Although we have never before had any correspondence, I am writing this present letter in all courtesy.  Next year, our great prince, Quampec, [42] is going to make war on China; and unless it renders homage to him, together with all the other kingdoms (notwithstanding their distance from here), and pays him tribute, he will send his soldiers to seize their land.  On this account, all the neighboring kingdoms have rendered homage to him and obeyed his commands.  Likewise he was thinking of making war on that rich kingdom of yours; but Guantien informed a certain member of the council, who in turn informed Quanpec, that war would be unnecessary, if without it tribute were sent, and that this would certainly be done, if you were advised of the intention of the kingdom and court of Japon.  Acting upon this suggestion, I am writing the present letter; let us promptly consult together.  I am one of the grandees of the kingdom.  Therefore your kingdom can sleep secure, and you need have no fear or hesitation; but discuss all secret matters with him whom I send, who is my confidential man.  With all due courtesy.  The year 19, Tienchen, [43] the ninth month and eleventh day.  From Siaulyuquiu.

The Chamberlain

[Endorsed:  “Copy of the chamberlain’s letter.”]

Letter from Dasmarinas to the Ruler of Japan

Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, [44] knight of the order of Santiago, governor and captain-general in these islands, great archipelago, and districts of the West, for the king, our sovereign, Don Phelipe the Second, king of Castilla, Leon, Aragon, the two Sicilies, Jerusalem, Portugal, Navarra, Granada, Cerdena, Corcega, Murcia, Jaen, the Algarves, Aljecira, Jibraltar, the Eastern and Western Yndias, and the islands and mainland of the Ocean Sea; archduke of Austria; duke of Borgona, Bravante, and Milan; count of Abspurg, Flandes, Bretana, Tirol, etc.:  to the very exalted and powerful prince and seignior, Quamboc, after all due respect, wishes health and perpetual happiness.  Faranda Mango Schiro, a Japanese vassal of yours, [45] and a Christian, arrived in this city, bringing me news of your royal person, at which I rejoiced exceedingly; for, because of your greatness, and the worth and prudence with which the God of heaven has endowed you, I am much affectioned unto you.  Some days ago Faranda gave me a letter, which—­although it seemed to be in its form and authority, and even in the gravity and style of its language, a document despatched by so great a prince—­yet, since the messenger was below the rank and quality requisite to the royal name of him who sends him, and of the one to whom he is sent, and the importance and greatness of the embassy, I have doubted, on the one score; and on the other, because he is a man so common and poor, and coming in an ordinary merchant vessel, which came hither for the purpose of selling provisions and other articles.