Letter from the emperor of Japon to the governor of Lucon

Formerly I was an insignificant man and held in but little esteem; but I set out to conquer this round expanse under the sky, and those who live beneath the sky upon the earth are all my vassals.  Those who do homage to me have peace and security, and live without fear.  But I immediately send my captains and soldiers to those who do not render homage to me, to make war upon them, as has recently happened to the king of Core.  Because he refused homage to me, I have seized his kingdom even to the confines of Liauton, located near the court of the Chinese king.  Already have I seized the fortress and district of Parto, and have pacified it thoroughly.  Although the kingdoms were in revolt and about to make war, I gave them by means of my good plans, thought out in one, two, or three days, one after another, laws and decrees, whereby I pacified them; for I love my vassals as parents love their children.  The kings of other nations are not as I; for although they give me but little, still I receive them.  In that paper I am sending thee those words, in order that they may serve as a reminder.  Thou shalt write the following at once to the king of Castilla:  “Those who insult me cannot escape, but those who hearken to me and obey me live in peace and sleep with security.”  I send thee this sword, called quihocan, as a present.  Talk with Tuquy at once, and do not delay.

Antonio declares that Firanda’s clerk said to him yesterday:  “Antonio, see that thou tellest the truth.  It matters little that we Japanese are about.  Thou shalt tell the truth.”  Antonio answered him that he would indeed tell the truth, and what was not true, he would not say.

Antonio declares that when he asked a Japanese friend of his, who brings a few cotton articles, why he served Faranda, and if it were better for his trading, this Japanese answered that Faranda was their ruler, and without his leave not one of them could return to Japon.  If Faranda did not obtain a favorable message this year, then he would not return to Japon; but if they treated him well he would return.  Antonio declares that this good treatment means obedience to the king of Japon.

Moreover he declared that Faranda’s brother told him that four months are needed to go from Mexico to Lucon, and from there at Lucon to Mexico another four; and on this account but few soldiers could come from Mexico.  Japan is not more than twenty days’ journey distant, and therefore it would be well for us to appreciate this fact.  Antonio declares that he told this to Father Juan Cobo and to Captain Llanos.

Antonio says that one Usangro, a great friend of Faranda, took him, while in Japon, to his house.  This man is now sick in the ship.  Antonio says it will be advisable for him to take Usangro to his house, in order to repay his hospitality.  He says that he will try to find out from this man how affairs stand.