite at any time They haue a certaine marke giuen vnto them in token of their fault and that is a bordâ— put about their necke so that it is séene of all people Euerie morning and euening they do offer vnto their Idolles frankensence beniamin wood of aguila and cayolaque the which is maruelous swéete and other gummes of swéet and odoriferous smels When that they will lanch any ship into the water after that it is made then these religious men all apparelled with rich roabes of silke do go to make sacrifices vpon the poopes of them wheras they haue their oratories and there they doe offer painted papers of diuers figures the which they doe cut in peeces before their idols with certaine ceremonies and songes well consorted and ringing of little belles they do reuerence vnto the diuell And they do paint him in the fore castle for that he shall do no harme vnto the ships that being done they do eate and drinke till they can no more And with this they thinke it is sufficient for the shippe that all such viages as shee shall make shall succéede well the which they haue amongst them for a thing most certaine and if they did not blesse them in this order all things would fall out to the contrarie CHAP. VIII The order that they haue in burying of the dead and the mourning apparell they haue IT séemeth vnto me not farre from our purpose to declare in this place how they vse in this kingdome to burie the dead it is surely a thing to be noted the maner is as foloweth WheÌ„ that any one doth die at the very instant y t he yéeldeth vp y e gost they do wash his bodie all ouer from top to toe then do they apparell him with the best apparell that he had all perfumed with swéet smels TheÌ„ after he
his commandement he would make them answere And therwith he tooke the letter and the memoriall of the present and commanded in his presence to put about the neckes of the Friers in manner of a scarfe to eyther of them sixe péeces of silke and vnto the souldiers their companions and vnto Omoncon and Sinsay each of them foure péeces and to euerye one of their seruantes two a péece and to giue vnto the two Fryers and the souldiers Omoncon and Sinsay euerie one of them two branches of siluer which is a thing vsed in that countrie vnto them that haue doone some woorthie déede as hath béene tolde you before So with the silke about their neckes and with the branches in their hands they returned out of the hall downe the staires the way they came and so through the court into the stréetes from whence they sawe them shut the court gate with so great a noyse as when they did open it From thence at the request of Omoncon Sinsay they went vnto the house of Totoc who is the Captaine generall of all the men of warre vnto the house of Cagnitoâ— who is y e chiefe standerd bearer their houses were nigh the one the other very faire great They found theÌ„ with as great maiestie as the viceroy and in the same order with a table before them had on ech side of theÌ„ armed souldiers knéeling on their knées Yet did they not vse our men with the curtesie that the viceroy vsed to cause them to stand vp which was the occasion that straightwayes they made a showe that they would depart and be gone complayning of Omoncon Sinsay for that they did carrie them thether and tolde them with anger that the gouernour of Manilla did intreate them in a different sort who was there resident for the mightiest prince in all the worlde and they but easie marchants neither was their going thether to be equalled vnto the benefite that they camâ— thether for This discontent the which they receiued was the occasion that they would nâ—t go to make any more visitations although the sayde Omoncon and Sinsay for their owne interest would haue carried them to the houses of other officers and gentlemen of the court But they made signes vnto those that were their guides to direct their way vnto their lodgings for that they would goe to eate somewhat and to take their ease the which was ordayned in a great house of the kinges there whereas ordinarily the Iudges doo sit to heare matters of Iustice. So at their comming thether they founde all their stuffe in good order and their dinner marueilous well prouided and the whole house hanged and trimmed as though it had béene for the kings owne person with many wayting men and souldiers those which did gard them both day and night and hanging at the doore two tables or bordes commanded by the viceroy wheron was written who they were that were there lodged and from whence they came and wherefore and that none whosoeuer should be so hardie as to offer them any wrong or disturbance vpon paine to be for the same offence seuerely punished In this house they were more in quiet than in anie other place whereas they had béen neyther did the people giue them so much trouble by reason of the great care which the Iudges had in putting order for the same by the commandemeÌ„t of the viceroy yet was it the greatest towne and most populed of all that prouince although in other prouinces there be that be much bigger and is affirmed that the Citie of Taybin or Suntiem there whereas the king and his court is resident hath thrée hundreth thousande housholds and yet there is a bigger Citie in the kingdome called Lanchin which requireth thrée dayes to go from one gate to an other and is in compasse more then seuentie leagues the which is not far distant from Canton that which the Portingalles hath great notice of But of certaine there is very much spoken of the mightinesse of this Citie and I my selfe haue heard reported and affirmed to bee of a trueth by men of authoritie that haue béene in the Citie of Canton religious Fryers of the order of Iesus or Iesuites to whom ought to be giuen credite This Citie of Aucheo hath a verie faire and strong wall made of stone which is fiue fadam high and foure fadam brode the which was measured many times by our people for that they had a gate out of their lodging that did open to the same This wall is all couered ouer with tiles to defende the rayne water for hurting of it which could not to the contrarie but receiue damage for that there is no lyme vsed in the whole wall They haue not one castle in all this Citie neyther is there any vsed in all that kingdome for all their force and strength is in their gates the which be made very strong with a double wall within verie broade betwixt the which are continually many souldiers such as do keepe watch and ward both day and night Upon these gates they haue much ordinance but verie ill wrought I meane such as were séene by our men yet they do say that in other places they haue excellent good and verie curiously wrought The whole wall is full of bartilmentes and theron written the names of such souldiers as are bound to repayre thether in the time of necessitie At euerie hundreth paces they haue lodginges the which are very huge and great there whereas in the time of necessitie doo remaine and dwell their Captaynes so long as their troubles doo indure all the wall is fortified with two great mots or ditches the one within and the other without the which they doo fill at all times when they please by sluces which they haue from the riuer for the same purpose and doo serue of water almost all the houses in the Citie whereas they haue their stanges for the most part full of fish This mightie Citie is situated in a great plaine and compassed round about with mightie rockes and mountaines which is the occasion that it is not so healthfull and the inhabitants saye that it is by reason of the mountaines and many times it is ouerflowen in the winter by spring tides froÌ„ the riuer And in that yeare that this doth happen it doth destroy and ruinate a great part of the city as it was at that time when our people did sée it for y t in the winter before they were troubled with these great tides which did them much harme Now to returne to our purpose you shall vnderstand that in the kinges house aforesaide our people remained all the time that they were in this Citie wheras they were made much of and visited by the principall of the same but in especiall of the viceroy who the verie same day diâ— send to inuite them for the next day following who made vnto them a famous banket
there in that place till such time as they had giuen y e gouernor of the Cittie to vnderstand thereof he to send theÌ„ licence that they may enter in againe So after a good while that they had remained there wheras the guards had set them there came vnto theÌ„ a man who was a Chino called Canguin and could speake Portugal who knowing them to be Christians by their faces attire did aske them in the Portingal toong what they sought y e Spaniards answered him that their comming into that kingdom was for to shew declare to them the way to heauen to giue theÌ„ to vnderstand know y e true God the creator of heauen earth and that they would very faine talke with the gouernor to intreat therof This Chino by by brought to theÌ„ a man that could speak very good Portuges who as after they did vnderstaÌ„d both he his wife childreÌ„ were christened and although they were borne in China yet did they dwel 3. years with Portugals that were inhabited in Machao which is twenty leagues from that cittie of Canton This did demande the same question of them that the other did wherefore they came into that countrie they answered him the same as they did the other hee replied and asked them who was the Pilot that brought them thither they answered the will of God they not knowing howe nor from whence But after they had sailed at the sea certaine dayes they came vnto that place that according as it was giuen them to vnderstande is the cittie of Canton of the which they haue heard declared many straunge thinges the Chino asked howe the guardes of the sea and shippes that were in the straight aforesaid did let them passe they answered that they saw no guards nor any other that did trouble them their passage This last answere did cause the Christian Chino greatly to admire who being mooued with a good zeale said vnto them that they should returne againe vnto the shippe and not to come forth vntill such time as he had giuen aduice of their comming vnto the Mandelines of the sea which be certaine iudges appointed to giue aduice of all such matters to the gouernor that he may command what is to be done therein So the Spaniards returned vnto the shippe whereas they remained a good while and passed great heate for that it dooth excéede in that port So after a while they sawe come vnto a house which was néere vnto the gate of the Cittie a man of great authoritie who was brought in a litter Chaire much people came with him he stayed at that house and from thence sent to call vnto him the religious men and all the rest that came in their company before them all came one that carried a table all whited and thereon was written certaine great letters with blacke ynke the which as after they vnderstood was the licence that the gouernor of the cittie gaue them for to come a shoore without the which there is no stranger permitted The fathers did straightwayes obey it and came forth of their shippe with more companie then they desired of such as came to sée them who were so many in number that although the sergeants and officers of the iudge that sent for them did beate them for to make way yet was it a good while before they coulde come vnto the house whereas the iudge was although the way was but short So when they approched nigh one of â—he sergeants bad them knéele down before the iudge the which they did with great humilitie without any replication Hee was set in a verie rich Chaire with so great maiestie that they were greatly astonyed to sée it and the more when that they vnderstood by the christian Chino that he was not the gouernor neither of the supreme iudges hee was apparelled in a robe of silke close from aboue down to the foote with the sleeues very wide and a girdle imbossed and on his head a bonnet full brooches such as bishops doo vse on their mytres Before him was set a table whereon was paper and inke and on the one side and the other two rankes of men as though they were to guard him yet without weapons They had al of them in their hands long canes of foure fingers brode with the which as after they did vnderstand they do beat suâ—h as are offeÌ„ders vpon the calues of their legges with great crueltie as hath beene told you in the first bookes of this historie All these had vppon their heads a manner of helmet made of blacke leather and on them great plumes of Pecocks feathers with brooches