all were importunate to embrace him again and again, not being satisfied with simply embracing him whom they saw visibly as the apostle of China—­the name by which they designated these islands.  They promised him munificent help in advancing the undertaking.  On that account was his return so prompt.  He was accompanied by two religious, namely, father Fray Diego Ordonez [37] and father Fray Diego de Espinar. [38] He bore the despatches that Father Urdaneta had negotiated.  In them, his Majesty ordered the Filipinas Islands to be colonized, so that, by that means, the conversion of those races might be advanced better, which the Augustinian order had already begun, with so much labor, to secure.  And besides the service that was being rendered to our Lord therein, his Majesty was pleased, and thanked them for the same.

His Majesty sent the title of adelantado to the commander, for himself and for his heirs, with the warrant for this privilege with pendant seal.  This was extended to the Ladrones Islands, which were the first that he discovered and took possession of.  That clause declares:  “Just as (says his Majesty) our adelantados of the kingdoms of Castilla and of the Indias enjoy and exercise this title; you shall have all the honors, concessions, favors, franchises, privileges and exemptions, preeminences, prerogatives, and immunities, which, as our adelantado, you should possess and enjoy.”

The above is given place here, because, on the one hand, it was negotiated by our religious; and, on the other, to show ourselves grateful, to him who loved and protected us in everything.  Moreover, his Majesty sent him leave to apportion the encomiendas among the deserving, as seemed best to his judgment.  The governor was very grateful for all the favors received from his Majesty.  He was not puffed up, but more than ever devoted to his service; for no fetters bind the good so tightly as do kindnesses, which are strong shackles, with which they are held within just limits. Compedes namque invenit qui benefacta invenit. [39]

The adelantado—­for so shall we call him now—­became more fully and correctly informed of all the islands; and learned that that of Sugbu was not adequate, on account of its sterility, to sustain the empire of the Spaniards.  He had been informed also that the island of Luzon, or that of Manila, would be the best for him in everything; because of being, on the one hand, the largest of the islands—­for it had a coast of more than two hundred leguas, and was almost four hundred in circumference—­and being on the other, more thickly settled with people, who would be more prompt to sustain the Spaniards.  And above all it was nearer China, whose trade, it was hoped, would prove of great advantage, not only for those who might colonize the islands, but also for all Espana.  For that exceedingly vast kingdom abounds in whatever can be desired to sustain life, and is such that, since it has so many people who