latter has Hantic [74] as a visita, which was formerly one of the best priorates, but often destroyed by men from Camucon, Solog, and Mindanao, as it is quite outside the Spanish pale.  It is more than twenty leguas from its capital, and is visited with great hardship and danger.  Now since, without thinking, we have related all that is to be known of the island of Panay, let us return to Manila; for I think that something awaits us there.

Chapter XVII

Of how our religious tried to go to great China

During this time two Chinese junks or champans came to Manila to trade.  These people, as they are so fond of silver, scented what was to enter their country through this medium.  Hence they began the richest and most opulent trade known.  Were the Spaniards less hasty, surely the trade would have resulted more cheaply, and the Chinese would not have done with them as they wished.  In the beginning the articles traded were very cheap, and extravagant fortunes were made in Mejico.  Now, however, it makes such inroads on the capital, that loss on the cost has often occurred in Mejico.  But then, who can remedy this?  These Indians or Chinese are generally called Sangleys, not because they call themselves Chinese or Sangleys, for they have been and are surprised at the two names.  They are called Sangleys, because when they came to Manila, and the people saw men of so strange appearance, with hair like that of women—­and of which they take most especial care, more even than of their faces and bodies—­and done up on the head very nicely, and with a most peculiar headdress, their long garments, their ample and long drawers reaching to the feet, and all their other apparel in keeping, which seemingly belong to women rather than men, they asked the latter who they were.  The answer was “Sangley” (or “merchant"); as one would say, “We are merchants.”  They were canonized with this name, and it has proved permanent, and hence they are now called by no other name.  The name China must have been given by the Portuguese.  Their own name is Songsua. [75]

[A short description of China and its people follows.  The fathers no sooner saw the Chinese traders, than they were filled with zeal for the conversion of the country.  But they were unsuccessful in persuading the traders to embark them on their vessels.  A letter written by Legazpi to one of the Chinese viceroys, and accompanied by a present, also failed of effect, for neither was delivered.  Thus China remained a closed door for the time being.]

Chapter XVIII

Of the part played by our religious in the siege of Manila by Limahon, a great Sangley pirate, and of the latter’s flight and destruction.