Chapter X: Book IV (2)

In the mean while the new King of Tydore, assisted by the Spaniards he had in his Forts, provided to oppose, and attack his Enemy. They all expected Succours from India, where it was certain they must think it necessary to support Tydore, in order to recover Ternate. Their Behaviour was so brave, as to defend themselves, tho' ill furnish'd with Arms and Provisions against those who attack'd them with Plenty of all Things. Hector Brito was come with a Galleon from India to their Assistance, and [He is taken by him of Ternate.] it being known at Tydore that a Storm had oblig'd him to stay on the farther Coast of Borneo, the King fitted out four Carcoas, and went to meet him, but was forced back to his Island by contrary Winds. He of Ternate watch'd to improve all Opportunities against his Enemy, and therefore would not let this Slip, nor trust to any other; but Man'd out nine Carcoas, and going in Person fell upon him. The Tydores wanted not Courage to defend themselves, and the Fight began with that Fury, which always arms those two Nations against one another; but tho' the Tydore fought desperately, he was taken, and his Men either kill'd, or dangerously wounded. This Misfortune griev'd the Portugueses no less than the Indians, because they all lov'd him. For this reason they gather'd the Remains of that Disaster, and all the other Forces they could make, offering their Service to Cachil Aleazen, Brother to the Captive King, a very hopeful Youth. [Fidelity of the Tydores.] He thank'd them, and was so dexterous in gaining the Affections, and confirming the Fidelity of the Subjects, that through his Care, no Man was wanting to his Duty. This Industry was of good Use, for the Conqueror did not return immediately to Ternate; but went about to his Enemies Islands, perswading the People in each of them to take an Oath of Allegiance to him, showing them their Captive King, whose Life was at his disposal; but the Tydore Towns, being furnish'd with all Necessaries, and believing they might with Safety practice that Hatred and Rage Nature has fill'd them with, would not give Ear to his Proposals, though they were mix'd with Intreaties, and Threats, and on the contrary dismiss'd him with their usual Fierceness. He perceiving that the Ostentation of his Victory, and the Sight of the Captive King availed him but little, Sail'd away for Ternate. At his Arrival, he was received with Trumpets, Kettle-Drums, and Basons they beat on, and with Songs they make for such like Occasions. The Heads and Limbs of the Tydores slain in Battel, were fix'd [Cruelties of Ternates.] upon the Spears they have advanc'd in the Carcoas on the Poops and Prows, and other high Places of them, and particularly the Kings. This is their way of erecting Trophies. Of the Skulls they make Cups to drink out of; like the Scithians, who, according to Herodotus, practice the same; or like the Germans, as Tacitus tells us, of the Heads of the Uri they slew, and that was a Token of Nobility. He would not trust the keeping of the King in any of his Forts; but turn'd a strong House into a Goal, and appointed him a Guard of Gilolo Islanders, well arm'd. Sometimes he show'd Severity, and otherwhiles Tenderness; but all Men knowing his Disposition, expected the End of the Captive King; tho' at the same time they believ'd, he would mitigate his Revenge out of Respect to his Sister, the Princess of Tydore. Hector Brito, Commander of a Galeon, [Hector Brito at Tydore.] came now to Tydore; but his Arrival did not much mend the Posture of Affairs, tho' those in the Fort were Encourag'd to hold out, and at least, he added some Reputation to the Cause, and inclin'd the Ternates to listen to some Overtures. However what could not be compass'd by force of Arms nor Treaty, was effected by the Resolution of an Amorous Soul.