made of mettal a thing vsed to be worne in that countrie of such as are executioners or ministers of iustice The iudge bad the interpreter to aske them of what nation they were and what they sought in that countrie and who was their guide to bring them into that port the which being vnderstoode by the religious men answered that they were Spaniards and subiect vnto the king Philip of Spaine and came thither to preach the holy gospel and to teach them to know the true God creator of the heauen and earth and to leaue off the worshiping of their Idols who haue no more power of themselues then that which is giuen them by him that doth make them the which worship is knowne and receiued by his holie law and declared by the mouth of his only begotten sonne and confirmed with diuine tokens from heauen in whose guarde doth consist the saluation of all soules And to the last touching who was their guide vnto that kingdome they answered that it was God vnto whose will all creature are subiect as vnto the true creator all the which as afterward it did appeare the interpreter did not truely interpret of the interpretation of the Spaniards vnderstanding that if hee should truely interpret what they saide the Iudge would forthwith sende them away which would be the occasion that he shuld get nothing of them So that he made his interpretatioÌ„ as it best séemed for his purpose fearing as after he did confesse that if he shuâ—d declaâ—e the truth of that which the Spaniards had said it would haue been verie odious to the Iudge afterward both vnto them and to himselfe might be the occasion of some great euill but to conclude he answered and told the Iudge that they were certaine religious men who liued in common a sharpe and asper life much after the manner of those of that kingdome and that going from the Iland of Luzon vnto the Ilands of the Illocos in a great storme and tempest that chanced them the ship wherin they were was cast away and al their people cast away sauing they who escaped by vsing great diligence and put themselues in that small ship which came in company with another greater shippe without Pilot or mariner for that they were almost all drowned and setting saile in the
a monastery neither for to enter into the cittie for to giue order in that which they beléeued was granted them by the vizroy til such time as they vnderstood what was done by their interpreters relation giuen by the Chino boy which came w t them from the Philippinas who declared to thē the truth in all things how y e the interpreters had neuer told the Iudges how that they would remain in the countrie neither made any mētion thereof but that they came thither as lost men that their request was to remaine in the country til it were faire wether or the comming of the Portugall shippes And this was that which the vizroy and his deputie had granted and no other thing But when the father Costodio and his companions who verely beléeuing that their desire woulde take effect vnderstoode the craft and wile of the interpreters and the great fashood that they had vsed they were very sadde and beganne amongst themselues to remedie the same so they determined to séeke a new interpreter one that should faithfulle and truely declare their will vnto the gouernor And although they did finde some that could doo it for that they did reasonably vnderstande the Portugall tongue yet there were none that woulde accept it for any request or giftes that they did promise them The Father Costodio séeing this and that the time appointed did passe away without doing of any thing one day hee and the rest of his companions did ioine togither entred in counsell to sée what was best to be done according vnto the necessitie in the which they were driuen There was amongst them diuers opinions for that of the father Costodio and of another religious man was that they woulde go vnto Machao which was not farre off and there would administer the sacraments and preach the holy Gospel vnto the christened Chinos and to learne the China language and to tarrie there and abide the first occasion that should bee offered or else they themselues to procure it for hauing the language it were an easie thing to doo it they should not haue néede of any interpreter neither feare to be deceiued as they had béene before And besides this they put the Portugals out of all doubt of the false opinion that the Captaine generall had published abroade of them and of other matters of like effect and purpose The other two religious men and soulders were of a contrarie opinion which was that they should returne vnto the Ilands Philippinas and not vnto Machao and saide that they had departed without licence of the gouernor and did aduenture themselues into the harme and damage that might happen vnto them by that enterprise and all for to plant the faith of Christ in that kingdome And now séeing that by the iust iudgement of God wee cannot put it in execution wee are greatly bounde to returne againe vnto him of whome we doubt not but with ease to get our pardon for the error passed representing the zeale wee had to the honour of God and the saluation of so manie soules who did incite vs to giue that great enterprise with the which we shall remaine blamelesse with them that had giuen wrong iudgement of vs and accomplish our bounden duetie and obedience which wee doo owe vnto the gouernor And in going vnto Machao wée shall runne in great danger to be holden and iudged for traitors to the king and the intent wherewith wee went vnto China euery one wil construe and interpret thereon at his pleasure The resolution of these contrary opinions was by a common consent delated certaine dayes in the which they prayed vnto God to put into their hearts that which was best for his deuine seruice So in the end the father Costodio and the religious man who was of his opinion did determine to go forwards with their pretence and to go vnto Machao as aforesaid and the rest to returne vnto the Ilands with the first oportunitie they might finde but when it should come to effect one of the religious Friers that shoulde haue gone vnto Manilla was deade of an infirmitie that chanced him They staied there longer then they did think they should by reason that y e Iudges of the Cittie were occupied with the examinations of students the which is accustomed euery thrée yeares and is in that manner and order as hath béene tolde you in the proper chapter for the same the which examinations endured more then fiue and fortie dayes with great feastes and banquets without medling in any other particular businesse CHAP. XI The Father Costodio sendeth a messenger vnto Machao he he writeth vnto the bishop and vnto a priest for to bestow their almes on them for their departure The captaine generall doth vnderstand therof and commandeth them not to aid nor succour the Spaniards and other matters appertaining vnto them IN the meane time of this their examination the father Costodio did sende a messenger vnto the bishop of Machao declaring vnto him his determination and he also did write vnto the deuout priest of whome we haue made mention before and craued of them their almes wherewith they might make prouision for them that would depart for the Ilands Philippinas and how that he and his companyon would go and see his lordship This was not done so secretly but it came vnto the vnderstanding and knowledge of the captaine generall of the Portugals who with great choller went and demanded the letters of the priest those that were giuen him by the Chino threatning him that if hee did not hee woulde punish him with great rigor and banish him out of the countrie as a suspected person He answered him that of truth he had receiued certaine letters but that at the very instant hee sent them vnto the Bishoppe vnto whome they were directed about the which there was great holde and kéepe vntill it came to effect that the captaine did lay holde vppon the priest for to apprehende him but when the bishop vnderstood thereof hee with all spéed possible went to remedy the danger that might insue and to take him out of his power The captaine séeing that hee could not perseuer with his intent and purpose he made many notifications vnto the bishop requiring that he would not permit that any letters shoulde bée receiued from those religious Spaniards for that he knew by very certaine relation that they were spies and no friers and if so be that any damage should happen vnto them by their order that hée woulde lay the whole fault vppon him as a consenter and a helper The bishoppe answered that he was fully perswaded and certified that they were true religious men and seruants of God and that he with a very good will would take vpon him the burthen of any damage that should happen to the country by their meanes or vnto the king of Portugall With this the captaine was somewhat quieted but not so much but that continually hee did
how to rost and boyle their victuals and howe to barter and sell one thing for another They did vnderstande one another in their contradictions by knots made vpon cords for that they had not the vse of letters nor any mention thereof After that they say that a certaine woman called Hantzibon was deliuered of a son named Ocheutey who was the inuentor of many things ordained mariage to play on many diuers instruments They do affirme that he came from heauen by myracle for to do good vpon the earth for that his mother going by the way did sée the print of a mans foote putting her foote on it she was straight wayes inuironed with a lightning with whom she was conceiued and with child with this son This Ocheutey had a son called Ezoulom who was the inuenter of phisicke astrology but in especiall matters touching lawe and iudgement Hée shewed them howe to till the lande and inuented the plough and spade of this man they doo tell manie woonderfull and maruellous things but amongst them all they say that he did eate of seuen seuerall kindes of hearbes that were poyson and did him no harme he liued 400. hundred yeares his son was called Vitey the first king they had amongst them hée reduced all things to be vnder gouernement and to haue it by succession as shalbe declared in the chapter whereas I will treate of the king of this mightie kingdome that now liueth These and many other varieties and toyes they saie of the beginning of the world whereby may be vnderstood how little men may do without the fauour of God and the light of the catholike faith yea though they be of the most subtilest and finest wit that may be immagined CHAP VI. How they hold for a certaintie that the soule is immotall and that he shal haue another life in the which it shalbe punished or rewarded according vnto the workes which he doth in this world and how they pray for the dead BY that aforesaid it appeareth to be of a truth that the apostle S. Thomas did preach in China we may presume that all which wee haue séene dooth remaine printed in their hearts from his doctrine and beareth a similitude of the truth a conformity with the things of our catholike religion Now touching this that wee will treate of in this chapter of the immortalitie that they beléeue of the soule and of the rewarde or punishment which they shall haue in the other life according vnto the workes doone in company with the bodie which appeareth to be the occasion that they do not liue so euill as they might not hauing the knowledge of this truth I do hope by the power of his deuine maiestie that they wil easilie be brought vnto the true knowledge of the gospel They say and doo affirme it of a truth that the soule had his first beginning from the heauen and shall neuer haue ende for that the heauen hath giuen it an eternall essence And for the time that it is within the body that God hath ordeined if it do liue according to such lawes as they haue without doing euill or deceit vnto his neighbor thē it shalbe caried vnto heauē wheras it shal liue eternally with great ioy shalbe made an angel to the contrarie if it liue ill shall go with the diuels into darke dungeons and prisons whereas they shall suffer with them torments which neuer shall haue end They doo confesse that there is a place whither such soules as shalbe made angels doo go to make themselues cleane of al such euil as did cleaue vnto them being in the bodie and for that it should be spéedelier doone the good déeds which are done by their parents friends doo helpe them verie much So that it is very much vsed throughout al the kingdome to make orations praiers for the dead for the which they haue a