it all by a malicious tale.  For father Fray Lorenzo de Leon had ever the name of a most devout religious; and as such the province of Filipinas, which at that time was most noted for its religious devotion, elected him as its superior and provincial.  But who can free himself from an evil tongue, and an ill will?  For the loyal man lives no longer than the traitor desires.  His hopes were frustrated, a matter that troubled him little, as he was a humble religious.  He undertook to return [to Filipinas], and our king gave him commission to bring over a ship-load of religious.  He received letters as vicar-general of the islands from Roma, so that he might always preside at the chapters held there.  He had letters as master, and his academic degree; and brought a dispensation from our most reverend [general], so that, if elected as provincial the second time, he might serve; for the rules prohibit him who presides from becoming provincial.  He reached Mejico, although without that so notable ship-load, which he failed to bring, because of various casualties; with him came, however, one who was sufficient to render that vessel glorious, and even the entire province.  This was the holy martyr, Fray Hernando de San Jose. [7] Together with him came father Fray Hernando de Morales, father Fray Felipe Gallada, father Fray Pedro del Castillo, father Fray Martin de San Nicolas, [8] all from Mejico, and brother Fray Andres Garcia.  The heads of the Inquisition in Mejico appointed him [i.e., Lorenzo de Leon] commissary for the islands.  With these honorable titles and honors he came to Manila, one year before the chapter was held.  He gladdened by his coming all the sons [of the order], and all the others, for the order knows no distinction, but embraces us all with the same love and charity.  His prudence, his good government, and his great devotion were remembered; and since he bore letters ordering him to be obeyed as vicar-general, therefore the number of prelates was increased.  Thus presiding in the following chapter, in 1605, he received votes as provincial, in rivalry with father Fray Esteban Carrillo [9]—­one of the most eloquent preachers in the islands; and the best loved by all, both great and small, who has ever been known.  Finally the astuteness, or rather, the diligence of certain ones prevailed, and father Fray Lorenzo de Leon became provincial pro secunda vice [i.e., “for the second time"].

CHAPTER XXXI

Of the second election as provincial of master Father Lorenzo de Leon