The Princess Quisayra, Sister to King Gapabaguna, that was the Prisoner's [Remarkable Story of the Captive King's Liberty.] Name, had so great an Opinion of herself, as to hope that her Beauty would prevail to bring about that good End, which was then of Consequence to all Parties, on several Accounts. She knew she was belov'd by the King of Bachian, by him of Sian, a brave Youth, by him of Ternate her Enemy, and by other prime Sangiacks of his Kingdom, and his Kinsmen, who all publickly vy'd in doing her Honour. She was discreet enough dexterously to feed them all with such Hopes, as lay no Obligation on the Party that gives them, and yet encourage those who value them. She gave out that she would marry none but the Man that [Contrivance of Quisayra, Princess of Tydore.] should set her Brother at Liberty, and deliver him to her alive, or dead. This Part of the Declaration, tended to the Promoting of her Design. The Promise work'd upon all her Admirers; tho' it was most certain, that her naming herself as a Reward of the Enterprize, proceeded from the Affection she bore Ruy Diaz d' Acunha, a Portuguese Gentleman, and Commander in Chief of the Fort of Tydore. She thought he would attempt the Rescuing of the King, and that such Success would entitle her [She is in Love with the Portuguse Commander.] to marry him, tho' many suspected there was already a mutual Obligation, as well as Desire, and that they were reciprocally in Love. It was known, that they had discours'd together several Times in the House of Quinchana, a great Lady, Aunt to Quisayra, whether Ruy Diaz was wont to go frequently; and that with her Interposition the Matter had been so far concerted, that the Princess promis'd she would embrace Christianity to marry him. This made not his Rivals dismay, and the King of Ternate, upon these profer'd Hopes, offer'd to give her Brother his Liberty. However he was not regarded, because Quisayra was as averse to be beholding to him, as she was desirous to be oblig'd by Ruy Diaz. This powerful Passion informs barbarous Minds. Her Disdain caus'd the King of Tydore to be more close confin'd, and his Body to be loaded with heavy Chains, being more narrowly observ'd than before.

[Cachil Salama a Lover of Quisagra, his Bravery.] Cachil Salama, a Subject and near Kinsman of his, well known for his Valour in the Wars, was more deep in Love with Quisayra than all the Rest, and listen'd to all the Reports of their endeavouring to comply with her Expectation. He entirely keeping his own Council, a Thing rare in Lovers, to be secret without Affectation, that no Notice might be taken of him, one Night fitted out a Baroto, so they call a Sort of small Boat, putting into it five Tydore Soldiers, he could confide in. Thus he cross'd over the Channel to the Leeward, and landed on Ternate; where he left the Boat ready, but hid on the Shore. Then Cachil Salama, conceal'd among the Croud of trading People in the City, went to the chief Part they call Limathas, and set Fire to a House in that Ward he thought stood most convenient for his Purpose. The Flame, which had taken hold of the Roof gathering Strength, threatned a greater Conflagration. Having done this Mischief, whilst the People flock'd together, and endeavour'd to put a Stop to it with Water, and other means, Cachil return'd to his Boat, on the Inside the Ridge of Rocks there is about the Island, and went away to the other Side of the Fort, where he began to beat an Alarm, to cause the greater Confusion. This done he went ashore again, with only his Campilan, or Cimiter, ordering three of his Men to follow him at some small Distance. He found the King's Prison almost abandon'd, the Guards being gone to help at the House that was a Fire. He went in boldly, breaking open Doors, and Bolts, till he came to the Prisoners Chamber, [He rescues the King of Tydore.] who scarce believing what he saw, ask'd him, with much Amazement, how he came thither, and whether the Fort of Tydore was lost? Cachil answer'd, he must be quick, and go along with him, and should afterwards be satisfy'd as to his Questions; for if he refus'd he would strike off his Head. Then laying hold of the end of the Chain, and the other three Tydores being now come up to them, they forc'd their Passage out of the House, making way with their Swords and killing such as offer'd to oppose them. The same Valour and good Fortune carry'd them through the Streets, to the Port, and leaping into their little Boat, put all their Hands to the Oars. In those Islands it is usual for Kings to row, without being compell'd to it by Necessity; for as in Spain the Nobility learn to ride, so the Island Princes in all those Eastern Parts value themselves upon handling the Oars, and Sails. They cross'd over the Streight, and being pursu'd too late, by the light Vessels of Ternate, arriv'd unexpected at Tydore. The Fame of his arrival was soon spread abroad, and when certainly known, the Cannon was fir'd, the flat Drums in the Temples were beaten, and the Bells rung, the Sound whereof uses to draw the People of the Moluccos together, and in short there was a general Rejoycing, without quitting their Arms. All Men cry'd up Cachil Salama to the Skies, calling him the Deliverer of Tydore, and Neza Maluco, Neza signifies a Spear, and Maluco a Kingdom, and both together the Spear, that is, the Defence of the Kingdom.