day appointed in the moneth of August They do not make their offrings in their temples but in their houses the which they doo in this manner following The day appointed all such as do beare them companie vntill their sacrifices are concluded for the dead which are such as we do cal here religious men euery one hath his companion and walketh the stréets and dooth report the daies houses where they will be for that it cannot be doone altogether So when they come vnto the house whereas they must doo their offices they enter in do prepare that euery one do make oration and sacrifice according to their fashion for the dead of that house vnderstanding that by their helpe they shalbe made cleane from their euils which is an impediment that they cannot be angels nor inioy the benefite which is ordained for them in heauen One of these that is like vnto a priest dooth bring with him a taber other two little bords another a little bell Thē they do make an altar wheron they do set such idols as the dead had for their saints liuing then do they perfume them with frankēsence and storax and other swéet smels then do they put 5. or 6 tables ful of victuals for the dead for the saints then straightwayes at the sound of the taber little bords bels which is a thing more apt for to dance by as by report of them that haue heard it they begin to sing certaine songs which they haue for that purpose then doe the nouices goe vp vnto the altar and do offer in written paper those Orations which they did sing to the sound of those instruments This being done they sit down and begin anew to sing as before In the end of their prayers and songs he who doth this office doth sing a prayer and in the end thereof with a litle borde that he hath in his hand for the purpose he striketh a blow vpon the table then the other do answere in the same tune declining their heades doe take certaine painted papers and guilt papers and doe burne them before the altar In this sort they are all the night which is the time that ordinarily they do make their sacrifices the which being done the priests those that be in the house do eat the victuals that was set vpon the tables wherein they doo spend the residue of the night till it be day They say that in doing this they do purifie and make cleane the soules that they may goe become angels The commō people do beléeue of truth that the soule that liueth not well before they go into hell which shall not be before the end of the world according as they do thinke in their error in recompence of their euill life the heauens doo put them into the bodies of buffes and other beasts and those which liue well into the bodies of kings lords whereas they are very much made of well serued These and a thousande toies in like sort
their houses neither can they pronounce any sentence but in the place of publike audience in the presence of all the officers and it must be done in such sort that all men that are in place of audience may heare it and is doone in this sort following The Iudge doth set himselfe in the seat of iustice then do the porters put theÌ„selues at the entring or doores of the hall who do name with a lowde high voice the person that doth enter in to demand iustice the effect of that he doth 〈◊〉 Then the plaintife doth knéele downe somewhat a far off from the Iudge and doth with a loud voice declare his griefe or demand or else in writing If it be in writing then one of the scriueners or notaries doth take the petition doth read it the which being vnderstood by y e Iudge he doth straightwaies prouide vpon the same that which is agréeable vnto iustice doth firme the petition with his own firme with red inke and commandeth what is needful to be done These Iudges are straitly charged and commanded by the kinges authoritie that they must go fasting into y e hal of audience or iudgement hall without drinking of anywine and they must giue no sentence with wine and that is such a custome amongst them that whosoeuer dooth breake it is seuerely punished By way of phisicke they do permit before they doo go to giue any sentence to coÌ„fort themselues with some conserues or such like But wine in no maner of wise although they bee sicke of any infirmitie the lacke therof to be hurtfull vnto them for they estéeme it a lesse euill to leaue of the hearing of any matter then to giue any sentence after that they haue eaten or dronke These matters being executed in publike which is maruelously obserued kept it is not possible y t any of the officers should take any bribes but it must be discouered by one of them and for that they are vsed with great rigour in their residence euerie one is afraid of his companion and are one to an other in this case great enemies The sergeants and notaries the other officers are maruelous precise in the executing of their office if that any doo not his duetie in his office they take him and put a little banner in his hand he remaineth with the same knéeling on his knées till the court of audience be ended Then do the Iudge commaund the bedelles to giue him so many whippes as hee doth deserue for the neglecting of his office This same is little estéemed amongest them for that it is a common thing vsed amongest them when that anie of these Iudges will go abroade into the Citie as seeldome times they doo for the reseruing of their authoritie they are accompanied with the officers and ministers of iustice and that in so good order that the first two doo carrie siluer mases after the manner as they doo in Rome carrie the mases before the Cardinalles They doo carrie them vpon long roddes which doth signifie that in the name of the king they are in those offices then after them followeth other two and they do carrie ech of them in his hand a long cane and very straight which doth signifie the vpright iustice that ought to be done and is doone by that Iudge that thers goeth then followeth them other two and they doo trayle ech of them a cane vpon the ground with long red laces and at the endes tassels which doth signifie the instrumentes wherewith they do whippe the faultie or malefactors then followeth them other two with tables like vnto white targets in the which is written the name of the Iudge with his title office The rest which be many in number do accompanie him to do him worship and honor Those two that we spake of before that do carrie the maâ—es do crie out and make a noyse vnto the people to apart themselues and to make roome that the Iudge may passe the which is straightwayes accomplished for that by experience they know that he that doth neglect the same is incontinent punished in the stréete without remission and the respect they haue vnto him is such that not one of what state or degrée soeuer he be that dare mooue himself at such time as he doth passe by neither crosse the stréetes except it be some superior Iudge vnto whom the inferiours doth the like reuerence If any man do offend therein he is then straightwaies punished In all matters of lawe as ciuill as criminall the Iudges do nothing but by writing and do pronounce the sentences and examine witnesses in publike before all the rest of the officers because no subtilty nor falshood shalbe vsed in their demaundes neither in their writings to set downe other then the truth Euerie witnesse is examined by himselfe and if he do double in his declaration then do they ioyne together and make their demaunde from one to an other til by their striuing they may come to a better knowledge of the truth But when by these meanes they cannot bring it to light then doo they giue them torment for to make them confesse beléeuing that without it such persons as haue experience and knowledge will tell the truth In matters of great importance and such as doo touch graue personages the Iudge will not trust the scriuener or notarie to write any information but they with their owne handes will write the declaration of any witnesse and will consider verie much of that which is declared This great diligence is the occasion that fewe times there is any that doth complaine of any ill iustice doone the which is a great and notable vertue and ought to be imitated of all good Iustices for to auoyd many inconueniences which doo happen for the not vsing the same the which these Gentiles haue great care to performe who beside the prosecution of right Iustice without respect or exception of any person do vse certaine preuentions worthie to be suffered First these Iudges in al cities townes of their iurisdiction do number the housholds and do repart them in ten and tenne housholds vpon the tenth house they do hang a table or signe whereon is writen the names of those ten housholders with a coÌ„mandemeÌ„t in the which generally they are coÌ„manded euery one by him selfe particular y t hauing any knowledg or notice that any of those ten housholders haue committed any trespasse or fault against any of the rest or against himselfe that is hurtfull vnto his neighbours or to the commonaltie to go straight way giue the iustice to vnderstand thereof that the fault may be punished with a mendment vnto the offender an example to al other And vnto him that doth know any such offence and wil not declare it is allotted the same punishment y t the offender should haue which is the occasion that one neighbour hath a care of an other liueth vnder
feare least they should giue occasion to be complained of And againe that their enimies may not this way take any aduantage When that any of these ten neighbours doth remooue into an other stréete or into any other citie or towne to dwell or will make any long iorney hee is bound to ring a bell or play on a coper kettle amongest all the neighbours for the space of ten dayes before he doth remooue or depart and to aduise them all of his departure and whether for that if he do owe any thing or any thing be lent that they may come and demaund it before their departure because that none shall loose y t which is theirs And if it so fall out that any shall depart without vsing this diligence the Iustice doth compell the rest of his neighbours y t are written on the signe to pay his debt because they did not aduise the Iustice or his creditors before his departure Such as do owe money or debts and will not paye proouing the debt they doo execute their goods if they haue none they put them in prison and limit a time for him to pay the same But if it passe and the debt not paide nor his creditor contented For the first time they doo whippe them moderately and do appoint him the second time limited for to pay y e same if he do then misse they do whip him more cruelly and doo appoint him on other time and so doo prosecute the same till he die with punishments which is y e occasion y t euery one doth pay that he oweth or procure amongst his friends to pay or else giue himselfe for a slaue vnto his creditor to shun the trouble of the prison and the paine of whippings which is a thing not to be suffered These Iudges do vse two maner of torments to make them to confesse the truth when by fayre meanes they can not or by pollicie the which first is procured with great care and diligence the one is on their féete and the other on their hands and is so terrible that it cannot be suffered but of force they do confesse that which the Iudge doth pretende to know yet doo they execute none of them except first they haue good information or at the least Semiplena or else so many indicions that it is a sufficient information for the same The tormentes on the hands is giuen with two stickes as bigge as two fingers and a span long turned round and full of hooles in all places wherin are put cordes to pull in out their fingers of both their hands are put into the cordes and little and little they do pinch them till in the end they do breake them at the iointes with an incredible paine vnto them that doo suffer it and y t causeth them to giue great shrikes and groanes that will mooue any man to compassion And if it so come to passe that by this cruell torment they will not confesse and that the Iudge do vnderstand by witnesse and by indicions that hee is faultie and culpable then dooth he commaund to giue him the torment of the feete which is a great deale more cruell than that of the handes and is in this sort they take two péeces of woode foure square of foure spannes long and one spanne broade and are ioyned together with a ginne and hooles boored thorough and put thorough them cordes and in the middest of these bordes they doo put the whole foote and straine the cordes and with a mallet they do stryke vpon the