nineteen, one thousand five hundred and seventy, ten thousand houses beautified it, and it was the court of the king, Ladya [sic] Soliman, a follower in part of the religion of Mahomet.  The same general rebuilt the city, and left it its former name of Manila—­also the proper name of the island—­in the following year of seventy-one.  He made it the capital of the rest of the archipelago, as it was very suitable for the concourse and commerce of China.  Its streets are pleasant and spacious, and without crossways or turns; for they are all straight, and have beautiful buildings of stone, which vie with those of Espana that are considered well made.  It is strong by art and by nature, because of the many creeks and swamps that surround it, together with the great wall of stone built according to the style of the moderns, with not a few ramparts.  It is well defended with artillery, and has an excellent and important fortress, supplied with all that is necessary, even as the most noted forts that are renowned in Europa.  Finally, it is now the finest and richest city of all those of its class that are known in the world.  It enjoys a cathedral with its archbishop, a royal Chancilleria, a presidio with numerous soldiers, and in short, all the products that the regions of the Orient yield for the pleasure, health, and comfort of this life, without having to envy anyone for anything.  That city alone makes the name of Espana very glorious and formidable there; and what is more, it is that city which maintains the Catholic religion in those very remote and out-of-the-way hemispheres.

Writing this brief relation in order to give a beginning to the entrance of Ours, we shall go after them immediately, and shall find them safe at the gates of Manila, after a journey of four thousand eight hundred leguas by the course that they pursued from Espana.  That country was then very joyful over the good news of the success that their governor, Don Pedro de Acuna, had had in the capture of Terrenate, one of the enviable islands of Maluco.  They were sheltered in a small house, until they found better accommodations; and although the whole city, upon hearing of their arrival, came in throngs to visit them and offer them more suitable lodging, as also did the holy orders already settled there, with singular affection, they refused to accept it—­except the infirmary, which they consented to take for some [sick men], in the convent of the most exemplary Dominican fathers, who immediately gave it with the greatest charity.  At this juncture the victorious governor arrived, and amid all his victories and triumphs, as soon as he heard of Ours, he went to visit them and to regale them, as he was so Catholic and devout a gentleman.  Time was wanting to present the royal despatches to him, for while he was in the height of his glories, sudden death assaulted him, brought him to his feet, and cast him into the gloom of a sepulcher.  For that reason the recognition of the decrees and orders was suspended for some time.  But at last, having been examined and ordered by the royal Audiencia and other officials to be observed, permission was freely given to father Fray Joan de San Geronimo to erect the establishments that he wished.