Only Quisayra was troubled at this Event, because the general Promise [Quisayra contrives to murder Cachil Salama.] she had made of marrying, whosoever perform'd it, was only design'd for Ruy Diaz de Acunha. She was not able to conceal this Truth; especially when Cachil Salama boldly press'd the Performance of the Promise, the King himself seconding him. She delay'd him, alledging some specious Pretences to gain Time. She would willingly have made her Complaint to Ruy Diaz himself, either to shame, or provoke him to Passion. She easily compass'd to meet him at her Aunts, where, as soon as she began to Discourse, there was nothing but Tears, Complaints, Excuses, and Contrivances to murder Salama, to conclude a Reconciliation. Rocque Pinheyro the Commander's Nephew, and a Soldier of reputed Valour, was present at this Discourse. Quisayra trusting him with her secret Thoughts, he [Pinheyro undertakes to murder him and his own Unkle.] boldly, and with Art, gave her to understand that his Unkle was as slack as before; and since he had been so in the other Affair, what could be expected from him in what he now promis'd. He said, if she could prevail upon her self to be sensible of the Ingratitude of Ruy Diaz, and to substitute him in his Place, he would not only murder Cachil, but his own Unkle too. That out of the Respect due to her high Qualities, he had not till then presum'd to let her know how deeply he was in Love with her Beauty; but that he now thought himself absolv'd from all human Tyes, and wholly confin'd by that. Pinheyro had a full hearing, an Advantage not far remote from being admitted; and tho' he was not commanded to murder his Unkle, yet he perceiv'd he had not left him so well in the Princesses Esteem as he was before.

In the mean while, Cachil Salama was not idle, pressing the Business hastily, [Salama convey'd into Quisayra's Bed Chamber.] and having got some Inkling, or suspecting the Cause of the Delay, like a true Lover who is seldom deceiv'd in this Sort of Jealousy, he found out the Truth. By the Contrivance of one of Quisayra's Women, he durst presume to hide himself in her Bedchamber; and in the dead of the Night, he suddenly appear'd before her, his Fiercness being overcome by a Superior Power. The Princess was surpriz'd, but dissembled it, and prepar'd to defend herself in Case Violence were offer'd. She threatned to cry out; utter'd Complaints with Tears, and bewail'd the loss of her Reputation, saying, how could they think her Innocent, who saw him either come in, or go out. Salama all the while in humble Posture, and on his Knees, assur'd her he had no other Design, than to put her in Mind of the Obligation she lay under, and that since it was known he was to be her Husband, his being seen was of no Consequence. That her Reputation suffer'd more, by the delaying of the marriage; and that to convince her of his Affection, he would be gone as obediently as he had always done. He went [He gains her Affection.] out immediately, comforted with Thanks, and Hopes; and deliver'd her from the Fear she had conceiv'd of him. She was so taken with this Courteous Action, that resolving it in her Mind, it wrought so much, as to settle her Affection on Salama; so that she would have marry'd him, tho' he had not oblig'd her before.