cordes wherewith they do breake all the bones and cause them to suffer more paine and griefe than with the torment of the handes At the executing of these torments the supreme Iudges are alwaies present the which seeldome times doth happen for that such as be culpable will sooner confesse than suffer those torments desiring rather to die some other death that is not so cruell than to suffer the paines of this torment The prisons that they haue are no lesse cruell and rigorous as you shall vnderstand in a chapter by it selfe hereafter CHAP. XI Of the visiters that the king doth send euery yeare to visite the inâ—â—rior Iudges of his prouinces and of the punishing of such as they do find culpable IT is to be woondred at the great and vigilant care that this heathen prince hath in that his ministers and Iudges as wel viceroyes gouernors presidents as anie other officers should execute their offices well and vprightly as they ought to doo for in the end of thrée yeares that their gouernmeÌ„t doth indure they do take of theÌ„ in residence straight account by the Iudges thereof who bee called Chaenes Likewise they doo dispatch euerie yeare in great secrecie into euerie prouince other Iudges and visitors that be called Leachis the which are persons of great confidence and prooued by experience of long time to be of good life good customes and haue done good seruice in the administring of iustice vprightly These as they trauaile do inquire in euerie citie and towne that they come in not being knowen and in verie â—â—cret manner all griefes and iniustice that is done in that prouince which is the occasion that euerie one dooth liue as the prouerbe sayth with their face discouered These do carrie from the king so great authoritie in their commissions giuen them that without returning to the court if they finde any delict culpable they may apprehend the Iudges and punish them suspend and repriue and do any thing touching their commission at their owne pleasure so that it be not to take away the life of any man This as it is said none can do without the consent of the king And because they should execute their office the better in this visitation and with Iustice and equitie they do make them to sweare to be loyall true and secret The which oth is executed in this order they doo giue him to drinke thrée times of a certaine beuerage which they doo vse that is the confirming of their oth And for that their departure should be with more secrecie the counsell doth commaund their secretaries to make their prouisions leauing in blank a space for his name that shal haue the prouision and for the name of the prouince whether he shall goe declaring nothing but that which is their ordinarie that wheresoeuer the Loytia or Iudge being so dispatched shall come that they shall obey him as the king himselfe But when soeuer it is in secret determined who shall goe â—hen doth the president of the counsel command the prouision to be sealed then he himselfe doth write his name in and the prouince whether he doth goe And therewithall hee dooth depart from the court in great secrecie and vnknowen of any who it is nor whether he doth go nor wherefore Then when he doth come to the prouince citie or town whether he is sent hee dooth with like secrecie make his inquirie how
enter into the royall hall whereas they were examined al richly apparelled and being assembled then do enter in al those that shal receiue degrées galantly apparelled without any vpper garment and before euerie one of them go the Padrines and after them the Graduates with garments very finely made riding on Gennets very sumptuously couered with cloth of gold and silke that do carie the ensignes that shalbe giuen vnto him the which hee dooth demande of the visitor knéeling vpon his knées with great humilitie Who first sweare them that in all offices committed vnto them they shall with all care and diligence doo iustice equallie vnto all men and that they shall not receiue â—anie bribes or presents whatsoeuer that they shall be true and loyall vnto the king and that they shall not conspire in any confederacie or treason against him and manie other things which ceremonies he standeth long about This oth being taken the visitor who presenteth the kings person dooth put on them the ensignes aforesaide with the facultie belonging thereunto and then hée and all the Loytias imbrace them presently This doone they depart out of the hal in verie decent order at which instant all the belles in the citie are rong and great store of ordinance and artilerie discharged which continueth a good space Then they carrie these newe Loytias throughout the citie accompanied with a multitude of people in manner following There go first before them many souldiers marching in good order with drommes and trompets and other musicall instruments verie melodious after them are borne many Maces then follow all the Loytias some on horsebacke and some are carried in litter chaires in most gallant order after which follow the Padrines Then the new commenced Loytias with out any vpper garment as before is saide all mounted vppon white horses verie richly couered with cloth of Golâ—e hauing euerie one of them a tippet of taffeta vpon his shoulder and on his head a hat with two small tippets hanging downe behinde much after the fashion of those that hang on the bishops miter this is permitted vnto none but vnto those of their orders abouesaide vpon their hats they haue two branches of golde or of siluer and guilt made like vnto a bunch of fethers Before euerie one of them are carried sixe frames couered with â—atten and euerie one is carried by foure men in these frames are written in letters of golde their disputation facultie and title giuen them for the same and their armes with manie other things which I omit for breuitie sake because this marching and passing holdeth eight houres togither The Citizens there kéepe this day festiuall and do ordeine manie dances and sportes And the better sort doo celebrate three or foure daies after banquetting the newe made Loytia and giuing him ioy of his newe preferment euerie man seeking his good will and fauour From this day forwards hée is of abilitie to take vppon him any office and gouernement whatsoeuer and therefore straight wayes he goeth vnto the court to procure the same and carrieth with him the ensignes of his commencement and is apparelled so that he may be knowne wherefore they doo him great honour in the way as hee goeth and lodge him in such houses as the king hath appointed in euerie towne for such as they be When he commeth to the court hee goeth and dooth his duetie vnto the president and vnto the rest of the royall counsell who euerie one a part doo giue him ioy of his new dignitie and with many words of great curtesie praise promise him as occasion shall serue to prouide him a place as they by their examination doo vnderstande his abilitie and againe as they see his discréete dealing and care in such matters as they do giue him in charge so will they preferre him to better dignitie and honour So the next day following they register him in their booke of memorie which is alwayes in the counsell chamber and they remaine there waiting and seruing them vntill they haue prouided them of some gouernement which is not long after for that the kingdome is great with manie prouinces and Citties as by this historie you shal vnderstand CHAP. XV. How that with them they haue had the vse of Artilery long time before vs in these parts of Europe AMongst many things worthie to bée considered which haue béene and shalbe declared in this historie amongst manie other which of purpose I omit because I would not be tedious vnto the reader no one thing did cause so much admiracion vnto the Portugals when that they did first traficke in Canton neither vnto our Spaniards who long time after went vnto the Philippinas as to finde in this kingdome Artilerie And wee finde by good account taken out of their histories that they had the vse thereof long time before vs in Europe It is said that the first beginning was in the yeare 1330. by the industrie of an Almane yet howe he was called there is no historie that dooth make mention but the Chinos saie and it is euidently séene that this Almaine dooth not deserue the name of the first inuentor but of the discouerer for that they were the first inuentors and from them hath the vse therof béene transported vnto other kingdomes where it is nowe vsed The Chinos saie that their first king called Vitey did first inuent the same and that he was taught the manner how to make them by a spirite that came out of the earth for to defende himselfe and his kingdome from the Tartares that did much molest him with warres for according vnto the tokens giuen him as it dooth appeare in their histories and the industrie for the same it appeareth that it was some spirit enimie vnto mankind onely for to destroy them as in these daies the experience thereof is apparant vnto vs. All the which carieth a similitude of the trueth for that this king was a great sorcerer inchanter as you may well vnderstande by the herbe that he had growing in y e court of his pallace whereof before I haue told you And if this be not credible because so many yeres are past since this kings raigne yet it is of truth y t when these Chinos went to the kingdom of Pergu to coÌ„quest y e east Indies more then 1500. yeares since they caried with them y e like instruments of warre which did serue them in their conquest the which conquest being ended they left behind them certaine péeces of artilerie which were found afterwards by the Portugals wheron were grauen the armes of China and in what yeare they were made agréeing iust with the time of the conquest Such Artilerie as the Frier Gerrada and his companions did sée at their being there they say it was of antiquitie and very ill wrought and was for the most part péeces to shoote stones or murderers but it was giuen them to vnderstande that in other prouinces of the kingdome
the prouinces whatsoeuer The iudge or gouernor of the first towne dooth in person go forth to méete and receiue him and giue him his welcome with great complement of words câ—remonies all the Loytias Captaines souldiers and the inhabitants of the towne doo accompanie the iudge or gouernour when that they go to receiue him But at his disembarking to come a shore they will not suffer him to set his féete vppon the ground although it be but a little way that he should go but hath at the waters side in a readinesse eight men with a chaire made of yuorie or of some other pretious thing with the curteines of veluâ—t damaske or cloth of golde which for the like oportunitie they haue in euerie cittie or principall towne appointed by the king wherein they do carrie him to his lodging Likewise they haue in euerie citie and great towne throughout all the kingdome a principall house and sufficient for to lodge such like personages It is also vsed to lodge such iudges as are sent by the king to execute his commandement when they passe by anie of such cities or townes There is in euery one of these houses a Lieutenant he hath in it maruellous and excellent houshold stuffe as hangings beddes seruants and all other necessaries not 〈◊〉 to lodge one ambassador but many if they shoulde there méete and not one to disturbe an other So as aforesaide they doo beare him company either on horsebacke or in a chaire which is the ordinarie carriage amongst them till hee come vnto this house whereas they doo leaue him with much curtesie and many ceremonies alonelie with them that waite vppon him and serue him And also a Captaine with a thousand or two thousande souldiers for to garde him continuallie and to beare him companie till hee returne againe out of the kingdome Then the next day following the iudge or gouernour that did receiue him dooth go and visite him And after that they haue demanded of him such ordinarie thinges as is vsed in such like visitations then doo they learne of his estate and of the prince that hath sent him and in summe the effect of his comming and ambassage then doo they straightwayes at the houre dispatch a post vnto the gouernour or vizroy of the prouince who is alwayes resident in the chiefe or metropolitan Citie thereof and hée at the same instant dooth dispatch another post with that message vnto the king and his roial counsel And he dooth sende order vnto the ambassador either to stay or a safe conduct for him to go vnto the place whereas hee is Likewise hée sendeth order vnto the iudge howe hée shall intreate