At this time Pinheyro, who was already engaged in her Love, either to obtain its Reward, or because his Unkle did not Favour him as he expected, [Pinheyro murders his Unkle, and is kill'd by Salama.] or for both Reasons, contriv'd his Death. As he was going one Day to the Palace, to acquaint Quisayra that the Murder was already committed, Cachil happened than to come from a Fort to see his Mistress. He seeing Pinheyro coming out of her Apartment, drew his Campilan, or Cymiter, and tho' the Youth fought Manfully, and like a Lover, yet Cachil, who had the same Qualifications, and was Jealous over and above, at the first onset clove his Head, so furiously, that he dropt down dead of the Wound. Then proceeding as he had begun, he went in where Quisayra was, whom [He marries Quisayra.] he easily perswaded to be gon with him, and leaving the Palace full of Confusion, they Imbark'd in the Baroto, or small Boat that brought him. They Marry'd with the good liking of the King and Kingdome, and the Loss of those two Gentlemen's Lives. And since among the Portuguese Nation, as much Account is made of Honour gain'd, or lost in Love Affairs, as was formerly of Victories obtain'd in Greece, at the Olympick Games, the Vindication of these Lovers shall be left to the Management of those who are well skil'd in that Matter, to whom we refer our selves.

The Portugueses were much griev'd at this Disaster, as being Publick, and the King was so incens'd, that one of them having accidentally kill'd [A Portuguese hang'd.] a Horse he had a great Value for, he caus'd him to be Hang'd, without hearkning to any thing that could be said for him. This gain'd Cachil Mole so generally the Affections of all Men, that tho' Cachil Cota was Elder, and Son to the principal Queen, by them call'd Putriz, under colour that the latter was a Friend to the King of Ternate, and about to contract Affinity with him, the other gain'd the greater Party, which advanc'd him to Succeed in the Throne of Tydore, as we shall soon see.

The Portuguese Galeons arrived at Malaca, and in them Cachil Naique returning from Spain, and having stay'd there some Months for the Monsons, [Nayque returns to Ternate.] he had a good Voyage, and arrived safe at Ternate, when he had by the way sollicited the Javaneses, and the People of Achem and Borneo, not to admit of the Spanish Domination. He brought no acceptable Answer from King Philip, and found the King who had employ'd him Dead, and in his Place another, so different from the Former, that he entertain'd no Thoughts of restoring the Forts to the Portugueses, but on the contrary, aim'd at casting off all Obedience, and obliterating their Name. To this effect he Confederated with the English, who, with other Northern [English at Ternate.] Nations, Lorded it in the Island. Five Leagues from it lay at Anchor an English Ship, waiting for two others that came out with her. They Anchor'd in the Port, and went ashore, as if they had been in London, being well receiv'd by the Sultan, with whose Leave they settled a Factory in the City, where they left Officers, who under the name of Trade, were more absolute Masters of it than the Natives. They dispers'd to gather in the Clove for the Goods they brought to Barter; and on the 21st. of August dispatch'd their Ships, loaded with that Spice, and with those Nuts they call of Molucco, and excellent Preserves of them both. In these Ships went Embassadors to Queen Elizabeth, and to the Prince of Orange, carrying Presents suitable to those Persons, of the most valuable Things in India. They were order'd to offer the Queen his Kingdome in Vassalage, and his Friendship to the Prince of Orange. The Advantage of these Embassies afterwards appear'd; yet he did not on that Account give any hopes of Restoring Christianity; for besides that the Persecution grew more violent, he had at that time brought over into his Kingdome, a great number of Arabian and Persian false Prophets, all of them Mahomet's Priests and Ministers, [Mahometan Preachers at Ternate.] to strengthen that Sect. Besides, being inform'd by his Spies, That it was given out in the Philippine Islands, That they would make War on him that way, and that in Spain the King promis'd the Union of the two Crowns should produce the Conjunction of their Power and Arms, for the punishing of disobedient Tyrants, he slighted no Alliance, nor contemn'd the Weakest Enemy. For this Reason, he gave Entertainment, and allow'd the planting of Colonies to Europeans, and Leagued with Idolaters and Mahometans, who hate Spain, as their common Enemy. The English Ships now frequented India, facilitating the Passage, and shewing an Example to the French and Dutch, which encourag'd them all to venture out far from their Countries, and seek for Treasure in strange ones.

Sultan Capabaguna did not long enjoy his Liberty at Tydore. He was [King of Ternate dies.] taken ill at an Entertainment. Some believe he had a slow Poison given him; because he was very moderate in Eating, and those motions of his Arms, the gnashing of his Teeth, and losing of his Senses, which attend the Falling-Sickness, and are Simptoms of Apoplexies, could not naturally proceed from his Temperate way of Living; but are always caused by much Excess, which Occasions this violent Distemper. He came to himself after that first Fit, but his Vigour wasted, and he linger'd on to the end of his Life. Cachil Cotta should have Succeeded him, but they were suspicious of his Correspondence with the Ternates; and they all so openly favour'd his Brother Cachil Mole, that there was not the least Difficulty made about the Succession. He often remember'd his Fathers unfortunate Death, and in Regard that this raging Desire of Revenge, might prove instrumental for the Recovery of Ternates; as soon as his Unkle Dy'd, which was on the 24th of April 1599, the Portuguese Commander in Chief, Ruy Gonzalez de Sequeyrao repair'd to his Palace, and by Means of the Portuguese [Cachil Mole King of Tydore.] Power and Arms, caused Cachil Mole to be sworn King, as being a most faithful Friend to his Nation, and no less an Enemy to the Ternates. He immediatly dispatch'd Captain Palma with this News to Manila, and with it an Account of the Molucco Islands, of their Neighbours, and of their Preparations; because they were then providing in the Philippine Islands for this War, to extirpate this Receptacle of Sects, where all sorts of Apostasies are admitted, and particularly the vile Doctrines of Mahomet. Ever since the Year 1555, when the Dutch enter'd those Seas, they have not, till this Time, ceas'd bringing in Sectaries, and Captains of Pyrates: These Men carry away the Wealth of Asia, and in Lieu of it leave behind them that false Doctrine, which renders the Conversion of so many Souls Fruitless.

The Forgetfulness, or Contempt the Governours of India show'd for [Moluccos slighted at Goa.] the Molucco Islands, seem'd fatal; since they refus'd, or with-held the usual Succours, abandoning the Commanders, and Forts, for so many Years, as if they had not been in the World. This was not remedy'd by the Union of the Crowns of Spain and Portugal; on the contrary, the great Success of the Adelantado, or Lord Lieutenant Legaspe, in the Islands Luzones, which he call'd Philippines, being known in Spain, King Philip the IId. thought fit as we shall soon see, that the Molucco Islands, and Parts adjacent, whither he was Zealous to send Evangelical Preachers, should be sensible of the Advantage of his Neighbouring Empire. This was [Relief order'd from the Philippines, and why.] speedily order'd, and tho' the Effects were not sutable, by Reason of the many Accidents great Undertakings are liable to, yet Time has shown how convenient it was to fix that Resolution. For the better understanding of the Reasons on which it was grounded; since one of them proceeded from the various Disposition, Qualities, and Interests of the Nations throughout those Seas and Lands; it will be absolutely necessary in this Place to make them known, before we come to Particulars.

[Description of China.] The Country of the Sinæ, whom we call Chineses, is the uttermost of the Continent of Asia. On the East and South it is encompass'd by the Ocean, which the Ancients call'd Sericus. On the West, it reaches to the Borders of the farther India; and on the North to those of the Massagetes and Scythians. Their Ancient Annals, Writings and Traditions informs us, that the Chineses extended their Empire much further. This is verify'd by the Remains of sumptuous Structures; and not only in Ruins, wherein their former Magnificence is still apparent, but even in Cities, which Time has preserv'd, tho' not inhabited, and yet to be seen in the Provinces they have excluded their Limits. There are many which take there Denomination, and own their Original from China. For that immense Empire finding it self labouring under its own Power, and overburden'd with its Magnitude, like a judicious Patient, to prevent more Harm, it breath'd the Veins, and brought down the Redundancy of the Body. The same we read the Carthagenians did, when in the like Condition, and for the same Reasons. It confin'd it self to a narrower Compass, proportionable to the Extent of humane Providence, that so their Prince's Light might reach to shine over, and be communicated to them; which cannot be, when the Circumference is too great for the Darting of the Beams. They publish'd indispensable Decrees against such as go out [Chineses contract their Empire.] of China, without leave from the Magistrates. They abandon'd vast Provinces, which being left expos'd to Tyranny, and Infidelity, after tedious Wars, submitted to the most Potent. Hence the Kings of India took their Original, being oblig'd never to lay down their Arms, nor keep any Faith, so to support themselves one against another, till a greater Power subdues them.