that ambassador which is giuen according vnto the relation sent him wherein hée did vnderstande the state of the king and prince that sent him Likewise the number of souldiers y t shall beare him companie and of all other thinges néedefull for him in his iourney all the which is set downe in order and in particular as what they shall giue euery man to eate for him and his seruants and in what townes and howe hee shall be lodged His safe conduct is brought him written vppon a whited table after the fashion as we haue tolde you heere before in manie places and is with great lâ—tters wherein is contained from what king that ambassador is sent This table is borne alwayes before him wheresoeuer hee dooth go But that pasport which is sent him afterwards from the royall councell with facultie that hée may go vnto the court is after another sort for that it is written in parchment and gallantlie lymned and with the kings seale of Golde hanging at it which is neuer giuen but at such like occasion or for some prouision giuen to a vizroy Looke what is spent vppon this ambassadour in all his iourney and vppon them that doo beare him companie for all necessaries is vppon the kings cost and charges and is paide by the kinges treasurers in euerie place where as they doo go Generallie in all partes they doo make him great feastes and banquets with pastimes and presents that day that hee dooth enter into the Cittie of Taâ—bin or Paquin whereas the king is There goeth foorth to méete him without the citie all the Gentlemen of the court with the royall councel and president who according vnto the saying of the Chinos goeth forth with little lesse maiestie and companie then the king who if the ambassadour bee from a king that is mightie they giue him the right hand if not they giue him the left hand and in this sort they go ether talâ—ing with himselfe or by interpreters demaunding of him of his health and of his trauaile in comming and other thinges till hée come into the court of the pallace whereas he is lodged and there they doo leaue him with some to beare him companie and hee dooth returne vnto his house with all this company aforesaid But when they do depart from him they doo giue him power in the name of the king to make a certaine number of Loytias and to set at libertie a certaine number of prisoners such as are condemned to die and other good déeds particular Those that doo enter in this kingdome with the title of an ambassador they cannot do him any griefe for anie delight or euill that he doth although they can make good proofe thereof And for that it is of a truth you shall vnderstande the proofe by experience There was sent vnto this king one Bartholmew Perez a Portugall and his company by order of the vizroy of the India with an ambassage from the king Don Manuel of Portugall they were accused before the vizroy of the prouince of Canton by the ambassadors of the king of Malaca that were there present who were bounde vnto the court to treat of matters of their king they did testifie that the ambassage that the Portugal did bring was false and they were spies sent from the vizroy of the India for to view the fortresses of the citie that they might come afterwards and take it as they had done in many places of the India they perseuering still in the euill and mischieuous intent did will the vizroy to apprehend them and to punish them as such spies did deserue offâ—ing themselues to giue good information for the same Who after that he had well considered thereof and consulted with the Loytias of the citie and with his counsailors they commanded that they should be apprehended and put in straite prison whereas their declarations were taken with great care deceit and pollicie and by reason that in them they found contrarieties some for feare confessed much more then that which was demanded and other saide that it was of truth so that by their confessions according vnto the lawes of the countrie they were condemned to die and sent their iudgement vnto the roiall councell for to confirme the same with intent and great desire for to execute the same The
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
but yet they found him with the like maiestie as before He asked of them how the fathers did and they themselues and if they were refreshed of the trauell in the iourney and howe they did like of the countrie and other thinges which did demonstrate great affâ—bilitie Being by them satisfied of his demands he requested them to declare vnto him the whole circumstance of the comming of Limahon the rouer vnto the Ilands and how the Spaniards dealt with him that although hee had béene informed paâ—ticularly in all thinges by the Captaine Omoncon and Sinsay yet he was in a ielousie that they tolde him not the trâ—eth Hée was nothing deceiued in that hee suspected for after that our souldiers had made a true relation of the comming of the rouer vnto Manilla and of all the rest as you haue heard in the discourse thereof in this booke he found that they differed very much the one from the other for that they did attribute it wholly vnto themselues to get honour and benefite but the Insuanto like a wise man straightwayes vnderstood their pretence But when that he perceiued that Limahon was neither dead nor prisoner but onely besieged he offered vnto them that if they would returne againe vnto Pagansinan vpon him whereas he was hée would giue vnto them fiue hundred ships of warre with people sufâ—â—cient to serue both by sea and lande and more if they would request They answered him that all such cost and labour were but in vaine for that the generall of the fielde who hath him in siege with the people and ships that he hath are sufficient to ende that enterprise and to send him hither aliue or deade and that long before that their fleete should come thither And besides this their Ilands were poore of victuals and could not sustaine so great an armie many dayes Being satisfied with these reasons hee gaue place that the interpreter which they brought should come in where as they were for hee remained at the doore without for that he would be fully certified to auoid the suspitious doubt he had before he come in presence yet he did help them very much So when their interpreter was come in the Spaniards séeing good occasion and oportunitie for to declare that which passed the day before betwixt them and the fathers touching the speaking vnto him on their knées and séeing as it seemed vnto theÌ„ that he was at that time in a good mind for to heare them they did vtter vnto him all the whole contention after that they had declared many reasons of great consideration to giue them to vnderstand that it was not conuenient to do it but especially to religious men who were there as principals ouer the rest vnto whom the king of Spaine their lord himselfe doth stand on foote when as they do intreat of any matter although it be but of small importance for that they are priests and ministers of God whom he doth worship and reuerence The Insuanto with a merry countenance did answere them that vnto that time he vnderstood no more of them then in that he was informed by the captaine Omoncon and did not acknowledge them to be any other but Castillas without knowinâ— wherefore they came nor from whom for lacke of the lettâ—â—â— sent from their gouernor and generall of the fielde the first time that he spake with them neither had he any knowledge of the custome of their countrie yet notwithstanding that which hath passed heere without any exception of person if they would take it in good part in that which is to come shall be amended and from that day forwards at al times whensoeuer it were their pleasure to come of themselues or at such time as they were sent for for to talke with him as they doo vse in Castilla or Spaine vnto such of their dignitie and vocation the which he granted with a very good will aâ—though hee not grant vnto any that preheminence no not vnto a vizroy except he were an ambassador sent from some king With this resolution and with many other good wordes they tooke their leaue of him and went ioyfull and content vnto their lodgings wheras they sound the friers wearie with entertaining of such as did visite them and with great desire to sée them to knowe wherefore the Insuanto did send for them with whome they had béene so long time But after that that they vnderstoode the effect of the whole and how that the gouernor did permit that they should talke with him after their owne fashion they were maruellously glad thereof and had a very good hope to conclude their pretence wherefore they went and praised God for the good successe of that which they pretended CHAP. XX. The gouernor doth banquet the Spaniards and afterwards make all thinges in a redinesse for to go vnto Aucheo whereas the vizroy tarieth their comming THe next day following the gouernor called a Gentleman of his house vnto him and commanded him to go and visite the Spaniards and to informe himselfe of them if that that they lacked any thing as well in their victuals as in their lodgings and to know if they did require any thing particular to themselues to aduise him therof and he would furnish them forthwith for the loue that hee bare vnto them for their good contractation and for the great seruice that they had done vnto the king in the businesse of Limahon And also that he should in his name inuite them for the next day folowing to dine with him in his house This Gentleman went vnto them and accomplished his message and the Spaniards answered kissing his hande for the great care hée had of them saying that they were furnished in all thinges aboundantly as in trueth they were and how they were maruellously well lodged chéered and lacked nothing and that the great care hee had of them was agréeable vnto the hope they had of his good presence and gentlenesse accepting the inuiting for the next day the which was giuen them and accomplished in this forme following The next day when they went vnto the pallace which was at dinner time they were caried into a hall that was below in the second court whereas were many chaires of veluet tables that were painted with their frontals before they had no table clothes on them for that they doo not vse any in that countrie as hath beene told you in the first part of this historie neither is it néedfull for their maner of feeding In the first chaires they caused the Friers to sit downe euery one at a table by himselfe and each of them other sixe tables placed in order compassing â—ounde like a circle then were the Spanish souldiers set in the same manner and each of them had fiue tables and next vnto them the captaine of the guard bâ—longing vnto the gouernor and two other Captaines and euerie one of them had three tables For that it is the custome of that