[15 Kingdoms in China.] In China they reckon 15 maritime Kingdoms, or Provinces of an extraordinary Extent, with each its Metropolis, or Capital; the rest are up the Inland. The most part of it lies within temperate Climates, and receives into its pure and open Bosome the Sun's vital Rays, having a healthful, and serene pleasant air. This favourable Disposition renders it so fruitful, [Fertility, Air, Populousness.] that it yearly yields two or three crops. The great Industry of the Tillers, is a considerable Addition to its Fertility. The Number of them is infinite, being a People that daily multiply exceedingly, because they are forbid going into foreign Countries. Neither is any among such a numerous Multitude of Men allow'd to live idle. Idleness is not only exposed [Idleness punish'd.] to private Contempt, and the Scoffs of Neighbours, but punish'd by publick Custome and Law. Thus the Peasants leave not the least Spot of Ground untill'd. The Hills and deep Bottoms produce Vines and Pine-Trees; the Plains, Rice, Barley, Wheat, and other common Grain. Tho' they do not press the Grapes for the Wine, as we do, yet they keep them [Product, Tea.] to eat; and of the Herb call'd Chia, they make a wholesome hot Liquor. This they drink, as do the Japoneses, and it preserves them from Colds, Head-Aches, Rheums in the Eyes, and makes them live long and healthy. Some Parts of the Country want Olive-Trees, but they are not destitute of other Plants, which yield a Liquor to anoint them. There is a perpetual Abundance of Pasture, Fruits, Flowers, and all Products of Gardens. [Rivers, Ports, &c.] There are many Navigable Rivers, carrying Ships of great Burden, and full of excellent Fish; the Banks cover'd with perpetual Greens, spacious Harbours, and a Trade in them of all Things necessary for humane Life. The Fowl are of various colour'd Feathers, and pleasant and nourishing to eat; great Numbers of large Deer; vast Lakes, Woods and Mountains, and Mines of Gold, Silver, Iron, and other Metals; besides Pearls and precious Stones. Its Purcelane, or Earthen Ware, is not to be imitated in the World; and it affords rich Furs against the Cold, Silks, Wooll, Cotton, and Flax; nor is there any End of its Sugar, Honey, Amber, Vermilion, and Lake. Musk, whereof no mention is found among Greek and Latin Authors, is more plentiful in China than in other Parts.

The People are most passionately addicted to Delight, and Lasciviousness. [The People.] They alone always sell all Things; they buy nothing that Nature or Art affords, either for Sustenance, or Cloathing, except some Perfumes for their Cloaths, and Pepper out of India; nor would there be any Place for Foreign Trade, did not an insatiable Avarice of Gold and Silver predominate among the Chineses. What they draw out of the Bowels of the Mines, they conceal as carefully as if it were still in them; and even that they bring from remote Provinces, they heap up, and bury. Their publick and private Structures would make up a Narration of extraordinary Length. We are told of 200 Cities of an extraordinary Magnitude, [Cities.] and many more of inferior Degree, besides Towns, Castles, and Villages, containing above 3000 Families each, built of Bricks made of the same Clay as our Purcelane, or China Ware, and these encompass'd with continu'd Woods, Springs and Rivers. In all these there are Towers with stately Pinnacles, Pleasure-Houses, and Temples, tho' hideously painted, yet costly, with Variety of deform'd Images, through which the Devils give their Answers. But these are not in all Parts, for many of them know no God, nor Religion. Life, they say, was from Eternity common to, and alike in all living Creatures. That at first Men drank [Barbarous Opinions.] humane Blood, and eat raw Meat. That afterwards the Use of Reason provided for Necessity, and Pleasure; inventing the Ways of dressing, and seasoning Meat at the Fire, in Vessels and other Utensils. The same, they say, happen'd in Regard to Man's Nakedness. So that Man is indebted to himself alone for what he enjoys, and therefore whosoever lay'd on him the Burden of Religion, and the owning of a Cause Superior to Nature, only aim'd at the dejecting him, and exercising a Tyranny over his Liberty. With these impious Notions, and destructive Atheism, they oppose their Eternal Salvation, which our Arms, and our Preachers invite them to. They only regard Generation; but not without Distinction. Lawful Matrimony entitles Women to be Mistresses of their Families. The Matrons [Chastity.] value themselves upon being highly Chast. Concubines are kept in Houses apart. They do not want for Plays, and such Representations; and they delight in seeing their Traditions, whether true or fabulous, acted on the Stage. They use Entertainments, and have Tables and Chairs of Ebony, and other precious Materials; as also Shipping, Shows, Carts, Horse-Litters, and the Exercise of Arms, and Riding.

[Customs, and Manners.] It were no difficult Matter to give an Account here of their private Customs and Manners, were they to our Purpose. Something shall be said of the Publick and Political, for the better Understanding of some Things that happen'd in the Philippine Islands, from whence the Recovery of the Moluccos, in our Times, had its Beginning. They call their great [Government.] Men Loyties, from among whom the King chuses his Judges and Counsellors. There is almost an infinite Number of inferiour Magistrates, who exercise the Regal Power and Authority, even in the most inconsiderable Cases. In every Town there are five, that have the greatest Power, and these are Strangers in the Place, that they may be free from Partiality. [Tutan a Viceroy.] The Head of them all, is call'd Tutan, being the same as a Viceroy in [Poncasio.] Europe. The next in Dignity is the Poncasio, who has Charge of the King's Taxes, and Royal Treasure, with a great Number of Clerks, and other [Ancasio.] Officers; and he pays all Salaries and Pensions. Next follows the Ancasio, [Aitan.] who is chief Justice, in Criminal Cases of Consequence. The Aitan has the Inspection of all Martial Affairs, he musters the Armies, builds the Ships, and his principal Duty is to observe the Guards, that no Stranger [Luitisio.] may pass into the Inland Country. The Luitisio is next to the Aitan in Dignity, and is to be expert in War, in which he is employ'd by the Aitan. I know there are other Magistrates, and their Names and Dignities, which I must pass over in Silence. All of them except the Luitisio, keep great State. There are ten chosen Persons of the Council, tho' not equal in Authority. Five of them sit on the Right, the others on the Left. The King often thrusts in among the Judges and Parties in Disguize, to pry into the Causes, and their Decisions, and be certainly inform'd of both. When he thinks fit, he sometimes makes himself known; and the Moment he discovers himself, they all stand Mute, full of Respect and Astonishment, listening to what he shall command. Then he commends or reproves either Party, and rewards, or punishes before he [Mandarines.] departs the Court. His Mandarines, and Prime Ministers are so highly respected, that no Man dares look them in the Face, and they always look so Stern, that it would be thought a great Disorder to lose the least of their Gravity, tho' it were but with a modest Smile. This they observe, when they pass thro' the Streets, in Sight of the People. The greatest Honour among them is to wear a Cymiter with a gold Pommel, and a yellow Hat.