best manner they could or knewe being holpen and constrained by necessitie they let their ship saile and go whither as fortune did cary them So after many dangers and stormes at the sea according to the will of the heauens they came vnto this port whose name as yet they knew not The Iudge asked them where they had that Chino that they brought in their company for an interpreter They answered that he was in Luzon captiue vnto a Spaniard they tooke him and set him frée and hée vnderstanding that they were bound vnto the firme land of China which was his naturall countrie he requested them to carrie him thither the which they did with a very good will for that they had neede of him to vtter their desire if néede did so require All the which the other interpreter fearing that if he should tel vnto y e Iudge how that he was captiue vnto the Christians hée woulde bée offended and therefore hee did falsifie the same and saide that comming vnto an Iland to take in fresh water they found the boy there where he was captiue eight yeares before and came thither forced with a great storme in the which was drowned a merchants shippe that was bound to Luzon and he alone escaped by swimming and so hee came aborde the shippe in the which were the fathers not knowing whither they went All these vntruthes he did inuent for to dissemble and go forwards with his knauish pretence and would not declare the true intent of the Friers the which he had decréed with himselfe how to doo before the Iudge did sende to call them Moreouer the Iudge did aske them what they brought in their small shippe they answered that they brought nothing but one chest and two little fardels of bookes and an ornament for to say masse This did the interpreter declare truely vnto the Iudge for that experience might be made thereof So the Iudge forthwith commanded that it should be brought before him the which being done he caused it to be vndone and he perused euery thing by it selfe the which being strange vnto him for that he neuer saw the like he made signes vnto them that he receiued great contentment in the séeing of thē but specially of the Images they brought but that which did best please him was an Ara or sopre-altar of a blacke stone the which did shine so bright that they might sée themselues therein as well as in a glasse These Friers did bring the same with them out of the kingdome of Mexico whereas you haue great aboundance but specially in the prouince of Mechuacan So after that hee had seene all and sawe that it was drie without any signe or token that it had béene in the sea hée called to remembrance the wordes of the interpreter in the name of the fathers touching the storme wherein their shippe was cast away and howe that they escaped by swimming and put themselues in that small shippe in the which they came and considering of the same it séemed vnto him that they did fable in that which they had saide so that he did replie and asked if it were true that which they had before declared and howe it shoulde bee that their bookes and other things were not wet at the sea which was an euident token and plainely to be vnderstood that they had fabled and told lies and so he beléeued they did in all the rest The interpreter fearing least by that argumēt his falshod would be discouered he fel in talke a while w t the Friers asking answering things very different to that which y e Iudge had cōmanded him Thē he w t a strange sharpe boldnes answered to y e difficulty proponed by y e Iudge said That as all merchants at such time as their shippes are readie to sinke and to be lost they doo procure first to saue such thinges as are of most estimation forgetting all the rest euen so these religious men did procure with great care and diligence to saue those books and that ornament which is all their treasure and yet for all their diligences done they lost a great number mo All these fables and lies after many dayes the religious fathers came to haue the knowledge of The Iudge did aske them if they brought any armor or weapons in their shippe they answered that they were no men to bring them neither according vnto their profession they coulde not weare nor vse them for that they were religious and professed other matters contrary vnto the vse of armor or weapon promising and auowing vnto God perpetuall pouertie and chastitie and vnto their superior prelates obedience all the dayes of their liues The Iudge returned and asked them if they had any monie and where withall they did eate and apparell themselues and bought those bookes and ornaments they answered that all that which they had was giuen them by secular Christians for Gods sake whome they did serue for that they should pray for them and for the saluation of their soules The Iudge when he heard this was greatly astonied for that the interpreter did declare the truth and made signes that he receiued griefe and had pittie on them although he gaue not full credite to that which he heard but said that he would go aborde their shippe to sée if they did say the truth in not bringing anie armor or weapon neither siluer nor merchandize This did hée straightwayes put in vre and commaunded them that brought him in the litter Chaire vppon their shoulders to go thitherward all those people did beare him companie as also a great number that were there ioyned togither to heare the examination of those strangers and also the Spaniards he commanded to go next vnto him So when that he was in their shippe set in his Chaire his ministers beganne to search the shippe in all places both aboue and below and could finde nothing but a little Rice which was left of tha◠which they brought with them they gaue y e Iudge to vnderstande thereof who looking vpon the Spaniards said that all they that were in the shippe might heare him these do speake the truth and they doo seeme vnto me to bee good people and without any superstition and without all doubt they doo come and will be after the manner of our religious men according as is to be séene in the vniformitie of their aprarell as also in their heads and beardes Then he beganne to demaunde of them certaine thinges more of curiositie then of suspection who answered him casting vp their eies vnto heauen for that their talke was thereof they saw that the Iudge did greatly reioyce and had pleasure therein for that it séemed that they had the heauens for their God as they haue by reason they did so much looke vpwards After this the Iudge came foorth of the shippe but the religious men remained behind at his commandement with his companions and likewise hee commaunded certaine of
him that presented the same and the innocencie of them that were therein complained of he sent commanded the gouernor of Canton for to giue them good intertainment and not to permit any harme or hurt to be done vnto theÌ„ that he should send them vnto the city of Aucheo for that he would sée them for that it was tolde him that they seemed to be holy men and although that they had their apparell in tho same forme of the Austin friers whom he had séene yet their garments were of an other colour and more asper The chiefe captaine séeing that his intent fell not out well with the Iudges of China he commanded to bee proclaymed publicke in Machao that none should write vnto them nor coÌ„municate with them vpon paine of banishment and to pay two thousande ducats All this was not sufficient for to coole the mindes of some deuout persons of the religion of the glorious saint Francis but were rather incyted to offer their fauour helpe séeing they had néede thereof but in particular the bishop did helpe them alwaies with his almes and also an honorable priest called Andres Cotino who making small account of the proclamation did write vnto them diuerse times although secretly and sent their letters with almes and many exhortations to procéed forward with their holy zeale intent Besides this they sent vnto theÌ„ a spaniard called Pedro Quintero who had dwâ—lt there many yeares amongest the Portingals and hauing oportunitie they sent him many times with comfortable things and letters but not signed for if happily they should be met with all they might denie them to be theirs Now returning to our purpose the interpreter with desire to be payd of that which hee saide he had spent and laide out did bring the messenger that he promised them to go vnto Machao to carrie their letters vnto such religious men as they knewe in the which he craued their almes and helpe for to pay their interpreter and praying them for the loue of God to sende them likewise so much as should redéeme their challice who at this time knew not how it was solde and broken This messenger went with all diligence and secrecie and returned with the like brought with him that which they sent for other iunkets of great coÌ„tent the which came in very good season for that one of the sayde friers called frier Sebastian of S. Francis was very sick of a strong ague wherof in few daies after he died very wel with a strange desire to suffer martyrdome for Gods sake When this messenger came there was come thither the Aytao who is Iudge of the strangers and was without the citie vnto whom was coÌ„mited the examination of the Spaniards who after that he had concluded other matters coÌ„manded them to be brought afore him with great loue genâ—lenesse for so the viceroy of Aucheo had commanded him CHAP. VI. The Spaniards seing themselues in great necessitie hauing not to maintaine themselues they go into the streetes to aske almes the gouernor vnderstanding thereof coÌ„mandeth to giue them a stipend out of the kings treasure the interpreter goeth forwardes with his couetousnes deceit they be carried before the Iudges of the citie with whoÌ„ they do intreat of diuers matters they do aduise the the viceroy of al who coÌ„mandeth to send theÌ„ to Aucheo BEcause they would not sée themselues in the like danger with the interpreter as y t which was past they would not go any more to eate at his house but rather to giue an example vnto those of the citie they went foorth euery day by two and two to aske almes and although they were infidels yet they gaue them with great contentment and ioie because it was a rare thing in that kingdome to sée them begge in the stréetes by reason as hath béene tolde you that they haue no poore folk neither are they permitted if there be any to aske in y e streetes nor in their temples When that the Gouernor vnderstoode thereof and how that they did it for pure necessitie and had no other waies to maintaine themselues hee commanded to be giuen them euerie day a certaine stipend vpon the kinges cost the which was with so great abundance that mainteining the souldiers that came with them and all the rest yet had they to spare for that their stipende was giuen theÌ„ in money which was sixe Mayesses of siluer whereof they had to spare for that all thinges in that countrie is so good cheape as hath béen told you in many places Their interpreter séeing the good newes that was brought from Machao for the Spaniardes by a bill that a certayne deuout man had sent him in secret whereupon would be giuen vnto him all that was néedefull with protestation to pay all that should be giuen vnto them although it should amount vnto a great summe with the which hee wrote a letter vnto the Fryer Costodio of great comfort in strengthening him and all the rest to perseuer in their intent which God had put in their mindes for the saluation of those soules the Interpreter I say beganne to imagine that for to profite himselfe it was conuenient for to delate and detract the departure of the Spaniardes and did exact vpon them euery day in the buying of their victuals the halfe of the money that was giuen them So vpon a day he came verie much out of order and fayned that the Aytao had commanded that they should foorthwith depart out of the kingdome but yet notwithstanding he would present a petition in their name saying that for as much as time did not serue them to nauigate neither was their shippe in plight for to make their iourney that it would please them to get them a house whereas they might remaine thrée or foure monethes in the which time they might prouide them of all thinges necessarie for their voyage and possible it may so fall out that in this time they séeing their manner of liuing to bée good and to shew good examples they may let them to remaine in the countrie liberally and to learne the language and then beginne to preach and declare the right way vnto heauen All this he spake with great dissimulation for to profite himselfe for he knewe verie well that the Aytao had willed him to tell them that they could not remaine in that countrie with the pretence they had for that there was a lawe ordayned to the contrarie without expresse licence from the king the which will last of all be granted vnto the Spaniardes or Portingals for that there is a prophesie amongest theÌ„ spoken by the mouth of the diuell and estéemed amongest them for a very truth for that other thinges which he spake when that was spoken hath béene verified in the which he doth pronounce that a time shall come that they shall be subiect vnto a nation whose men shall haue great beardes and long noses and sharpe broade