When the President of the Council Dies, the eldest Judge succeeds him. [Judges.] These go Circuits thro' the Provinces, and reform Abuses, and all of them wear the King's Badge on their Shoulders, and Breasts, being a Golden Dragon wove in the Cloth. When they go these Progresses, they save, or lessen the Charge by circumscribing the State. When first elected, at their taking Possession of their Posts, they generally go out attended by Troops of Horse and Foot, with all Sorts of Musick, and Splendour. Their Pomp appears in the Hanging, and other Ornaments of the Streets and Houses. All the expence of Law Suits, Courts, and other Perquisites is allow'd out of the King's Exchequer. The Mandarines are Governors, and Viceroys. In China there are no Dukes, Marquesses, or Earls, nor do they own any Dignity, but what is deriv'd from the King's Authority. Though in the Parts next to Scythia, or Tartary, some People are Mahometans; yet in all [Religion.] others they are either Idolaters, or look upon the Notion of a God as a meer Jest. They believe the Life and Death of Men and Beasts are alike. There is nothing they are more attentive to, than the obstructing of any foreign Religion, and this under the politick Pretence, that they are jealous of Innovation. But above all they oppose the true Religion, hating that they know nothing of; and are as much afraid of it, as if its Ministers went arm'd to preach it, and with the Noise of Drums, and Trumpets, and regular Armies. They are frighted at a few bare-foot, and almost naked Men who profess Poverty, and preach up Morality, and supernatural Virtues, grounded on Humility and Peace. They have such an Aversion for them, that were it proper to our Subject, or were there not printed Relations thereof already, we would recount several Instances, to show their unreasonable Hatred. Hence may be inferr'd, how much more Need of the special Grace of Heaven these Nations stand in, with those in the Neighbourhood, which are expos'd to the Infection and Danger of their Obstinacy. The Reader ought also to consider, that tho sometimes, the Avarice, and other Crimes of our Commanders, and Soldiers interfere with the Preaching of the Gospel, yet their Offences do not lessen the Iustice of the Cause. He is also to reflect, that, allowing his Majesty, for weighty Reasons of State should, as we have said was propos'd, resolve to abandon those Parts of Asia, as the Chineses did, and circumscribe the Compass of his Monarchy; yet the Cause of Religion would not permit it. Our Kings are its Ministers, and Sons of the Catholick Church, and any War made for the Propagation of the Gospel, is of the greatest Consequence, and highly gainful, tho' it be to acquire, or recover desert Provinces. Besides that the Philippine Islands have shown us how tractable their Natives are, and how much they improve with the Example, and Society of the Spaniards, and how affectionately they have imbrac'd the Faith, and assist the Religious Men, who dilate, and carry it over into China, Japan, Camboxa, Mindanao, the Moluccos, and other Islands, where still Idolatry continues, or the Friendship with the Devils left them by their antient Masters, when they excluded them their Dominions, or else the Mahometan Fictions, which they have since imbrac'd.

This is the Principal End of keeping those Provinces; and the Revenues and Wealth which is consum'd upon them, and several others, are laid out upon the Forces, and Preparations Spain makes for the Preaching and Security of the Ministers of the Church. Besides, that as Times have alter'd, [Rumours of Chinese Invasions.] so they have often in China chang'd their Opinion, and show'd they repented their having diminish'd their Empire. No Year passes over with out Threats of Chinese Armies; of their Listing Men; of building Ships; of their solemn consecrating, or dedicating them to their carv'd Gods, or to the Sun, Moon, and Stars, which are ador'd in some Parts, begging Success in their vain Prayers against the Spaniards, who are possess'd of those Countries they abandon'd, thro' their own Indiscretion. This short Account of the Chineses, or Sangleys, is here inserted, for the better understanding of those Actions we shall soon treat of. They not only oppose the Truth; but tho' they are wholly addicted to their Interest, and Slaves to Gain, and tho' it be so absolutely requisite for the attaining of those Ends through their Industry and Trade, to maintain Amity with their Neighbours, yet there is nothing less to be reliy'd on than their Faith, or to give it a more proper Name, their Dissimulation. Happy those People, if when China withdrew its Dominion, it had also with drawn the Errors of its Worship.

The End of the Fourth Book.

THE
HISTORY
OF THE
Discovery and Conquest
OF THE
Molucco and Philippine Islands, &c.