aforesaid frier Ignacio did sée in Malaca a present y t the king of this kingdome of Camboia did send vnto another friend of his and amongst many things contained therin of great riches curiositie there were two crosses very great and wel made of a gallant wood very swéete and all garnished very richly with siluer and gold with their titles enamiled Nigh vnto this kingdome is that of Sian in the hight of fourtéene degrées from the pole Artike and thrée hundred leagues from Machao wheras the Portugals do go to trade It is the mother of all Idolatrie and the place from whence hath procéeded many sectes vnto Iapon China and Pegu. It is a flourishing countrie and well replenished of all such things as be requisite for to merite the name to be good There be in it maniâ— Elephants and Abadas and other beasts that are nourished in that countrie besides this it is very rich of mettals and gallant swéete woode The people of this kingdome for the most part are faint-hearted or cowards for which occasion although they are infinite in number yet are they subiect vnto the king of Pegu who ouercame them long time since in a battell as afterwards shall be declared and they doo pay him ordinarily great and heauy tributes They would be conuerted very easâ—ly vnto the faith of Iesu Christ and would leaue their Idols if they had any to preach vnto them yea would subiect themselues vnto any king or Lord that woulde fauour them and not vnto this whom now they do obey for that hee dooth intreate them tyrannously They haue amongst them many religious men after their fashion who doo liue in common and leade an asper and sharp life for the which they are had of al the rest in great veneration The penance which they do is wonderfull strange as you may iudge by some things that I will declare here amongst a great number that be tolde of them there are none of them that can marrie neither speake to any woman if by chance he do they arewithout remissioÌ„ punished by death They go alwayes barefoote very poorely apparelled do eate nothing but rice gréene herbes and this they do aske for charitie euery day going from doore to doore with their wallet at their backes alwayes with their eyes looking on the ground w t such modesty honesty that it is to be wondred at they doo not craue their charity neither take it with their hands nor do any other thing but cal or knocke stand still till such time as they giue them their answer or put some thing into their wallets It is told them for a truth that many times for penance they do put themselues starke naked in the heate of the sunne which is there very great for that y e country is in twenty sixe degrees of the Equinoctiall whereas they are much troubled there with gnats whereof there is an infinite number and is a thing that if they did passe it for Gods sake it is a kinde of martyrdome of great desert God for his mercy lighten them with his grace that this which they do smally vnto the profite of their soules may bee the occasion that after they are baptised they may deserue for the same many degrées of glory Likewise in secreat they doo great penance and doo rise vp at midnight to praie vnto their Idols and they do it in quiers as is vsed amongst vs Christians It is not permitted them any rentes nor any other kinde of contractation and if they bée séene to deale in any they are detested and hated as an heretike is amongst vs. For this kind of asper liuing the which they do according vnto the report for the loue of the heauen and that with great zeale they are respected of the common people for saints and for such they do reuerence them and do commit them vnto their praiers when they are in any trouble or infirmity These and many other things mo be declared of them in like order which may serue for to confound vs that confessing we do not obserue kéepe hauing for the same our sure reward not of humain interest but that which God hath prepared for the good in heaueÌ„ The law of the Gospell in this kingdome would bring foorth much fruite for that the people are charitable and louers of vertue and of them that haue it This experience had the father Ignacio and his companions in China at such time as they were prisoners where there were in a city certain ambassadors from the king of Syan who were bound to the court and there they vnderstood that the Spaniards were sentenced to death for entring into that country without licence they went to visite them when they saw them with their asper habites and very poore did resemble very much the habit of their religious men they had so great affection vnto them that ouer and aboue they sent theÌ„ good charity the which was two bags of rice much fish fruits they did offer to theÌ„ al the mony they would desire to ransome them in al that the Iudges would demand â—or them in recompeÌ„ce of this good wil they shewed vnto y e Spaniards they did verifie that aforesaide that they are great louers of vertue CHAP. XXII Of many other kingdomes that are in this new world and of their names and properties but in espiciall of that famous Cittie of Malaca NIgh vnto this kingdome of Syan there are two kingdomes togither the one of them is called Lugor and the other Patane they belong both vnto one king who is a Moore and of the linage Malaya yet notwithstanding the people of these kingdomes are Gentiles and doâ— vnderstande in them to haue great good will to become Christians if they had anie to preach vnto them the Gospell The lande is very rich of golde Pepper and of drugges but the people faint hearted and cowards and for little for which occasion they are more giuen vnto thinges of contentment and pleasure then vnto wars or brawlings At the ende of this kingdome is the straite of Malaca in the which there are two small kingdomes the one of them is called Paon and the other Ior the people of the first are the most traiterous that are in all the whole worlde as the Portugals haue many times experimented and those of the second kingdome sometimes they are in peace and sometimes in warre with the said Portugals They will haue peace when they do sée themselues in necessity of the same but war ordinarily These two kingdomes are halfe Moores by reason whereof it séemeth that with an euil wil they wil be reduced vnto the law of the gospel if that by the help of God they be not mollified of their hearts This straight of Malaca is vnder the Equinoctiall line and is accounted from the kingdome of Cochinchina vnto it 376. leagues this is an euill straight
we do call holy men They likewise doo sacrifice vnto the diuell not as though they were ignorant that he is euill or condemned but that he shoulde doo them no harme neither on their bodies nor goods They haue manie strange gods of so great a number that alonely for to name them is requisite a large hystorie and not to be briefe as is pretended in this booke And therefore I will make mention but of their principals whom besides those which I haue named they haue in great reuerence The first of these they doo call Sichia who came from the kingdome of Tranthlyco which is towards the west this was the first inuenter of such religious people as they haue in their countrie both men and women and generally doth liue without marrying in perpetuall closenesse And all such as doo immitate this profession do weare no haire which number is great as hereafter you shall vnderstand and they greatly obserue that order left vnto them The next is called Quanina and was daughter vnto the king Tzonton who had thrée daughters two of them were married and the third which was Quanina hee woulde also haue married but she would neuer consent thereunto saying that she had made a vow to heauen to liue chast whereat the king her father was verie wroth and put her into a place like vnto a monasterie whereas she was made to carrie wood and water and to worke and make cleane an orcharde that was there The Chinos do tell many tales of this maide for to be laughed at saying that the apes came from the mountaines for to helpe her and how that saints did bring her water and the birds of the aire with their bylles did make cleane her orchard and that the great beastes came out of the mountaines and brought her woode Her father perceiuing that imagining that she did it by witchcraft or by some art of the diuell as it might well bee commanded to set fire on that house whereas she was then she séeing that for her cause that house was set on fire she would haue destroyed her selfe with a siluer pinne which she had to trim vp her haire but vpon a sodaine at that instant there fel a great shower of raine and did put out the fire and shee departed from thence and hid her selfe in the mountaines whereas she liued in great penance and led a holy life And her father in recompence of the great sinne and euill he committed against her was turned to a lepar and full of wormes in such sort that there was no phisition that could cure him by reason whereof hee was constrained to repaire vnto his daughter to séeke cure which being aduised of the same by reuelation of a deuine spirit then her father being certified thereof did craue pardon at her handes and did repent him verie much of that which he had done and did worshippe vnto her the which she séeing resisted her father therein and put a saint before him that he should worship it and not her and therewith shee straight waies returned vnto the mountaines whereas she died in great religion This they haue amongest them for a great saint and doe pray vnto her to get pardon for their sinnes of the heauen for that they do beleeue that she is there Besides this they haue another saint which they call Neoma and was borne in a towne called Cuchi in the prouince of Ochiam This they saye was daughter vnto a principall man of that Towne and would neuer marrie but left her owne naturall soyle and went vnto a little Iland which is right ouer against Ingoa whereas she liued a verie straight life and shewed manie false miracles· The occasion why they haue her in reputation of a saint is There was a certaine Captaine of the king of China whose name was Compo he was sent vnto a kingdome not farre from thence to make warre against the king It so chaunced that he with his nauie came to an anker at Buym and being readie to departe hee would haue wayed his ankers but by no meanes he could not mooue them being greatly amazed thereat and looking foorth he sawe this Neoma sitting on them Then the Captaine came vnto her and told her with great humilitie that hee was going to warres by commandement of the king And that if so be she were holie that she would giue him counsell what were best for him to do to whom she answered and sayd that if he would haue the victorie ouer them that hee went to conquer that he should carrie her with him He did performe that which she said and carried her with him vnto that kingdome whose inhabitantes were great Magicians and threw oyle into the sea and made it séeme that their shippes were all on fire This Neoma did worke by the same art and did vndoe that which the other did practise or imagine in such sort that their magicke did profitte them nothing neither could they doe anie harme vnto them of China The which being perceiued by them of y ◠kingdome they did yeeld themselues to be subiectes and vassales vnto the king of China The Captaine beléeued this to be a myracle yet notwithstanding he did coniure her as one of good discretion for that thinges might fall out to the contrarie and the better to certifie his opinion whereby hee might the better giue relation thereof vnto the king he said Ladie turne me this rodde the which I haue in my hand drie to become gréene and florishing and if you can so do I will worship you for a saint Then she at that instant did not onely make it gréene but also to haue an odoriferous smell The which rod hee put vpon the poope of his ship for a remembrance and for that he had a verie prosperous and good viage he did attribute it vnto her So that vnto this day they haue her in reputation of a saint and carrie her picture vpon the poope of their ships and such as be traueilers to the sea doo offer vnto her sacrifices These aforesaide they doo estéeme for their principall saints yet besides all these they haue an infinite number of carued idols which they doo place vpon alters in their tempels the quantitie of them is such that in my presence it was affirmed by frier Geronimo Martin he that entred into China and is a man of great credite woorthy to giue credite vnto that amongst many other things he was in one of their temples in the cittie of Vcheo where as hee did count one hundred and twelue idols and besides this they haue manie in the high wayes and stréetes and vppon their principall gates of the citie the which they haue in small veneration as you shall perceiue in this chapter following whereby it is plainelie to be séene in what subiection they are vnto errours and Idolatrie such as doo lacke the trueth of true Christian religion CHAP. III. How little they doo esteeme their Idols whome they worshippe
THese miserable Idolaters doo so little estéeme their Idols that it is a great hope and confidence that at what time so euer the gospel shal haue any entry into that country straightwayes they will leaue off all their superstitions in particular in casting of lots which is a thing much vsed throughout all that kingdome also this will be a great helpe thereunto for that they are generally men of good vnderstanding and ducible and subiect vnto reason in so ample sort as is declared by that religious dominicke aforesaid he being in Canton in a temple whereas they were sacrificing vnto their Idols being mooued with great zeale to the honour of God did throw certaine of them downe to the grounde When these Idolaters did sée his boldnesse which séemed vnto them to be without reason they laide hands on him with an infernall furie with determination for to kill him then he did request of them that before they did execute it that they would heare what he would say the which his petition séemed vnto the principals that were there to bee iust and commanded all the people to withdrawe themselues and to heare what he woulde say Then he with the spirit that God did put in him said that they should aduertise themselues for that God our Lorde and creator of heauen and earth had giuen vnto them so good vnderstandings and did equall them vnto the politikest nations in all the world that they should not imploy it vnto euil neither subiect themselues to worship vnto stones and blocks of wood which haue no discourse of reason more then is giuen them by the workmen that did make them and it were more reason the idols should reuerence worship men because they haue their similitude likenesse with these words and other such like in effect they were all quieted and did not only approoue his saying to be true but did giue him great thankes excusing themselues saying that vntill that time there was none that euer did giue them to vnderstand so much neither how they did euill in doing their sacrifices and in token of gratefulnes leauing their idols on the ground and some broken all to pieces they did beare him company vnto his lodging Hereby you may vnderstand with what facilitie by the helpe of almightie God they may be reduced vnto our catholike faith opening by the light of the gospel the doore which the diuell hath kept shut by false delusions so long time although the king with all his gouernors and ministers hath great care that in all that kingdome there be none to induce nouelties neither to admit strangers or any new doctrin without license of the said king of his roial counsel vpon pain of death the which is executed with great rigor They are people very ducible and apt to bee taught and easie to bee turned from their idolatrie superstition false gods the which they haue in smal veneratiō as aforesaid With great humility they do receiue approoue corrections of their weaknes do know the vauntage that is betwixt the gospell and their rites and vanities and do receiue the same with a verie good will as it hath béene and is séene in manie Chinos that haue receiued baptisme in the Citie of Manila vpon one of the Ilands Philippinas whereas they do dwell and leaue their owne naturall countrie for to enioy that which they vnderstande to bee for the saluation of their soules So that those who haue receiued baptisme are become verie good Christians CHAP. IIII. Of lots which they doe vse when they will doe anie thing of importance and howe they doe inuocate or call the diuell THe people of this countrie do not alonely vse superstitions but they are also great Augurisers or tellers of fortunes and do beléeue in auguries as a thing most certaine and infallible but in especiall by certaine lots which they do vse at all times when they beginne any iorney or for to doe any thing of importaunce as to marie a sonne a daughter or lend anie money or buy any lands or deale w t merchandise or any other thing whose end is incertaine or doubtfull In all these matters they do vse lottes the which they do make of two sticks flat on the one side and round on the other and being tyed togither with a small thréede throwe them before their Idols But before they do throwe them they do vse great ceremonies in talke and vse amorous and gentle wordes desiring them to giue them good fortune For by them they doe vnderstand the successe to be good or euill in their iourney or any other thing that they do take in hande Likewise they do promise them if they do giue them good fortune to offer vnto them victuales frontalles or some other thing of price This being done they throwe downe their lots and if it so fall out that the flat side be vpper or one flat side and the other round they haue it for an euill signe or token Then they returne vnto their Idols and say vnto them manie iniurious words calling them dogs infamous villaines and other names like in effect After they haue vttered vnto them all iniuries at their pleasure then they beginne againe to fawne vpon them and intreat them with milde and swéet words crauing pardon of that which is past and promising to giue them more gifts then before they did if their lot do fal out wel Then in the like manner as before they do procéed and throw the lots before the idols but if it fal not out according vnto their expectation then they returne againe with vituperous and vile words but if to their desire then with great praises and promises But when that in matters of great importance it is long before their lots do fall well then they take them and throwe them to the grounde and treade vppon them or else throwe them into the sea or into the fire whereas they let them burne a while and sometimes they doo whippe them vntill such time as the lottes doo fall as they woulde haue them which is the rounde side vpwards and is a token of good successe vnto that for which they do cast their lottes Then if the lottes doo fall out vnto their content they doo make vnto them great feastes with musicke and songes of great praise and doo offer vnto them géese duckes and boyled rise But if the thing whereon they doo cast their lottes bée of importance then they doo offer vnto them a hogges heade boyled dressed with hearbes and flowers the which is estéemed aboue all other thinges and therewith a great pot with wine Of all that they doo offer they doo cut off their billes and the clawes of the fowles and the hogges snowte and do throw vpon it graines of rise and sprinkling it it with wine they set it in dishes vpon the altar and there they do eate and drinke making great feast and chéere before their idols Another
possible they do procure the same the which is not followed for lacke of ministers as aforesaid and is no smal griefe vnto them that Christianly doo put themselues to consider how the diuel our aduersary doth carry vnto his infernal mansion those soules which séeme to bee well disposed for to inioy the benefite of God and his eternal goodnesse all the which is for lacke of ministers and not for any other default God remedie the same for his mercies sake The said father Ignacio whom as I haue said I do follow in many things of this Itinerario did tell me that as he passed by this kingdome for to go vnto Spaine he saw the deuotion of the people thereof and the great desire they had to bee Christians and how that the people were ready and bent for to receiue the holy Gospell very humble and of good vnderstanding Hee would haue tarried for to baptise them and would haue done it onely for charity and compassion séeing with what deuotion they did demand the same and the great number of soules that were condemned but hee was constrained by force to go vnto Malaca and againe it séemed vnto him that amongst so many people his smal force might do little good and that it were better for him to go vnto Spaine and to procure more companions to helpe him as he did and returned with them and with many other rewards of Pope Gregory the thirtéenth receiued and he also receiued great fauours of the king of Spaine and with great hope that his maiestie will giue his particular aide for to go thorow with this enterprise which will not be of small effect I do beléeue of a truth that in small time all that kingdome shall bee subiect vnto the Catholike saith of Rome and to be the gate whereby to enter the lawe of the Gospel into the mightie kingdome of China for that this of Cochinchina is vpon the same firme land and their language and customes are almost in one manner They are verie white people of this kingdome and are apparelled like vnto those of China their women are verie honest and shamefast and their apparell is very curius and gallant The men weare their haire dispersed and doo combe and trim it with too much care In all the countrie almost all of them are apparelled in silke for that they haue there verie much and excellent good the countrie is verie holesome and full of old folkes and children which is a sufficient proofe for the goodnesse thereof They say that they neuer had amongst them neither pestilence nor hunger which is the like as we haue said of the kingdome of China Let him that can do it in such sort that so great and infinite a number of soules that at this day are vnder the tyranny of the diuell may see them in the Christian libertie and in the other life inioy their creator CHAP. XXI In this chapter is declared of such kingdomes as are adioyning vnto that of Cochinchina and of some notable thinges in them with the rites and customes of the inhabitants NIgh vnto this kingdome of Cochinchina there is another called Champa that although it be poore of gold and siluer yet is it very rich of drugges and gallant wood and great stoare of prouision This kingdome is very great and full of people they somewhat whiter then those of Cochinchina they are as nigh as willing to become Christians as their neighbors but for the performance thereof they doo lacke that which the other doo They haue the same lawes and ceremonies as well the one as the other and are all Idolaters and doo worship the second causes in the same order as the Chinos do vnto whom likewise they do make one manner of acknowledging From this Iland you may go with ease vnto Malaca leauing on the right hand a kingdome which is called Camboia the which is great very full of people and all of them affectioned to go to sea and nauigation by reason whereof they haue an infinite number of vessels It is a very fertill country with great stoare of prouision there are Elephants in great number Abadas which is a kind of beast so big as two great buls and hath vppon his snowt a little horne At this day there is one of them at Madrid the which was brought out of the Indians to his maiesty and many do go to sée it for a strange thing and neuer the like séene in Europe whose skinne is so hard according vnto the report that no man although he be of great force and strength can passe it with a thrust Some haue saide that it is an Unicorne but I take it for the contrarie and they are of my opinion almost all those that haue béene in those partes and haue séene the true Unicorne In this kingdome there is a religious man of the order of S. Dominicke called frier Siluester whome God did carrie into those parts for to remedy the soules that are therein hee dooth imploy himselfe to learne their naturall language and to preach the holy gospell in the same tongue and hath them likewise prepared that if he had any companions for to help hym they should obtayne much fruite for the heauens he hath sent and requested for some vnto the India of Portingall but they would neuer send him anie peraduenture by some sinister information by men which the diuell doth marke as instruments for to stay and let the saluation of those soules for euer to remayne in his tirannicall power This fryer did write a letter vnto Malaca vnto fryer Martin Ignacio and vnto oâ—her religious men intirely requesting them for the loue of God to giue such order that hee might be holpen with some religious men of what order soeuer with certification that therein they shall doe great seruice vnto God and put remedie in those soules whome he dare not baptise for feare that after lacking the euangelical refreshing to water and cherish them they returne to bring forth that euill fruit of Idolatrie This petition did not take effect according to his desire for y t there was not to serue his turne nor any that was vnoccupied They vnderstood of him that brought this letter that the king of that kingdome had in great veneration the sayd father Siluestro in so ample manner as was the patriarck Ioseph in Egipt hee had in all that kingdome the seconde place and euery time that the king would speak with him he gaue him a chaire and gaue him great priuiledges and licence for to preach the holy gospell throughout all the kingdome without any contradiction and for to edifie the churches and all other thinges whatsoeuer he thought necessarie this king himselfe helping thereunto by giuing of great gifts and charitie He said also that in al y e kingdome there were erected many crosses and were had in great reuerence And for y e confirmation of the truth hereof the